Win a DVD/Blu-ray copy of "Dolphin Tale"

Christmas giveaway, leave a comment below to  be entered in our "Dolphin Tale" giveaway.

 Read the review of this fine family film here.

Review of "A Dolphin Tale"

If you are looking for that elusive film which the entire family can watch without scandalizing Mom or boring the teens, look no further. "A Dolphin Tale" is wholesome family fare with an inspired theme. I was raised on "The Wonderful World of Disney" on Sunday evenings, so I know a good animal story when I see one, but "A Dolphin Tale" is more than just that. It combines inspirational human stories times that of Winter, the dolphin who was found on the Florida beach near death, tied up in ropes for a crab trap.
 Sawyer Nelson (Nathan Gamble) is a middle school boy living alone with his single mother, is upset to be stuck in summer school at the same time his role model, his cousin Kyle (Austin Stowell) is leaving for a tour of duty in Iraq. Life has given Sawyer precious little to care about, and now he's losing his best friend.

Riding his bike along the beach to school, Sawyer sees a fisherman calling for help after discovering a dolphin beached on the shore with its tail entangled in the lines of a crab trap. Sawyer calls for help and while awaiting the ambulance, forms a bond with the dolphin, who communicates with him. He is disappointed that their relationship is abruptly ended by the ambulance's departure, however, when he walks into the Marine Rescue Center, he meets Hazel ( Cozi Zuehlsdorff) the girl on the ambulance, again and she sneaks him into the pool where  her father Dr Clay Haskett's ( Harry Connick Jr) is supervising her rehabilitation. Hazel notices Sawyer's unusual bond with the dolphin she named Winter and convinces her father that this may be Winter's last hope to pull through her ordeal. What she doesn't realize is that her father's hospital is also on life support, and a miracle is needed or Winter will be homeless.
What touches the heart in this film is the parallel between Kyle's ordeal when he is wounded in Iraq and faces losing his future as an Olympic swimmer, and that of Winter whose life depends upon her accepting a prosthetic tail. Many disabled children have drawn hope from this uplifting and true story. Delightful  acting from Morgan Freeman as Dr Cameron McCarthy, the Veteran's Hospital doctor who give wounded soldiers a second chance.

.The entire family watched it together, and look forward to seeing it again.
No nudity, innuendo or foul language.

You can purchase the film on Blu-ray or DVD here.

Review of "Motherhood Matters" by Dorothy Pilarski

“I can pay somebody to do your job” I was once told by a family member, reducing my vocation as mother to a low-wage job of combined babysitter and housekeeper. I was devastated by that comment, replying, “Sure, anyone can do laundry and cook. They can even watch my children and keep them fed, warm and safe. But no one can be their mother but me.” I believe in the value of my vocation to mother my four girls with all my heart, and have happily dedicated the past 20 years to it, yet I know all too well, that to hold such a belief is swimming against a strong current of popular opinion these days. Opinion which says that motherhood is overrated, antiquated, and even oppressive. There are countless movies and TV shows about overbearing mothers, but you rarely see a show about the pain caused by absent moms. About children who cry at naptime in daycare for mommy, learning to self-soothe at way too tender ages. I saw it for years as a home day care provider. Where was mom? Sometimes, she had no choice, but too often she was out ‘fulfilling herself’, contributing to the family income, not ‘wasting time’ at home. One mother of two preschoolers admitted she preferred a low paid position as a bank officer to staying home with her boys. She made no money beyond daycare expenses, and hardly saw her two delightfully boisterous boys awake. She had no idea what she was missing.

 Dorothy Pilarski does.  Her book, “Motherhood Matters” is a warm-hearted, encouraging conversation about this vital issue. Motherhood Matters” is a series of essays, quotes, prayers, and letters from a woman who has been on both sides of this issue. Dorothy Pilarski has a staggeringly successful career as a businesswoman, motivational speaker, ministry leader, saleswoman, and TV show host. She has also a devout Catholic mother to a son and a daughter, and she knows which is more important.

