Have you heard about the epic minseries, The Bible, yet? We don’t even have tv service, and I’m excited about this one. I will find a way to watch it, guaranteed!
Roma Downey (Touched By An Angel) and Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor, Shark Tank, Celebrity Apprentice) are executive producers for this series, scheduled to premier on the History Channel on March 3.
Here’s a sneak peek:
What do you think? Will you be watching?
For more information on The Bible, check out these sites:
I’m really excited to introduce you to a newly released DVD (available TODAY at Wal-mart!) . . .
LITTLE RED WAGON is based on the inspirational true story of eight-year-old Zach Bonner on his quest to change the world with nothing more than his beat-up red wagon and a blazing spirit of philanthropy.
When Zach sets out to help homeless children in America in the wake of Hurricane Charley, by walking from his house in Tampa, Florida to the White House, he must overcome bureaucrats and blisters, and capture the hearts of his fractured family and the entire nation.
I know that my family will enjoy this movie! Notice that it’s from the director of Rudy and Hoosiers – those are 2 of my husband Brian’s all-time favorite movies! As for me, I’m a sucker for movies that are inspired by actual events.
Here’s a bit more about Zach:
Zachary Bonner was born in Searcy, Arkansas on November 17, 1997 but now calls Tampa, Florida his home. He is home schooled under the Florida Virtual School program and is in the 8th grade. Zachary started doing community service in 2004 after Hurricane Charlie hit Florida. In 2005 he formed the Little Red Wagon Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to help underprivileged kids with a focus on homeless youth. Zach believes we all the ability to make a change in the world if we just try.
Watch the trailer:
I’m always impressed with kids who see a need and take the initiative to do something about it. This is an area where so many adults are lacking these days; so it’s refreshing to see young people doing something!
I’m anxious to see this movie, and I’m sure that you are too! So, how about a giveaway? I have one copy of Little Red Wagon to give away to one lucky reader. Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below . . .
Several weeks ago, we received a neat game/iPad app combo from Duo games. It’s the Thomas and Friends “Steam Team Station” game.
The game box includes the activity center (seen above), along with the game cards. It is compatible with all versions of the iPad. You simply place your iPad into the activity center, download the free app, and you’re ready to play.
There are 3 games to choose from – the first 2 are both free with the app download – the 3rd requires an additional purchase to play.
The game comes with a package of AA batteries to get your started (these can easily be replaced). It’s simply and quick to set up; so anxious kids can start playing almost immediately.
While this game seems more geared toward preschool aged children, I asked my son Ian (age 6) to help me demonstrate:
This is a cute game and I will be passing my copy along to my 2-year-old nephew. However, if I had purchased this myself, I would be a bit disappointed. At a cost of almost $40 (at Amazon.com), I would have been very upset to discover that I had to pay extra for the third game app (that seems inappropriate to me). Also, as previously stated, this game should be marked for preschoolers. Once a child can read even the littlest bit, this game is below them.
If you have a little one who loves using the iPad and you’d like something “different” (rather than just tapping the screen), this might be just the game you’re looking for. In addition to inserting cards into the system, this game also encourages some exercise!
NOTE: I received the above game for free in exchange for my posting about it on my blog. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
Last evening, Ashley and I were fortunate enough to participate in a pre-screening of Les Miserables.
Now, before I share my thoughts on the film, I must confess something - - - I went into the screening with absolutely no knowledge of the storyline. Sometimes I think that’s good – it allows you to go into the film with an open mind. However, in this case, hindsight tells me that I would have been better off at least knowing the backstory. This film just has so much depth that it would have helped to be more prepared!
Thankfully, I had press passes (which equals reserved seats) as a member of the Grace Hill Media press team. We got to the theater exactly 1/2 an hour before the film was to start and there were lots of people waiting in line. It was later announced that they had to turn 100 (very unhappy) people away.
In case you are like me and utterly ignorant of the film’s storyline, I”ll present you with some of the backstory:
Les Misérables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Helmed by The King’s Speech’s Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit and Samantha Barks.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.
In December 2012, the world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale. With international superstars and beloved songs—including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”—Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.
The thoughts I had rolling through my head while viewing the film are very different from the thoughts I’m having this morning. While viewing, I was thinking things like:
Now, the morning after, I have a bit more depth to my thoughts (at least, I hope I do!) and I’ve done a little bit more research too.
