Review and Giveaway — Jeremy Riddle

Need a lift? September has been a grueling month in our household.

Soccer in full swing, co-op and classes finding their place on the schedule, and evenings full more than empty for this fall season. I find myself dragging a bit as the days fill up.

My faith in Christ is a huge part of why I homeschool, and it needs to be a priority in my personal life if it is going to keep spilling over into the kids as well and strengthening our home.  Music is an easy way for me to stay energized and making my life one of worship. The refrain running through my head now is, “Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me.” That’s the constancy that I need to be reminded of in this crazy season. And, it’s what I want my kids to see in my each day. Love poured out on them.

Do you need this reminder, too? Jeremy Riddle’s new CD is the perfect fit to offer encouragement. Pop it in the CD player in the car when you are glad you are finally in the car, even if it is 15 minutes late. Play it in the background when you are cleaning that school room that always seems like a disaster by 9:00 am no matter how clean it started. The words are contagious and will breathe new life into your day.

I would definitely encourage you to purchase this great CD, but one reader has the opportunity to win a copy of this CD! Just leave your name with an email address that I can reach you at in the comments and I will draw a winner at the end of the day on Sunday. I look forward to getting this great new release into one of your hands!

Check out more about this great CD here:

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.”

Poetry Foundation

Did you know that the Poetry Foundation has a home in Chicago? I didn’t either.
They have some interesting events coming up in the near future including this one about postcards from poets:

The Alternative Press Multiple Originals Project

When: Wednesday, September 21, 11:00AM

Where: Poetry Foundation
61 West Superior Street
Free Admission

The Multiple Originals Project is an exhibit of postcards created by poets Robert Creeley, Alice Notley, Ted Berrigan, Joe Brainard, and others in collaboration with Ken and Ann Mikolowski. The exhibit is presented concurrently with a multimedia feature about the press on poetryfoundation.org.

EXHIBIT HOURS:

Monday – Friday, 11AM – 4PM
Opens: Wednesday, September 21
Closes: Friday, November 4

We have a winner

Your odds can’t get much better than this, folks! Out of two entries, random.org picked #2.

That’s you, Janae!

Janae said, “She’s driving? I think I’ll stay out of the blind girl’s car! Thanks for offering this great giveaway.” 🙂
I wouldn’t recommend a ride in her car either, but you will definitely enjoy the CD. Be sure to get in touch with me in the next couple days so I can get this on its way to you.
Congratulations, and thanks for entering.
And, to everyone else . . . there is another giveaway coming up. Another CD this week and some math game cards next week. The fun never ends!

Homeschool days at Walt Disney World

Check out Disney’s site for more information and to register for the event coming in January. Their ticket prices are phenomenal . . . here’s the link to the ticket package page as well. They range from a three day pass including the program for $139.01 per person to a 5 day park hopper pass (with the program) for $187.01. These are special homeschool prices. You can also add on other classes that they have available on that day and other surrounding days for $28 per class. Not cheap, but if you have a kid interested in physics, animation, marine science, or other related fields this could be a great opportunity to build on that interest.

So, here’s the scoop, straight from Disney:
Disney Homeschool Days Presents: A Conversation with Author Ridley Pearson
Celebrate Literacy Week at Walt Disney World® Resort

Date & Time: Thursday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Premiere Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®
Grade: All age groups of 10 or more students

Ridley Pearson, author of Kingdom Keepers and Peter and the Starcatchers book series, will share with students his inspirations and experiences as an author in this special presentation in honor of Literacy Week. Offering insights on his inspirations, writing process and literary career, students will learn to look at narratives with a new point of view and may even be inspired to become an author themselves.

Following the one-hour presentation, Mr. Pearson will participate in a question and answer session with the students.

Meeting Location: Premiere Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

SPECIAL VALUE! For this event only, you will receive the newly released Kingdom Keepers Quest* self-guided educational adventure through the Magic Kingdom® Park with the purchase of your multi-day ticket package. As students search for clues to help the Keepers save the magic from the Overtakers, they will practice reading, math, critical thinking, and teamwork.

