Oh no she didn't!

Today I (Sheliza) went to volunteer at my older daughter's school. My task of the day was "book collection". The object of the task was, well... to collect books. Not too bad I thought. I also had to deliver some books to classrooms and I heard the dreaded sound... the school bell. Within a matter of seconds, the hallways were overrun with mobs of students. I was with a couple other moms at the time. We carefully stood on the side to clear ourselves from getting run over. There was a nice girl that I have seen many times (at the carpool pickup line) and she was standing behind me. She does not know me but I am sure she was aware that I was an adult. All of a sudden she starts spewing four letter words about the book cart being in the way. My mouth as well as the other moms' mouths dropped in disbelief. I am not living under a rock someplace that I do not face the facts that kids use curse words, but this time I was shocked that they were blatantly being used in front of adults willingly without a care in the world. Later that day my husband accompanied me to go pick the girls up from school. I was back at the middle school once again. There were two girls walking right by our car and they said the 'F' word at least 3 times and even looked at us in our faces! Girls are so much bolder than boys, it's unbelievable! My husband was so outraged. He immediately told both daughters that if he ever heard another parent say that they heard his child cursing in front of adults, they better be prepared to fight. I let the girls know that they would also need to be prepared to lose the fight! When we were kids, we thought we were big and bad if we said 'hell', but we definitely knew better than to say it in front of a grown up! Too bad things aren't that way anymore. Apparently the word 'respect' has been pulled from the dictionary. Very pathetic.

Stay-at-home moms may become extinct!

I was watching the evening news last night and the anchor was talking about (what other than) the sticker shock we are facing for gas and groceries. We all are seeing how expensive it is to fill up our vehicles and it seems to burn faster than ever! Then they talked about corn. I guess I never realized just how much corn is so much a part of virtually everything we eat and drink with the exception of fresh fruit and vegetables. Corn is used in the form of corn syrup as a sweetener... corn is fed to the chickens that lay eggs than we cook and bake with...corn is fed to the cows that produce the milk we pay 4 bucks a gallon for... many products contain corn (snacks, cereal, etc...) and then there is ethanol . It is said that gas will most likely go up to $4 a gallon this Summer. Looks like no relief anytime soon. I know that I continue to shop according to sales and combining coupons to help cut back. I even shop 2-3 grocery stores (all located next to each other) to stretch my dollars. I know it is hard for working people to do that. Speaking of which, if these costs stay this way for years to come, does this mean the stay-at-home mom will have to go find a job outside of the home to help support their family? What do you think?

Digital phone service

Hello all! Today I wanted to give you are warning, in the event you did not already know this. Digital phone service has become a very popular choice recently and saves big bucks when compared to the traditional phone lines. I personally have digital phone for home and business and have been pleased mostly for the savings. Here it comes, the downfall... when you are receiving a call waiting call and click over, beware that the person you were speaking with can possibly hear your conversation on the other line. This has happened to me twice! I now do not bother to click over and just let the calls go to voicemail. You never know who might hear something that was not intended for their ears! My local provider assured me that this was temporary and they are working out the "glitches". So be careful what you say!

Do you like arcade games?

Remember the old Pac-Man and Frogger games you played when you were a kid (or still do)? You have to check out the links under the "Just for Fun" tab. Moms, if you are at work I suggest you turn the volume all the way down! Don't let the kids catch you playing cause then you might have to share! Have fun!!!

Russell Simmons, Honorable Mention

I was reading an article online this morning about Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. He said that the recording industry should ban the use of extrememly bad words in music. Yes, there's that old 'Freedom of Speech' thing, but when you are using vulgar words in every other phrase, there is a big problem especially to moms. We care about what our children listen to and unfortunately we can't be there to monitor every second of the day of our childrens' lives. Every time you turn your car radio on, there is a catchy and popular song on that you even find yourself listening to, but when the kids are in the car you change the station because of the suggestive words. I truly hope that Russell Simmons will be able to use his status to bring results. Sadly, we live in a world that obscene language and behavior is acceptable by society. Check the full story out here.