If you have had attacks on the value of being a stay-at-home mom, or feel guilty for only working part time so you can be home when your children walk in the door from school, this book will act like a tonic on your soul. It will reaffirm your decision to honor the vocation you took on when you gave life to your babies, and heal your heart from the barbs you receive from those who don’t value your vocation. If you are working full time and doing the bare minimum raising your children, as I did, teaching school for a year when my oldest was a toddler, this book will reawaken your inner yearning to be a full time mother, and help you find the courage to explain to your spouse why motherhood matters.

Pilarski offers advice on raising your children to be passionate Catholics. She offers practical, time-tested hints on how to get your children to attend daily Mass with you, think Catholicism is cool, or pray the rosary as a family. “Motherhood Matters” is precisely what the Catholic mother needs; a reminder of her irreplaceable role as first teacher of her small children, and role model of our powerful Catholic faith, challenging teenagers to see themselves as part of the Church.

 Pilarski wasn’t always an advocate for devotion to motherhood; before she was married, she thought there was nothing better than jet setting all over the world on business. An encounter with a mom of many at the Honolulu Zoo opened her eyes, “Call it providence. Gwen helped me see how jet-setting from one city to another was robbing me of something very important. While standing in front of large audience required courage, it didn’t require as much courage as dedicating your life to marriage and children.”

Some women bristle at taking advice on mothering, but Pilarski’s disarming humility, her stories about her own faults and need for confession show that her intent is to mentor not to lecture. I particularly enjoyed the story of the lamp she bought on impulse, hiding the cost from her husband because she just had to have it.  Eventually she had to agree with her family that it was ugly, consigning it to the basement, where it serves as a lesson that we don’t have to give in to every desire. Such a humble, loving and good-humored teacher as Dorothy Pilarski can mentor me any day!

“Motherhood Matters” reads like a bit like a blog, with somewhat of a disconnected flow between stories. This is why I found it helpful to read it a couple of entries at a time, as an evening meditation, to make the most of the spiritual richness and say the unique prayers specially written for mothers. Each reading becomes a mini-retreat, and I found myself wanting to write a prayer journal of the reflections it inspired.

Pilarski relates stories times she followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit to connect with people in her daily life, from neighbors watering their gardens while she is out walking, to well-dressed, lonely women wandering the mall, to a bishop from the Philippines who needed a church to say Holy Mass. She has deep commitment to evangelize, a zeal for souls, and a generous heart to love others as Christ.  The mission of her women’s groups, her TV show on Canadian “Salt & Light” network, and her book is simple;

                      “We need a new generation of valiant, energetic, passionate women that will do whatever it takes to mother their own children—women who refuse to broker their children into the care of others, women who do not want to see their babies in their early years on a webcam. I am talking about women who will storm heaven and Earth to stay at home with their children.”

                        Give “Motherhood Matters” to your favorite mother this Christmas, but keep one for yourself. Keep in at your bedside for inspiration on those days when you feel like it’s not worth it to stay home, a paid babysitter would do just as well.

You can purchase Motherhood Matters and read Dorothy's blog at Gutsy Catholic Mom.

Book Review: Cooper and Me and the Winter Adventure!

It's winter, and the winter snow  inspires Cooper and his friend Bella to go sleigh riding on a toboggan. 

They are having lots of fun, until they get lost.   Importantly, they stay together until another friend helps them find their way home.

An entertaining story with an important lesson for kids, teaching them what to do if they get lost, and also the importance of friends helping each other.

A very good book  :)

http://www.cooperandme.com/

“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.”

Movie Review: HUGO - PG

Hugo is an orphan living secretly in a Paris train station.  He keeps the big clock working, and he is very skilled at fixing things.  He is also  trying to unlock a secret left by his father.

This is a very difficult movie to review:  I found the first half of the movie very difficult to watch.  I was appalled at how cruel several adults were toward Hugo.  However, the second half was quite different, redeeming itself by the good that Hugo's quest brings about, and how he impacts the lives of others, changing them  in a very positive way.   

