I am back...and here is where I have been!

We have been extremely busy over the summer months...really since about late spring. We were getting ready to move, and in the process of packing up our home, I was pregnant and my husband was/is working a full time job while building our new home. I thought I would update on our progress with the house with lots of pictures and some information on it. The order of the pictures aren't necessarily in order, but they are in order from most recent to the earlier stages.

A few weekends ago, my husband had invited about 4-5 guys over to help him put up the trusses.  That was a big job and we are very thankful and grateful for their help!

This is the backside of the house, or the South facing side.  We are building a berm home, so three of the walls will be buried in 6 feet of dirt.

This is the front of the home, the South facing side, where the windows will be.  There will be 11 large windows in the front, and 9 sky light windows on the roof, 4 of them will be ones that open up.  We are planning on designing the home to have planters on the inside under the windows to grow fruits and vegetables.

Caleb has been up to "the new land," as the kids like to call it, with Terry pretty regularly.

Nathaniel likes to go up to help out, and he really enjoys spending time with his new friend who only lives a few houses away.

Here is Terry with one of the main helpers~ we appreciate all his help this summer with everything.  His whole family has been such a help with the work, feeding my husband and sometimes kids, and more!

This summer has brought many challenges and hurtles.  We had one of our walls fall down after it had been stacked up completely.  It wasn't secure yet with the bond, but with the high winds and rain we've had, it just knocked down.  Then, with this picture above, we actually had lightning hit our house.  We had a rod sticking out of the cement block, and the lightning had hit that, shot down through the blocks and bust out through the bottom.  Crazy!  Amazingly, my husband fixed both and you wouldn't even know the difference.  I guess we will have to put up lightning rods to protect our home from future strikes!

This is the latest picture of what the house looks like.  Right now we are working on the materials for the chimney, for the wood stove, and putting the sheeting on.  The next step after the sheeting will be putting in the sky lights, chimney, and then roofing the house!

S'mores! Always a great treat!

Time with Grandma is always fun!

The kids love going on three wheeler rides with Dad!

Stunning sunsets up there....BIG SKY COUNTRY!

This is a hail piece from one of the big storms we had up there! It was crazy!

So much rain this summer~ sure made things delayed a bit.

So, that is one of the big projects that we have been working on this summer, and we are still working on it.  We hope to have it closed up before snowfall, but we shall see.  We started working on the home, breaking ground, in May.  We have had a few set backs with the rain, mud, muck, road restrictions, wall collapse and more, but we are just going to keep moving forward.  In the end, we will have no mortgage, 20 acres, and eventually raise our own food!  It has been hard being away from my husband as he works full time and spends all the other time working on the house, but I know that the sacrifices we make now will be worth the end prize.  I do look forward to having a more simplistic life!

Madelyn's first ballet recital

Madelyn has been in ballet for this school year, and she loved it!  I believe she is a natural when it comes to being a ballerina.  She had a wonderful teacher who loves her.  I love that her teacher prays with the girls and just loves on them.  Maddy's teacher worked with a few students this year, and the youngest two were Maddy and her little friend, "E". 

Mega Bloks Dora Bath Time

My daughter loves playing with Dora sets, and we recently received the new Bath time set from Mega Bloks.  Maddy loves playing with the snap together blocks and changing Dora's outfit.  Changing the clothes is really easy to do, with just a snap, you can change Dora's skirt.  All the accessories to have Dora get ready for the day, or get ready for bed, makes the Dora's Bath Time buildable set really fun to play with.

I like that the set is complete for a time of play, and not too big to make a big mess with.  There are other Dora buildable sets to get to add to the collection for a bigger play set area, so we can add on to the Bath Time, if we want. 

Maddy loves to get Dora ready, and loves to pamper Dora in her bathroom.  Dora can take a bath in the tub, along with her little ducky, as well as comb and hair dry her hair.  I love that the hair dryer and the comb fits into Dora's hand~ which makes the Dora doll more fun to play with.  The Dora bathroom set is easy to set up, and there are several ways that a child can put together the bathroom area to make different scenes.  Maddy likes to have Dora look at herself in her mirror and she also likes putting the little hangers on the rack with a skirt on it.  I like that this set encourages Maddy to use her imagination, and it also fine tunes her motor skills with building and managing the smaller parts.  I recommend this play set, and I love that the price is affordable, and that my kids enjoy playing with it.
Dora's Bath Time (estimated retail value $14.99) is available at Kmart, Toys "R" Us (U.S.A, Canada and online), Wal-Mart (U.S.A, Canada and online), select Target locations and Amazon.com.  Geared toward ages 3+

MEGA Brands Inc., has launched the Mega Bloks Family Club.  Members receive: *A printable coupon for $5 off any $30 or more Mega Bloks purchase, *other exclusive offers, contests, sweepstakes and promos on Mega Bloks toys, *information on NEW Mega Bloks toys for kids ages 1-6, *an educational and informative blog by a leading panel of mom bloggers with articles on the benefits of construction toys, product reviews, pictures and more, * and a free e-mail newsletter with great new building ideas, toys for kids ages 1 and up.
For more information about MEGA Brands and The Mega Bloks Family Club, visit familyclub.mega bloks.com

I was sent the Mega Bloks Dora's Bath Time buildable set from Mega Bloks and Team Mom.  I was not compensated for my time or written review.  The thoughts and opinions in this review are of my own and written by me.

"'Twas the night before Easter" Veggie Tales DVD Review & Giveaway!!

Just in time for Easter and spring time, the all new VeggieTales DVD is just released, "'Twas the night before Easter," and is now available on shelves!  'Twas the Night Before Easter came out on March 8th, and this DVD is a fun children's show (adults like them, too).

Description:
"It's a 'Hare' raising Easter Adventure!  It's Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade (Petunia Rhubarb) is hunting for a way to help others. On a tip that the old town theater will be shut down, Marlee cooks up a plan to save the stage and make a difference through the power of musical theater. With a cast of costume-clad townies, massive props and a 20-foot robot rabbit - Up With Bunnies is hatched! There's only one thing missing the star of the show! When news spreads that singing sensation Cassie Cassava (Melinda Doolittle) is arriving to perform in her hometown church s Easter service, Marlee gets worried. Concerned about the competition, she schemes to steal the starlet for her own pageant! But when things go haywire, will it be curtains for Marlee s dreams or will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really all about?"

'Twas the Night Before Easter, is a story about helping others and working together.  Marlee Meade really wants to help her community and make a difference.  Leaving her reporter job, she decides to take on running a musical theater production.  My son's favorite part of 'Twas the Night Before Easter was when the 20 foot robot rabbit went 40 miles per hour to be on time. :)
"Up With Bunnies," the musical play ends up a fun show.  Cassie Cassava (voiced by American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle) was coming back to town.  She is quite the singer, and Marlee Meade knows it, so she hatches a plan to get Cassie to perform.  Things don't go as planned for Marlee, though, however, she learns the true meaning of Easter as well as what it really means to help others.

"EEGGS-TRA FEATURES:"
"The Hopperena" is a new VeggieTales song, and my kids loved it.  Another fun bonus feature on the DVD is the "Easter Cards" interactive matching game. You can choose the Audio Commentary while you watch the DVD which explains details of the DVD, and there is also Larry's backstage pass to "VeggieTales Live!"

My kids loved this DVD, and really enjoyed the classic VeggieTales humor. 
One of the special features in this video is the information about VeggieTales teaming up with World Vision. This is the ultimate way of helping others - helping those less fortunate. As a little extra incentive for people to sponsor a child, VeggieTales is offering a special Veggie Tales book library worth $50 free with a sponsored child.

VeggieTales launched their new website this week, as well!  Check it out here: VeggieTales.comhttp://veggietales.com/

Another TV classic show remastered, Here Comes Peter Cottontail, is perfect for Spring and Easter time.  Peter Cottontail wants to be the #1 Chief Easter Bunny and everyone in April Valley agrees...except for his archrival, evil Irontail. Hop along with Peter and his friends as they race through time celebrating all of your favorite holidays to deliver the most eggs...and save Easter for children everywhere!
Currently available for $9.98 SRP

**ENTER TO WIN**
You can win the new VeggieTale's DVD: 'Twas the Night Before Easter.
To enter: Do you have a family tradition that you do for Easter, or spring with your family?  Comment on something you do together with your family for Easter/Spring.
**For extra chances you can: Become a Google Friend Follower (see right side bar on my blog) **2 entries, leave 2 comments,
blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, follow Sassyfrazz on twitter (if you tweet this contest use the hash tag #sassyfrazz), and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and comment on another one of my blog posts (leave a comment letting me know what you commented on). Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**
Contest will end Sunday, March 27th, 2011 at midnight.
For even more chances to win, like VeggieTale's facebook page, and tell them that you heard about the new DVD release ('Twas the Night Before Easter) on the Sassyfrazz blog...AND thank them for the opportunity to win the new DVD!
I will contact the winner by e-mail and they will have 3 days to claim their prize, and at that time...if no response, I will have the option to pick a new winner.

I received the DVD 'Twas the Night Before Easter from VeggieTales for review purposes, and I was given a second copy to giveaway to one of my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.  This posting is opinions of my own.

Infantino Savvy Bag (diaper clutch) Review & Giveaway!

Being a mom, I know that I need to carry many things with me when I go places. I don't always like carrying a big and bulky diaper bag for the shorter outings, or to a place I will only be for an afternoon. I love simplicity, and when it comes to changing a diaper, I want conveinence as well.
Infantino has a great diaper clutch called the Savvy bag, and I absolutely love this bag! I love how it looks, the design, and how it fits just what I need inside. The Savvy Bag has a removable pad, and it can stay buttoned to the bag (so you don't lose it). I love having a washable pad with me, because those changing tables aren't the most sanitary places to lay your babe down. I am kind of a germ a phobe, so I love this accessory to the Savvy bag from Infantino!

Features:
On-the-go tote with fold-out changing pad
Smart design stows all your essentials
Water resistant pad turns any spot into a clean and comfy changing area
Fold-out changing pad detaches from clutch

Details:
Holds diapers, wipes and everyday essentials
Cushy built-in pillow for baby

I have been told, by a few people, when using my Savvy Bag, that they like my purse. It is such a cute and stylish diaper clutch, that it is often mistaken for a purse. I love it!

I can easily fit 4-5 diapers inside, plus a bag of wipes. There is a side pocket on the Savvy bag as well, which can hold your wallet, book, or other smaller item.

I highly recommend the Infantino Savvy Bag to all moms of babies in the diaper or toilet training years. It is conveinent, stylish, and essential for those trips to the grocery store, library, church, or to a friend's house for the afternoon. Whatever the occasion, the Savvy bag is quite handy, and fun to use.

**ENTER TO WIN**
To enter: Go to the Infantino website, and take a look at all the great products they offer. Come back here and leave a comment about another great baby product you would love to have, or know someone who would love it.
**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, follow Sassyfrazz on twitter (if you tweet this contest use the hash tag #sassyfrazz), and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and comment on another one of my blog posts (leave a comment letting me know what you commented on). Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

Contest will end Sunday, March 13th, 2011 at midnight.
For even more chances to win, like Infantino's facebook page, and tell them that you heard about the Savvy bag on the Sassyfrazz blog. You can follow Infantino on Twitter tell them you heard about them here. :)

I will contact the winner by e-mail and they will have 1 day to claim their prize, and at that time...if no response, I will have the option to pick a new winner.

I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation. I was not compensated for my time or written review.