Wordless Wednesday
I posted about Will's pumpkin patch visit the other day and told everyone to tell me what they noticed in the first photo. Nobody got it. Here is the answer:
Finally!
We have been working diligently with William to get him potty trained. It has been a trying task to say the least. I can't even begin to say how ashamed I have been that I have a 3 1/2 year old boy walking around in training pants. Every time I turn around I see one of my Facebook friends posting about their 2 year old being fully potty trained or even worse an 18 month old trying to get into it. I am wondering where I have gone wrong. I have every potty seat, underwear, disposable underwear, books, toys, bribery tools...all of it. What do I get? Nothing. Just a hard-headed boy pooping in his pants and me having to clean it all up. Fed up, irritated, powerless. That is how I felt. Well 2 days ago something changed. I saw William in a distance getting ready to hide so he can do his business in his trainers. I quickly snatched him up and asked him if he needed to go poopoo. He had "the look" that I know very well and he tells me "NO!" I calmly walked him into the bathroom and told him to try to go anyway. He sits on the potty and I close the door partially and told him I would let him have his privacy. I can hear him talking to himself. He then calls me in and tells me to look. Of course, as usual...nothing. I told him to try again. He then sits and says to me "and don't get up until you go poopoo". I smiled and agreed with him. About 45 seconds later he calls me back in and once again tells me to look. This time (for the first time) was different. There it was... He did it! He actually went poopoo in the potty!! I immediately high-fived him and praised him for doing a great thing. He didn't look all that happy but after he got cleaned up and washed his hands, he very proudly yelled through the house to the rest of the family that he poopooed in the potty like a big boy. Everyone was so happy and excited for him but we were still wondering if this was a one-time thing.
Well, the following day he voluntarily told me when he needed to go poopoo in the potty. As a matter of fact, he went 3 times! I know TMI! We are so thrilled that he has met this milestone. I was beginning to think it would never happen! I guess all the rumors about boys being harder to potty train were very true. Patience and persistence were what was needed. I guess things happen when they are meant to happen. Go William! Another important step to becoming more independent. Now if only I would stop catering to him :)
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Look! I have a chest!
Oh the things you hear coming out the mouth of little kids are very entertaining... William has been proving to us that he is full-fledged talker with a whole lot to say. He has been exhibiting curiosity and asks a lot of questions. One of the latest things is he noticed that he has nipples. You will find him with his shirt hiked up and his finger over his teeny tiny nipple. His dad told him that boys have a chest. Of course Dwayne tries to keep things as manly as possible with his boy. This morning I was in my bedroom getting dressed after taking a shower. I always leave the door open a few inches just in case William needs me. He started yelling out to me "Bawbi, do you have your privacy?!" This is because I always tell him that girls need their privacy and he has to respect it. Well this time he stumbled over his feet and the door flies open. I am half naked and he looks at me in amazement with his bright eyes and says "Look Bawbi, you have TWO chests!" I quickly covered myself up and told him to get out...then I laughed myself silly! That little boy is too funny! At least I know he is listening SMH.
Pumpkin patch fun
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| Look very carefully in this photo and tell me what you notice.*Hint- look what is in his hand? |
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| He just doesn't like looking at the camera. |
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| This was the "punkin" he chose to purchase. |
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| He looks like he is up to no good! |
My 1,000th post!
Wow, I can't believe that I am writing my 1,000th post. I had to look a couple extra times to make sure that was the correct number! So now what? I don't even know what to say. I have connected with so many amazing and interesting people over the last 4 1/2 years. I have made so many friends that have become very near and dear to me. I never would have imagined that you could make friends with complete strangers in other parts of the country. I have learned so much along the way and have grown as a person. I really can say that my life have changed for the better through blogging. There have been many opportunities and perks but the personal interaction has been most valuable to me. It astonishes me how very small the world can be through the blogosphere. I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read Momfiles, comment, email, Tweet, Facebook....simply just staying connected with me. It has been such fun and I plan to hang around for a while. Much love to you all!Seventh Generation prize pack Giveaway {$80 value}
**Contest Closed** Winner is #146 Kim Smith~ Congratulations!
I received a really lovely prize pack featuring Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid in all 4 scents: Fresh Citrus & Ginger, Lemongrass & Clementine Zest, Lavender Floral & Mint and Free & Clear. I am so happy that Seventh Generation products are safe for my family and the environment! I love the Fresh Citrus & Ginger scent. These dish liquids are non-toxic, biodegradable, free of dyes and synthetic fragrances and are made from plant-derived cleaning agents. I am really pleased with how well the dish soap works on cutting grease and getting my dishes sparkling clean. My daughters love all the scents and this means even more help with the dishes...lucky me!DID YOU KNOW...If every household in the U.S. replaced just one bottle of 25 oz. petroleum-based dishwashing liquid with our plant-derived product, we could save 5.2 MILLION gallons of oil, the equivalent to removing 11,000 cars from the road for one year. Learn more.
Enter the “Nature Makes Perfect Scents” sweepstakes here and you can have the chance to take a trip for two to visit one of the sourcing sites of Seventh Generation natural dish liquid fragrance ingredients. Visit Seventh Generation to learn more about each scent’s origin.
Along with the Seventh Generation dish soaps, I also received a very nice Le Creuset stoneware 3 qt rectangular dish, a set of 3 organic cotton dish cloths, 2 Twist scour pads and 2 Twist loofah sponges. Is this not a wonderful gift? I know I will get great use out of all these items! This gift set is an $80 value and one lucky Momfiles reader will be able to win it.
To enter: Let us know which of the Seventh Generation natural dish liquid varieties you most interested in trying.
For extra entries (please leave a separate comment per entry method) you can do all or any of the following:
~ "like" Seventh Generation (you can share which of the natural dish liquid varieties you are most interested in trying or which essential oil sourcing site you would be most excited to visit on their wall)
~ "like" Momfiles on Facebook (feel free to post on the Momfiles wall letting us know you entered)
~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect
~ Follow Seventh Generation and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet:
Enter the #7thGenDishLiquid #giveaway @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/64779ex from @SeventhGen & #MyBlogSpark!
Disclosure: The Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid prize pack, product and information have been provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.
I just had to have it
I am not a big television watcher but on occasion I will see something that captures my attention. I confess that some of the "As seen on TV" items suck me in. About 5 or 6 years ago I saw the Pedi Paws pet nail trimmer infomercial and I knew I absolutely had to have it. After all, clipping your doggy's nails is a sometimes difficult task. This product looked like a great solution. Dwayne was against me buying it but knew that there was little he could say to stop me. I did it. I bought it. $19.95.
I tried it and it sounded like a freakin' dental drill!!! Poor Milo was scared to death of the thing and it made the task even harder. Needless to say the doggone (no pun intended) thing has been sitting in the box for years. Lesson learned. I still hear "I told you so" for that one.
Have you ever purchased anything dumb from an infomercial?
I tried it and it sounded like a freakin' dental drill!!! Poor Milo was scared to death of the thing and it made the task even harder. Needless to say the doggone (no pun intended) thing has been sitting in the box for years. Lesson learned. I still hear "I told you so" for that one.Have you ever purchased anything dumb from an infomercial?
Lemon tree update #3
For those of you who have been following Momfiles for a while you might recall that I planted a Dwarf Meyer lemon tree back in May. It was wee bitty little thing (see picture below) and I was not sure if it would even grow. I updated again 7 weeks later and you were able to tell that it did indeed grow! I don't have a green thumb at all so I was really happy with the progress.
Well now I am happy to report that my little plant has turned into a bush! Look how big it got! It has now been 5 months and it is still doing well. I actually brought it indoors since our temperatures have been flip-floppy. I keep it in a sunny area of the house and plan to re-pot it in the early spring in a bigger container and return it to the outside deck. I actually found a little caterpillar that had fallen off of it and that explained why a few leaves were chewed up.
I may not get any lemons for a while, but I sure am thrilled that my plant is still alive :-)
Well now I am happy to report that my little plant has turned into a bush! Look how big it got! It has now been 5 months and it is still doing well. I actually brought it indoors since our temperatures have been flip-floppy. I keep it in a sunny area of the house and plan to re-pot it in the early spring in a bigger container and return it to the outside deck. I actually found a little caterpillar that had fallen off of it and that explained why a few leaves were chewed up.
I may not get any lemons for a while, but I sure am thrilled that my plant is still alive :-)Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! It's time to dance! (Giveaway)
**Contest Closed**
Winner is #6 RealtorSD~ Congratulations!
