Captive Book Review

I'm sure we have all felt "Captive" at some point or another in our lives.  I myself in more ways than one.  Right now I feel "Captive" to this crazy lifestyle my family has put ourselves in.  I leave the house at 7 AM and typically return around 9PM still needing to feed the family, bathe two kids, double check homework, clean (did I mention our dishwasher has been broken for 6 months??), put kids to bed, pack bags for the next day's activities...oh and then I work on more work from home until who knows when....to wake up and do it all over again the next day!

My captivity has nothing on Ashley Smith's experiences from 2005.  She was held captive in her own apartment by a man who had escaped prison and had been on a killing spree in the process.

Her book, also written in 2005 has been made into a movie by the same title, "Captive" and was released on 9/18/15.

Before I received the book to review I had heard this story but not in full detail.  Ashley had actually spoken at one of my church's women's retreats, but I had not attended.  I was intrigued by her story, but never got a chance to read or hear more.  I was excited to finally read her book.  I read it while at the beach with my family and I could not put it down.  It was an easy read, and I wanted to continue to read to find out what would happen next.  I knew that Ashley survived her captivity but I didn't know how or why.

I honestly felt like I was in her apartment with her, pleading with Brian Nichols to let her go, let her go see her daughter.  Let her turn her life around.  I was trying to find ways to help her escape, help her break away but in all honesty, Ashley needed Brian as much as Brian needed her.

Reading her book makes you question your own lifestyle.  Are you purposeful in what you are doing? 

Overview

CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is a thrilling drama about the spiritual collision of two broken lives.  When Brian Nichols - on the run as the subject of a city wide manhunt and desperate to make contact with his newborn son - takes recovering meth addict Ashley Smith hostage in her own apartment, she turns for guidance to Rick Warren’s best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life.  While reading aloud, Ashley and her would-be killer each face crossroads where despair and death intersect hope.  

The movie stars David Oyelowo, who played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the recent film, Selma.

Click HERE for a special greeting from David Oyelowo.

 

I have already read the book that helped her get through her captivity, A Purpose Driven Life but I want to go back and re-read it and see if I am able to pull more out of it.  My lifestyle (aka kids) has changed a lot since I first read this book. 

 

You can follow along with all the below links:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

AUDIO BOOK BYTE  (Audio excerpt from the audio book format of CAPTIVE (chapter 1), read by the author, Ashley Smith.) 

OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER

 

If you have not read Ashley's book yet, please do, it really is a must read.  Once you have read the book, then head out to the theater and see the movie version.  I cannot wait to see this movie myself!

 

I leave you with some questions to ponder....

 

We’ve all faced circumstances that have held us captive in some regard.  What has held you captive?  How did you find your purpose?  

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this book for my review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 

 

 

 

Whatever Wanda Book Review and Giveaway

Brynnleigh loves to do book reviews - she gets so excited every time we get a new one!  So the MINUTE Whatever Wanda arrived in the mail she had to get her hands on it!

About the book:
32 pages 

Whatever Wanda, is the third title in the Shine Bright Kids series! The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with the tools to teach the importance of making good choices. The series explores such topics as: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

Wanda is in serious need of an attitude adjustment! She doesn’t want to accompany her family to the Rubber Duck Days Festival, and once there, she won’t participate in any of the events or join in with her friends. Soon Wanda receives some helpful advice and learns that:

“Sometimes you have to believe something will be great before it actually is. Being positive is a choice that makes everything better, not to mention, a whole lot more fun!”

About the author:
Christy Ziglar, financial planner, mother of twins, and niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar, is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her Shine Bright Kids picture book series. Christy, her husband, and their twins live in Atlanta, Georgia.

About the illustrator:
Paige Billin-Frye lives with her husband in Washington, D.C., where she gardens and grows food in her city yard. She has illustrated numerous children’s books and works in a studio over a neighborhood hardware store. Coincidentally, Paige has amassed a collection of rubber duckies of all sizes across the years.

You can find the other titles of the Shine Bright Kids series HERE.

Brynnleigh and I read this book right before bed and we both loved it.  It is super cute with great illustrations to keep little ones entertained.  There is a bit of repeat where it says "Whatever" and Brynnleigh loved "reading" that with me.  There is also a cute little star you have to find on each page. 

