A Dog's Purpose

For the purposes of this post (and giveaway) I was asked to share what dogs mean to me. Well, as a cat person I don't a lot of personal history with dogs to share. However, as a special needs mom, I have been looking into options for the future and one of them that has perked my interest is Autism therapy dogs.

According to Project Chance: "Autism assistance dogs are unique to the world of dogs helping people. Unlike the guide dog who helps with physical tasks, the autism assistance dog is there more for emotional support. By simply being there, a solid, sound and reassuring companion can help ease sensory overload, which is a common challenge for those with autism. People with autism are often unable to filter out sensory input – these folks hear, feel and smell everything – all at once – and are usually unable to ignore or redirect those stimuli. With a dog by one’s side, an autism assistance dog can help by giving them a focal point, or a way to ground their random, unceasing environmental experiences."

Other Autism therapy dog resources include (but are not limited to):

United States Dog Registry

Autism Service Dogs Association

Autism Assistance Dogs - Paws 4 Ability

I am not a dog lover, but I am a movie lover. And to my surprise I actually was really moved by the trailer for A Dog's Purpose. Almost made me cry! Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A DOG’S PURPOSE, is a sweet and lovable family film that shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.  Told from the perspective of “everybody’s best friend” the film highlights the importance of familial bonds, and the unconditional love we have for our best friends.  The movie stars Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson, K.J. Apa, and John Ortiz.

Doesn't it look great?? Well, I'm going to be giving away a $25 Fandango card to one lucky winner! So, please comment on this post sharing your dog story and I'll draw a winner on Jan27th - which is when the movie is released!

Mulan Jr!

This fall we became theater parents for the first time.  ;-)  Nate auditioned with Center Grove Fine Arts Academy in August and was assigned a role in Mulan Jr. as a Son/Chinese Solder. It was a big commitment for him, and for us. Rehearsals were 2 days a week for 3 months.

 The cast was made up of wonderful kids and the directing team was incredible. I was amazed at the vision and execution they were able to have in a children's production.

 

One of the families posted their camcorder recording of the last performance of Mulan Jr on Vimeo. Click HERE to check it out.
 

 We were so blessed to be a part of this wonderful group. And were incredibly honored to have so many friends and family attend the show in support of Nate. Thanks to everyone who came!!

Veggie Tales DVD review & giveaway!

As a homeschool mom I try to incorporate creative activities into our school days. Sometimes.  ;-) So, when we got the opportunity to review the new VeggieTales dvd I thought it would be a good chance for Nate to participate via his own blog: Nate's Movie Review. Here is what he had to say about the movie.

We sometimes get movies before they become available at stores so that we can "rate" them. To be honest, I strongly prefer the older kind of animation. If I were to "rate" VeggieTales Noah's Ark, I would say it was preeety funny.  Do you want me to spoil it?? Okay,if ya say so...

It starts with Shem and his new wife, Sadie, coming home from their honeymoon. When they return, Noah's building a gigantic orange slice ark!!!  Wayne Brady plays the voice of Shem, and it introduces 7 new songs!! I think this movie would be best for kids ages 2-5yrs.

 We have one copy of VeggieTales Noah's Ark DVD to give away.  Check out the Rafflecopter below to enter to win!


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The Good Lie Review and Giveaway!

I can't express how excited I am to share this giveaway with you all!! 

If you haven't heard about it yet, The Good Lie follows a group of children orphaned by the brutal Civil war in Sudan that began in 1983. As the tattered children make the difficult trek to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, they meet other fleeing children, forging a bond with Jeremiah, who, at 13, is already a man of faith, and Paul, whose skills become essential to their survival.   Fifteen years later, a humanitarian effort would bring 3600 lost boys and girls to America. Three brothers are given the chance to resettle in America arrive in Kansas City, Missouri.  
Upon arriving in Kansas, they are met by Carrie Davis (Witherspoon), an employment agency counselor who has been enlisted to help find them jobs—no easy task, when things like straws, light switches and telephones are brand new to them.  Together, against the backdrop of their shared losses, the Lost Boys and some unlikely strangers find humor in the clash of cultures, and heartbreak as well as hope in the challenges of life in America. 




I was seriously blown away by this movie. The heart and soul you see in these children as they go through such hardships and just keep going is amazing. The sincerity throughout the movie is evident in the excellent performances and direction. I was moved to tears more than once as I followed these endearing people on their incredible journey. Frankly, after watching the movie I feel I want meet them in real life to glean some wisdom from them! I left the theater feeling truly inspired by this true story of strength, sacrifice and loyalty.

I have the privilege to give one lucky winner a copy of The Good Lie DVD!! Giveaway ends at midnight on Christmas Eve! So the winner will have their prize by New Years! Take a moment to enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below:
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Mom's Night Out

I was fortunate enough to see a screening a couple months ago and have been raving about it ever since.  I can't think of another movie that is so relatable and really values the importance of our jobs as moms. 

