Ring The Bell DVD ~ Review & GIVEAWAY

I always raise my hand high to volunteer to review a Christian or Family Themed DVD.  Good entertainment is hard to find!  I was so excited to receive Ring The Bell, the latest Christian DVD to hit the movie world.

My son and I curled up in the living room to watch this movie together and time just flew by from there.  I'm going to cut to the chase!  The story line was interesting, the characters were believable, and the message was beautiful.  I LOVED that the full gospel of Jesus Christ was shared in one scene (the Casting Crowns concert!).  There was no fluff about it.  It was bold, true, and heart felt.

There were scenes that made us laugh, and scenes that made me cry.  I won't spoil it for you, but there was one scene that touched my heart so deeply.  I was reminded of how God's love can transform a life, even the life of the deeply broken hearted.

Here is a little ditty on the story:

Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.
Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.This family-friendly movie was produced by Mark Miller, Beach Street Records' founder and Casting Crowns’ producer. Miller, who is also the lead singer and founder of country music group Sawyer Brown, co-wrote the script with Thomas Weber and Weber directed the production. 

Here is a trailer to tempt your tummy:

To get your own copy, just click HERE.  That link will give you access to 6 different places where you can buy the DVD.  Prices vary greatly from $9.96 to $17.99 depending on where you get it. To read more about this movie, visit the website or Facebook page. 
Website:  http://ringthebellthemovie.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RingTheBellTheMovie

Now, hold onto your popcorn!  You know what it's time for.....

One lucky winner will receive their very own copy of  Ring The Bell.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Tuesday, May 14, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter... 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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."

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! ~ Book Review

 Just the name of this book makes me giggle and want to pick it up to read it.

Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! by Troy Schmidt 

How cute is that?  It's time for the whale to tell his side of the story.  This book is for ages 4-8, but I have to tell you that my 13 year old son and I curled up on the couch with this book.  He asked me to read it to him.  

 *heavenly*

It was like I was transported back 6 years to the time when bedtime stories and cuddles under the blanket were a nightly routine.  We laughed at the turn of each page, loved the colorful illustration by Cory Jones, and had a great talk at the end with the "Parent Connection" feature that guides you through great conversation with your child about the biblical principle taught in the story line.

"If you love me, you will keep my commands."  John 14:15

"I called to the Lord in my distress, and He answered me."  Jonah 2:2 

When we finished, my son got ready for bed and I went into his room to say good night.  There he was getting one more read through before bed.  Now, that's a good book.

You can order your own copy of Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! by clicking HERE.  This hard covered, beautifully illustrated book is only $9.99.  You can also following along and get in on the scoop by checking out these facebook pages:

https://www.facebook.com/bhpublishing?fref=ts 

https://www.facebook.com/troyeschmidt

As if this book wasn't cute enough, this is just the first in a series!  Other titles include:  Hey God, Can You Stop the Rain so I Can Get off Noah's Smelly Ark? and Hey God, I'm Having an Awful Vacation in Egypt Thanks to Moses!

OK!  You know the drill and you know what it's time for.....

One lucky winner will receive their very own copy of  Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up!.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Friday, May 10, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter... 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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."

Saving Memories Forever - App Review

Saving Memories Forever is an app for iPhone and Android Smartphones.  It is a system that allows you to record your family history, past and "in the making", for you to enjoy for years to come.

The smartphone app allows you to record stories, Gramma sharing her best recipe, your baby's first words, or your daughter's graduation speech.  Capture life and make them into memories and preserve the stories of your Grandfather's youth in his own voice.  The possibilities are endless. The website allows users to manage their files, add tag words, upload photos and create a living record to be shared forever.

Having this app on your phone means you can take it anywhere, so when the moment arrives you won't miss a thing.  You'll always be ready to capture a memory.  Imagine recording your Mom reading a bedtime story to your toddler while she coos and giggles.  Now, imagine listening to that over and over and being able to share that with her for years to come.  Priceless.

