Puff The Magic Dragon

15 years ago, this wonderful friend and talented singer/song writer sang in our wedding.  Not this song, though!  Lol! 

Sadly, we don’t see him or his family very often since he lives on the east coast. 

So when his wife sent me this link to a video of him singing to his grandson, I was pretty excited!

Puff The Magic Dragon was my very favorite song growing up.  I had a little 45 record that I played over and over on my suitcase record player.  It was a far cry from the sophisticated video games and mp3 players my kids entertain themselves with today.  But I loved my records and record player! 

I had several records which were from Scholastic.  They were story records. 

One started out…”It was a dark, dark, night.”  Or “wood”…I can’t remember!  But eventually, it got to “And in that dark, dark, house, there was a dark, dark, room…and in that dark dark room, there was a dark dark cupboard...”  You get the idea!  I remember the man’s voice got quieter and quieter until he got to what was in “the dark, dark box.”  I would jump EVERY time when he yelled “There was a ghost!”  Lol! 

Hey!  I wonder what ever happened to that record.  My boys would probably get a kick out of it.  :) It’s probably melted into the shape of a fortune cookie up in the attic!

Another record told the story of a man who thought there was “Too Much Noise.”  That one was fun, too!

Shoot.  Now I’m going to be wondering what happened to all those records.  I’ll probably be digging in old boxes I haven’t opened in eons.  I’ll let you know if I find them!

I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane as much as I have! 

And thanks R—, for blessing so many people with your music and talent! 

How many of you had record players in your bedrooms growing up, and what did you like to listen to??  :)

We Have A Winner!

The Winner of The Shunning DVD is…

#5!  Congratulations Brenda, from Hands and Hearts For Him and It’s All Good!

I hope you enjoy it!  :)

Freezer Beef

We have a wonderful older neighbor who has raised beef for years.  Although he sold what he had last fall when his wife’s health declined, he missed caring for them.

So we weren’t surprised when he bought two new calves in the spring. 

His intention was to breed them.  However, he couldn’t locate a bull.  And, with the price of corn so high, he decided to take “the girls” in before winter.  

“The Girls.” That’s what his late wife always called their cows.  They were more like pets, than farm animals. :)

Anyway, knowing we have three growing boys to feed, he asked if we wanted to buy a side of beef!  Isn’t that nice?  Of course we said, “Yes!”  His beef is so much better than what you can get in a store.

One evening that week, our family walked down to help him prepare.  He needed to get some extra gates in place, which would help when it came time to load them up.   (I think he is somewhere around 80 years old!)  That’s him in the red cap and suspenders standing next to my husband.

I’m not sure if our little guy connected all the dots of what we were doing and why.   However, he soon lost interest in the animals, anyway.

While his brothers helped the men, he climbed up and down the gate.  :)

This past Sunday, my husband helped to load and haul the animals.  Each one weighed in at around 1300 lbs!  

That means that each one will probably give around 800 lbs of meat!  I was glad we had decided to split our half with another friend!

When all is said and done, I think we are going to end up paying between $1.90  and $2.00/lb.  We think that’s pretty good!  

And we truly appreciate the sacrifice these beautiful ladies have made to help feed our family!

Have you ever bought freezer beef?

Winners!

The winner of the Ginny Owens CD is:

Penny, who said, “Pick me! Pick me! LOL!”

Enjoy it friend, and let me know what you think!  :)

 

 

The TWO winners of the sample [Theo Presents] DVDs are:

The Real Me! who said, “Oh that sounds really cool! Count me in my friend…”

and…

Adminswife, who said, “Such a great idea! Would love to share this with my children.”   (Please email me with your name and address so I can have it shipped to you!)

Congratulations everyone!  And thanks for playing along!

[The Shunning] DVD Review and Giveaway!

I grew up surrounded by the Amish community in rural Pennsylvania.  So whenever I read books or watch movies portraying the Amish, there is a part of me that feels protective of their culture and privacy.  I think they did a pretty good job with this film. 

