Weekend Update

We left on Friday night for Terry's Mom's and Grandma's. We had the truck bed full of things, and Terry had his snowmobile trailer full. We were hauling many things up to Terry's brother's house to store. We had a snowmobile, a lawn tractor, snow blower, table and chairs, tiller, three wheeler, and other miscellaneous things. So, we had a big load. We met up with my parents half way to have supper. It was a very tasty supper...fish, and shrimp (all you can eat) with a salad and ice cream bar. It was very good, and really fun to see my parents, too. So, we headed out. We were within about 45 minutes of our destination when we heard a "POP!" Oh no...the tire blew on the trailer. Terry pulled over, and took a look. OK, the trailer was not going anywhere real soon. After finding out what size the tire was, we drove to the gas station that was about a mile back (fortunately there was one close). We called Terry's mom, and tried to find a place that sold trailer tires. Well, good luck at 10:00 at night, huh? Terry came back to the truck to tell me his mom and uncle were on their way. Then, we thought maybe our roadside service, through our insurance, would work for the trailer. Terry gave the 1-800# a call, and they said they would be about 30-45 minutes. They would tow us to a tire place in town. So, we told his mom not to come. We drove over to the tire place and saw it was just up the highway about 2 blocks, and around a corner about 3 blocks. Terry thought maybe he could just SLOWLY drive the trailer around the corner and bring it to the tire place himself. We were a little worried about wrecking the rim. But, the towing company was on the way, so we went back to the trailer to wait. Soon a car pulled up behind us. It was a worker from the gas station. He told us the towing company would be about 1 1/2-2 hours now because something happened to his truck! Are you kidding? We didn't want to wait that long! So, we drove back to the station to cancel. It was so very kind of the worker to come up to tell us! Talk about outstanding customer service!
After Terry made the phone call to cancel, a guy met him just outside the store. It was a customer that was in the store earlier. He overheard Terry talking to the workers and on the phone, and he had run home. He took off his tire from his lawn tractor, and offered it to us to use for the trailer. He said he would like it back, but if he didn't that would be OK, too. WOW~ what a generous guy! I was so impressed that this kind of "help your neighbor" is still around! We did decline the tire, but with much appreciation...it would not have fit. Terry did thank him for his thoughtfulness, though. We did end up driving the trailer to the tire place~ VERY slowly. It sounded like we were in a horse-drawn buggy. Hey, have to keep thinking positive, right? All went fine, we did make it to my MIL's, got a new tire the next morning, and all the equipment is delivered. We were so blessed with such great help and hospitality Friday night!
Saturday, the weather was great for the party. It was suppose to be a surprise for Grandma, but she got a B-day card in the mail that week, Saturday someone called and told her they couldn't make it, and someone called just before the party to ask for directions! Can you believe people just don't understand the meaning of SURPRISE?? Oh well, she had fun and was really happy to be with those she loves.
Sunday, we visited and had a meal. Terry cut down trees and loaded the truck with wood. Then we headed for home. We were really excited to pick up Nathaniel. It had been 11 days since we saw him. We stopped in to see my parents on the way home, since we were driving right by their place. Caleb helped Grandma fill gallon jugs with water. He loves the hose. Maddie got in on helping, too. We saw Grandma's flowers, too...they smell wonderful! After that, we went home, unloaded our weekend things, and the wood. I changed the kid's diapers, and we were on the road again. We picked up Nathaniel, and he talked non-stop all the way home. He was happy to be back home. We were happy to get him back, too. He does need his time with his dad, but I am sad when he is gone.

All in all, it was a good weekend.

WonderFall savings at Beaches Resorts!

Our family would be so excited to travel to Beaches Resorts ! It looks like the perfect place for a family get-away! With four all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, all set upon the most gorgeous white sand beaches in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, the hardest part is deciding which Beaches to choose! I have never seen any of these places, so I wouldn't be real picky! At Beaches, the best of everything in a family vacation is included. Unlimited dining from a variety of gourmet and specialty cuisine restaurants serving great breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not only are the standard meals included, but kids and parents have access to "anytime snacks" and beverages. I love that all the prices are included in one price. So, you already know what the costs will be.

