Family * Travel * Food

Romance in Whoville

The other night big daddy came into the bedroom and told me he wanted to give me a relaxing foot rub. I told him that he worked so hard that day so I would take a rain check. He insisted that he wanted to do it and that I better take it while it is being offered. So I graciously accepted his kind offer. My husband has his romantic moments and I thought this was one of them. He tells me to throw my feet across his lap so he can put some of that big daddy magic on me. He feels under the covers and realizes that I have socks on. I tried to reach over to pull them off and he insisted he would take them off. Suddenly I hear "WHAT THE HELL? Are you from Whoville or something? Dr. Seuss is missing some socks!" Oh my husband... He didn't have to say I had Whoville/Dr. Seuss socks. HAHAHAHA!!! That's your boy!

*The stripes are really blue and purple but the blue came out looking white on my camera from the flash.
Y'all better not be making fun of my socks either!

Shelly, Mom Files
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Quick update...

Wow, it's been a while since I last posted. I have been living in the moment with the family being home so the computer has not been a priority. I took Brie to see an orthodontist yesterday for a consultation about getting braces. The doctor said she will have to wear them for 3 years because she has some interesting things going on with her chompers. One thing she has done for years is chew her tongue. How she does that and enjoys it is beyond me but it is her source of comfort since I took the pacifier away from her when she was 3 months old. She also chews when she is excited or concentrating. William is trending to be in the same boat as Brie since he is also a tongue chewer. Well Brie will be getting her braces on Thursday and she is so excited. There will be some oral surgery she will have to get in a few months that will help correct a tooth that is growing where it shouldn't. She will be going through a lot for the next few years but I am so sure it will be worth it when she has the awesome smile she will be so proud of. We are all so happy for her. Oh, they are going to cost a fortune. Seriously we could buy a car with that kind of money. She is worth it though :)

Does anyone have any advice for someone getting braces?
Shelly, Mom Files
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So much for a break

I am sure that in most places it is officially winter break (from school). I went and has this really smart idea of scheduling dental and doctor appointments since school is out. Apparently everyone else had the same idea. The physician's offices have been jam packed and the wait has been lengthy. I feel like I have been busier than when the girls are in school! I have not even been updating my blog. I have another full day today and tomorrow but I do plan to rest a bit on Thursday and Friday. I might do some last minute shopping (strictly for bargains). I have not even planned any big spread for Christmas. I am going to cook something very simple and less formal. Once Sunday hits I will be ready to tear apart all signs of Christmas so my house can be clean and ready to ring in the new year. I hope you all are having a great week so far :)
Shelly, Mom Files
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I finally found it!

Do you guys remember the story about this cooking spoon?


Well I think I might have finally found what I have been looking for! I purchased this Calphalon Stainless Steel Spoon from CSN Stores online recently and I am so HAPPY! I took the chance since it was off a website and I could not touch and feel for myself. It turned out the be a great call!

The spoon is heavy and a good 2.5 inches longer than the old spoon. It has a silicone handle that is supposed to withstand very high temperatures. So far so good! Of course out of habit I still go grab my old one. She's not going anywhere! I plan to order the slotted spoon that matches this week. I am really happy with this purchase and I am so glad I finally found a good, quality cooking spoon :)


Shelly, Mom Files
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WTH? Wednesday

Seems like this cold weather blast has brought in a whole lot of WTH moments.
  • I am going to start with teachers...Educators...Why in the world are some of them Tweeting and Facebooking during school hours? I know that the schools and probably just about every workplace has a very strict policy about the use of social networking sites. Then again most of them seem to be doing it on their BlackBerry. Funny how they like to talk about how bad the kids are and how they don't listen. Hmm....
  • While on the subject about FBing and Tweeting from work...If you are going to do it, DO NOT complain about your boss or your co-workers. Not smart at all especially if someone rats you out.
  • Why oh why must my son hand me "things" and say "thank you" in such a sweet voice. I won't even go into the "things" he gives me....YUCK!
  • We put our old big screen TV on the side of the road with a sign on it that said "take me, does not work". Why the hell did people come up to our door to ask if the TV works? WTH! Seriously, would we put something like that on the side of the road if it was working? We would have been Craigslisting that bad boy!
  • Why do people get in a long ass line at Walmart with a bunch of things that they do not know the price? Then they get up to the register and complain that the item costs too much. WTH! Do you not read the shelf label when you pick stuff up?
So now it's your turn to share your WTH moments in the comments...
Shelly, Mom Files
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2011 StickyStock calendar | Giveaway {closed}