Hey everyone, I am so excited to find out that the Yo Gabba Gabba! crew are on the road performing a new show- "It's Time To Dance!" They will be in my city of Columbia, SC on October 26. If you have never been to a Yo Gabba Gabba Live show you are truly missing out on a fun experience! I have been to many shows over the years and even our teenage daughters agreed that it was their absolute favorite! I really believe that the parents enjoy it more than the little ones! This year there are many cities and show dates so be sure to see if there is a show near you. You don't want to miss out on the fun and excitement!!
I am also very thrilled to offer a giveaway for a Yo Gabba Gabba! CD/DVD prize pack to one lucky Momfiles reader. The CD is the called Music is Awesome 3. It has some great songs that we love: "Don't bite your friends", "Pick it up", "I'm so happy, I can dance" and many more!The DVD is only being sold during the tour - you can't buy it in stores!
That makes it special....It's called KIA MOTORS PRESENTS Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Live From Nokia Theatre L.A. Live
To enter leave a comment letting us know if you have ever been to a Yo Gabba Gabba Live Show or if you plan to catch the newest show in a city near you. Also, who is your favorite YGG! character?
For additional entries (please leave a separate comment per entry method)
~ "like" Yo Gabba Gabba! and Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect
~ Follow Yo Gabba Gabba! and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily)
Enter to win a @yogabbagabba CD/DVD prize pack from @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/6j6thuc #giveaway
Giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on October 29, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be selected at random and contacted via email. Please leave a visible email address if you do not have a Blogger account. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes.
No compensation was received for this post
Keepsakes wrapped in 3D
Do you find that your little ones bring home all kinds of cute things that they made in school? It can range from clay artwork to jewelry and what do you do with it all? I know that we have quite a few items from when the girls were little and they are packed away in boxes. How cool would it be to display some of those creative works of art? Now you can do it with a Z-Access frame.
With a Z-Access 3D frame you can proudly display any of those prized possessions in a very unique way. These frames are 100% American made and come in a variety of colors. There are so many creative uses for these frames...everything from wedding, graduation, baby shower or any kinds of personal keepsakes. These frames would make a neat, one-of-a-kind gift for grandparents with a handmade item from the grand kids. You can learn how to load your frame here and order frames here.
I wish these frames were around years ago! I think we would need to have an entire room dedicated to our family memories.
I received a product sample for review and all opinions are 100% mine as always.
With a Z-Access 3D frame you can proudly display any of those prized possessions in a very unique way. These frames are 100% American made and come in a variety of colors. There are so many creative uses for these frames...everything from wedding, graduation, baby shower or any kinds of personal keepsakes. These frames would make a neat, one-of-a-kind gift for grandparents with a handmade item from the grand kids. You can learn how to load your frame here and order frames here.
I wish these frames were around years ago! I think we would need to have an entire room dedicated to our family memories.
I received a product sample for review and all opinions are 100% mine as always.
Schick® Intuition® IQ Quiz | Giveaway
Contest Closed
Winner is #16 The Sleepy Dreamer
Schick® Intuition® is the razor that lathers and shaves in one easy step. They are kicking off the fall season with a fun, interactive Facebook application and coupon program centered around the balance and happiness that can come from leading a more simple life. Now until October 30, 2011 fans can visit the Schick® Intuition® Facebook page to take the “Intuition IQ” quiz and discover if they are “Simply Carefree,” “Simply Flexible” or “Simply Smart.” After taking the quiz, fans are able to download a $3.00 coupon for any Intuition razor or 3ct. refills.
Schick® Intuition® razor handles and refill cartridges are available at mass retailers nationwide and sell approximately for $9.29 (razor), $9.99 for 3 count and $17.59 for a 6 count refill. Remember, if you take the Intuition IQ Test you can download a $3.00 off coupon!
How would you like to win a Schick® Intuition® Razor (including 2 refills) for yourself?
Just "like" Schick® Intuition® on Facebook and take the Intuition IQ Test . Be sure to comment with what result you got.
For additional entries you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each entry method to count.
~ "like" Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Schick Intuition and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily)
Enter to win a @SchickIntuition Razor from @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/3wcl35b #sexylegs #giveaway #beauty
~ Follow Momfiles via Google Friend Connect
This contest is open to US Residents only and will end on October 24, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Please be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a Blogger Profile.