I like that Terry and I can enjoy some time alone together at Beaches Resorts, because they offer a nanny for the kids...we can go to the piano bar, or a stage show. I know that my kids would have a blast at the Pirate's Island Water parks and the wadding pools. They even have a swim-up bar, and Terry and I think that sounds fun, too!

I would love to stay in the rooms! They offer ocean view and beachfront rooms that have one and two bedroom suites, some including your very own personalized Butler Service!! Can you just imagine! What a luxury! Even round trip airport transfers, hotel taxes and all gratuities are included in this WonderFall savings from Beaches Resorts!

There are some amazing programs at Beaches Resorts I think our kids would really enjoy! Caleb and Maddie would love to see The Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street® and story time with Elmo, baking with Cookie Monster, dancing with Zoe, exploring with Grover, making music with Bert & Ernie to Sesame Street stage shows, character parades and character breakfasts (for a nominal charge). I think Nathaniel would love the kids camps, the Crayola Art Camps and the Xbox 360® Game Garage, featuring the latest video games. I am sure Terry and I would love the gaming, too!

There is an unique WonderFALL Celebration at Beaches Resorts, taking place during the off-peak season months of September and October. Not only do you get to enjoy everything Beaches offers year-round but you can SAVE up to 45% off** published rates and get 2 Nights Free** (on stays of 7 nights or more). And as part of this WonderFALL Celebration, Beaches has a great fall line up of special events and activities. From even more Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street® that includes the premiere of a brand new stage show and a new activity with Abby Cadabby, exclusive Gordon and Elmo live performances and special parenting workshops hosted by Sesame educators, to Dive In Movies, "Baby You're A Star Photo Contest"( where your little one could win the chance to be featured in the next Beaches brochure) and even a celebration for Grandparents, it's all happening ONLY this FALL at Beaches family resorts.

Meeting Ronald McDonald

Last week, we went to see Ronald McDonald and watch his ever impressive magic show! Caleb was so excited about this visit...for about a week he asked everyday if that day, was THE day! So, the morning of THE day, I asked Caleb if he wanted to color him a picture. He was so thrilled to color Ronald a picture. We got to McDonald's and had our $1.00 hamburger Happy Meals for Caleb and Maddie...and waited patiently for Ronald. When he got there, Caleb and Maddie were a bit nervous. He came over to our table and started talking to Caleb. I don't think Caleb could have gotten any closer to me. I gave Caleb the picture he made Ronald, and told him to give it to him. Ronald asked Caleb if he made it himself, and wanted Caleb to sign it. Ronald was great with Caleb...and after a few minutes, Caleb thought Ronald was A.O.K. He still didn't get too close to him for the Magic Show. Here are some pictures from the great night...

Madelyn, little Miss daring, went for a climb up the Play place. Terry thought she would be OK, so, we let her go up...and she was COMPLETELY delighted!
On her way up! Look at that pure joy on her precious little face!
Here she is peeking at big brother, Nathaniel...and taking peeks at Ronald McDonald.
Here she is near the top. What a view she got! She just kept giggling, and watching everyone.

I think everyone was watching her, too...and wondering why her parents let her go up there!

Then, she got a hold of some one's shoe! What a funny little girl. She sure had a great time, though!

After the show, we headed up to a parade. The parade was so fun, and the weather was great! I can't believe the parade lasted 2 1/2 hours! I was tickled pink with all the bands that were in it! That is my absolute favorite part of the parades. So many bands/color guards/drum lines have been cut from the parades to save money. I think that is ridiculous! I was so happy to see them that night! I also got to see my home school. It was great to see my old band director still in charge. We had great seats for the parade, too...my friend, Lisa's front yard! Thanks Lisa...even though you weren't home!

Going away for the weekend

Well, we are heading out for a weekend trip up to see Terry's Mom, Grandma, Brother, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins....etc. Terry's Grandma is having a Surprise 80th birthday party tomorrow. It will be fun to celebrate her and her life. So, I just wanted to let you all know, I won't be blogging this weekend. I will be back on here Sunday night, or Monday. I hope you all have a super weekend!!

