Toys for Tots

tator tots, burger, green beans, cream of mush soup [2008-06-13]
Brown a pound of ground beef with your favorite seasons. In baking dish put a layer of tater tots, then take a can of french style green beans (all liquid removed) and layer over top of tots, then burger and top with cream of mushroom soup diluted with milk so its thin enough and creamy. Bake until tator tots cooked.

Toys for Tots [2008-05-06]
I believe it is the one run by troops collecting toys for underpriviledged kids at xmas.

Buy one of those bathtubs and fill them up with bath toys sm [2008-02-04]
and baby towels, washcloths, Johnson & Johnson stuff, etc. Or buy one of those dishwashwer tubs that fit into the dishwasher that holds nipples, pacifiers, etc and wrap that up in a baby bath towel with a big bow on it. Get a basket and fill it up with onesies, socks, kits that include medicines, etc. I love going to baby showers and creating unique gifts!

Note that AquaDots has been recalled. I went into a KB Toys and found one on [2007-11-29]
they couldn I turned it in to the manager and asked him hadn't those been recalled and his eyes about popped out of his head and said that they had and thanks for catching it.

lead in toys/Made in China...beware of Happy Meal toys [2007-11-26]
I watched a special on CNN yesterday about lead content in toys. I did not realize by your child simply touching a toy and putting his fingers in his mouth he could be ingesting lead. The special included a segment on a nice family that lived in a brand new home with a 2 year old and 6 month old. They both tested positive for lead. A 2 year old!!!! Worried, I went to my boy's toybox this morning and it is AMAZING how many painted toys are from China. Most notably this includes happy meal toys. I haven't gotten through one toy box and already have a trash bag full of toys. Please, please go through your children's toys. Lead ingestion can lead to brain damage. Be paranoid. Throw away all of the made in China stuff. Christmas is just weeks away--they will be getting new stuff (hopefully stuff that is paint-free!). Your best bet is to buy made in the USA toys but even safer toys are unpainted blocks, Legos and books. A good, safe place to look for toys is www.mindware.com. pass this on!

Aqua Dots toys contain poison - a warning. [2007-11-09]
Millions of toys recalled; contain 'date rape' drug Two U.S. children went into comas after swallowing Chinese-made Aqua Dots found to contain a chemical that converts into 'date rape' drug when ingested. November 8 2007: 10:13 AM EST WASHINGTON (AP) -- Millions of Chinese-made toys have been pulled from shelves in North America and Australia after scientists found they contain a chemical that converts into a powerful date rape drug when ingested. Two children in the United States and three in Australia were hospitalized after swallowing the beads. With only seven weeks until Christmas, the recall is yet another blow to the toy industry - already bruised by a slew of recalls this past summer. Video More video Child deaths have prompted FDA hearings on the safety of cold and cough medicines. CNN's Elizabeth Cohen reports Play video cnnad_createAd(308674,http://ads.cnn.com/html.ng/site=cnn_money,200,220); In the United States, the toy goes by the name Aqua Dots, a highly popular holiday toy distributed by Toronto-based Spin Master Toys. They are called Bindeez in Australia, where they were named toy of the year at an industry function earlier this year. It could not immediately be learned whether Aqua Dots beads are made in the same factories as the Bindeez product. Both are sold by Australia-based Moose Enterprises. The toy beads are sold in general merchandise stores and over the Internet for use in arts and crafts projects. They can be arranged into designs and fused together when sprayed with water. Scientists say a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called date rape drug gamma hydroxy butyrate. When eaten, the compound - made from common and easily available ingredients - can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death. Naren Gunja from Australiaquite serious ... and potentially life-threatening. The recall was announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Wednesday several hours after published reports about the recall in Australia. Fisher-Price recalls 155,000 toys for choking risk The two U.S. children who swallowed Aqua Dot beads went into nonresponsive comas, commission spokesman Scott Wolfson said Wednesday afternoon. In Australia, the toys were ordered off store shelves on Tuesday when officials learned that a 2-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl were hospitalized after swallowing the beads. A 19-month-old toddler also was being treated. The news jolted the toy industry because Aqua Dots has been one of the few bright stars of the toy selling season, which, along with overall retailing, has gotten off to a sluggish start. The item, which had been heavily advertised, had appeared on many toy experts' list of must-have holiday toys, and toy sellers are now in the midst of canceling advertising and scrambling to figure out how to replace it. Chris Byrne, a New York-based toy consultant, noted that the incidents could have been isolated, and Spin Master may be erring on the side of caution. This is something that they could not have foreseen. This is an extremely hot toy. ... It Byrne said. In a statement, Toys R Us Inc., said that it issued on Tuesday a stop sale on the entire Spin Master Aqua Dots product line in its North American stores and on its Web site after it learned of the news. We understand that Spin Master and U.S. regulatory authorities are investigating this product and we have asked Spin Master to fully explain what it believes happened, said the toy seller in a statement. Meanwhile, a separate recall was announced for 405,000 children's products made in China, most of them toy cars, because of dangerous levels of lead. The recall includes about 380,000 Pull-Back Action Toy Cars imported by Dollar General Merchandising Inc. of Goodlettsville, Tenn., and 7,500 Dragster and Funny Car toys imported by International Sourcing Ltd. of Springfield, Mo. Four of the recalled products were imported by Schylling Associates Inc. of Rowley, Mass., including the items Duck Family Collectable Wind-Up Toy, Dizzy Ducks Music Box, Robot 2000 collectable tin robot and Winnie-the-Pooh Spinning Top. The company recalled another 66,000 spinning tops Aug. 22. Representatives from Schylling Associates Inc. were not immediately available for comment. WednesdayBig Red Wagons imported by Northern Tool Equipment Co. of Burnsville, Minn. Totaling about 405,700, the recalled children's products all had excessive levels of lead in their surface paint. Although no illnesses connected to the toy car recall have been reported, lead is toxic if ingested by young children. Children More toys recalled on lead paint hazardPanel to push for greater U.S. recall power

