Starting in November we begin to rewatch our favorite Christmas movies. We have a new one to add to the mix from now on — Christmas Lodge.

LOVED it!

A movie you can watch with your preschooler  in the room  and your teenager across the couch and all enjoy it, and not have to fast forward any parts. I highly recommend this film for its fast paced story line and family friendliness.

It lays out the importance of family values and keeping faith alive. Even when struggles and obstacles pile up, this team pulls together and works toward their goal from day one: We will be #1.

It is in theaters starting today, and you will want to jump at this chance to see a movie that is rated ‘G’ and isn’t just a light-hearted kids’ movie. This is a true family film that adults will enjoy, will keep kids’ attention, provide a few laughs, and will offer some great talking points on the ride home.

Don’t miss it!

More info on the film:

I know you all like to be reminded that winter is just around the corner, right? Well, none the less, those of you with older kids might enjoy this film coming to select theaters this weekend.

Snowmen takes on bullying with the aim of stopping it cold, and helping those bullied to see the needs bullies have for a little acceptance as well. Three boys want to accomplish something unforgettable, even if they do rank among the “losers” of the school. When a disturbing discovery in the snow brings them temporary media hype they begin to crave a permanent name for themselves and seek out ways to land themselves in the Guinness Book of World Records regardless of the risk, and the continual threats of the school bully.

The boys’ parents, including your stereotypical money hungry car salesman and a recent transplant from Jamaica, add an interesting element to the character base in the film, as well as a lot of humor. You will laugh, often.

Definitely deserves the PG rating with a dad’s spelling of a profanity (same as saying it in my book), a couple glimpses of dead people, intense bullying (throwing ice balls, punching, tackling, heckling, threatening to cut/injure with skate blade in hand, etc.), and a suspenseful scene with a boy falling through thin ice).

The movie offers lots to talk about around the value of family, respecting other individuals, bullying, and making a difference in the world. Definitely important themes to discuss with your children.

I’m sure this is just the beginning of the holiday movie season, and this is a decent movie that older kids would be able to relax and enjoy.

a humorous and heartfelt coming-of-age story about three unlikely heroes and the winter that changed their lives forever. After a surprising discovery in the snow catapults three small-town boys into the spotlight, the best friends hatch a plan to be remembered forever by setting a Guinness World Records® title. Along the way, the trio battles schoolyard bullies, unites their community and discovers that – while fame may be fleeting – true friendship lasts forever. The film stars Bobby Coleman (Last Song), Ray Liotta (Wild Hogs), Bobb’e J. Thompson (Role Models), Josh Flitter (Ace Ventura Jr.) and Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future).

Disclaimer: I received an online sneak peak of this film as a Homeschool.com tester from Mpower Pictures (Bella, The Stoning of Soraya M.)

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.”

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.

Don’t know where I’ve been, but when I was given an opportunity to review a brand new CD from Robert Pierre, I thought, “Who?”

No, he’s not homeschooled, but I am always looking for great music to listen to while I read my great books, so . . .

Then I started looking at his bio. Oh, he’s only 18. That’s why I haven’t heard of him. Just some brand new, trying-to-make-it kid, right? Heh. Well, I looked a little further.

His first album was released almost 5 years ago. No newcomer here. He leads worship at the church his parents helped start in Florida. He knows how to lead a crowd, knows how to perform, but most importantly he knows how to worship on a grand scale.

When most young people are just trying focusing on narrowing down college choices he is penning lyrics that show the depth of his faith, that he’s all in.

While I think the songs will appeal to young people, I personally enjoyed just about every single one of them. I would love to hear these added to our Sunday morning line up.

These are great songs to have in the background as you surf the net, in the car while you are running errands, or crank them up when you or your kids need a dance break (what? you don’t take those now and then?) All of my kids enjoyed these tunes. So, I guess they are suitable from 1 year old on up.

Take a little look for yourself (9 minute video about the album and Robert Pierre himself):

The CD is just now coming out. July 26th. You can pick it up online or at your local Christian book store.

Check out more at these links:

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.

Mom, what are we doing for PE today?

Ummm, oh yeah, that.

It’s on the schedule, but sometimes turns into unplanned active time rather than a formal teaching time. We do calisthenics, practice basketball skills, or run around the walking trails at the park by our house. So, while we don’t generally miss PE (it is required), we don’t always have a good plan for it either.

Until now. I got a new follower on Twitter one day and had to check out this Family Time Fitness company. They offer a PE curriculum geared toward homeschoolers. It comes complete with warm ups, cool downs, and fun activities to go in the middle. Each class took us about a half hour to complete, but your family might take slightly longer or shorter than that depending on the age and focus of your kids. It was just right for our school day.