Women after Five Event

Don't forget the upcoming event for Sistercare of the Midlands/ Women after Five 14th Annual Silent Auction & Reception. It will be located at Troncos at the Fairgrounds on May 8, 2007 from 5:30-8:00 pm. There is a $50 donation to attend the event. There will be a huge array of items to bid on such as salon packages, restaurant certificates, vacation packages, pottery, antiques and countless other items from local businesses and individuals. The Guest Speaker will be Laurie LeGrand (domestic violence survivor). There will be Hors D'oeuvres, soft drinks, beer and wine served throughout the event. All donations should be be sent to Women after Five/ SisterCare c/o Mrs. Claudia Maloney P.O. Box 1029, Columbia, SC 29201 or call (803)926-0505. Please be sure to mention that you heard about this event through Momfiles.com by dropping a note along with your donation. This is such a great cause and if you can't make it to the event, consider making a donation.

Embarassing your kids-The Right of Parents

This morning my younger daughter went on a school field study to Charleston, SC to the Cooper River Bridge and The Citadel. Since she was going a whole two hours away from home and would be gone all day, my husband and I thought we would be the good parents (since neither of us could attend) to take her to the pick up site to see her off. Her dad gets a little crazy with the camera and takes video clips as well as photos of all the kids and their families. As you can see on the photo to the left, she was making the mad dash to dodge her dad, the camera man!

After dropping the first child off we then took our middle school aged daughter to school. Her dad decides to jump out of the driver's seat (in the crowded carpool line) and pose for a photo. My poor child was so embarrassed since everyone was staring. It was pretty funny I have to admit. It is sort of cute now that I look at the photo- the children were asked to wear burgundy or orange to show remembrance for those that passed away in the recent tragedy at Virginia Tech. Look at that, dad and daughter wearing those very colors. SO sweet! I always said I would never embarrass my own children when I was a kid but it's just too much fun!!

Interview: Kathy Shaw- Sistercare

I have had several moms inquiring about an upcoming event for Sistercare of the Midlands/ Women after Five 14th Annual Silent Auction & Reception. On Thursday, April 12th, I was privileged to have a phone interview with Kathleen Shaw, Development Director for Sistercare, Inc. For those of you that are not familiar with Sistercare here is some information: Sistercare is a program of services for battered women and their children residing in Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, and Richland counties in South Carolina. Sistercare, Inc has been around for about 25 years. 60% of women In Sistercare's THREE SHELTERS are mothers with their children. In 2006 Sistercare assisted 4,466 victims of domestic violence. Of this number 663 were provided safe shelter. Of the 663, 275 were children with their mothers. They have a 24-hour crisis line that operates 7 days a week 803-765-9428 or toll free 800-637-7606. Ms. Shaw stressed the urgency of educating the public about domestic violence because it is a far larger problem than most people realize. Sistercare receives financial support from individuals, businesses, civic and faith organizations in order to continue serving our community.


The Women after Five Silent Auction & Reception was started 14 years ago. The success of this event continues to be of great benefit for helping Sistercare meet their financial goals.This year's event will be held at Troncos at the Fairgrounds on May 8, 2007 from 5:30-8:00 pm. There is a $50 donation to attend the event. There will be a huge array of items to bid on such as salon packages, restaurant certificates, vacation packages, pottery, antiques and countless other items from local businesses and individuals. The Guest Speaker will be Laurie LeGrand (domestic violence survivor). There will be Hors D'oeuvres, soft drinks, beer and wine served throughout the event. All donations should be be sent to Women after Five/ SisterCare c/o Mrs. Claudia Maloney P.O. Box 1029, Columbia, SC 29201 or call (803)926-0505. Please be sure to mention that you heard about this event through Momfiles.com by dropping a note along with your donation. Momfiles will actively promote all Sistercare events so please check back often for updates.

Interesting Gift Idea

I was paying my bills online today and decided to peruse the SCE&G website. I found a link that said 'gift certificates'. Wait a minute, did I see that correctly? You can buy a gift certificate from the same company that provides your electricity and gas? We can now give the "Gift of Comfort" as they phrase it. I have officially seen it all! Actually it is not a bad idea because they can be given as gifts to family members or friends living on fixed incomes, newlyweds, college students, adult children starting out on their own, new homeowners, the person who has everything , graduations, birthdays, weddings, holidays and "just because". You can purchase them in increments of $25-$150. Now, that is one neat gift to give! If my husband is reading this, please note that this does not apply to Anniversaries or Valentines Day! Go to http://www.scana.com/ and choose the SCE&G tab. Check it out!

Summer Activities

Does anyone have any good ideas for the children to do this Summer that are located within the Northeast Columbia area? I have had several moms ask about that for ages ranging from 3-14. They were especially interested in activities for 2+ children that offer discounts and hopefully making it more affordable. Please post your suggestions!

