Love Begins

My Definition of a Good Movie (in no particular order): 

Family values

Clean language and dress

Interesting plot

Recognition of God in our lives

Fun humor (but clean)

I do not hesitate to watch it with my children

Keeps my attention

Quality acting and cinematography

Focuses on overcoming or succeeding

Brings my family together

Some action and suspense

Shares an uplifting message

Gives me a break from the craziness of life

Provides an excuse to eat popcorn and treats

When I find a movie that includes all of the above, I have to share it.

For anyone familiar with the Love Comes Softly series, this is a must see. If you have not heard of nor seen the series, check it out! It's available at Amazon.com. The original movie, Love Comes Softly, is about a father named Clark Davis who loses his wife and is left with a daughter to raise on the frontier. Meanwhile, Marty (expecting a baby and just arriving in the area) loses her husband in a freak horse accident. Clark asks her to marry him so he can take care of her and she can take care of them. Yes, it sounds strange but you just have to see it. 

Love Begins is the story of the young Clark Davis, how he meets his first wife, Ellen, and how he develops into the faithful man he is in Love Comes Softly. This movie is romantic, suspenseful, funny, plot-rich, extremely family friendly, and clean. My children loved it (even the boys) and we have enjoyed sharing it with others. I enjoyed this story because it shows a man of responsibility, maturity, hard work, and respect - all traits I want my boys to develop and that I want my daughters to look for in a future spouse. It displays the principles of forgiveness and second chances - traits I want all of my children to understand and apply to their lives and that help us realize the Lord's forgiveness of us all. 

Valentine's Day is coming up...consider this beautiful movie to celebrate the love in your family.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Our friend... the Roku

No more $100 cable bill! Meet our friend, the Roku!

We have never had a $100 cable bill, but many people we know do. We converted from half that amount over a year ago to this little streaming device, the Roku - www.roku.com

No, you cannot access LIVE Jazz games or prime time TV (not that I would want to), but it allows you to connect to your Netflix account for instant streaming to your TV, Amazon on Demand (for more instant streaming movie choices) and other free specialty channels like Hulu, news, radio, and spiritual channels. There are other paid channels one may subscribe to as well.

This past weekend, we had the marvelous opportunity to watch General Conference http://lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng at home because of the Mormon Channel on Roku. Since we do not have any kind of TV access, it was a fabulous experience to view the conference, not just listen to it on the radio.

I like the Roku device vs. standard TV or cable because:

• It forces you to make a choice and look up something worthwhile, rather than scroll aimlessly through bogus channels, looking for something to watch. 
• It takes your monthly bill down to $0.00 after the purchase of the Roku which is as low as $59. (If you want to stream from your Netflix account, you do have your $8/month fee)
• Many movie choices are available to rent without having to run down to RedBox or Blockbuster. Convenience! 
• Entertainment becomes more of a "plan and do", rather than an always-on annoyance.
• The remote is simple and easy to use...less than 10 buttons!! Even kids can figure it out. (Maybe that's not such a good thing) Or should I say, even Mom can figure it out?
• DVD purchases and DVD storage are becoming obsolete. Many of our current DVDs are accessible through these Roku channels. Also, movies can be purchased through Amazon Instant Video to be watched over and over again. No scratched or lost DVD's. No freezing or skipping. It's fabulous!
• It helps a family focus on what's really of worth or valuable to watch. Do you watch the football game "just because it's on?"

Thanks, Roku, for saving us money, giving us options, and allowing a "choice" rather than an "expected".

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Flicka and Maximus: A "NO-Media" Moment

"Go Faster, Maximus."

"No, Flicka faster"

"Maximus is going to beat Flicka."

"No, Flicka beat Maximus."

Can you tell who's four and who's two?

Ahhhhh, simple fun. Who would have thought that a pair of red suitcases with handles could provide an hour of horseback riding fun yesterday for two little people. It never ceases to amaze me how in a world of gimme, gimme, gimme, children can be content with imaginative play. This time, it required nothing more than an empty suitcase and a creative mind. 

Flicka (left) and Maximus (right) with some happy riders.

Ipads, Ipods, Video Game Systems, Computer Games, Handhelds, Movies in your car, Movies at home, Movies on your phone, TV, Cell phones, Texting, Smart Phones...It's too much! 

Have a "No-Media" Moment and let the fun begin!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Thanks, Adventures in Odyssey!

