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I know I say it all the time...

The male species...the ickiest species EVER! My son has started the popular man trend of putting his hand in the front of his pants (under the diaper). I will never understand the need to fondle the man parts. I know you ladies (and men) know what I am talking about! UUUGGHHH!!! So so icky!!

Shelly, Mom Files
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False accusations

Ever have those days that you hear a noise in the distance and you automatically assume your little one is up to no good? Well William had been getting in trouble all morning and I had to keep "speaking loudly". I thought he was messing with the TV and cable box but instead this is what he was doing.
Shelly, Mom Files
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This really makes me mad

Why in the world does William not listen to me? If Dwayne is around William dares not to try any stupid stuff. The boy will look around the corner to be sure Papo is not around if he is about to do something. When I am reprimanding his butt he looks at his dad the whole time. It really makes me mad because I spend all my time and energy on him. I can tell him "NO" fifty thousand times and it is irrelevant. Papo tells him once and that is all it takes. It really makes me feel so powerless and weak on days that I feel like I am screaming and yelling to make him listen. Ugh, it's been one of those mornings already :(
Shelly, Mom Files
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Not forgetting where you come from

Your boy Dwayne is just not right. Why does he feel the need to keep this bag? He tells me it is a reminder of where he comes from. I'm telling you, I don't know what to do with this man! UGH!!!!


Shelly, Mom Files
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Date night! (I can't take your boy anywhere!)

Dwayne and I went on a much needed date night out, ALONE! We went to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. First we had to snap a quick shot for the blog. The wind was blowing and gladly my hair was not in my face.

I hate this picture but Dwayne loved it. He said you can tell I was having fun (which I was). The margaritas were so good!! I had 2 :)

Someone sitting at the table (not mentioning names) had this fruity concoction. This person likes sweet adult beverages but like I said, I will not mention names ;)

I had the lovely slow-roasted filet with shrimp scampi and mashed potatoes. I cleaned my plate which I NEVER do. So delish and my apologies to the non meat eaters.

Now this is where your boy showed his behind. Why did he tell our lovely server he wanted to order the "Brotha platter" Why oh why?! It was called the Barbecue platter but y'all know what kind of fool Dwayne can behave like. Our server was so sweet and quite entertained by our shenanigans.

We laughed so much and made a couple new friends in the process. I think we will have to have date night a lot more often!

Shelly, Mom Files
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600th post today!

I just submitted a post earlier and realized that this is my 600th post! I know that is a small number to some but it is HUGE to little old me! Thanks to everyone that takes the time to read my randomness and give great advice when I need it most. I have really gotten the hang of blogging and I am here to stay! Thanks also to all of my loyal followers. You guys rock!!!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Catch a moment of Mango Mandarin Bliss

**Contest Closed**

My friends at MomSelect and Suave Body Care sent me a full-size bottle of Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Body Wash to try out. From the minute I flipped open the lid and took a sniff I knew I would love it. The rich, fruity scent is so yummy and honestly just as good as the high-end boutique products. If you are a frugal mom like me then you would see the value in this great bath product. The average cost of a 12 ounce bottle in under $3 so why would anyone want to pay $10 for practically the same thing?! Even better you can go here to sign up for a 50 cents off coupon that you can print directly from your computer. The great thing is you can use it in some stores that offer double coupons for even more savings! Now you can feel like you are indulging for a low cost. This body wash is a great way to start your morning, especially with the crisp citrus scent. I don't know about you but my shower time is the time I take for myself and I love having nice fragrances to make the experience blissful.

Not only was I provided with a bottle of Suave Naturals Mango Mandarin Body Wash for myself, but I also received one to give away to one lucky reader! As a bonus, Momfiles will throw in a bath sponge as well.

All you have to do it leave a comment telling us what fragrance you currently use from the Suave Body Care line or which new one you would like to try.

You can gain additional entries by Tweeting or Facebooking this contest. Leave a separate comment (limit 1 per day)

*Contest open to US Residents only. Giveaway ends May 5, 2010 at 9:00 EST. Winner will be selected by random.org. Good luck!

Shelly, Mom Files
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What real men do...



They mentor our youth.