Wow! Just wow! There is so much more that I could say, but really I think you just need to experience it for yourself.
I left the theater last night thinking that, while I was glad for the opportunity to see the film, I probably wouldn’t rush out to see it again, or buy it later. This morning, after viewing the trailer again, and watching some videos on the production of the movie, I’m left feeling like I could watch it again today and gain so much more!
I really can’t do it justice with my words and thoughts! Go see it next week and let me know what you think!
You can follow along on Facebook and Twitter for more information and updates on this movie. I’d encourage you to watch the more in-depth videos on each site.
Edited to add: I had a friend question if this movie would be suitable for her 10-year-old (mature) daughter who is familiar with the storyline. I thought it might be helpful to share my answers here in case anyone else was wondering:
I think she'd probably be fine viewing the film, especially considering that she's familiar with the storyline. There is a scene near the beginning where Anne Hathaway's character takes part in prostitution - while fairly obvious, I felt it was very well-done and not trashy at all (no nudity). The parts that contain the Thenardiers are more humorous in nature. While they are running a less-than-reputable establishment, the more obvious parts are their pick-pocketing. There were several scenes containing them that made the audience laugh. There are some battle scenes; but, there again, they were very well-portrayed and not really the least bit gruesome. Gracie is 12 and I wouldn't have had any issue taking her to see the film (I just know it wouldn't be something she'd particularly care for). And it is long - 2 1/2 hours.
There is a scene where Russell Crow's character commits suicide by jumping from a ledge into the water below. It wouldn't be so bad if he'd just land in the water and float away, but he lands on a very shallow part (obviously concrete under the water) and it makes a horrific sound. It made me jump. I might cover my child's eyes for this part. Afterwards, it just shows his body floating away.
Then, during the battle scene, the Thenardiers' daughter (who likes Marius) gets shot and dies. There is nothing at all graphic about the scene, and he holds her until she dies, which was very sweet. Also, the little boy in that scene gets killed and dies with his eyes open (which they show twice).
You just might want to prepare ahead of these few scenes.
The game did not disappoint! We’ve been having so much fun playing it this week. The kids enjoy it, but it seems like I am the one who always says “hey, let’s dance!”
There are a few different modes of play that you can choose from.
First, you need to select your song. You can choose from a playlist, from the song list itself, or (if you’re feeling an overabundance of energy) just go for the non-stop shuffle! So far, we’ve always opted to choose our own song from the Songs heading.
There is a nice selection of songs from a wide variety of Disney movies and shows. There are oldies – like The Bare Necessities from Jungle Book, right on up to songs from current Disney Channel favorites, like Good Luck Charlie. We’ve tried most of them now and they’re all quite fun and a great work-out. I have to confess that I’m not a huge fan of exercise – but playing is a great way to “sneak” some exercise in!
One of my favorites to do is this one:
In addition to regular dance mode, there are also some other options like “bubble pop” and “freeze & shake” – both of these are the regular dances with extra challenges thrown in (for more fun and more points).
While Ian can beat us all at Disney Sing-It, so far I’ve been kicking his butt at Just Dance Disney – so, yes, I’m pretty excited about that!
This game would make an excellent Christmas gift for any Just Dance or Disney fan in your family! Up to 4 players can dance at the same time (but you do need some room to spread out). You can find Just Dance Disney at many stores and various online retailers – my favorite is Amazon.com (affiliate link).
Several weeks ago, I posted about my anticipation of the soon-to-be-released film, Lincoln.
Ashley and I found ourselves with some free time in our schedules this past Sunday afternoon – so we set out to see it. Here was my FB status afterwards:
Despite the fact that the theater was packed and Ashley and I ended up in the 2nd row (HATE sitting up front!), we really, really enjoyed Lincoln. It's totally worth your time and money to see it. Highly recommend.
Yes, I hate sitting up front. Yes, I hate crowded theaters. I had all intentions of complaining afterwards that they would hold such a popular movie in one of the older, smaller theaters (while I believe the new Twilight film was being shown in not one – but two – of the newer, larger theaters). Ggrrrr!!! To me, that is just a sad commentary of our times.
But, I quickly became so engrossed in the movie and the story that was being so realistically portrayed in front of me, that I forgot all of my complaints.
