Adopted Ed Review

I received the sweetest book called Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern (illustrated by Erin Fusco) to review. Although I am not adopted nor my children I do know many people who were or have children that were adopted. I really love how simple this book is for younger children to understand. The illustrations are very fun and lively and really help tell the story. It is a heartwarming and encouraging story about overcoming bullies and being proud of who you are.

I really think this is an excellent resource for parents, grandparents, family members and elementary school teachers to read since adoption is so common. The end of the book shows some famous people you might not have known were also adopted.

Darren Maddern is just one of the many millions of adopted people throughout the world today. You can learn more about him here. Please check out Adopted Ed on Facebook and Twitter.

I received a copy of the book from One2One Network for review purposes only.

What makes my day right

Every morning is always a struggle getting Dwayne out the door for work. The kids are a breeze, they are always prepared to leave on time. Dwayne is a lounger. He wants to chat and chill in the morning. I am the clock watcher and the nag. I am constantly pointing at the clock telling him he needs to leave. The problem is, we are both engaging in conversation and it is so hard to stop. Dwayne is so silly in the morning with all of his corny jokes and foolishness. I can truly say that my weekday morning is never complete without our long "see ya later" kisses and hugs at the front door before he leaves for work. Some mornings he will even call before he gets to the office to tell me he misses me already. He is going to get me for telling his business!! For the record, he is still the manly man he makes himself out to be to everyone but underneath that athletic chest (haha!) is a warm and loving heart. I love that crazy man!

How does this happen?

Yesterday morning I took Brie to the pediatrician for a check-up. I had to take William with me since I have nobody to keep him. I thought it was no big deal. We dropped Brie off to school after the appointment and came home. I noticed over the next couple hours William was pretty quiet and just lounging around. I knew something had to be wrong. By 2:00 he had a 101.4 fever! HUH?? He was just fine and bam! So today his fever is down to 99.4 so I am keeping an eye on him. He has no other symptoms and is in good spirits. I think it might be teething. I am hoping he did not pick up any germs at the doctor's office. He does not get sick so I am so sad :( Thankfully he is his usual sweet self. We shall see...

It's not just a hat

See the hat in the picture? Well it has been in Dwayne's life for about 10+ years now. He LOVES this hat dearly. A friend he used to work with (who is now deceased) in his 911-communications days gave it to him for Christmas. Dwayne used to work the graveyard shift and the center would be freezing due to all the high-tech equipment. So regardless of what it felt like outside, he wore it for 12 hours straight inside the workplace. He loved this hat so much that he would wear it to bed at night during the winter months. Sexy huh?

We were in Walmart together (hat included) about a week and a half ago and when we got back to the house he was frantic. He ran back out the front door and was down in my car, the yard and even his car. He runs back in the house to ask if I had his hat. I told him that I didn't. He freaked out and declared that he has lost his hat. He was thinking he dropped it in Walmart. I asked him if he wanted I would go with him to look for it. He was so sad. He was even teary-eyed. This hat was filled with sentimental memories. We did not return to Walmart that night. He had a mini-memorial via YouTube videos of old songs that reminded him of his dawg that gave him the hat. He said good-bye to his hat.

We went to Walmart a couple nights ago and I suggested we see if there was a lost and found. Indeed there was. Dwayne described his hat and viola, there it was! I think he almost cried tears of joy when he was reunited with his precious and very filthy hat. He was ALL smiles. I was happy for him. We brought it home and I washed it up and made it Downy fresh. He was whole again. He knows he will keep better track of his things. Bless his heart, he's a simple man. Can't be mad at that :)

HUGE Klutz Books Holiday Giveaway {closed}

**Winner is #68 Pascha Dudley~ Congratulations!

Hey guys! I am so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to review a couple of the Klutz Books for kids. They are truly fun and entertaining and I love the fact that they allow kids to use their imaginations and creativity through art. I received the Window Art Classic and Capsters books and they are amazing! The Window Art Classic book features the neatest ready-to-trace designs using window paint. When your artwork is complete they can be displayed on windows, mirrors, glass surfaces and more. I know my teenagers would love to create their own mirror art to decorate their rooms and bathrooms.

The Capsters book turns bottle caps into great works of coolness! All you do is add one of the over 300 punch-outs (included) and any gem, charms or knick-knacks you can find that will fit in bottle caps and add the gooey glaze. The result is cute little pieces of art that kids can give to friends and family by personalizing it! I am truly loving this idea for kids instead of video games or traditional toys. I know this will bring hours of creative fun and makes a fantastic holiday gift!

A couple other Klutz books include the Headband and Hairstyles (make your own hair accessories) and also the Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes. Right now through December 17, 2010 Momfiles readers can get 25% off a $50 or more purchase at Klutz.com by using coupon code KZ25. Offers cannot be combined. Code expires December 17th.

How would you like to win ALL 4 of these awesome books?
One (1) winner will receive a HUGE KLUTZ prize pack featuring:

* Window Art
* Capsters
* Headbands & Hairstyles
* Paper Airplanes

Prize Pack Valued at $75.99
__________________________________________
Here is how to enter: *Mandatory: Let us know which one of these books you would love to have and why or share who you would give this prize to.

For additional entries (leave a separate comment for each entry to count):
~ "like" Momfiles and Klutz books on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet this giveaway (once per day)- Win a HUGE Klutz Books Holiday prize pack #giveaway @momfiles valued at $75! http://tinyurl.com/357m4e6 Perfect for gift giving!
~ Mention this giveaway on Facebook (once per day)
~ Sport the Momfiles button on your blog
~ Follow Momfiles through Google Friend Connect

This contest is open to US residents only and will end on December 3, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST. Please leave a visible email address if you do not have a Blogger profile. Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be emailed. Good luck to everyone!

Disclosure: I received products only as compensation for my post and hosting giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.