This is a great books for kids - it teaches you that your attitude can make or break an experience.  This is perfect for my house because Brynnleigh's older brother, Owen is at the age where not everything is fun...at least until he gets there.  It may hit home to some adults too, it's very easy to get wrapped up into all the negative vs. the positive.

Brynnleigh has been asking me to read this book to her over and over again - so it is definitely a hit in our house!

Now it's your turn to win a copy for yourself!  Pretty easy and simple - just comment below who you would like to win this book for, and if you follow me on FB (or just started) leave another comment that you are a follower!  This is open to US and Canada only.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Saving Christmas with Kirk Cameron - Movie Review

I grew up watching Kirk Cameron on Growing Pains so to this day I get excited when I see his name on anything.  Imagine my surprise to do a pre-screening of the movie Saving Christmas.  I was even able to participate in a live teleconference with Kirk Cameron, but unfortunately I had Brynnleigh's Parent/Teacher Conference at the same time.

About the movie:

This Christmas, have your family join with Kirk Cameron’s family and dive headfirst into all the joy, dancing, celebration, feasting, imagination, and traditions that glorify the true “reason for the season.” KIRK CAMERON’S SAVING CHRISTMAS is an engaging story that provides a biblical basis for our time-honored traditions and celebrations, and the inspiration to stand strongly against a culture that wants to trivialize and eliminate the faith elements of this holy season. So take in the splendor; take in the majesty; take in the story. Take it all in… and let’s put Christ back in Christmas! KIRK CAMERON’S SAVING CHRISTMAS is in theaters for a limited engagement beginning November 14 for two weeks only!

 

 

My Review:
I had not seen the trailer for this movie so I really did not know what to expect.  I got worried in the beginning as it started with Kirk Cameron sitting in front of the fireplace talking about Christmas - I was worried that was going to be the whole movie - listening to him talk.  I as glad I was wrong!  I don't mind listening to Kirk talk, but I wouldn't want to pay movie theater prices to do so.  : )

It did go into the movie which took place in the home of Kirk's sister during her annual Christmas party.  Everyone was having fun and enjoying themselves except for the sister's husband - he had run off to get away from the madness.  Kirk locates him and they discuss what was wrong.  Turns out, the brother-in-law, Christian was upset that people had lost the real meaning of Christmas and their focus was on things other than items from the bible.  He mentioned Christmas trees, Santa Claus, materialism and more. It was very interesting to see Kirk relate it all back to the bible and how it really does work.

I do not want to give it all away but I was shocked at how well it all fits together and does relate back to that first "Christmas story."  I was actually shocked at how Kirk was for enjoying and celebrating the Christmas holiday as we see it now since he is so liberal with his religion.

I am not sure that I would want to pay to see this in the theaters but I did take a lot away from this movie and think it will do great once it is on DVD.

To find out more about this movie make sure to visit it's official website:Saving Christmas

And now...for the GIVEAWAY, one lucky BOAT reader will win:
 
  A SIGNED Saving Christmas Movie Poster (signed by Kirk Cameron himself)
  The Soundtrack
  A Car Air freshener (smells like Christmas Trees of course!)

Facebook Page

How to enter:

Leave a comment letting me know your favorite thing about Christmas

Bonus Entries - like my Facebook Page, Saving Christmas Facebook Page, or Comment on my FB post announcing this review and giveaway (make sure to post a separate comment below for each that you do)

I will pick a winner using Random.org on 11/21!

Good Luck!!!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

 

The Amazing Spiderman 2 Prize Pack Giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification."

Owen has us counting down to the release of The Amazing Spiderman 2 movie!!  He was so excited for this review and giveaway and cannot wait to go see the movie when it is released on May 2, 2014!!

About Spiderman
We've always known that Spider-Man's most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2™, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead.




We received an electronic copy of the Family Discussion Guide to review!  I must say it was a great tool to be able to take something that our 7 year old son loves (and loves to talk about) and relate to daily life experiences.  Some of these subjects are difficult to talk about with your kids and this guide made it so simple!  Each subject has a bible verse/excerpt, a discussion relating this to the movie, and then a way to relate back to daily life and discussion questions to help start the conversations!  Honestly I enjoyed reflecting on it all by myself as well!

