Family * Travel * Food

Random bits

I have not been posting very much lately so I thought I would share a couple random photos I have taken over the past several days. This one would have been cuter if the kid had his eyes open and his feet on the ground. The moment he sees the camera coming he takes it as his cue to act a fool.
I started some hot pepper seeds in an egg carton and transferred them into my makeshift plant pots made from milk bottles (see I can be green sometimes). I am not sure how big I should let them get before planting them into big containers. Advice anyone? Kristin will probably know :)

We have been doing a whole lot of this. William has a new song called "read". I consists of only the word read and it goes to the tune of "Happy Birthday to you".... read read read, read read read... read read read, read read read (you get the idea)


So how's that for random bits? Please share something random with me...
Shelly, Mom Files
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The boy who refuses to grow up

Our family took a last-minute trip to the mall today to get some volleyball shoes for the girls. As soon as we entered it was like Christmas to who other than Dwayne. He gets all excited when he sees the gumball machines and before he could ask if anyone else wanted a gumball he was already getting a couple for himself.

Look, he has cheeks filled with gumballs. He got all bent out of shape when Brie put her quarter in one of the machines and got two for the price of one. He actually pouted *shakes head* Y'all shoulda heard him smackin' loudly. He said it was very necessary to chew like that. Like I say, if I never had a son I would not have missed out on much.


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Nutella® is what's for breakfast!

**Contest Closed**
Winners are #6 Kristin, #40 Yakini & #165 SalanderServant--Congrats!

Growing up in a West Indian home, we never ate what the other "normal" kids ate for breakfast. Where everyone had pancakes, pop-tarts and cereal, we had channa (chick peas), boiled eggs and sardines (yeah no laughing please)... Not your everyday kind of thing. One memory I do have is Nutella® hazelnut spread. I won't lie, I did not care for it so much. Funny thing is I got a jar of it about a month or so ago and between me and the girls we devoured it in about 4 days. I guess I did not appreciate it since our family seemed to be so different. The great thing is my kids love it. It is made with high quality ingredients including hazelnuts, skim milk and cocoa. The texture is so unique and irresistible. It tastes great on whole wheat toast, bagels and waffles <---ask me how I know ;-) Nutella® contains no artificial colors or preservatives and is a great change from the "normal" breakfast foods.

Getting hungry yet? How would you like a jar to try for yourself? The generous folks from Nutella® have offered me to give away 1 jar to 3 Momfiles readers.
_______________________________________
*Here's how to enter (mandatory)- Let us know if you have ever tried Nutella® before and what you ate it with. If you have not tried it then what do you think it would be good on top of? Please be sure to leave a valid email address if you do not have a Blogger profile.

For extra entries:
~Follow us on Twitter
~Tweet this giveaway (twice daily) Example: Nutella® is what's for breakfast! #giveaway @momfiles http://blog.momfiles.com/2010/08/nutella-is-whats-for-breakfast.html
~"like" Nutella on Facebook
~Share this giveaway on Facebook
~sport the Momfiles button on your blog.
~"like" Momfiles on Facebook

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on Sept 7, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. 3 winners will be picked at random and notified by email.

Disclosure: I received one jar of product as compensation for my post. All opinions were 100% my own.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Hi Yucky!

William is a very funny little guy. He has this new thing he says every time he gets into a shopping cart, stroller or high chair. He says "Hi Yucky!". I don't know what it is and he seems to be referring to the straps. When he gets out he says "Bye Yucky!". He is just too much!


Shelly, Mom Files
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WTH? Wednesday

So many things have me saying WTH? Here it goes...

~Why do people choose not to use a car seat or booster seat for their small child? Why?
~Do you ever have someone who calls you ALL day long and they are talking about NOTHING?
~I really don't like when I make a mountain out of a molehill. I'm working on that.
~I can't stand rude, disrespectful kids. There is a serious epidemic of bad parenting going on (just sayin')
~Carpool rule breakers. I am not going to say another word.
~Why do people who get speeding tickets get mad? Were you not speeding?
~I get tired of PR firms asking me to do things for FREE. They obviously do not know my husband!

Do you have a WTH moment you want to share? Hit me up in the comments!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Back to school with Mission

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Mission Foods. All opinions are 100% mine.





