Win a Missions/Educational Trip to Italy

Well, I must say that Homeschool Mosaics certainly knows how to start things right with their first, and very awesome, giveaway!

There are 19 different ways to enter for a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Italy, generously sponsored by Landry Academy.  I so wish that I could enter this giveaway, but I'm not eligible as a contributing writer to Homeschool Mosaics.  I would love, love, love for one of my readers to win, though!  You won't have a chance if you don't enter! Head on over to the giveaway and enter right now.  Then, check and make sure your passport is all ready to go!

Review and Giveaway: The Mighty Macs

I recently had the opportunity to review The Mighty Macs, a family movie based on a true story of the first opportunity at a national championship title in women's basketball and a tiny all-women's Catholic college with very slim chance of have having a shot at the title.

It's 1971. Cathy Rush is a woman ahead of her time ... and she's about to embark on an adventure for the ages. A new era is dawning in the country and in collegiate athletics, where a national champion will be crowned for the first time in women's basketball.

In the lead up to this historical season, major universities are preparing their game plans to win that first title. Meanwhile a tiny all-women's Catholic college in Philadelphia has a more modest goal: find a coach before the season begins. Providentially, Cathy Rush is about to find Immaculata College.

Recently married, Cathy is dealing with the aftermath of a truncated playing career. While cultural norms would have her staying at home, she's willing to do the hard work necessary to help her new team reach their goals—or perhaps she's just trying to achieve her unfulfilled dreams through them. From the beginning, her challenges are as imposing as the big-school teams Immaculata will face on the court. Cathy learns there is no gymnasium on campus, she receives little support from the school's Mother Superior, and the school is in dire financial straits. To top it off, she may not even have enough players to field a team!

While it appears the Macs don't have a prayer, all hope is not lost. With the help of Sister Sunday—a spunky assistant coach—and the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Coach Rush creates a new game plan that just might bring the team—and the school—together.

Will this pioneer buck cultural norms and spur her rag-tag team to unexpected heights? Or will her hard-driving ways create a wedge between the coach and everyone around her? One thing's for certain: there's never been anyone like Cathy Rush at Immaculata!

I'm not really a basketball fan nor am I Catholic, but I particularly like stories and movies with themes of perseverance and the success of underdogs. The Mighty Macs did not disappoint. It was engaging with worthy themes...and clean!  With a G rating, this movie can be enjoyed by the whole family. I loved that this film was based on a true story, making it even more inspiring.  At the end of the film, the future successes of the some of the Immaculata players were shared, including Cathy Rush, who was a Basketball Hall of Fame legend.  You needn't be a sports fan to enjoy this movie, but those who are fans of Rudy or Hoosiers will certainly enjoy it.

Giveaway!

I have one copy of The Mighty Macs to giveaway to one lucky U.S. reader. See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave your contact info in each comment.

Mandatory entry:

• Leave a comment telling me your favorite sport to watch.

 

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):

• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Leave a comment on another post (including other giveaways) on this blog.
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.
• Like the The Mighty Macs Facebook page.
• Follow The Might Macs on Twitter.

The giveaway will end on March 9th at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review and Giveaway: Grapevine Studies Timelines

 I first heard of Grapevine Studies when I was given the opportunity to review their Old Testament Overview Level 5, which I found to be a straight-forward, chronological study.  You can read the full review here.  One of the things I mentioned in the review is the fact it started with the student writing on a timeline what they already new about the Old Testament, then concluded the study with the same exercise. I'm a big picture person.  I need to see how it all fits together first, before I can get to the details. Of course, timelines are a perfect visual for the big picture. 

Grapevine Studies has just released several new timeline products that coordinate with their studies, or one of your own.  Both student and teacher editions are available for two new timeline books, the Old Testament Timeline and the New Testament Timeline.  Printed and ebook options are both available.

The Teacher Timeline Books include a narrative, either to be used as a guide or read directly, along with instruction on colors, symbols, and stick figures to be drawn to correlate with the event.  The Student Timeline Books include a pre-labeled black and white timeline that the student fills in during the lesson. When they are completed, the student will have a ten-page timeline booklet of either the Old Testament or the New Testament.

Each timeline can be completed in one longer lesson, or five short (10-15 minute) lessons, depending on your needs.