The special effects were pretty good, and there were a few very tense scenes, but the fact that the camera was too close-up on adult's faces at times, while probably done for an intimidating effect, only gave it a creepiness.

I did not care at all for how the story was told, but I acknowledge that the story itself is a worthwhile one.  Also, I took my two nephews, almost 14, and they enjoyed it.

Book Review: "Don't Blink" by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

Warning: potential spoilers 

While conducting an interview at New York's famous Lombardo's Steak House, reporter Nick Daniels witnesses a murder and accidentally captures a key piece of evidence. This immediately makes Nick a target of both law enforcement and organized crime.  The main question is:  who will get to him first?

Not only is Nick on the run, but he must also try to protect those he loves:  his sister, his niece and his girlfriend.

This is the fastest-paced James Patterson story I've read (and I'm a big fan, so I've read quite a few).   It is full of plot twists...you won't know who to trust until the very end.

Content warnings include mostly language, some violence, and two particularly gruesome murders (two victims have their eyes removed).

A thrilling story you won't be able to put down.

Music Review: "One Silent Night" by FFH

Just in time for the holidays.... A very good collection of Christmas music, both old and new. This CD includes classics, such as "Baby it's Cold Outside", "Jingle Bell Rock", and  "I'll Be Home for Christmas".  FFH performs these as we're used to hearing them, thereby bringing back lots of memories. You'll also appreciate some new songs such as "The Birthday of a King" and Glorious Impossible".  Although they are new, they sound as those they're also classics, like we've known them all along. I especially enjoyed the vocals.  The songs are also enhanced by sound effects, like the sound of horses pulling a carriage, and sleigh bells. An excellent collection of music to get you in the Christmas spirit!

http://ffh.net/

http://www.facebook.com/FFHmusic

"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."

Little Angels DVD Giveaway Offer

To promote the launch of Roma Downey's new children's DVD's "Little Angels" (see my interview with Roma where she describes the series in detail) Learn more at the Little Angels website. 
 I have four copies of" Little Angels Animals; God Loves All His Creatures" and four copies of "Little Angels ABCs: God's Love Goes from A To Z".

 Add a comment if you want to win a set of two, one of each type of DVD. Four winners will be chosen soon and will be sent in time for Christmas gifts.

Parents beware: ‘Twilight: Breaking Dawn’ features disturbing treatment of abortion

Parents with children who are thinking of watching the latest Twilight film, Breaking Dawn – Part I, should be aware that it features disturbing discussions about abortion that carry ambiguous, if not openly anti-life messages, according to a professor at a Canadian college.

In this fourth film, set for release on Friday, heroes Bella and Edward get married and then are shocked to discover on the honeymoon that Bella is pregnant. The story appears to carry a strong pro-life message, as Bella quickly realizes that her life is at risk but chooses to keep the half-vampire, half-human child despite strong pressure from Edward and other characters for her to obtain an abortion.

“All Bella wants is for that baby to survive and she’s willing to kill herself for it,” comments actress Nikki Reed in a promo video.

In a society that largely accepts abortion-on-demand, let alone abortion to save the mother’s life, the storyline comes across as strongly counter-cultural. Indeed, the book sparked fan protests over a perceived “anti-abortion” theme when it was released in 2008.

story

Music Review: Revolution Worship Live

"Revolution Worship" starts off with "Revolution",  which calls for a change that will bring us closer to God, and  an evangelization, in which we promise to be the voice, hands and feet of the Lord in spreading His word.  I loved this analogy  :)

My favorite is "Your Name" because of the reverence with which God is acknowledged as our creator, redeemer and savior.
Another excellent song of worship is "We Lift You Up", because it recognizes God's mercy and approaches Him humbly.

But it all begins with saying "Yes" to the Lord's love and His will for us. This is an excellent album, because it is filled with songs of true worship of the Lord.  A lot of Christian music tends to focus on "us" and our wants and needs.  "Revolution Worship" stands apart because it focuses on true worship of God, incorporating humilty and gratitude. An excellent album that will bring you closer to the Lord  :)

http://www.facebook.com/MyWorldRevolution