The movie is based on the celebrated first novel in "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis.  It co-stars Danielle Panabaker  & Sherry Stringfield.

 

Although I read the series years ago, I couldn’t remember much about the plot.  Which is probably good.  Because I wasn’t constantly comparing it to the book.  Instead, I found myself just as caught up in the suspense as those who have never read the book.

What’s the story about? 

A young Amish woman named Katie faces a choice between the music she has come to love, and a people who’s church forbids her to express it.  It’s about love and loyalties, and the struggle to make selfless decisions. 

In the midst of an already raging inner battle, Katie learns she is adopted.  Her birth mother, dying of cancer, is somewhere out in the “fancy” world longing to meet her. 

Katie must make some very difficult choices.

The only thing I didn’t care for in this movie, was the way the end leaves you hanging.  It would have been SO much better had the movie spanned the series and offered closure.  Perhaps they are going to make more movies, but that doesn’t help me now!  Lol!  So if you are as big into closure as I am, you might either want to skip this movie, or have the rest of the series on hand to read when you are through watching it!  

For more information on this movie, feel free to visit Hallmark’s Website or the movie’s Facebook page.

If you would like to be entered in a drawing to win a copy of the DVD for your own family, leave a comment below.  I will be picking someone from the comments (at random) on Friday, September 23. 

PLUS…

My friend Mari (My Little Corner Of The World) is also hosting a review/giveaway of the DVD [The Shunning].  So if you want ANOTHER chance to win a copy, leave a comment on her review , too!  (Out of fairness, you can only win once, though!)

Fine Print:  I received a copy of [The Shunning] for review.  However, when I agree to do a review, I share what I really think, whether good or bad.  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.”

$10 in Free Downloadable Products From Scholastic Teacher Express!!

You can download $10 worth of any ebooks from Scholastic Teacher Express for free when you use the coupon code 10THANKS.  Since they have a ton of (really cool!) dollar downloads available right now (through 9/20), you can get as many as 10 ebooks for free!!!

I just downloaded my 10, so I know it works!  I think I’m in Heaven!  Lol!

Have fun picking out your treasures!

And have a wonderful weekend!

Thankful Thursday: The Braces Are OFF! (With Pictures!!)

Early in June, 2009, my oldest son started his orthodontics journey.  For those of you who have been reading for a while, you may remember that he needed more treatment than most.  His lower jaw was set so far back that his bottom teeth were hitting the roof of his mouth.

We were pretty much aghast at the device they wanted to put on him.  It was called a herbst, and this is what it looked like. 

We sought a second opinion, hoping there was something less-scary looking that would help.  However, they recommended the same thing. 

Reluctantly, we finally agreed.  As hard as it was going to be to watch him go through it, it would be far worse to do nothing.  His friends had already begun calling him “Buck tooth”.  The picture below was his normal smile.

Much to our relief, he adjusted just fine and wore the herbst until the spring of 2010.  It was exciting when that thing came off!   However, his braces remained in place until just last week.

I couldn’t be happier for him! 

While he’ll wear a retainer for a while, he is LOVING his “naked” teeth, lol!  (And yes, he reluctantly agreed to let me take this “after” picture for you.) 

I’m so thankful we decided to do it.  So often, we as parents struggle to make a choice we know will be tough on our child.  

Even when we know it has to be done, and there is no other way.

I’m also thankful for a God who totally understands on a much larger scale!

Click on the picture for more thankful posts!  Or better yet, share something you are thankful for on this beautiful day!

Introducing A New Animated Bible Doctrine Teaching Series [THEO Presents] and TWO Giveaways!!!!

When I was 13, I worked as a summer missionary for Child Evangelism Fellowship.  At the beginning of the summer, as all of their missionaries do, I went through an extensive training time.   They taught me the material I would be sharing, and gave me the opportunity to practice it over and over again until I was ready to do it on my own. 

The material we used made sharing the Gospel with children natural and fun. 

