Germs Be Gone: Keep Those Pool Toys Squeaky Clean

 Germs be Gone: Keep Those Pool Toys Squeaky Clean

By Pool Troopers

In the summer, your pool toys get plenty of use—because is there anything better than a warm summer afternoon relaxing on an inflatable lounger?

While you know it’s important to clean your pool regularly, you might not be aware of the importance of cleaning your pool toys and accessories, too. Water toys offer timeless fun and pleasure, but just because they are in the water doesn't mean that they're clean.

Sure, chlorine sanitizes pool toys, but mold and mildew can appear if they're not dried properly--especially on those pool noodles. Sometimes, pool toys can even get slimy and slippery. This is usually a form of mold or algae.

If your family comes into contact with these dirty toys, the bacteria can cause earaches or a cold.

With some regular light scrubbing and maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy a clean and safe pool all summer long.

Deep Clean

For best effect, use a nine-to-one mixture of chlorine bleach and water to clean your family’s favorite pool toys. Bleach (Sodium- Hypochlorite) is a chemical that can sanitize the surface of the floating toy and make it as good as new.

This method should not be used often, only if you see traces of mold on toys, since high amounts of bleach can be dangerous for children. Before you get started, put on some gloves and protective eyewear.

Use a sponge to apply bleach to your toys and scrub with a soft-bristled brush or soak them in the solution for two minutes. Then, rinse with a hose. Make sure you air dry them before storing or dry them with a towel. Either way, make sure there's no moisture left.

Be extra careful with foam pool toys. Because foam is porous, the bacteria and mold can grow quickly and can be hard to see. We recommend cleaning these toys three to four times a year. But whenever you see signs of mold or the foam starts to show signs of damage, it’s time to replace them. You can treat plastic when it’s necessary because bacteria growth on these surfaces is easy to see.

Other ways to clean floating toys

• With soap - For cleaning with soap, make a solution with one part of soap and three parts of warm water, and then use a sponge to wash your float with this mixture.
• With Vinegar - Mix one part white vinegar with two parts of lukewarm water in a tub large enough to hold your toys. This makes a safe, natural cleaning solution for your floating toys. Place the float in the water and let it stay there for 15-20 minutes. Make sure all parts of the toy are submerged. This will remove mold and dirt.
• With Baking Soda - Combine one part baking soda with four parts lukewarm water and mix it thoroughly. The baking soda will clean your toy by attracting any impurities.

 Although cleaning pool toys may not seem necessary, you should clean them regularly to extend their lifetime and make them safe for you and your family.

My Life In Pictures - May 17 - 24

May 17 - Nothing

May 18 - Nothing

May 19 - This boy! He is so damn cute!

May 20 - Stopped in to see my classroom. It is so cute with this tent that no one is using these days. My classroom hasn't been used since sometime in March.  One day we will be back to normal right?!

May 21 -  Game review with this girl! We had a great time as usual. I love that she will play board games with me even if they are for younger kids. 

May 22 - Red Neck Cinema  - This is how my husband and I spend our night in the Spring and some of Summer. When it gets too hot we head to the air condition but on beautiful nights when the temps are below 75 we are outside for at least one movie. 

May 23 - My favorite garden decoration has been decorated every day. Just a token of a leaf or flower but I always give him something.

May 24 - Memorial Day ready. We always have a flag flying but this is the one we save for holidays. 

My Big Decision About Holding My Son Back From Kindergarten

PRESCHOOL, SPEECH

Big Decision

Posted on April 10, 2008

Today was my CPSE meeting for my son.

I always wake with a heavy heart on these morning.

Last week I was given the reports from the therapists and have gone over them at least 8 times with a fine tooth comb, making notes, highlighting, circling, etc.

Monday the therapists and I had a meeting so that we could go over the reports, discuss where things had changed, and so that we were all on the same page. It is really hard sometimes to read the reports because while they paint a broad picture of your child’s progress, the test numbers are there and most of the time they are lower than actual.