Product: Fitness 4 Homeschool

Details: A complete PE curriculum especially for kids in K-8. This one year program will give you activities for 5 days a week for 52 weeks.

Price: $77 (not much more than you would pay for one child’s PE class for the year at many co-ops!)

What I loved . . .

• Beyond a PE class. More than just filling a class requirement, this program is about being healthy and active. That’s why it doesn’t fit in a neat 180 day school year. Fitness is for life and this program helps you toward that end.
• Builds on basics. Arm circles, leg lifts, calf raises. Fitness isn’t really complicated, but coming up with a plan can be time consuming. They have done that for you. Took lots of familiar activities and exercises and added in some fresh ideas to make it sparkle, and packaged it up in an easy to use format for everyone to follow along with. PE planning with this product takes a few seconds of clicking each day rather than a half hour or more to plan the week.
• Made for in house. While you could definitely enjoy these activities with another family they are designed to be done in house. We have our own little one room school house, but even if you homeschool one child, most of these activities could be done together without a larger group.
• Video demos. We all hear those instructors saying to make sure you do it the right way so you don’t strain anything. With short and to the point videos that you access online, you can all see what it should look like. The demonstrations have an adult and children performing the various actions.
• Great for an age mix. We used this with a kindergartener, an 8th grader and a few sprinkled in between. They all were able to participate at their levels and really enjoyed the activities. In watching it I was thinking it was geared a little young for my 8th grader, but he did not complain one bit and especially appreciated that we actually had a more planned PE everyday rather than getting pushed off or made more informal because it was unplanned.
• Can be reused, or stretched over a couple years. In the summer we tend to be more active, so our formal PE tapers off a bit. If that is the case in your house you could easily stretch this over two years. And, many of the lessons could be repeated without boredom for even longer. You have permanent access to the videos so this is a great one time purchase that can establish your PE plans until high school!
• Excellent exercise. I love these classes. I work up a light sweat while doing the activities along with my kids.  Again, nothing complicated, but just some simple activities that require me to get up out of the “teacher’s chair” and get moving with them. It is definitely helping me get and stay in shape in this season where homeschooling consumes my days.

Some considerations . . .

• Do need some room. We run out of room in our school room for these, so it is really better to head outside if the weather is tolerable. Allow yourself plenty of room to swing those arms without smacking file cabinets or children. You can watch the videos inside and then head outside to actually perform them.
• Might want to supplement with team sports or other group activities. What this program does not do is teach your kids basketball skills or soccer drills. I think this is also an important part of the PE program, so we try to balance our time and make room for team sports here and there throughout the year.  And, they say they have something in the works to do that type of thing at home as well. Definitely keep your eye out for more products from this homeschool friendly company.

We definitely needed this product right here, right now. My PE was getting a bit dull and needed more direction. I was so thankful for the videos and planning that were packed in there to keep all of us moving. I definitely believe that a good PE class helps the rest of the day go  better as well. In our house anyway, they’ve got to move before they sit.

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me free of charge through Family Time Fitness For the purpose of reviewing it. I received no additional compensation and the opinions expressed here come from my personal experiences and sincere thoughts.

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Maybe you are celebrating the end of your official school year, or making it through another week of crazy Chicago weather, or maybe you have a new graduate, or another sport season winding down. Whatever your reason for a special moment with your family, there is a great movie that can help create the backdrop for your family time to do so.

So, throw in the pizza, pop the popcorn, or top those sundaes. However you like watching movies as a family there is a great one for you tomorrow night, Saturday, June 11 starting at 7:00 CT. (Chicago time, right?)

Field of Vision will provide your family with an opportunity to enjoy a film together as a family, something that is not too easy in today’s movie making climate. We got a little sneak peak at the film and it was safe for my little guys to watch, and enjoyable for my 14 year old to watch. Sports, family, bullying, integrity, and making a stand are all key themes that make this movie a crowd pleaser. As homeschoolers our kids might not face struggles from the peers in the locker room, but they more than likely know how it feels to be the brunt of a joke or to be left out or ridiculed. Field of Vision addresses some serious topics in a way that can open conversation and encourage those that may have been on one side or the other of this situation. As one of the main characters takes on the rest of the football team viewers are encouraged to leave a legacy that will not ignore wrongdoing, but will stand up for those that don’t have the courage to stand up for themselves.

Each family will need to determine what is appropriate viewing in their house, but this clean, wholesome film that shows families working together, adults standing behind those that choose to make the right choice (even when it is hard), and kids that go out of their way to show kindness scores a touchdown in our book.

For more info check out these links: