VeggieTales' Contest --three days left!

Hey friends!

Only three days left!!!  If you would like to win a copy of the newest VeggieTales' DVD:  The League Of Incredible Vegetables... 

Go to the end of this earlier post and enter for your chance to win!!  Tweet about it, and get another chance.  

One chance per comment and Tweet per day!!  

VeggieTales' The League of Incredible Vegetables--PLUS DVD Giveaway!

The League of Incredible Vegetables, the newest DVD from VeggieTales’ has been a long awaited episode in my household! My youngest is a super-hero junkie, and while I like Ironman and The Avengers, I sometimes worry about the sarcasm used by the heroes and the adult-situations of these films. But VeggieTales has been a trusted brand in our home for the last 15 years, and continues to be a franchise which our family can continue to grow in Christian character with!

In this newest LarryBoy thriller from VeggieTales’, It was a bright and sunny day in Bumblyburg... until Dr. Flurry came to town. This chillin' villain wants to freeze the entire city... in fear! This job is too big for LarryBoy to handle alone, so he turns to "The League of Incredible Vegetables" for help! Thingamabob (Bob the Tomato), S-Cape (Mr. Lunt), Vogue (Petunia Rhubarb), and Ricochet (Junior Asparagus) are up for the task, but find that their own fears could land them in Dr. Flurry's deep freeze! Will they remember to turn to the One who is bigger than all their fears before the whole town ends up on ice? Find out in this heroic new VeggieTales episode with a lesson in handling fear!

Special Features on DVD:

 Featuring the new theme song and music video from The Newsboys! 

The Silly Song: Supper Hero. 

 League of Incredible Vegetables Music Video 

Behind the Scenes

 Guide to Raising Incredible Kids 

Studio Commentary 

English and Spanish Subtitles 

Run Time: 45 minutes

**NEW APP JUST RELEASED:

Your kiddos can now be superheroes themselves as they fight Dr. Flurry and de-ice Bumblyburg! Available for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Android devices.Get this brand new app at itunes or Amazon.com

 The League of Incredible Vegetables can be purchased directly from VeggieTales for $11.99 or at your local Christian or general retailer. This movie makes a perfect Christmas gift! Also, you’ve got to see the toys that correspond with this movie! Very cool stuff for boys and girls!

 VeggieTales is generously offering one of my readers a copy of The League of Incredible Vegetables!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can We Have It All??

This week  Marissa Mayer, the 37 year old CEO of Yahoo was featured on the cover of Fortune magazine looking stunningly svelte and polished by any Madison Avenue standard.  Ms. Mayer was promoted to CEO of Yahoo a few months ago, when she was six months pregnant. Instead of being photographed for Fortune as an expectant mom, she choose to wait until the baby was born (last week) and then ultimately use a photo taken a year and a half ago.

Was she dissing motherhood? Probably not.  But as a "Girl-Power" flag waver, I'd like to see her acknowledge that women, even moms, can achieve great things!  It would be very empowering to those of us who wonder if our chance to make a difference in this world is on hiatus until our youngest child celebrates their 18th birthday.

Being a mom is a big part of who I am.  It's my personal perspective point, and it has been for the last fourteen years.  To be honest,  I'm not sure if that perspective will ever change back to what it was in my pre-mommy days.  Even as my children grow older,  I tend to see the world through the eyes of a mother.  I frequently ask myself, "How will this affect ALL children?" --Even if it's not MY children in particular.

So, while I doubt Ms. Mayer was dissing motherhood, or moms in general, I'm disappointed that her role of mommy took backseat to the role of CEO.  Maybe I'm wrong... maybe there should be a dividing line between work and home.  Maybe that compartmentalization, which most of us females are unable to do well,  keeps Mayer's sanity.  I can respect that.  I've never walked a mile in her shoes, so I can't judge her.  Plus, I'm pretty sure I've never been asked to run ANY company, much less a Fortune 500 company, either before or after having kids!

Can a woman have it all?  Can anyone?  Do I lack the ambition to even attempt having it all?  Probably! I have everything I desire, and I'm beyond grateful that my "everything" desire became fulfilled when I took on the roles of wife and mother.  The rest I do is just filler...

Do I Miss Being A Home Schooling Mom?