Shelly, Mom Files
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Tardiness troubles me

I am a stickler for being on time. I don't think there are more than a few instances that I have actually been late (with good reason). Even being 1 minute over the time I am supposed to be somewhere puts me in that "late" category. That would bother me. I take time to prepare myself even for the smallest event to ensure that I am at least 5-10 minutes early. I am the example to my children so I have pounded into them the importance of being on time. They know that being late is a sign of disrespect and shows others that you do not care to be there. The girls are very diligent about preparing for the next day and their nerves go awry at the thought of being late. Punctual parents make punctual kids. I know some people, actually a lot of people who almost brag about how late they are running on a daily basis. If you know you have some place to be at a specific time (well in advance) then what is the excuse? Our kids watch us closely...
Shelly, Mom Files
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Our new favorite sauce

Dwayne is going to be so mad at me since I am giving this company free advertising but I just had to share! This new Frank's RedHot Sweet Chili sauce is the best thing I have tasted in a long time. If you love sweet and a little heat at the same time then this is for YOU!! I have purchased 2 bottles in one week. This stuff goes great on anything from chicken, fish, chops and most any dippable food and savory things. I got it at Kroger for $2.89 and had a 50 cents off coupon that doubled to a dollar off so it was not too bad. I can't wait for this stuff to go on sale so I can stock up! The Sunday paper frequently has coupons for this bottle of amazingness. Now run out and get you some and tell me what you think!! :)


Shelly, Mom Files
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From youngest mom to oldest?

I was thinking about my children (which is nothing unusual) and how when the girls were little I was one of the youngest moms of the bunch. Most moms has already hit their mid 30's and even 40's. I did not fit in at all. Funny thing is with William, I will be one of the "older" moms. How crazy is that? I wonder if it will be the same just that I will be older this time around?! I just can't win :/

Shelly, Mom Files
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What makes me want to clean

If you know me personally or check out my status updates on Facebook you might have learned that I clean a lot. Of course my house still looks pretty much destroyed most of the time thanks to my sweet little Hurricane Willie. Some days are harder than others to get household tasks complete. One great way to get me in the mood to clean is new cleaning products. I can't explain the joy I get from that. I know, I'm insane. Just the right scent can totally get me going and I love trying new products as well. Over the course of the morning I have cleaned 2 bathrooms out of 3, swept floors and mopped, cleaned my office, folded and packed away laundry, cleaned the kitchen and have my dinner fully prepped for this evening. It all started with a new bottle of bathroom cleaner and spiraled out of control! At least I can be lazy for the rest of the day :)

What gets you in the cleaning mood?
Shelly, Mom Files
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Crazy sleeper

It got quiet so I had to go make sure the little guy was not in any trouble. This is how I found him. Of course after I snapped a couple photos, I shifted him into a more comfortable and safe position.




Shelly, Mom Files
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Carpool no-no's

There are some very inconsiderate people in this world and they show just how rude they can be in the carpool line at school. Here is a list of some no-no's when in the carpool line.
  • Do not do your child's hair in the car. Seriously, there was someone in front of me doing that (hair grease and all) holding up the flow of traffic.
  • If there are orange cones set up so cars do not go that way then please, DO NOT GO THAT WAY!
  • Carpool is social hour for some parents. Please talk to each other. We don't want to hear your whining from 20 feet away. If you are talking from car to car, be mindful of the traffic behind you.
  • If you talk on your cellphone, please use your "inside voice" in your vehicle.
  • Please refrain from smoking in line. Not everyone enjoys second-hand smoke.
  • Please DO NOT cut in line. Not cool at all.
  • Park in designated parking spaces and stop being a lazy ass and wait in line like all the other parent do.
By all means, if you have anything to add, GO FOR IT!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Bath time question

Okay y'all better not laugh at me acting like a new mom....Just wondering, if you have a slippery tub is it better to use a bath mat or grippy things for the tub floor? We had textured tub floors where we lived with the girls so we never encountered slipping. In our house we live in now, the boy's tub is a bit slippery. I am not a fan of anything that can get mildew and I don't even allow him to have very many toys in the tub. Please tell me what you did with bath time and your toddler. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Not your average teenagers

Our family went away to Atlanta for the weekend for a little R&R. We packed up the car and the kids and were off on a road trip! We ate out a few times which is rare for us so it was nice to not have too cook and clean. The girls were thrilled to hang out with their cousins and William just wanted to run wild. As long as he was outside, he was happy! Dwayne and his uncle Mike took all the teenagers shopping. Since my kids were the guests they let them pick where they wanted to go. Of course the junior Shellys wanted to go to Kohl's. They were gone for a few hours so this was a good time for Willie to come down from all the physical activity he participated in ALL day. He was fed and bathed and very calm. The kids finally returned and my girls walked up to me (Kohl's bag in hand). I figured they convinced Dwayne to buy them something. Turns out I was completely wrong. They handed me the bag and told me it was for me and to open it up and see what I got. I was really surprised and said that they should not have done it and they insisted that for all I do for them I deserve something nice. I got a shirt that I wanted, black flip-flops and a couple undies. All of the sizes were exact but the part that made proud was that they bought everything on sale or clearance. Also they used their own money. Dwayne offered to pay for it or even reimburse them but they would not take the money. They wanted to do this for me. Words can't express how special that made me feel and how proud I am of how they did something so selfless. What sweet girls and not your average teenagers. I know they will be great wives and mommas some day ...many, many years from now!!) I LOVE MY DAUGHTERS SO VERY MUCH!!!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Men in Pink

Last year I purchased Dwayne a spring suit during the off-season for a deal you could not beat. He wanted to wear it to a recent speaking engagement but I told him he needed the right tie. We went out to shop for one and I already knew before we even walked into the store what I would love for him to get. It was between mint green and rose pink. He fought me down like you would not believe. PINK???? On a manly man?? Oh he was not having it. I was able to get him to consider a fun blue and he grabbed the pink just to shut me up. He then proceeds to walk up to the side entrance near the men's department to ask the lady working in that area what her choice would be between the blue and the pink. Without even giving it a second she instantly blurted out "pink!" There were some other ladies in the area making purchases and they all agreed that pink would look good on him. He was mad but the votes were unanimous. Now how in the world does he come home to try the tie on with the suit and suddenly he started to suck in his gut and poke his chest out. He then stares at himself in the mirror as if he was saying "Damn, I'm fine". It turns out that he loves the tie and I am sure he really loved all the compliments he received from all the ladies. MEN!!


Shelly, Mom Files
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Self-portrait advice

For my friends that know me well or read my blog regularly, you should know that I am not a fan of the bathroom mirror self-portraits. I just think it is tacky and maybe I am just a big, fat hater since I never look good in those photos anyway. Just a little advice to you: If you are going to post this type of photo then please be sure your bathroom mirror is actually clean. Also check to make sure you do not get your toilet in the shot. Last, if you are not a very tidy person you might consider not having any background to the shot. Make sense?? Just a little friendly advice...
Shelly, Mom Files
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The Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame & Giveaway

**Contest Closed**
Winner saudia05



I want to share some information on an awesome campaign called the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame – a program dedicated to honoring ordinary people with unstoppable energy.

Every day, people from all walks of life are compared to the Energizer Bunny®, from celebrities and athletes to teachers and crossing guards. In 2006, the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame, began as a way to honor those inspirational people for the energy and perseverance they demonstrate in their daily lives, no matter what challenges they might face. National Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. was the first inductee. As the MLB record-holder for the most-consecutive games played (2,632), Ripken understands first-hand what it means to live life with a Keep Going® spirit.

“To live your life like the Energizer Bunny® means bringing enthusiasm and dedication to all that you do,” Ripken said. “Through the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame, Energizer is proving that with the right attitude ordinary people can do extraordinary things.”

Today, there are five members in the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame, and now through April 23, the search is on for the 2010 inductee. That person could be your colleague, your best friend or even you! Cal Ripken, Jr. and the Energizer Bunny® are looking for stories about unstoppable people who are living life with passion and verve. The inductee will earn a $10,000 cash prize and a $5,000 donation to his or her favorite charity. You can go here to nominate someone that you think deserves this honor! I can think of a good handful of wonderful people in my community that would be great nominees.

_____________________________________________

Giveaway-- The generous folks at Energizer have offered to give one lucky Momfiles reader the opportunity to win a 24 count pack of Energizer batteries. Here's how to enter:

*Mandatory: Please check out the Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame website and leave a comment telling us who you would nominate and why. Be sure to go here to complete your nomination.

Comments that say "thank you" or "count me in" are not counted and will be deleted.Want an additional entry? (You must complete the *above method to qualify for extra entries)

--You can Tweet this giveaway
Example: Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame & Giveaway @momfiles http://blog.momfiles.com/2010/04/energizer-keep-going-hall-of-fame.html
or Facebook this giveaway, and please leave a separate comment/link for each entry to count. (one per day!)

--Follow me on Twitter @momfiles

--You can also place our button on your blog or follow us (please leave a blog link in your comment or specify if you are a new or current follower).

Be sure to have a visible email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger profile. Giveaway is open to US residents only. Deadline to enter is April 23, 2010 at 09:59 pm EST.

Disclosure: I will receive a 24 pack of batteries for myself as compensation for spreading the word about this campaign.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Wordless Wednesday- Dads are way more fun!





Shelly, Mom Files
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Vitamin D and your health

I read and have heard on numerous radio and television programs about how the majority of people are vitamin D deficient. Lack of vitamin D can cause or worsen a variety of problems that most people don't realize. If you feel tired all the time or seem to be very moody, lack of vitamin D can be the culprit. This is even more common in states and countries that get a lot of rain, snow or less amounts of sunshine. Getting some sunshine is the natural way to get your vitamin D but is not always enough. Some people who experience chronic pain are not getting enough D in their life. I take one capsule daily to offset what I do not receive on a daily basis. I can always tell if I have skipped more than three days (which I don't make a habit). I feel like I have less energy and I feel aches in my feet. Whenever I hear friends and family complain of always being tired and having aches I tell them to be sure they are getting enough vitamin D. Dwayne is the one who started the whole thing and I am glad I listened. It truly has improved my quality of life and our whole family takes a supplement daily.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Some great guidelines for Facebook

For a lot of us who are frequent "Facebookers" I have taken the time to compile a list of no-no's for Facebook.

* It is not nice to go through other people’s friends list and add them without knowing them. If you are just trying to have a lot of friends, this is not a good way.
* If you invite someone to join your network, site, mafias, farms, etc. or any other interest and they have not responded, this is a good sign they are NOT interested. Frequent invites are annoying and need to stop.
* If you send too many virtual gifts to others, you might get blocked from their stream.
* It is not cool to use a fake name or picture. It can hinder you from people you actually know from adding you.If you go as Mike "Keepin'itPimpin" Johnson and you have a profile pic of Lil Wayne, chances are you will NOT get added.
* Cursing on your status or on someone’s wall. In my book that is almost instant deletion. Keep it clean, you never know who can see it. I have a teenager on FB so I respect her.
* If someone removes you as a friends leave it alone. They had their reasons so don’t be childish sending daily requests and messages asking why you deleted them.
* If you keep your wall closed and do not allow comments on any of your photos, status or notes then why are you on FB is the first place??
* Do not friend strangers just to pitch your business to them. Collecting email addresses from your “friends” is just wrong. I do not want to buy your organic juice, host a party or purchase panties that will make me melt away my fat. Thanks, but no thanks!!
* If you have an issue with someone or have something personal to discuss DO NOT post it on their public wall. Inbox them. There are some things that should never be publicized.
* It might be a good idea to not tag someone in a photo that could cause humiliation or problems for them. I have seen people in provocative photos posted by others. While on the subject of photos, you might want to be careful what you post. Jobs are looking at FB and a lot of people have been terminated over FB. It’s not that important people!


Please, if you have anything to add by all means we want to hear it!!

Shelly, Mom Files
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Weekend Wrap-up

The weekend was very full and really fun. We went to Sumter on Saturday to celebrate a family member's 80th birthday (Dwayne's side- great uncle). They had a really big turn out and it was nice seeing all of the extended family for a few hours. Since the location was somewhat in the country, William had tons of fun playing in the dirt. Anyone who knows how 500% girlie girl I am knows I had to bite my lip and turn my head. I bathed the boy when we got home and saw actual dirt in the tub. He had a BLAST! Some of the teenage cousins came back to our house that evening and end up spending the night. The girls had so much fun and they were up until 3:30 that morning! Luckily they kept the noise levels to a minimum so the rest of us could sleep.

The pollen count in our area has been off the charts!! I truly never thought I would want rain on Spring break but we need it so badly. All you see outside is clouds of pollen flowing through the air. I have really been affected this year more than the previous ones. I guess because it is so much warmer and drier. Please rain, please. The girls are home this week so we plan to do some random things locally and then we have a little weekend getaway planned.

So how was your weekend??
Shelly, Mom Files
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and why is Spring so great??

If you have been reading my blog long enough then you will know that I am a winter person. I do not like the weather once it passes 65 degrees. Yesterday we bypassed spring temps in South Carolina and moved right into the 90's. No thanks, go away. I actually felt my skin burn. I have turned 4 shades darker and the pollen is a killer. I have a lovely "spring" cold today. I spent the night unable to breathe efficiently. I'm miserable. It is going to be 90 degrees again today. The higher the temps the more bees and wasps I see looming around, especially near ME. I am already tired of the bastards chasing me every time I walk out the door. The even wait at my car. I am so glad I have the remote start feature on my car that it can be ready with the cool AC blowing so we can shut the door fast. I don't think I will ride with the windows down for many months to come. I have accepted that my fuel costs will be higher, oh well. I hate Spring so much. I really, really do. The end.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Say "yes" to the dress at what price?

Has anyone ever seen the show on TLC called Say Yes to the Dress? I was watching an episode where a young woman wanted a $24,000 dress. Um, people have weddings that cost that much and it does not always last. I am just amazed that any woman would spend that much on a dress you wear one time. Some say you can pass it down in the family. Most women of today don't want a hand-me-down gown so where is the worth in spending that much?? I guess I better shut my mouth since I wore a no-name clearance, off the rack dress that cost me $50. If I had it to do again, the most I would spend is maybe $150-$200. I have seen too many people I know that went out and spent gobs of money on a wedding to look cute and it ended in either divorce or they have a messed up marriage mostly due to financial problems. I will take my $500 wedding over a lavish one that left me miserable. I'm just sayin'....
Shelly, Mom Files
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