Yeah I said it.... BOYCOTT!!!!!

So I took the plunge and I'm surprised at how many people are NOT being supportive. I'm just so pissed and I really don't know what to do, but get all that crap out of my house. I cannot stand the thought of my babies putting something in their mouths that could later be recalled. It's bad enough that we've already had to throw out some toys, but if I continued to let them play with toys from China, knowing what I do now, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if they issued another recall. So they're gone. All of them. I cried and I don't even know why. They're just toys and I had to keep telling myself that. Well I'm lying, not ALL of them are gone, I kept two for sentimental reasons.

So it's official, I'm boycotting China toys. That's right I said it... boycott! I had already bought all of my kids' Christmas toys but there was no way in hell I was going to give those to them now, so I had to start all over. I was pretty successful buying their Christmas gifts at IKEA. My cousin and I had a great time buying the kids toys. I know these aren't BIG toys, but I'm happy with what they're getting. Allie got - a train set, accessories, wall lamp, pots and pans, a baking set, Martin - stuffed animals, rattles, balls, play rug, musical toy, push toy and finger puppets.

**This was all that was left of our toys**

So I'm all set for Christmas, but after our toy purge yesterday our toy bins looked so pathetic. I had to go and buy the kids a few toys, and I mean few since that's all that's available. Allie got a drum set and a puppy and Martin got some noise makers and cars. I also had to replace the people from Allie's Little People set, since they were made in China, but the house wasn't. So I found a Playmobil which is made in Germany and I LOVE their toys. They are so detailed and fun, but a little too old for Allie. So for now I'll just settle for a few pieces to fill in our gaps.

I know it looks like we found a lot, but Dear Lord it was pain. First of all, when I tell anyone that I'm not buying China toys they look at me like I'm insane and abusing my children. Then comes the "all toys from China aren't bad" lecture.... Yeah I know, but come on!!! when it's in the millions then I'm pulling out! Oh and then I love "the '80%, no,90%, no 98%, no 99%???? of toys are made in China so why bother?" lecture! Well I'm bothering because I don't feel like I can complain if I'm not willing to put my money where my mouth is! What ever happened to the American tradition of boycotting? If we want something to change then we have to hit them where it hurts. How else will big companies like Mattel and big chain stores like ToysRus, know that this isn't acceptable? I might not make a dent in their earnings, but you know what, at least I'm not choosing material objects over my principles. Regardless of what Walmart, Target and ToysRus will tell you, MY kids will still love me and be happy even if I don't buy the the latest and greatest China toys!

So all in all, my kids won't be the most popular in playgroup since they don't have the 'must-have' toys of the season, but at least I won't be frantic every time the announce a new recall.


And a formal farewell to our toys.