I'm not exactly sure where the summer went...  but here I sit, with my house decorated for fall.  The kids are in school--both of them now. I no longer home school--at least not THIS YEAR.  I'm a woman with so much time on my hands, that I can't seem to complete one project without starting something else!  I'm manic over the fact that I don't have to do lesson plans or use the phrase..."Pay attention", for at least 7 hours a day!!

I get to work out, shower, and actually put on make up...all in the same day! All BEFORE LUNCH!! Laundry is folded AND put away (most of the time)! I can meet my husband for coffee or lunch, which is a little bit of heaven! I can actually shop during the daytime!!

Life after home schooling my kids for five years is good.  I was obedient to what God called me to do, and each child grew in their academic knowledge as well as in their spiritual well being.  It was a season of inner strengthening and even throughout the craziness of no real routine, we had a great deal of calmness. Well, some days, anyway. As we were going through it I doubt I would have used the word, "calmness", but now I have the morning rush which is still the hardest part of the day.  My constant phrase on weekday mornings is now, "Come on, let's go!"  I sound like a middle aged cheerleader!

Do I miss home schooling?  No!  And yes...

The crazy thing about motherhood is that even when you find your schedule a bit more open...and your day a bit more free... you tend to think about your kids even MORE than when they are sitting beside you.

With all my "free time", I find myself thinking: How can I decorate their bedrooms?  What posters have I put away that need to be framed?  Is it time to put away their summer quilts and take out their fluffy comforters?  I wonder what they'll like for dinner?

Yes, I am a mom.  It doesn't matter if I'm home schooling my children, they're constantly on my mind.

And when 3 PM rolls around, I'm now excited to wait in the pick up line at school!!  I can hardly wait to see my not-so-little monkey-men! Thank you Lord for my children...

Mom, I'm Bored!

I’ve always thought of July 4th as the mid-point of summer break.  Give or take a week or two, the summer break will soon be over, and the hustle and bustle of school days will once again fill our days.

Recently, on one of our many leisurely paced summer afternoons, my non-driving teenager looked up from the sofa, were he’d been watching a mid-morning marathon of Pawn Stars, to tell me how bored he was.  

Bored?  Really?  “Well, what do you want to do?”, I asked, already anticipating the answer.

“Can’t we go sommmmewherrrre?” 

Now keep in mind it was about 147 degrees outside, and the very thought of getting out, even for a quick trip to the grocery store, seemed like an adventure I was not up for!  But because I love my sweet son, I asked if he wanted to go to my favorite place in the whole world??  Target!

“Target? Mom! Can’t we go someplace fun?!”

Are you kidding?  Target isn’t fun? It’s like fun concentrate for a mom, but I guess not so much for a teen.  “Ok, where do you want to go?”  Thinking to myself ~please not the mall ; don't say the mall~!

“How about the mall?”

Ugh. He said it.  The mall! What is it about teenagers and the mall?  I remember wanting to go to the mall back when I was in high school, too.  I think (if my middle-aged memory serves me well) it was because there were other teenagers there, doing absolutely nothing, but walking around and giggling. We would walk into stores and try on silly hats, or costume jewlery.  We'd hang out in front of Orange Julius, and dare someone to walk into Spencers.  We were nice kids who pretty much had no idea how to even use the paraphernalia found in Spencers, but wouldn't let anyone else in on our naivety.

The mall seems like a waste of time.  But that’s because I’m forty---something.  I have a goal oriented outlook on life. I shop because I need to buy stuff, not for the "fun" of it.  Maybe I’ve forgotten how to enjoy wasting an entire afternoon, doing nothing but walking around the mall.  Hmmm.  

Adulthood comes too quickly.  Before you know it, there are bills to pay, and responsibilities which to attend.   It’s good to be a goofy teenager.  To walk around the mall and look at all the silly kiosks.  Trying on sunglasses, fake hair, and perusing the video game store.  There’s nothing wrong with (occasionally) gorging oneself on an Aunty Anne’s buttery pretzel, or an Orange Julius. It’s a good time of life, and I can’t help but want my own teen to experience it.  

Besides...it’s summer! 

VeggieTales' Robin Good DVD / Review and Giveaway

Robin Good and His Not So Merry Men

Release Date: March 6, 2012

Running Time: 45 minutes

Lesson: Handling Hurt

The story goes something like this: A long time ago, in the faraway town of Bethlingham, roved a band of merry men, led by the fearless Robin Good. Their mission: to help people by fundraising from the rich and giving to the poor!  But when a greedy Prince starts stealing the townspeople’s hams, donations are down and Robin’s friends take off and decide to give robbing from the rich a try. Feeling rejected, Robin thinks things can’t get any worse, until he finds out that the ham-hoarding Prince has also captured his friends. Can Robin overcome his own hurt, rescue his friends and restore the townspeople’s hope?  Find out in this fun Veggie story where kids learn that there’s no hurt too big for God!

VeggieTales' Robin Good and His Not-So-Merry Men  is a fun parody that features plenty of high-energy, family-friendly music, including a new Silly Song with a theme that was selected through a recent Facebook fan contest. 

The DVD starts out with “Lenny and The Lost Birthday” which is an adorable short episode about Lenny (Junior Asparagus) who thinks everyone has forgotten his birthday.  He goes through his day hoping someone--anyone--will remember it's his birthday! When it's obvious no one does remember, he's very hurt, and a little mad. His mom, realizing that her boy is hurting, explains why this year his birthday is one day later than usual...it's Leap Year!  Mom is able to convey to Lenny through the song, Things Will Get Better, that he's loved everyday, no matter what happens, by her and of course by God! 

The silly song on this DVD, Bubble Wrap, brings the "BITS"-- Boys in the Sink--back out of the crisper with a fresh style make-over, but with the same awesome vegetable boy band sound which we love!

The animation is beautifully done, and the music is great.  But as a parent, what I still love the most about VeggieTales is that they continue to write stories with messages I can (and do) resource when teaching my own children lessons about applying our Biblical worldview to our daily lives! Does God really care when I'm hurting?  Does He really listen to me when I'm feeling all alone?  Is there ever a hurt too small or too big for God?  You can bet your kids have these questions!  Heck, I've asked these same questions...!!  Whether or not you think raising a child "takes a village", I certainly (still) appreciate the Biblical truths that VeggieTales continues to teach kids through their stories! 

Robin Good has released in Christian retail as well as most big-box retailers.  You can also hop over to the VeggieTales site and order your own copy, today!  Keep in mind that Easter is rapidly approaching and this DVD would be a great addition to any one's Easter basket! 

I'm giving away a copy of Robin Good to ONE person who comments on this blog, under the comments section! This contest will end on April 2, in time for the winner to enjoy this movie for Easter!  Comment...go ahead...it's that easy!!!

**I was provided with product for review. All views and opinions with regard to this product or the company which produced this product are my own and were not influenced by any third party. **

Healthy Choices in the New Year...

My friend, Joanna Faillace, who is a Certified Bible Health Coach has sent me this very informative article! I'm pleased to share it here on my own personal blog, in its entirety!  If you have questions for Joanna or if you're interested in making some healthy changes this new year... please follow her on her website!  She's a wonderful, Christian woman, with a heart that desires to help people get physicallt healthy in Christ!

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New Year Tips for a Super-Naturally Healthy Family!

By Certified Biblical Health Coach, Joanna Faillace

 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19- 20 

OUT WITH THE OLD! IN WITH THE NEW!

To ring in the New Year, have a family prayer meeting and ask God for wisdom and guidance as you seek a healthier lifestyle for your family. Here are some dietary tips to help you:

 Decide not to buy processed junk foods that are void of any nutritive value and make it your goal, as much as possible, to buy organic foods which are whole foods that are made without any artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, toxic pesticides, chemically engineered feed, growth hormones and antibiotics. Read your labels and choose not to buy foods that contain toxic preservatives like MSG and ones that are genetically modified (GMO.)

 Switch from conventional milk to organic, whole milk that is least processed and is not treated with dangerous growth hormones and antibiotics.

 Don’t buy chemically bleached white bread, white rice and white sugar as these are high glycemic, “man-made” foods that cause your blood sugar to spike, and set off the hormone, cortisol, which is likely responsible for junk food cravings that your body will just store as fat! Do buy organic, whole grain breads, organic brown rice and organic cane sugar for baking.

 In place of chemically toxic, artificial sweeteners such as Splenda and Aspartame which can cause a host of side effects like migraines and hyperactivity, use all natural and enzyme rich, raw honey and organic maple syrup for sweetening coffee and tea.

Buy organic coffee as the leaves have not been sprayed with toxic pesticides! The extra investment is worth it, for your health’s sake! 

These are some easy and highly effective dietary tips that will work greatly to get you and your family on the road to supernatural health and wellness this New Year!

TURN OFF THE TV-TURN ON THE PRAISE! 

It is very difficult, if not impossible, to establish a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere in our homes when we are surrounded by multiple television sets constantly blaring away and with noisy video games being endlessly played! I believe the devil uses these as major distractions and stress inducers by causing family members to be angry and disrespectful and to be tempted to watch ungodly programs that do not glorify Christ! One of the best reSOULUTIONS we can make as parents is to TAKE ACTION!  Take the “controllers” away, turn off the TV’s and video games and turn on the praise tunes! Setting an atmosphere of praise and worship through Christ-centered music brings the family unit into blessed harmony and with a renewed focus!  

 RING THAT DINNER BELL TOGETHER!

God made whole, nutritious foods designed to keep us supernaturally healthy! Unfortunately, man has altered God’s perfect foods drastically by adding artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, toxic pesticides, chemically engineered feed, growth hormones and antibiotics. Because of our Typical American Diet loaded with these chemically processed foods, there is so much sickness and disease running rampant in families everywhere. I truly believe that God is challenging families to reverse their fast foods habits and get back into the kitchen and do some down home cooking with the whole, unprocessed foods he’s created! Family time in the kitchen can be really fun and educational! Assigning age-appropriate tasks to our children sparks a healthy interest in cooking, builds self-esteem and helps them to develop a sense of responsibility in caring for their bodies, which the Bible says are God’s temple! Some of our most valuable lessons and treasured memories come from cooking in the kitchen with Mama! 

EXERCISE FOR LIFE!

If you are financially able, prayerfully consider making an investment into a family membership at your local gym. This is another excellent way to strengthen the family bond and to ensure that everyone is getting consistent exercise that will help tremendously to ward off stress, fatigue, obesity and disease. Daily exercise also produces positive, mood-boosting endorphins in our brain that helps to create a joyful state of mind! If you cannot financially afford a gym membership, than you can always schedule daily walks in your neighborhood, or visit a local park or just get outside and have a ball and shoot some hoop with your kids!  Another idea is to buy a set of inexpensive hand weights to keep those arms strong and toned! Whatever you decide, a daily exercise plan will help your family to be responsible in caring for their bodies and to achieve life-long supernatural health and wellness!

Here are some Super-Naturally Healthy Meal Tips for Busy Families:

For Breakfast: Make all natural, fruit smoothies the night before and freeze them in individual cups! In the morning, all you have to do is take them out of the freezer and let them thaw a bit and your family has an instant, supernaturally healthy breakfast treat that will strengthen their immune systems and keep their bodies powered up until lunchtime! 

For Lunch: Protein rich, turkey sandwiches made with fresh baby spinach and garden ripe tomatoes on whole grain, fiber rich bread go a long way in providing complex carbs that our bodies need to stay powered up daily! To increase daily calcium levels, add a string cheese and a cup of organic, creamy, whole milk yogurt with probiotics and fresh berries for immune system protection. For a supernaturally healthy beverage, serve freshly squeezed juice, or boxed or bottled juices that are free of artificial flavors, chemical colors and toxic preservatives.

For a mid- afternoon energizer! Have a cup of freshly brewed, organic green tea with mint and add a teaspoon of raw honey.

For Dinner:  Grill up some barbeque chicken tenderloins right on the stove top in a grill pan! Everyone can help by creating a big, green salad loaded with lots of colorful veggies! Make your own easy, delicious and nutritious salad dressing without having to worry about store bought dressings that contain sulfites that could very well cause migraine headaches! Adding a warm loaf of organic, Sourdough bread served with real, creamy butter always hits that hungry spot!

 For Snacks: Prepare healthy, serving-sized snacks such as cut up fresh fruit, organic trail mix, and whole grain crackers with cheese the night before for school lunches or family road trips. That way, mornings can be less stressful and you’ll be able to get on the road in peace knowing you have already prepared a healthy alternative for your kids, especially, as you drive past the fast food and doughnut shops!

For easy, delicious and supernaturally healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for your family, check out my Super-Naturally Healthy Families Cookbook available on my web site at www.supernaturallyhealthy.net.