Closer than your Skin: A book review & Giveaway

**Update! Contest closed! Winner is Jen! Congratulations! Thanks for entering the contest!**

From the moment I opened the book, it has been hard to put it down. What a touching and heart gripping book! I love how this book really identified with how I feel sometimes. Do you ever feel like God is far away, and you aren't getting heard? What really is intimacy with God? I don't think it is a matter of God being far away, it is truly a matter of me not being close to him!

Susan D. Hill, author of Closer than Your Skin, really does a fantastic job with defining what that intamacy is. God craves our attention and time. He is a jealous God. He is more than just a prayer away...he is right beside us...closer than our skin. Susan is an award-winning feature writer and a leader of interdenominational women's groups, where she has sought answers to the common longing for a more authentic spiritual experience. This book is a fictional book and good guide tool to help you draw near to God.

Like the vast majority of Christians, author Susan Hill felt frustrated in
her search for spiritual intimacy, unable to bridge the gap between knowing
about God and personally knowing Him. Closer Than Your Skin traces her
journey beyond the trappings of faith to an everyday companionship with
God. Through stories of her awe-inspiring experiences, Hill assures
readers that knowing God is more than spiritual rhetoric; it’s a genuine,
tangible reality when our eyes are open to his presence. With undeniable
honesty, she vividly captures the experience of genuine intimacy with the
Creator and reveals how to move beyond obstacles that stand in the
way. Readers will discover that divine encounters aren’t reserved for
moments of crisis or the select few. Through these unforgettable insights
and the interactive study guide, they will find that God is standing at the
door, knocking, asking to be allowed in.

Would you like to win a copy of Closer Than Your Skin? Just leave a comment by March 8th at 9 PM CST. Contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. You can purchase a copy at Amazon here.

The Liar's Diary: A book review

Do you ever have those moments when you are watching a movie, or reading a book, when you are telling the person to not go in there, or don't do that! Yet, somehow they always do it anyway! This book is the definition of freaky and gripping. A suspense thriller with a surprising twist! Lies will not get you anywhere but in more trouble and hiding.

Jeanne Cross's contented suburban life gets a jolt of energy from the arrival of Ali Mather, the stunning new music teacher at the local high school. With a magnetic personality and looks to match, Ali draws attention from all quarters, including Jeannie's husband and son. Nonetheless, Jeannie and Ali develop a deep friendship based on their mutual vulnerabilities and the long-held secrets that Ali has been recording in her diary. The diary also holds a key to something darker: Ali's suspicion that someone has been entering her house when she is not at home. Soon their friendship will be shattered by violence-and Jeanne will find herself facing impossible choices in order to protect the people she loves.

About the Author:

Patry Francis is a three-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize whose work has appeared in the Tampa Review, Colorado Review, Ontario Review and the American Poetry Review. She has two popular blogs : simplywait.blogspot.com and waitresspoems.blogspot.com. This is her first novel. Here is her website to visit: www.patryfrancis.com

The Liar's Diary can be purchased for $14.00.

Review for MotherTalk Blog Tour

What a cute moment

Tonight we were all sitting down and eating supper...Pizza at that. Terry gave Madelyn some pizza, and I wasn't sure how she would do. She seemed to like it. Caleb leaned in toward her and said, "Maddie, is that num num?" As if on cue, Maddie did the whole head nodding with a "Yes" response! Isn't that just cute! I wish it was on video!

Madelyn can now stand from a crawling position. I know she is going to be walking soon. The other day she was practically running around the table as I was going to "get her!" She also thinks it is super funny when Lena licks her feet, or I use her feet on Lena. I love her giggle! Now to get her to smile for the camera....she can be stubborn.

Thanks for the knit hat!

Shannon made this adorable little knit hat for Madelyn. I won a knit hat from Shannon for the Bloggy giveaways, and I chose the hat to be made for my little princess. Isn't she just a cutie pie? I love the hat! Thank you so much Shannon! I wish Madelyn would leave it on for more than 4 seconds....and, thanks for the hidden gift within the hat...


Isn't that creative? She had made a knit flower and sewed it on a barret. Then she clipped the barret to the hat! Talk about using resources and being creative! I feel like I got two wonderful gifts! Thanks again, Shannon! You do great work! I love the rose color! It was a great choice for Maddie!

Polly Tod Shirts

I did a little blurp about a great place online that sells hip and fun kids shirts called Polly Tod! You can read about my thoughts here. This is a shirt that I got for Caleb from their store. He loves it and is so excited to wear it! He just loves wearing hip clothes, and showing off in them! His "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Rockstar" shirt is a hit!

From now until March 2nd, Polly Tod is offering my readers a special coupon code for a 40% discount on their hip shirts!

Just use the special coupon code: blogagogo when you check out. SHOP NOW

Here is the scoop on the past weekend...

I am sorry I have been away from the "Bloggin'" World this weekend. We have kept pretty busy, in spite of some sickness. Terry's mom came down for the weekend. She had a car appointment on Friday, so she came to stay (even though we had some sick bugs here). Friday, Terry was home sick from work. He was pretty sick. I am so glad he is better now. Friday night, I brought Nathaniel down to his Dad's, then I picked up my MIL. Her car had to spend the night at the shop. It worked out great to pick her up, because the car shop was on the way. Friday night we just watched a movie at home. Saturday morning I went to my WW meeting, and I am so glad I did! I hit 41 1/2 pounds of loss! I couldn't believe that I loss that much! Did you know that is a whole bag of dog food!! That is so amazing to me! I can't believe that I have shed that much weight! I started my journey to weight loss, food management, and healthier lifestyle in September. Here I am 40+ gone! YA HOO!!~~

Saturday we just hung out during the day, I did something I said I would never do by coloring my own hair!I colored my own hair
(with the help of my MIL). I have been going to my hairstylist for YEARS now, but I just had a desire to try it out. I wasn't really sure how the whole thing worked. I have been told that it looks great, but it is such a drastic change for me. My hair has gotten so dark over the years. Normally I just do highlighting and low lighting. So, going all blonde with some sparatic reddish colors and darks, it is a big change. Seriously, I scare myself every time I look in the mirror because I forget!
In the evening on Saturday, Terry and I got to go out for a date night!
It was wonderful! We went to a local bowling alley/Bar & Grill. It is pretty new, and it was a lot of fun! We decided to do the "Moonlight" bowling. We paid our fee and then we got to play unlimited bowling. The price included shoes. It was so fun to bowl! I haven't been bowling for about 4 years! I used to be on a bowling league, and I loved it! I really miss the league...but someday I will do it again! I think Terry and I played about 13-15 games!! It was crazy! It was only him and I on the lane. For this moonlight bowling, they had different contests going on. They had tickets that people could buy, and when the ticket was drawn, the holder got to take a chance at a strike. If they stuck out, they won $100. We also had the color pin wins...where if the color pins are in a certain formation, you won a certain dollar amount based on where they were if you got a strike. One other game they had was they had a random person throw the ball, and whatever amount of pins they got down that was the "base number." Then, they would have everyone on that frame throw their ball. If they happened to get the amount of the "base number" down or better, they won $10. Over all, we got about $16 dollars back. It was a lot of fun. Terry and I were so sore on Sunday, and I am really feeling sore today, too!