The main character Allyson (played by Sarah Drew) is true to life. She has wanted to be a mom since she was a little girl. She is living the life she dreamed of for so long. But she finds herself stressed and stretched to the point of exhaustion. Her husband lovingly reminds her that she needs to "put on her own oxygen mask first" and encourages her to do something for herself. So, she plans a Mom's Night Out with a couple of friends to unwind. Well, in true Hollywood fashion, everything that can go wrong, does. Who knew a Mom's Night Out could involve a car chase, a tattoo parlor and a trip to jail!?!  ;-)  In the end Allyson is reminded that her job is not only hard, but very important. Which is something that all moms need reminded of sometimes.

Check out the trailer for the Mom's Night Out movie below:



I am so passionate about supporting this movie (and my fellow moms) that a friend and I put together a whole Mom's Night Out evening of our own!

We met at a friend's house early in the evening to start the night off with appetizers and makeovers!!  One of our girlfriends is really into makeup so she got creative with some fun techniques that most of us would not normally be brave enough to try!  And I did most of the girls' hair up all fancy.  ;-)  I am the oldest of four girls... I have a lot of practice.

After we got all fancied up, we all invaded our local theater for Mom's Night Out the movie!!  Everyone enjoyed the movie so much! I loved hearing the theater erupt in laughter at the many funny parts... and get quiet during the meaningful moments. I know I can't take any credit for how great the movie is, but I was a little proud being able to share such an encouraging film with my friends.

We all struggle as moms. We all feel like we are failing, like no matter what we do its not enough. But those thoughts and feelings of failure are FALSE.  God loves each and every one of us and He knows how hard our jobs are as moms. He is proud of us for every breakfast that we serve, even if its stale cereal for the third day in a row. He is proud of us for all the dirty diapers that we change. And the carpools, and doctors appointments, and classes we've taught, the crafts we've done... God knows how hard we work to care for and love our children and He is PROUD.

Please consider taking your friend, or mother, or sister, or whoever to see Mom's Night Out.  You won't be sorry you did.

Monuments Men Movie Giveaway!!

I'm excited about this giveaway!  Apparently I'm in WWII mode because I just finished The Book Thief (finally!), recently saw the Anne Frank section of the Power of Children exhibit at the children's museum with Nate and now this...  anyway... here is a bit about the movie:

Cowriter and director George Clooney adapts author Robert M. Edsel's book The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History to tell the incredible true story of the seven art historians and museum curators who went behind enemy lines during World War II on a mission to recover some of the world's greatest works of art. As the Third Reich begins to topple, the German army receives explicit orders to destroy every work of art in their possession. Determined to prevent 1000 years of culture from going up in flames, American president Franklin D. Roosevelt assembles an unlikely task force comprised entirely of art experts to enter Germany, recover the works of art, and ensure they are returned to their rightful owners. With little knowledge of modern weapons or warfare tactics, the ragtag squadron successfully makes their way into enemy territory before realizing they've got their work cut out for them. Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, and Jean Dujardin star.

What an incredible cast!  I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little excited to see Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville from Downton Abbey) in something else.  I am eager to see how this all star cast works together.  My husband and I don't always agree on movies but I think this is one that we'll both enjoy!  The Monuments Men comes to theaters February 7th!!


Check out the Rafflecopter below to see how you can enter to win!

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Our Gluten-free Super Bowl Menu

I am not a big sports person myself, but my husband is.  And while I am not a huge super bowl fan... I am a fan of food so at least I can get into making the snacks for the big game!

Fiesta Meatballs - I had these in the freezer from a Tastefully Simple freezer meal party I had awhile back. 

Spicy Buffalo Pizza - I modified this a bit to use the pre-made crusts and canned chicken that I already had on hand.

Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potatoes - we have made these before and LOVED them!!  Even my sister who dislikes sweet potatoes helped herself to seconds of these puppies!

Cocoa Crispy Rice Treats - at Costco recently I found a gluten-free cereal that is like Cocoa Krispies or Cocoa Pebbles.  We used that to make these tasty treats!

Are You Kidding Cake - This recipe is super easy, I used 1 gf spice cake mix, three eggs and a can of apple pie filling.  Cooked at 350 for 35min.  We topped ours with whip cream.  YUM!


What kind of yummy treats did you make for Super Bowl Sunday?

Grace Unplugged DVD Giveaway

I am excited to offer this special Valentine's Day giveaway!! Grace Unplugged is being released on DVD on Feb 11th.  I am always eager to see new family friendly movies.  This is one I've been looking forward to! 

