$$$

I don't know if I believe in the theory behind it, but I sure didn't mind seeing an extra $1800 pop up in my bank account this week. Thank you Uncle Sam.

Did you get yours yet? Where will you spend it?

What Teachers/Parents Want

Months ago I read an op ed piece in the Salt Lake Tribune on what teachers really want. Here are the seven requests made by this specific teacher:

1. Manageable class sizes
2. Adequate resources (supplies, aides, tutors, etc.)
3. Supportive disciplinary policy
4. Fair pay
5. To be treated with respect by parents
6. Good moral in the school
7. Physical safety

All these 'demands' seen perfectly reasonable.

Because my children are young, I have limited experience with the schools. But as a parent, I think I would like to make a list of what I really want from the schools/teachers.

1. Physical safety for my child (I can't believe our elementary school does not have a fence!)
2. To not be treated like I don't know my own child by a teacher
3. Adequate updates on how my child is doing, and suggestions on how I can help him at home
4. Good communication
5. A teacher skilled in class room management

I am sure there are many more that could be added to the list, both lists in fact. As a teacher or parent what would you add to these two lists?

Car Seat Law Going Into Effect

The new child restraint law goes into effect on May 5th. (I'm sorry I originally wrote July 1). Every child under the age of 8 needs to be some sort of car seat or booster seat. If your child is over 4'9" they are exempt from the law. (source) Good luck getting your 7 year olds who have been out of car seats for 2 years, back in them.


(Sorry I haven't posted for awhile, the weather is too nice to be in front of the computer, hope you are enjoying it too.)

Ouch!

The other day both our little car and our midsized SUV had to be filled up at the pump. We easily spent over $100!

Remember a few months ago when everyone was talking about oil hitting $100/barrel, as of yesterday it was $118. This march upward is making me scope out every gas station for the cheapest price, combine trips and consider taking the car instead of the more comfortable SUV on an upcoming road trip.

Gas prices now combined with the rising cost of food is sure to be hitting your budgets. What are you doing to compensate for these added expenses? There has to be more we all can do, give us your ideas - even the most simple - and I'm sure they will be financially appreciated.

My Beautiful Mommy

My Beautiful Mommy is a new book out by Dr. Michael Salzhauer discussing Mommy's plastic surgery. It's a helpful way to explain to Junior your new nose and bigger chest. Is anyone else concerned with this trend?

Salt Lake City was voted one of America's Vainest Cities by Forbes magazine this past year, for the sheer number of plastic surgeons living in the area. Are you surprised? You would think those honors would go to Los Angeles, New York or Miami. But no, it's us. Source

The most disturbing part of the growing number of plastic surgeries to me is that it sets the standard of 'beautiful' at a place that is unattainable without surgical augmentation. I love looking at women in their 70's, with their white hair, their glowing faces, even with their wrinkles. They are beautiful to me. If they have a happy glow about them, I always find myself hoping I will look joyful and classy like them when I reach that age.

I realize here in Utah we have a lot of babies. Babies have done things to my body that I would be mortified to show anyone. But to me there is a difference between some laser skin resurfacing to get rid of stretch marks or chloasma and getting a new nose or bigger chest (haven't we had the big chests enough between pregnancy and nursing!).

Maybe I'm out of line here, one of my friends has had her husband promise her she gets the cosmetic procedure of her choice after her last baby. That seems fair too. So Beautiful Mommies, what are your thoughts?

Feeling Torn by the FLDS Raid

There has been an ample amount of coverage and opining on the raid on the FLDS compound in Texas. I hesitated to post thoughts here, but it seems the debate is heating up rather than simmering down, and wanted to allow your thoughts to be posted here.

As a Mother I ache for both the children and their parents. I cannot imagine someone entering my home, taking my children, separating them from me, and disallowing contact. As Mother's we live for our children. To protect them, to cuddle them, to teach them. It seems all these children will have long term emotional issues from this separation.

But what of the long term emotional issues from being raised in an isolated community that has a pattern of abuse? Children, girls, under the age of 18 do not belong in marriages or sexual relationships, especially with men more than double their age. The idea of 14, 15, 16 year olds in this type of situation makes your skin crawl. It also makes you want to protect them - removing them from the situation - which is what Texas did.

As the court fiasco continues today, the logistical nightmare of custody and the emotional nightmare for the children will continue. What's best? I don't know. But it would be nice for the focus of the coverage on the crime (child abuse) and not the side show (polygamy).

The High Costs of Families Falling Apart

It is estimated that 'family fragmentation' is costing us, not just emotionally, but fiscally roughly to the amount of $112 billion every year. These costs come from the court systems, Medicaid, housing assistance, WIC, Head Start, school breakfast & lunch programs, and many other resources available to those in poverty.

The report concluded that even if a mere 1% decrease in family fragmentation occurred, it would save taxpayers $1.1 billion annually. Hence the study argues any efforts placed in marriage education programs or marriage-strengthening initiatives would have a high fiscal return.

It is a lengthy study, to read the highlights check here.

We have all seen the emotional trauma that can come with a family falling apart. It is interesting to consider the financial impact on society this has as well.