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A Mile in His Shoes: Review and DVD Giveaway: Ends 1/26/12

Barbara — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:23:04 +0000

A Mile in His Shoes, from the directors of Angels in the Outfield stars Dean Cain and Luke Schroder, is a film based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler". This movie is an inspirational story about the journey of Mickey, who has Aspergers Syndrome as well as an amazing gift, and a coach of a losing minor league team. Looking at the movie cover you would think it is just another inspirational story of a sports team but this one goes beyond just a sports story and as the synopsis of the movie cover states it is a "film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship." As far as being family friendly, this movie is mostly that. However, there are some minor scenes that you may what to consider moderating for your younger family members which is why the film has a PG rating for some mild thematic elements. Still I would recommend this movie despite the few non-family elements in an otherwise family-friendly film. For more information about A Mile in His Shoes, I suggest you check out the following links: Website: http://www.watchgmctv.com/video/mile-his-shoes#biography Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Mile-In-His-Shoes/270101973014772?sk=wall Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev2T0BFetH4 Dove Foundation Review: http://www.dove.org/reviewmasterframe.asp Now on to how to win your own copy of the A Mile in His Shoes DVD. You can enter via the Rafflecopter entry options below and a winner will be chosen after 1/26/12. a Rafflecopter giveaway “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 the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Girl Scout cookies

Barbara — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:21:37 +0000

In our area we started selling Girl Scout cookies. The weather has been wonderful and all so un-wintery until the day we started selling cookies. It was the most cold and snowy day so far. So my daughter and did what every Girl Scout needing to sell cookies does.. we went out in the cold. For 2 hours we went door to door and although hardly anyone was home we still manage to sell about 20 boxes of cookies. Not a whole lot but enough to get a start on my daughter's goals. I am so proud of my troop, I lead a homeschool troop, they decided to ask people to buy cookies to donate them to the military through Whole in my Heart military support group as well as giving some of our profits to a charity that helps kids who are ill. I am hoping that our troop does well so that everyone can benefit. Needless to say I am still feeling the cold of yesterday evening and though not looking forward to going on later today but I am proud of my daughter's commitment to her personal goals.

Z-Guides to the Movies: Adventures of Robin Hood

Barbara — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:16:59 +0000

provides a series of movie guides named Z-Guides which leads you through a study of a movie which is set in a specific historical time period. Each guide focuses on a specific movie release and not only do you learn about the movie details but the historical period associated with it while developing research and critical thinking skills. Now on to the specific Z-Guide that our family has used. We selected the Z-Guide which studies the 1938 movie, The Adventures of Robin Hood, which starred Errol Flynn. We have started watching older movies lately so this was perfect timing for our family. Most of the movies covered by the Z-Guides can be found either though your local library or through Netflix as well various movie rental places. Each movie guide begins with a topic overview detailing information about the time period that the movie takes place then moves on to the movie synopsis. It is suggested that you answer specific movie questions while watching the movie. We started by reading through the questions before the movie started to get an idea of what to look out for during the movie. My daughter is not good at quickly writing down answers so she tended to stop the movie at places in order to write down an answer. The 32 page movie guide which is geared toward high school students is set up to be completed within a week. It is suggested that your student completes 2 activities per day with a total of 10 main activities. For the Robin Hood movie guide we covered the following topics though various types of activities: - Medieval English history (learning about about King Richard, Prince John, and the feudal system) - Ethnic Conflict - Chivalry - Civil Disobedience Beyond movie review questions, some of the other activities include researching answers to history questions centering around the main topics, some creative writing exercises, word find , an activity that requires creating an action plan and following through with it, a worldview activity that has your student examine their views and beliefs, a physical related activity, an activity that focuses on the art of film-making. and questions for a family discussion. You are also provided with a list of additional resources for you to explore and finally the answers so that you can check and grade your work. Going through this movie guide was a learning experience in itself for my oldest as she has just started learning to do her own research and had to struggle a bit when searching on the internet for answers to some of the question within the guide. The movie guide, though a challenge, was a good activity for her. She began to develop better research and critical thinking skills as a result of working on our chosen Z-Guide. You can learn more specific information about the Z-Guide for The Adventures of Robin Hood by going HERE on the Zeezok website. To view the other Z-Guide movie options you can visit the Z-Guide to the Movies page at the Zeezok website, You can view a sample pdf of the Z-Guides HERE. The Z-Guide for The Adventures of Robin Hood can be purchased for 12.99 as a single license download version or you can buy it on a physical CD. Classroom or co-op license can be purchased for $49.99. For other products from Zeezok you can visit their website at https://www.zeezok.com/. Zeezok even sells copies of the individual movies through their website in case you want one to purchase. This was our second Z-Guide that our family has used and we have been happy with both of them. To find out what my fellow TOS Crew members had to say about this guide as well as others from Zeezkok Publishing please visit our Crew Blog post. Note: I received a download copy of the Z-Guide to the Movies for Adventures of Robin Hood for free as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew in order to provide an honest review for my readers.

