I already shared this on facebook a while back but I thought it was cute enough to share again on the blog. :-)
Monday, July 21, 2014
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Inspired by "How to Train Your Dragon"
The kids and I were invited to see "How To Train Your Dragon 2" with some friends a few weeks back. We thought it sounded like fun, but hadn't seen the first movie yet. I searched Redbox and #1 happened to be at one near where Rich works, so he picked it up for us on his way home. It was fun to be able to see the first one before going to the theater and seeing #2. (We had no idea what we'd been missing out on! Such cute movies!!)
Every once in a while movies...or TV shows...or anything that Blake finds interesting/exciting...inspires him to get creative. Many times he likes to draw and other times he'll get his Legos out, destroy the living room, and make some pretty cool things!
This is what he made:
Meatlug
Nightmare
Stormfly
And, our favorite, Toothless!
I was impressed with the creativity of the little guy...especially when it was all from memory, no pictures to go by and limited Legos. :-)
We were also informed by our friends that the movies were inspired by books! (This HTTYD stuff was really all new to us.) Anyway, we found the first of the books at the library, the following week, and were completely entertained reading it as well! While the movies are completely different, you can definitely see where certain ideas in the movie came from the book. The book was so fun, we'd totally be reading the rest if the library had them! I'm sure I'll be seeking out deals on them on amazon in the near future. :-)
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Morgan's Dance Performances 2014
Morgan had a nice dance season this year. She chose to do lyrical, which is a dance style she has never done before, and liked it enough to want to do it again!
Her group of 8 has been practicing since last September. They danced to "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus and performed at a Mother-Daughter Luncheon, the recital and at a local park during an arts & crafts show.
This happens to be at the local park with only 3 of the 8 girls. (She's in blue in the middle.) Unfortunately all the girls only showed up for the recital, making the dance in the park, and at the luncheon, quite complicated. They were to dance in pairs through most of the routine and none of the girls here had their partner. They did quite well under the circumstances though. We couldn't have asked for a more pleasant day either!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Newest Additions to the Farm Family
The number of critters around here keeps growing! While these are the newest additions, they've all been around for about a month now. It's hard to believe it's been that long already!
These little chicks hatched on Father's Day and was a neat surprise for Rich when he went to the barn in the morning. They hatched about a month later than we expected them to since the hen started nesting a long time before that. Actually, a second hen started nesting in the time the first one was and I really don't know which of the two hatched them out since they both became their moms.
Four days after the chicks hatched, two newborn TWIN calves came to live with us. We don't typically take twins because they just don't usually do well and these calves were no exception to that! (Cattle prices are super high right now and these two were much more reasonable...but we've paid for it in time spent on them!!) We fought to keep the white one alive from the very beginning, but with several doses of antibiotics, vitamins and electrolytes I think we're finally on the right track with him.
Now, I'd say his brother was no trouble at all...but he has been the exact opposite from the white one and has been very annoying! I think he took all the black from the white one and, while he was at it, stole all his energy too. You can even tell from the picture he didn't even hold still long enough for me to get a decent shot! LOL!
Monday, July 14, 2014
"Persecuted" Book Review and GIVEAWAY!! (7/27)
*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
About The Book:
The Question Is Not IF Attempts Will Be Made to Limit Religious Freedoms, But When
The most popular evangelist of his day, John Luther, simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new religious-equality bill see Luther's endorsement as critical. But when Luther refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive left with only one dangerous option--putting everything he holds most dear at risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very fabric of our nation's freedoms.
About The Author:
Robin Parrish is a journalist who's written about the intersection of faith and pop culture for more than a decade. He's also the author of Offworld and The Dominion Trilogy . Robin and his wife and children live in North Carolina. Visit Robin's website...www.robinparrish.com
Buzz about the film:
"Bringing the battle of FREE SPEECH to light." FoxNews
"House of Cards for the religious sect." - POLITICO
"A big thumbs-up." - American Family Association
Take a peek at the trailer:
My Review:
I absolutely love reading suspenseful books! They draw me in and I don't want to stop reading until I know how it ends. I'm pretty sure I had Persecuted done within 24 hours, or less, of starting it and I can't say that of most books I've read. It's a real page-turner!