It's that time of year again and I am on Operation Mission – Back To School . I am always on the lookout for new lunchbox ideas as I have posted about before. We finally found a yummy lunch option that everyone loves. A turkey and cheese wrap, it's super simple- all you need is one medium size Mission Flour Tortilla, a slice of Swiss (or your favorite) cheese, deli turkey breast slices and a crunchy dill pickle spear. That's it! I love using the flour tortilla instead of traditional bread or rolls. I think the tortilla keeps better for several hours without losing it's texture like bread tends to do. I also love that the girls can make them the night before and they sometimes add their own extras to suit their individual taste.

You can do so much more with Mission Flour Tortillas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. I sent the husband a couple leftover chicken tenders with some romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing in a tortilla for lunch and he really enjoyed it. You can really be as creative as you want with these! I really feel good about this product and helps with maintaining a healthier lifestyle.


Mission Flour Tortillas are budget-friendly and contain 0 grams Trans fat per serving and are cholesterol free. They are available in small (6"), medium (8") and large (10”) sizes in major grocery stores nationwide and are a great pantry staple.

If you have any great ideas to share using these tortillas please leave us a comment!

Visit my sponsor: Back To School

Shelly, Mom Files
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Taking my sweet time

Ever since the kids went back to school I came to a realization and made a decision. I am going to take my time to do things. Moms tend to get overwhelmed very quickly and this can lead to making careless mistakes. I have realized that I do a lot, probably too much on a daily basis. I watched a video clip the other day about overwhelmed moms and they talked candidly about the things they did unintentionally due to be overburdened with life. I really don't want to go there. I have has close-calls in the past and really don't ever want that to happen again. So this school year I am taking time to take care of myself and take breaks throughout the day. I do enough and I am enough. If clothes don't get put away today, life will go on. If there are toys on the floor, life will go on. If I say "no" to a volunteer job, life will go on. I like the feeling of being well rested and organized and it makes me a way better mom and wife. Remember moms, we can't do it all!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Sibling Rivalry?

Since the girls have started back school William has discovered a new playmate (although he has always been around). Will has found a whole lot of entertainment from our family pet, Milo. Milo does not exactly care for the attention he is getting from his little brother. William takes anything from toys to plastic containers and places them on top of Milo's back and head and laughs so hard. Poor Milo takes the abuse and tries to escape to anyplace away from William.

See the rope bone on Milo's back? haha, you should see when there are like 3 toys at once on top of him. Poor dog. As William says to Milo-- "Come on Wi-wo" Little Milo is stuck with William for a very long time. Get used to the abuse.

Shelly, Mom Files
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First day of school

Well the first day of school is finally here and the girls were up and ready! I charged my camera battery last night because I don't care how old you are, you will get your photo taken. Don't they look so pretty? I am so excited for them and they both have amazing schedules. We are all looking forward to a fantastic school year!






Shelly, Mom Files
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I wonder what will happen

William is very fond of his family. He LOVES his family. Mom, dad, sisters and dog. He asks for everyone at all times of day if he does not see them. He walks back in my bedroom at random times if he thinks he might have heard his dad and will call out "DAAAD!" He wakes up in the morning asking for Chardeeeee... Breeee.... When we are dropping the girls off someplace he sobs and cries out their names. Well school starts back on Thursday and I am so curious to see how he does without his sisters. He really became very attached over the summer. I know he will be fine overall but I am wondering if he will go through any behavioral changes. Well William will have a fun-filled "school year" of his very own. I have big lesson plans for him and will do the best to get him on the road to academic success and also potty training. The potty training will start in a couple months since he really is not showing that he is ready quite yet. Maybe once we get into a new routine with the girls being gone most of the day with school and volleyball, we will factor it in. I am ready to home school my boy and look forward to some great adventures along the way.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Do NOT try this!

I purchased the Wendy's Baja Salad for lunch today since the commercials lured me in with all the "fresh" ingredients that they use. Somebody mighta lied. It was AWFUL. I was so disappointed and can't believe I spent $6 on it. I should have taken myself up to Chick-fil-a and I know I would have been happy. How dare Wendy's brag about how improved their salads are. The cheese was not real, it was processed. The lettuce was not green enough. I felt like I had more stems parts than leaves. I was looking forward to the pico de gallo and guacamole. Big #FAIL. This salad was a mess and I would not recommend it to anyone. The end.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Anyone watching The Next Food Network Star?

I rarely watch any particular television show consistently but I admit I have been hooked on The Next Food Network Star. I am rooting for Aarti to win but I do like the other contestants as well. I think Aarti would bring some nice diversity to the Food Network and with a little push of self-confidence, she can truly become a star. So is anyone watching? Who do you want to win?

Shelly, Mom Files
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Brie's new look and my 700th post!

