Ahhh... The possibilities

Well today I kept trying to drill and skill my kid in math.  He really does need it and it is time to do that; however, he also found his lego Star Wars watch he was given for Christmas.  We have worked for years on time.  The watch that he owns doesn't even have all the '5' markings on it.  But he knew exactly what time it was every time he looked.  But the fun part was that when he was counting down to the next minute he went, "YEA!!!  A new minute!"  5-4-3-2-1-0!  (He just did it again.)  Each minute brought new and fabulous opportunities!  How great is that!  You can drill and skill all day but a kid is going to get it when he gets it.  I wish I could look at each new minute that way.

And what was he looking forward to doing??  Going to the zoo?! no...  To the movies?? no... A playdate?  not that either...  He has wanted to clean the car for several days.  He says, "God has told us to clean the house and the car.  Everything but the basement."  I have to say that God has been telling me that too (although eventually I want to get to the basement.)

Only when you do RDI can you find the FUN in something like cleaning the car.  When you clean the car the 'RDI way' it is about the experience together.  Should we save or throw?  Does it need to be washed?  How long have these pennies been here anyway?  Do you think that we can try the taco sauce to clean those pennies?  (Well we only had ketchup on the car but we might try that too!)

We also took out his booster seat.  Perhaps we should have done that awhile ago but it kept him grounded but he was so excited.  We decided to take a drive (to get more ketchup packets) and while waiting in line at the drive through he says, "oh this is the life!"  I asked him for detail and he gave a rundown of a clean car, a new watch and no booster seat.  Sometimes it's the little things.

Ginny Owens- Get In I'm Driving!..review and GIVE AWAY

I had the opportunity to review Ginny Owen's new CD called Get In I'm Driving.  I LOVE it.  Not only that but my husband, who does not generally listen to contemporary Christian music (or music in general)  said when he saw the album cover, "is that Ginny Owens?    I like her music."    I am guessing that this CD will be in the background more often than some others I have!  It is 'jazzy' and easy listening music but also great music to stick in your ears when you go for a walk.

As I was listening to the music I kept thinking...I like this song best.  And then I'd listen to the next song and that would be my favorite.  My first favorite is Daughter of Destiny.  At the beginning of the song she has two little ones singing the lyrics..so important to drill into our daughters how beautiful they are.  It is funny that I listened to this song right around the time I was sitting with some ladies at the coffee shop and we were talking how we were getting older.  I think I should buy this song for all of them.  Last summer we did a Bible study on how beautiful and captivating we are as women in the eyes of God.  The song is a great reminder.  You can go here to see the lyrics and listen to a promo of the song

My second favorite song..and really my favorite favorite song.. was Joined at the Heart.  I was listening while I was in the backyard watching my little guy swinging.  A few tears were shed.  Lovely song.  Yes it is my favorite. You can go to amazon to hear a sample of the song.

You can see more of Ginny's bio here and she also gives a video blog of how this album came about.  I have included it here as well.



Ginny's website has many 'behind the scene' journal entries which give you the story behind the music.

So where can you find Ginny?...  All the usual places:
Her Website
Facebook
Twitter ....and last but not least...
iTunes

HIGHLY recommend :)  Now before you rush off and buy it, wait one week and see if you WIN it here!!!  Contest runs through Friday September 16, 1022.  You can get an entry by:

1) leave a comment that you subscribe here or on FB
2) facebook this post (and leave an additional comment)
3) re-blog this post (and leave an additional comment)
4) tweet this post (and leave an additional comment)

Please leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner!





Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Theo Presents- Review and Giveaway! (And they are CAPTIONED!)

I received a promotion copy of Theo which is a new anamation series that guides children and adults through a careful study of systematic theology.  There are many Christian cartoons to choose from but this takes a much more systematic approach to teaching theology (get it..Theo..) so that it can be accessed more throughly by children.

What I received in the promo package was the Good News Episode and one episode from Foundations of Faith.  All of the DVDs can be found on their website here.   As I was watching I was thinking, gee I would love to have a curriculum to go along with this.  Low and behold, when I looked at the website that is what is included.  It is $39.99 for a four episode dvd as well as a written curriculum.  The episode that I watched was 10 minutes long and there are four on the dvd.  The curriculum will come as a ROM portion of the dvd.  I was able to play the dvd on my computer.  You can watch the Good News Episode here! It is also on the dvds.


Theo - Good News from Theo Presents on Vimeo.