Sibling relationships, communication, the golden rule, honesty, love, humility, trusting God, peer pressure, justice, courage, truth, friendship, determination, leadership, hard work, obedience, American History, Biblical Stories, consequences, responsibility, giving, compassion, charity, giving thanks, caring for the poor, contentment, selflessness.

Looking for QUALITY entertainment that promotes these values and so many more?

Adventures in Odyssey

"Created for ages 8-12 but enjoyed by the whole family, Adventures in Odyssey presents original audio stories brought to life by actors who make you feel like part of the experience. These fictional, character-building dramas are created by an award-winning team that uses storytelling to teach lasting truths."

 www.adventuresinodyssey.com

Our family was introduced to this fantastic audio series in 1996 when we purchased a radio station in Delta, UT. Adventures in Odyssey was one of the programs that we aired daily. We looked forward to these humorous and entertaining stories every day; stories that teach true principles and values in the middle of exciting adventures. The imagination station takes you to the Civil War and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln or to the story of Joseph in Egypt. Modern day stories give real-life examples of situations our children may find themselves in. After selling our radio station and moving North, we lost touch of Adventures in Odyssey but have rediscovered it again. All the fun memories of our favorite character, Eugene, as well as Whit, Connie, Dr. Blackggard, Bernard, Jimmy & Donna, and so many more, have hit home.

My description really can't do it justice. Download a free episode here and listen for yourself. Over 600 episodes have been produced, based around the ice cream shop, Whit's End, in the town of Odyssey. Listen online or find it on the radio near you. I promise...your children will LOVE it.

Thanks, Adventures in Odyssey, for providing QUALITY, family entertainment!!

 

 More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

The Perfect Game

My daughter was complaining the other day about movie choices. She stated, "There are not any REALLY good movies to watch", almost implying that the only solution is to watch movies that are not good. She was talking about movies that are wholesome yet entertaining. We gave examples, but that didn't boost her confidence much.
The very next night, she came home to find the family just sitting down to watch The Perfect Game.

 

 It is difficult to find movies that are enjoyable, yet fit in with your standards. You have to look for them and watch for them, but you can find them. This is one of them. When we do come across a movie that is REALLY worth watching, I have to share it with others!


This film is based on a true story about a group of boys in Monterey, Mexico that start up a baseball team with the help of a local that had worked as a towel boy for the St. Louis Cardinals. Using his former connections, he gets them into an American Little League tournament where they go on to win the Little League World Series; the pitcher pitches a perfect game, the only time in LL World Series history. 


The movie is funny, inspiring, entertaining, clean, faith-filled, and fun. This is a definite MUST-SEE for your family. Nine little boys from Mexico tug at your heart as they learn the game, rally together, encourage each other, go forward with faith, deal with racism (takes place in the 50's), and absolutely astonish America.


There are a few instances of racist comments during the film. It is a good opportunity to talk with your children about how things used to be, how things are now, and how each of us are children of God, no matter where we're from or what we look like. 


So, back to my daughter. She LOVED this movie. I said to her, "So, there are no good movies anymore, huh?" She exclaimed, "I love movies where people don't think someone can do something but they do it!"


Watch The Perfect Game with your family. It truly is close to a Perfect Film!


More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Media Fast - Day 2

Observations for day 2 of the Media Fast:

1. The kids are really trying. Our stalwart Jazz Fan was dying to know the score of the game last night. He realized the only way to find out was to call a friend of his, but it was too late. He had to wait until this morning to hear the outcome. Also, last night, our four oldest children went to a youth activity. They were in other people's cars who turned on the radio. Two of my four kids told me that they politely asked for the music to be turned off. They had the opportunity to talk about the media fast. They promptly replaced the music with religious music.

2. My daughter sang a church song all morning as she was getting ready for school. Usually, I hear a "popular" tune. Love it!

3. Do you have any children that tend to clash? We have a pair...12 year old boy/17 year old girl. This morning I found them on the same couch together, half asleep/half awake. When they realized I was taking their picture, she quickly covered up. I don't know if this kind of togetherness has ever happened before...

4. When Buster Brown wakes up, he likes to veg in front of "All About Cars & Trucks" or "Veggie Tales". This morning, I found him doing this...

Wow, a book. What a concept! We don't need to watch Larry Boy to be entertained.

5. My nine year old son got all of his homework and chores finished by dinner time. Awesome!! He wanted to play a game with me...Life. That doesn't work very well with a 2,4 and 6 year old so I gave him a rain check.

6. When the kids found out that I ALWAYS turn off the radio when I'm driving in the car by myself, they were shocked. "It's one of my few moments of quiet", was my response. No music while driving in the car hasn't affected me. However, I have noticed more conversation in the car because of it.

Good Stuff!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Media Fast - Day 1

Since we're in the middle of a sugar fast, why not a media fast while we're at it? Actually, I will give the credit to my son's sixth grade teacher. The entire class is having a month long media fast from Feb. 1 - Mar. 1. 

"...there is a downside to the modern media because of the great volume of it pouring into our lives. We are in an era when the information superhighway will have the capacity to cut a wide path into our homes. As we consider the importance of nourishing our intellects with the promising potential of superhighway resources, we must be ever cautious about...the impact of media upon our lives. "

M. Russell Ballard

We decided, as a family, to support our son and his efforts by participating in the media fast, too. Here are the rules:

1. Music: Listen to classical or Sunday/church music only

2. Cell Phones: No texting or games. If someone sends you a text, call them back. Cell phones can be used to make calls but please don't make one when you're having a conversation with someone else. (Exception: you may communicate by text with a parent/child)

3. Television/Video/DVD: You may watch ONE sporting even each week. You may watch TWO movies for the month. These need to be done with at least one other family member.

4. Computers: You may do homework and research, but no games, social networking, instant messaging, etc. You may spend up to 15 minutes per day checking and sending email.

5. Video Games: None

We had a family council on Sunday night where we discussed the media fast. Each member of the family committed to it. Some were not too thrilled about it, but they did commit. I'm very proud of them for their willingness to do a hard thing. Instead of focusing on all of the things they're missing out on, we tried to bring out the positive about having more time to focus on things that matter most...family, sleep, extracurricular activities, homework, service, opportunity to make money, etc. Also, the class is going to have a celebration at the end of the month, so our family is, too.

Yesterday was Day 1. I didn't think I would notice very much after just one day, but I was surprised. Here are some of the positive things I witnessed...

1.  My little people played together all day. They played dress up, puzzles, games, tea party, and more dress up. The arguing was diminished.

2. My first grader had more desire to do her school work. She is a movie watcher...it was nice to see her more interested in playing and working.

3. When my five older children came home from school, they gather around me and we talked for at least an hour. It was fabulous! They talked with each other, laughed and had a great time. No fighting!

4. Two of our sons enjoy teasing their little sister. When she purchased a FurReal with her Christmas and birthday money, they spent time helping her figure it out.

5. My son hasn't practiced the piano for a few months (he no longer takes lessons). He sat down and practiced for a half an hour, rather than checking out www.nba.com.

6. Another son spent time dancing and playing to the piano music.

7. My little cub scout gathered the children around the table for a "tea party" while I was fixing dinner. They played happily, and I didn't have any whining or fussing to deal with.

 

8. My oldest daughter randomly gave her sister a hug.

9. This guy spent time learning the ins and outs of a graphing calculator.

10. I felt more peaceful and patient.

I'm enjoying this media fast. I know it's harder for my teenagers since they are the ones that listen to music, text and browse the internet, but if Day 1 is any indication of the rest of the month, I'm Sticking-to-it!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

A Kudos to you, Mom

I LOVE Stick-to-it Moms!! My son told me a funny story yesterday...

"Mom, my friend asked me if I had ever seen A Christmas Story. I told him, 'yes, my Mom heard all the swearing in it so she threw it out and said we shouldn't watch it.' Then my friend said, 'Really...me too. My Mom got it at the video store and thought it looked like a good movie. She came in while we were watching it, heard all the swearing and told us to turn it off.' Funny, huh!"

Well, it's not funny that such an innocent looking movie is full of garbage you don't want your kids to hear. But, yes, it's funny and AWESOME that two young men had the same exact experience with their mothers. Thanks Mrs. H. for being a Stick-to-it Mom! By the way, I love that our sons are friends!!

Don't let this innocent looking movie fool you, too!

The world needs more Mom's who are willing to help their children Stick-to-it! It all starts with desire and love. Add in consistency and you're on your way! Stick-to-it, Mom! You're shaping the future, one child at a time. 

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Chickens in the Headlights

Adventures with the Snake Stalker, who really shot and blinded Noletta?, running down the streets of Germany with a brother and sister detective pair, living in a mortuary as a teenage boy...