Sunday, we went to church in the morning. Then, we decided to head to the Chinese buffet for lunch. Side note: Our church was hosting a "Brazilian" food fundraiser for lunch, but we really didn't have any thing for the kids. (Sorry to my friends from church reading this because we didn't go). I hope to go on a mission trip someday! I would love to go to Brazil or Haiti someday. I have friends in Haiti. Sunday afternoon, we just hung out at home and relaxed. Terry decided to brush off the snowmobile and take it for a spin. He also took Caleb for a ride. They had some fun, but it wasn't a real long ride. It was a beautiful day outside...sunny and warm (for MN)!



Sunday night, Terry and I went to pick up Nathaniel. We stopped an looked at some cars on the way home. We have to get a little commuter car to help save on gas. Terry drives 45 minutes each way to work everyday. We also drive 4 hours every other weekend to bring Nathaniel to his dad's. So, getting a good gas mileage car is a necessity! Today, I am back to work! I was so happy to get back to watching Claudia! She is practically running now. She has really picked up the trade of walking! She is such a little honey pie! I love her little smile and cheeky grin! She is just a little sunshine! I think all the kids were happy to be together again. We had a little incident where Caleb thought he might want to bite her! I have no idea why he even thought to do that, or where it came from! I really hope that was the last time he tries that! He was a little bit on the testy side today, and I hope tomorrow is a better day. Tonight, I went to MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers) and we had our Spa-Night! It was a great night of pampering! We had a YOGA session, eye brow waxing, hair cuts, foot spa, hand massage and paraffin waxing, make-up counsel, and a natural product line. It was a relaxing and an enjoyable evening. I even won a Mary Kay body wash product! Please be sure to sign up for the contests I have up: Signing Time!,
PoiWear High Chair Bib & Brain Candy's: Bruce Brain Puppet

~~Skin MD or Gloves in a Bottle GIVEAWAY~~

I have such dry hands and they are so sensitive to many things. The MN winter weather doesn't help with trying to keep them moist and soft. So, I need help with making my hands more enjoyable to use. I have been using Skin MD and Gloves in a Bottle for a few months. I really like both of them, but I think I prefer how the Skin MD works with my hands. I did a review on both of these fantastic products and you can read about each one! You can read what I thought and found out about Skin MD by clicking on this: Skin MD , and click Gloves in a Bottle to read up on that one.

Would you like to win either the Skin MD or the Gloves in a Bottle? I will be giving away one bottle to one very lucky winner! Here are the rules for bloggers and non-bloggers who live in the United States:

1. Leave me a comment telling me which lotion you prefer or would like to try, and why?
2. Blog about this contest for a second entry (be sure to make a separate comment).
3. Subscribe to my posts for a third entry! I have contests quite frequently, so keep up on what's happening!

This contest is open until March 6th at 7:00 PM CST.

Uniquely U

Uniquely U

"unconventional. unexpected. unforgettable. hair bow keepers, holders and hair bows."

With having a girl, and one that will probably like her hair in "pretties," it is fun to be searching for what is out there. Uniquely U boutique offers some really cute hair bows. What is really great, is they also offer some great holders for the bows! They have bow keepers and message boards. I love the bow keepers with the big letter up above the holders! I would love to have this for Madelyn's room! The paint work looks so cute, too! You should check out their site! I am glad I sure did!

Little Maddie

My sweet little Princess is only 2 weeks from turning 1!! I can't believe she is already hitting this great milestone! Today she just started something new. She will be crawling around, then she stops...and just stands up! It is so incredibly cute! She is a little smarty! She is signing, "MILK," too!! I love it! She is starting to put the concepts together about asking without words and crying. Have I mentioned that I LOVE Signing Time! videos! So does Madelyn! Everytime I put in the DVD, she starts smiling and dancing! She nods her head yes, too! It is so cute! She just started nodding yes last week, oh yeah, and she can say, "No."

Round and round with the "bug" and a funnies.

Well, Madelyn is on the mend (still) with having loose diapers yet today. Terry got blasted with the gut rot and running to the bathroom last night. We both felt nausiated last night. Terry did go to work this morning for a few hours, but then came home. At least we both have stayed away from the vomit...that is so nasty! I really, REALLY hope Caleb and Nathaniel are spared from this very unwelcome bug! We have had the stomach bug envade our home 2 times this year, and it is very unnerving! Anyway...we are slowing going uphill from here (knock on wood...better yet, PLEASE DEAR LORD!)

Funny thing today, Terry had sat on our recliner for a bit when he got home, then he moved to the couch. A few hours later (maybe only an hour), I was wondering where Lena was. I started calling for her, then going up and down the stairs calling for her. I thought, "Oh no, did I let her out, and forget about her?" Again, I called her...I heard her chain around her collar jingle, but where in the world was she?? Here Lena...Terry said it sounded like she was behind the couch. That's impossible, because there is nothing there...."HERE LENA!!!! Lena, COME!"
I was upstairs this time for the third time. Terry said, she is under the chair! Oh, my goodness! Poor, Poor Lena!! We are so sorry...The chair got closed on her, and she was trapped under the recliner! ~~She was ok, and I am glad we found her~~but, it is kind of funny!

Something to ponder...

HOW TO CLEAN THE HOUSE

1. Open a new file in your PC.
2. Name it "Housework."
3. Send it to the trash bin.
4. Empty the trash bin.
5. Your PC will ask you, "Are you sure you want to delete Housework permanently?"
6. Calmly answer "Yes" and press mouse button firmly......
7. Feel better?

Works for me!

Praise!

Thank you so much for the prayers for Madelyn!! She is on the mend, and I am so thankful! She had one messy diaper this morning, but has been doing super! She is more active and happy today. Her diaper was very wet this morning and she is nursing great! So, thank you so very much!

Need a Break?