So when I learned that Child Evangelism was partnering with White Stones Media to send children in need their very own copy of a Theo DVD, I knew it must be pretty good.

This past week, I had the opportunity to preview a sample of the series and confirm my hunch.  I can see how this would be a wonderful multi-media tool.

There were two shorts on the DVD I received.  One was a 5 minute clear presentation of the Gospel.  And the other was a 9 minute lesson on Faith, with Abraham as the example.

Theo, as it turns out, is an animated (lovable old) student and teacher of the Bible, who lives in a cozy corner of a quaint English village.   He teaches and entertains two mice, Belfry and Luther, using funny, easy-to-understand illustrations, as well as stories from the Bible.

I was impressed with the quality of the animation.  It was first-rate!  But when I saw the credentials of the creator, I wasn’t surprised. 

Mike Joens has produced and directed scores of animated commercials for toy companies such as Milton Bradley, Hasbro, Kenner, McDonaldʼs and Playskool. In addition to commercial work, he produced and directed the animation segments for the award-winning video series “McGee and Me,” as well as the animated “Adventures in Odyssey” for Focus on the Family.

After a waiting period of over 30 years, God opened the doors to Joens for the production of “Theo Presents.” At last, the dream of a cartoonist, called to teach the Word, has come true.

It is Mikeʼs hope that God will use Theo to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children and adults in every country of the world!

As I understand it, the full series includes curriculum, books, DVDs and a free application for iPads and iPhones.  (Now, I’m wishing I had an iPhone!!) In them, Theo will discuss doctrines about sin, Godʼs character, the Bible, salvation and godly living. 

Giveaway Details!

If you would like to learn more about Theo and see a sample, you’re in luck!  I’m giving away TWO more copies of the DVD sample [Introducing THEO] to two of my readers.  Leave a comment on this post, and you will be entered in the drawing!  Winners will be randomly picked on Monday, September 19th. 

 

Fine Print:  I received a sample copy of [THEO] to review.  However, when I agree to do a review, I share what I really think, whether good or bad.  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.”

Wordless Wednesday

Skirting the storm.

Don’t forget to visit Wordless Wednesday for more photos!

 

 

Also don’t forget to enter the giveaway for Ginny Owens’ brand new CD!  As of this morning, there was only ONE entry!  :) And all it takes is a comment on the giveaway post.  ANY old comment!  Lol!

Ginny Owens Music CD Giveaway! [Get In, I’m Driving]

Have you ever listened to a song over and over again because it was not only beautiful, but it spoke to something deep within your heart?  The fifth track on Ginny’s latest release, “Joined At The Heart” is one that brings tears to my eyes each time I listen. 

As Ginny sings about her friends’ adoption of a baby girl, the words reach out and encompass the universal wonder that every parent experiences upon the arrival of their child.  It’s moving.  It’s humbling.  It’s beautiful. 

The words of the chorus go…

We are humbled to be

part of a greater story

written by the Author of

miracles

and stars,

and as this journey unfolds,

there is one thing that we know—

God has made it so

we are

forever joined at the heart.

Ginny has been blind since the age of three.  So her title song, “Get In I’m Driving” made me smile.  The song is a reflection of the adventure we experience when we totally trust God to do the driving.  It’s catchy and upbeat, and like the rest of her songs, it speaks to each one of our hearts. 

How do we respond when God says…”Get in, I’m driving”? There are only two choices:  get in and let the adventure begin :), or miss the blessings that come when you walk by faith.

I’ve fallen in love with this CD.  And not just the ballads.  Some of the songs have obvious threads of R&B and jazz, which have been a fun stretch from the usual with me!  And the more I read about the experiences and stories behind her music, the bigger fan I become.

In fact, I now have several of her CD’s on my Christmas list!  [Say Amen: Hymns and Songs of Faith], and [Without Condition].  That’s if I can wait for Christmas.  Lol!