I call Target, WM, KB, Toys R Us... [2007-11-03]
Circuit City, Game Stop, Sears and Best Buy every day and have been for the past 3 weeks - no one has any in stock. They are really popular right now and when they do get them in stock, they sell out within minutes. I'm also signed up to receive emails from Toys R Us and KB Toys when they get them in stock online, but they too always sell out within minutes. It's just ridiculous how hard it is to get one of these. My parents are actually in central Texas this weekend and I'm hoping they'll be able to get one for me while they're there. ebay has them, but they're at least $100 over the normal price and right now I'm not willing to pay that. Oh, well. Hopefully, I'll be able to find one before Christmas.

Chili peppers and little tiny plastic pinball toys. [2007-10-04]
g

Free shipping on tons of toys on line at Toys R Us. nm [2007-10-04]
x

sex toys [2007-01-19]
My boyfriend has given me several over the years. We both enjoy them. I once bought one on line but when I actually saw it, it looked so scary, I called the company and they agreed to take it back and give me a refund. It was still in the original wrapper so they trusted me. I would say just donuse anything that scares you or makes you uncomfortable.

Sex toys - embarassing & anonymous [2007-01-18]
Hi - I I am 39 years old and my husband recently found out that I have a sex toy I bought about a year ago. He is furious and is acting like I am a really bad person. I think these things are way more common than the thinks. Just looking for opinions?

toys sm [2007-01-18]
my hubby and i have within the last two years gotten toys and use them on each other and it maybe you and hubby can go toy shopping together, find him something. i would guess, like one of the other posters said, he hope he opens up to new things for ya!

I got toys for the nieces and nephews. Did pretty [2006-11-27]
good. Got Battleship w/a handheld electronic Battleship package for 8 bucks, a 20 pack of Hot Wheels race cars for 9 bucks, Barbie stable and horse for 23 bucks (two items), 4-Ever Best Friends for 11 bucks, My Little Pony Styling Pony for 9 bucks, and Pirates of the Caribbean PSP game for 39 bucks. I also bought 3 beautiful Christmas sweaters for 12 bucks each. I think I did pretty good.

