Review and Giveaway: Ring the Bell

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the products mentioned below for free in 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.”

Ring the Bell (<–link to review)
{giveaway details below}
Arc Entertainment
Released April 9, 2013
Website | Trailer | Facebook

About Ring the Bell:
Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.

Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of Ring the Bell. Giveaway ends Monday, May 27th at 7:17pm.

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last DVD you watched, or your thoughts on baseball, or who your favorite ball team is…or just tell us about anything related to the topic of this post…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog once a day only until the end of the giveaway, or leave a comment on our review of RING THE BELL.

- Joyce

“To Walk or Stay” Book Club :: Chapter 6 Discussion {Divorce}

Each week a different blogger will host a discussion on one of the chapters. We are half way through To Walk or Stay but there is still lots of great stuff to discuss. Discussion on chapter 6 over at Tracie’s blog this week. I’ve only known of Tracie through this book club, but I realized that I had stumbled upon her blog before. She has a great post about Random Acts of Christmas Kindness. I’m all about random acts of kindness. Anyhow, head on over to the book club post and join in on the discussion: http://www.traciestierjohnson.com/to-walk-or-stay-book-club-week-6/

April 18, Chapter 1 :: Lara Williams at “To Overflowing“
April 25, Chapter 2 :: Crystal Stine
May 2, Chapter 3 :: Katie Orr at “Hello Mornings”
May 9, Chapter 4 :: Kayse Pratt
May 16, Chapter 5 :: Michele-Lyn Ault at “A Life Surrendered”
May 23, Chapter 6 :: Tracie Stier-Johnson
May 30, Chapter 7 :: Francie Winslow at “Up, In, and Out”
June 6, Chapter 8 :: Joyce Moy
June 13, Chapter 9 :: Erika Dawson
June 20, Chapter 10 :: Stacey Thacker at “29 Lincoln Avenue”

It is not too late to jump into the “To Walk or Stay” book club. You can read more about it at the following link and RSVP: http://tooverflowing.com/to-walk-or-stay-book-club. You can read what I had to say about the book HERE.

What I’m Reading {5/22/13}

I’m trying to stay on track with reading aka keeping up with my bookworm status…so I’m going to put this out here to keep myself accountable to finishing these books soon. I might have one of them to give away…

I’m reading…

Gone South by Meg Moseley – I realize that I read a lot more non-fiction these days, but I always need at least one fiction going.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain – Library tip: If there is a popular book you’d like to borrow from the library with a long wait list, request the Large Print copy. It will get to the ‘hold shelf’ quicker. You’re welcome.

Praying God’s Word for Your Life by Kathi Lipp – Kathi is awesome. I’m glad she’s local to me. Get her books. Stat! Or borrow them from me.

I’m still re-reading To Walk or Stay with the book club. Chapter 8 will be hosted here on our blog.

- Joyce

Mother’s Day 2013

I know it was Reader’s Choice, but I wanted to share this first…

This mama, my granny, has been through A LOT during her 100+ years.

Me with two fabulous ladies…evidently, we were in some kind of pageant. :p

Two girlies who call me Mommy, who will one day be fantastic mommies!

Our Week in Photos (Week 20 of 52)

Highlights
*Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade
*Emily’s 4th Birthday!!!/Mother’s Day
*Last MOPS
*Awana Awards Night
*AOK Fun Day

Upcoming
*Young Families Group

This Week’s Post
*Review and Giveaway: Can’t-Wait-Willow
*Readers’ Choice <– What should we blog about next?
*“To Walk or Stay” Book Club :: Chapter 5 Discussion

- Joyce

Click here or on the image(s) below, and then click on slideshow on the upper right hand side. My creative captions are a must-read. :p

*Note: If when you click on the slideshow, it brings you to the photo album, just close it and continue to watch the slideshow on our blog.

“To Walk or Stay” Book Club :: Chapter 5 Discussion

Each week a different blogger will host a discussion on one of the chapters. We are half way through To Walk or Stay but there is still lots of great stuff to discuss. Discussion on chapter 5 about ‘rights’ is over at Michele-Lyn’s blog, A Life Surrendered, this week. I ‘met’ Michele-Lyn this year, and she always has beautiful words to share. Head on over to the post and join in on the discussion: http://www.alifesurrendered.com/2013/05/to-walk-or-stay-ch-5-but-i-have-a-right-to-be-loved/

April 18, Chapter 1 :: Lara Williams at “To Overflowing“
April 25, Chapter 2 :: Crystal Stine
May 2, Chapter 3 :: Katie Orr at “Hello Mornings”
May 9, Chapter 4 :: Kayse Pratt
May 16, Chapter 5 :: Michele-Lyn Ault at “A Life Surrendered”
May 23, Chapter 6 :: Tracie Stier-Johnson
May 30, Chapter 7 :: Francie Winslow at “Up, In, and Out”
June 6, Chapter 8 :: Joyce Moy
June 13, Chapter 9 :: Erika Dawson
June 20, Chapter 10 :: Stacey Thacker at “29 Lincoln Avenue”

The “To Walk or Stay” Book Club started last week. It is not too late to join us. You can read more about it at the following link and RSVP: http://tooverflowing.com/to-walk-or-stay-book-club. You can read what I had to say about the book HERE.

Readers’ Choice

Life = Behind in blog posting… What would you like for us to blog about next? Leave your vote in the comments below. Thanks!

1) MOPS & Pops Dinner

2) Mini golfing

3) Gardening

Review and Giveaway: Can’t-Wait-Willow

Giveaway is now closed. The winner of the book, Can’t-Wait-Willow, is Jen!

Can’t Wait Willow
Website | Ideals Books | Ideals Books FB

About Shine Bright Kids:
The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with a relevant framework to help instill solid values and teach the importance of making good choices. The principles that will be explored include: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

About the Author:
Christy Ziglar, financial planner, mother of twins and niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar, is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her new Shine Bright Kids picture book series. Christy is available for Q&A, author interviews, Skype calls, etc.!

Can’t-Wait Willow! from Ideals Children’s Books from Ideals Books on Vimeo.

The first book in the series:  Can’t-Wait Willow!
Willow is so excited that the Over-the-Top Circus has finally come to town! The only problem is, that when left to her own devices, she can’t say “no” to some good things. On the way to the show, she is distracted by enticing treats and fun that she just can’t turn down. Willow arrives late and is sad to find that, not only has she has run out of time, but money, and she won’t be able to enjoy the pink cotton candy she’s been dreaming of. Willow is given valuable advice and a second chance and is ultimately taught the lesson that sometimes in life you have to say “no” to good things to end up with something great!

About the Illustrator: Thanks to her first grade teacher, who recognized her superior skills in drawing a robin, Luanne Marten has been drawing, painting and sketching ever since.  She is a great experimenter and has a fresh, whimsical approach to bring her characters to life.

Website: The author’s website has great resources to support the book, including a printable poster with ‘Ways to Shine Bright,’ as well as reward chart you can use at home with your children.

GIVEAWAY time!!
One lucky reader will receive a copy of Can’t-Wait-Willow. Giveaway ends Wednesday, May 15th at 11PM.

To enter, leave a comment telling about the last book you read or let us know if you or your kids have been to the circus before, or your thoughts on getting a second chance…or say ‘Howdy!’ Thanks!

For extra entries, you can leave one comment on any post on our blog ONCE A DAY ONLY until the end of the giveaway, or leave a comment on the Melody and Emily’s reviews of CAN’T-WAIT-WILLOW.

- Joyce

“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.”

Our Week in Photos (Week 19 of 52)

Highlights
*International Day
*MOPS Power On Leadership Connection
*Daddy-Daughters Date
*2nd Birthday Party
*Awana Cubbie Celebration

Upcoming
*Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade
*Emily’s 4th Birthday!!!/Mother’s Day
*Last MOPS
*Awana Awards Night
*AOK Fun Day

This Week’s Post
*Melody-ism: Grandmother
*“To Walk or Stay” Book Club :: Chapter 4 Discussion {Beauty}
*May the 4th be with you!
*NUD: New Ukulele Day

- Joyce

Click here or on the image(s) below, and then click on slideshow on the upper right hand side. My creative captions are a must-read. :p

This should be a slideshow:

*Note: If it brings you to the photo album, just close it and continue to watch the slideshow on our blog.

“To Walk or Stay” Book Club :: Chapter 4 Discussion {Beauty}

Each week a different blogger will host a discussion on one of the chapters. Discussion on chapter 4 is over at the Kayse’s blog this week. On her blog, Kayse writes honestly about faith, family, and real life. I love her tagline: “Live Authenically,” “Laugh Joyfully,” and “Love Intentionally.” Kayse was thisclose to being in one of my HelloMornings groups, but went the way of twitter instead. :p Head on over to the post and join in on the discussion: http://kaysepratt.com/2013/05/comparison-self-esteem-and-the-truth-about-beauty.html

Let’s stop looking at the world and the people around us to tell us we’re beautiful. Let’s set our eyes on God, the one who defines true beauty.

“To Walk or Stay” :: Chapter 4 from Lara Williams on Vimeo.

April 18, Chapter 1 :: Lara Williams at “To Overflowing“
April 25, Chapter 2 :: Crystal Stine
May 2, Chapter 3 :: Katie Orr at “Hello Mornings”
May 9, Chapter 4 :: Kayse Pratt
May 16, Chapter 5 :: Michele-Lyn Ault at “A Life Surrendered”
May 23, Chapter 6 :: Tracie Stier-Johnson
May 30, Chapter 7 :: Francie Winslow at “Up, In, and Out”
June 6, Chapter 8 :: Joyce Moy
June 13, Chapter 9 :: Erika Dawson
June 20, Chapter 10 :: Stacey Thacker at “29 Lincoln Avenue”

The “To Walk or Stay” Book Club started last week. It is not too late to join us. You can read more about it at the following link and RSVP: http://tooverflowing.com/to-walk-or-stay-book-club. You can read what I had to say about the book HERE.