Tuesday, June 28, 2011

V Smile Motion Product Revew

We recently purchased this V-Smile Motion for our 3 year old son and we couldn't be more pleased with it.  It is strong quality materials and takes a beating and still hangs in there.  We especially love that the game it comes with (and I believe all the other games too) is educational and that my son can play it without much help.  The controller is easily modified for left or right handed children and can be used as a movement controller (similar to a Wii controller) or as a traditional joystick controller (my son's favorite way to use it).  The controller is completely wireless so no cords to get tangled or messed up.

An even cooler feature if you have several young children is that they can play head to head with each other with this system.  All you need is another wireless controller and your kids can play against each other live on the screen.  I don't think many children's gaming system's allow for that type of play.

The V-Smile Motion does not come with the plug in adaptor (although it is available separately) but since it does run by battery we were able to plug it into our car recently on a long trip so my son could play games on the TV built into the van.  I am not a big fan of video games for kids .  .  . but this one is so educational, that used in moderation (like on long car trips) I think it will continue to be a great addition to the toys in my home.  The graphics are NOT good . . . not anywhere near the Wii graphics my husband and I use . . . but for a 3 year old with his first gaming system it's been just fine.

If you are looking for a video game system for your 3-5 year old child I highly recommend this toy.  It has not gotten great reviews online but my son has used and ABUSED his and it's still doing just fine and we are enjoying it often.  I can't wait to try out some new games.  slight disclaimer, we have never used any other gaming system with my child so while we do LOVE this system, we have not at this point ever used another system made for 3 year olds.

The system retails for about $40 at most stores.  I recently found that one of the Walmarts in town was clearing the shelves of this product so it was actually marked down to $29.99 and the games were only $9.99 so you might check your local store to see if they have theirs on sale.

Monday, June 27, 2011

5x7 Folded Card

Thanks Much Sky Thank You 5x7 folded card
Browse our selection of modern graduation announcements.
View the entire collection of cards.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

City Time Mini Golf


City Time Mini Golf--located in City Park Parkersburg, WV
Our operating season will run through September 4, 2011.

Hours (weather permitting):
Monday - Saturday.........Noon - 9:00 pm
Sunday.......................1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Rates (for 18 holes):
Children (12 & under) $1.00
Adults $1.50

Summer Playground Program--Wood County

Summer Playground Program provided by the Wood County Parks and Recreation
Adult supervised, Free six week program
Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Organized play and arts and crafts.

Free lunch and snack provided at most locations. *Site must pre-qualify through Wood County Schools

June 20- July 29, 2011
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

2011 Summer Playground Locations
Lubeck Elementary
Fairplains Elementary
Waverly Elementary
Friendship Park
Parkersburg City Park
Williamstown Tomlinson Park
Boaz - Sand Hill UM Church

You may register your child during the program at the on-site location of your choice.
If you need more information, call 304 424-7311 x203, Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You can also email chardman@woodrecreation.com

Playground Playday will be held on July 27, 2011 at Southwood Pool, Waterslide, and Mini-Golf Course!! Your child MUST have a signed permission slip BY July 26th to attend, no exceptions!! We also need volunteer parent drivers/chaperones to transport children to Southwood. Please ask your site Supervisor in advance for required paperwork.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Summer Reading in Wood County

Summer time is a great time for developing a reading habit with your children.  Libraries often have great programs to help reward you and your children for your reading.  Here are some of the ones in Wood County.

Wood County Library Emerson Ave. location-One World, Many Stories
  • program runs from June 22-Aug 17 for ages 3-16
  • chart books read and receive prizes and awards for reading
  • join the Reading is fundamental program for free book giveaways
  • children must pre-register at the library to participate
  • story hour programs every Thursday evening at 7:00pm for ages 3-10


Vienna Public Library-One World, Many Stories
  • program runs from June-Aug 9 for all ages through adult
  • chart books read and receive prizes and awards for reading
  • all ages must pre-register at the library and pick up reading forms
  • be sure and check out their story hour times and programs here

Monday, June 20, 2011

LOWES Build and Grow Clinic


LOWES build and Grow Clinic this week (Saturday, June 25 at 10:00 AM) will be making this flag waver. Go here to sign up for this free kids building clinic. What a fun project for the 4th of July.

Each child will receive all the items needed for their waver as well as a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certificate when they complete their project. Project designed for children in grades 2-5.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Monster Trucks in Parkersburg, WV

Monster Truck Jam is coming to Wood County, WV!!

Check out all the information about the actual Monster Truck Rally in Mineral Wells, WV here tickets look to be $20 for adults and $10 for kids if you order ahead of time.  Use the code GRINDER at ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000 to get $5 off up to 6 adult tickets!!

But . . .  if you want some free entertainment . . . some of the trucks will be available to look at and take pictures with at local Advance Auto Parts on Thursday. 



Thursday, June 23rd from 2:00PM - 6:00PM

Stone Crusher at Advance Auto Parts 7th St, Parkersburg, WV
Grave Digger at Advance Auto Parts Division Street Parkersburg, WV
Black Stallion at Advance Auto Parts  Murdoch Ave Parkersburg, WV
Subject to change without notice so call ahead.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

HIGH VALUE DiGiorno coupon

"Like" DiGiorno on facebook here for a $2 coupon off any Pizza & Side pizza.  This is a high value coupon and won't last long so HURRY!  Also, be sure and hit your back button after it prints to print it twice (the limit is two).

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Clown Miniature Golf in Boaz, WV

Clown Miniature Golf in Boaz, WV (3 miles south of Williamstown on Highway 14)
Open 1:30pm-10:00pm every night June-August

Party Hoppers Discount Admission

Be sure and pick up the Mid-Ohio Valley Parent Magazine June/July edition and turn to page 22 for a $1 off admission coupon for up to three kids.  Hurry though, it expires June 30. Parent Magazines can be picked up for FREE at local libraries, most local drugstores, and some local grocery stores.

Multi-Cultural Festival at City Park Parkersburg, WV

Multi-Cultural Festival at City Park this weekend (Friday 6pm-Sunday 8pm) and has FREE admission to all events.  The festival will include ethnic food vendors, crafters and an international market.  In addition to lots of live music there is also a children's area with free arts and crafts activities in the Pavilion. 

On Saturday there will be a drum making workshop for children at 11:30 and the children that make the drums will perform with Baba Jubal Harris an African drummer at 1:00 on the main stage.

Monday, June 13, 2011

FREE Jamocha OREO Shake at Arby's (with value meal purchase)

Head over here to print your coupon for a FREE Jamo shake with value meal purchase.  Sorry for the late notice, but this expires June 15th so HURRY!!

House party

Houseparty is a new way to promote products through in home entertainment.  It's a GREAT system.  A company contacts House Party and offers to send out hundreds of free product for YOU the consumer to promote for them.  Free stuff for you in exchange for you telling your friends how amazing it is.  I have won the rights to host two of these parties now and my aunt has also done two of them so I know it's all legit.  Totally worth the few minutes you spend applying for the opportunity.  Just go here to browse the parties available and check back often as they are added almost weekly.

My most recent party was an Expo Washable Marker Party.  They sent me all of this in the mail . . . enough for I think 18 kids Plus a bonus larger board for us to keep as the host of the party.

and I was able to host TWO parties with it all.  One with the kids at church where we used them to play a Bible Trivia game, and a second on our family vacation where all the kids made drawings and creations during a rainy day at the beach.  It's so fun to have stuff to give away and to watch those who receive it enjoy it so much! 

My last opportunity was a get fit party and I won a fitness Wii game and 30 new Jello Temptations to give to my friends to try.  You absolutely should give it a try . . . you won't get every opportunity (I've probably applied 10 times) but when you do get one it's SO worth it!

Hosting Hint!  They send out more "you have been chosen to host" e-mails than they have kits.  You need to give an e-mail account you check often.  Once you have been chosen to host you MUST be one of the first people to respond and agree to do it.  My sister was chosen but checked her e-mail 3 days too late and didn't get to host.

