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Jul. 2, 2009
DD ~ Downtown Disney ~ West Side
This week's topic is:
On our last 3 trips to Disney, I had DisneyQuest on my "to do" list, but we've just never managed to squeeze it in to our busy schedule. To me, it seems like it would be a great rainy day activity; but if everyone thought that way, it would certainly be packed on a rainy day.
Our friends, Gabby & Abe, did sneak out on a date night this past January. They enjoyed supper at Planet Hollywood, before going on to see a show at Cirque du Soleil. Personally, I'm too cheap; but they said it was well worth the $$$.
 (taken inside Planet Hollywood)
There are several other neat places to eat on the West Side, as well as some interesting shopping experiences. Oh, and while Ashley and I were surfing the net for something interesting to share about the West Side, we found this:
What is it? you ask. Well, it's the newest attraction on the West Side - Characters in Flight. At the cost of $16 per adult, and $10 per child, you can soar 400 feet into the air, for a bird's eye view of all-thing Disney. Now, this is something I'm sorry to say that we missed - maybe next time!
So, what do you enjoy doing on your visit to the West Side? Please share on your blog, and sign the Mr. Linky below. Thanks!
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Jul. 1, 2009
Exposure by Brandilyn Collins
This week, the
is introducing
Exposure
Zondervan (June 1, 2009)
by
Brandilyn Collins
 When your worst fear comes true.
Someone is watching Kaycee Raye. But who will believe her? Everyone
knows she’s a little crazy. Kaycee’s popular syndicated newspaper
column pokes fun at her own paranoia and multiple fears. The police in
her small town are well aware she makes money writing of her
experiences. Worse yet, she has no proof of the threats. Pictures of a
dead man mysteriously appear in her home—then vanish before police
arrive. Multisensory images flood Kaycee’s mind. Where is all this
coming from?
Maybe she is going over the edge.
High action and psychological suspense collide in this story of terror,
twists, and desperate faith. The startling questions surrounding Kaycee
pile high. Her descent to answers may prove more than she can survive.
To read the first chapter, go HERE.
Brandilyn Collins is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. These harrowing crime thrillers have earned her the tagline "Don't forget to b r e a t h e . . ."® Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors (John Wiley & Sons). She is now working on her 20th book.
In addition to Exposure, Brandilyn’s other latest release is Always Watching, first in The Rayne Tour series—young adult suspense co-written with her daughter, Amberly. The Rayne Tour series features Shaley O’Connor, daughter of a rock star, who just may have it all—until murder crashes her world.
 You know those books - the ones you pick up and can't put down until you've read the entire thing? Exposure is one of those books! I read it all in less than 24 hours. It's an edge-of-your-seat, page-turner. I was immediately drawn in by Kaycee, the main character, and found myself trying to solve the mystery (the answer didn't hit me 'til close to the end).
I had never read any of Brandilyn Collins' books before - anytime one has come up for review, it's always been a 2nd or 3rd in a series (and I hate starting into a series in the middle). This book seemed to be a stand-alone, so I took the chance to review it and was not disappointed. Now I see what all the hype is about! I'll be picking up more books by this author.
“More twists and turns than a Coney Island roller coaster! Highly recommended.” ~CBA Retailers
“Mesmerizing mystery…authentic characters…a fast-paced, twisting tale of desperate choices.” ~TitleTrakk
“Brandilyn Collins is a master of suspense, and Exposure is her best book yet!” ~Dianne Burnett, Christianbook.com
Copyright 2006-2009 by Reviews & Reflections
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Jun. 26, 2009
I'd like to introduce you to a very special friend ...
Last year, while making the selections for the FIRST EVER TOS HOMESCHOOL CREW, I met a very special lady. Her name is Renee Walker and, in addition to many other things she does to keep herself busy, she also has a blog right here at HSB. I'd encourage you to stop by and visit her blog and check out her very informative reviews.
And, since today also just happens to be Renee's birthday, be sure to say "Happy Birthday" while you're there!
Over the past year, Renee has not only become an inspiration to me, but she's someone that I proudly call "my friend". I asked her if she might take the time to answer a few questions that I can share here on my blog - questions about her life and a non-profit organization that she has set up to help others.
I'm sure that you'll be as blessed by Renee as I am. She's one special lady!
Hi, Renee! Thanks for taking the time to visit with me and my blog readers! I’m excited to introduce them to you and your business/charity. Please share with us a bit about the journey you’ve been on for the past 10 years.
Hi, I am happy to share. I was born 48 years ago hard of hearing. I have a deaf mother and a deaf uncle, so as their hearing loss had been progressive sensorineural hearing loss, it was not a shock to my parents. I continued to lose hearing until I was considered profoundly deaf in my teen years because I could no longer understand speech. I began wearing hearing aids around 6. It was discovered that I was night blind around 6, as well. Other than being nearsighted and night blind, my eyes were seemingly fine. Hearing loss continued, but I went to school to become a teacher and had no problems in school because I read lips so well. My real journey as far as I am concerned began about ten years ago when God put an obsession in my heart for His word. For two-three years, I couldn’t sleep or eat much because I couldn’t get enough of reading and deeply studying the Word. I knew He was preparing me for something, but I had no idea what. Then I began to notice vision problems. At first I thought it was the “my arms aren’t long enough” syndrome many of us get when our eyes begin to age, and we learn we need reading glasses, but it worsened. Finally after many experts and tests, I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. It meant that my retina was dying starting in the peripheral areas. I found that I was already well into legal blindness and had been driving like that. My first diagnosis showed a 10 degree field of vision and by the next round of tests, the doctors no longer considered prescription lenses for my rapidly blurring central vision. I was diagnosed eventually with late stage RP. The full diagnosis was Usher Syndrome which is the genetic condition where the RP and hearing loss are combined. I had been compensating for several years and wasn’t noticing the gradual loss. I was suddenly considered DeafBlind and duly registered. It seemed overwhelming, but the miracle that God had been working in my life for the previous two-three years now left me with a complete peace that it would work out. God was truly in control of my vehicle through life. I was totally confident now in the passenger seat. I hadn’t realized it, but God had managed to switch places with me. I was no longer driving. He was the driver.
I know you went to visit the Helen Keller School for the DeafBlind in NY. Tell us a bit about that visit and what you learned there.
I went to Helen Keller National Center for the DeafBlind in August 2007. It was scary for me. I had not been so far away from family since losing my sight. Though God was with me, new places still frightened me. The people there didn’t know what to make of me at first because though I needed to learn how to do things differently, I was fully able to independently take care of myself. I had a job as a principal of a private school and umbrella program for homeschoolers. I just needed training in communicating in new ways. I needed tactual ASL, instruction on using braille displays, and contracted braille use. I had already mostly taught myself how to move independently first with a cane and then with a guide dog. I had learned uncontracted braille on my own. I had learned how to continue cleaning my house and even cook blind. The instructors got on board and took my skills to new heights. Many were pleased to be using teaching skills they had not used in a while because most of their students come knowing much less. I was lucky. God had been preparing me for this mission all along.
What prompted you to start DeafBlind Hope and who benefits from this charity?
While at HKNC, I noticed friends who were being denied equipment and even training because their state couldn’t provide and neither could they. Many were sent home too early or without anything they had learned to use to help them become independent contributors to society. In the end, I finished my training after many months away from home and returned only to be told that I would not be receiving any equipment from the Vocational Services in my state. All that work seemed for nothing. I quickly sunk into a deep depression. I could see no point in my learning to be independent using technology to earn my way if the state nor I could afford the equipment. A good braille display is about $5,000 and the software needed to let it run on a computer is an additional $1000.00. A braille embosser (prints braille) is $10,000, and I needed it to print the students’ records and teaching materials in a way I could read. How can anyone afford this equipment? I sunk lower until God pulled me up and told me to find a way to pay for it myself and to help others get what they need. DeafBlind Hope was born. I work without Assistive Technology mostly because my display is borrowed. I use it when I can. I use my residual vision which is less than 2% now and with central acuity of 20/500 to run my school and to do the extra writing jobs that I do to raise awareness and sometimes a little money for DeafBlind Hope. I also work with individuals and organizations to do fundraisers. We are providing teaching materials and an intervener (a specially trained person for the DeafBlind who are only found in Canada) for an eight year old DeafBlind child. He lost both hearing and sight within a few weeks of birth. An intervener we provided for three weeks last year taught him how to dress himself and potty trained him for the first time. When we were able to get her back for a couple of weeks, he began learning his colors, numbers, and spelling of short words. Individuals and organizations help me by holding fundraisers of all kinds and get the tax deductible donations for us. The money I receive goes straight to people who need it for their equipment or training. I do not receive a salary. Most of the overhead is covered from my school’s operating budget. This allows us to help more.
What can we – as homeschool parents, vendors of educational products, members of our local communities – do to make life easier and more pleasant for people with disabilities?
As individuals, you can help by donating, of course, knowing that your money will be used wisely and directly for a DeafBlind person’s training and equipment needs. You can set up your own fundraisers and help us get the much needed funds. However, some things that everyone can do is learn ASL and be willing to do it tactually, help a DeafBlind person in your area go shopping or read their mail (that is called a Support Services Provider), or just go and talk with someone. DeafBlind people can be the loneliest people in the world even in a crowded room because very few people can communicate with someone who can’t hear or see. Vendors and businesses can be willing to make their materials available in accessible formats. The cost isn’t overly expensive and can be written off your taxes. Take the time to ask your customers who are blind, deaf, or deafblind what they need to be able to use your products or services and be willing to accommodate them. For example, Adobe .pdf’s that are used for many homeschooling resources and e-books now are not accessible to screenreaders and braille displays. Be willing to provide your blind and deafblind customers with a .rtf (rich text format) file. Yes, copyright is hard to adhere to there, but allow your blind and deafblind customers to provide you the evidence documenting their need and have them agree to not provide the information to others in any way. If you are willing to take the time and effort, there are ways to help people with disabilities to enjoy a productive life.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us today?
Well, it is important to know that there are many DeafBlind people in the world. There are over a million in the United States, and most are getting little to no help. Adults sit in dark rooms unable to communicate even to family. Children are being left in the back of special education classrooms literally beating their heads on the floor because their teachers love them, but do not know how to teach them. Help us to provide what these children and adults need. It is expensive, but if we all pull together and give a little in time, money, and effort, DeafBlind people can learn to be independent and give back to their communities. It is their dream. It is my dream to continue to be independent and to contribute to my world. We can’t do it alone, though. We need your help. I promise you it will be worth every bit.
I'd like to encourage you to consider making a donation to DeafBlind Hope. DeafBlind Hope is a program operated by The Joseph Aaron Evangelistic Association through its educational division, Wynfield Christian Academy. It is a 501 c(3) non-profit corporation that accepts tax deductible donations. Federal ID # is 58-1489908. In blessing others, you too will be blessed!
(Also, if you are talented in making graphics, I know she'd just love to have a logo for this very-special charity. If you would like to help by sharing of your time and talents in this way, please contact Renee or me. Thanks!)
Copyright 2006-2009 by Reviews & Reflections
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Jun. 25, 2009
Traveling this Summer?
Might I suggest some fun ways to entertain the kids in the car?
Click here for more information or to purchase
Click here for more information or to purchase
click here for more information or to purchase
These activity card sets are surefire ways to keep your kids busy on the long trip! They cost only pennies per activity! Plus, they come with a wipe-off pen so you can use them over and over again. Ashley bought a set of these cards for Gracie for her birthday ( 50 Secret Codes) and we have all enjoyed looking at them and trying to figure out the mysteries.
If you decide to order one (or all 3) please do so through the links above (so I get party credit). Thanks!
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Jun. 25, 2009
You're all invited ...
...to my Usborne Book Party!
I know you can't literally come to my house, so I decided to host an ONLINE show! This past weekend, at the LEAH convention, we were "neighbors" with an awesome Usborne representative. I bought 5 books for Ian and there were so many more I'd love to have! We already have TONS of these books from when Ashley and Gracie were little.
If you're familiar with Usborne, you already know their books are great quality. If you've never heard of or seen Usborne, please click through my party link and check them out. You'll love them!
So, come to my party!
It'll be open 'til June 25th.
I'll do a drawing of all my guests and send out a special prize to the winner!
Copyright 2006-2009 by Reviews & Reflections
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Jun. 25, 2009
DD ~ First Disney Trip
Today's topic is
YOUR FIRST DISNEY TRIP
My very first trip to Disney was in the late 80's. I believe it was January of 1987. I posted a picture of me and my brothers on that trip here. This was the trip that instilled in me my love for all things Disney (including the Birnbaum's Guide). It's also the trip that spurned my planning obsession (and it's been downhill ever since!)
2 years later, I experienced my first "on my own" trip - even though my parents and brothers were vacationing there at the same time, my BF and I had a room to ourselves and did our own thing. I shared a picture from that trip here.
I shared a picture of our first trip together (as a family) here (1999). That trip was more of a spur-of-the-moment trip - my parents had received a monetary gift and shared enough with us for a trip to see The Mouse. Even with only a few weeks, I was able to REALLY plan!
There's something special about the first trip - no matter what the circumstances. I still remember things about my first trip, and each time one of our kids experienced her/his first trip. On our trip in January, not only were we able to see Disney for the first time through Ian's eyes, but also through the eyes of our dear friends who traveled with us.
Please share your first Disney trip story with us, along with pictures! Then, sign the Mr. Linky below with a direct link to your DD post. Can't wait to hear about YOUR first trip!
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Jun. 24, 2009
Daddy Time
For this week's Blast From the Past, Debbie shared a picture of her hubby with their children - in honor of Father's Day this past weekend. I dug into the reserves and found this picture:
 Brian (left) holding Caleb & Tony holding Gracie
Though this picture isn't very good, it does have a great story behind it ...
When I was 17, I got some pen-pals from Teen magazine. One of them was from western Ohio and her name was Laurie. We had an immediate connection that has continued on through the years. She got married not long after high school, and we went our separate ways for awhile. A few years later, I received a Christmas card from her (at my parents' house) - in the interim, I had gotten married. We got back in touch, and started visiting with each other.
When Ashley was born, Laurie and her husband became Uncle Tony & Aunt Laurie, and they just doted on her. They tried for over 10 years to have children but could not. Good thing Ashley was personality plus - there was always enough of her to go around.
When we were in the process of adopting Gracie, Laurie finally became pregnant! Their son Caleb was born one month after Gracie - he was born in July, a few weeks later we received our referral call for Gracie.
The picture above was taken the following fall, when Gracie & Caleb were about 18 months old and Laurie was pregnant with baby #2 (FYI: they have 6 kids now!)
Wanna participate in Blast from the Past? Check out the details here.
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Jun. 23, 2009
In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms by Dr. Laura Schlessinger
 They number in the millions and they are incredibly important to families and to our society, yet they are underappreciated, little respected, and even controversial.
Who are they?
They are the stay-at-home moms.
These are women who know in their hearts that staying home to raise their children is the right choice for the whole family. Some do it from the outset of their marriages, while others make the difficult transition from career-driven women to homemakers. Either way, it is a choice that is incredibly rich and rewarding, not to mention challenging.
Now Dr. Laura, building on principles developed during her long career as a licensed marriage and family therapist, provides a wealth of advice and support, as well as compassion and inspiration, to women as they navigate the wonders and struggles of being stay-at-home moms.
Learn how:
- to hold your head high and deal with naysayers;
- to see the benefits of being home not only for your children but also for your marriage;
- to understand the changes you see in yourself;
- to realize that the sacrifices you endure now will make for lasting bonds and a stronger family, in addition to a more cohesive community.
In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms is a special book, a profound and unique understanding of how important it is for mothers to raise their own children.
To find out more about Dr. Laura, click here or visit her website.
It's not very often, in this day and age, that you find a mainstream author in favor of stay-at-home moms, let alone promoting it. The fact that Dr. Laura has written this book In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms was enough to make me agree to review it, and I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed reading about Dr. Laura's life and how she discovered the important role of mothers in the lives of their children, and how much of an impact a stay-at-home mom can make (for the good). Though she doesn't necessarily promote homeschooling in this book, and it's not written for homeschooling moms, I really appreciated this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who is considering becoming a stay-at-home mom or someone who needs an extra pat on the back for deciding to stay at home (we all need some encouragement and reminders now and again). Thanks, Dr. Laura! I appreciate your wisdom and experience!
Copyright 2006-2009 by Reviews & Reflections
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Jun. 23, 2009
His Name is Jesus by Max Lucado
 Max Lucado's first book that journeys from the birth of Christ to His resurrection.