Gracie was interested in seeing the movie also, but wasn't sure about the PG-13 rating. While there was some bad language used during the film, it was very understated (and, quite frankly, used at appropriate times). I have been so frustrated during other films with a seemingly decent story that Hollywood seems to ruin by throwing in bad language, just because. In this true story, which is set during a horrific time in our country’s history, I see the reason for any bad language that was used.
There were certainly visions of war that were not pretty – there were scenes of many, many dead bodies scattered on battlefields. There was a scene where Lincoln’s son Robert witnessed some medical employees dumping a large mound of amputated body parts. It wasn’t easy to see – but it was factual.
I would have no problem bringing this movie into our home. I think Gracie could have handled this movie with no problem. And, I think it is an important movie for we Americans to see. Our country has strayed so far over the past 150 years.
I would venture to guess that there were probably plenty of 12 year olds down the hall, watching movies about vampires. Yet, the media would suggest shielding them from TRUTH?
(I’m currently reading a little book called What Would Our Founding Fathers Think? by David Bowman that is cementing this idea into my head. Our founding fathers would, no doubt, be ashamed of what we’ve done to the country that they worked so hard to establish. Watch for a review of this book – coming soon – at Homeschool Mosaics.)
If you can get out to see this movie in theaters, I’d encourage you to do it. I’m tempted to go back and see it again – sitting further back in the theater so I can really take it all in this time. If Daniel Day Lewis doesn’t receive an Academy Award for this portrayal, there’s something wrong!
Have you seen Lincoln? What are your thoughts?
If you’re planning to share this movie with young people, there’s a neat book that’s been written as an accompaniment to the film that would be great to check out. Click on the book cover at right for more information or to purchase (affiliate link used).
Undaunted is a 68 minute film, depicting the true story of the early life of Josh McDowell. It’s not an easy film to watch. Josh’s early years were filled with some horrible realities – he had an alcoholic father who was abusive to Josh and his mother. He was also molested by a family “friend” (ongoing for many years). Josh was hurt and he was ashamed; and, as a result, he hated God and even questioned His existence.
Josh set out on a life journey to prove that Jesus Christ never existed. But, God had other plans for Josh.
Undaunted, narrated by Josh himself, is a docu-drama. In it, Josh shares his journey from skepticism to faith.
This movie would be an excellent choice to share with anyone who is questioning the existence of God. It would make a wonderful outreach tool for churches to share. I’d highly recommend it. During those 68 minutes you’ll feel sad, shocked, hurt, broken – all the things that Josh himself must have been feeling. If you’re anything like me, chances are you’ll feel changed by the end!
I’ve been a long-time fan of The Beginner’s Bible. Both my girls (now 18 and 12) received copies of the Bible when they were dedicated. Those Bibles got a LOT of use over the years, as we’d read the stories over and over again at bedtime.
The bestselling Bible storybook of all time with over 6 million copies sold is now available in an iPad app that includes enhanced audio with compelling narration, music, and sound effects that help bring 94 Bible stories to life like never before.
With Bible characters you can touch, coloring pages, puzzles, and games, this special iPad edition of The Beginner’s Bible brings God’s Word to children ages 2-6 in an engaging and interactive way.
I have to admit that even I had fun with the coloring pages! I love those!
You can download the first “Story Pack”, which includes 6 stories, coloring pages, puzzles, and game, is included in your app download, completely FREE!
Unlock all story packs of 6 Bible stories each with coloring pages, puzzles, and games with in-app purchases of only $1.99 each. The second Story Pack is available for in-app purchase now with additional Story Packs releasing between now and the next three to five months.
Check it out for yourself (and your little ones)!
In any case, I’m anxious to see this new movie – which will be coming to select theaters on November 9th.
Steven Spielberg directs two-time Academy Award® winner Daniel Day-Lewis in “Lincoln,” a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President’s tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.
What about you? Are you planning to go see “Lincoln” this fall?
Promise, Texas is no place to raise a family. There's no rain, businesses are failing, and the kids can't wait to grow up and move away. Some folks say the town is cursed. But just when things are at their darkest, a mysterious boy wanders out of the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on his back and a strange mat tucked under his arm. He has a message for the people of Promise, but they're slow to listen. They are blind to the similarities between the slow death of the town and their own parched souls. Confronted by their spiritual shortcomings, the town's indignation turns to outrage. Still, the boy holds true to his message: there is no hope without Christ, and Promise can only be remade through earnest communion with the Father. In the end, with his back against the wall - surrounded by skeptics - the boy is forced to reveal his true identity.