Here is a new photo of Briahnna without her glasses. At first I did not like it. I have been used to seeing her in glasses for over 5 years. It was too much change so fast. It has been over a week now and it has grown on me. I think the fact that she looks so much more grown up makes me a little sad *sniff*. Funny thing is every so often you see her pushing her "glasses" up higher. Of course there are no glasses to push up! It's out of habit. One thing she has been enjoying is wearing her cute new sunglasses when we go out :)



Shelly, Mom Files
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If you are on Facebook....


I wanted to share some information --Energizer is donating $1 to Susan G. Komen for a Cure for every new “like” on the Energizer Bunny Facebook page (up to $15,000). That’s right. All you have to do is “Like” the Energizer Bunny! So please, if you are a Facebook account holder won't you help out a great cause that costs you nothing but a key stroke?

Shelly, Mom Files
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WTH? Wednesday

So many things make me say WTH?! First up...Why in life do people think it is okay to call married folks (with kids) house after 10 pm? It is so freakin' inconsiderate and rude. I hate that. Another thing that makes me say WTH is when your "friends" on Facebook go through your friends list and request to be friends with your friends. Childish and stupid. Can you say "Remove from friends"? Another WTH is when newbie bloggers steal from seasoned bloggers. It is tacky and tasteless so stop it. Be original and find your own way. I also don't understand how people steal your little catch-phrases and make it theirs. Once again, be original. Can you tell I'm annoyed? Got anything that has you saying WTH?? Share it in the comments!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Feeling some kind of way

I have been so consumed lately. Really deep in thought and reflection about myself and my family. Don't get me wrong, life is good and things are going great. I guess I am thinking ahead since my oldest is now a sophomore in high school and soon after the next one will be in high school. I am faced at acknowledging my age. I will be 37 this year. I don't feel that old though. I will be putting William in school in 3 years. Wow. I am really excited about it. I know William will truly get the best of me just like his sisters did. I guess seeing that life is changing so much and I am so sad that school starts back next week has me feeling some kind of way. I have actually been very down to the point of tears and anxiety. I really enjoyed having the kids around all summer. Well I better get myself in gear because this momma has a lot of work- carpool, games, volunteering, practice and all things kids awaits. Better get some new tires on the mom-taxi pronto!
Shelly, Mom Files
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I'm on a hunt!

I am working hard at saving as much money as I can for our family. I am taking my couponing very seriously and intend on stocking up as much as I can for back-to-school. I have scored so many free items like Cereal, granola bars, air fresheners, body wash, shampoo & conditioner and more! It's become a part-time job and a source of income in a way for me. The best part is that I enjoy doing it :)



Shelly, Mom Files
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Living life

There are days that I really don't want to be on the computer or on my phone but I still end up there. Our lives seem to be lived by documenting short sentences telling the world our whereabouts and saying what's on our mind. Don't forget your # in front of your words. It seems to be what makes the world go around. Social media. I am really not feeling it some days. It is information overload and it gets to be too much. I am keeping things simple and focusing on my sweet family. I want to do less online stuff and more personal and important things. I have had one of the best days today and realized that the computer was not a part of it. Wow, I went the bulk of the day with minimal online correspondence and lived. Truly I lived. I like this sort of living. It is exhilarating and fulfilling. We need to sometimes stop and truly live. Sorry for rambling. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Old school or just a plain old fool?

Remember this a couple weeks ago?

Last night Dwayne and I went to Walmart so he could look for a couple items. He needed to get ....cassette tapes..........*crickets*............ Who does that? He was so happy they actually had it and they were $1.78. I know he is old school but I am beginning to think he is an old fool!

Shelly, Mom Files
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Wordless Wednesday

Playing hide-n-seek in sister's closet.

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Someone is getting contacts

We finally decided to let our Briahnna get contacts. I had to take one last photo with her glasses to remember her this way. I know that once the glasses come off she will look more grown up and quite frankly, I am not ready for it. I know that it will be so much better for her with playing volleyball and other sports. I will post photos of the new Brie when she is ready.


Shelly, Mom Files
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Lieutenant Shelly is in the building!

It's the first week in August and this means it's time to get conditioned for school! I have the kids getting up at 7 AM this week ...NO EXCUSES. They better enjoy it because next week they have to be up by 6 AM and then the following week it goes to 5:45. I am so mean too. I walk by their rooms making noise to be sure they are awake. Haha!! They can be all the mad they want but they will be grateful when school starts back that they are used to getting up at the crack. Like I said, Lieutenant Shelly is in the building! ;)

Question: Do you have any special things you do in preparation for school?
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