I received a product sample and all opinions are 100% mine as always.
Pillsbury Breakfast Giveaway {Closed}
Winner is #47 marcia goss Congratulations!
I don't know about your household, but weekday mornings are always hectic around here. Who has time for a hot breakfast when there are lunches to pack, clothes to iron or carpool duty? Pillsbury has come out with two new options to help with that problem... Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches and Pillsbury Egg Scrambles. They are a convenient way to still offer up a hot breakfast in the morning without the hassle involved in the preparation. Just heat it up in the microwave and you're all set!
The biscuits come in these varieties:Sausage & Cheese, Bacon & Cheese and Ham & Veggies. My daughters gave the biscuit sandwiches two thumbs up! They loved the Bacon & Cheese variety.
The Egg Scrambles are available in: Bacon & Veggies, Sausage and Sausage & Veggies
Enter to win a prize pack to try these products out for yourself! One Momfiles reader will win 3 coupons to purchase a free package of new Pillsbury Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches or Pillsbury Egg Scrambles, 1 Doughboy keychain and 1 Doughboy Beanie Doll.
Enter to win a prize pack to try these products out for yourself! One Momfiles reader will win 3 coupons to purchase a free package of new Pillsbury Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches or Pillsbury Egg Scrambles, 1 Doughboy keychain and 1 Doughboy Beanie Doll.
To enter: Let us know which of the new Pillsbury Frozen Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches and Pillsbury Egg Scrambles are you most looking forward to trying.
For extra entries:
~ "like" Pillsbury and Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles through GFC
~ Follow Pillsbury and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily):
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on October 6, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Please leave your email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger Profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
Disclosure: The VIP coupons, prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.
For extra entries:
~ "like" Pillsbury and Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles through GFC
~ Follow Pillsbury and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once daily):
Enter to win a #MyBlogSpark @Pillsbury breakfast prize pack at @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/3ougj6p #giveaway
This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on October 6, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Please leave your email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger Profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
Disclosure: The VIP coupons, prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.
Family Game Night with Coca-Cola
**Contest Closed**
Winner is #121 Krystel S~ Congratulations!
Winner is #121 Krystel S~ Congratulations!
This fall, Coca-Cola wants to help your family get back-to-basics with Coca-Cola Family Night through My Coke Rewards. Whether it’s new snack recipes, tips on at-home activities or the latest in gaming technology—Coca-Cola and My Coke Rewards/Family are here to help facilitate your tradition of family togetherness!No matter what your family enjoys, there are lots of fun features to give your night a personalized twist. Features on My Coke Rewards/Family include gaming features from Sony and snack together tips from Celebrity Chef G. Garvin.
This really gets me to thinking that my family really needs to have a game night soon. We usually have finger foods and fun snacks. When my girls were in elementary school they were both in a magnet program and we had a big family game night event for the all magnet families. We had stations set up with a different board game and a timer was set for 15 minutes. When the time was up you switched to the next game station. It was so much fun and a great way to spend time with family and friends.
To help get you geared up for your next family game night one Momfiles reader will win a Game Board Prize Pack (valued at approximately $100) consisting of:
(1) $25 Amex Card for snacks and supplies
(1) Coca-Cola Coupon
(1) Yatzee Board Game
(1) Monopoly Board Game
(1) Coca-Cola Polar Bear Puzzle
(1) Checkers Mat
(1) Playing Cards or Dominoes Set
Mandatory to enter: Please share a game night memory or tradition you have with your family.
For extra entries you may do any or all of the following (please leave an individual comment per entry method)
~ Sign up for My Coke Rewards
~ Follow Coca Cola and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet about this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet
Looking to bring the family together? @Cocacola might be able to help! Enter here @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/3z8t4j6 #CokeFamilyNight
~ "like" Coca Cola and Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles through Google Friend Connect
This giveaway is open to US/Canada Residents only and will end on October 20, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Please leave your email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger Profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
The prize was provided by Coca-Cola, but Coca-Cola is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of Coca-Cola.
Products I love
I purchased a few new items that I had not tried before and I also had coupons for them. Please note that I am not doing a formal product review. I am just passing on my thoughts about some great finds.
First up, Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil. This is perfect in every way. It has a super-light scent that smells a bit like almonds. It is a little thinner than traditional Aveeno moisturizer because it is an oil moisturizer. It makes my skin feel like how a woman's skin should feel...soft and sexy. Yep, this is my new favorite beauty product for the cooler weather months. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for coupons and sales. Good stuff.