*Families will receive one (1) Kingdom Keepers Quest themed map per student, one (1) Kingdom Keepers Quest Student Guide per family, and one (1) leader guide family. Materials will be distributed at the Conversation session check-in. (Please note Kingdom Keepers Quest is available year-round at the Magic Kingdom® Park for groups of ten (10) or more students)

Review and Giveaway — Ginny Owens

Get in I'm Driving
The CD starts with the familiar ding of the key in the ignition. The engine roars to life and we are off.
Get in, I’m driving . . .
Soulful, bluesy, hard to nail down. Ginny Owens.
A beautiful voice, great to pop in when you need to unwind. She has some more upbeat songs, but I loved the soothing sound of her music. Of course, if my kids had to pick, they would say they loved the songs with the drums calling out as they danced around the room. Something for everyone, I suppose. Many of the songs draw on the sound of the keyboard and her voice. Highlighting the words and the music, not the rhythm and background instruments.
Lovely, pure music. Eleven songs, each unique and enjoyable.
A little bit about Ginny:
A three-time Dove Award winner, including the Gospel Music Association’s 2000 New Artist of the Year recipient, and multiple ASCAP Award winner, Ginny Owens has sold nearly one million albums. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free” and “I Wanna Be Moved,” among others, Owens’ music has impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival and the White House. Her music has received widespread film and television placement, including songs on the popular WB series’ “Roswell” and “Felicity.” Owens was featured on national television, including NBC’s “Today” and CNN, for her contribution to help rebuild New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Songs began to emerge from her fingers as the vision began to leave her eyes and by the age of three.  A degenerative eye condition left Owens completely blind.  Despite her physical challenge, Owens pursued a music career.  Songs provide a window into a world Owens can’t see and an outlet for her to express her thoughts and dreams. Owens’ unique musical style and inspirational lyrics continue to appeal to Christian and mainstream audiences alike.

In 2005 Owens launched The Fingerprint Initiative, a hands-on, non-profit organization designed to “bring hope to the world, one project and one touch at a time.” The organization has partnered with  and raised money for groups such as Compassion International, International Justice Mission and Habitat for Humanity.
You can find hes brand-spankin’ new CD in stores and online starting today and it would be a great addition to any CD collection.
Lots of ways to check out Ginny and her new album:
And, a GIVEAWAY!!! If you would like to win a copy of the CD for your very own, please leave a comment with you name and email address so I can get in touch with you if you win.
You can get additional entries by following this site, or sharing about this contest elsewhere (blog, facebook, twitter, etc.) Just come back and comment for each of those items that you do.
Contest will run through this week and close on Saturday in the evening. Can’t wait to get this into your hands.

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.

United Way volunteer opportunity in Elgin

Don’t know about age restrictions on this one, but could be a great work project!

Live United Tshirt

17th Annual Day of Caring Breakfast Kickoff

The Day of Caring is fast approaching!  With over 30 projects on tap for our volunteers to complete, this is shaping up to be one of our best years ever.  Remember, the day begins with our Campaign Kickoff Breakfast, graciously hosted by the Grand Victoria Casino.  After the breakfast and program, volunteers will depart to locations around Elgin to paint, clean, plant, mulch, build, and bring smiles to local social service agency staff and clients.

When: Friday, September 9th.  Breakfast doors open at 7:30AM.

Where: Fox River Room, Grand Victoria Casino

Please RSVP to ekojzarek@uwelgin.org if you haven’t already!  Breakfast space is filling up fast, and we want to make sure you have a seat at our table!

Hope to see you there,

Your friends at United Way

Music lessons at Judson

Judson University offers music lessons on most
instruments and voice to home educators through its Community Music
School. The Fall semester begins September 12th and ends December 3rd
with a recital. More information can be found on Judson’s Community
Music School web-page located on the University’s web-site at
www.judsonu.edu

Where: Judson University
Thompson Center, Judson University
1151 N. State Street
Elgin, IL

Contact info for more details —

Email : JudsonCMS@gmail.com or shong@judsonu.edu

Website: www.judsonu.edu

Phone: 847.628.1110 (Music Office)

Registration: Judson University Community Music School

Nutrition event in Elgin

The following information is from the Food Day website:

Back to Nature FOOD DAY Fair
Transitioning to a Sustainable Food Way

Movies, Information & Local Organic Food and Drink Tasting
2-Day “Food Day” Kick off & Community Awareness Celebration
Celebrate the first National
Food Day in beautiful and historic downtown Elgin.