I Am Gabriel is a lesson in connecting with those that really matter, whether they be on earth - or in Heaven.
Gracie and I viewed the movie together last week; this morning, I sat down and watched it again with Ashley. While it doesn't strike me as a high-budget film, and at times I'm left thinking that the acting is rather poor, the message that is being proclaimed in this movie is a very important one - and one that we all need to be reminded of - often!
I picked up on something this morning that I didn't notice last week - at the very beginning of the movie, there's a reference to this verse:
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." ~2 Chronicles 7:14
What a strong message - not only for the town of Promise in this movie, but for the United States. Especially right now!
This is a movie that you can put into the dvd player and watch with your entire family. While there is a brief reference to drug usage, and there's a scene containing a gun, there's nothing that you'd be afraid to share with your kids. And it will definitely stir up some healthy discussions!
NOTE: I received a free copy of the dvd mentioned about in the hopes that I would share about it on my blog. I only post about products that I've used and feel would be of benefit to my readers.
We don’t have cable tv at our house, so we often have no clue what is on tv. We have often said that we wish there was a cable or satellite company that would offer a program where you can pick and choose which channels you want to receive in your home. One that my oldest daughter would want would be the Game Show Network. She just told me that she could sit and watch game shows all day! I’m not sure if that’s good or bad!
![tabc-300x250[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPewKW7uO4-sBVTs5xxljJ0ZLRh4_ziTmjDGdsoWfM1Ml7yvumYuoHVIR7A_LajbpSPkzMH41nZTamKcVcfr1cMBkh0pEUHgSUvsBIiPqHWYp3WPCZUvhUuNClZJ5lcogHlcjMfr26Oko/s1600-h/tabc-300x250%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "tabc-300x250[1]")
Here is some more information about The American Bible Challenge:
Comedian and author, Jeff Foxworthy hosts this studio-based game in which contestants compete based on their knowledge of the Bible. Utilizing current as well as historical references, questions will be drawn from the rich, dense narrative found in the world's best-selling book. The contestants will share their compelling back-stories and each team will be playing for a charitable organization. The American Bible Challenge is produced by RelativityREAL for GSN, with RelativityREAL’s Tom Forman (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) and Embassy Row’s Michael Davies ("The Newlywed Game," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire") serving as Executive Producers on the project. Nick Stuart and Maura Dunbar of Odyssey Networks are Consulting Producers.
And about Jeff Foxworthy:
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy® Award nominee and the best-selling author of 11 books. Widely known for his redneck jokes, his act goes beyond that to explore the humor in everyday family interactions and human nature.
What appeals to us about this show:
Have you heard about this new show? What are your thoughts? Do you plan to watch Thursday night? If you would like to preview the behind-the-scenes video that we watched, you can do so here.
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."
Several years ago, I co-created another well-known planner in the homeschool marketplace – a .pdf format planner that could be used entirely online, or printed out and bound to create your own personalized planner. Because of my connection to that particular planner, I resisted the urge to check out the other planners that were out there (even though I’m a known planner/planning junkie!) This year, though, I decided it was high time to make some changes in my life – and the lives of my children – when it comes to our homeschool planning.
Despite my creation of said-planner, I have always created personal planning forms for my kids. I like things to be exactly the way I want them – I know that might sound picky, but it’s just the way I roll. This year, though, with Gracie entering the 8th grade, I really felt that it would be beneficial for her to take a more active role in her school planning. So, I went in search of a printed planner that might work for her.
What I ended up with was the Student Planner from The Well Planned Day. I posted about my early experience with that planner over at Homeschool Mosaics several weeks ago. Quite honestly, we have had a busy summer and really haven’t gotten much further into our school year – but we have used the planner to schedule in all of her music lessons and various field trips. And, I’m continuing to really like the format for her.
While I must admit that, with our crazy-busy summer, I haven’t had a lot of time to really dig into this software, there are definitely a few things that I’ve observed about it that I really like:
Now, all that being said, this is just a planner software – it’s not your brain. Therefore, there is a learning curve involved. I still haven’t figured out all the features. (But, then again, I really haven’t had the time.) I look forward to investigating it further over the weeks to come.