Kids are obsessed with super hero's and special powers and this is a great tool to explain to them that everyone has powers, it is just a matter of whether they use it for good or evil!  I cannot wait to go back over this guide once we have seen the movie and see how the discussions change!

This is what got me thinking the most from the discussion guide:

"Before he died, Peter's Uncle Ben told him that with great power comes great responsibility."  

We all have power, but do we use it responsibly?

We touched on

• Powers, which ones we each have and how they can be used (both good and bad)
• Someone who is needed - don't let yourself feel like a nobody when you are somebody, treat others as somebody's too
• Time, it's importance, time management, prioritizing
• Be yourself, don't try to live someone else's life (using your talents and powers to be you)
• Make good choices, consequences of bad choices, what items are out of your control
• Sacrificing - how to achieve our goals and dreams, what things do others sacrifice?

This discussion guide makes me want to go back through our other family movies and see how I can make a discussion guide for those as well!

You can find more out about The Amazing Spiderman 2 Movie through the following links:

Official website for the movie: www.theamazingspiderman.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/spidermanmovie  

One lucky reader will win an Amazing Spiderman 2 Prize Pack which includes the Electronic Discussion Guide, a Spiderman 2 t-shirt, a Spiderman 2 paper mask, and a phone case!

You may enter more than one blog, but can only win on one blog per mailing address!  This is open to US an Canada only (No PO Boxes).



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Veronica Mars - DVD Giveaway

       About Veronica Mars

On the eve of graduating law school, Veronica Mars has put Neptune and her amateur sleuthing days behind her. While interviewing at high-end New York law firms, Veronica Mars gets a call from her ex-boyfriend Logan who has been accused of murder. Veronica heads back to Neptune just to help Logan find an attorney, but when things don't seem right with how Logan's case is perceived and handled, Veronica finds herself being pulled back into a life she thought she had left behind.   See it In Theaters This Friday, MARCH 14 Pre-order on DIGITAL HD   Follow on Twitter   ABOUT HOW THE FILM GOT MADE:   Following a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign that ended on April 12, 2013, Veronica Mars was shot over 23 days during June-July 2013. It will be released in selected theaters nationwide on March 14th, 2014.

Why you will LOVE The Veronica Mars Blog App:

• Veronica Mars: Purity Test Marshmallow Super-fan Trivia - Think you know all there is to know about Neptune, California? Test your Veronica Mars knowledge with all 3 levels of super-fan trivia and find out if you are the ultimate Marshmallow!

 

Make sure to check out Director Rob Thomas' Top 10 Must See Episodes! 

 

 

 

One lucky BOAT reader will win their own copy of the Veronica Mars DVD (**All prize packs will ship after the DVD release date ETA May 2014.).

 

Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.

 

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Disclaimer: Open to US only. The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please.  I am working with Warner Bros. who supplied these materials.

 

Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Veronica Mars DVD via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

 



Warner Bros. February Month of Love DVD Giveaway

February is the one month of the year where everyone has love on their minds! It’s can be romantic, it can be love for your children or parents or you could just be a movie lover! Whatever you love, this February Warner Bros. has you covered with some amazing DVDs perfect for the whole family!

If you’re a love lorn poet, there’s the Peanuts Collection! If you want to smother your significant other with kisses we have the Looney Tunes Pepe Le Pew Collection, and if you want to solve some madcap mystery, I’ll bet Scooby-Doo is the one for you!

 

 

Who is Your Cartoon Crush? - Everyone has had a crush at some point in their lives, but do you know who your cartoon crush is? Is it Scooby-Doo? Charlie Brown? or maybe Bugs Bunny? Find out who you would be romantically perfect with!

Love-ly Recipes! When I think of movie night, the first thing I want to know is... What are the snacks? Here are three easy and fun recipe’s perfect for your Valentine!

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

One lucky reader will win a copy of one of the following titles (Chosen at random)

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition
A Charlie Brown Valentine
Bugs Bunny’s Cupid Capers
Happiness is... Peanuts: Friends Forever
Elmo Loves You
Looney Tunes Pepe Le Pew Collection
Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: For The Love Of Snack

 

Enter using the Rafflecopter below:

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Official Rules - Each household is only eligible to win One (1) DVD Chosen at Random via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. US and Canada addresses only, no PO Boxes please.

 

Disclaimer: I am working with Warner Home Entertainment who supplied these materials for this post and giveaway. 

 

 



Unstoppable DVD Review & Giveaway



About the film:

Inspired by the death of Cameron’s close friend who succumbed to cancer at the age of 15, Kirk Cameron takes viewers on an inspiring and hope-filled visual journey to better understand the biggest doubt-raising question in faith: “Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering?”

Going back to the beginning—literally—Kirk investigates the origins of good and evil and how they impact our lives … and our eternities. UNSTOPPABLE will prompt audiences to consider the role that pain and suffering has in our lives, as they affirm their personal views on faith, and encourage conversation starters about God, suffering, and hope. 

In theaters for only two weeknights (Sept 24th and Oct 3th, 2013), UNSTOPPABLE: A Live Event with Kirk Cameron sold a staggering 260,000 tickets and reached a theatrical gross of over $3.2 million dollars. In just two nights this independent project sent a loud message – audiences want thought-provoking and meaningful entertainment.   

Kirk Cameron is best known for his memorable role as “Mike Seaver,” a cultural icon of the 80's, with his mullet hairstyle, cool glasses, and wisecracking comebacks. More recently he enjoyed much success with the No. 1 grossing inspirational film of 2008, Fireproof, and his recent documentary, Monumental. Kirk and his wife, Chelsea, were on-screen sweethearts during their Growing Pains years and are the founders of Camp Firefly, where terminally and seriously ill children and their families are provided an all-expense paid retreat (www.CampFirefly.com). Together, Kirk and Chelsea live in California with their six children.

About Provident Films: 

Provident Films, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, produces, markets, and distributes faith-based films. The company is part of Nashville-based Provident Music Group, which has been one of the world’s leading Christian entertainment companies for more than three decades.  Films from the company have included Courageous, October Baby, Fireproof, and Facing the Giants. More info is available at ProvidentFilms.org.

 

Release Date: January 28, 2014

Run Time: 65 minutes

Dove Approved ages 12+

Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

 

My Thoughts:

 

I made the mistake of turning this on with both kids (6, 3) in the room.  There was not a problem with them watching the movie, but it made it difficult for me to watch the movie.  This is a movie that makes you think so you need to pay attention.  I also was a little turned off at the beginning with the talk of death of a young man.  I just had some friends lose a newborn baby and being a mother it was not something I wanted to think about.

 

My favorite part of the whole movie was when he showed "The Pitch".  None of them wanted to hear him out or do what he was asking and you could see the frustration on Kirk's face.  It showed the big picture of how people look at things and want to focus on different aspects.

 

I love that this was a Liberty University film...Liberty is only a few hours from us and it is a great school.

 

I hope to re-watch this film alone to be able to take it all in.

 

If you would like to find out  more about this film please visit the following sites:

 

Visit the official website: http://unstoppablethemovie.com

 

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

 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/UnstoppableDVD

 

I have a copy of this DVD to giveaway to one of my readers (US & Canada only), please enter using the Rafflecopter below:

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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

University of Richmond defeats U. Mass!!

We were lucky to have tickets to see the University of Richmond basketball team play last night.  These were not your average tickets, these were court side....as in inches from the court...as in let me wipe the sweat off your brow.  It was phenomenal!  We took O with us since he's big into basketball right now and he loved it!  Unfortunately we thought it was a bit too close to bring B with us....I could just see her running out to help the cheerleaders or even the players so she stayed with Missy and Papa.

U of R defeated the #13 ranked team U. Mass, so it's always nice to see your team win and even better when they beat a ranked team!

We hope to be able to do this again (ummm....like every game please!).  I didn't get my usual ton of pictures because I was trying to make sure none of us go slobbered by the ball or a player.  Next time I may take the risk!  These were perfect seats for awesome pictures...no random heads in the way or anything!

O got to hold the ball during the under 12 minute time out....he thought it was the coolest thing ever!

So here you go...my raw, unedited pictures from last night (sorry folks...I'm no fancy dancy photographer, I don't edit my pictures which is why I take a ton!)

 

 

 

This was taken from my cell phone (by T...pretty cool shot)

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Believe it or not, I didn't post ALL the pictures that I took!!  Such a fun family experience.  If you are in the area you have to check out a home Spiders basketball game....so much fun!