I got tons of clothes and toys. I always hit Walmart, [2006-11-27]
Toys-R-Us and JC Pennys for those things. I also went to Pac Sun and got me some jeans (2 for less than the price of 1). I never go for electronics. I figure what you are trying to save for 1 item, you loose by missing out on all the other small things. I did get gaming things though, basically any electronics I do not have to stand in line for, like Walmart has you do. For instance, if you bought a PS2 game at Toys-R-Us, you get a wireless controller for 5 bucks, normally 20. I got a game and the controller for 10 bucks.

and you could put some smaller toys in big pinata.... [2006-11-18]

We're off to the beach and need some ideas! [2008-07-02]
I think I have most of my bases covered, but just wanted to see if anyone had any other ideas for the trip. We're off to Ocean City MD for the fireworks - woohoo! I have 3 boys, ages 10, 7 and 5. We figure it We have a DVD player for the kids and they each have a portable video game to take. I think I have the drive down pretty well covered, but if you have anything to add, feel free. At the beach -- we borrowed boogie boards from a friend for each of them to try. I We also got some sand toys for building castles. Any other suggestions here? I'm afraid 1 or 2 won't like the boogie board thing and get bored very easily with the sand toys. We Anyone else know of anything at OC, MD that was really great for kids? Hubs and I have been there without the kids last summer, but really just enjoyed eating out and walking the boardwalk. I don We usually vacation at resort towns - like Disney and Dollywood - where there Just looking for suggestions!

here's what I do -- [2008-06-26]
Every summer, I make a chore chart for each of my 3 boys, ages 5, 7 and 10. Brushing teeth is apparently a big chore that requires a reminder. So on my chore chart it goes, once in the morning and once at night (I figure 2 times a day is pretty good). Other chores I include are making their beds, picking up toys, dirty clothes in the hamper. They are also each required to help wash their clothes once a week and put away their clean clothes. In addition, they Each time they complete a chore, they get a sticker for that day. At the end of the week, we add up all their stickers. If they have a certain number collectively-- they get to pick a group activity (local amusement park, chuckie cheese or bike ride with the parents, etc.). If they don I Kids need structure, even in the summer, and this gives them something to look forward to at the end of the week. I Rewards don Just pick something you know your child would like. Having the chart helps to remind them and kids love the feeling of getting it right Good luck and remember: when all else fails, bribe

This country is definitely in trouble.... [2008-06-18]
IMHO, many people have blinders on. Still buy like crazy, charge everything, drive brand new cars with big monthly payments, have all the toys, new everything and then only pay minimums on their CC payments or miss a house payment or two and think everyone lives that way. People need to learn how to save money, plain and simple. DH and I both work, make just over six figures, have only the house payment, cars paid for (not newones but donno CC debt, gas prices arencredit cardscomplains that the debt collectors are calling them because they are behind in payments. Most people whould be able to ride out a recession if they had some money in the bank.

tator tots, burger, green beans, cream of mush soup [2008-06-13]
Brown a pound of ground beef with your favorite seasons. In baking dish put a layer of tater tots, then take a can of french style green beans (all liquid removed) and layer over top of tots, then burger and top with cream of mushroom soup diluted with milk so its thin enough and creamy. Bake until tator tots cooked.

as well they should be fined [2008-06-10]
and you bet your sweet patoot I will report anybody i see not picking up their dog crap. I wouldn't let my kid leave his toys or trash out on the playground, why would you let your pet leave something 10 times as nasty on the grass? people are so lazy it disgusts me