For some children, seeing a timeline stretched out on the wall ready as an always-available reference to touch and feel is very valuable.  Grapevine Studies has three new Wall Timelines: Old Testament, New Testament, and Blank.  The Old Testament and New Testament Wall Timelines come in color, and are over ten feet in length when the 8 1/2" x 11" sections are pieced together.  They look like an old scroll with all the appropriate labeling for the study. The content is the same as the in the Student Timeline Books, but in a nicer format for displaying on the wall.  The Teacher Wall Timelines are the completed timelines with all the stick figuring in color.  There are no lessons included in the Wall Timelines.  The Blank Wall Timelines, which are simply non-labeled scroll timelines that can be used for any study, are available in both color and black and white.

All of the Grapevine Studies' new timeline products are currently ON SALE, and will remain so throughout January. Sale prices range from $3.25 - $10.95, depending on the item and format (print or e-book). To sweeten the deal even more, use coupon code JANFS for FREE SHIPPING until January 31, 2012!

GIVEAWAY!!!

Grapevine Studies has provided a Teacher and Student Wall Timeline of choice (in either print or e-book) to one lucky reader! There are eight ways to enter.  Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you with each entry should you be the winner.

• Leave me a comment telling me your favorite Bible story (mandatory)

For additional entries:

• Like Grapevine Studies on Facebook.
• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Leave a comment on another post on this blog (please note with post)
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on February 10th at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.

Disclaimer: I was provided the above products for review at no charge by Grapevine Studies.  No other compensation was received.

Review and Giveaway: A Mile in His Shoes

Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur “Murph” Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team.  As Murph sets out to recruit a new talent for the team, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher’s arm.  However, Mickey’s parents are reluctant to allow him to join the team because he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.  Murph convinces Mickey’s parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn’t realize just how much his new recruit will help the team’s game and, amore importantly, their spirit. 

A Mile in His Shoes, adapted from a novel by Frank Nappi, is based on a true story.  In addition to clean entertainment, the story also gives the viewer an insight into the challenges of autism.

The viewers are able to connect with the challenges of Mickey, who has Asperger’s syndrome, through a glimpse into his coping mechanisms though flashbacks to the farm and familiar places, “seeing” though his eyes of blurred vision when under duress, and his struggles to pick up on cues in social situations.

Dean Cain stars as Murph, the encouraging coach to Mikey. After watching the whole film trying to place the actor who did an excellent job playing Mickey, I quickly discovered why the familiarity when I saw his name was Luke Schroder, son of Rick Schroder. Another familiar face was the actor who played Pee Wee (Jarod Joseph of Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief), a player on the team who was quick to accept Mickey.

This made-for-TV movie is suitable viewing for the entire family. (Note:  There is one suggested scene of violence, but not very graphic.) Themes of acceptance, overcoming obstacles (both internal and external), and faith are woven throughout the story. Overall, it is an excellent choice for your next family movie night.

Giveaway!!!

Closed!  Congrats Charla, comment #2

One lucky reader will win a certificate to claim their very own copy of A Mile in His Shoes. See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you, should you be the winner.

Mandatory entry:

• Simply leave a comment….easy peasy!

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):

• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
  
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
  
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook
  
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
  
• Leave a comment on another post on this blog.
  
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on February 3rd at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.
  
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review and Giveaway: Christmas Lodge

 The Christmas decorations and music hit the stores weeks ago. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And last week there was even SNOW.  Are you looking for some decent family movies to get you into the Christmas spirit?

I was recently given the opportunity to review Christmas Lodge, presented by Thomas Kinkade.

Synopsis:
Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now- dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

You can watch a trailer below, or visit http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1554553881/ to learn a bit more about the movie and see a "behind the scenes" clip.





I thought this was a very sweet movie with themes of family, tradition, determination, and love all revolving around the holiday spirit.  While faith is not a central theme, the family does say grace before dinner, talk to loved ones in heaven, and has other examples of a faith-filled family. It is a DVD suitable for all family members.  The storyline is a little predictable, but of the variety that even though you know what might happen, you want to just keep watching for the warm and fuzzy feeling in the end. It is the perfect movie for a family movie night during the holidays.

Giveaway! (Now Closed. Congrats to Valerie, comment #4)

I have one copy of Christmas Lodge to giveaway to one lucky U.S. reader. See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you, should you be the winner.

Mandatory entry:

• Leave a comment telling me your favorite family-friendly Christmas movie.

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):

• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Leave a comment on another post (including other giveaways) on this blog.
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on November 28th at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Giveaway! Lapbooking Supplies by Pear Educational Products

Pear Educational Products

After giving the website a brand new look and adding some new products, Pear Educational Products is having a Grand Re-Opening!  In celebration, I'm offering a giveaway package with a sampling of our lapbooking products.






One lucky winner will receive:

(1) Fold-Up Project Base

(1) Fold-Up Project Extended Base

(2) Project Base Adhesive Strips

(1) Blank Project Book, 6 x 8

(1) Blank Project Book, 9 1/2 x 11

(1) Blank Project Book, 12 x 12

Designed specifically for lapbooking, the supplies at Pear Educational Products have several features to make your final lapbooking and notebooking projects extra special.

The Fold-Up Project Bases come are made of heavy card stock and come as a 3 or 4 panel folder. Double scored folds allow you to stuff your lapbooks full of learning goodies and easily close flaps.  Not only does the clean white background look nicer and give more options, but the working area is a much larger than standard manila folders.

The Project Base Adhesive Strips are our innovative solution for easy storage in a 3-ring binder. Strips come with  mylar reinforced holes and a heavy-duty ahesive strip with peel-away backing. Simply peel and adhere to the back of your lapbook. Non-adhesive side can be colored or decorated to match your lapbook. No more using ugly duct tape for 3-ring binder storage!

Our spiral-bound Blank Project Books, also made of heavy cardstock, come in three different sizes. Our 9 1/2 x 11 and 12 x 12 books are made of 14 sheets, plus an additional page with a pocket on the front and back to store extra pieces. This is enough for 26 usable pages inside and a front and back cover to customize. Our 6 x 8 book is 16 sheets - enough for a front and back cover and 30 usable pages to fill with memorable learning material. This smaller size is great for younger children. On all of our books, the spiral is larger than a standard notebook, allowing for expansion of the overall thickness when items are added to pages.

Giveaway Entry Information!

There are numerous ways to enter.  Be sure to leave a way to contact you should you be the lucky winner!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Pear Educational Products and tell me which is your favorite product (lapbooking or otherwise).

For additional entries (leave a comment for each).

• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Twitter, or Facebook. Please specify which in your comments (3 entries each…please leave 3 comments for each post!).
• Like Pear Educational Products on Facebook.
• Follow Pear Educational Products on Twitter.
• Follow the Pear Educational Products’ blog with GFC. (I've love for you to follow me here on Chatter, Clatter and Things that Matter as well, but the extra entry is to follow the Pear Educational Products specifically.)
• Subscribe to Pear Educational Products’ blog via email.
• Subscribe to Pear Educational Products’ blog via a reader.

This giveaway will end on November 18th at 6 pm EST. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents ages 18 and up only, void where prohibited by law. Winner will be selected by a random number generator at random.org. No purchase necessary for entry. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.  If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be selected.

Review and Giveaway: The Shunning (DVD)

I saw the trailer for The Shunning a while back as part of the previews for another family movie. It looked rather interesting and I made a mental note to keep an eye out for the movie.  When I recently receive an opportunity to review it, I was thrilled.

The Shunning is based on the novel of the same name, which has sold more than 1 million copies and is authored by Beverly Lewis, a New York Times Bestselling author.

Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead.  Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she's adopted. 

The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling "The Heritage of Lancaster County" book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker &; Sherry Stringfield.

You can read more about this Hallmark Channel Original Movie at the official website for the movie.  On this site you can also watch the original trailer that drew my attention as well as read about the cast, some of whom you may recognize (e.g. Sherry Springfield of ER).

I really enjoyed the movie and it would make a great selection for the family to watch together.  I watched it one evening on my laptop with headphones, because my husband was listening to something on his iPod and I didn't want to disturb him.  At the point when the main character, Katie, was shunned by her Amish community, my husband, who hadn't watched any of the movie until that point, became interested and started grilling me with questions to catch up to the previous half of the movie.  Then, he continued to watch it with no sound until the ending.  So, I guess you can say that it is interesting enough to hold the interest of someone coming in half-way, even with no sound! Since it was a late night viewing, I didn't have my kids watch with me, but I think my daughter in particular would really enjoy it. I haven't read the book, though it did want to make me seek the title out and give it read.

I will say that I did not like the ending, which is open-ended.  It left me with too many questions about what exactly happened to the main character. I was still thinking about it the next day, which I suppose is the main point of having such an ending; the author wants you to ponder on it.