Invasion by Jon Lewis

Barbara — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:22:29 +0000

Invasion by Jon Lewis is a science fiction book that centers around three teenagers, Colt, Oz, and Danielle who get caught up in exposing a conspiracy and an invasion by aliens. The storyline involves portals which exist between our world and other alien worlds, a secret military organization that protects normal citizens from aliens, and a conspiracy involving a large corporation. The story itself is refreshing because it does not contain anything offensive either in its language or content. It is very appropriate for both teens and adults. As an adult I enjoyed reading this story. I could be critical of some of the content that really did not seem to be needed in order to further the story but all in all it was a delightful light science fiction story that I would recommend. As far as containing Christian content or themes, it really doesn't beyond mentioning that Colt attends church with his grandfather at some point in the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series to find out what happens next. I am including the story summary as provided by the publisher so you can get a quick view into the story itself. Story synopsis from the publisher:

Colt McAlister is drawn into a war against things he thought only existed in comic books. After a car wreck takes the lives of his parents, Colt moves to Arizona to stay with his grandfather. There, an informant tells him that his parents were actually murdered because his mom, a journalist, was getting ready to write a story exposing Trident Industries. Along with Oz and Danielle, his new comrades at Chandler High, Colt vows to uncover the truth. But the more they learn, the more bizarre reality becomes. Mind control, jet packs, and flying motorcycles only scratch the surface of what they discover. Colt is recruited by a secret organization called the Central Headquarters Against the Occult and Supernatural. But the battle isn't just against an out-of-control giant corporation. A gateway to another world is opening, and the invasion has already begun. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://booksneeze.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

New Year : Do you make any changes in your homeschooling?

Barbara — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:11:51 +0000

We have a whole week together so this week we have not done school but have been spending time together playing games. But next week I am planning on changing our homeschool stuff around. I want to do more hands on stuff and do things a little differently. I know New Year's come with the expectation that people make resolutions and plans to change their life so I guess it is no wonder I am thinking of doing that with our homeschool plans. I guess I would like to know if any of my readers have any plans to change about their homeschooling for this new year. I'd love to hear from you!

Merry Christmas!

Barbara — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 01:57:10 +0000

As I sit here getting ready to watch Polar Express with my family I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Christmas is all about families. God sent His Son to be born on earth so that we too could become part of God's family through his gift of salvation. If you do not know Him make it your priority to come to Him this year and be a part of the family of God. He is waiting to hear from you. If you already know Him then strive to know Him even better this coming year! Merry Christmas and God Bless! Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure by Monique & Alexa Peters: Review and Giveaway!!!!

Barbara — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:26:04 +0000

My daughter read Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure by Monique & Alexa Peters and just loved the story and the pictures in this book. The illustrations are just beautifully done. It is a fun and lovable story about two dogs, Cooper and Bella, and their adventure as they go out to sled and what happens to them as they go a little too far from home and a snowstorm happens. The book not only provides a great story for your kids but helps to teach them the importance of making good decisions and how to be prepared in the event they get lost. The text rhymes and is very lyrical which makes it ideal for both preschool and elementary kids. Even I enjoyed reading this book with my daughter. The illustrations by themselves tell the story well so young readers can easily get into the story even if they can not read every word. At the end of the book there is a page where your child can write in important information about themselves (their name, address , phone number and names and phone numbers of people that take care of them) A great way for them to help them learn the information they need to know in the event of an emergency or if they would get lost. Also included in this book is a section that helps you as the parent talk to your kids about the lessons learned though this book in the form of a brief life lesson synopsis with questions for discussion. You can also use this book to help your child learn how to read for comprehension as there are also questions you can ask your child to see how well they remember the story.
I really did love Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure and think you and your child will too. I am providing you with a chance to win this book for your family. Just follow the entry options listed below and I will be selecting a winner randomly on Dec 17th.
As an added bonus I have been given a special discount code for you to use.
Make any purchase of $25 or more at CooperandMe.com and get FREE SHIPPING now through December 15. MUST USE THIS CODE @ Check Out: COOPERBLOG