PETS, Inc. Opens Non-Profit Pet Shop

PETS, Inc. Opens Non-Profit Pet Shop

Health conscious pet owners can now find premium pet food and supplies at the newly opened PETS, Inc. Adoption Center and Shelter at 300 Orchard Drive in West Columbia. All products are quality-tested by PETS, Inc. Resolving containment issues, dietary deficiencies, shedding concerns, behavioral problems and poor hygiene has been a major part of the rescue mission since 1992. Affordable, healthy and creative products address every aspect of successful pet ownership.

Please stop in and visit them for your pet care needs or even consider adoption. Open until 8pm every day. Call 739-9333 or visit https://webmail.petsinc.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.petsinc.org/ for a map and directions.

Spring Fever- Pollen & Headache

Spring is in the air and everything is thriving and full of life. The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing and the flowers are blooming. Oh, and then there is the pollen that drifts through the air and blankets everything in sight! This is a nigthmare for those of us that suffer from seasonal allergies. My younger daugther has a variety of allergies and Spring is usually the worst time of year for her. I was picking her up from school the other day and the minute the car door slammed she said "Mom, my head hurts". Then yesterday my husband (the biggest baby of all) comes up to me with this sad face and says "Honey, my head hurts weally, weally bad". Notice I did not say really, but 'weally'. Gosh, that's just sad! I guess this means we better get prepared especially for the big babies in our lives. If anyone has any tips or advice to help our allergy sufferers please send me and email or make a post. My little bit of advice is to wear sunglasses when you are outside to protect those precious peepers from that evil pollen! Good advice especially for contact lens wearers. Take care y'all!

Cell Phones and Driving

Is it just me or is it absolutely ridiculous the amount of people that find the need to talk on the cell phone while driving?! If it is that necessary to do so why not do it in a safer way to protect yourself, other drivers, and especially the precious cargo that travels in the back of the minivan. Hello?? There are hands-free devices that are very affordable and not to mention the newer model phones come with speakerphone. I see too many people on the road that are too interested in keeping that phone glued to their ear instead of paying attention to driving safely. The sad part is that the more this habit is practiced in front of children the greater the chance that they will do it themselves. And we wonder why children don't listen. Think about it!

Tot Trade Sale/ March 2007

Hey Moms! I wanted to let you know about an upcoming sale by Tot Trade, South Carolina's largest children's consignment sale. They are celebrating their 10th year in business and this twice yearly event will draw thousands! Save big on "gently used" children's clothing, nursery items, shoes, baby equipment, furniture, playground equipment, books, software and lots of toys!!
The Tot Trade schedule is as follows:
Saturday (17th): Pre-Sale Extravaganza for consignors, volunteers, and first-time moms/guests only. You must have a pass to enter. Sunday (18th): Public sale noon-6pm
Tot Trade Too
March 24- Pre-Sale Extravaganza for consignors, volunteers, and first-time moms/guests only. March 25- Public Sale, noon to 6pm March 26-27- Public sale 9am-7pm and
March 28- Public sale 8am-7pm.
For more information call (803) 783-5355 or go to www.tottrade.net

New Crime - Child Identity Thief

That's right moms, When you thought it could not get any worse out here raising children, a new threat arises. Many dumpster diving thieves are no longer looking just for your information, but the ultimate prize. Your Child's Information! Just image your son or daughter reaching 18, applying for college, or moving out into the real world.

Only to find out that had a gas card, or major credit card when they were only 13 years old.

Why Would Someone Do This? The reason is simple: Many parents do not check their child's credit report, and many young individuals do not check their credit reports until they enter college, or the workforce. Identity thief is very lucrative. The old saying was if you can't beat them, join them. Now the saying is more like.. If you can't beat them become them. If that bothers you as much as it bothers me, Check out LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention

This is is not just a credit monitoring system, but it is a real credit partner. Instead of being their after something happens, they are there to help prevent it from happening in the first place. This is a low cost was to protect yourself and your babies. I like this program because

1. It's affordable
2. Monitors my credit
3. Stops Credit Card Solicitations
4. Reduces my junk mail
5. Locks my credit report
6. 1 Million dollar guarantee if something goes wrong.

It is also a good idea to check with your insurance company to see what identity monitoring services they offer. as a customer of their you may be entitled to a discount on your insurance.

If you have been a victim of identity thief. Share your story with us so we can learn from your experiences.