Looking over the paperwork for the last time last night, I decided something that I had mostly planned since he was 2.5 years old. I decided it would be in his best interest to hold off Kindergarten for a year and put him in different preschool to give him exposure to a different curriculum.

This morning I headed over to the preschool after dropping off Handsome. We spoke about enrollment, I grabbed the paperwork, dropped my daughter off at my girlfriends and headed to the meeting armed with the knowledge that I would not be sending him to Kindergarten.

It is always strange walking in, I know the therapist and the Chairperson and the child (mine) we are about to speak about. There are 4-6 other people there to discuss my son and together we are to come up with his new IEP.

Today I was just waiting for the moment when I could say my big decision is “I’M NOT SENDING HIM TO KINDERGARTEN THIS YEAR!”

As soon as I said it I saw eyes rolling to each other, and breath being held. I started my explanation of the tests and how as I read the tests I had circled about 25 places where he was only at a 3.2 year old – 4.5 year old level. I asked them why we would rush a kid into Kindergarten if he wasn’t ready. He is going to have to do a minimum of 12 years of school so what if he starts this year or next year?

They tried to play devils advocate and offer all kinds of solutions and concerns.

Since he is so academically advanced would this hinder the advancement? No because the Pre-K has a very structured academic program.

Would he feel like he was around a bunch of babies if he were to stay in a Pre-K 

setting? He is classified as a Preschooler with a special delay so talking to younger kids (at his speech level) may actually give him confidence.

We could have a Para follow him around the class for the day. No, he already has a SEIT follow him around for the 2.5 hours he is in school and he would prefer her to not be there.

We could start him in Kindergarten and then hold him back again if he is not ready for 1st. No, I actually think this would do more harm than good. His friends moving on and him staying back? Why repeat Kindergarten?

I stood my ground and understood why there were concerns but I truly believe that even if he was main stream this would not harm him.

The chairperson told me that if he was not academically where he was she would try to steer me in another direction but she knows that I constantly work with him.

She also gave me a wonderful compliment in that she has never met a mother who knew her child more than I do. “Every parent knows what’s best for their child, but I never met someone who knew their child like you do.” I do try. There is nothing more important to me than my children.

I am excited about his new Pre-K and can’t wait to see how he progresses over the summer.

The chairperson also told me that at anytime I feel that he would do well in Kindergarten or that I made the wrong decision (no matter where we are in the school year) she will put him in kindergarten.

So positive. I wish for everyone to have such a positive CPSE experience.

Our Four Kids and It Movie Premiere Reunion With Friends

The 411:

I love my daughter’s friends so I invited them over for a movie review/lunch/reunion get together. They were very happy for the opportunity to hang out and when lunch and snacks are provided it is an easy sell.

We Door Dashed lunch and since it is impossible in my neck of the woods, I used my work address and met them in the parking lot.  

Getting them to stop talking at the table took some time. It has been months since they have been together but eventually they all came over to the living room.

I put a blanket down on the floor so that the kids could maintain social distancing but they all ended up on the blanket eventually. 

Sooo these kids are ages, 14, 15 and 17 so they are not necessary the age group the film makers had in mind but it was so fun listening to these kids talk about the movie as we watched. 

A couple meet at a vacation home with their kids but the kids don’t know these two have been dating. Both sets of kids have been hoping for the family to get back together. Needless to say the kids are upset, disappointed and kinda pissed off. As a parent I couldn’t imagine doing this to my kids. Springing a boyfriend/girlfriend surprise on them while they are hoping their families get back together would not have been my route but you do you.

Tony immediately decided  the storyline arc only 10 minutes into the movie.

 https://www.instagram.com/p/CCEj8_xnVeY/?igshid=16o3dpkf4byec

The teens had a good time laughing and talking about the families.  They were concerned that there were a few times the parents were a little to frisky to be a kid movie but I told them it was fine it was only because they were older that they got the couple sinking down below the counter in the kitchen or laying on the beach waiting for their opportunity to be alone. They were also concerned that the parents never seemed very worried that the kids were gone for long periods of time. I honestly had a blast listening to them and haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. It was the perfect way to spend the day.

The movie is perfect for a family movie and I think that these kids will be talking about it for a long time. As I drove them home they were talking about it although their review wasn’t stellar after seeing it. Teens are funny like that.

Tony’s review immediately after watching. He is 15 years old.

“Why? Was the camera so bouncy? Couldn’t they put it on a tripod. It made me crazy how jumpy it was. There are parts in the movie that I don’t think are kid friendly although the youngest kid had one of the best lines, “my father left us for a 20 year old with a tight tushy. 

The antagonist was baffling. The villain didn’t have a single good line in the entire movie. The only comedic relief came at the 3rd act where birds pooped on his head as he was climbing up a cliff.“

Tony when It first came on the screen

 https://www.instagram.com/p/CCEycINn9W_/?igshid=159gpk0q9wwid

Personally I think the kids had a great time and they have some inside jokes that they were saying will last them a lifetime “suckable toes” (The creature had toes that they could not stop discussing).  So while I agree with some of Tony’s insight I myself LOVE Russell Brand. I also loved the magic moments that the kids had in the movie and think families will find it hysterical that the “IT” needs to puff up to grant a wish.  I found it cute and told the kids that if they had a good time, it was a good movie. 

My Life In Pictures May 8 - 16, 2020

May 8 - Pizza Friday means another trip to the pizzeria. My son eats a pie by himself so he doesn't' mind running in to grab them.  My daughter gets the door for him. Honestly, this may be the only time they work together on anything.

May 9 - Yes! That is a dusting of snow. So weird to have snow in May. My poor plants are very upset. We lost all the basil.

May 10 - We are saying goodbye to my Explorer. She served us well and we got her for free from my sister-in-law. I will truly miss her!

May 11 - My son turned 17. It has been a weird year but we had a mini parade thanks to the Police and EMS crews in my town.  He enjoyed his parade and two of my co-workers were nice enough to join it as well as a neighbor. Very sweet and he was so excited to get balloons, donuts, popcorn and candy bars as well as a handmade card from my co-worker.

May 12 - Me but better. Thank you Snapchat!!!

May 13 - This is probably one of my favorite sketches! She is adorable and I don't hate it. 

May 14 - I am so proud of my daughter's work. Look at this art project she had to do while homeschooling during the quarantine. Soooo good!

May 15 - NOTHING.

May 16 - My new car! Isn't she pretty. I am so gonna miss my Explorer but I love all the bells and whistles

My Life In Pictures - May 1 - May 7

May 1 - The "New Normal". I don't like it. I want my old normal but my son looks adorable even though I can only see his ear, neck and arms. He is wearing one of his favorite shirts.

May 2 - I made fried dandelions and they were amazing. It is a ton of work because you have to rinse them a bunch of times before using them and I probably ate at least one tiny ant because every time I rinsed there still seemed to be ants but I would do it again!

May 3 - My daughter doesn't eat much but she does love veggies so I asked if she would try stuffed peppers. She said yes but was very specific in what she allowed in it. No meat, no breadcrumbs, no anything. She just wanted rice, Italian seasoning and she added hot sauce. Very plain to me but she ate all 4.

May 4 - Me only better. Thank you Snapchat!

May 5 - I allowed myself to take a few hours to read. I always feel so guilty when I am doing nothing around the house but it was a good book and a beautiful day. 

May 6 - The birds have left the nest. They hopped around the deck for a few hours providing much entertainment for my 3 cats.  This little guy and Luna stared at each other for 15 minutes. 

May 7 - I stopped by one of my daycare kids to play a game of laser tag and say hello. His parents are awesome. My little guy came out and handed me an envelope which I opened up when I got home. It was very thoughtful. So sweet to be appreciated. 

Yard Decorations

Those who have yards may look for ways to make them look a little prettier and less dull. While their grass may be green and their flowers blooming, the layout could look a little empty and in need of a few things. There are several things one could put in their yard to make it look homier and more put together. Here are three things that most people look to add.

Lights

Putting lights around your garden or yard is beneficial for multiple reasons. There are styles you can choose from that will decorate your home, as well as light your home. Lights are always needed, so there’s always an excuse to add some to your yard. You could choose from battery-operated, solar-powered, gas, or even plug-ins. There’s a light that’s out there for you.

Flags

People love to put flags outside their homes to help spruce it up and make it fun. They can hang from tall poles, be placed in the ground, or hang off your home’s windows. You can choose ones that support your favorite teams, represent your school, or show off what you love. If you want to show you support your loved one in the military, something like Air Force flags Birmingham AL are great to display.

Décor

One of the easiest ways to add some life to your yard is to add different garden accessories all around. You could choose some animal statues or have your family paint personalized rocks. Different plaques and decorations can also be spread throughout. Having various décor can break up the monotony of the dirt, grass, and flowers in your beds.  

Adding to your yard can be easy and still make a world of difference no matter how simple. These are just a few of the ideas you could choose from to use.

Questions for Pregnant Women to Ask a Potential Adoption Agency

Photo Source

When pregnant women consider using an adoption agency, it's best that they find one that fits all of their needs. For this reason, it is crucial that they are doing as much research as possible and asking the right questions. Below are some very important questions every pregnant woman using an adoption service needs to ask themselves, and the service, before committing to one service.

Do I Need Housing?

One thing many pregnant women don't think about when choosing an adoption service is that some services provide a place for pregnant women to live during their pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is in a strenuous housing situation, then it would be in their best interest to look into adoption agencies that provide housing. With free or supplemented housing, there will be one less thing for pregnant women to worry about during their pregnancy. 

Do I Want an Open or Closed Adoption?

One of the most important, and permanent, things a pregnant woman needs to ask themselves is whether the adoption will be open or closed. In an open adoption, the birth mother and the adoptive family (including the baby) will all have some kind of contact with each other. The terms of this contract will be decided by both families before the baby is born. This can range to seeing the child often to being able to send birthday presents. In a closed adoption, there is no contact with the birth mother and baby or adoptive family after the baby is born. It's best to do research on each of these options to decide what will be best for all people involved.  

Will I Receive Any Payment?

Some adoptive parents and/or adoption agencies do give birth mothers a payment for putting their child up for adoption. However, this is obviously not a good reason for women to become pregnant on purpose, as adoption agencies and adoptive parents, more often than not, do not give any large payments to birth mothers. In fact, it is illegal in most states to pay a mother to put up a baby for adoption. However, there are some expenses that adoptive parents might cover. These can include but are not limited to, medical bills, living expenses, and therapy costs.

Make sure to ask yourself these three important questions before considering putting your baby up for adoption. Adoption is right for some people, but not for everyone. That's why it is so important to figure out whether it is right for you or not.

Storage Units Aren't Just for Moving

Photo by

When you think of storage units the first thing that may come to mind is for moving purposes. Indeed, being able to pack up all of your stuff and put it in a place while you work through the stress of moving is helpful, but that is not the only thing storage units Freemont County CO can be used for. Here are some creative ways to use storage units you may not have considered.

Business Organization

Running a business from home can be such an amazing opportunity, but can easily get out of control and fill up your whole house with inventory and stuff. Why not use a storage unit to help organize it all? It is much cheaper than paying for an office and will save your home from being invaded.

Feel Like a Minimalist

Do you want to live that minimalist life but just can't let your self get rid of more stuff? If you have things you may want it in the future but don't want to look like a hoarder, just get a place to store all of your stuff outside of your home. 

Seasonal Storage

There is nothing like the wind in your hair on your motorcycle during those summer nights, but there is a lot of frustration when trying to fit that motorcycle in your garage in the winter. You don't have to turn your garage into a giant puzzle. Get a storage unit to help store the things for the offseason and then switch that snowblower for the motorcycle come summer. 

Hold Memories

Memories are priceless, but if you get rid of them they can be gone forever. When a loved one passes or a child grows older you don't have to get rid of everything to save space. You can rent a small storage unit and have those memories to look at for years to come. 

4 Easy Ways to Relieve Your Dog's Separation Anxiety

If you have a dog that suffers from separation anxiety, you know how heartbreaking it can be to have to leave them. Even if you try to stay at home as much as possible, having to leave at some point is inevitable. Here are 4 simple things that you can try to help relieve their anxiety and make your time away from home less stressful for everyone.

Exercise Your Dog Before Leaving

Sometimes, you may be mistaking anxiety for pent-up energy. If your dog has not been properly exercised and is then put into a crate or left alone, he may become bored and rowdy simply because he is unable to settle down. Before you leave, take your dog for a nice walk or spend some time playing with him so that he is exhausted when you leave. A tired dog is a good dog, so don't set him up for failure by ignoring his needs.  

Try Calming Supplements

There are many calming supplements on the market, but if you want to go the natural route, try organic CBD oil for dogs. CBD works in the brain to cause a feeling of balance and restfulness, making your dog not only less upset, but also a bit sleepy. CBD can also be used to treat painassociated with ailments like arthritis and cancer, so it really is a great solution.

Don't Turn Leaving into a Big Deal

As tempting as it may be to say a long, loving goodbye to your dog before you leave, this will only serve to get him excited and make him upset when you leave. Instead of leaving excitedly, simply get yourself ready and go. Also, try to change your pre-leaving routine up a bit, so your dog does not begin to associate you getting dressed in the bathroom, for example, with negative feelings. 

Start Small

Particularly if you are training a puppy, start by leaving your dog for a short time, no more than five minutes, and then coming back and praising him if he behaved. If this goes well, you can begin to leave him for longer periods of time, and he should begin to realize that you may leave often, but you always come back and there is nothing to be upset about.

Dogs need repetition and crave position attention. If you work with your pal every day consistently, you will eventually have an even-keeled, well-mannered dog in your home.

The Importance of Being a Dental Role Model for Your Kids

Parents often tell their kids to brush their teeth when waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night. But, often, simply telling them to do it isn’t enough to motivate them to pick up the toothbrush. Countless parents struggle with teaching their kids the importance of oral hygiene. By setting the right model for your children, you can help them become more diligent about caring for their teeth.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Often, children imitate their parents. This allows them to acquire the skills necessary to survive in this world and they typically do it without thinking. So, it’s super-important that you, as a parent, set the right example for your child.

Children also have the heart-touching habit of looking up to their parents and wanting to mimic their actions consciously to garner their parents’ approval. 

Brush, Rinse, and Floss

Your child’s first encounter with dental hygiene is often watching your own bathroom habits. So, it’s important that you take good care of your own teeth before you ask your child to take care of theirs.

If your child sees that you brush first thing after a meal, they will automatically get the idea that doing so is “the right way.” For kids, parents simply must know the right way, which is why they mimic so much of what you do.

Make It a Family Activity

Even if you’re not going to bed for a few hours, make a point of going to the bathroom to brush and floss with your child. By building this habit, you make sure they will stick with it for life.

Don’t Ignore Your Mouth Either 

If you have dental problems, like a cavity or even a missing tooth, make a point of getting it fixed. For example, look into getting dental implants from www.dentessential.com.au if you have missing teeth.

When you do so, you show your son or daughter that you are not only getting a healthier looking mouth, but also that they don’t need to be afraid of the dentist, as many kids are. Essentially, you are leading by example. 

Thus, it’s important to also keep regular dentist’s appointments and take good care of your own teeth. Then you are ensuring that your child will take care of theirs too.

Warn Them about the Results of Not Brushing Regularly

Adults usually assume that everyone knows that poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities, bacteria, and even tooth loss. But kids don’t know that. 

Or, even if they’ve heard it, it hasn’t had time to become something they know to be true yet. Thus, remind them of the consequences of not brushing regularly. Don’t assume that telling them once will suffice.

Final Words on Being a Dental Role Model

It is your job as a parent to keep their teeth safe and healthy, even if you must tell them countless times. The bottom line is that, as a parent, you must care for your own teeth to show your children the importance of dental hygiene. Doing so can save you both from significant dental issues over time.