I always tell it like I see it...sm [2008-05-25]
My friend, you are being abused...emotionally abused! I will also say that I am not sure you truly love this man. Rather, I think you love the idea of loving him and you are holding on to something that is a complete and utter lie. He lied to you, but you want his love so badly, you are lying to yourself about your love for him. He has no idea what love is. You could say, oh well he loves his son, but that would not be so. I think that your husband believes that love is all about being adored...as in if HE is loved HE is adored and that it requires no work on his part. This is narcissistic behavior. Narcissists are too selfish to love anyone, and that includes themselves. You are filling a void for him. You are someone to cook, to clean, to do the laundry and someone whose income can be used for HIS toys. I would tell you to get out and don Get out before it becomes more difficult. The longer you stay the harder it will be to leave, and leave you must.Leave before your self-esteem and self-worth are completely flushed down the toilet because right now, they are already doin' the swirly dance in there. I have been an abused woman. He blamed everything on me and I took on that blame. It took me 12 long years to leave him and another 10 years to settle the divorce and child custody issues. I am still $18,000 in debt, but that is down from about $120,000 and I am seeing the end of it.To call my experience excrutiating doesn't even begin to touch it. I wish I had gotten out after 6 months...

Toys for Tots [2008-05-06]
I believe it is the one run by troops collecting toys for underpriviledged kids at xmas.

Salvation Army? [2008-05-06]
I'm not certain on this so you may want to do a little more investigating but I think the Salvation Army is sponsored by or maybe just has a large volunteer population from the military. if i remember correctly they are the ones who do the Toys for Tots too.

Thanks [2008-04-30]
This is a little late in the thanks - totally forgot I posted this message (been so busy with work). My sis is not tall - 5ƌ'. She's trying to lose with WW. Nephew does do exercise type stuff (walk the track, ride his bike, etc). Sis and DH said with all the exercise he should be losing but he's not. They question him and he says he is not over-eating. They have packed his lunch every day for him, told the place he works at not to allow him to eat in cafeteria (he is closely supervised). I have told her about the reports I type for amputations and deaths of people who die from diabetes complications. I have told her that she really needs to talk to her doc cos he can't keep going on like this. Right now she is having much more problems with him right now than his eating (she can't handle too much at once). Right now she's battling his attitude. He's quite upset because they were cleaning out his room and he's got so many bloomin toys (mostly power rangers) they are trying to donate some to kids who have nothing, but he doesn't want to let anything go. They are all his. Second problem is they are finding porn material lying around his bedroom. They've limited his I'net use and he can only get on the I'net if they are awake and around, but somehow he's getting by them. Sister was yelling at him she's sick of getting disgusting emails with filth (he's so stupid (well stupids not a good word, but that's what she says) he uses her email id). So...I'd say they've got their hands full with him and I'm glad I'm not back there.

I was on a rant and about a mess.... [2008-04-24]
and yelled She - then 4 - started to do so, but turned back and looked me right in the eye and said, don had to laugh.

Don't forget the people who live near an [2008-04-24]
ocean and might get eaten by a shark someday or live an area that sees a lot of hurricanes/tornados/blizzards. I think the whole state of Florida should pay more because they have more sun exposure than the north and run a higher risk of skin cancer. And definitely charge more for the sex-crazed teenagers that might contract an STD and how about all the tots in daycare bringing home who knows what. Shall we go on?

My husband yells at me for yelling at them. [2008-04-19]
He says I sound evil. I told H then he should cook and clean the house after he works all day and not do anything enjoyable. I will just throw my crap on the floor along with the kids and that is were it will stay until he picks it up. I wonder how bitter and evil he would sound. I have told my kids in a calm voice that if I have to pick up these toys it will go in the garbage and you are not going to get anymore. I have followed through. It may sound mean but then again, it isn They will expect others to pick up after them too and you know that isn

Try ..... [2008-04-13]
Get on the phone to someone I haven't talked to in a long time. Paperwork. Watch a tear-jerker on tv. Read. Plant something. Have a glass of wine. Talk to these people. Laundry. Have another glass of wine. Clean out a closet. Look for cat toys under the furniture and from behind things. Have another glass of wine. Enjoy the solitude - it never seems to last long. Work on projects that I've put off.

cookies, home made pizza..sm [2008-03-17]
Go to the www.pamperedchef.com web site and find your stone under products. They will give recipes. Is the flat stone? Cookies come out beautiful, Frozen french fries or tater tots, make your own pizza using frozen bread dough.. there are more options if you have the stone with the sides.