**Contest Closed**
Winner is #40 Rashida Simmons~Congratulations!

For all of you procrastinators out there, it's not too late to order those Holiday cards. Paperspring is offering 10% off all Holiday Cards plus FREE 2 day shipping on orders of $50 or more now until December 20. Use code HOL10 to save 10% on any order and select Two Day Shipping during checkout to receive Free 2 day shipping on orders of $50 or more!

Paperspring is offering a neat item called The StickyStock Calendar. This calendar is so unique and solves the problem of having to tape up or use thumbtacks to post up a family or office calendar. StickyStock sticks to anything, even drywall, cabinets and stainless steel fridges. And StickyStock leaves no residue, much like a post-it. You can also write on the calendars with a pen or dry erase marker. I love the idea of this and I know I have torn many calendars having them hanging on thumbtacks or a nail!



I am so excited that Paperspring is offering one lucky Momfiles reader the chance to win a 2011 StickyStock calendar ($19.95 retail price)

*Mandatory: Entering is easy, just tell me what you plan to do with the calendar if you win.
For additional entries: *Please leave a separate comment per entry method for each entry to count.

~ you can "like" Momfiles and Paperspring on Facebook
~ mention this giveaway on Facebook (once daily)
~ follow Momfiles through Google Friend Connect
~ sport the Momfiles button on your blog
~ Follow Momfiles and Paperspring on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (once daily) :
Enter to win a @paperspring #2011 StickyStock Calendar from @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/2wv8o3n #giveaway Ends Dec 19

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on December 19, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for my post.

Shelly, Mom Files
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I need your help

Please, if anyone knows how to back-up your blog on your computer will you kindly let me know? My very good friend lost her blogs (we don't know why) and I am feeling really paranoid. I couldn't imagine all the years of memories being lost. Has anyone heard about blogs on Blogger disappearing? I am sick for my poor friend. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
Shelly, Mom Files
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Ebeanstalk toy review

Have you ever needed to find perfect baby gifts, but weren't quite sure where to look? Search no further. All you have to do is head on over to ebeanstalk and search for toys by age! Ebeanstalk is a website that provides toys for babies and kids of all ages. Child experts hand select only the best learning toys, so not only is it easy to find age appropriate toys, but you can be reassured that they are great for a baby's development too!


I was so happy to receive the adorable Stacking Train by Melissa and Doug from ebeanstalk to test out. This was perfect since William is really into locomotives right now and most especially TRAINS! This toy is made from wood and is very sturdy for my rough toddler. It has brightly colored shapes that are great as a teaching tool and also makes your child use their brain to figure out how to put it together. I can see this train being William's favorite for a while. He walks around saying "play choo-choo train". I am a fan of this toy because I know that the Melissa and Doug brand make durable wooden toys that make your child think. I would recommend toys and games from ebeanstalk any day if you are looking for something fun and will help your child to learn in the process. There are so many choices and the site is so easy to use. Happy toy hunting!

Disclosure: I did not receive any compensation for this post, all opinions are mine as always.

Shelly, Mom Files
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Family trip to Bass Pro Shops in Concord, NC

10 years ago, our family visited the Bass Pro Shops store in Concord, NC. I took this photo of Dwayne and the girls. We all had such a wonderful time. Some great memories were made.