Next item, Dawn Power Clean. This dish washing liquid is supposed to give you 'overnight soaking power in 5 minutes'. Well it actually works! I squirted some into my slow cooker pot that sat overnight with barbecue sauce cooked onto the surface. I was able to get all of it off with ease. I only soaked it for about 2-3 minutes. I also found that it cleaned my plastic food storage containers better than my usual cleanser. I am very happy with this since I wash dishes throughout the day. To me it pays to buy something that may cost a tiny bit more that actually works than to go with the knock-off brands.
Now please don't tell my husband that I did free product reviews! :)
First up, Aveeno Creamy Moisturizing Oil. This is perfect in every way. It has a super-light scent that smells a bit like almonds. It is a little thinner than traditional Aveeno moisturizer because it is an oil moisturizer. It makes my skin feel like how a woman's skin should feel...soft and sexy. Yep, this is my new favorite beauty product for the cooler weather months. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for coupons and sales. Good stuff.
Now please don't tell my husband that I did free product reviews! :)
Spouse guilt and the stay-at-home mom
I have been a stay-at-home mom for 17 years. I admit that I take my mothering gig overboard at times. I do a lot for my children..after all I am a stay-at-home MOM. Last night Dwayne took me out for dinner and drinks. It had been a few months since we went out on a date night so we were very much overdue for one. It was a great evening except for the couple times that I was looked at with a tad bit disgust because I was having discussions about the kids. I was not trying to talk about them that much...it just sort of happens. I am with 1 or more of my children for almost 24 hours of every day. Isn't it only natural for me to mention them to their dad? Well after last night I realized that I need to watch that when it comes time to having that alone time with the husband. I feel so badly for not making our evening enough about him...about us. I really have to work on that. We do plan on making date night a regular event so we stay connected.
If you are a stay-at-home parent, have you encountered the same issue we have? Do you go out on dates regularly?
If you are a stay-at-home parent, have you encountered the same issue we have? Do you go out on dates regularly?
Meet Puppy
Little William has a best friend named Puppy. Puppy is.... a puppy. He got Puppy when he was a newborn from our neighbor. Of course Will had no interest in toys or stuffed animals for quite some time. About 6 months ago he really started to to show an interest in wanting to play with Puppy. Now Puppy gets included with all of his day-to-day activities. He travels in the car, he goes to the playground, he goes to the store and even into the bathroom.
Yep, Puppy had been EVERYWHERE! Puppy became so filthy it wasn't even right. Every time I asked Will if I could give Puppy a bath he would say "Um, no thanks". He does not like parting with Puppy for any reason. Of course I was getting tired of seeing a blue puppy turn gray.
I had to be sneaky and throw Puppy in the washing machine when Will was watching Caillou. Of course he noticed that Puppy was missing after about 5 minutes. He searched high and low and called for Puppy throughout the house. It was so cute and funny at the same time. After about an hour I was able to reunite the two of them. I told Will to smell Puppy and he was all smiles :)
Is your little one attached to a particular toy or item?
Being like dad
Every time Dwayne is around William tends to want to hang around him and in some cases imitate his daddy. This can be a great thing and other times... it can be a very bad thing! Thankfully the good outweighs the bad and Will gets to learn a lot of things from his dad. Dwayne has taught him how to cast a line out in the water, catch a fish, take out the trash, throw a football and so many other neat things. I love when he sees his dad reading and wants to do the same. When I see the two of them together I realize how important a father's role is most especially for boys. After all, a boy can only learn how to be a man from a man.
Now some days Will takes his manliness too far. Yesterday I caught him pulling the cushions off the couch and destroying the family room so I asked him why he was doing that. He responds with "Go back in the kitchen and wash the dishes!" I tell you what, he is lucky he is so adorable or else.... Now you know Dwayne was proud and pulled the old "That's my boy!" Men!!!
Now some days Will takes his manliness too far. Yesterday I caught him pulling the cushions off the couch and destroying the family room so I asked him why he was doing that. He responds with "Go back in the kitchen and wash the dishes!" I tell you what, he is lucky he is so adorable or else.... Now you know Dwayne was proud and pulled the old "That's my boy!" Men!!!
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