Do you ever feel like you are rushing out the door in a hurry? I know I am not the only parent that gets rushed sometimes. Whatever the reason for being in a rush, I like the new Breakfast Break "breakfast kits" for those busy times. The convenient single-serve box contains a bowl of prepackaged General Mills cereal - either Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios, or and Lucky Charms, a 100% fruit juice box from Minute Maid, a Fruit & Grain snack bar, and a packet containing a spoon, napkin and a wet wipe. **
Breakfast BREAKS are sold for around $2.49, and you can go to their website to see if you can find it in your area.
I think there is an advantage to using Breakfast BREAKS in a daycare or school setting. They have a decent shelf life, and can be stored without refrigeration, then you just add the milk.
The complaint I have about Breakfast BREAKS , is they don't supply the positive nutritional and packaging qualities I saw in Yoplait Kids. Nutritionally, the bar contains high fructose corn syrup and the juice is made from concentrate. The whole meal is around 340-350 calories, with only 2 grams fiber and 44-45 grams of sugar! I think it would be wise to send a Froose drink, some fresh fruit, and Peanut Buttered Toast, and a Yoplait Kids.
I would say if you are going to be in a hurry, or can't be home to fix your child a breakfast before school, then a Breakfast Break would be a good investment.
**Note: It doesn't come with milk, so if you want milk on the cereal, they would need that.
Thank you MOM Central for offering this product to review.

The Sky Isn't Visible from Here: A book Review

The Sky Isn't Visible from here is a sad story about a girl's life. I was amazed at what Felicia (aka "Lisa" to her mom and Albie) had gone through in her childhood. This book is very descriptive with flash backs to her childhood. I couldn't believe that this woman went through all that as a child. It is horrific to know that there is such a childhood to many kids out there. I did like how Felicia writes. She was very good about "drawing the picture in your mind" about what she describes. As sad as it was to read the book, it was a book hard to put down. Felicia really engages the reader. You feel her pain, little joys, and sorrow.
About the Book:From the Publisher: "Felicia Sullivan's mother disappeared on the night Sullivan graduated from college and has not been seen or heard from in the ten years since. Sullivan, who grew up on the tough streets of Brooklyn in the 1980s, now looks back on her childhood -- lived among drug dealers, users, substitute fathers, and a host of unsavory characters. Ever the responsible child, Sullivan became her mother's keeper, taking her to the hospital when she overdoses, withstanding her narcissistic rages, succumbing to the abuse or indifference of so-called stepfathers, and always wondering why her mother would never reveal the truth about the father she'd never met. But then, Sullivan's volatile, beautiful, deceitful, drug-addicted mother altered the truth in many cruel ways."Ashamed of her past, Sullivan invented a persona to show the world. But keeping up a facade has its price, and before she knew it, she, too, was snorting coke in nightclubs, throwing back shots of tequila like candy, and eventually taking a leave of absence from her Ivy League graduate program. In fact, she had become her mother."A book about secrets and forgiveness, The Sky Isn't Visible from Here is also the story of a young woman unraveling -- and then putting her life back together again."Read a Book excerpt on the Huffington Post.Read interviews with Ms. Sullivan at: Interview in the Gothamist, Biography on Identity Theory, and Interview on Cruelest MonthYou can check out Felicia's blog here: Felicia Sullivan's Blog
Overall, I thought this book to be a sad read. There is foul language in there (whick I could go without), and terms that a non-drug user (such as myself) didn't really know. I learned more about a girl (woman) who went through a very sad childhood...one that no child should endure. Thank you Mother-Talk for the opportunity to review this book.

Maddie fights the fight

My poor little baby didn't have a wet diaper all day yesterday. Finally, last night she did wet. She refused to nurse all day yesterday, or take any fluids. She took a Mr. Freeze last night, but did end up throwing up in the evening. Through the night she nursed a few times, and had a wet diaper this morning. She didn't want to eat breakfast, and took a nap at 8:30! That is unusual for her! Then, I offered a piece of cheese (A BIG NO-NO). About 20 minutes later, she threw up. Poor baby. Then, she guzzled some water. Within 10 minutes, she was sleeping again, and she is sleeping as I type this. I feel so sad for my little daughter. I pray God will just touch her little body and heal her. I pray that she will not dehydrate. I pray that she will nurse. I pray that she will eat something today....
I covet any prayers from you....

Thanks~

Northshore, Duluth, MN

Wordless Wednesday~






I hope to make it there again...it is beautiful year round!

Amby BABY~ WE LOVE YOU!

Madelyn is my little baby who LOVES to be held almost always. She isn't a big sleeper in her crib, and I pretty much Co-Sleep with her at night.
I LOVE the Amby Baby motion bed that I got! It is the ONE sleeper product that works for Miss Madelyn! She loved it from the moment she first tried it. I laid her in there and she just smiled from ear to ear. She loved how it smoothly rocked her. She loved just looking around. It was so relaxing for her that she fell asleep!! She has always needed to be held to go to sleep before the Amby Baby motion bed!! It is a Hammock that hugs her little body. I couldn't believe that she took over an hour nap, too! She is usually a short napper. It is a soft canvas and netting, and it is super! The hammock's materials are made of all-natural 100% cotton fabric! I wish I had this in an adult size!
**Amby Baby is the official manufacturer of The Amby Baby Motion Bed - a natural alternative sleeping bed designed to help infants sleep peacefully during their first year of development. The Amby Baby Motion Bed mimics the natural movements, within the mother's womb creating a feeling of security and promotes longer sleep durations for baby. The Amby Baby hammock motion bed design has an upright, angled position assisting babies with natural sleep, colic and reflux.**The Amby Baby Hammock is an early development product designed for newborns up to 12 months. Each package includes a spring equipped to hold up to 25 pounds. A heavy-duty spring may be purchased separately which holds up to 40 pounds. The Amby Baby Jump Jump is recommended up to 25 pounds. The Amby Baby is super safe and certified! You can read about it here: http://www.ambybaby.com/jpma-certified.php**
Amby helps:
Infant Colic
Infant reflux
Premature babies
Restless sleepers
Short nappers
**Amby Baby Motion Hammocks are available in blue, white and natural raw cotton. All fabrics are 100% cotton, but the natural cotton color is free of any dies or chemicals and is a true natural "raw cotton." **
The Amby Baby comes complete with mattress, frame, spring, hammock and crossbar, set of two matching fitted sheets and a travel bag. You can also get accessories to go with the Amby Baby: Safe and Sound Cuddle Snugglers, Mosquito net, and a Jump Jump. I really want to get the Jump Jump (like a Johnny jump up) because you don't need a door frame to hook it up, and it looks so sturdy.
I love the Amby Baby, and I recommend it for everyone!! We love ours, and I know we will use it a lot for our next baby, too!!

Update on Madelyn~

We made it through the night. I was so sad for Madelyn. She was so sleepy, and her mouth was dry. She wouldn't nurse or take anything. I finally squeezed water into her mouth with a wash cloth, and she sucked on it a little bit. Finally, after fighting with myself about staying up with her all night or not I went to bed at 1:00 A.M. with knowing that she had pretty much nothing in her little tummy. I was so worried about her. Trusting that God will take care of her and hold her threw the night can be hard sometimes. It is sometimes easier to think that we can control what happens in our life. When my kids have been so sick lately, I have really just placed my trust in Jesus. He is the God of all comfort and healing. I am not sure why the little ones have been so sick, probably because some people have bad habits of not washing their hands or people bringing their sick kids everywhere with them but I know that spring is almost here...so hopefully healthy days are ahead of us.
Madelyn woke up about 2:30 AM and I nursed her. I was only going to do one side, just to see how she would handle it, but with her persistance and hunger, I did both. She gave some good burps, to which I was ready to hold her over the bed with her mouth aimed at the bucket (just in case). She did ok, though. Then, she slept until 6:30 AM, and nursed again. I am thankful she is nursing now, but her appetite is minimal, and she has had one loose diaper. I am thinking she is on the mend. My prayer is that she will regain her appetite, Caleb and Claudia will not get this "bug", and that NO ONE will get sick anymore this year! Thanks to those who prayed for Maddie! I covet your prayers~

PoiWear~ a review and Contest!

Contest is now closed! Thanks for signing up! Alexia is the winner of the Hawaiian Turtle Bib! Congratulations!
Please sign up for my other contests!
Signing Time!, Brain Candy's: Bruce Brain Puppet, & Skin MD or Gloves in a Bottle
I really like the new bib I have for Madelyn! It is called a High Chair Bib from PoiWear, and it covers the whole front of her! She is a messy eater now that she is feeding herself, and she can be very artistic with her food! I really like that this bib helps save her clothes from really being covered in her food! Many times I have to change her after she eats. PoiWear bibs offer so many different designs to choose from...51 designer fabric choices! I like that this bib will last for Madelyn until she is 3! The size fits from 6 months- 3 years. I like that I can Machine wash and dry it, too! It is nice and thin in material, so it isn't bulky, and it is lightweight. I can use this anywhere: high chair at home or restaurant, stroller, and car seat. The bib has a split by the legs so it fits around the high chair tray bar and covers each leg. I am really happy to own a PoiWear Bib!

Would you like to win a High Chair bib? PoiWear has sponsored a giveaway for a bib with the fabric of the Hawaiian Turtles in baby blue, and I included a picture of it for you. Here are the rules of the contest:
1. Go to the PoiWear website and check out their High Chair bibs!
2. Come back here and make a comment telling me who you know that needs
this bib, and what design is your favorite.
3. For extra credit, you can blog this contest. After the post is up on your blog, come back here and make another comment.
***This contest will be open until February 26th, at 11:59 PM CST.
***This contest is open to residents of the United States...bloggers and non-bloggers.

Poor Sweet Baby~

My little Princess got sick today!! We were over at Miss Claudia's house, and during lunch Madelyn projectile puked! It wasn't a whole lot, so I didn't really put much thought into it. She really didn't have much breakfast, and lunch was very minimal. I nursed her on an off threw the night, but she hadn't nursed yet in the morning. After lunch, I sat with Madelyn to try and nurse her. I usually nurse her after lunch. So, she tried a little bit, and was not interested anymore. She was just kind of out of it. Then, she got that "look" and puke! All over me, all over her, and I was making a mad dash to the bathroom! (Remember I am not in my home)! I had to take a shower with Madelyn and borrow a pair of clothes from Candace. I felt so bad, (1) For Madelyn...she has to go threw the "flu" bug AGAIN! and, (2) she was sick at Candace's house...exposing this to Claudia! So, it has been a sad evening. Madelyn has not kept anything down, and I fear that she is getting dehydrated. What do I do??? I can't force her to nurse or take Pedialyte! Please pray for my little baby girl!

Yoplait Kids

Nathaniel and Caleb love yogurt, and I am happy that it is good for them! I like that it is nutritional, too! Yoplait has come out with a new yogurt product line, called Yoplait Kids. It has 25% less sugar than the average leading kid's yogurts. I like that it is an excellent source of calcium, contains vitamins A &D, and it has DHA for good brain development. There are no artificial sweetners or flavors, and it has live and active yogurt cultures.

There are 7 different flavors: strawberry, banana, mixed berry, strawberry banana, strawberry vanilla strawberry, vanilla banana, and peach strawberry banana. We tried the mixed berry yogurt smoothie and the peach yogurt cups. They are very tasty! Caleb likes the yogurt smoothies. They have 3 different ways you can enjoy your yogurt: smooth, spoonable yogurt in a cup, or drinkable yogurt in a bottle.

I really like that the yogurt is blended smooth. There are no chunks in it. I feel confident to give it to Maddie, and not worry about her choking on it. The texture of the yogurt is "spoon-hugging" which means it won't fall off the spoon! This is great for "newbie" eaters like Maddie. I like the idea of less mess and letting her feed herself! I really like that the smoothies are only 3.1 ounces. I think it is the perfect amount.

Want to try it?? Right now, Yoplait is offering a free coupon (click on the "free coupon icon" on the page) so your kids can discover this delicious treat for themselves. Hurry on over and get yours today!

Signing Time~A review and CONTEST!!

****Update! I am sorry to keep you all in blissful suspense! I bet you are dying to find out who won the DVD gift set? Well, to no further ado....drum roll please (bdddddddddddddrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...)
The winner of the Baby Signing DVD gift set is Doreen! Congratulations, Doreen!

I have always been in awe of Signing. I think it is a beautiful language!! It has been my desire, since I was really little, to learn signing. I have recently found the best DVD's for learning sign language, called Signing Time! I am so excited and thrilled to share these videos! I have had these DVD's for only a few weeks, and Caleb is a sponge for learning the signs. I haven't actually counted what he knows, but I would be confident enough to say he has about 20-25 signs down solid. He loves the videos! There are 2 main children who help with the teaching, Alex and Leah. Leah's mom, Rachel, is the main teacher in the DVD's. I think it is an amazing story how Signing Time! came to be. Leah was born deaf, and Rachel learned American Sign Language (ASL) to teach Leah. Leah picked it up so fast, and knew more ASL than the spoken vocabulary of hearing children her same age! Rachel's sister also taught her son, Alex (who can hear), ASL so Leah and him could communicate.

Rachel and her sister Emilie decided to team up to create a captivating, entertaining video to teach sign language to hearing children. Their plan was to make a short DVD that gave their friends and family a fun and easy way to learn a second language, but most importantly to sign with Leah. In May of 2002, the first volume of Signing Time! was completed, starring Rachel, 3-year-old Alex and 5-year-old Leah.

These DVD's offer so much! I love watching them and learning the signs with Caleb and Madelyn. They are very clear, and easy to follow. I really like how Rachel explains why the sign is done the way it is. For example, the sign for banana is: you hold up your forefinger with one hand, and with your other hand you use your forefinger and your thumb to make like you are peeling the banana. I think it really beneficial how Rachel teaches the signs. There are many children and adults in these DVD's, and I like that because kids love watching people. Kids do a lot of the talking in the videos, too. I really like that they really go over each word to help retain the information.

Rachel does singing in the DVD's and the DVD gift sets come with a music cd, so you can practice the signs you learned in the DVD's. Madelyn and Caleb really love the music! I think it helps some people learn with music, too.

I love what these videos have to offer! Signing is not only for those who are deaf. Scientific studies show that "typical" children who learn to sign:
• have higher IQ scores

• are better adjusted

• read at an earlier age

Many parents observe that by learning to communicate earlier, the “terrible twos” are not so terrible—children can use a sign instead of throwing a tantrum to express their needs. I think this is a super reason to introduce and teach signing!

Signing Time is used widely by educators, pediatricians, home-schoolers, speech therapists, public schools, daycare centers, libraries and families as the most fun and easy way to introduce children to sign language.

In addition to 26 Volumes of Signing Time available on DVD, Two Little Hands Productions also offers Baby Signing Time—a series developed for children ages three months to three years old;

Signing Time Songs—CDs featuring the much-loved music for the series; children's board books, flash cards, and other DVDs developed to reinforce the use of sign language in everyday life.

Please note that you get some of the same signs for each the Signing Time and the Baby Signing Time. The Baby Signing Time is designed specifically for babies 3-36 months old, but fun for all ages!

Would you like to win a gift set of either the Signing Time (volumes 1-3) or the Baby Signing Time (volumes 1-3)??

This contest is open to bloggers and non-blogger residents of the United States.

Here are the "rules":

1. Go to the Signing Time website : http://www.signingtime.com/ and check out the amazing products they carry!
2. Sign up for the promotions or newsletter for signing time that is found on the left side of the website. **This is a requirement for the contest!
3. Be sure to check out the Signing Time gift set (1-3) and the Baby Signing Time gift set (1-3).
4. Comment on this post with the set you would like to win!
5. After doing #3 & #4, blog about this contest, and comment again with a link to your link!

This contest will be open until March 2 at 11:59 PM CST. Thanks, and happy looking! You will love these DVD's!!

Some information, and a case of being Delirious~

I love my new "job" watching little miss Claudia. I get to bring Caleb and Madelyn over to Claudia's home and play with them for about 5 hours a day. I get to remain an "at-home momma," just not in my home. It is a great deal for both Claudia's parents and me. Claudia's parents work from home, so they get to see her anytime, too. So, all around it is super! Plus, Claudia's mom, Candace, and I are getting to know each other. I would for sure call her a friend. Her and I share many of the same values and beliefs. It is so wonderful and refreshing spending my day at their home.

Claudia and Madelyn are only a few days apart. It is amazing to see the three little ones (Claudia, Caleb and Madelyn) interact with one another. They sure have fun! Caleb loves to show off for Claudia, and she gets a kick out of watching him. I will have to get some pictures posted from our days...

This is kind of weird, but funny too....

The other night, during the middle of the night, (like about 2:30 AM) I woke up and said, "Where is Claudia?" I guess I said it two more times, while half sitting up in bed. Terry said, "She is probably at home where she belongs." I am sure Terry was a little weirded out by that, but we laughed about it the next day. I guess even in my sleep I am thinking and concerned about that little cutie patootie! I thought it was pretty funny when I thought about it the other day. I forgot to tell Candace, so I will have to remember to tell her....(grin)

Haba Toys~ We love 'em!

Madelyn loves to play with things that make noise, and really, don't all little ones? I have really enjoyed the Haba Toys that I have. These toys are very interactive. I love that Madelyn is entertained with these toys. They rattle, crinkle, shake and roll. The Flip-Flap is a plush flower cube. The cube is held together with a magnet, and unfolds to attached triangles. I love the bright colors, pictures, designs and textures that each triangle has on it. I like to play with it with Madelyn. This toy is a great value priced at $24.99.

I really like the plush Animal Den ball from Haba, too! It creates a "peek-a-boo" effect with children. It has little animals hidden inside of the ball that kids need to pull out to see them. I like that the little animals are really soft and very colorful! Madelyn loves when I say, "PEEK!" as I pull one out. They are attached with an elastic ribbon, so when you let go, they kind of slink back inside. Madelyn hasn't figured out that she can pull them out and push them back inside, yet...but all in good time. This toy is recommended for ages 6 months to 24 months. I think older kids can have fun with it, too, though. Caleb and I toss it back and forth to each other. We have even played hot potato with it, too. The little animals have some sounds in them, too. One of them squeaks, and one crinkles. It is a great teaching ball with the colors, sounds, textures and animals. The retail price is $18.

I really enjoy the great new book/puzzle/game we have from Haba called At the Zoo with Alex! Yes, it really is an all-in-one activity for kids! Caleb is really getting into games at this stage, and it is a fun way to start introducing the concepts of game play with him! I can read this story to him, do the puzzle with him, and then play a game! I really like that it comes with such a kid-friendly dice (nice and big). This puzzle/game book helps Caleb to focus and use great strategy techniques. Also he starts using his eye-hand coordination. This book is $10, and suited for ages 2 1/2 and up!

Some good news...

I have some super contests starting this weekend...stay tuned!

Mia Bella Gourmet Candle offer:

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest for the Mia Bella Candle!
For those that entered the contest, The Southern Candle Lady has offered to send a free scent sample to you. Here is her e-mail address: mrsladson@southerncandlelady.com You can email her for a free scent sample in the scent of their choice! Congratulations to the lucky winner: lev53211!

What a "Sweet Deal" for Valentine's Day~

Boon Inc. is great company that makes super products! They are the makers of the famous Flo and the Squirt. My kids also like playing with the Bath goods. WE LOVE ALL of their products that we own! Boon also has a fun line called ANIMAL BAGS. They are these HUGE bags that you fill with your kids many stuff toys.. which this gives it the effect of a bean bag or huge toy to climb on. I hope to get one eventually because their so fun looking and conveinent. What a great way to store all those stuffed animals! Not to mention our kids have way to many stuff toys to even try displaying so why not put them to work!

On Valentines you can get the PINK Animal bag 10% off with the coupon code: PINK(good through 2/15)Use it when you check out at http://www.booninc.com/

She is driving me crazy!

Miss Madelyn has been so moody lately. Can babies get PMS? Seriously...I really think the little girly is a bit on the pissy side this week.
She is has been a bit tempermental. I know her Great Grandma can have a short fuse, so I think Madelyn may have inherited that trait...of coarse her Daddy can have a short fuse, too. I say this, because my darling husband admits to it, and acknowledges it.
Lately, she has been just hollering over so many things. For instance, Claudia (the little girl I babysit) takes a toy from Maddie...she yells. I understand the "toddler rules", but I don't think an eleven month old gets bent out of shape yet...or do they? Even if Claudia looks at Maddie's toy that she is playing with...Maddie hollars! Sometimes she just has to yell. Maybe she is exploring with her vocals...prepping for Opera? Oh boy!
Believe me, my little Princess is a sweet, Sweet little girl...I just think she live the poem about a little girl:

There was a little girl, Who had a little curl,Right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, She was very good indeed,But when she was bad she was horrid. -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

She did something hillarious at the supper table tonight. Terry let out a good and hearty belch. Then, Madelyn not only followed suit, she out did him. Then, she laughed about it...and did it again. My daughter can make herself burp.

Good times~

Caleb was eating breakfast this morning, and he had spilled milk on the table (for the second time). I was about to clean it up, and I noticed his hands dancing in the milk. I asked him not to play in the milk. He then said, "My hands like to splash in the puddles!" Now, I have him placing the blame on his hands...I thought it was funny, but I didn't dare laugh at it.

A note of thanks~

I would like to thank Blessed Nest for the pink Barbie sewing machine!! Maddie will love using this when she is older, but for now, Nathaniel and I will really love making things! He is ok with it being a pink Barbie machine...it will still be fun! This is my first sewing machine! I can't wait to play with it! So, again, I thank you for picking me to win this adorable sewing machine!

FlipFlop Mamma sent me a great girly diaper bag from Land's End! I love this bag! It is really good quality and made well. I really think I will just use this for a regular bag...instead of a diaper bag! I love it! Thanks so much!

I entered into a contest at Girlfriendology in December. We were suppose to write about our friends. I was fortunate to get into the top 5 writers, so I won a $10.00 gift card to Starbuck's and I received a book called, "Traditional card techniques." I really appreciate both of these gifts...1) I love coffee, and 2)I make cards for my hobby! Thanks, Debba!

I won a contest at Fuel my blog in December. At Linda's had me in the top 10 on our blog posts with mentioning the prizes. I won a pillar candle set from PeterG. I picked the Blue Spruce scent. Thank you, Linda! I will really enjoy these next Christmas!

Thanks so much! I greatly appreciate the generosity~

Here are some contests to check out:

Sign up for my current contests : Braincandy , Silibib and Design your own tu-tu!!
Throw your name in the hat for a Kaboost at Our Seven Qtpies. Ends February 17
Kailani, from An Island Life, has a few sweet giveaways to check out: Handy Manny DVD, Miss Priss Tutus, Handstamped Necklace - Hazelnut Cottage, Sushi Tee - Apples 'n' Oranges.
My Wooden Spoon is giving away $25, just because! Ends Sunday.
Win a Your Baby Can Read! five-disc DVD set and flash cards from Lille Punkin' Reviews. Ends Feb. 17.
Win a Set of 5 Personalized Placemats from Olive Kids. Winner chooses Boy or Girl design. From Moms Love Shopping. Ends Feb. 22.
Mommy Mandy is giving away a gift certificate to Loved Baby. Retail value: $100. Ends Feb. 29.
Mamas Like is giving away a cute kids watch. Ends Feb. 20.
5 Minutes for Mom always has a few giveaways running. Check them out for their current ones. Including Win an Oreck Vacuum -- a $499.95 value! and MyUbby - Win a One-of-a-Kind Baby Blanket.
Don't drool, but Serious Eats is giving away a chocolate cookbook that made me nearly start drooling!
Megret is giving away a Gift certificate to 4 Princess Bows. ends Feb. 19.

Please sign up for my contests : Braincandy , Mia Bella candle, Silibib and Design your own tu-tu!!

Brain Candy...a Valetine's treat (non-sugar) and two Contests!

****Update: Jay is the winner of the Bruce Brain Puppet! Congrats!****

"Braincandy is cutting-edge scientific knowledge, parental instinct, and preschool education - connected by an artist's appreciation of the joys of childhood."Michael Cohen, PhD

It is sometimes hard to find videos that kids will really enjoy. I have found that kids are automatically attracted to watching other kids. That is what I love about the video series Braincandy!

There is a 5 DVD set of videos that cover the five senses. These DVD's help kids explore the world in their own way. For example, in the TOUCH my world DVD, the video shows hands touching things like grapes and spaghetti. The feet are shown feeling water, and a feather tickling them. Kids are very active in these videos, with using all their senses to learn about their world. The concept behind these videos is the idea that kids mimic what they see, especially if kids are the ones they see doing it.

Caleb and Madelyn like watching the videos, and so does the little girl I watch. The way the videos protray the "brain" being used for the senses is an unique approach. "Bruce Brain" is the lead character who is a figure of an exposed, disembodied human brain and spinal cord, who serves as a guide and interpreter for the experiences of each of five sense-organ puppets. Braincandy uses 5 main puppets to help explore the world....Harry Hand, MoJo mouth, Ivy eyes, Nusi Nose, and Ana ear. I think the videos are very colorful and vibrant. I also think these videos are a great introduction to teaching toddlers about their 5 senses.
Created by a mom and dad of young twins, Braincandy takes an organic approach to learning that mimics the way a child naturally discovers the world -- inviting little ones to explore, experiment and play through an array of fun activities designed to engage the five senses.
Braincandy rates its videos for ages six months to four years. Retail value for theses videos are $19.99 a piece, and $74.99 for all 5 in the series (which includes a music cd). The company just launched their "Bruce Brain" Puppet, which retails for $12.99!

Would you like to win the 5 DVD series of Braincandy? Here are the rules:

1. Go to their website to sign up for the Braincandy Kids club: http://www.braincandykids.com/new.html
2. Take a look around their site, then e-mail (contest@braincandykids.com) with who your favorite Braincandy character is. Put "Sassyfrazz" in the subject line.

This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers. Open to United States residents. I will close this contest on Leap Day, February 29th at 7:00 PM CST.

Want to win a "Bruce Brain Puppet"? Here are the rules:

1. Just leave a comment...any comment.
2. Open to bloggers and non-bloggers.
3. Will ship to United States addresses.

Just around the corner....puberty~

I need to start preparing myself for "the talk" with Nathaniel. He is nine years old. This is his first exposure in the public school and bus riding. I am ok with the school, but it is the bus that I don't like. He picks up so much crud from that 20 minute ride to and from school. If it weren't for adding a lot more driving and bundling up my little ones...I would just drive him back and forth and forget the bus all together. I am thankful that he is a Christian, and that he prays for the kids on the bus. I am thankful that he has a "missionary heart" and wants everyone to be saved. He even prays for his little brother and sister to come to know the Lord someday. I LOVE THAT ABOUT HIM!
So far this school year I have been asked 2 questions about the human anatomy. The first question, which happened around December, was, "Mom, what is sperm?" uhhh...ok, I wasn't expecting that question. After a few seconds, I said, "Where did you hear that?" Then, he said kids on the bus say it all the time. Then, he asked again what it was. I told him that it was something in a man's body that helped make babies. That answer was sufficient enough. Well, this last week I got blasted with a new question....
"Mom, what is a vagina?" Oh dear...well, I asked where he heard that. Again, he mentioned the lovely kids on the bus. He said they say it and laugh about it a lot. I told him it was a female body part. I also told him that another name for it is the birth canal. Again, that answer was sufficient enough. I know that he is searching for answers, and I am not sure how much he has been told. I DO know that he is wanting the truth, and I want him to know the truth...and not some kid's distorted version of the truth. I reassured him that he can always ask any question...without fear. No matter what it is about, I would rather him ask me and feel like he can talk to me. I have always told him answers, and more often than not, I do give more than he is asking. BUT~ I want him to hear it from me. I know the "talk" needs to happen ASAP. I hope that God will really inspire me with the words to say. I pray that Nathaniel will always be comfortable talking to me about what's going on. I need to pray that I will handle different encounters in a loving, and God-guided way. I pray that I will be a Godly-mom...and that Nathaniel will make wise choices that will honor God. I pray that his mind and heart will be protected from all the worldly garbage out there. I pray that he remains pure in heart and mind.

So funny...and true

My friend, whom I babysit for, was over this afternoon. We were downstairs in the very basement just watching our kiddos playing. I showed her a picture of Nathaniel and Caleb. It was taken almost 2 years ago, so Caleb was a little baby (about 3 months old). My friend asked him who the baby was. Caleb said, "That's me, Caleb, by the Man Mountain!"

**The picture was taken with Nathaniel and Caleb sitting in front of Mount Rushmore.**
I thought that was pretty cool, and funny, how he put that together.

C.A.R.E.S~ Kids Fly Safe

Sometimes I really dread traveling many places with the kids, because of all the items I need to bring...clothes, diapers, wipes, toys, books, snacks, blankets, pillows...and that super heavy (not to mention bulky) car seat. It is a lot to tote around. I am hoping we can take a family trip this year (by air). It would be great to use the CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) that we have! CARES is the first alternative to a car seat to be certified for use in airplanes for children either too old (over 2) or too large (22-44 lbs.) to sit in a seat. The child using the CARES must be at least one, and able to sit forward-facing. The device only weighs 1 lb. and fits into a 6" stuff sack. It is very portable, simple to install, and adjustable to fit any size airplane seat. I love this product! That means I don't have to struggle with the bulky car seat in the airport or airplane! The FFA (Federal Aviation Administration) has found that CARES greatly improves safety for young children over the lap belt alone, and provides a level of safety equal to car seats for children in airplanes. Each CARES unit only takes 1 minute to install, and less than a minute to learn how it is done. There is an instructional video to show how to do it.

CARES was invented by Louise Stoll, a grandmother of nine, after watching her pregnant daughter struggle off a plane carrying a toddler, car seat and diaper bag. She knew something was wrong with that picture – safe flying with children had to be made easier!

Louise started out by drawing a series of possible designs for her concept of a child restraint that was light weight, portable, hassle free, and easy to install on airplane seats. These sketches became the basis for her actual patent application. Friends and family advised on the legal, technical and business aspects of turning her concept into a viable product.
Louise patented her child aviation restraint system and licensed it to Phoenix-based AmSafe Aviation, the world’s foremost manufacturer of airplane seat belts and other aviation safety equipment.

CARES is a super investment! It is safe, and gives you more freedom. (And it saves a bit of straint on your back by not needing the car seat). The retail price is $74.95. For more information about CARES, you can check out their site: http://www.kidsflysafe.com/

De-clutter and time management

I have so many "things" in my home that I know I can let go of. I am great at holding on to almost everything, because I may need it someday. It must have something to do with being in control of my possessions. I wish I was able to be more practical, and just keep things I am actually going to use. I know I could take a few classes on being more organized and making my home less messy by just getting rid of things. I think my good friends that read my blog (you know who you are) that are super tidy and organized...need to spend a weekend with me. I need help! I know where I want to be, but I just get overwhelmed by everything I have. OK, I know that I have some of the Type A personality...so, I can be a bit of a perfectionist. AND I tend to just want to give up before I start, because I look at EVERYTHING...rather than focusing on just a couple things at a time. I need to learn to just make a check list, take baby steps, and do one thing at a time. I can rejoice in completing (that is the key) a task at a time. I think God looks at us with the same idea. He can't totally change us all at once. Well, I know He really COULD, but I don't think he wants to. I think that it takes working at one area in our life at a time. We need to surrender and "let go" areas in our life...and once we actually give it to HIM...then, we can be free. Right now, I know God is poking me...He misses me. I have been a terrible friend to Him lately. I have not given Him very much of my time. I am really going to make efforts this week to make more time for God. I have many areas in my life that take my time, but I do have control over what I do with my time. I need to work on my time management. I can make time for him. Will you ask me how I am doing at the end of the week? Ask me if I have had a few quiet times with our Father? I would appreciate the accountability.