Just for reading this post on Heidi’s Head, you are entitled to purchase My Well Planned Day Software for $15 off! Just enter this code at checkout: 05wpdblog12 (the code is case sensitive, contains no spaces, and expires on October 1, 2012).
I also have ONE COPY of the software to give away to one of my readers. If you would like to win, simply follow the Rafflecopter instructions in the widget below. (Please note that due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.)
NOTE: This giveaway is not connected to any social media site. I received a free access code for the software, in the hopes that I would try it out in my home and share my thoughts on it. I only ever share things that I feel will be beneficial to my readers. This giveaway is sponsored by Home Educating Family.
Confession: we decided to extend our vacation by one more day, so we stayed home from church today. But, you know what? You can praise God anywhere! And that’s one of the reasons why I love Christian music. I’m sitting here singing along to the new cd by Kutless – Believer. I’d love to tell you about this cd, and why I’ve come to really appreciate Kutless over the past few years. . .
The summer of 2009 was a trying time in my life. We had recently gone through some heartbreaking and life-changing church changes. Two of my friends were dealing with some major marital issues. And my best friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I was driving along one day when a song came on the radio that really spoke to me where I was – it was "What Faith Can Do” by Kutless. If you haven’t heard it, you’re missing out.
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
By the next spring, we were sitting in a new church, both my friends were divorced, and my best friend Sue had just passed away. One Sunday in church, I opened my notebook and copied the words of another Kutless song – “I’m Still Yours”.
If all my world was swept away
Would You be enough for me?
Would my beating heart still sing?
If I lost it all
Would my hands stay lifted
To the God who gives and takes away
If you take it all
This life You’ve given
Still my heart will sing to You
When my life is not what I expected
The plans I made have failed
When there’s nothing left to steal me away
Will You be enough for me?
Will my broken heart still sing?
So, when I got an e-mail a few weeks ago asking if I’d be interested in listening to Kutless’s new cd – Believer – I said “sure!” Not only was I anxious to hear what Kutless had to offer, but my kids were anxious for some new songs in the van! (Thank goodness our “new” van has a 6 cd changer!)
Honestly, I should have written this review weeks ago. But, I’ve been savoring this music. I’ve been learning the songs and singing along. I don’t think you can adequately share your thoughts on a cd until you know the songs through and through. I’m ready now. So, let me tell you about some of the songs on this cd and what they mean to me:
There is strength in my weakness
That only comes from You
There is power in meekness
That I have found in You
Where else can I go
You know I'm weak
I know You're strong
You say when I'm broken
And can't carry on
Carry on
When all my strength is gone
You're still holding on
Sometimes all we have to hold on to
Is what we know is true of who You are
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane
That could never change who You are
And we trust in who You are
Even if the healing doesn’t come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come
“Hero” – after the challenges that came earlier this year, I’ve had to work through a healing process. With that, came new job opportunities and blessings beyond my wildest dreams. This song reminds me that I have potential to change the world!
Who ever told you you can’t win
Who ever said that if you fail don’t try again
It’s in the ordinary
Deep in the weak and weary
The power to overcome the fear you're holding in
You could be a Hero
You could be the change in this world
“Identity” – OK, wow! Do these guys read minds? Seriously, just a few weeks ago I posted over on Homeschool Mosaics about our identity and where it lies (and where it should lie).
I’ve been looking from the outside, outside
I’ve been walking on a straight line, straight line
Scared to let the world see my failures, who I am, or who I’ve been
I’ve been waiting for somebody else to
Take the chance that I am so afraid to
I don’t know how to find myself am I the only one the only one
Oh I wanna feel You move me like a river running through me
I am so tired of trying to prove it I’m never gonna do it alone
God I need You to be my identity
And those are just 4 of the 13 songs on this album. Each one is special and unique – a “sermon in a song” as I like to refer to them. I’m thrilled with this new cd. It will be taking up residence in one of the 6 slots in my van’s cd player. And I will be praising God each time I listen.
The press release for this album says: “With over two million albums sold, a RIAA Gold-selling album, AC Song of the Year in 2010, and 11 No. 1 radio singles, Kutless has transformed from that new rock band from Oregon to the one new bands look up to, the band whose music is all over the radio in multiple formats and on major tours. "Believer" finds Kutless using a decade of growth to deliver an expertly crafted set of songs with as much diversity in the music as there is consistency in the message. This album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart during street week as well as No. 1 on iTunes Christian Albums.”