When: Saturday October 22nd
10:00 – 3:00 pm
and Sunday October 23rd
Noon- 5:00 pm

Hosted by Elgin Green Drinks
Where: Simple Balance Holistic Center
221 E Chicago Street
Elgin Illinois, 60123

We will be showing 2- new films  Saturday “Ingredients” and Sunday  “Forks over Knives”
and Dr. Jaena Stanley Gonzaga will give presentation on her 8 part webinar series
A Simple Food Curriculum” Back to the Healing Powers of Nature

You’ll also get a chance to meet your local organic farmers and taste their delicious healthy fare.
Elgin Garden Network Display and Information
ECC, Organic Garden and Culinary Display
Erehwon Organic Farms (tasting)
Troggs Hollow Organic Farm (tasting)
Brons Bees Honey (tasting)
Heritage Prairie Farms (tasting)
Limerock Cheese (tasting)
Hasselman Farms Grass fed Beef (tasting)
Tomato Mountain Organic Farm (tasting)
Raw Food Healing Smoothies (tasting with AJ)
Slow Food Usa, display and information
Traditional Nutrition-information
Aquaranch–tasting
Feeding Greater Elgin
Raw Food Cooking display (tasting)

Speaker coming to Batavia next month

Overcomers Seminar with Skeet Savage (Batavia, IL)

Thursday, October 06, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (CT)

Batavia, IL

Info on the event:

Are You Longing For CHANGE?

No matter what your situation in life, YOU CAN rise above your circumstances and overcome every obstacle that stands in the way between you and the life you’ve been dreaming of!

Skeet Savage has experienced suffering and hard times — and has emerged as a joyful victor against enormous odds! During this time together, Skeet will share the Biblical keys to access the power of God to redeem your life from disappointment, boredom, hopelessness, failure, and utter devastation — and restore to you the abundant life He has promised to all who believe. As you hear her unforgettable account of God’s mercy poured out on the most hopeless of situations, you will recognize the mighty hand of the Redeemer God who alone is the Mender of broken dreams, the Giver of life and hope, the One who truly can make all things new!

Come, bring a friend and join us for this inspiring event. Your spirit will be revived and your faith renewed as you hear the amazing testimony of God’s miraculous dealings in the lives of common folks. Come expecting to be challenged and CHANGED by this uplifting message! No matter what trial you’re facing, YOU CAN be an overcomer!

Not only is this a wonderful message of hope to those in difficult situations, God has used this series of messages as an effective equipping message for the Church as it gives practical teaching and keen insights on how to reach out to people in difficult situations.

For more information, email sony@wisgate.com
To Learn More About Wisdom’s Gate visit: www.WisdomsGate.org

For more info and to register, check out Eventbrite.

Free teacher screening

Reminder: You and one (1) guest are invited to a Free Educator Screening of Mysteries of the Great Lakes and Born to be Wild 3D. Additional guests will be charged $5.50 for Mysteries of the Great Lakes, $7.00 for Born to Be Wild 3D, or make both screenings for only $10.75.

Date: Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Time: 4:30pm – Mysteries of the Great Lakes and at 5:30pm see Born to be Wild 3D (please arrive a half hour prior to showtime to check-in and register)

Place: Randall 15 IMAX – 550 N. Randall Rd.  Batavia, IL 60510  Get Map

RSVP: Email or Call 630-659-6762. RSVP by noon on Friday September 2nd. IMPORTANT Please leave us your first and last name, school name, theater, email address, and number of people attending. If registering via email, you will receive an email confirmation. If registering via phone, you will not receive a phone call to confirm your space.

BORN TO BE WILD 3D is an inspired story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them-saving endangered species one life at a time. Stunningly captured in IMAX 3D, Born to be Wild 3D is a heartwarming adventure transporting moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with celebrated elephant authority Dame Daphne Sheldrick, as they and their team rescue, rehabilitate and return these incredible animals back to the wild. Narrated by Academy-Award winner Morgan Freeman, Born to be Wild 3D is directed by David Lickley and written and produced by Drew Fellman. Website Educator Guide
MYSTERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES: It takes a drop of water nearly 400 years to travel from the headwaters of Lake Superior to the edge of Lake Ontario.  Along the way, the water passes by towering cliffs dotted with early Native American pictographs, caribou and moose grazing on the shores, over giant prehistoric sturgeon lurking among thousands of shipwrecks and past nearly 40 million people who live along the more than 10,000 miles of coastline.  It is a dramatic journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.  Now, you can witness the Mysteries of the Great Lakes on the only screen large enough to reveal them, in IMAX!  Website Educator Guide 1-3, Educator Guide 4-6 Educator Guide 7-8
Teachers!  Book your Group Today! Call Jeannette at 630-659-6762 or email