Peek-A-Boo~

You are sitting in church and enjoying the worship music with your family and everyone is happy....until the sermon starts. Then, your little toddlers and babies think it is time to pipe up the vocal chords and see how much they can chatter, or cry, or make unusual noises. I have found that it is best to devirt their attention to something that is not only going to entertain them, but will keep them occupied. Sometimes those toys we give them can be so noisey, so you really don't want them to have it. Peek-A-Boo Stuff offers a grand solution! Inventor, Marcella Shumway, wanted to create a way to provide the peace and quiet we crave (well, at least when it has to be quiet). The Peek-A-Boo bag is not only fun for kids to play with, it is educational, too! Kids love searching and finding hidden objects, and with the Peek-A-Boo bag, they can be looking for a long time. Kids can shake, squish and peek through the see-through vinyl window to find all the treasures hiding among the white beads floating inside. Nathaniel, Caleb and Madelyn love playing with the ABC Peek-A-Boo bag we have. It measures 6.5" square. The front has multi-color stripes. On the back, there is soft corduroy. These bags are recommended for ages 3 and up, and I love that I can give it to the kids anywhere : Church, Dr.'s Office, car, airport, store, meetings, etc. The suggested retail price is $15.00. There are currently 3 styles available: boy, girl, and ABC. For more information about Peek-A-Boo bags, you can visit their website: http://www.peekaboostuff.com/

Froose: A review

There is a new, and AWESOME drink out on the market called FROOSE. It was invented by a mom, Denise L. Devine (CEO & Founder), who knew the dangers of children drinking too many juices and filling up on empty calories. She was like many, and assumed that 100% fruit juice was good for young children. Besides, other than water and milk, there were no alternatives. She wanted to develop a beverage for young children that would have a similar taste and texture to fruit juice but that was whole food based: a “disguised” juice for her son. With the drink "tasting like juice" her son wouldn't know any different, but his body would. With her research, she found the value of whole grains. Not only are they heart healthy and promote good cholesterol levels from an early age, but they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber which young children need to maintain regularity and in the long term prevent certain types of cancers.

There are three flavors of Froose: Cheerful Cherry, Playful Peach, and Perfect Pear. I think Playful Peach is my personal favorite!

Here are some facts:

*Great Tasting

*Made with all natural whole food ingredients
*Naturally Low in sugar
*Sweetened with organic brown rice syrup, a complex carbohydrate (which means - no sugar highs and no empty calories.)
*A good source of fiber: 3 grams (soluble & insoluble)
*Aids in digestion
*Loaded with complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals
*Conveniently packaged and Shelf Stable
*Appealing and fun graphics to help children associate good health with fun
*Child appropriate 4.23 fl. oz. serving size to prevent waste and over consumption
*Made with organic ingredients
*Gluten-free
*Kosher Certified

I really like everything the Froose has to offer! I think it tastes great! Nathaniel, Caleb and I LOVE it! Plus, it is very Weight Watcher-friendly (to which I am a member). *smile* I highly prefer this over juice. I am very careful how much juice my kids get because of the sugar content...looks like I have found a better alternative! Click here to buy Froose!

Mia Bella Gourmet Candles Giveaway!

**********UPDATE! Winner is lev53211!! Congrats, and Happy Valentine's day!! I sent an e-mail...please contact me Lev53211....*************

I recently met the Southern Candle Lady , a.k.a Jarmelia Ladson, who sells the yummy smelling Mia Bella Gourmet Candles! At her gift shop she offers gift baskets, soaps, and candle accessories to go with the Mia Bella Candles. For the gift baskets, she can even personalize them to make them just as you want them. The Southern Candle Lady sent me some sample pieces of the votives, and they smell delicious! I love how the scent lingers so long. The candles have two wicks so the candle can burn evenly.
This is from her site:
The Secret to Our Gourmet Candles true-to-life scents:

We use quality fragrances infused throughout the whole candle so you get the same incredible fragrance from the top to the bottom.
Our cleaner Burning Gourmet Candles are made using a proprietary formula of vegetables and other natural materials. This allows our candles to burn soot-free. Plus, if you spill it you can clean it up with hot soapy water.
Once you experience our Gourmet Candles you will KNOW why scented candle customers worldwide are calling it the Best Perfoming, Cleanest Burning Scented Candle in the world!

The Southern Candle Lady is graciously offering to give a 16 oz. jar candle (valued at $18.95) to one lucky Sassyfrazz reader. The winner will get to pick between either the Liquorice and Grapeseed or Sweet Fig and Wildberry!
Here are the rules:

1. Go check out the Southern Candle Lady's shop and collection.
2. Pick out your favorite scent and comment on my post about it.
3. If you want a second entry, blog about this contest, link back to it, and make another comment.
4. You must live in the United States of America.

I will leave this contest open until February 13 at 11:59 PM. I will announce the winner on Valentine's Day!

Please sign up for my contests : Braincandy , Mia Bella candle, and Design your own tu-tu!!

Tu-tu cute to wear to the Birthday party! & CONTEST

*****UPDATE: The winner of the Fuzzy Me Tu-Tu is Laurie! Congratulations!!!****

It is so fun to have a little girl! I am super excited about dressing Madelyn up in "girly" clothes and attire. I really hope she is a "girly-girl"...and if not, that is ok, too. For now, I will dress her as such! I found this adorable tu-tu from Fuzzy Me! This is the Pastel Birthday Party Tutu. I plan on having Madelyn wear this for her first birthday in March! This is Madelyn's first tu-tu! The tu-tu is adorable! It has little fuzzy balls and tinsel inside the tulle, and it is tied with a pretty, pastel ribbon. I love it! It is so cute on Madelyn, as you can see!

She loves to look at all the pretty sparkles inside the tu-tu! It is funny to see her crawl in it, and especially when she "monkey-crawls."

Fuzzy Me offers so many different tu-tu's to chose from: baby tu-tus, birthday, butterfly,

family portrait, flower petal, heart filled, layered, Princess, holiday sets, preppy, polka dots, and you can design your own, too! They also have dress-up or halloween tu-tu's as well! I think those are super cute, too! I may have to get one! Or, win one at her site! Fuzzy Me has also offered to sponsor a giveaway for one lucky Sassyfrazz reader! The winner will get a tutu from the "design your own" tutu section. Here are the rules: 1) you must live in the United States, 2) You must go to Fuzzy Me and design the tu-tu you like best, 3) comment on my post about the tu-tu, and 4) you can blog about this contest for an extra entry (just be sure to make a second comment). Contest will run until February 16 at 11:59 PM. I will announce the winner on the 17. Thanks to Fuzzy Me for sponsoring this contest!