Not only is the storyline gripping, but I enjoyed how John Luther's past was revealed, as well as the past of the other characters, a little at a time, throughout the book. On top of that, I liked how the chapters were quite short, so I could just pick up and read for 5-10 minutes and then go about doing household chores.
After reading Persecuted, I am very excited to see the movie! Unfortunately, it isn't in my area, but I know I will be buying a copy when it is out on DVD. I highly recommend picking up a copy of Persecuted and/or seeing the movie yourself! You will not be disappointed!!
The movie will be out this Friday, July 18th! Stop by the website and see if it's in a theater near you!
Buy It!
Persecuted, in paperback, can be purchased for $15.99. It is also available as a hardcover and e-book. All can be found through the persecutedmovie.com site.
GIVEAWAY:
Congratulations to comment #12, amy tolley!
One of my readers is going to win their own copy of Persecuted!
To enter to
win, please leave a
comment below. Please be sure to leave your e-mail address, so that I can
contact you if you're the winner!
Only one entrant per
mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog,
you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility
verification.Extra Entries:
(1 extra entry per method. Leave a comment for each.)
*Subscribe to my blog in the upper left hand corner.
*Follow me through Google Friend Connect
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*Tweet this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment
*Follow me on Pinterest
*Pin
an image from this post to one of your board.
*Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post and let me know which post.
Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Giveaway will end Sunday, July 27th, 2014 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be chosen shortly after and contacted via e-mail. (Winner must not have won within the last month in order to share the prizes with more readers.) The winner will have 48 hours to respond otherwise I will have to choose
a new winner.
*Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post and let me know which post.
Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Giveaway will end Sunday, July 27th, 2014 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be chosen shortly after and contacted via e-mail. (Winner must not have won within the last month in order to share the prizes with more readers.) The winner will have 48 hours to respond otherwise I will have to choose
a new winner.Friday, July 11, 2014
"When Calls the Heart: The Dance" DVD Review
*Disclosure: I was provided a copy of the following film in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.
About When Calls the Heart: The Dance:
When Calls the Heart The Dance, Produced and directed by Michael Landon Jr. and inspired by the best-selling books by Janette Oke, tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young high society woman, working as a teacher in a prairie town in the Western Frontier. When a group of bachelor minors come to help reopen the mine, the local Mounty. Jack Thorton (Daniel Lissing), finds himself in competition for Elizabeth’s affections. When items start disappearing from the town, Jack is immediately suspicious that his rival might also be a thief. Also stars Lori Loughlin as Abigail Stanton, a widow and mother whose husband, along with a dozen other miners, was killed in an explosion at the local mine.
My Review:
I can't say enough good about the When Calls the Heart movies! The Dance was just as much a pleasure to watch as the first few films. I really enjoyed watching the kids reactions while watching The Dance. Morgan always becomes very 'giggly' when Elizabeth and Jack show an interest in one another, and this movie threw another man trying to court Elizabeth! The whole movie was full of giggles from her! LOL! Both kids love the mysteries and always have discussions on who they think the culprit is throughout the duration of the show. We're always guessing right up to the end. :-)
Be sure to pick up a copy of When Calls the Heart: The Dance.... as well as the rest of the films. You won't be disappointed! :-)
Buy It!
When Calls the Heart: The Dance can be purchased for $14.99 at Christianbook.com.
About When Calls the Heart: The Dance:
When Calls the Heart The Dance, Produced and directed by Michael Landon Jr. and inspired by the best-selling books by Janette Oke, tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young high society woman, working as a teacher in a prairie town in the Western Frontier. When a group of bachelor minors come to help reopen the mine, the local Mounty. Jack Thorton (Daniel Lissing), finds himself in competition for Elizabeth’s affections. When items start disappearing from the town, Jack is immediately suspicious that his rival might also be a thief. Also stars Lori Loughlin as Abigail Stanton, a widow and mother whose husband, along with a dozen other miners, was killed in an explosion at the local mine.