I say: Thanks, Kutless, for bringing us another cd full of great songs! I look forward to many more great songs from you over the years to come!
Restoring their faith in God and in Life
Would I recommend this movie? You bet?
Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.
This past fall, I had opportunity to watch a pre-screening of The Mighty Macs movie, before it hit the theaters. I shared my thoughts on it here (along with the full description).
Recently, I received the opportunity to review a new movie called A Mile in His Shoes. I have to admit that when I glanced at the cover, I thought to myself “oh no, not another baseball movie!” From the director of "Angels In the Outfield" comes an inspiring story about a special boy with an amazing gift, and the coach who believed. Dean Cain and Luke Schroder star in the gmc movie based on the book "The Legend of Mickey Tussler".Yep, that’s it; but it was enough. You see, Mickey – the main character in this movie – has Aspergers Syndrome, which is a mild form of autism. One of my dearest friends has a son with this same condition. I’ve enjoyed watching from the sidelines as he has grown and overcome so much over the past few years. I knew this movie would be an inspiration as well.
These are made by Sakar. They are sold at novelty stores – such as Hot Topic – and I’ve seen them online ranging in price from $9.99 to $18, and up.
They look amazing like real gummy bears. And, if the looks aren’t enough, they’re scented as well! I’m not exactly sure who would want a scented gummy bear in their ears; but there is something cute about it, right?
I passed the ear buds on to Gracie because ear buds just don’t stay put in my ears and I knew she’d get a huge kick out of them. She’s 11 – what 11 year old wouldn’t love these things?!
I’m assuming that the green buds should smell like lime or green apple. I’m rather sensitive to smells and I don’t pick up much of a scent on these at all. Gracie doesn’t smell it either. So, if you’re after them for scent alone, I may recommend another color/flavor choice.
While she’s been using them faithfully for a week or so now, she has mentioned that she has trouble keeping them in her ears, and that the sound isn’t what she would consider to be “the best”, but she wouldn’t necessarily discourage someone else from buying them. I mean, there’s always the fun factor!
So, what do you think? Have you seen these? Would you consider them a fun gift idea for someone on your gift list this year?
Thanks to smiley360 and Redbox, my family had an entertaining weekend! We were so well-entertained, in fact, that I realize now – after the weekend has almost come to a close – that I totally forgot to take out my camera and take pictures. I think part of that was because we were doing what we love best – hanging out as a family, watching movies, and playing games. It’s what we do best – and we don’t think to immortalize it in photos.
Anyway, have you rented movies from Redbox yet? We find Redbox quite intriguing and handy. Intriguing because we’re trying to figure out how that not-so-large box contains plenty of each movie – and how you can return your movies to ANY Redbox location – so what keeps them from running out of certain titles? Handy because we don’t have cable tv (which, where we live, basically means we don’t have tv), so we depend on Netflix for our entertainment. But, Redbox supplies those just-released movies that we’re anxious to see.
So, what did we pick to entertain us this weekend?
When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours - in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down. (Rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for some mild rude humor and action.)
Our thoughts . . . we loved it so much that, when we returned our movies to the Redbox at Walmar today, we bought our own copy of this movie! Adorable. As a person who was not a huge fan of any Saturday morning cartoons (though I did occasionally watch the Smurfs), I must say these little creatures are much more adorable in this movie!
This summer, Judy Moody is planning the most super-duper, double-rare summer vacation ever with best friends Rocky and Amy. Except that it turns out Rocky is going to circus camp to learn to tame lions, Amy is headed off to Borneo with her mom to save a lost tribe and Judy is stuck home with her pesky little brother Stink and second-best friend Frank Pearl. Just when she thinks things are as rotten as they can be, her parents announce that they will be going to California and Judy will have to stay behind with her Aunt Opal, who she's never even met! It looks like Judy's best summer ever has just become her way worst summer ever. But feisty, fearless Judy Moody never gives up. With help from some unexpected sources, she's headed for a summer full of surprises. (Rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for mild rude humor and language.)