Drawing from his classic writing on Jesus combined with new reflections and breathtaking art, Max Lucado again opens our eyes—and hearts—to the life and work of the Savior in a way that will change lives forever. “Jesus was, at once, common and not; alternately normal and heroic. One minute blending in with the domino players in the park, the next commanding the hell out of madmen, disease out of the dying, and death out of the dead.” Who was this man who spoke as easily with kids and fishermen as widows and waves? It is the question that has echoed down through the centuries to us today, and here is a visually stunning book that answers aspects of that question.
This is a beautiful book! I enjoy anything by Max Lucado, and this book is certainly no exception. His Name is Jesus is actually a compilation of several of Max's other books, including some of my personal favorites - A Gentle Thunder (the first Max Lucado book I ever read), Traveling Light, and He Chose the Nails (remember the one that came with my entertainment center?)
Unlike Max's other books, this book is a showpiece - not just the kind of book you sit down and read, but the kind that you actually LOOK at. It's filled with lovely, soothing illustrations that leave you with a peaceful feeling. The book will take you through the sequence of events in Jesus life, with separate sections for His Birth, His Mission, His Death, His Resurrection, and His Legacy. You'll want to lay this book on your coffee table, or someplace with prominence in your home - you'll pick it up often.
Pick up several copies - you won't want to share yours - and His Name is Jesus will make a beautiful, keepsake gift for anyone on your gift-buying list.
Copyright 2006-2009 by Reviews & Reflections
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Jun. 22, 2009
Multiple Streams of Contentment
Multiple Streams of Contentment
By Karen Whiting
My mother didn't smile on my wedding day. She spent the day overwhelmed with sadness although she loved me and loved my fiancé. He was everything she wanted in a husband for me. The wedding stayed within budget and everything went off fairly smoothly. My extended family all attended, everyone got along, and tried to cheer her up. Yet, my wedding photos will always show her sad expression.
The day before the wedding my mentally handicapped brother had lost his little job of waiting on tables at a school cafeteria. Although social workers could easily place him in a new position, mom remained discontented and focused on that problem the entire day. She made the mistake of magnifying one problem, so that it robbed her of joy on such a happy occasion.
Many people let one problem override all the blessings in their lives. It steals their contentment. They forget to trust their anxieties to God and rejoice in the blessings he has given them.
Some people fixate on something until it changes their personality and fills them with negative emotions that spill out in sin. Herodias, in Matthew 14, is an example of a person whose discontent led to a life of sin. She had a husband but chose the sin of adultery. She must have been discontent with her husband. She felt more discontent at hearing John the Baptist speak of repentance and point out her sin. That led to her plotting the murder of John the Baptist. She trampled over people and even used her beautiful daughter to get her way. She ignored John's calls to repent, the one action that would have healed her heart and given her joy. Her bad choice snowballed into disaster for many.
In contrast, Paul spoke about contentment, in Philippians four, and said that he had learned to be content in prosperous circumstances and impoverished situations. His circumstances could not rob him of his joy or peace. It is very seldom that every detail in life is perfect because we live in a fallen world, but we can make choices that help us remain content despite our circumstances .....
*I hope you're enjoying this article. You can read the rest of it here.
A creative person with creative solutions- that's Karen Whiting! She has a heart for busy women and desires to help them free up time for what God has truly called them to do in relationships and ministry. She challenges listeners to discover ways to connect, serve, and treasure one another.
Karen found time to follow God's call to write even while she and husband, Jim moved around the US and raised their five children. They currently live on Maryland's eastern shore and are new grandparents.
An author of ten books for women, families and children, Karen writes to creatively strengthen families. Her articles have appeared in dozens of magazines, including Focus on the Family, Today's Christian Woman, Christian Parenting Today, and Parent Life. Karen has been named Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in the World, and Professional Speakers Network member of the year award. Karen has been a guest on numerous radio shows and hosted the educational television series Puppets on Parade. With humor and inspiration, Karen loves to encourage women to nurture their relationships and family life.
Find out more about Karen at her website http://www.karenwhiting.com/
To schedule Karen for a speaking event or interview, please contact Kathy Carlton Willis Communications at WillisWay@aol.com or check out http://kcwcomm.blogspot.com/.
Copyright 2006-2009 by Reviews & