Hanging By a Thread

Layers of Cake: Motherly Law’s 2nd Anniversary

The Icing

I used to be funnier. At least that's what my mom told me. And it's true...kind of. Let me clarify. I'm still funny {I am}, but my posts are not as light, fluffy and funny as they were when I first started out here two years ago.

Two years ago, I launched Motherly Law. Two years ago, I shared anecdotes about my life as a mom of two young boys as I provided information about legal issues that affect families. My tales were light and funny coupled with information that is not always so light and certainly not funny like family law, estate law, consumer safety issues and the like. Two years ago, I stuck to a strict schedule of posting on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I didn't dare diverge from my path. Two years ago, I began building an audience from people I knew.

Things Change

Today, 535 posts later, there is not a schedule, and I don't know most of the readers. Today, I post often; as many as 7 days a week. Today, I allow myself to write what I feel and what inspires me and interests me, even if it doesn't have to do with the law or family. Today, I write from the heart. My heart is not always full of funny stories. Sometimes, my heart is broken; sometimes my heart is sassy; sometimes my heart is giddy; sometimes my heart is joyful; sometimes my heart is contemplative; sometimes my heart asks questions; and sometimes my heart has answers.

Two years ago, I wrote what I thought readers would like. Today, I write for me and hope my audience understands where I'm coming from and perhaps have just been where I'm going. Two years ago, I wanted to inform parents about a variety of issues that keep me up at night and might be keeping them up too; today, that wish remains the same.

The First Layer of Cake

And yet, few things have remained the same in the past two years. One year ago, my family and faith were rocked when Will became unemployed. An already snug budget cinched even tighter. The pressure for me to keep our family above the rising water became immense.

My heart was heavy and tired and frustrated and desperate. Last summer, our family was saddened and angered by a brother's divorce. In the last few months, my family has been hurting for my cousin fighting cancer. I have not been feeling so light and fluffy.

However, not every turn has been down. It has been a year of learning, making the small things count, finding blessings and being thankful in the face of adversity. We have been building our lives, our marriage, our family and our faith on a rock solid foundation and these things cannot bring us down. We have {almost} nowhere to go but up now.

I have been writing my way through this difficult year. And you all have stood there with me, holding my hand, patting my back, crying tears of joy and sadness with me. And for that, I am so thankful to have begun building these relationships two years ago.

Defining Motherly Law

Two years ago, I had no idea where Motherly Law would go, how far it would go, whom it would reach or how it would be received. And today, I still don't have the answers to those questions. There are days that I hate the burden of "having to" write these posts and contemplate putting down the pen for good, but most days I love having a space to share dreams, stories, fears, tips, legal issues and paranoid thoughts with all of you.

Two years ago, I didn't think twice about using my phone while driving. In fact, I did it almost every time I got behind the wheel. It was a chance to talk while my little guys were firmly restrained in their car seats. I had no idea that I would become a staunch advocate of stopping distracted driving and bringing awareness to the dangers of using cell phones while driving.

And yet, last March, this very topic took me to New York to be a panelist discussing how to stop young people from driving with distractions because of my passion for these issues. I know that a number of my readers have changed their ways due to my diligence in presenting information and statistics to my readers. I am proud to say that my distracted driving pieces rank high with the search engines and are read on a daily basis even after being posted many weeks, months or even almost two years ago.

Two years ago, I didn't give much credit to my Motherly Advice piece each week. My intention was to add a bit of levity and brevity to the week's posts on heavier legal issues. And yet, the weekly appearance of Motherly Advice has become a greatly loved feature by the readers and much to my surprise, to me, as well. It's one of the few things that haven't changed with the exception of moving from Friday to Saturday. Who knew this would be the case?

The Scoop

There are few things I know for certain; one is that I do love to write {and I think I get better with each passing year}; another is that life will continue to have ups and downs and I will be here writing about the highs, lows and mid-points of being a woman, a mom and a wife; and I'll continue to seek out answers and information regarding legal issues and consumer safety issues that you might find helpful and enlightening as you navigate your way through parenthood and life for as long as I have something to say.

Two years ago, when I began writing here, 2010 was like the top of the cake, light and sweet and fluffy; the icing. The last year, 2011, was the first layer of cake; rich and dense, dark with bittersweet chocolate. I don't know how many layers this cake has or what flavor each layer is, but as the year passes by, the layer will be revealed. Here's hoping it's a delicious cake made up of many layers and a number of flavors and fillings. Over and out...

Anna

The List: Favorite Motherly Law Moments and Posts {2 Year Anniversary Week}

Motherly Law turns two on Thursday, March 1, 2012. As with everything in my life, I find myself asking "Where has the time gone?" Here I am approaching Motherly Law's toddler years. Having made it through the long, sleepless nights of infancy, I've been leaving ML to its own devices more often. ML continues to develop, reaching various milestones and shaping its personality; ML has come into its own bit by bit.

As any parent knows, at the age of 2 things are just starting to get interesting. So, this year should be one to watch!

I'll be writing more about what Motherly Law has meant to me on Thursday, but I thought I'd compile a list of favorite posts from the past year and poignant moments from the past two years as the Founder and Author of Motherly Law.

1. Being a panelist at the Distracted Driving Forum in conjunction with U.S. Department of Transportation and Consumer's Union in New York in March 2011;
2. Motherly Advice: Life's a Fickle Thing
3. When people tell me they have stopped using their phones while driving because of my posts on Distracted Driving;
4. Writing through my emotions in Mourning a Loss: Processing Divorce. And I'm happy to say I've now made it to Acceptance, and there is a new normal in our family;
5. I Hit a Child with My Car: Distracted Driving
6. On Being a Kite or an Anchor
7. Being featured in the Star Tribune in November 2010.
8. Let the Words Out: Writing from the Heart & Finding Your Voice That's all anyone can do. And I think we all have a story to tell;
9. When people tell me they've been reading ML for a while; people I didn't know were reading; people I don't know; it give me purpose in continuing to write Motherly Law.
10. When my boys talk about writing as a career and refer to mommy as a writer.
11. Doubling my number of pageviews from year 1 to year 2. I must be doing something right.
12. Realizing that I don't need millions and millions of comments or reads to make a difference. If only 1 person says, "Aha!" or "I thought I was alone in this, but I'm not!" or feels inspired or informed or is touched by something I have written that's enough.
13. Motherly Advice {My New Year's Resolution for 2012}
14. The fact that posts I wrote almost 2 years ago still get read weekly, if not daily.
15. Blowing Bubbles in the Wind: Giving an Idea a Chance at Life

You will notice the posts I love the most have come straight from my heart. It's cathartic for me to write the words on my heart. I still love the law and feel that parents need to be "In the Know" when it comes to consumer safety issues, legal issues and parenting issues. I'll keep writing. And I hope you will keep reading. Over and out...

Anna

Pop Quiz: Are You Up for a Challenge?

March has Challenged Me

March has been a wonderful, horrible, stressful, exhausting, nonstop, humbling, roller-coaster month for our family. I've been wonderfully blessed with so much support as I continue to write on Motherly Law and elsewhere. And ML continues to gain momentum in various ways. I'm excited to see what each new day brings my way as a result of all the writing and connecting I have done with ML.

I've been intending to update several posts as the laws have changed with some of the topics I have written about. I was going to write that post for today, but I really need to just drop into bed and sleep rather than stay up writing. So, I'll be updating posts on Saturday. Instead, I've come up with a ML Trivia Pop Quiz for you.

A Motherly Law Quiz

Here are some random questions regarding information from various posts. I hope you've been reading, but don't worry if you haven't or have and don't remember the answers. I have provided the answers at the bottom of this post:

1. What was the very 1^st ML post titled?
2. How many states ban the use of hand-held phones while driving?
3. In which post do I reveal the depths of my paranoia by telling you that I printed a photo list of the FBI's Most Wanted List the 1^st time I flew on an airplane after September 11^th, 2001?
4. Does the U.S. have any laws regulating naming a baby?
5. How much paid parental leave is mandatory in the U.S.?
6. Have I ever been bullied?
7. What do I always tell you to eat on Fridays in the Motherly Advice posts?
8. What new federal food safety law promises to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses?
9. What three blog conferences have I attended?
10. Which two U.S. Reps have guest posted on ML?
11. How do I refer to my sons and husband on the blog?
12. How many months have I been writing ML?
13. On what TV station's website can you find articles written by me?

Answers 1. Taking the Plunge 2. Only 8 3. Pool Safety Tips 4. No 5. There is no mandatory paid parental leave in the U.S. unlike most countries in the world 6. Yes, I have been bullied by a boss 7. Eat Chocolate 8. FSMA 9. BlogHer10, MN Blogger Conference & Blissdom11 10. Rep. Erik Paulsen and Rep. Keith Ellison 11. The Darlings 1 and 2 and DH {Dear Husband} 12. As of next Friday, it will have been a full 13 months 13. CBS Minnesota (WCCO)

The Scoop

How did you do with the quiz? Don't worry; DH couldn't even answer them all. If you want to read more about any of the questions, just click on the link in the answer to the question. I'll be back on Friday with a bit of Motherly Advice and on Saturday I will be writing updates for a handful of previous posts. Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

An Open Door & a New World: Motherly Law’s First Anniversary

A New Year and A New Set of Goals; Personal and Professional

14 Reasons to Read (& Love) Motherly Law

Up to My Neck in Work: 7 Links Challenge

Time is always of the essence for me since I am always running late. This week is no exception. Having just returned from Blissdom, with sick kids at home and work due this week, I decided it was time for another 7 Links Challenge, as inspired by ProBlogger. The last time I did this was the week I returned from BlogHer back in August. So, it seems appropriate to do this exercise again. Check out those links at Jet Lag Excuses: 7 Links Challenge. I changed the topics somewhat this time.

1. Post About Motherly Law/Anna

    

   14 Reasons to Read (& Love) Motherly Law. This one is self-explanatory. Read it and hopefully you will want to stick around and learn more about Motherly Law.

    

2. Post I Enjoyed Writing

    

   The Blanket: An Unexpected Gift. This post is warm and fuzzy like my blanket. I felt inspired to write this in December. It's full of powerful memories and emotions from my pre-teen years.

    

3. Post that was Difficult to Write {for no apparent reason}

    

   Celebrating Christmas: The Plastic Reindeer Rule; Analysis of Lynch v. Donnelly. I think this post was difficult to write because I have always loved this vein of caselaw and wanted to the readers to enjoy it too. I think it's interesting and entertaining.

    

4. Most Searched and Read Post on a Daily Basis

    

   Getting Over the Shock: How to Handle Being Bullied as an Adult. I was surprised by the number of reads on this post right off the bat. And I have been astonished at the number of searched each day regarding adult bullies. It was a very difficult time in my life, and it saddens me to know how many other adults are going through the same thing.

    

5. Post with a Great Title

    

   Striking a Balance: Tips for Effective Decision Making. When I went back through the titles of the last 6 months I was struck by how many titles I really did like, but this one wins the crown this time.

    

6. Post I Wish More People Would have Read

    

   When Staying Isn’t an Option: Tips for Identifying an Abuser and Leaving an Abusive Relationship. This post is about domestic violence. I think many of my regular readers disregarded this post because of the subject matter; thinking it didn't pertain to them, so there was no reason to read it. But I beg to differ. The information could help a friend, loved one or stranger down the road. So, if you haven't already, please read it.

    

7. Link to a Great Online Writer

    

   Heather King of The Extraordinary Ordinary Blog. We had a bit of a misunderstanding recently, but we both {over-explained} ourselves and feel better about everything now. Heather has a beautiful, fluid, candid way of writing interesting, totally relatable stories about everyday happenings, hence the extraordinary ordinary. Get to know her, you'll like her.

The Scoop

Check out these titles and any others you may have missed. Let me know your thoughts, feelings and questions about these and other topics. I would love to hear from you. This week I plan to randomly choose a few business cards from the great pile I collected at Blissdom and introduce you to a few new blogs. I promise to get back to the law next week. Over and out...

Anna

Q & A: Little Nuggets of Information to Tuck Away Until the Next Round of Trivia

Points to Ponder

Some people land on Motherly Law looking for information that's not necessarily on my site, but the key word combinations are in posts on Motherly Law. Since I have spent this week examining search engine traffic and searches, I decided I would answer a few of the search questions that brought people here, but did not lead them to the answers they were seeking.

1. 1.  "Did Lorenzo de Medici have children?"

    

   1. As a matter of fact, he did. According to Wikipedia, Lorenzo de Medici, born in 1449, an Italian politician, diplomat, patron of scholars, poets, and artists and ruler of the Florentine Republic during the Italian Renaissance, had 9 children. Two of his sons went on to become popes. Lorenzo's death in 1492 marked the end of the Golden Age of Florence. For more information on Lorenzo de Medici, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_de'_Medici

       

2. "Can toys be bought with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiary money?"

    

   1. According to SSA.gov, SSI is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes). SSI is designed to help aged, blind and disabled people, who have little or no income; providing cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. So, the answer is no, you shouldn't use SSI money for toys. For more information on SSI, go to www.SSA.gov/ssi/ .
3. "Cell phones in pool seems dangerous"
   1. The only danger of having your phone in or near the pool is the danger of ruining your phone's battery. If this should happen to you to, don't panic…yet. Try these steps from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-do-if-i-drop-my-cell-phone-in-water.htm.
4. "Is a temperature of 34 degrees OK in children?"
   1. OK, so I'm going to assume we are talking about 34 degrees Celsius because clearly a Fahrenheit temp of 34 is not OK. The conversion formula for Celsius to Fahrenheit is 9/5 * (Celsius Temp) + 32, so 34 Celsius is 9/5 * (34) +32 which is 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit. And 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit is still not a good temp. Hypothermia can set in at a body temp below 96 degrees Fahrenheit. So, the answer is no, 34 degrees Celsius or 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit is not OK in kids or adults.
   2. *To convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit: Start by taking the number in Celsius and multiply it by 9. Then divide that number by 5, and then add 32. This is how you convert Celsius to Fahrenheit or use the equation F = (9/5) C + 32.

   Source: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_34_degrees_Celsius_in_Fahrenheit

5. "Is it safe to take candy from people on Halloween?"
   1. OK, so you can find the answer to this question on ML. The answer is yes and no. Read these tips from Never Take Candy from Strangers….Except on Halloween: Tips for Trick-or-Treating Safely for more on this subject.

Other Top Read Posts

These posts also get picked up by searches quite frequently. I predict that the bullying posts will soon surpass all others in the amount of search engine traffic. I have been surprised and saddened by how often the grown-up bullies post gets searched and read. Interestingly, the modification of a child support order post was not highly read when I first posted it, yet it gets read by search engine traffic frequently enough to make the top 10 list; coming in at number 5. I'm not surprised the Choosing Work Over Baby post regularly gets picked up by search engines. It's a topic that is ever on the minds of moms.

1. A Change in Circumstance: Modification of a Child Support Order
2. Grown Up Bullies: The Legal Remedies of Adult Bullying
3. We're Not Gonna Take It: Anti-Bullying Laws Leaving Kids Unprotected
4. "Choosing" Work over Baby: The Reality of Parental Leave in the United States

The Scoop

On Saturday, I will post a Saturday Summary regarding Obama's School Lunch Nutrition Bill highlighted in the last Sunday Spotlight. Then, on Sunday I will post a new Sunday Spotlight. I will also be posting a New Year Goals post sometime this weekend. And then next week, I'll get back to business with a topic yet to be determined.

Have a safe and fun New Year's Eve. Don't drink and drive; appoint a designated driver, if you intend to go out and drink; and be cognizant of the weather for the evening, especially here in MN. OK, I feel better now that the bossy, mom and attorney parts of me each got to speak her piece. Over and out…

Anna

Children Choking Apples?

4^th Place Winner Still Gets a Ribbon

Oh, I bet you're on the edge of your seat waiting to see which post is the 4^th most read post based on search engine traffic. Well, wait no longer….it's The Organic, Sustainable, Grass-Fed, All-Natural, Free-Range, Fair Trade Grocery List: What Do All These Adjectives Mean??

Food for Thought

I have to admit that I have been surprised by how often this post gets picked up by search engine queries. This post explains the U.S. Department of Agriculture's labels in regards to organic, natural, grass-fed, sustainable, fair trade, etc. When I first posted it I got quite a response from readers, and it continues to be well-read.

Information about our food has become more important and more readily available to the consumer. People want to know who grew the plants or raised the livestock; where that farm is located; how quickly and by what means it arrived at the market; and what, if any, hormones, fertilizers, chemicals, etc. were used on the food product. And this is a good thing.

Intriguing Searches

This is not the only post involving food. I have also written about choking hazards, social host laws, BPA free containers, etc. Here is a list of the most fascinating searches on the topic of food, eating and drinking:

1. "children choking apples"
2. "organic adjectives"
3. "dried fruit Czech Republic "
4. "should I take my child to ER for choking"
5. "grazing, rooting and pecking"
6. "list of safe, natural adjectives"
7. "what to do if your baby swallows tinsel"
8. "sustainable grass types"

Clearly, a few of these searches were misdirected to Motherly Law. Other keywords are grammatically comical. Either way, I'm glad these people made their way to Motherly Law, and I hope they found something worth sticking around for on Motherly Law.

The Scoop

On Friday, I will answer a few of the questions posed from search engine queries and list a few more post links. Over and out…

Anna

Other related post you might also like:

Trying to Stay Focused: Making Time to Save Money on Organic Products

To BPA or Not to BPA? That is the Question: Tips for Limiting Your Family’s Exposure

Sippy Cups: BPA-Free or Not. What’s the Big Deal?

And the Third Runner up is….

Leaving  Children Unattended in a Vehicle

This third most read post based on traffic from search engines is another critical issue: Not Even for a Minute: Children Left Unattended in Vehicles. It's interesting how many people search for whether it's acceptable to leave a child for just a minute in a vehicle. A number of people are looking for a specific state's law regarding this issue. One query stated, "received a ticket for leaving child unattended in car for less than one minute." I'm not sure what this person was searching for in running this search, but clearly it's an issue parents have on their minds.

Risks on Many Levels

I completely understand the convenience of leaving a sleeping baby or toddler in the car while quickly dropping off or picking up another child at school or daycare; or leaving them strapped into the their car seats to run in a grab a cup of coffee, pick up the dry cleaning or make a stop at the ATM, but it really isn't worth the risk. I also can understand the parent unintentionally leaving the child in a car for a great amount of time because the parent is sleep deprived, distracted by stress, work, or other issues or changes in his or her daily routine and simply does not remember the child is still in the car.

I can be very absent-minded myself, and the threat of this hazard has always scared me so much that I tend to look in the backseat and check car seats even when I know the kids are not with me. Not only are there dangers of hypothermia for many parts of the country at this time of year or hyperthermia in other areas and/or other times of the year, but there is also a risk of your vehicle, along with your child, being carjacked. In fact, here in the Twin Cities, just last week there was a parent who left his car running and unlocked with his child in the car seat in his driveway while he ran inside to get something he had forgotten. The trip inside and back outside took no more than 20 to 30 seconds, according to the parent, but when he got back outside his vehicle and child were gone. Fortunately, this story ended well, the child, still strapped into his car seat, was found 90 minutes later, unharmed.

Odd Searches

While there are numerous searches for this somber topic, most are to the point and not humorous at all, as they should be. But there are some random queries that landed on various pages that are quite interesting; some that I feel quite certain the person searching did not find what he or she was looking for on Motherly Law, but perhaps the person still found something of interest.*:

1. "hot tub girl"
2. "don't take it personal when I delete you"
3. "effective decision making in weddings"
4. "bed wrestling tips"
5. "best way to end a marriage"
6. "different social rules after drinking"
7. "what to do if your eye gets burnt with fireworks"
8. "what not to accept from strangers"
9. "what states can you have alcohol delivered to your home"
10. "unintended nudes in college"

This last one I really don't understand, but to each, his own.

The Scoop

On Thursday, I'll be posting the 4^th runner-up and on Friday, I will be answering some of the questions posed in searches. Over and out….

Anna

*Again, if you find one of your searches listed, please don't be offended and try to find the humor in it. I'm sure many of my own queries don't make sense.

Other related posts you might also like:



There but for the Grace of God, Go I: Tips and Websites for Keeping Your Child Safe In and Around Vehicles

The Hope of Evolving: Laws Concerning Booster Car Seats

The Days Keep On Rolling: Great Websites for Getting the Best Fit for Your Child’s Car Seat

Amusing Searches: Second Most Read Post from Search Engine Traffic

Ignoring the Threat of Distractions

The second most read post based on traffic from search engines…drum roll, please…..Driving to Distraction: Texting While Driving. This post caused a lot of discussion, both in comments and on Facebook. It's another issue that's very important, and one I am passionate about too.

At the time I wrote this post I did not text at all. I have since brought home a little Android and have begun texting, but I NEVER, NEVER text while driving. While it's not safe for anyone to do it, not even a seasoned 17 year-old texting genius, if I attempted to text even one word while operating a vehicle I would most certainly cause an accident. I really don't understand how (literally) people text and drive. And yet, I do see people of all ages, texting while driving. They're not hard to spot with their heads bobbing up and down, going just a bit slower than the rest of the traffic, and ever so slightly weaving in and out of the lane. When I see this, I try to steer clear of that vehicle.

Many states have been passing laws to prohibit this activity, although I'm not sure it's curbing this illicit behavior considering I live in a state with such a law and still observe drivers texting while on the road. Again, this is a post I will be updating with any new state laws in a Motherly Law Year in Review post in March.

Searches

Here are some of the searches for the Texting While Driving post that I found odd and/or amusing:*

1. "hazards of texting studies"
2. "how is texting while driving a distraction"
3. "what unexpected can happen on the road while you drive"
4. "what are the social dangers about texting while driving"
5. "websites that can help with texting while driving"
6. "I'm concerned about my distracted driving"
7. "texting while driving, is it really a distraction"
8. "texting while driving funny story"

Nonetheless, they searched; they found; and I hope they got something out of the post.

The Scoop

On Wednesday, I will post the 3^rd most searched post and the strangest queries found on Motherly Law; the ones I'm sure did not mean to land on this site. Over and out….

Anna

*Dear Reader, If perhaps you see one of your searches listed, please do not take offense. I can only imagine how ridiculous many of my own queries look to another person.

Other related posts you might also like:

Driving to Distraction Part II: Why Using Your Cell Phone While Driving is as Dangerous as Driving Drunk

The Distracted Parent: Must Read Tips and Websites for Staying Focused and Driving Safely

Old Habits Die Hard: Must Read Tips and Web Sites to Help Break the Habit of Texting While Driving

Searches, Queries and Key Words: Most Read Post Based on Traffic from Search Engines

Top Post

This last week of 2010 I'm highlighting the top read posts based on searches. The Motherly Law post with the most searches is Last Will and Testament: Why It's So Important for a Parent and How to Get One of Your Very Own.

Last Wishes

This is a most important subject, and I'm glad to know it's an issue on the minds of those who have yet to get their last wishes down on paper; or on the minds of those dealing with their parent's or grandparent's wills or lack thereof; or perhaps on the minds of those wishing to change something in a will... Here are a few searches which have led people to the last will and testament post:

1. "funny stories about last wills and testaments"
2. "can you change last will and testament after father's death"
3. "can a conversation make a last will and testament"
4. "are last wishes without a will legally binding"
5. "does a last will and testament have to be followed"
6. "considering kids with wills"
7. "last will and testament for traveling parents"
8. "last will and testament. I don't want my child to get any money"
9. "last will and testament how to make sure it's carried out"
10. "how to ensure visitation rights in a will"

Some queries make me chuckle; some make me wonder; and some concern me, like #8. Sometimes the meaning of the search is obscure and other times it's quite clear. When I read #7 I think of parents who travel around to different kids; like a traveling circus or traveling carnival. And #9, well, the thing about a last will and testament is that if and when it's carried out, you're no longer around to ensure it's properly carried out. However, the very nature of a last will and testament is that your wishes will be carried out when you die as you intended and provided in the will. If, the person meant "how do I ensure that someone knows I have a last will and testament and knows where it's located at the time of my death," then the answer is, have your attorney keep a copy at his or her office; keep a copy yourself; and be sure to tell a spouse, a child or other confidant where you keep it.

Have you gotten your last wishes in writing and your estate in order? If not, take a look at this post and the related links below. This post is one that I will be expounding upon in a Motherly Law Year in Review post in March. So, stay tuned for more about Last Wills and Testaments.

The Scoop

Tomorrow I will highlight another often searched subject. Since I decided to take off the entire Christmas weekend, I will summarize the last Sunday Spotlight Article and post a new article next weekend. Thanks to those who have commented thus far. I've gotten a number of great, very opinionated comments on this article; keep 'em coming!

Anna

Other Related Posts You Might Like:

Death and Johnny Cash: Tips for Getting Your Estate in Order

April Showers Bring May Flowers: Estate Planning You Do Now Will Benefit Your Special Needs Child Later; Plus Supporting Autism Awareness Month

Putting All the Pieces Together: Ways You Can Support Autism Awareness, Plus a Supplementary Estate Planning Document

14 Reasons to Read (& Love) Motherly Law

The List

Why 14? It's my favorite number. Well, actually, I just made that up. I've never been able to definitively answer questions like, "What's your favorite color, day of the week, donut, dish soap, kind of pizza, or book?", probably because of #10 on the list. 14 seems like a good number and it's always been near and dear to me; it's my date of birth.

Without further ado, here's the list:

1. I'm funny; at least I make my Dear Husband laugh. Some even say I'm witty.
2. You'll probably learn something – the value of the information is a matter of opinion. You want my opinion? It's important information.
3. I'm passionate about the law and parenting and a million other things. Stick around and you'll find out more of my passions.
4. Motherly Law welcomes all types and every opinion as long as it's not mean and hurtful to others.
5. I encourage you to eat chocolate every Friday – just because it's Friday. OK, really… I advocate for eating it every single day of the year! Chocolate is one of my passions.
6. Motherly Law is child and pet friendly. Personally, I rarely go anywhere without kid prints and dog and cat hair on my clothing; not kidding. I've given up on that battle.
7. I have an active imagination; some might refer to it as paranoia. I prefer analytical, perceptive mind.
8. I stay well-caffeinated most hours of the day (& night).
9. I LOVE music. And I think somehow that makes my writing better. Just go with it. Who doesn't love music?
10. I question, analyze and research EVERYTHING.
11. I'm bossy.
12. I love to talk and it shows in my writing.
13. Just when you think you have me figured out, I add a new piece to the puzzle.

    And LASTLY,

14. I think you will like Motherly Law!

Give it a Shot

What are you waiting for? Give Motherly Law a trial run. Jump in and find a legal/parenting issue that you have a question on or something you are enthusiastic about. Please let me know if there's something you want me to write about or expound on. I would LOVE to hear from you. Don't want to miss a single post? Subscribe to a feed and get a reminder every time I post.

Learning About Each Other

What? You want to know more about me? Go check out my About page for more random tidbits. I want to know more about you too. Please watch for a post with a link to a survey later this week. I promise it will be quick and painless. And it will help me get to know my audience better. Thank you in advance!

The Scoop

In Monday's post, I will be highlighting some of the biggest election issues that could impact families in the near future. Be sure to read Monday's post before heading to the polls on Tuesday. Over and out…

Anna

Exciting New Hand Crafted Motherly Law Button

Button, button, who's got a button? I do, and it's a beauty! My friend and fellow blogger, the wonderfully talented Gussy, made it for me. (Psst…If you don't know Gussy go check out her fabulously ruffled, handmade bags).

If you read, follow, love or have any kind of positive attachment to Motherly Law, please grab my button for your site (See top right sidebar). When you grab it, please leave a comment so that I will know to thank you. I certainly appreciate your support!

Enjoy your Sunday. I'll be back on Monday with another riveting post. Over and out…

Anna

The Written Word: The Best Legal Headlines from the Past Week (In My Opinion)

I love reading articles on legal issues. These articles warn me, inform me and entertain me. I often find that truth really is much stranger than fiction. I recently came across two great sites that compile legal articles from around the country: http://www.onpointnews.com/ and http://overlawyered.com/. During this, the "Best of Motherly Law" week, I thought I would bring you the Best legal headlines I found in the past week:

 

• Court Boosts Child Safety in Girl's Suit Against Father
• McDonald's faces lawsuit over Happy Meals
• Worthy Proposes Punishment for Skipping Parent-Teacher Conferences
• School Nutrition Bill Allocates $1 Million to Study How Government Can Restrict Food Ads Directed at Kids

 

I would really love to know if you agree with these articles or have other opinions. Please drop me a line on Facebook, Twitter, here on the site or shoot me an email at [email protected]. I will bring you a bit of Motherly Advice on Friday. Over and out…

 

Anna

Best of Motherly Law Week Part II

According to the survey, the winner of the "Best of Motherly Law" Wednesday Tips and Websites post is: The Overly Cautious Traveler: Must Read Pool Safety Tips. This is a good topic as summer has now officially begun and pools everywhere are at full capacity. Tune in Thursday for the Best legal headlines of the week. I have little tasty tidbits for you all week long. Next week I will be discussing laws applicable to fireworks (the how, when, where and who); and I will provide you with safety tips for having a safe the 4^th of July holiday.

 

The Overly Cautious Traveler: Must Read Pool Safety Tips

The Mug Shots

 

I was a bit nervous about flying after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. So, prior to my first post-attack flight, I printed the mug shots of the FBI's top 10 wanted terrorists and slipped it in my carry-on bag. (Don't laugh.) Once I arrived at my gate, I took the paper out and began my silent interrogation of my fellow passengers. I continued to observe my flight-mates after I boarded the aircraft, with my mug shots in hand, looking for any "strange" behavior. While I no longer carry printed mug shots along on trips, I continue to be hyper-observant in airports and on-board airplanes. I stay alert and never sleep on planes just in case I must thwart the terroristic plans of a wayward soul. (DH attempts to stay awake. This is only because I won't allow him to sleep. He is the one that will have to confront the would-be terrorists. After all, he is much taller than I am.) I am happy and relieved to report that there has not been any illicit behavior on any flight I have been on…yet. If you ever have the pleasure of traveling with me, rest assured, I will be watching out for the safety of everyone on the flight.

 

This safety freakishness carries over into other areas too, especially now that I am a parent. I don't rely on doctors to ask me the right questions or give me all the information: I ask questions and do research too; I don't assume that drivers will notice the mom with a large double stroller walking behind, in front of or around their vehicles: I wait and watch for my turn to stroll by; I don't presume that the lifeguards and other parents will watch my kids in the wading pool or splash pad: I vigilantly keep an eye on them, and those around them. That is how my brain works. I can quickly assess the problem (unsafe) areas of any location that my kids will be loose, running around and exploring, and plan accordingly. It's the analytical side of me.

 

Pool Safety Tips

 

As pool season arrives, there are numerous dangerous situations that play through my head. This year is the first year that I will have two running, jumping, splashing, swimming, exploring Darling Boys to be watching over. In one way, it will be easier for me, since I won't be toting one around on my hip. But Darling 2 is especially keen on anything to do with water, and he is fearless. Fortunately, Darling 1 is more cautious and will be watching out for Darling 2, as well.

 

Pool safety rules may seem like second nature (don't run, don't let your kids go in and around a pool without you, etc.), but it's a good idea to review these tips and keep them fresh in the mind. I found some great tips from the City of Republic, MO's website. The tips are simple and easily implemented:

Use Layers of Protection

To prevent swimming pool drownings, the use of layers of protection is essential. Place barriers completely around the pool, closely supervise young children and be prepared in case of emergency.

In addition:

• If a child is missing, always look first in the pool. Seconds count!
• Knowing how to swim doesn't make a child drown-proof.
• Never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
• Keep rescue equipment, such as a shepherd's hook, and a phone next to the pool.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Install physical barriers around the pool to limit access.
• Fences and walls should be at least 4-feet high and installed completely around the pool.
• Gates should be self-closing and self-latching.
• The latch should be out of reach of small children.
• If your house forms one side of the barrier for the pool, doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened. Or, use a power safety cover, a motor-powered barrier placed over the water area, to prevent access by young children.
•  For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.

Pool and Spa Entrapment Dangers

• Never use a pool or spa with a missing or broken drain cover. Be sure a newer, safer drain cover is in place. The new drain covers are usually domed-shaped– instead of the old flat drain covers.
• Consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), a device that will automatically shut off a pump if a blockage is detected.
• Have a professional regularly inspect your pool or spa for entrapment or entanglement hazards.
• Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump.
• If someone is entrapped against a drain, cut off the pump immediately. Instead of trying to pull the person away from the powerful suction, pry a hand between the drain and the person's body to break the seal.

From http://www.republicmo.com/safety-pages/208-swimming-pool-safety

The American Academy of Pediatrics has traditionally stated that swimming lessons for children under the age of 4 years is not recommended. However, the AAP has now issued new safety guidelines stating swimming lessons may help prevent drowning in some children ages 1 to 4, but that it's up to a parent to decide whether his or her child is physically and emotionally ready to learn. The AAP further reminds that teaching a child to swim does not mean a child is "drown-proof." Here are a few additional pool safety tips from the AAP:

A swimming pool can be very dangerous for children. If possible, do not put a swimming pool in your yard until your children are older than 5 years. Help protect your children from drowning by doing the following:

• Never leave your children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment. An adult who knows CPR should actively supervise children at all times.
• Practice touch supervision with children younger than 5 years. This means that the adult is within an arm's length of the child at all times.
• Do not use air-filled "swimming aids" as a substitute for approved life vests.
• Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them.
• After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can't get back into it.

From http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm

Websites

 

These three websites provide a wealth of information on pool safety from how to prevent a child from drowning to chemicals levels in water to swim lessons to anti-entrapment device standards:

1. ABC Pool Safety: http://www.abcpoolsafety.org/
2. Water Quality & Health Council: http://www.waterandhealth.org/pool_spa/index.html
3. Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.poolsafety.gov/

 

The Scoop

 

The bottom line is to keep your eyes on your children when they are swimming and stay close. Don't get distracted by your iPhone or Blackberry, chatting with friends, preparing a meal, etc. If you have pool at your home, put up barriers, locking gates and consider having a motorized cover over the pool. Do you have a pool or access to a pool? What precautions have you taken? Do your kids know your rules for being around a pool, whether it is yours, a neighbors or the city's? Please leave on comment here, on Facebook or Twitter. I would love to hear your thoughts. On Friday, I will post a bit of Motherly Advice. Over and out…

 

Anna

The World at Our Fingertips: Finding a Link to Another Attorney/Mom/Blogger

Our world is getting smaller all the time. On a daily basis, I communicate with people in Canada, the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between all thanks to the ever present social media community. Because of these media outlets like Twitter and Facebook, people from around the globe can and do read my blog and millions of other blogs. It's really incredible to think about it. People are now able to express themselves through writing, photography, art, cooking, etc., and at the same time reach out to others with similar stories, goals, theories, questions; sometimes touching millions. The opportunities are limitless in this new sphere.

 

Last week, attorney Danielle G. Van Ess found Motherly Law through the social media community. She is Massachusetts. I am in Minnesota. We have never met, and we do not have any common acquaintances. Nonetheless, we have been emailing back and forth, and have discovered we have a lot in common. She, like me, is not only an attorney, but also a wife and a mom (to three little ones). We are both night owls. We both have cats. We both are striving to develop our careers as attorneys, yet spend as much time as possible raising our kids and being moms, which means spending much of our time working after the sun goes down and the kids are in bed.

 

Danielle has developed a solo practice in which she focuses on estate planning, residential real estate and adoption. She understands the issues facing young families. As a part of her practice, Danielle blogs about these issues: from wills and trusts to 529 College Savings Plans to long term care for aging parents, and much more. While Danielle hails from Massachusetts and adds specific state information to most of her posts the general topics and gist of the laws are relevant to all.

 

Since I have declared this the "Best of" week and my wills and trusts post came in 2^nd on the survey, I thought I would link to Danielle's recent post: "What's the Best Way to Leave Our Children Their Inheritance?" She has great information about various options and the difference between testamentary trusts and revocable living trusts. You can also go back and read my post on the importance of having a will and trust, tips for getting your estate in order, estate planning for your special needs child and check out the supplementary estate planning document.

 

Please leave Danielle a comment and let her know you found her through Motherly Law. She has lots of great posts. So, take some time and peruse her site or bookmark it for later. You can also find Danielle on Twitter and Facebook. As always, feel free to leave me comments too. You know where to find me. Tune in tomorrow for the winner of the "Best of" Wednesday Tips and Websites Post. Over and out…

 

Anna

 

Welcome to the "Best of Motherly Law" Week!

As previously mentioned, I have declared this "the best of" week. So, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this week, you will find posts from previous weeks that have been voted the best of Motherly Law. Thanks to all the loyal readers who participated in the survey last week. I really appreciate you taking the time to take the survey. I also value the feedback you all provided through your answers, and am glad that you are enjoying the posts and getting something out of the Motherly Law. The results were close, but according to the people's choice,The Organic, Sustainable, Grass-Fed, All-Natural, Free Range, Fair Trade Grocery List: What Do All These Adjective Mean? is the winner for Monday's post. You will find the other "Best of Motherly Law" choices listed on the left sidebar between Recent Posts and Archives by the end of this week.

If you have already read this post, please take this time to peruse the other topics/posts and read one or two that you may have missed or check out Motherly Reads (right sidebar), my blog roll, and find some other great blogs to read. Remember I love to get comments and feedback! You can find me on Twitter, Facebook and BlogHer besides leaving a comment here or sending me an email at [email protected]. Without further adieu here is the post:

The Organic, Sustainable, Grass-Fed, All-Natural, Free-Range, Fair Trade Grocery List: What Do All These Adjectives Mean??

 

The Grocery Shopping Experience

 

When did buying groceries get so complicated? You basically have to have a Ph.D in Food Science and work for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to understand what is meant by all of the labels tossed around these days? My grocery shopping experience goes something like this: "Yes, could I have a pound of the free-range, preservative-free, all-natural turkey breast. And I'll take a ½ pound of the organic, fair trade, sustainable coffee, please. Can you tell me 0n which aisle the all-natural, preservative-free granola bars are located? Oh, are you all out of the hormone-free, locally-produced whole milk? Where is the grass-fed, humanely-treated-until-murdered-to-become-my-dinner beef? The organic, free-range eggs are how much?" I mean, really, does our food have to have this many adjectives? And what does all of this mean anyway?

 

The thing is, I do care. I do read labels. I happen to be horribly offended by any food with high fructose corn syrup in the list of ingredients! I do not buy anything with that irritatingly, evil ingredient (Please note one exception: Mama's Coke Zero… You know, Mama don't get much sleep!). The part that really bothers me is that it's in EVERYTHING. Alright…I'm exaggerating, but not much! I do buy organic, as much as I can afford; I don't feed my kids hot dogs or other highly processed foods, colored-liquid pretending to be juice; or cookies chock-full of trans fats and other hard-to-pronounce, synthetic ingredients; and I am a bit of a food snob. You might have already guessed that though.

 

So, every week I go to Target Superstore (preferably without my two Darling Distractions); read the labels; buy about 60% organic; buy nothing made with the afore-mentioned evil ingredient (besides the one noted exception); load up on fruits and veggies; avoid canned items that are BPA-laden; get to the register and spend enough to feed a football team. The up side is that I feel good about the food I feed my family, especially my rapidly-growing, brain-developing kiddos. The frustrating part is that in order to eat well, I spend a lot of hard-earned mullah.

 

I think it's important to fully comprehend what is meant by these USDA-implemented food adjectives. If you are clear on the official government-regulated definition of organic, fair trade, sustainable, grass-fed, all-natural, free-range products, then you can decide how important each of those items (and the price tags they warrant) is to you and your family.

 

Breaking Down the Adjectives

 

Organic Food/Farming

In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) which required the USDA to develop national standards for organically produced agricultural products to assure consumers that agricultural products marketed as organic meet consistent, uniform standards, whether grown in the U.S. or imported from other countries. There are several overall controlling doctrines governing certified organic farming, including biodiversity, integration, sustainability, natural plant nutrition, natural pest management, and integrity.

 

• Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. 
• Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. 
• Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.  
• Before a product can be labeled 'organic,' a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. 
• Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too."

 

However, organic farming means much more than simply avoiding conventional chemicals in fertilizers, etc. or trading natural fertilizers for synthetic ones. Instead, organic farmers focus on tried and true techniques, using farming practices from thousands of years ago.

Organic products will always have the word "organic" on the package or produce sign and/or have the "UDSA Organic" seal on the package or piece of produce. The seal is voluntary though, so packaging or produce signs don't have to have the seal to be certified organic. It's a crime, with a fine of up to $11,000, to sell food labeled as "organic" when the seller knows the product doesn't meet USDA organic standards.

Sustainable Agriculture

The term "Sustainable" is one that is often used in conjunction with "organic" products. Sustainable agriculture is a way of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer and supports and enhances rural communities. Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability and social and economic equity. When a process is sustainable, it can be maintained indefinitely because sustainable farmers do not take more resources to produce food than they give back. Sustainable farmers see nature as an ally rather than an obstacle, and are able to produce more wholesome food while using less fossil fuels (thus lessening the impact on global warming), and without using any synthetic pesticides, artificial hormones, or antibiotics. Here are principles sustainable agriculture farmers adhere to:

• Conservation and Preservation. What is taken out of the environment is put back in, so land and resources such as water, soil and air can be replenished and are available to future generations. The waste from sustainable farming stays within the farm's ecosystem and cannot cause buildup or pollution. In addition, sustainable agriculture seeks to minimize transportation costs and fossil fuel use, and is as locally-based as possible.

   

• Biodiversity. Farms raise different types of plants and animals, which are rotated around the fields to enrich the soil and help prevent disease and pest outbreaks. Chemical pesticides are used minimally and only when necessary; many sustainable farms do not use any form of chemicals.

   

• Animal Welfare. Animals are treated humanely and with respect and are well cared for. They are permitted to carry out their natural behaviors, such as grazing, rooting or pecking and are fed a natural diet appropriate for their species.

   

• Economically Viable. Farmers are paid a fair wage and are not dependent on subsidies from the government. Sustainable farmers help strengthen rural communities.
  
  
• Socially Just. Workers are treated fairly and paid competitive wages and benefits. They work in a safe environment and are offered proper living conditions and food.

The confusion with sustainable agriculture is that the definition is more a philosophy or way of life than a strict set of rules, and farmers can interpret the meaning differently. In addition, there is no legal obligation to follow any of the criteria for sustainability, so food can be labeled sustainable when in actuality it isn't. Many terms that describe this type of food, such as natural or cage free, do not have a legal or clear definition (though the USDA is currently working on this). http://www.sustainabletable.org/home.php

It's important to note that "sustainable" and "organic" don't always mean the same thing. For example, an organic tomato might not adhere to sustainable principles if it was grown organically, but then shipped across the country to be sold. And on the flip side, some produce you find at your local farmers' market might not have been grown organically.

The next terms are all related sustainable farming:

• Free-Range: In the U.S., USDA regulations apply only to poultry and indicate that the animal has been allowed access to the outside. However, the USDA regulations do not specify the quality or size of the outside range, nor the amount of time the animal must have access to the outside. Although the USDA regulations may not apply, the term free-range can be applied to eggs, meat or dairy farming. In ranching, free-range livestock are permitted to roam without being fenced in, as opposed to fenced-in pastures.
• Grass-Fed/Open Pasture: "Grass-fed" on a label signifies that the livestock received a diet of natural forage outdoors, but sometimes cows are fed grass while indoors or in a pen or only for the first few months of their lives. So "grass-fed" could mean "pasture-raised" or "open pasture." Pasture-raised animals roam freely outdoors where they can eat the grasses and other plants that their bodies are best suited to digest. Grass-fed meat is low in both overall fat and artery-clogging saturated fat, and it provides a considerably higher amount of healthy Omega-3 fats than corn-fed meat, and host of other health benefits.
• Fair Trade Certified: Fair Trade Certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace. Fair Trade is much more than a fair price!  Fair Trade principles include:
  • Fair price
  • Fair labor conditions
  • Direct trade
  • Democratic and transparent organizations
  • Community development
  • Environmental sustainability

Fair Trade Certification is currently available in the U.S. for coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa and chocolate, fresh fruit, sugar, rice and vanilla.

100% All Natural

 

According to the Mintel Global New Products database, which monitors the appearance of new household products, one third of all new U.S. food and beverage products in 2008 highlighted claims of being "natural" or "all natural," or something similar, including "organic," "no additives or preservatives" and "whole grain." The term "Natural" generally refers to food items that are not altered chemically or synthesized in any form. They are products derived from plants and animals. The USDA says those products can be labeled "natural" if they don't contain any artificial ingredients or added color, and are only minimally processed. But if "natural" is used on the label, it must also give an additional explanation, such as "no added colorings or artificial ingredients." When considering purchasing a product with the "Natural" label, keep in mind that there is no "USDA Natural" certification and there is much more wiggle room with this term. Natural does not mean organic, although a certified organic product might also bear the label "Natural." OK, I never claimed this food label system wasn't confusing and mixed up.

 

Why Does Food with Organic, Sustainable, Natural Labels Cost So Much More?

 

Organic, sustainable, natural foods simply costs more to produce than conventional foods. Food prices reflect the costs of growing, harvesting, transportation, storage, processing and packaging. To be certified organic, food must meet stricter regulations that govern all these steps in the process. Organic or sustainable food production also means more labor that is management intensive and happens on a smaller scale.

 

Why Spend the Money for Organic?

While the USDA does not claim that organic foods are safer or more nutritious than those produced conventionally, many people who produce, buy and eat organic foods believe that they are. People are buying more organic foods, with sales rising more than 20% every year in the past decade and the Food Marketing Institute says that more than half of Americans buy organic food at least once a month. Buying organic is a personal decision. I buy organic items when I can and as much as I can afford it. We also shop at our local Farmers' Market from May through October and grow some herbs and vegetables ourselves. Much of it is sustainable, some certified organic, and all very fresh and local.

The Scoop

 

Do you buy organic? Some? Not at all? Please leave a comment here, on Facebook or Twitter and tell me what your thoughts are regarding Organic, Sustainable, Grass-Fed, Free-Range, Natural and/or Fair Trade foods. On Wednesday, I will post tips on how to save when shopping for organic products, finding a local farmers' market and some related websites. Over and out…

 

Anna