Friday, June 10, 2011

FREE Admission to the Clay Center in Charleston, WV


Celebrate the start of FestivALL with free crafts, games, music and more at the Clay Center!

Then, take a complimentary trolley ride to West Side Main Street’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social, where you’ll get a tasty treat and enjoy live entertainment for the whole family.

Free performances
1 – 4 pm:
King Fish Five, Capital High Dance Company, Children’s Theater of Charleston, Watt 4, Contemporary Youth Arts Company, No Pants Players, Johnny Statts & The Delivery Boys

Free Activities
noon – 5 pm: Avampato Discovery Museum open (includes art gallery, science exhibits and showings of DOLPHINS and planetarium shows in the ElectricSky™ Theater)


noon – 4 pm: hands-on activities in music and art

Thanks for the info Moms Like Me

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Vienna, WV Public Library offers Summer Reading Program

Vienna Public Library (by Foodland) offers One World, Many Stories this summer.  This library has one of the most attended story hour times I have ever attended with at least 30 kids per session so come early for decent parking. 

June 14 - Magic Show by “The Great Gault” - All ages, 10:30am


June 21 - Story Hour: Water World - ages 3-8, 10:30am (Wear bathing suit/bring towel)

June - Magic Classes with The Great Gault - ages 7-14, 10:30-12pm or 1-3pm *Limited Seating *Registration begins June 14

June 28 - Ventriloquist Mark Wade, All Ages, 10:30am

July 5 - Red, White & Blue Parade, ages 3-8, 10:30am (Decorate you & your bike. We will parade at Neale School)

July 12 - English Tea Party by our own Mrs. Mayo 10:30am or 1:00pm. Limit 50/session *Registration begins July 5

July 19 - Irish Music by Up River - All ages, 10:30am

July 26 - A Touch of Asia: ages 3-8, 10:30am

August 2 - Tastes From Around the World - 10:30am

August 9 - End of Program Party & Tie Dye Day, 10:30am
*Bring your own white t-shirt
*Prizes awarded!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

LOWES Build and Grow Clinic

LOWES build and Grow Clinic this week (Saturday, June 11 at 10:00 AM) will be making this goofy golf house. Go here to sign up for this free kids building clinic. What a fun project for dads desk at work. 

Each child will receive all the items needed for their golf game as well as a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certificate when they complete their project. Project designed for children in grades 2-5.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Moon Over Mountwood--Wood County WV

Moon Over Mountwood Fishing and Outdoor Festival
June 10-11 at Mountwood Park in Wood County, WV

Free fishing all day (no fishing license necessary in WV this Saturday only)
  • Adult tournament is from Friday 7pm-Saturday 7am (ages 15 and up) $10 registration fee if pre-registered
  • Kids tournament is all day Saturday (ages 1-14) and the cost is $5 per child over 6 if pre-registered(FREE under 6)
  • Registration form available here
  • The fishing derby winners return home with prizes such as kayaks, tents, sleeping bags, and sonar fish detectors.

    Also will feature a kids archery range, adults 3D archery range, prizes, Smokey the Bear, Basketball shoot out, and many other activities for kids and adults of all ages.

go to the website here or call 304-679-3611 for more information

Friday, June 3, 2011

Free Redbox Code via text message

The first Monday of every month you can get a free Redbox code sent to your cell phone via text and score a free movie night!  Just text REDBOX to 727272 and each month you will receive your free code via text. 


Redbox are basically a video rental kiosk located in front of or inside stores that give you instant access to the DVD's you want. The rentals are all $1 a day and can be kept out as many days as you want (your credit card is charged $1 each day). The rentals can be returned to ANY Redbox so it's really convienent while traveling to pick up one at one location and return it in route. You can even go to redbox.com and reserve the movies you want so they are ready for you to pick up when you get there. Pretty cool little system if you ask me.  In WV they are located at the following locations (see below) see http://www.redbox.com/ for the most complete up to date listings


Buckhannon, WV-Walmart, Kroger

Charleston, WV area-Foodland, Kroger (Delaware Ave), Kroger (Maccorkle Ave.) Kroger (Fledderjohn Rd), Kroger (Riverwalk Mall), Walgreens (Washington St.), South Charleston Walmart, Dunbar Kroger, Marmet Kroger

Clarksburg, WV-Kroger (Pike St.), Walmart, Kroger (Emily Dr.)