Ginny Owens is a beautiful lady, with a heart for God and a stunning voice.  You can learn more about her music here.   Or you can join her on Face Book here.

Plus, if you’d like the chance to win a copy of [Get In, I’m Driving], leave a comment on this post!  I’ll be picking a winner (at random)from the comments on Monday, September 19th. 

Have a wonderful Tuesday, friends!

Fine Print:  I received a copy of [Get In, I’m Driving] to review.  However, when I agree to do a review, I share what I really think, whether good or bad.  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.”

Teeny Tiny Toads By The Loads!

This year, we’ve had so many baby toads that at times, you just hated to walk across the yard for fear of crushing one with every step.

They were EVERYWHERE!  Lol! 

Mowing the yard was super tedious.  Every time I saw one, (which was everywhere I looked), I had to either wait for it to hop to safety, or get off the tractor and move it to a flower bed.  Because I’m that kind of girl.

And they didn’t cooperate very well.

You’d think they would.  But they didn’t.

And you’d think they would be easy to catch.  But they weren’t. 

And you’d have to be careful, or you’d… Well…  You just had to be careful.

I mean, look how tiny these things were!  This little toad is sitting in my seven-year-old’s tiny little hands!

Did any of you experience a bumper crop of baby toads this year?   

Unmeasured Strength

On September 11, nearly 10 years ago, while many of us cried in front of our T.V. sets, Lauren Manning found herself fighting for her life.  

She was running late that day as she entered the lobby of the North tower and approached the bank of elevators.  Her office with Canter Fitzgerald was on the 105th floor.  

It was while she was still moving towards the elevators that she felt the building move.  Then, a wall of fire burst through the elevator shafts and engulfed her.

Burned over 82 percent of her body, Laura Manning fought for her life for three long months. 

Unmeasured Strength is her dramatic story.  Wanting desperately to live to see the face of her ten-month-old son again, she determined to do whatever it took to recover.   No matter the odds.  No matter the pain. 

This week, as I’ve reflected on the coming anniversary of such an infamous day, I’ve been deeply touched by her story.  She not only wanted to live to return to her family.  She wanted to live on behalf of nearly 700 coworkers who had died. 

That awful day, she had shared both the terror and the pain of the fallen.  And in the weeks and months that followed, while her life hung in the balance, she felt the love and support of their families. 

She could not give up.  People around the world were praying for her.

So she fought fiercely to deny the terrorists even one more victory.

It’s a story every American should read.

*  *  *

My Own Reflections

At 14, 12, and 7, my own boys are watching the 911 anniversary coverage with a new depth of understanding.

Perhaps that’s an oxymoron.  How can anyone possibly understand  such horror?  

Yet, Lauren’s story has powerfully reminded me that even in the face of unspeakable evil, God’s grace abounds. 

There is no doubt that Lauren’s own strength and courage played a huge role in bringing her through her incredible ordeal. 

However, I believe it was God’s grace that spared her life, orchestrated her transport before the buildings collapsed, and saw her through some of her darkest days.

I believe it was also by God’s grace (and not simply good luck) that her husband wasn’t lost that day.  He had planned to attend a breakfast at Windows of the World, and instead, he stayed home to help a neighbor. 

I’ve heard other stories of God’s grace as well.

Yes, there is undeniable evil in the world.  And although evil men determined to wipe out masses that day, God’s grace rescued many. 

Whether, as in Lauren’s case, He brought them out of the flames, or as in her husband’s case, He allowed circumstances to prevent them from being in harms way, the result was the same. 

God’s grace gave some a second chance at life.  Why those and not others?  We may never know.

But for some of those people, it was the chance to go on serving God with a stronger determination and urgency.  For others, it was a chance to make the decision of faith they had been putting off.

My prayer this year, as we commemorate 911, is that those events would cause us, each one of us, to look at our relationship with God. 

Whether we choose to see it or not, God’s grace is active throughout our lives.  Maybe not in the dramatic kind of way that Lauren experienced.  But it is there nonetheless in many little things. 