Journaling with Pregnancy

I love being pregnant! I have never written down what I was thinking, feeling, experiencing with the pregnancy, though! I love this concept! What a great way to journal everything with the pregnancy! I was happy to review The Pregnancy Journal: A Day to Day Guide to a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy, especially since I am in the early stages of pregnancy!
I really like knowing exactly what development is happening every day and this book explains it well. There is practical information, medical data, emotional and spiritual fuel, and even "pregnancy trivia." The journal contains about half a page of information for each day from conception through delivery. Nutrition, how to avoid discomforts associated with pregnancy, childbirth customs in other cultures, and practical parenting tips are among the topics touched on. Many days in the journal have a great section called "Did You Know"; for example, from Day 49: "The baby's arms at this point are only as long as this printed 1." At the bottom of each page is a quote from a literary or historical figure; some are sentimental, some pithy, some humorous, all inspiring.
Product Description
Since its publication in 1996, this definitive journal for expectant families has sold over a million copies. Author A. Christine Harris brings a revised and thoroughly updated edition to today s parents-to-be. Still featuring daily entries, a personalized timeline, and pregnancy glossary, the revised edition provides a clearer picture of the baby's in-utero development and the latest advice about giving a growing baby every advantage prior to birth.
This review is made possible from MotherTalk!
I think this is a great book to have, whether it is your first baby, or your 9th! It makes a great gift to give a new mom, too! You can get your Pregnancy journal at Amazon...on sale now for $13.57!

Family reunion

Last Saturday, we had a family get-together for my Dad's side of the family. We rarely get together with that side of the family anymore, and it was great to connect for a family picnic. We used to get together every Memorial Weekend when I was younger. I really miss that connection, and that camping weekend to look forward to. One of my Dad's 7 sisters planned this fun picnic day. I had mentioned something to her last year about our family getting together at least once a year. I just don't have the space to host it at my house. Otherwise, I would be all for hosting the event here. Anyway, it was a fun day! My cousin was here from Washington, and she planned fun events for the kids. There was an egg on the spoon race, a find the peanuts in the field hunt, a hoola-hoop contest, a bubble blowing contest...and more. She even had prizes for the kids. When people first arrived we were all given a sheet of paper with scavenger hunt questions on it. Some of the questions were: (1) What is uncle Chester's favorite meal? (2) How many children does Marie have? (3) Who is the youngest person at the party?
This question was tricky, because both my sister-in-law and I am pregnant, so we didn't know if that counted or not....it didn't, but Maddie was the youngest one there. It was a fun day, and the weather was great! It got chilly in the evening, and the mosquitoes came out. Wouldn't you know it, I was totally unprepared. I didn't bring extra clothes, a blanket, jammies, or nothing. WE ARE IN MN!! Hello?? You would think I would be more prepared. Usually I am over-prepared, but this time, I just didn't plan. A storm rolled in that evening, too, so we were stranded there for a bit due to the strong winds.

Oh, and on the way to the picnic...
Caleb was looking out the window. He said, "That is a funny house! It looks like an ice cream house!" Terry looked back at him, and said, "Oh, Caleb, that is a Silo." Isn't that funny?? Actually, the Silos do look a bit like an ice cream cone! :)

I was so happy! That morning, my Mom and I were talking on the phone, and she told me that my brother and his wife are expecting their number 2 child. She is due only about 2 weeks after me! How fun is that? Their daughter is a little over a year younger than Caleb. They told people that they may only have one child. Personally, I think every child needs a sibling, but it is their choice~ no, really it is God's choice. BUT~I am happy to hear that they want to add to their family!

Name that Tune~ And a GIVEAWAY!

Contest is now closed! Thanks to all who participated! Here are the four winners: dolls123, jpandthe boys, tonya, and carissaad! Congratulations!
Please e-mail me your snail mail address, thank you!


I am just tickled pink over this super company called Name Your Tune! Name Your Tune is an exciting new children's music compilation that is made-to-order and personalized for each child. Children will hear their name more than 80 times throughout 14 much-loved songs. A great way to enjoy music, have fun, and learn together! I had a CD made for Madelyn and Caleb. It was great seeing their faces light up when they heard their own name in the songs! Caleb kept saying, "How did they know my name?" Madelyn was just surprised and looked at the CD player when her name was sung. There are 14 songs on the CD and each song is personalized with my children's names!I love that the CD is made extra special with a personal message from me on the CD label.
Name Your Tune has been featured in:
The Toronto Star
Today's Parent
Canadian Living
People Magazine
The Globe and Mail
Inside Entertainment
Parents Magazine

Based in Toronto, Name Your Tune Inc. is founded and managed by Candace Alper. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education degree from OISE/University of Toronto. Candace has been active with children and youth in her community through social programs, summer camps and trips abroad. Co-Founder Eric Alper, has been active in the Canadian Music Industry for more than 15 years and a music-lover his whole life. As Director of Media Relations and Label Acquisitions for KOCH Entertainment, Eric brings his unique perspective and experience to Name Your Tune.

Candace has graciously offered to sponsor a very generous giveaway for my readers! She is offering 4 Name Your Tune CDs for 4 different winners! You will be so happy to be a lucky winner, and your child will be thrilled! Another great thing is, this contest is open to All Bloggers and non-Bloggers...Everywhere! To enter: Go check out Name Your Tune and check out their site. Then, come back here and comment on what name(s) you would put on your CD if you are a lucky winner. You can do the extra credits by: blogging this contest, adding my button to your sidebar, and/or subscribing to my feed, just leave separate comments. This contest will close June 30th, at 7:00 PM CST. If you want to order additional CD's or can't wait to see if you won, Candace offered a special code for my readers to enjoy a $5.00 discount on your order. Just enter the code: SASSYFRAZZ. Thank you Candace for your generosity!

Start Digging!

Caleb was invited to his friend's birthday party a few weeks ago. On the invitation there were instructions to come in clothes that can be thrown away. The party was going to have a huge pile of dirt for the kids to come and dig in! What a super party! Caleb had so much fun digging in the dirt. Grandma even bought him some trucks, a rake, and a shovel for his digging pleasures! Yes, the clothes I put Caleb in did find their way to the trash can, along with his very much loved shoes that were seeing their last days. Here are some pictures from the very memorable day....
Every little boy's dream...playing in the dirt!
They had so much fun! At first the tunnel was scary...but not for long!
One little girl, and all those boys! Trinity had just as much fun! Caleb kept "rescuing" her from the dirt. After awhile, she kept digging her feet into the soil, so he could "save" her! How heroic is that?
All smiles after a hard day at work!

Caleb and his great friend! Two little buds!
Trinity wanted to be in the hand-holding...so she ran up and grabbed on. How sweet!
The Momma made a great birthday cake all decked out for the occasion! The kids really loved eating the cake out of the trucks.
What a fun birthday party! It was done creatively, and the kids had so much fun!

The Littlest Pet Shop: AND A GIVEAWAY!

Contest is now closed. Thanks for all who signed up for the contest! The lucky winner is tnchick ~ Congratulations! Please e-mail your snail mail address to me ASAP, thanks!

Littlest Pet Shop has some really neat products to offer kids for imagination play and virtual play! Littlest Pet shop is one of the great product lines from Hasbro. I really like how these products spike imagination play in children. The Portable Pets Chihuahua with Teacup is a cute little puppy to care for. He has a cute little teacup for the puppy to sit in, and a little bone to chew on. This toy is recommended for ages 4 and up, and not for children under 3 years, because of small parts. Product contains magnets. There are more portable pets on the L.P.S. site, too. I really like the Virtual Interactive Pets (V.I.P) they have!.We got the adorable V.I.P cat, and she is so soft and cuddly. There is a secret code hidden in its collar – which is used to unlock exclusive games, activities and lots of other cool surprises! You can Play with your virtual pet pal online while you snuggle your plush pet at home. The more pets you have, the more ways you can play with other virtual pets. Click here to see more of this fun activity! There are many V.I.P pets to chose from. Currently, there are 17 pets - including the Cat, Dog, Turtle, Pig, Monkey, Butterfly, and more.
The Littlest Pet shop has a digital pen that features a digital on-screen pet that you can “feed,” brush” and play on-screen games with! You just set the pen’s digital clock and your pet is ready to play! Take care of your pet and it will love to play games with you! Beat the high scores and unlock hidden games and surprises. Use the pen to write notes and secret messages to friends with the included paper and sticker sheets! There’s even a TEENIEST TINIEST PET figure that sits on top of the pen, and you can remove this pet to play with! Pen comes with pad of paper, note pad and 2 sticker sheets.

Would you like to win your own Littlest Pet shop V.I.P pet? Hasbro has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for one of my readers to win a Cat, Dog, Turtle, Pig, Monkey, or Butterfly. This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. Here are the rules: Go to the Littlest Pet Shop site, take a look around, then come tell me which pet you would like to win. I will close the contest on June 28th, at 7:00 PM CST. You can get extra entries by blogging the contest, subscribing to my feed, or by adding my button to your side bar...just leave extra comments for each extra credit. GOOD LUCK!

TripFlix: Virtual Traveling

What an educational video TripFlix is! TripFlix is a fun-filled interactive DVD that features some of the coolest kid-friendly destinations to travel across the United States! This DVD introduces 25 featured locations to check out. I love that this DVD shows what different states have to offer, and also gives some history facts about locations and destinations. Before going to a new location, the video asks a trivia question, where you need to chose the correct answer. We really enjoyed seeing (with a virtual tour) new locations we have never seen or heard of before. I love the idea of this video to introduce parents and children to new places. It makes me what to start planning a future trip to one of the locations.
Caleb, who is 3 years old, thinks this DVD is great! He loved learning how to make boats, and teddy bears...the pictures and views of the different locations where great! The host and hostess of the DVD are two teens. I think some of their communications with one another is a little on the picking side, but some of their comments are funny. They help kids stay entertained.
TripFLIX was inspired by a long car ride to the beach. Who Started TripFLIX? Parents Dave and Ilana Bittner and their toddler, Scotty, packed up the car for a trip from their suburban Maryland home to Ocean City, MD for a weekend getaway. Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the toll booth operator handed them a printed pamphlet called The Bay Game, which featured trivia and games for kids to help make the drive more interesting. It was nicely done, but Dave and Ilana couldn't help wondering if there was a way to make an engaging, interactive educational media piece for kids that let them choose their own adventure, from coast to coast.
You can get your TripFlix at Amazon for $19.99. Thanks Team Mom for this review opportunity!

Too Gone Too Long

OK, I really am still alive! I am sorry I have been away from the computer for...wow, a week, now! I can't believe it has been that long! I have a lot to catch up on with news, pictures, reviews, and giveaways! Thank you to all my faithful readers, and I am sorry that I have disappointed you with no updates in a week. My pregnancy has me so tired and nauseated. My days with babysitting go long, and by the time I get home, make/eat supper, I am exhausted. I will do my best to play "catch up" now. I am home today, so in between cleaning the house and laundry, I hope to write a few blog posts. So, you will have to do some scrolling around to make sure you don't miss something! :)

With Endless Sight: A book review

Belleville, Illinois and Wyoming Territories, 1861Born into a life of privilege, fourteen-year-old Belinda never questions her security, even as she leaves Illinois with her family to discover new adventures in the Oregon Territory. But when disaster falls, Belinda is left wounded, weak, and alone. Her faith in God gives her the only strength she knows in a harsh new world.Belinda’s journey takes her to a snow-covered mining camp and a red-roofed brothel in the Wyoming mountains, but not before she must spend a lonely winter with the man who took away the life she knew. Throughout the grief and hope of a strange land, Belinda must decide if her faith is big enough to allow her to forgive.The satisfying conclusion to the Crossroads of Grace series, With Endless Sight offers a rich story of family, new beginnings, and the freedom that grace can bring.
About the Author:

Allison Pittman is the award-winning author of Ten Thousand Charms and Speak Through the Wind. Before her recent success in fiction writing, Allison spent seventeen years teaching high school English. Now a full-time writer, Allison serves as the director of her church’s Theater Arts Group ministry. She lives in Texas with her husband, Mike, and their sons.
You can purchase the book With Endless Sight at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Ten-Thousand-Charms-Crossroads-Grace/dp/1590525752/ref=pd_sim_b_title_1)
Thank you Multnomah Books for this book review opportunity!