Crosslanes, WV-Walmart

Elkins, WV-Walmart, Kroger

Fairmont, WV area-Shop N Save (Indiana Ave.), Jamieson Family Foods, Shop N Save (Country Club Road), White Hall Walmart, Mannington Jamieson Family Foods

Gassaway, WV-Kroger

Grafton, WV-Walmart

Kingwood, WV-Walmart

Mason, WV-Walmart

Morgantown, WV area-Kroger (Town Center), Kroger (Patteson Dr.), Kroger (Earl Core Rd.), Westover Shop N Save, Giant Eagle (University Town Center), Granville Walmart, Giant Eagle (Greenbag Rd.), Walmart, Shop N Save (Venture Dr)

Moundsville, WV-Walmart

New Martinsville, WV-Walmart

Parkersburg WV area-Kroger (Division St), Kroger (7th St.), Vienna Walmart, Walmart (Pike St.), Giant Eagle (Marietta, OH), Walmart (Marietta, OH), Kroger (Marietta, OH)

Philippi, WV-Shop N Save

Rainelle, WV-Kroger

Riply, WV-Walmart, Kroger

Spencer, WV-Walmart

Triadelphia, WV-Walmart

Weirton, WV-Shop N Save

Weston, WV-Kroger, Walmart, Shop N Save

Summersville, WV-Walmart

Thursday, June 2, 2011

It's Doughnut Day!!

In celebration of National Doughnut Day, Tim Hortons will be offering up one FREE doughnut to customers tomorrow, June 3rd. 

Head on over to the Tim Hortons Facebook page tomorrow, “like” them, and you’ll be able to access a printable coupon valid for a FREE Donut with Any Beverage Purchase (only valid on June 3rd). 
Thanks Hip2Save

Neighborhood and Church Yard Sales

Big Sales in the Mid Ohio Valley this weekend!!

Parkersburg, WV
Scenic Hills Community Yard Sale (off Rt. 50 on Red Hill Road)
June 3nd and 4th 8:00AM-1:00PM

Yard Sale Fundraiser for the Children's Home Society of WV (1739 St. Mary's Ave.)
Jun 4, 2011 10:00am - 2:00pm
The sale will offer a large variety of books for both children and adults with prices ranging from 25 cents to $1.00 for single books.  Bags of books will be offered for $5.00. Vinyl Records will be priced at $1.00 each for 33 rpms and 25 cents each for 45 rpms.  Beverages and baked goods will be available.  Contact Lisa Weaver, 304-485-0650 with questions or to offer donations

Outside and Inside Yard Sale (19th Street Church of God, 505 19th St., Parkersburg)
Jun 4, 2011 9 am - 4 pm

2011-2012 Southern Belles Dance/Kick team. Huge 16+ family yard sale (front lawn at Parkersburg South High School) 
Saturday, June 4, 2011 9:00-3:00

Williamstown, WV
Garage Sale Fundraiser (407 Oakwood Avenue, Williamstown)
Jun 4, 2011 8 am - 3 pm
First Baptist Church Williamstown's Relay for Life Team Garage Sale Fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Marietta, OH and Belpre, OH
Basement and Bake Sale (Faith United Methodist Church, 503 Seventh St., Marietta)
Jun 4, 2011 9am-3pm

Yard Sale Celebration Center of Belpre, 1944 Washington Blvd., Belpre, OH

Jun 4, 2011 8:00-4:00
Fundraiser for mission trip to Haiti.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Home Depot Kids Workshops

Home Depot Kids Workshop will be held this weekend at all Home Depot stores from 9-noon. They will be making a Valet Organizer for Fathers Day this week.  Workships are designed for children ages 5-12. Go here for more details, but no sign up is necessary.
The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children.

In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.