Having just turned 18, Grace Trey aspires to more than just singing at her church, where the worship leader is her father—a former pop star. So, with the help of Mossy, her dad's former manager, Grace records a cover version of her dad's old Top-10 hit, runs off to Los Angeles, and begins to taste the kind of stardom she's always dreamed about. Yet with each rung of the ladder she climbs, Grace feels more and more pressure to compromise her values, further straining her relationship with her parents. Will everything she experiences lead her to reject her friends, faith, and family … or rediscover them?




I can't wait to give away a copy of the Grace Unplugged DVD to one lucky reader!!  Check out the Rafflecopter below to find the ways you can enter to win!

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The Fault In Our Stars

My sweet new cousin-in-law and I are nerds.  In the best way.  ;-)  We both read young adult fiction.  And technically, we're not young adults anymore... just regular adults.  Anyway, we read The Fault in Our Stars by Indianapolis' own John Green. (Which is soon to be released as a movie!) Its about two teens battling cancer and the struggles they face.  Its deeply moving and takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you read it.  I am eager to see it come to life in the movie.

**added the trailer that was just released!!  AH!!  Can't wait to see it!

One cool thing about the book is that throughout John mentions locations around the Indianapolis area.  We were inspired by this fan's The Fault in Our Stars Photo Tour and decided to take one of our own. So we spent an afternoon going around town to different spots that were in the book!

Castleton Square Mall Food Court - super exciting start.  ;-)

We had a late lunch at the wonderful Three Sister's Cafe.  I mean, what is a girls day out without some really great food?  ;-)  Plus it was another Diner, Drive-in & Dive place!

The ruins at Holliday Park

The Funky Bones sculpture at the IMA's 100 Acres


We had such a fun day getting to know the city and each other better.  I am looking forward to many more outings together in the future!  And I'm pretty sure we're going to see the movie together.  ;-)

Noah Trailer

Any of you seen info on the upcoming movie NOAH?  I am kind of curious.  It could be awesome or it could be awesomely bad.  But I am optimistic and will be giving it a try.  Reported to have gone over their $150 million budget, the film makers are feeling the pressure for this movie to do well at the box office.  I am more interested in seeing how close they stay to the biblical account of the Noah story.  Anyone else interested in seeing it?




 NOAHSynopsis: After visions of an apocalyptic deluge, Noah, the world’s only righteous man, is chosen to undertake a divine mission to build a massive ark to save his family and all of creation before the impending rains fall and the flood waters rise.
Cast: Russell Crowe, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly and Emma Watson

Michael J. Fox is back!

Always Looking Up - The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist book by Michael J. Fox - There are many words to describe Michael J. Fox: Actor. Husband. Father. Activist. But readers of Always Looking Up will soon add another to the list: Optimist. Michael writes about the hard-won perspective that helped him see challenges as opportunities. Instead of building walls around himself, he developed a personal policy of engagement and discovery: an emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual outlook that has served him throughout his struggle with Parkinson's disease. Michael's exit from a very demanding, very public arena offered him the time-and the inspiration-to open up new doors leading to unexpected places. One door even led him to the center of his own family, the greatest destination of all.
The last ten years, which is really the stuff of this book, began with such a loss: my retirement from Spin City. I found myself struggling with a strange new dynamic: the shifting of public and private personas. I had been Mike the actor, then Mike the actor with PD. Now was I just Mike with PD Parkinson's had consumed my career and, in a sense, had become my career. But where did all of this leave Me? I had to build a new life when I was already pretty happy with the old one..
Always Looking Up is a memoir of this last decade, told through the critical themes of Michael's life: work, politics, faith, and family. The book is a journey of self-discovery and reinvention, and a testament to the consolations that protect him from the ravages of Parkinson's.
With the humor and wit that captivated fans of his first book, Lucky Man, Michael describes how he became a happier, more satisfied person by recognizing the gifts of everyday life.

Being part of a family that deals with disability every day I am eager to see how it is portrayed in Michael's new tv show.  I hope that they rise to the occasion and show the realness that we all long for in tv.  Not the "reality tv" real... but the genuine, heart of the matter real that is so rare in the media.  I want to see their struggles and their triumphs.  I hope we get to see his faults and his ability to rise above those faults to be a good husband and father.  

NBC's The Michael J Fox Show




A couple of other shows I am looking forward to seeing resume this fall are:

Parenthood - My hubs and I watch this show together and frankly...  I want to be a Braverman!  ;-)  But really, it is an awesome show that is full of relate-able characters and relevant storylines.  We appreciate the delicate way they have sensitively touched on serious issues like Max's Asbergers, infertility/adoption Kristina's cancer, and PTSD in military personel.  Eager to see whats in store for the Braverman clan this year!

Once Upon A Time - This is our girls night show.  My girlfriend and my sister usually watch this together, though there has been talk of my brother joining us too since he caught up on the first two seasons over the summer.  Its fun to see fairy tales come to life in a little more of a grown up way.  And seeing all the intricate connections between fairy tale characters is typical of the writers who created Lost.  Excited to see what new characters we get to meet this season!



What shows are you looking forward to this fall season?

Superheros

What little boy doesn't love a superhero story?  One where the good guys are defeating the bad guys... its every boys' dream, right?  

Well, I'm sure we are not alone in restricting our son's tv and movie viewing based on content.  Nate is just about to turn eight years old and we do not feel that it is appropriate for him to be watching modern superhero movies. Basically, all the Marvel and DC  movies are a little too mature for young audiences and all earned the PG-13 rating. They are full of violence and even sexual content that we are not comfortable exposing our young son to yet.

In an effort to meet our son's need for super hero stories we went in search of some age appropriate shows and movies that he is able to enjoy now.  This article that has superhero movies listed by age appropriateness  was helpful, but I felt there were more out there than what it listed so I have made a list of my own.

Kid Safe Hero Shows/Movies - good for ages 4-8


Super Why

Veggie Tales Larry Boy
Veggie Tales League of Incredible Vegetables
The Rescuers
Bolt
The Incredibles
Hercules
Iron Giant
Batman the Movie (1966)
AstroBoy
Next Avengers animated series
The SuperHero Squad Show



Naturally there is some action and cartoony violence but I believe all of these movies listed are either G or PG.  But you know your child so appropriateness may vary based on child and/or family.   Also, most of these titles are readily available for viewing on Netflix.


While movies and shows are great for entertainment purposes there is no substitute for the one true hero in our lives.  Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for all of humanity.  More than any "superhero" could ever do.  What a wonderful example we have been given of true selflessness.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.  -  Luke 19:10

Man of Steel Review and Giveaway

Last night I had the opportunity to attend a screening of the soon to be released Man of Steel movie.  I took a girlfriend with me and we made a night of it.  We felt pretty special when we got to skip the long line and saw our reserved press seats!  Good times!

I really enjoyed the first half of the movie.  In the spirit of the Dark Knight movies, Man of Steel did a good job of taking the cartoony-ness out of Superman.  While I understand that a huge amount of time couldn't be spent on Kripton's history,  I did feel like it moved so quickly that I didn't have a chance to develop any attachment to the people or care about the planet.  It jumped from the past to present day very quickly leaving me with a lot of questions but the flash backs to Clark's childhood answered most of those.  I appreciated getting a glimpse into how Clark learned to hone his super powers.  Kevin Costner and Diane Lane did well as Clark's loving earthly parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent.





The second half of the movie felt a little bit forced.  It seemed like the writers left the room and the graphics guys threw all their CGI ideas into the rest of the movie.  It was overdone.  One action sequence after another, leaving the whole city in shambles.  I kept thinking "ok, now their going to move on..." and I was wrong... over and over again.  Don't get me wrong... the CGI stuff was well done.  It was just too much.

One of the things that I like best about the movie was the dynamic between Clark and Lois.  I was very pleased with the casting of these two characters in particular.  Henry Cavill was good as the brooding Clark Kent/Superman (thought I think he's giving himself premature wrinkles from the permanent furrow in his brow), and Amy Adams was excellent as the truth seeking Lois Lane.  And personally I like that there are not secrets between them in this twist on the Superman storyline.  I always hated that Clark kept his identity from Lois in previous versions.  So for the sake of their relationship (maybe in future movies?), I like that there is an openness there that hasn't been done before.  Plus, she's supposed to be a prize winning reporter, how dumb could she be to not figure out who Clark is?  So its good to see her portrayed in a way that shows Lois' intelligence and skill as a journalist and doesn't make her look stupid.

So, overall, it was a fun take on the whole Superman story.  The content was reasonable.  While there was the typical superhero violence it wasn't overly bloody and there was no sexual content.  There is definite potential for future movies there.  If they make another Superman movie with Henry Cavill I'd go see it.

So now for the fun part!  I am giving away an Official Man of Steel tshirt (pictured above on me... glamorous, I know ;-)  and key chain to one lucky reader!  The giveaway ends on July 4th!  Man of Steel opens on July 14th!!  Check it out!


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The Story of God Book - Giveaway!

We don't have cable so I have not been able to watch the Bible mini-series that is currently on the History Channel but I read online that over 68 MILLION have viewed #TheBible in 15 days making it the #1 cable series of the year!
 A STORY OF GOD AND ALL OF US is a sweeping narrative that dramatizes some of the most important events and characters in the Bible. The young reader's edition of the novel contains abridged action-packed versions of the Bible's most fascinating stories, featuring Moses, David, Daniel, John the Baptist and Jesus.

This edition includes an exclusive introduction by author Roma Downey and a photo insert including images from the companion epic TV miniseries "The Bible."

I am excited to be giving away a copy of A Story of God and All of Us Young Readers Edition.  Enter today to win!  Giveaway will be open through Easter.

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