My Review:
I can't say enough good about the When Calls the Heart movies! The Dance was just as much a pleasure to watch as the first few films. I really enjoyed watching the kids reactions while watching The Dance. Morgan always becomes very 'giggly' when Elizabeth and Jack show an interest in one another, and this movie threw another man trying to court Elizabeth! The whole movie was full of giggles from her! LOL! Both kids love the mysteries and always have discussions on who they think the culprit is throughout the duration of the show. We're always guessing right up to the end. :-)
Be sure to pick up a copy of When Calls the Heart: The Dance.... as well as the rest of the films. You won't be disappointed! :-)
Buy It!
When Calls the Heart: The Dance can be purchased for $14.99 at Christianbook.com.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
"When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence" DVD Review
*Diclosure: I received a copy of this movie in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.
About When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence:
When Calls the Heart “A Telling Silence” is produced and directed by Michael Landon Jr. and inspired by the best-selling books by Janette Oke. A feature length film made from episodes of the When Calls the Heart television series,When Calls the Heart “A Telling Silence” tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young high society teacher fighting to make a difference in a prairie town in a part of the Western Frontier known as Coal Valley. Almost immediately, she can tell that something is wrong. The church was burned to the ground a month after a local mining accident and the only man left to investigate the crime is the Canadian Mountie, Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing). Meanwhile, the head of the mine is scheming to control the town, including the pastor who seems to be losing his faith along with his church. The stakes are raised when a young girl goes missing and the town must come together to find her. Distributed by Word Entertainment,When Calls the Heart “A Telling Silence” will be available to purchase in Christian Retail April 22nd, 2014.
My Review:
The When Calls the Heart series has my family hooked and A Telling Silence definitely reeled us in even more. These movies have everything that I like when I watch a show...mystery, subtle romance and lovable characters. Not to mention that the era is one of my favorites and it's a good wholesome movie that the whole family can watch.
Even though I'd recommend watching these in order, each movie has it's own story and I think most of what has happened in previous movies can be picked up throughout without anyone feeling lost. With that said, I highly suggest picking up a copy of When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence...you'll be happily hooked like my family and I! :-)
Buy It! When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence can be purchased at Christianbook.com for $14.99.
When Calls the Heart “A Telling Silence” is produced and directed by Michael Landon Jr. and inspired by the best-selling books by Janette Oke. A feature length film made from episodes of the When Calls the Heart television series,When Calls the Heart “A Telling Silence” tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young high society teacher fighting to make a difference in a prairie town in a part of the Western Frontier known as Coal Valley. Almost immediately, she can tell that something is wrong. The church was burned to the ground a month after a local mining accident and the only man left to investigate the crime is the Canadian Mountie, Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing). Meanwhile, the head of the mine is scheming to control the town, including the pastor who seems to be losing his faith along with his church. The stakes are raised when a young girl goes missing and the town must come together to find her. Distributed by Word Entertainment,When Calls the Heart “A Telling Silence” will be available to purchase in Christian Retail April 22nd, 2014.
My Review:
The When Calls the Heart series has my family hooked and A Telling Silence definitely reeled us in even more. These movies have everything that I like when I watch a show...mystery, subtle romance and lovable characters. Not to mention that the era is one of my favorites and it's a good wholesome movie that the whole family can watch.
Even though I'd recommend watching these in order, each movie has it's own story and I think most of what has happened in previous movies can be picked up throughout without anyone feeling lost. With that said, I highly suggest picking up a copy of When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence...you'll be happily hooked like my family and I! :-)
Buy It! When Calls the Heart: A Telling Silence can be purchased at Christianbook.com for $14.99.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Keep Momming
*Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Shire. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
The relationship that exists between mothers and daughters is unlike any other. It has many unique moments, memories, and yes, even challenges along the way. The relationship dynamic can be even trickier when your daughter is in those tween-age years. What can be even more difficult is when some people dismiss certain behaviors as “typical tween girl behavior” when those behaviors can be symptoms of something more serious. Research suggests that girls are more likely than boys to report having mostly inattentive Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Since inattentive symptoms can be less noticeable than hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, it is important that moms know what to look for.
I’m proud to be joining forces with Shire, CHADD and Holly Robinson Peete to announce the launch of keep momming, a new public service initiative geared towards the moms of tween girls to raise awareness of ADHD.
The campaign is anchored within a new digital hub, KeepMomming.com, where you’ll find tips, tools and other go-to resources for moms, including a checklist to help recognize the symptoms of ADHD – inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity – and then encourages moms to talk to their daughter’s doctor. The keep momming initiative can help moms learn about ADHD and provide ideas on how to spark a conversation and stay connected with their tween.
Don’t miss Holly’s message about the keep momming initiative http://goo.gl/3tqd5q, and be sure to check out the website at Keepmomming.com
Again, I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Shire.
Again, I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Shire.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
"Ragamuffin" DVD Review and GIVEAWAY! (7/20)
*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Take a peak at the trailer:
My Review:
I have heard of Rich Mullins on several occasions, and knew I had heard his music before (I'm sure everyone has heard Awesome God), so it was neat to watch a movie based on his life and see who is was. I have to say that I was brought to tears on a few occasions...not so much due to the events of Rich's life but, by watching this, I saw that I too am a 'ragamuffin' and God loves me flaws and all...
Ragamuffin teaches us to be honest about who we really are. A part in the movie that really caught my attention was when Rich was talking to his friend who asked what his 'Sunday school' answer to the difficult situation would be and Rich replied "God loves you even when you don't feel it." The friend then asks how Rich feels, to which he responds "I feel broken. The only thing that makes me feel good is not pretending otherwise."
I think this is a great movie for everyone to watch to understand, or reinforce, that we don't have to be perfect to be loved by God. I'd highly recommend getting a copy, or several, and sharing them! :-)
Buy It!
Ragamuffin can currently be purchased for $12.96 through the movie's website: http://ragamuffinthemovie.com/buy/ Please consider purchasing a copy for yourself and another for a 'ragamuffin' in your life.
GIVEAWAY:One of my readers is going to win their own copy of Ragamuffin!
Congratulations to comment #6, apple blossom!
Extra Entries:
(1 extra entry per method. Leave a comment for each.)
*Subscribe to my blog in the upper left hand corner.
*Follow me through Google Friend Connect
*Follow me on twitter.
*Tweet this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment
*Follow me on Pinterest
About Ragamuffin:
Ragamuffin is based on the life of Rich Mullins, a musical prodigy who rose to Christian music fame and fortune only to walk away and live on a Navajo reservation. An artistic genius, raised on a tree farm in Indiana by a callous father, Rich wrestled all of his life with the brokenness and crippling insecurity born of his childhood. A lover of Jesus and a rebel in the church, Rich refused to let his struggles with his own darkness tear him away from a God he was determined to love. As he struggled with success in Nashville and depression in Wichita, Rich desired most of all to live a life of honest and reckless faith amidst a culture of religion and conformity.
in Wichita, Rich desired most of all to live a life of honest and reckless faith amidst a culture of religion and conformity.My Review:
I have heard of Rich Mullins on several occasions, and knew I had heard his music before (I'm sure everyone has heard Awesome God), so it was neat to watch a movie based on his life and see who is was. I have to say that I was brought to tears on a few occasions...not so much due to the events of Rich's life but, by watching this, I saw that I too am a 'ragamuffin' and God loves me flaws and all...
Ragamuffin teaches us to be honest about who we really are. A part in the movie that really caught my attention was when Rich was talking to his friend who asked what his 'Sunday school' answer to the difficult situation would be and Rich replied "God loves you even when you don't feel it." The friend then asks how Rich feels, to which he responds "I feel broken. The only thing that makes me feel good is not pretending otherwise."
I think this is a great movie for everyone to watch to understand, or reinforce, that we don't have to be perfect to be loved by God. I'd highly recommend getting a copy, or several, and sharing them! :-)
Buy It!
Ragamuffin can currently be purchased for $12.96 through the movie's website: http://ragamuffinthemovie.com/buy/ Please consider purchasing a copy for yourself and another for a 'ragamuffin' in your life.
GIVEAWAY:One of my readers is going to win their own copy of Ragamuffin!
Congratulations to comment #6, apple blossom!
To
enter to win, please leave a comment below.
Please be sure to leave your e-mail address, so that I can contact you if you're
the winner!
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.Extra Entries:
(1 extra entry per method. Leave a comment for each.)
*Subscribe to my blog in the upper left hand corner.
*Follow me through Google Friend Connect
*Follow me on twitter.
*Tweet this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment
*Follow me on Pinterest
*Pin
an image from this post to one of your board.
*Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post and let me know which post.
Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Giveaway will end Sunday, July 20th, 2014 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be chosen shortly after and contacted via e-mail. (Winner must not have won within the last month in order to share the prizes with more readers.) The winner will have 48 hours to respond otherwise I will have to choose a new winner.
*Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post and let me know which post.
Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Giveaway will end Sunday, July 20th, 2014 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be chosen shortly after and contacted via e-mail. (Winner must not have won within the last month in order to share the prizes with more readers.) The winner will have 48 hours to respond otherwise I will have to choose a new winner.
Monday, July 7, 2014
"The Good Book" DVD Review and GIVEAWAY! (7/20)
*Disclosure: I received a copy of The Good Book in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.
About The Good Book (from the website):
My Review:
The kids and I watched The Good Book together and I thought they might lose interest since there was no dialogue in the movie, but I think it made it more interesting for them and for me! I don't think I've watched a silent film since high school and I have to admit there is really something to being able to watch a movie, without words, and still know what is going on. It's amazing to me that the actors are still able to portray the story without ever speaking.
I also enjoyed the storyline of the film. It was neat, and even moving at times, to see how one little Bible could effect so many lives.
Buy It!
The Pre-release copy of The Good Book is available now for $15 (free shipping) through the movie's website: http://www.goodbookmovie.com/#!cart/cuox The Good Book will officially release in stores this fall.
GIVEAWAY:
Congratulations to comment #1, My Flower!
One of my readers is going to win their own copy of The Good Book!
Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Giveaway will end Sunday, July 20th, 2014 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be chosen shortly after and contacted via e-mail. (Winner must not have won within the last month in order to share the prizes with more readers.) The winner will have 48 hours to respond otherwise I will have to choose a new winner.
About The Good Book (from the website):
The Good Book movie is the first evangelical silent feature to be released since sound was added to movies. It tells the story of a small New Testament that is passed along from individual to individual. These include young and old, rich and poor, blessed and forsaken. For seven of the strangers, it provides hope and meaning when they need it most.
Mainstreet Productions husband and wife team Fred and Sharon Wilharm produced their first faith-based feature in 2000. The Good Book movie is their fifth. Past movies include Class of 91 and Flowers for Fannie. When he's not making movies, Fred is busy producing commercials, web videos, and music videos. Sharon is the editor/ writer for Faith Flix, a blog focused on faith-based filmmaking.
Take a peak at the 30 second trailer:
Take a peak at the 30 second trailer:
My Review:
The kids and I watched The Good Book together and I thought they might lose interest since there was no dialogue in the movie, but I think it made it more interesting for them and for me! I don't think I've watched a silent film since high school and I have to admit there is really something to being able to watch a movie, without words, and still know what is going on. It's amazing to me that the actors are still able to portray the story without ever speaking.
I also enjoyed the storyline of the film. It was neat, and even moving at times, to see how one little Bible could effect so many lives.
Buy It!
The Pre-release copy of The Good Book is available now for $15 (free shipping) through the movie's website: http://www.goodbookmovie.com/#!cart/cuox The Good Book will officially release in stores this fall.
GIVEAWAY:
Congratulations to comment #1, My Flower!
One of my readers is going to win their own copy of The Good Book!
To
enter to win, please leave a comment below.
Please be sure to leave your e-mail address, so that I can contact you if you're
the winner!
Extra Entries:
(1 extra entry per method. Leave a comment for each.)
*Subscribe to my blog in the upper left hand corner.
*Follow me through Google Friend Connect
*Follow me on twitter.
*Tweet this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment
*Follow me on Pinterest
Extra Entries:
(1 extra entry per method. Leave a comment for each.)
*Subscribe to my blog in the upper left hand corner.
*Follow me through Google Friend Connect
*Follow me on twitter.
*Tweet this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment
*Follow me on Pinterest
*Pin
an image from this post to one of your board.
*Leave
a comment on a non-giveaway post and let me know which
post.
Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Giveaway will end Sunday, July 20th, 2014 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be chosen shortly after and contacted via e-mail. (Winner must not have won within the last month in order to share the prizes with more readers.) The winner will have 48 hours to respond otherwise I will have to choose a new winner.
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