Our thoughts . . . Glad I rented this one, rather than buying it. It was ok, but not the kind of movie I’d want to watch over and over again. Gracie, who has read the books, said lots of it was taken directly from one book or another – which made the movie much more interesting for her.
In this 19th Century-set story, Jane Eyre suddenly flees Thornfield Hall, the vast and isolated estate where she works as a governess for Adèle Varens, a child under the custody of Thornfield's brooding master, Edward Rochester. The imposing residence - and Rochester's own imposing nature - have sorely tested her resilience. With nowhere else to go, she is extended a helping hand by clergyman St. John Rivers and his family. As she recuperates in the Rivers' Moor House and looks back upon the tumultuous events that led to her escape, Jane wonders if the past is ever truly past. (Rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for some thematic elements including a nude image and brief violent content.)
Our thoughts . . . This one was a disappointment. I was anxious for a new adaptation of the book (which Ashley and I read together last year for school). This one just didn’t do it for me. I realize it’s a long book and there’s a lot to squeeze into a 2-hour movie; but they just missed so much. I think that, had we not read the book and seen another adaptation previously, we wouldn’t have even really “got” the movie.
Oh, and get this --- did you know that, in addition to movies, you can also rent video games from Redbox? We got to try out Go Vacation for the Wii.
Take a trip to Kawawii Island, a virtual resort for the entire family with dozens of co-operative and competitive activities and events to meet the needs of each and every family member. There's something for everyone from extreme activities like sky diving, surfing and white water rafting to sports like beach volleyball, skiing and tennis. Want to explore the island? There's horseback riding, scuba diving, snowmobiles and many different vehicles for travel around the expansive locales. Take some time to relax and play some miniature golf, have a snowball fight, shoot water guns or play some carnival games. Go Vacation encourages parents and kids to participate together in group activities featuring simple gameplay, multiple challenges, hours of play and fun for the whole family! There's never a dull moment when you Go Vacation! (Rated E10+ by the ESRB for Cartoon Violence.)
Our thoughts . . . Well, let’s just say that Brian, Ashley, and I haven’t had a chance to try this one because Gracie and Ian have been quite the little game hogs. The first words out of Ian’s mouth the past few mornings are “Can I play Go Vacation now?” Seriously. I can say this – it’s cute to watch! You can choose a generic Mii character, or use the one you’ve already got set up on the Wii. The outfits on these Miis and the settings on the games are really realistic and cute. It looks a bit confusing for me; but the kids picked it right up, with no problems. I think it’s a keeper!
Oh, and here’s some fun information for you - - - Redbox is also hosting a cool contest that your readers might want to know about. The Redbox 12 Days of Deals & Prizes offers daily prizes from December 13 thru December 24. Text FUN to 727272 for instant savings of 25 cents - $1 off of your movie and game rentals, as well as a chance to be entered to win a daily prize from Redbox. Each day, a random drawing will select a winner with top prizes from Sony, Wii, Barnes & Noble, Activision and more.
I am a sucker for a good Christmas movie. I get excited at this time of year, because the stores always have a bunch of new Christmas movies out. We like to add at least one new one (sometimes two or three) to our collection each year. But, it’s so hard to know which movies are good ones. When you’re just looking at the display at your local Wal-mart and Target, how do you know which movies are really Christmas treasures and which ones are flops?
Honestly, we haven’t really figured out the answer to that question. We’ve taken our chances; and, for the most part, we’ve gotten lucky. But, there has been the occasional “why did we buy this?” movie. I was recently given the opportunity to review a wonderful Christmas movie . . .
Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now- dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.
We watched this movie together as a family and we all really enjoyed it. It’s a heartwarming story with a great cast of characters. We had previously seen and enjoyed Thomas Kinkade’s Christmas Cottage, which was also a great Christmas movie.
If you are like us, and are looking for a good Christmas movie to add to your collection, I’d recommend Christmas Lodge. You can view the trailer here.
~GIVEAWAY~
Guess what? I have one copy of Christmas Lodge to give away to one of my blog readers. If you’d like to win, simply leave a comment here telling me what your favorite Christmas movie is and why it is your favorite. That’s it – it’s that simple.
I’ll leave the contest open ‘til next Wednesday (November 9th) at noon (est). I’ll draw a random winner from the commenters at that time. Good luck!
NOTE: I received the DVD mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I only recommend products or services that 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.