May you find comfort in the below, My condolences. [2008-03-07]
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME Author Unknown When tomorrow starts without me, And I The sun will rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn't cry The way you did today, Remembering how I'd lay my head In your lap that special way. I know how much you love me, As much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me. Please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name And petted me with her hand. She said my place was ready, In Heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind All those I dearly love. But, as I turned to heel away, A tear fell from my eye, For all my life I never thought That I would have to die. I had so much to live for, It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you. I thought about our lives together, I know you must be sad, I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, Just even for awhile, I'd purr and kiss you, Just so I could see you smile. But, then I fully realized, That this could never be; For emptiness and memories Will take the place of me. And when I thought of treats and toys, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you and when I did, My cat-heart filled with sorrow. But then I walked through Heaven's gate, And felt so much at home; As God looked down and smiled at me, From His beautiful golden throne. He said, This is eternity, And now we welcome you, Today your life on earth is past, But here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last; For you see, each days's the same day, There's no longing for the past. Now you have been so faithful, So trusting, loyal and true; Though there were times you did things, You knew you shouldn't do. But good cats are forgiven, And now at last you So won't you sit here by my side, And wait right here with me? So when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart. For every time you think of me, I'm right there, in your heart.

Aren't our babies fun?? [2008-02-27]
My Simon tries to put two toys in his mouth and throws them at my feet when I 80 degrees in Texas Monday - awesome.

It's over, but it's not.... [2008-02-08]
Our old guy has been gone since Thanksgiving, yet every now again out of the corner of my eye,I still think I see him curled upon the couch or curled up on the floor in the bathroom....turns out itone of our winter hats we just threw on the couch, or a towel lying on the floor. A couple times the first week he was goneI caught myself making the kissy noise to call him in at night. That stuff always sets you back a bit. Or, if you move a piece of furniture and find one of their favorite toys, or in our case a stash ofmy elastic hair bands he lost forever under the stove. We buried our old guy under the birdfeeders because that was his absolute favorite spot, for obvious reasons. I get to look at it all day while I'm at work and it never fails to make me smile...even right now there's about 3 feet of snow on top of his grave. It does get easier but man, does it take an agonizing amount of time.

Thanks for your thoughts. I guess may be by her purring [2008-02-07]
she is trying to tell me she is okay and for us not to be so sad. I do not think she is in any pain, but I do not want her to get to that point either. The tumor she has is huge, so eventually it will cause her some pain. The sun is shining today so she can enjoy the rest of her day laying in the sun, which is what she loves to do. I would always call her to tell her the sunshine was out and she would come running into our den. That is where she is now with her toys and blanket I will be wrapping her up in later today. Gotta go now. The tears are a flowing now.

Thank you also for your thoughts and your loss, so recent. [2008-02-07]
I have about another hour or so with her. I will be bringing a blanket, that I actually used for my boys when they were babies. I am going to put her favorite toys with her when we bury her this afternoon. The sun is shining now and I think she is ready to go. She has been in her carrier most of the day in the sun, just waiting for us to take her. I think she knows, but I am really having a hard time right now.

I usually buy a bathtub or basket...sm [2008-02-04]
and fill it with baby advil, tylenol, anbesol, wipes, diapers, one of those things you put your bottles and cups in for the dishwasher, a couple of cheap teething toys, baby washcloths, spoons, pacifiers, socks. Sippy cups, bowls with lids. It is all pretty little stuff, but it is practical stuff they will use. Then I try to get a little candle or scented lotion for mommy. I like the idea of a restaurant giftcard or a walmart card so they can get what they need. Have fun with it!

Lucky, you! I am sorry I got the spelling of this gorgeous breed SM [2008-02-04]
wrong. I study dog breeds, know every one in the dog shows, etc. and then made that fo-pa. Not intentional, I assure you. They had the Pembroke and Cardigan. You would have loved it. Yes. You must make a point to see this next year. It is so adorable and a change of pace for those of us who don

What I do [2008-01-21]
is stop buying such items- I used to buy lots and lots for the g'children- never saw them wearing any clothing nor playing with the toys- stopped giving.