Now 10 years later, we have revisited the same place (this time with an additional family member). It seemed even bigger and better than we remembered! Our main purpose for going was for Dwayne to purchase Briahnna her very first fishing pole since she has shown interest in her dad's favorite sport.
Dwayne was really enjoying showing the kids the fish in the HUGE tank as well as all the cool gadgets that were on the showroom floor. Do you notice what is in William's hand? He never leaves home without it!

Look at this enormous catfish! I overheard a gentleman saying that it was likely a 130 pounder. You should have seen how many people were crowding around this area.

William really enjoyed seeing all the fishies. He was smiling from ear to ear :)

At one point I could not find Dwayne. He was tucked away in the fishing rods section. He was truly in his playground. He said that growing up, fishing kept him out of trouble. He wants to pass on his love for fishing to the kids. Chardie is more of a girlie girl like her momma so she said she would just watch.
We live on a big pond and Dwayne sometimes sneaks William out there (thinking I would not know) so that they could cast out a few lines. William loves it. When the weather warms up we plan to go check out some fishing spots in some of the state parks. Of course there better be a nice cabin with electricity if this girl is going to be convinced to partake!

Have you ever been to a Bass Pro Shops store before?

Shelly, Mom Files
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365 Everyday Value™ Baby Diaper review


Whole Foods Market launched a spanking-new version of the 365 Everyday Value™ Baby Diaper line earlier this year and sent me a package to try out. The first thing I noticed was that the package said chlorine-free. This made me wonder what the heck I have been putting on my kid all this time! William is in a size 6 and I found that it fit pretty well. I liked how stretchy the closures were and also how well they fit around the leg area. I noticed that these diapers are completely white (no cartoons on them). 365 Everyday Value™ Baby Diapers are made with chlorine free materials, are hypo-allergenic, latex free, and contain no perfumes or dyes making them a safer, healthier choice for your tot and the environment. They are priced at $9.99 which is $2 less than the previous rate. This really makes affording these diapers easier. I really like the fact that they carried the same quantity of diapers per package comparing to the other diaper brands~That was a big plus for me! I really wish we had a Whole Foods location near my city. I would have loved to try out the training pants.

Be sure the check Whole Foods market out on the web, Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for my review, all opinion are my own as always.

Shelly, Mom Files
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William is famous!

William is making it big at only 2 1/2! Check out his big debut representing his favorite thing--Carmex®. I am so excited and humbled that my story was featured. It's fun to represent a brand that we love and trust.

Have a great weekend bloggies :)
Shelly, Mom Files
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Wordless Wednesday

Who needs toys when you can have a box!



Shelly, Mom Files
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Early Christmas present


We had an unfortunate thing happen last week when I went to turn on our big screen TV the other day. It died. We have 3 other TVs in the house but for some reason everyone congregated in MY room. I was getting tired of the mess my room became so Dwayne and I decided it was time. We researched dozens of TVs and finally decided on "the one". We got a 40" Samsung flat panel that had all we wanted as well as the price was just right.

The next part was the big argument over TV stands for flat screens...to mount or not to mount... Dwayne had his mind made up with what he wanted and I made the squinchy face. I thought it looked cheap and tacky. After debating the subject I let him have his way (again, I can be a nice wife sometimes). We went with one that has a combination of dark wood and dark glass with a mount. We opted not to mount on the wall. It turned out to be exactly what we all wanted and Dwayne made a great choice on the stand. The family can now watch television in the family room and not my room. Dwayne declared that this was Christmas and beyond for all of us. Of course he told us in his Dwayne-like way~ "Y'all betta not ask for a dang thing, ya hear?!" He's still griping over the small fortune he handed over to buy our new, beautiful TV but I am sure he will get over it when he catches a new episode of River Monsters or Avatar (the cartoon). Ah, the power of man and HDTV ;)

Shelly, Mom Files
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Husky Tools stocking stuffer giveaway (closed)

I recently posted about The Home Depot offering Husky Tools for under $20 just in time for the holidays. The Husky brand is very familiar to me since my dad worked for the Home Depot for 20 years. I think he had every tool that was made (an probably still does).