And YEA they are captioned!  The boo is that the promo is not captioned.  I was going to just watch it myself but decided to let AJ take a gander at it.  He did not catch everything and to use this as a teaching tool for him I would probably need it captioned; however, when Theo asked, "did you know God loves you?" AJ responded with, "yes I do!"  Heartwarming.  If he got nothing else that was enough for me that day.  (A little whisper from God.)  I did confirm SEVERAL times that they are captioned DVDs.

I begged AJ to give an video review but alas, he did not want to.  But he did give me a few thoughts on what he liked.  He loved what he called 'art work.'  This was certain parts of the cartoon that broke out into mini-cartoons.  (Hard to explain.  The upshot is that they present the material in a variety of visual ways.)  When I asked AJ if he wanted to watch a second episode he said, "yes please!"That is a sure sign that he liked it.  The one downfall is that he said they were too short.  He called them "nano-sodes."  I actually liked the 10 minute format.

I personally liked that there was a mix of cartoons yet 'old style' references.  For example, they made reference to hymns when Theo was walking through the hall singing Faith of our Fathers.  Although this was a cartoon, it wasn't all "action" cartoon.  There were actual 'teaching' times that I think caused AJ to slow down and think.  (For example, when Theo asked if you knew God loved you.)  There were other times when they inserted more cartoony moments.  It was a very nice blend.   I like that Theo was a real person trying to teach them vs. an cartoon character.  Both can serve a purpose but I found this format lovely

So where can you find Theo?  First there is the website and you can find samples of the curriculum here as well as coloring pages and parent pages which are very informative on the episodes.  They also have a facebook page.  And you can find them on Amazon or Lifeway.   They also have a FREE ap that you can find via their website.

Now for something REALLY cool.  They have a Buy 1 Give 1 Campaign.  For every Theo DVD purchased, Whitestone Media and Child Evangelism Fellowship® will send a child in need their very own copy of Theo.  You can log onto TheoPresents.com after making your own purchase, and select the region of the world you'd like another copy of Theo to be sent.

AND... You can win a free copy!  I have the opportunity to give away two dvds.  Keep in mind these might be the promo dvds (as they are sent from elsewhere) and may not be captioned.  If you are hearing impaired and win, let me know and I will see what I can do.  If you buy them they will be captioned.   Contest ends Friday September 16, 2011.  You can get an entry by:

1) subscribe and leave a comment.  (If you are my FB friend that counts since I post there. Or subscribe via GFC on sidebar.)

2) facebook this post (and leave an additional comment)

3) re-blog this post (and leave an additional comment)

4) tweet this post (and leave an additional comment)

I received one or more of the products or services 
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I 
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: 
"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Planning...Schmanning....

Ah to be a new homeschooler again... Wide eyed... full of ideas...  Excited for the year to start.....

Alas I think I have hit the speed bump where we are going 5 MPH.

I debated on posting this because it does sound like a downer but as I was reflecting on where we have come from and where we are going, I see that it is a journey.  But we are in the 5 MPH zone right now..actually we have been there awhile so maybe we will find our way through soon.   I am learning to be OK with that.   I am finding not an excessive joy of the upcoming year.  Rather it is a resigned peace.

But my planning consisted of a big piece of cardboard and a sharpie.  I cordoned off six blocks.  Wrote various subjects in each one and sat in my "back room" full of books flipping through to see what we could do.   Here is the start of my "planner."  While sitting back there I was thinking about what a friend is planning to do for her own son.  She is going to write on notecards various things they do and then sort them into subjects later.  I might do that as well.

I know.. it isn't fancy.  But I am going to post it next to my desk.  Often I plan way to much.  This will focus me on a few good things.  And then we will add as we go along.  Perhaps I will show you along the way how I add to it, change it, modify it... I am a tweaker.  I love to tweak systems.  I rarely stick with them.

Perhaps when we round the corner it will be straight road at 70 MPH.

Set the DVR...Family Movie Night!!

My previous post promised a review of the upcoming Family Movie Night upcoming show if I was afforded the opportunity...and I was!  Game Time: Tackling the Past did not disappoint.  It contains all the necessary drama and fun to please the whole family.   There is football, romance, drama and family angst.  It deals with the important topic of deciding what is most important in one's life.

The acting was great. (Yes I cried.)  The leading lady was Catherine Hicks...from Seventh Heaven fame.   Many times 'clean/family' films don't live up to my expectations in the talent and production department but this one did.

I have to say one of my favorite parts of the movie was the tunes!  I loved all the background music and may have to download a few 'i-tunes.'  My biggest problem in the movie was that I could not pause it (because I was watching it live in a virtual theater) so I will be recording it to watch a few choice scenes again.  And when is it you might ask?  Saturday night... 8 PM EST... NBC.  B there or B square.  Set the DVR.  Make some popcorn.