I'm convinced [2008-01-18]
That cats are like people- some are predisposed to gain weight while others aren't. I have two cats, one is normal weight and the other is huge (may be a Maine Coon, but still sort of chunky). The big one does not eat that much. I tried him on diet food and fed him exactly what the vet said. He was supposed to lose 1/4 pound per week and he lost 1/4 pound the entire year! I've tried cutting back his food even more, but he whines and I can't tell if his tummy hurts because he's hungry or if he's just being a brat. He's too smart for the toys I have for him. I bought one of those laser lights for them to chase (the little one could do that all day). The big one will only chase it for a second. Waving toys in front of his face doesn't work, he attacks me instead of the toy (and he hurts!). A few times I've had success crumpling up a piece of paper and throwing it around - he catches it and tears it up. Maybe some sort of toy that is battery operated and moves by itself?

Misha and Furkids mom....Oh, for a pill to take to help lessen the pain! [2008-01-15]
I am on several golden and Sheltie email lists. Whenever one of our fuzzbutts are ill, orhave already made their journey to the Bridge, we include poems, passages, or what have you to express our feelings. Here is one of my favorites: (Now, this might be too hard to read at this moment, if so, set it aside for another day. But, I promise you,someday you willget comfort from these words.) THE JOURNEY by Crystal Ward Kent Copyright 1998 � All Rights Reserved When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey � a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark. Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life�s simple pleasures � jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears. If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower � except when heading home to the food dish � but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field. Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details � the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape; we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons brings ever-changing wonders, each day an essence all its own. Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flicker and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life�s most important details slip by. You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewie toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie � with a cat in hot pursuit � all in the name of love. Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound. You will learn the true measure of love � the steadfast, undying kind that says, �It doesn�t matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together.� Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race. And you will learn humility. The look in my dog�s eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway. If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will not be just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be � the one they were proud to call beloved friend. I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a path you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet�s time on earth is far too short � especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for awhile, and during those brief years they are generous enough to give us all of their love � every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left. The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle now gray. Deep down we somehow always knew this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead � young and whole once more. �Godspeed, good friend,� we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

Worried about autism. [2008-01-13]
Hey everyone, I was just hoping someone with experience in autism can either confirm or shoot down some fears for me. My mother says that she is 90% sure my son has autism, and although we have had concerns before she mentioned anything, the doc said a couple of months ago to wait until he is 2. He is 22 months now and his next appointment is next month.This has really been worrying my spouse and I recently and I was just hoping for some input. My son shows some definite red flags, but at the same time seems perfectly normal. For instance: RED FLAGS: (1) His speech is pretty delayed.He will say uh oh and daddy and a few other words, but nothing else really and it isnear impossible to get him to say any of the words he knowswith prompting. He babbles jibberish constantly, however. (2)Sometimes it seems like he is ignoring us, but this is usually when he isoccupied with something else. Sometimes he will look at us to his name, sometimes not. It does appear that he is deaf at times. (3) Henever points at anything that he wants or is interested in. He will either getit himself or drag us by the finger to whatever he wants. (4)He lines objects up. They are never in any particular order or color and he doesnHe wonmore than kisses. (6)Compared to other children, he seems verybehind in listening andreally interacting with others. NORMAL BEHAVIOR: (1) He loves other people and children and will often act silly if someone comes over to our house, showing off. He will bring out toys that he hasn (2) He isn (3) He loves to cuddle and has noproblem with it unless he wants to play. (4) If one of us pretends to cry or if he accidently smacks a friend who is his age and they cry, he will look concerned and give them or us a hug (and a kiss if we are lucky.) (5) He plays with his toys for the most part how they should be played with and gives his favorite stuffed bear rides in his trucks. (6) He has no problems with schedule changes and loves to go places different. (7) He has no repetitive movements with his hands or body, at least none we have noticed. After actually listing these things, I feel a little more at ease, however the red flags are pretty strong and are very apparent on a day to day basis, especially his speech. I Thanks for listening as this has been the cause of some tears lately.