GIVEAWAY!
Closed: Congrats to comment #3, Dianna D.

I have one copy of The Shunning to giveaway to one lucky U.S. reader. See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you, should you be the winner.

Mandatory entry:

• Leave a comment telling me your favorite family-friendly movie.

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):

• Like The Shunning Movie on Facebook.
• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook (this is a brand new page and needs a little love!)
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on October 7th at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review and Giveway: The Grace Card (DVD)

I've been happy to see an increase in the production of family movies with a strong message over the last few years.  There is entirely too much garbage out there for viewing and not enough quality films for the whole family.  I had the recent opportunity to review THE GRACE CARD, which was released on DVD on August 16th.  THE GRACE CARD is the first movie from Memphis-based Graceworks Pictures in conjunction with Calvary Pictures.

Everything can change in an instant … and take a lifetime to unravel. When Mac McDonald loses his son in an accident, the ensuing 17 years of bitterness and pain erodes his love for his family and leaves him angry with God … and just about everyone else. Mac’s rage stonewalls his career in the police department and makes for a combustible situation when he’s partnered with Sam Wright, a rising star on the force—who happens to be a part-time pastor and a loving family man. 

Can they somehow join forces to help one another when it’s impossible for either of them to look past their differences—especially the most obvious one? Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships and heal deep wounds by extending and receiving God’s grace. Offer THE GRACE CARD … and never underestimate the power of God’s love.

 The story line of this movie had a wonderful themes of forgiveness, redemption, and grace that were portrayed in ways that are very relevant to our culture today.  It is rated PG-13 and does have some mature themes (drug use, violence, racism, death, bitterness), but still very appropriate for family viewing.  The topics also leave plenty of room for discussion afterward.  If you go to THE GRACE CARD website, you will also find ministry resources to use with a church study or Sunday school class.  It is unfortunate that movies like THE GRACE CARD often lack in budget, which is all the more reason to continue to support them.  They certainly make up for it with solid Christian themes for family movie viewing.

NOW CLOSED

Congrats to #75, c allen!!! 
Giveaway! Giveaway! Giveaway!

I have a copy of THE GRACE CARD to give to one lucky reader!  See below for how you can enter.  Please make sure to leave a way for me to contact you should you be the winner.

Mandatory entry:

• Just leave me a comment!  Simple!

For additional entries:

• Like The Grace Card on Facebook.
• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook (this is a brand new page and needs a little love!)
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on Sept 2nd at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Giveaway! Grapevine Studies

A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to review a Bible study, titled Old Testament Overview, from Grapevine Studies.  You can read that review here.  Now, my readers have the opportunity to receive a copy of a new study on the life of Joseph.  This title, for ages 7 and up, was just released.

  Walk with Joseph as he goes from a prince in Canaan to slavery in Egypt and then to the courts of Pharaoh. Your students will enjoy this engaging Bible study!

 Follow Joseph as he travels from the tents of Jacob to the house of Potiphar and eventually becomes second in command to Pharaoh. Watch to see how Joseph reacts to slavery and false accusations. See how God uses difficult circumstances in Joseph’s life to prepare him to save thousands of people, including those who mistreated him. Joseph’s story is one of betrayal, forgiveness, and restoration. Take a look at this fascinating Bible story today!

NOW CLOSED: 
Congrats to Lynne@TDHGP, who posted the 34th comment.  An email is on the way!

I am giving away an e-book copy of the student and teacher e-book, which retail for a total of $28.90.  There are several ways to enter.  Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you should you be the winner.

• Leave me a comment telling me your favorite Bible story (mandatory)

For additional entries:

• Like Grapevine Studies on Facebook.
• Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• Subscribe to this blog (rss or email)
• Like Chatter, Clatter, and Things That Matter on Facebook (this is a brand new page and needs a little love!)
• Follow Chatter and Clatter on Twitter
• Post about this giveaway on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, or others (please specify in your comment).  This will count for two entries for each! Make sure you leave two comments.

The giveaway will end on August 12th at 6 p.m. EST and will be chosen by a random number generator.

If you'd like to purchase this title, which is currently on sale, you may do so at the Grapevine Studies website.  While you are there, check out some of the other studies that will have your students "stick figuring through the Bible"! Use coupon code BLOG55 for 20% off of non-sale items!