Do I respond to Him with appreciation for the work He does in my life? 

More importantly, do I thank Him for the sacrifice He made me, as well as for every human being, when He gave His life on the cross?   At enormous personal cost, He embodied grace, took my place, and made it possible for me to have all my wrongs forgiven and wiped away.  He made it possible to know for certain I have a home forever with Him, no matter what befalls me here on Earth.This beautiful family has a second chance because of God’s grace.  Many others did not.

I don’t know where Lauren is in her relationship with God.  But I pray that He will continue to reveal Himself and His incredible grace  with each new day she faces.  And that if she doesn’t already, that she--and all of those touched by tragedy--will know God and feel His comfort.

Not just know God in the I-acknowledge-there-is-an-all-powerful-Being-up-there kind of way. 

But in the I-have-an-infinitely-loving-savior-who-longs-to-be-a-central-part-of-my-life kind of way.

Lauren, your story and your courage are amazing.  Please know that you and your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.  May God richly bless you.

Fine Print:  I received a copy of Unmeasured Strength to review.  However, when I agree to do a review, I share what I really think, whether good or bad.  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.”

Way Too Funny Not To Share

There are Saturday mornings where our sleeping-in takes precedent over snuggle time with our little guy.  Knowing he would wiggle until we got up, we sometimes have to bar him from our bed.  I know, call us mean.

On one such occasion, I told him to go back to bed, or go play, or go do something as long as it was out of our bedroom. 

When he was no longer inches from my nose, I assumed he had gone.

However, when I got up to go to the bathroom a little while later, this is what I found at the foot of my bed.  Lol!  How on earth he tucked himself into that clothes basket with a blanket and a comforter is beyond me.  He IS seven, now, and nearly up to my chin.

I couldn’t resist grabbing my phone and snapping this picture.

Don’t kids just crack you up sometimes?  I love this boy.  I kind of wish he’d fit in my basket forever.  :)

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

And don’t forget to stop by Kim’s at Homesteader’s Heart for more Friday Funnies!  Oh, and link up one of your own!!

Up And Coming Reviews and Giveaways!

Wait!  Don’t zone out yet!!!  Sometimes when a review or giveaway is mentioned, I lose readers right away. 

After all, it’s much more entertaining to read about the latest first grade scandal.  Lol!  And it’s sometimes more fun to write about them, too! 

However, I’ve accepted several requests for reviews over the next few weeks and here’s why:

1. It’s a great chance for our family to see new family movies, or listen to new CDs, or check out things we might not otherwise check out.
2. I’m actually excited about being able to get a first look at some promising new releases and tools.
3. AND, in many cases, I get to offer the same opportunity to one of you!

I’ll try to keep the reviews short and sweet. 

But in return, you have to promise to leave a comment so I’m not making up the name of a reader to give the extra away to.  Deal?  Lol!  Ok.  I wouldn’t really do that.  But it would stink not to be able to share a resource because traffic was slow one week.

And if it’s something your friends would like, tell them to come enter too, OK?  Remember, Christmas is coming, and giveaways might be the perfect time to pick up a gift for a family you have on your list!

Yes, I did just pull the “Christmas is coming” card on you.  But be a good sport and play along with me, will ya?  LOL!

I post reviews in the order I receive them.  And since I haven’t yet received these things, I’m not sure which reviews will go up first.

Reviews to look for:

• Theo: A new DVD series produced by Child Evangelism Fellowship (with TWO giveaways!) (the previews look GREAT!)
• Get In, I’m Driving: New CD by Ginny Owens (with giveaway)
• The Shunning: DVD based on the novel by Beverly Lewis (with giveaway) 
• The Life Essentials Study Bible (totally new to me)
• Unmeasured Strength: Lauren Manning’s story of surviving the 9/11 attacks
• Courageous—The Novel, plus four other tie-in books or studies to help husbands and wives, moms and dads, and families resolve to live the life God calls them to live.
• And whatever else I’ve forgotten!