As for ages of who might watch the show, Andrew (age 10 and special needs) was there watching part of it but it was a bit over his head.  I am not giving anything away by mentioning there are scenes with dad in the hospital and some of that might be an emotional issue for some kids but they really do that part nicely and don't focus on that at all.  I only mention, because some folks have kids that might be especially sensitive to that.

Below you can find a synopsis of the movie.  I hope family movie night on NBC will become a regular feature.   Apparently you can pick these Family Movie Night features at Walmart but they sell out fast.  Watch and support!

You can find additional information here:

Facebook Page

Youtube Page

Website

Game Time: Tackling the Past Synopsis:

Pro football star Jake Walker is living the dream… or so he thinks. The veteran tight end is a fan favorite and on pace to set the all-time receiving yards record that will guarantee him a spot in the Hall of Fame. While working out at training camp, Jake receives an unexpected call from his brother Dean – their father Frank has suffered a major heart attack. Jake immediately leaves practice and returns to Riverton, North Carolina, the small hometown he’s avoided for nearly 15 years. Memories of glory and regret flood his mind as he returns to the family and friends he abandoned in pursuit of his career. Jake dutifully visits with Frank and Dean, but hurt and misunderstanding from the past begins to resurface, leaving him counting the days until he can return to his team.

A second unexpected call, this time from his agent, delivers Jake another crushing blow. His contract is not being renewed amid concerns about his surgically repaired knee. Suddenly, the life Jake knows is over. To avoid the media circus around this news, Jake reluctantly decides to extend his stay in Riverton. Attempting to make the best of the situation, he begins reconnecting with the community that once revered him.    Jake is reintroduced to Sarah, his high school sweetheart, and helps Dean take over their father’s high school coaching job.

Surprisingly impacted by the people around him, the real Jake begins to emerge from behind his armor to see that life is much more than the accumulation of personal stats. But when Jake’s offered a lucrative new contract to play for another team, he is forced to decide whether to go back to the career he thought he loved, or stay in Riverton and embrace the people who always believed in him.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Family Movie Night!

I just watched Family Movie Night's encore presentation of Walking in my Shoes.  What a great show.  One of my favorite quotes from the movie is, "Life isn't so much a puzzle as a plan."   If you didn't set the DVR, then you can actually buy the movie at Walmart!  For $15 you get the Blueray dvd and audio CD.  The regular dvd and audio CD appeared to be out of stock.

And next week, Sept 3,  is a great new family movie called, Game Time Tackling the Past.  I may actually be able to see this before and if I do I will be sure to give you a review.

Pro football star Jake Walker is living the dream… or so he thinks. The veteran tight end is a fan favorite and on pace to set the all-time receiving yards record that will guarantee him a spot in the Hall of Fame. While working out at training camp, Jake receives an unexpected call from his brother Dean – their father Frank has suffered a major heart attack. Jake immediately leaves practice and returns to Riverton, North Carolina, the small hometown he’s avoided for nearly 15 years. Memories of glory and regret flood his mind as he returns to the family and friends he abandoned in pursuit of his career. Jake dutifully visits with Frank and Dean, but hurt and misunderstanding from the past begins to resurface, leaving him counting the days until he can return to his team.

A second unexpected call, this time from his agent, delivers Jake another crushing blow. His contract is not being renewed amid concerns about his surgically repaired knee. Suddenly, the life Jake knows is over. To avoid the media circus around this news, Jake reluctantly decides to extend his stay in Riverton. Attempting to make the best of the situation, he begins reconnecting with the community that once revered him.    Jake is reintroduced to Sarah, his high school sweetheart, and helps Dean take over their father’s high school coaching job.

Surprisingly impacted by the people around him, the real Jake begins to emerge from behind his armor to see that life is much more than the accumulation of personal stats. But when Jake’s offered a lucrative new contract to play for another team, he is forced to decide whether to go back to the career he thought he loved, or stay in Riverton and embrace the people who always believed in him.

If you want to find out more about Family Movie Night, here are a few links:

Youtube Family Movie Night channel

Facebook Family Movie Night

Family Movie Night Website

Thelma and Louise!!!

 Here my friend Lori and I are test driving cars today!!!!!

OK...maybe this is us.  But we could have just taken off for the weekend!!!!!

Anyway...THANKS Lori!  It wasn't exactly going out for a relaxing cup of joe but it was fun!  I'll keep you posted on what we get.  Then I can pick you up to go get the cup of coffee!

And we have a winner!

Number 6... you are a winner of The Grace Card.   Congrats to Ohiohomeschool!  I think that she won my last contest... and just won a friend's contest too!  You are one blessed gal!  

Amy's Agenda....August 16, 2011

Current Mood:
hmmmm.... just hmmm.....

Outside:

Tunes:


Kid is:
Watching Man Vs. Wild with Dad.  That is one crazy show!

A Giggle:

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of the table was a large tray of apples. A nun lettered a note and posted it on the apple tray: “Take only ONE. God is watching.”

Moving along the lunch line, at the other end was a large tray of chocolate chip cookies. A girl wrote a note, which she put next to the tray of cookies, “Take all you want. God is watching the apples.”

Something new:
Gluten Free Blueberry bread.  Recipe to follow on the Settings blog.  Also see 'pic' for our new horizontal tree.  

Blessings:
My boys.  I "heart" my boys.

Reading:
We just started reading one of The Boxcar Children books.  We had read #1 years ago and when I brought this one home from the library Andrew said, "we read that already."  Little did he know it was a series.  We are listening on CD as well.

Accomplishments:
Andrew had a bath today.  We were at a friend's house and the kids smelled Andrew's hair...and they both went ewwww.  Ok I got the message!

Looking forward to:
Some time with a girlfriend on Thursday evening who I haven't seen in awhile.  Also looking forward to healing rain.  Listen to tunes :)

Pic:

It's Movie Time... A Review and A Give Away!

YEA!!!  I was given a MOVIE to review!  A MOVIE!  For ME!  And I HAD to do it!  It was such hard work!!!  But I had to fit it in to the schedule....

So I made popcorn...

And invited Sally....

And we had a wonderful time watching The Grace Card.  Since this is my first movie review, I was thinking, I don't want to give away any of the plot.  You can watch the trailer on the website to get a feel for what it is about. You can read the synopsis here and I will also include it below if you would like to read it.   It is a Christian film in a very real way and it is also about life.   It shows real emotions, real life, real tears.  

I have been DVRing a bunch of older Christian movies over the past month because I found a family channel that I didn't know was available.  And overall, I find the movies to be lacking in many ways except the message.  The acting in many Christian movies is poor as well as the filming and editing.  It is a shame because films can bridge a gap between cultures and ages so well- but they have to be worth watching for the message to get out there.  I think that people are putting more money into making these films and...

The Grace Card is definitely worth watching. 

I sense a brand new generation of Christian films and this is one of them.  There were five movie previews on the dvd and they all looked great as well.  The Grace Card's story is one of..well..grace..and forgiveness.  The acting and filming were quite good.  There were some holes in the story and a few places where the panning out made you yell "commercial" but I also shed quite a few tears and smiled at the love that the characters had for each other.   Only good acting can do that.  There were some places in the movie where I felt I knew what was going to happen next and then other places where it totally threw me off my game and surprised me!

The movie is rated PG-13.  There are several good online movie review websites that detail all the content areas of films but the best thing is to watch it yourself before showing to the kids.  This is a clean film but there are scenes that are violent and the themes are quite heavy.  You know your kid...and if it is right for family (teen) viewing.

Of course they have a facebook group which can be found here.  You can buy the film on August 16 from one of these retailers.

Now for the give-away.  You can enter by leaving a comment.  I will pick a winner at random on Friday August 19, 2011.   PLEASE leave a way for me to contact you.  If you don't win, I believe this would be an excellent movie to purchase.  There is so much 'junk' out there today and this is GOOD and clean.  They have license opportunities if you want to purchase to show it to a larger audience outside your home.  You can increase your chances of winning by multiple entries.  Here is how:

1) Leave a comment- entry one.
2) Post on facebook - entry two
3) Re-blog it - entry three

Please leave a comment for each entry and what you did.  That way I can pick a random winner by number.


Here is the synopsis.  There isn't really a spoiler alert but it does give away a few surprises.  Read if you wish.

Everything can change in an instant ... and take a lifetime to unravel.

When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God ... and just about everyone else.

Mac's rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he's partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man.

Mac's home life is as frightening as anything he encounters on the streets of Memphis. Money is tight and emotions run high as he constantly argues with his wife and his surviving son Blake, who is hanging with the wrong crowd and in danger of flunking out of school.

Sam Wright also never expected to be a police officer. He has a calling—to be a minister like his Grandpa George. But leading a small, start-up church doesn't always put enough food on the table for a young family, so Sam doubles as a police officer. With his new promotion to Sergeant, Sam starts questioning if his real calling might actually be police work rather than the pastorate.

Can Mac and Sam somehow join forces to help one another when it's impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one?

Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God's grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD ... and never underestimate the power of God's love.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."