The Saving Memories App is easy to download.  There are several tutorial videos found on the website to help you get started and take advantage of all the features this app has to offer.  You can choose the free app or the premium paid app.  You can compare the differences in these options by clicking HERE.  The Premium Service is only $3.99 per month or $40 for the year.

You can learn more about Saving Memories Forever by checking out their website, visiting them on Facebook, or reading their blog.

• Website:  https://www.savingmemoriesforever.com/
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SavingMemoriesForever
• Blog:  http://blog.savingmemoriesforever.com

Edited Note:  I wasn't going to include this in my review, but after several days since the post went live it has just been bugging me that I didn't mention it.  I have an Android phone and this app would not work properly for me.  Each time I opened the app it would do a force close and it took several attempts to get it running.  It froze up my phone a couple of times.  I have been told by several other reviewers with Androids that they had the same problem.  But, anyone with an iPhone has not had this problem.  I would recommend trying the free app first to make sure it works properly on your phone before making your purchase.

Spanish For You! Review

I have always wanted to learn Spanish.  I have several friends who speak Spanish, some as their native language.  I have tried different programs and have one, in particular, that I really like.  But, if there is one thing I have learned as a homeschool parent it is that I need to keep an open mind about different curriculum choices.  So, I was very interested to have the opportunity to review Spanish For You!.

Spanish For You! is a curriculum for grades 3-8.  The lessons are broken up into grade levels: 3/4, 5/6, 7/8.  It is designed to promote fluency through speaking and writing skills, reading, and grammar knowledge.  The program is 24 weeks for grades 5-8 and 30 weeks for grades 3-4 and should take about 10-30 minutes per day.  Debbie Annett, author of Spanish For You!, encourages families to work at their own pace though.  She sees this program as a journey and adventure in learning and not a race to the finish line.  Many lessons provide optional activities that can help the student to dive deeper into learning not only the Spanish language, but the history and culture.

Spanish For You! offers three different themed curriculum: Viejes (travels), Fiestas (celebrations), or Estaciones (seasons).  More themed packages are soon to be introduced.  They offer different option for purchasing which are:  

• Viajes in a 4 week trial for $5.99 - grades 5-8
• Viajes in a 6 week trial for $12.99 - grades 3-4
• Fiestas for $19.95 per grade level (3/4, 5/6, 7/8)
• Fiestas for $64.95 for all grade levels
• Estaciones for $39.95 per grade level (3/4, 5/6, 7/8)
• Estaciones for $64.95 for all grade levels
• Extra workbooks can be ordered for $12.95

 ALL Spanish for You! packages come complete with:

• soft cover book, or, for trial packages, an e-book
• 24-30 week lesson guide for the grades you need in a PDF download
• self-checking worksheets in a PDF download
• audio files of entire book done by Debbie and a 2nd audio file of a native speaker in an MP3 download
• flashcard/activity pictures in a PDF download

Teacher lesson plans are not included, but can be purchased separately for class use of Spanish For You!

You will also have access to the following at the Spanish For You! website:

• activities
• games
• mini lessons
• worksheets

 Here are some of the things I liked about Spanish For You!:

• It is affordable.  Whether being purchased for a specific grade level or as the complete package for all grade levels, the price is much less than most language curricula on the market.
• It offers a variety of that will suite most learning styles.  Oral, written, audio, and kinesthetic.
• It offers a money back guarantee.  
• Payment is easy with paypal right at the website.
• The two audio files are a wonderful touch!  The native speaker file is more difficult to understand, but it really helps to be able to hear the native tongue.
• The breakdown of grade levels is very helpful in making sure you select the package that will best suit your child.  I like that the complete package with all grade levels is offered for those families with multiple children.
• I love the idea of the themes.  Not only does it make it more interesting, but your child can choose his favorite!  Then, you could even select a different theme as you continue on with the program with the different grade levels.
• Customer Service is STELLAR! 

 Here are some of the things I did not like about Spanish For You!:

• To keep expenses low for the large number of reviews being done, I received my entire Fiestas package as a download.  It took a long time to download and I had a lot of technical difficulties.  I will say that when I contacted Debbie about these problems she addressed them very quickly and helped me complete the process.
• I greatly dislike e-book or e-file products.  I never get them.  It's almost as if I have to have a book in front of me or I can not function.  For this reason, I had an extremely difficult time navigating the many files provided to me.  They were disorganized and confusing.  It took me several times of stopping and re-starting in an attempt to really get going in the program just because of my frustration.  I had to walk away.  I will say that as soon as Debbie was made aware that the reviewers were having a difficult time with this, she immediately re-organized the files into a very user-friendly format and that is what you will receive when you make your purchase.  Debbie is ready and willing to make whatever improvements to her product to meet the needs of the customers.
• Overall, this product was not a good fit for my family.  I did not feel that it offered enough foundation for a person who has never been introduced to Spanish.  It dives right in.  There is a lot going on and, in my opinion and experience, it required a lot more than 10-30 minutes per day.  It was a one hour a day project for us.  I would recommend that if it is taking that long to complete one lesson then go ahead and chop it in half.  Do a little each day and not the whole lesson.

Spanish For You! would be a good fit for the following families:

• Those wanting a casual and fun approach to learning Spanish, while still having the opportunity to master it.
•  Those families with multiple grade level children - the full package price really is a great deal!
• Those families who enjoy e-book or e-file products and/or do not mind printing out the information and creating a binder or other book-like set up.
• Those families wanting to try the trial package to see if Spanish is a good fit language for them.

Visit the Spanish For You! website and check it out for yourself.  Here you go.....  http://www.spanish-for-you.net/index.html  Go ahead and shoot Debbie an e-mail with any questions.  I can assure you that she is willing and eager to help!

 

 

This Is Our Time DVD Movie Review & Giveaway

A movie with a message.  A God message.  A message we all need to hear, whether young or old or somewhere in between.

God has a purpose in your life.

Introducing This Is Our Time, the latest Christian DVD that is set to release on April 16, 2013.  Pop the popcorn and gather the family in the living room.  Oh, and don't forget a box of tissues.  Here is what the storyline brings:

The movie tells the interwoven stories of Luke (T.J. Dalrymple) and Alé (Erin Bethea), who marry right after school and move to India to serve as missionaries for Embrace A Village, a ministry that cares for those afflicted with leprosy and their families; aspiring financier Catherine (Kate Cobb), who joins a prestigious financial institution determined to make an impact on corporate America; Ryder (Matthew Florida), who lands an impressive job in social media and can’t wait to use the powerful medium for a greater good; and Ethan (Shawn-Caulin Young,) seemingly the odd man out, who struggles to find his God-given-purpose and feels sidelined by God.

“What they all come to learn is that it never really was their time,” Arnold said. “It always was, always is, God’s time.”

It's always great to find a movie with a moral message.  It's even greater to find a movie that puts God in the center, shows people praying, quotes the scripture, and leaves you feeling like you want to work harder to serve Him.  This Is Our Time had all of that.  I cried.  I laughed.  But, I also yawned at a few parts.  My family and I agreed that some of the acting was a bit amateurish and cheesy.  Some of the dialect seemed unnatural, as if the writer was trying to get his point across a little too hard.  With that all being said and considering all the other positive points it offered, we gave it a collective 7.5 on a 10 point scale and will still recommend it as an excellent Saturday night family movie. 

You can learn more about This Is Our Time and get in on the chatter with the following links:

                Website: http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4565

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsOurTimeMovie

Take advantage of the pre-order price of only  $14.92 over at ChristianCinema.com  It will also be available at FamilyChristian.com for $19.99.  I know what you're thinking!  Can't I get it for FREE?  Well, it's time for.....

One lucky winner will receive their very own copy of  This Is Our Time DVD .  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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."