Audio books have been a huge part of our family's entertainment for the past 8-10 years. Not only does it pass the time on a long trip or keep us laughing late into the night, but it sharpens a sense (audible) that is not focused on much in this modern age of computers, movies & video games - all using the visual sense. Listening to a story teaches children to really focus and sit still. Characters and settings come to life in their mind, using their own imagination. There isn't a movie screen or picture book to sway thoughts or ideas. 

One of our all time favorite audio books is Chickens in the Headlights, followed by its sequel, Bullies in the Headlights. 

 

Link for Chickens in the Headlights

It's based on a family of 7 boys under 11 and the adventures that they have together. The book is good, too, but the audio book brings it to life with different voices, sound effects and an overall excitement and humor that can't be beat. My children quote these books often, even though it's been 4-5 years since we first listened to them. I think it's funnier for the parents and older children than for the little ones.

Concerned about the media possibilities that could enter your home? Help sway the choices by introducing quality, clean, fun and uplifting options for your family to enjoy. Try an audio book...you'll be amazed when they don't want to turn it off to eat dinner or go out to play. You may even let them stay up late because YOU don't want to turn it off either.

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Make Sure it's Worth it!!

Does the entertainment industry just drive you crazy? When your children want to go see a movie with their friends, do you cringe because you know there's not going to be ANYTHING good enough to see? Yes, there is the rare "great film" that comes out, but most of them are not worth my time, nor my money. 

I've learned to rely on this website to help me with my movie-viewing decisions:

http://www.pluggedin.com/ developed by Focus on the Family - www.family.org 

Choose a movie - a new release or an older film and it gives you the DETAILS so you may make an informed decision about whether or not to see the movie, not just rely on your neighbor or friend that said, "It's so great" or "It doesn't really have any swearing" or "There's just a little bit of violence". 

It gives you positive elements, negative elements, sexual content, violent content, drug/alcohol content, crude/profane language and other elements. It tells you how many instances of a swear word there are, quotes from the movie, and descriptions of inappropriate scenes; followed up by an "opinion" as to whether or not to spend your money or time.

I use this website often. I've used it so much that my children now go to the website and read the review before they ask if they can go see it. Or, they email me the review so I can read it myself. 

With my older two children, we've moved to a different approach. We want them to make the decisions for themselves...it's not much longer before they're on their own and we want them to have practice making choices with guidance from those who love them. We tell them to read the review. If they feel good about it, then we let them make the choice. However, we've put our foot down with Rated R movies - not allowed! It's worked well.

My son wanted to go see Avatar. He read the review. I asked him, "What do you think?" He said, "I don't think I should see it. I'll suggest something different". They didn't see a movie after all. They participated in another activity which I would much prefer. 

Help your children choose their media wisely! Find great movies or a TV series to watch as a family and to find enjoyment in. The latest series we've been enjoying is Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye. It's about a deaf lady who works for the FBI, solving cases using her lip reading ability. It's fabulous! No swearing, no sexuality. It's funny and entertaining and exciting. 

Purchase it from AFA: http://store.afa.net/p-10000558-sue-thomas-fbeye-complete-5-volume-set.aspx

Learn more about the true story of Sue Thomas:

 http://suethomasfbeye.com/default.aspx

My movie philosophy: If you're going to watch it, make sure it's worth it.

More to come...but until then, Stick-to-it!

Media Opp - Liberty Roundtable

We had a great interview today on Liberty Roundtable - www.libertynewsradio.com.

Thanks, Sam and Curt!

The Cell Phone Dilemma

In this age of instant contact and a desire for the safety of your children, I can understand the need for parents to give their children a cell phone. But, I think it's gone too far, especially when children as young as 8 years old have their own phone with texting capabilities. I could go on and on about my opinions in this matter, but the reason for this post is to give an alternative to each child in your family having their own cell phone.

In our family, Mom and Dad have their own phones and for the children we have family phones. The family phones can be checked out with permission, to take on dates, dances, out with friends, to the store, etc. This provides a phone for the child for safety issues and ease of communication. Yet, it limits the extreme use of texting, gaming and talking on the phone.  A certain child never has a certain phone, preventing the "girl that calls all the time" from getting to your son; rather, half the time little sister will answer instead. Parents are able to better monitor calls that are coming and going. Texting is not on our family communication plan.

No, this method may not be for everyone, but it keeps the phone for the purpose it was intended - a tool for proper communication, not a toy for fun and games. There is enough media distraction in our children's lives already. Let's not add more complication to the mix.

More to come, but until then - Stick-to-it!