Please note that $1 of every Winter Adventure book sold will go to advance research & treatment of pancreatic cancer, via the Lustgarten Foundation (http://www.lustgarten.org/)

For additional information please consider going to the following links:

Cooper & Me Winter Adventure

Website: http://www.cooperandme.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooper-and-Me-Inc/214695101924101

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/cooper_and_me

“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 the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the

Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Laura Allen Nonemaker’s book Benny’s Angel: Blog tour and Grand Prize giveaway

Barbara — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:32:52 +0000

I received Laura Allen Nonemaker's book Benny's Angel and was provided the following information in order to be a part of the blog tour about Benny's Angel. My youngest enjoyed reading this book and afterwards we discussed the book together. The book itself is wonderfully illustrated and teaches your child the importance of prayer and the value and place of joy and trusting God in a Christian's life. After reading about Benny's Angel, you can enter for a chance to be entered into a grand prize drawing being held by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications. Name of the winner from my blog entry will be sent to Kathy Carlton Willis Communications and entered into their Grand Prize drawing when a final winner will be chosen and announced on December 12th.

Book Summary

Meet The Characters

Video Trailer

Benny's Angel

Who stole the flowers in God’s Secret Garden?

When Ella Eagle discovers that the flowers in God’s Secret Garden have wilted, she alerts Mayor Benny Bunny. The main suspect in the case is evil Count Slime, who is jealous of the joy the animals have in the garden. Mayor Benny calls in Oliver Owl, the captain of the Owl Force Wisdom Watchers, but the owls have not seen Count Slime during their patrols of the garden. Mayor Benny suggests the animals pray for an answer. God hears their prayer and sends Marietta the angel to help them solve the mystery.

This delightful tale uses animals, nature, and a visit from an angel to teach children the importance of prayer and the value of trusting God.

Author Bio

Laura Allen

Nonemaker

Laura Allen Nonemaker’s desire to write took root as a child in Bermuda. Since then, Laura has written in a variety of genres and her work has appeared in Essence Treasury: Celebrating the Season, Alive! and Kentucky Monthly Magazine.

Laura has been involved in short-term missions, including trips to Russia, Poland, and the University of the Nations in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Three years ago, her interest in the arts motivated her to join the planning team for Artful Missions, which conducts juried art shows and donates to outreaches in the U.S. and India to rescue women and children from human trafficking.

Feel free to contact Laura at lauranonemaker@gmail.com

Connect with Laura at These Social Networking Sites:

facebook: Laura Allen Nonemaker twitter: @DigInGodsGarden Linkedin: Laura Nonemaker Blog: www.diggingingodsgarden.com

Q & A with Laura:

Why did you write Benny’s Angel?

Benny’s Angel was the result of an occurrence in my “secret garden.” While seated on my garden bench praying, I noticed a rabbit hopping through the garden. The Benny’s Angel scenario came to me. I sensed it was significant and in about ten minutes, I developed the basic storyline.

Why do you think reading is important for parents to emphasize with children, both by reading to them and fostering a healthy reading appetite as they develop their own reading skills?

I believe the time to instill a love for reading in children is when they are toddlers and beginning to experience the power of communication in their relationships. Children are ready to absorb whatever they see and hear going on around them, whether it is good or bad. It is important to read them stories that ignite their imagination and plant the seeds of sound moral principles.

What issues do you address in Benny’s Angel, and why do children need these sorts of stories to help them through life?

In the story of Benny’s Angel, the animals in God’s Secret Garden encounter a problem. They are unable to solve it themselves and pray to God for an answer. God answers their prayer by means of an angel. Benny’s Angel teaches the importance of prayer and of trusting God to answer our prayers. These principles filter naturally through the storyline and without the need for sermonizing. Children will face all kinds of problems and challenges as they grow up and stories based on sound biblical principles lay a strong foundation for their future.

Tell us about the next book you have coming out after Benny’s Angel.

The next book in the God’s Secret Garden Adventure Series is about a little frog. Through some misadventures, he learns the importance of obedience.

