We try to keep abreast of the latest safety recalls by monitoring http://www.safekids.org. Here are the latest:

08/15/14 USDA: Whole Foods Markets in Massachusetts are voluntarily recalling ground beef products due to possible contamination with E.coli.

08/14/14 CPSC: Arctic Cat is voluntarily recalling snowmobiles because the fuel can leak from the fuel line assembly, posing a fire hazard. Units: 3,260

08/14/14 CPSC: Vornado Air is voluntarily recalling electric space heaters because they can overheat, melt, and catch fire, posing fire and burn hazards. Units: 79,000

08/13/14 CPSC: ESL and Interlogix are voluntarily recalling hard-wired smoke alarms because radio frequency interference can cause the alarms to fail to alert consumers of a fire. Units: 154,000

08/12/14 USDA: Perdue and its subsidiary Applegateare voluntarily recalling frozen chicken nuggets because they may be contaminated with small plastic pieces, posing a hazard to consumers.

08/12/14 CPSC: JCP Equestrian is voluntarily recalling HDR stirrup leathers because the leather can crack and break, posing a fall hazard to the rider. Units: 1,200

08/12/14 CPSC: CoScentrix is voluntarily recalling candles in metal tins sold at Hobby Lobby because the candle’s flame can ignite the surface of the wax and coating of the tin, posing a fire hazard. Units: 126,000

08/07/14 CPSC: Lea Industries is voluntarily recalling lighted night stands because the light fixture under the night stand may overheat and scorch a carpet, posing a burn hazard. Units: 520

08/07/14 CPSC: L.L. Bean is voluntarily recalling children’s sweaters because an extra button sewn on the inside tag may detach, posing a choking hazard. Units: 5,300

08/06/14 USDA: Zemco Industries Inc. is voluntarily recalling smoked sausages due to misbranding and undeclared soy, posing a possible allergen hazard to consumers.

08/06/14 CPSC: Vizio is voluntarily recalling 39- and 42-inch flat panel televisions because the stand assembly can fail and cause the television to tip over, posing an impact hazard. Units: 245,000

08/04/14 FDA: Seoul Shik Poom Inc. is voluntarily recalling ice cream bars due to undeclared eggs, posing a possible allergen hazard.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/recall/august-2014-childrens-products-safety-recalls#sthash.RTAW9H36.dpuf

My husband and I are working on a several home renovation projects. Unlike, my favorite show, Renovation Realities, we are taking on small projects that require simple changes. I started with changing the paint in two rooms. As mentioned in my Conversion: Crib to Toddler Bed post, we chose a neutral khaki for my daughter’s room. Since then, we have completed the painting for the office and home gym.

Our current space functions as both a workout area and office. Luckily, we are now able to designate two separate rooms. I chose an electric blue, black and silver theme for the gym. We are using 2x2 floor tiles, Acrylic mirrors and a black cube organizer. We found the tiles and mirrors at Home Depot and are re-purposing a cube organizer to hold towels, water, and other gym essentials. The office will house two workstations. I am in search of a color scheme to motivate and inspire. Of course, I went to Pinterest to gather my thoughts and vision.

This week, I am focusing on the Family room. We applied a new coat of paint. Next, I’m going to DIY the curtains – since I cannot locate anything 74x26 that fits my color scheme. I have not decided whether we are going to do valances or curtains over the existing blinds. Ugh.

So, in the coming week, I plan to finalize my daughter’s room décor. Which includes transporting the existing the decals into a different location, painting a small dresser and converting it to a book case, selecting fabric for the reading nook. I will also pick a stain for the office and bedroom hardwood floors; in addition to, considering swapping kitchen appliances, cabinet restoration and media center re-purposing. Keep up with Mama on Pinterest - I can't wait to post the final transformation.

Today's theme: “Don’t touch, say sorry, no biting!”
It has a nice rhythm to it-once repeated fifty times in short period.

I am thirty minutes past sending my nephew home and boy, did we have a full day. Here’s a little background. Our little ones, which made two in March & April,  have been annoying one another since birth. They must touch, harass, poke and push one another just to make sure we are paying attention. Or at least, that’s all I can determine.

My day started at 5:30am. I planned to start my day an hour prior to his arrival but couldn’t muster the energy to do so. I did the bare minimum – folded a load of laundry. He arrived at 7 with a loud cry. Poor little man, he loves his Aunt but doesn’t want to be left anywhere without Mom and Dad.

And so it began – a snuggle campaign to get him to calm down. I rocked and patted him like he was fresh out of the womb. Then, I realized I could use a Buzz Lightyear video to soothe his soul. And it worked!

The next 1.5 hours included video games, puzzles, flash cards and books. His attention span is shorter than my daughter so I had to keep moving to ensure I didn’t lose him.

My daughter wakes and immediately asked if her cousin arrived. We dress, do hair, have breakfast and make it to the park in record time. The rush? We live in Las Vegas and must beat the heat. Our preparation includes packing water, sun hats – putting on sunscreen and wearing sunglasses. Poor me, I had to push the 60+ pounds of double stroller with a b ackpack (travel potty, diapers, pull ups etc). I’m sure you get the point. So we swing, slide and pose for pictures –and start the journey home.

I had an AHA moment while pushing them up a rather steep hill. Why not re-create a water table? It worked – each child had one large tub, a medium bin and two small bowls to transfer water. They were thoroughly entertained. This led us to lunchtime and a three hour nap. My plan to tire them worked tremendously!

The pain in my back didn’t set in until they were both sleeping. It started in my ankle and made its way to my neck. So, when someone says, “Aren’t you ready for #2?” I will remember this day, this pain and reply, “Don’t touch, say sorry, no biting!” It will be confusing to most but amusing to the ones that have uttered the words for years.

How did you plan for child #2?