I have received the 13pc PowerTek Precision Screwdriver Set. This great little hand tool features:

* Easy to Grip, Soft Touch, Forward and Reverse Precision Cordless Screwdriver Set
* Ideal for Toys, Electronics, Eyeglasses, Hobbies, Crafts and More
* Contains 12 Multiple Use Mini Bits with a Single Tool Design
* Includes Easy Use Bit Storage Case
* Ready to Use with 2 - AAA Batteries
* And it is guaranteed forever!

This is a perfect stocking stuffer or gift for husbands, neighbors, teachers, crafters, tech freaks...just about anyone! It is so useful and compact that you can travel with it. Check out the video to see this great tool in action.



Giveaway:
I have one of these cute little guys to give away to one lucky Momfiles reader. *Mandatory: Entering is easy, just tell me who you would give the prize to if you win or which of the other tools you would be interested in.

For additional entries: *Please leave a separate comment per entry method for each entry to count.

~ you can "like" Momfiles and Husky Tools (Iron Bridge Tools) on Facebook
~ mention this giveaway on Facebook (once daily)
~ follow Momfiles through Google Friend Connect
~ sport the Momfiles button on your blog
~ Follow Momfiles on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (once daily) :
Enter to win the Husky Tools stocking stuffer #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/34wpvln @momfiles Ends Dec 14

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on December 14, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for my post.
Shelly, Mom Files
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Christmas 2010- Ismail kids

Every year we take a photo of the kids for Christmas. I end up taking at least 20 shots and for some reason the very first shot always seems to be the best one. I love comparing every year to see how much they have grown.

Look at that silly grin!

Someone does not always cooperate. He smiles and pays attention after the camera flashes.


Shelly, Mom Files
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Give someone the tools they need this holiday

Home Depot is offering many hand tools by the Husky Tools brand under $20 this season with prices starting as low as $4.88. Not a bad option for dad's stocking stuffer. You can never go wrong with a useful and practical gift (not to mention low cost). You can check out the line of Husky Tools holiday deals here. Be sure to "like" them on Facebook to get updates.




Shelly, Mom Files
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"Marry Me," premieres on Lifetime next Sunday Dec. 12

Check out the trailer to the miniseries on Lifetime called Marry Me premiering December 12 & 13. Award nominated film and television actress Lucy Liu (Ally McBeal, Charlie’s Angels) stars in the Lifetime Television original miniseries event Marry Me, the story of one woman’s journey to find her elusive “Prince Charming.” But when she happens to find three at the same time, who she ultimately chooses is a surprise…even to her.



Shelly, Mom Files
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Flashback Friday

It's just not Christmas without this foolery. Classic!



Shelly, Mom Files
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WTH? Wednesday

Ah, it's Wednesday... Where do I start?
  • My 16 year old daughter does not care for meat at all. Even the sight of a steak or pork chop will make her feel sick to her stomach. She won't eat burgers or meatloaf or any red meat related dish. She is my chicken and seafood eater. Why does she LOVE pulled pork? WTH? How does that make sense?
  • When Dwayne and I were shopping on Black Friday we actually heard people complaining about the lines being too long. Really now? It's Black Friday ya dummie!
  • I saw this gorgeous young woman the other day looking over the cosmetics at Kohl's. She was dressed really well, nice hairstyle, the whole nine yards...until....this heffa was trying on the lip gloss sample directly on her lips!!! I could not believe my eyes. WTH? Who does that? Oh yeah, cheap broads with no class.
  • Our big screen TV died on us. Life is not nice without HDTV. I hate that we have to get a new one.
  • I am still not over Dwayne saying that I look like I am trying to steal from the stores.
  • I can't stand when I am Facebooking and Twittering from my smartphone and I accidentally retweet or "like" something bad because my touchscreen is so sensitive. Makes me look like a jerk!
Now it's your turn to share a WTH moment with us in the comments...
Shelly, Mom Files
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