Grand Prize Giveaway

$85.87 Value

1 Vivitar Camcorder with Camera and 2X Zoom
1 Benny's Angel Picture Book
1 Benny's Angel 3-D Book
1 Benny's Angel Coloring Book
1 Benny's Angel Audio Book
1 Benny's Angel T Shirt
1 Benny Christmas Ornament
1 Marietta Christmas Ornament
1 96-Count Crayola Crayons

It Couldn’t Just Have Happened– Book Review

Barbara — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:35:54 +0000

It Couldn't Just Have Happened by Lawrence O. Williams is a book that provides facts about God's world in order to offer Biblical answers to questions about creation, evolution, and our world. As a Christian, it is refreshing to see a book that is not clouded by biases of scientists who wish to only disproof God and creationism. Containing not only insights into facts about our world but activities as well, this book explores what God has intended for us, which is to learn more about the world He created. While I have not looked at every detail of this book, I do know it is a book that will cause you to critically think through theories and facts that are taught in both the secular scientific world as well as by creation science. It allows the reader to see both sides presented and make a decision to look at things through pure science and logic. As a Christian I know that science was created by God and is not something that should be taught as separate from Him. While not everyone agrees with that, I challenge those who don't agree to open their minds to the possibilities set forth with the book, It Couldn't Just Have Happened, and make a decision for themselves rather than ones based on what others have told them to believe. This book is not only for children but also for adults and everyone who either want to further solidify what they already believe or for those who are open to discovering things for themselves. The book explores questions like the following:

Did Earth Begin with a "Big Bang" Cosmic Explosion?
Does Science contradict the Bible?
What Happened to Dinosaurs?
Did We Evolve from Apes?

As a homeschooler, I have started using this book as a supplement to our own science curriculum because it teaches my kids to think and reason critically in addition to supporting their personal beliefs. If you are a parent who is looking for a resource that looks beyond what is taught in typical schools then this book may be for you. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://booksneeze.com/> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review of Family Movie Night’s ‘Game of Your Life’ Airs NBC Friday, December 2nd at 8/7c

Barbara — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:53:54 +0000

I have not been disappointed yet in any of the Family Movie Nights that I have been asked to review. The upcoming one,'Game of Your Life', is no exception. Everything about this movie impressed me. I have enjoyed other Family Movie Night movies but this one so far is my favorite. It was entertaining, totally family-oriented, had an actual decent plot, was thought-provoking and contained themes that taught good values. Without spoiling the movie, I will just enclose the movie's synopsis that was given to me straight from the Family Movie Night's movie page:

"When industrious high school gamer Zach Taylor lands a prized scholarship to the prestigious Digital Institute of Game Design (DIGD), his future breaks wide open. The opportunity to study under gaming legend Marcus Bentton and alongside the country’s most creative minds will certainly propel him into a successful career as a video game designer. That is, if he can pass the infamous freshman project that eliminates more than half of the class within the first three months. Paired with brilliant yet socially awkward teammates Phillip and Donald, the trio persuades Sara Ramirez – a determined and striking team leader with whom Zach has a history (and possibly a future) – to join their team. Working off-campus in the teched-out Lincoln Alley loft, the four set out to involve the entire campus in a quirky new social interactive game. But as the group becomes entrenched in the project, Zach learns that his father Billy, a widower, is facing growing financial woes at home. To help out, Zach accepts an opportunity to work directly with Marcus Bentton on a secretive side project that seems too good to be true. The effort requires nearly all of Zach’s time and energy, which he should be devoting to the project. Struggling to keep it together, Zach is torn between his responsibility to his team, his admiration for Bentton and a chance to help his father. Everything comes to a breaking point when Zach’s team threatens to remove him from the group and the deceptive truth behind Bentton’s project comes to light. With the guidance of Professor Abbie Lambert, Zach must make a decision that not only affects his future, but the lives and livelihoods of the people around him as well. It’s a revealing story that recognizes the magnitude behind the choices we make and the importance loyalty plays in making good decisions." 'Game of Your Life' is one movie I am sure you will not want to miss. I rarely am able to let my whole family sit down together to watch anything on television. This movie is not only one movie that I can let them watch, but I will enthusiastically have us watch it together when it airs on December 2nd. As a homeschooler and a parent, I feel the storyline has wonderful content that can be used to start up a great discussion with your kids. Be sure to watch on NBC December 2nd at 8/7c. Check out more information about "Game of Your Life' from one of the following links: Website: http://www.familymovienight.com/game-of-your-life/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/familymovienight Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/fmnib Trailer: http://vimeo.com/31917601 “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 the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”