The Ultimate Homeschool Planner & The Ultimate Daily Planner for Students ~ Review

Every year I plan to use a planner for our homeschool lessons.  Every year when I go to the FPEA Convention I look at a dozen different planners and pick them apart with their pros and cons until I finally settle on the one I will buy.  Every year I come home without a planner.

Why?

None of them seem to fit well enough.  None of them have everything I want.  None of them seem worth their high price.

So, when I was asked to do a review for The Ultimate Homeschool Planner and The Ultimate Daily Planner for Students by Debra Bell I was thrilled.....but, leery.  I wanted so bad for this to be THE ONE.  The planner I would fall in love with and live happily ever after with (well, at least until my son graduates).  Was I disappointed?  Well, let's see.

Here they are!  Yes, I know.  They are purrrrdeeee!  So colorful, modern looking, spiral bound, water and tear resistant covers.  *sigh*  Is this love at first sight?  I'm thinking...."Don't be drawn in by the beauty, Doreen.  Keep your head on straight!"  So, I dove deeper into seeing what The Ultimate Homeschool Planner had to offer me.  Here is what I found.

• Pockets for storage on the inside and back covers
• An at-a-glance calendar that went all the way through 2016
• An information page to record children's names, address, phone number, etc
• Table of Contents to help me find what I need easily
• User's Guide 11 pages long!  It's filled with tips on planning, organizing, and sample schedules.  For the visual diva inside of me, Debra even included pictures!  Let the angels sing!
  
• 2 full pages to record your students' Character Goals and Academic Goals
• Family Priorities page
• Resource List spanning 3 pages
• Monthly Planner spanning 23 pages with fill in your own date option!!!  Woohoo!  Start this planner at any point in the year and you won't feel like you are wasting pages with pre-dated calendars!  Each page hosts an inspiring Bible verse and an encouraging quote with a notation space to record whatever you want....goals, dreams, field trips, family events, etc.
• Weekly Planner spanning 191 pages!  Lots of space to plan the details.  There are spaces for Bible Plan, Battle Plan, Prayers, Hospitality/Outreach, the week's Memorable Moments and Achievements, and Evidences of Grace.  What a beautiful way to record the homeschool journey!  
• Records & Grades across two full pages allow you to record each subject and any test, quiz, project, or homework scores
• Reading List to record books, authors, and genre
• Field Trip and Outside Activities pages to record all of your fun and educational homeschool events
• Teaching Tips for 6 pages!  Everything from motivating the reluctant reader to learning styles and thinking skills.
• A special section just for high school planning
• A Year End Review section to summarize your school year
• In case you weren't paying attention and didn't account for some of the pages I didn't mention, that is 263 pages.

I have spent a month with this planner and I have not yet missed anything.  The only thing I can think of that this planner does not have are tabs.  But, I can easily put those in myself.  So, I'm not going to place any cons on the content factor.  Let's look at the size.  It's a good almost 10x11 planner.  That might seem hefty to some of you since that is the size of a text book.  But, I don't mind.  It gives me plenty of room to write everything without trying to cram it in.  It still fits in my bag.  The only way to make it smaller would be to take things out and I say a NO WAY to that idea.  I need and want everything in there!  The price of this planner is $28.00 at the Apologia website.  Now, at first you might think...what, $28.  Trust me.  I thought the same thing.  But, I'm telling you that after spending time looking through and using this planner I think it is worth every single penny.  I can't imagine needing or wanting any other planner.  I am not just saying this.  I don't get paid to say that.  I could tell you don't get it, it's not work it and it wouldn't matter to me.  But, that would be a lie.  Go order it today, or go get it at your next convention. 

Now, let's move onto The Ultimate Daily Planner for Students.  Debra Bell also offers The Ultimate Weekly Planner for Teens, but I picked the other one because I thought it would fit my son better.  We'll switch to the one for teens next year when he is in 8th grade.  OK, the planner for students is much smaller and measures about 9x7.  Did I like this planner just as much?  Well, let's see what it has to offer.

