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.”

 

WW: Eat Your Words Mama!

Those of you that know me know how much of a tomboy I really am and always was growing up.  I played every sport I could and even tried to talk my parents into letting me play others (ahem football and baseball).

I remember the days watching my brother playing football and basketball and the other parents asking me if I couldn't wait to be a cheerleader for my brother's teams....and yep I laughed at them...or ignored them.  I WAS NOT GOING TO BE A CHEERLEADER....I wanted to play football and basketball....not jump and yell for those playing why would anyone want to wear a skirt and cheer/scream for someone else???

In my eyes, cheering wasn't a sport...period the end.

As I got older and of course was still playing sports and making fun of cheerleaders who claimed they were doing a sport I swore up and down that none of my kids would EVER be cheerleaders and that I would let them play football and baseball even if they were a girl.

With that being said.....let me introduce you to my 4 year old Brynnleigh...

 

who ONLY wants to cheer.....and honestly does a pretty good job at it too.  At the ripe old age of 4 she is in her second season of cheer and her first season of competitive cheering....as in doing stunts!

 

So yep, this Mama is eating her words and will proudly support her little cheerleader in this SPORT that she has chosen!  (But with that being said - I DO still need to find someone to help me with her hair and makeup)



Where oh where have I been???

Have you missed me????  I have missed blogging....seriously!  I think about it a lot, but thinking and doing are two completely different things.  I need one of those tape recorder thingys (am I dating myself here??) that will record what I say, type it and post it...oh and add some cute pictures of course! 


I have tried to schedule myself a time to do this and a time to do that but then I realize that I'm too scheduled and just throw it all away and live my life!  It may almost be  time for me to admit that I'm doing too much....I'm not ready yet...but maybe soon.  I mean I think I can do it all....isn't it normal to work full time an hour away, have 2 part time direct sales jobs, have two kids involved in multiple sports (O - soccer, baseball, and tae-kwon-do, B - dance, cheering, & little kicks after school) which of course I'm the team mom, and event planner for their teams??  Oh and I'm also training for a marathon and attempting those other motherly/wifey things....ya know, homework, dinner, cleaning....spending time with the hubs.  (well actually he cooks and cleans most of the time...but I still attempt to look like I'm doing it every now and then!)


So with all that said...I DO want to keep blogging...and I do want to give you something you want to read and relate to....so the BOAT will be back up and running....I can't promise super long awesome posts all the time...but I can promise you a glimpse into my crazy life and give you some laughs along the way!!


Oh...and in case they never make it on here....I have written some awesome blog posts in my head....I mean can you imagine what goes through my head during an 18 mile run???  I swear I really need one of those tape recorder things...that would be multi-tasking at its finest!

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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Wordless Wednesday - Ballet Pictures

Monday afternoon was Brynnleigh's ballet pictures.  Unfortunately I was unable to make it (work) but luckily my Mom texted me this picture of our sweet little girl.

Why is it that she looks so much older than 3?

Oh and my sweet Mom...well she let B wear a bit of blush and lip gloss for the picture....now she's addicted...so it's official...my 3 year old now wears more makeup than I do!

Her recital is 5/17 - so I'm warning you now of a possible picture overload!

Thirty One Bunny Hop!

In my blogging absence I signed up to sell Thirty One! I am having sooo much fun!  It really in an exceptional company to work for.

There are a TON of Thirty One consultants out there and I want to stand out.  I want people to make people happy and help them find the one thing that makes their life easier or less complicated!

I have a Facebook group that I am using to help show all the different options for each product and help my customers and friends find what they are looking for.  I also list any sales or announcements so everyone is aware.

Also, a little different than some Thirty One Consultants, I am trying to do a few fundraisers.  I would like to do one a month or more!  This allows to get out and meet new people plus help our local community.  I donate a portion of my profit back to the organization!

I would love for you to join my group and gather new ideas to help make your crazy life less hectic!

Also, a special that I am doing is the Thirty One Bunny Hop...it is only open to the first 12 people and will run from 4/1-4/12.  Each participant will win one of the following prizes:

$50 in free product (4 winners)

$25 in free product (2 winners)

Your choice of hostess exclusives (3 winners)

Any item in the catalog at 1/2 off (3 winners)

 

So what do you have to do??  Simple...share the Spring 2014 catalog (I will mail you copies, or you can view online) and collect a minimum of $100.00 in orders (this is super easy).  Have everyone pay YOU for your order (they need to pay for direct shipping since there is no hostess), they can pay by cash, check, or credit, but when you submit your final order to me I only accept credit or debit cards.  Turn all orders into me by April 12, 2014.

 

The prizes will be drawn at random on 4/13/14, HOWEVER, whoever has turned in the most in sales will be able to PICK which prize they want!

 

 

Use this time to shop for Mother's Day, birthdays, end of year teacher gifts, graduation, or maybe something for yourself!

 

When you spend $35 you can get the All Pro Tote & Pro Duffle for just $25!  Great for the gym, soccer, baseball, or any other kids sports!

 



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.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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.

 



WORDLESS WEDNESDAY – THE 7 YEARS OF OWEN

i cannot believe that our sweet owen will be 7 on Thursday!  i swear it was just yesterday that he was born!  He is such a sweet yet hard headed little boy who loves pretty much everything.  He is determined to run us ragged as he tries every sport possible (so far we have done soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and taekwondo).  He is obsessed with legos, star wars (hence the font) and video games and still loves his cars and trains!

He is friendly with everyone and we can take him anywhere with kids and he will immediately find a friend.  Nothing is impossible to him, there is always a way and i hope he continues to look at life this way.

To our sweet sweet owen we wish you the happiest 7^th birthday and we hope we can help all your dreams come true….yes even those crazy ones!

Let’s look back at those last 7 years shall we…

1 day old

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

 

4 years old

 

5 years old

 

6 years old

 

 

 

 

And soon to be 7 years old

 

So if you were counting that was 3 at home parties, 3 pump it up parties, and one my gym Party.  Also, 1 fire truck party, three train parties, a pirate party, a Mario kart party and a Lego star wars party.

oh and his super cool father dressed up for 2 of the parties!

Happy Birthday o!

 

 

 

 



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. 

 

 



Wordless Wednesday - American Heart Association -Take 2

Owen is at it again - he is participating in the Jump Rope for Heart through his school.  Last year he set his goals high and was determined to raise $1,000 which he exceeded by over $300!  This year he set his goal even higher and hopes to raise $2,000.

We lost a week of fundraising but he is still determined to reach his goal and refuses to give up.

If you would like to donate, O would be ecstatic.  Even a simple dollar makes his day!

This picture is from last year - we made a shirt using his hands to make a heart and put everyone  who donated on the front and the "In Honor" and "In Memory" of were put on the back.

He cannot wait to make his shirt for this year.

All money is due by this Sunday 2/9 and if you would like to make a donation to O's fundraiser you may do so here - http://jumphoopsmaa.kintera.org/odawg (all online donations will receive a tax deductible letter).

Thank you in advance!!

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:

a Rafflecopter 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 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!