Cross-posted at MotherTalkers . I am sorry for all the depressing news lately. But I can't escape it.

Lisa Pagan, a former active duty member of the Army and mother of two toddlers, was called up from the "ready reserves" to report for duty this week for possible deployment to Iraq. She told the Army that she had no one to care for her small children if she was sent overseas because of her husband's travel work schedule.

For the second time in as many years, peanut butter contaminated with deadly salmonella has been recalled. Even my pre-kindergartener could tell something was wrong—after her favorite peanut butter sandwiches were temporarily pulled from her lunch box.

Thanks to your amazing and sustained effort, Congress and President Obama have thrown a lifeline to children who need healthcare! Our national leaders have made healthcare for families a top priority during this time of economic crisis by passing several pieces of legislation that give states the additional money they need to cover more kids. They've thrown our kids a lifesaver, quite literally.