• Clear, thick plastic inch and centimeter ruler
• Information page to record name, address, e-mail, phone numbers, and courses
• 4 pages of About Me, My Future/I Want To Be, Personal Goals
• 6 pages of Study-Smart Tool Kit filled with tips 
• 21 Monthly Planner pages....once again, fill in your own dates!  Woohoo!
• 95 pages for weekly assignments with each day of the week in it's own row.  There is a space to check when the assignment is done and when it has been checked.  Each week has a Bible verse and a history trivia Q&A.  There is also a place to check that the student has had some quiet time....reading, praying, or just sitting quietly with his thoughts.  Oh, how important this is.
  
• 2 Pages to record Grades for each test, quiz, project, etc in each subject
• 4 pages to record a Reading List and Activity Log
• 2 pages to record a 6 week Active Lifestyle Activity Log
• 22 pages that include the following:  Timeline of US & World History from 500BC-2009, US Map with State Capitals, Map of the World, Scientific Method Diagram,  Charts of US to Metric Conversions and Multiplication & Division, Measurement Equivalency Chart, Fraction/Decimal/ Percent Chart,Guide to Punctuation / Italics / and Capitalization, Guidelines for Good Writing, Recommended Middle School Reading List, Greek and Latin Roots , and Notes
• A pocketed page with an at-a-glance calendar through June 2015.
• 2 sheets of stickers for the calendar

I ask you, my treasured reader.  What is missing?  I say, the only thing I would like to see are tabs.  Again, I can slap them on myself.  These planners are $19.00 at the Apologia Website.   Once again, this frugal homeschool Mom says it is worth it.  Not only does it have everything and more of what my son needs, but I love that a lot of it goes in tune with my planner.

Debra gave us a link to a flyer that gives some more detail about the planners.  Here is the LINK.  There are also some great pics on that flyer. 

Well, that's the scoop!  I am so happy to find my true love planner LOL  I'm willing to share with you though, so go get one.

Janet's Planet Exploring Microgravity DVD Review & GIVEAWAY

Welcome to Janet's Planet!  This website will create a spark of excitement for science for you and your children!  Here is a message from Janet:

“For the past decade, science education has been my passion and America’s children have been my inspiration.  It is incredible to see how excited children can become about the world around them when the information is presented in an accessible and fun way.  That is the mission of Janet’s Planet, and I look forward to continuing to support better science education in the years to come.”  

At the website, you will find the following:

• Explore amazing photos in the Space Photo Log
• Test your knowledge and learn something new at the Speed of Thought game
• Create your own planet
• Check out what non-government organizations are doing to better our planet and communities
• Ask Janet questions and see what others are curious about
• Janet's Planet Space Store
• Listen to Janet Planet's theme song, Rock the Planets
• Watch videos to learn more about body, mind, space, and memory

Ah, videos!  That's where I come in.  I was given the DVD for Exploring Microgravity to review and share with my readers.  Janet does a great job in this DVD explaining all about microgravity in a fun and easy way.  My son (age 13) and I loved listening to Janet.  She takes something that could be complicated and has it make so much sense!  We loved all of the cool examples she provided so we could see how microgravity works and how it is in our world.  This video, and the others on the site, can easily be used as part of a science curriculum, to enhance a lesson, or just for some extra knowledge!

Although you can watch the DVD, Exploring Microgravity in its entirety on the website, you may purchase it for $13.49 at the website store if you want to have your own copy that you can take with you in the car to watch or play on the TV.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway below for your chance to win your own copy for free!  So, visit Janet's Planet to check out all the amazing features and have fun!  You can also get connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Janets-Planet/59026154727

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jpjanetsplanet

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in 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."

 One lucky winner will receive their very own copy of  Janet's Planet:  Exploring Microgravity DVD .  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Wednesday, April 10, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway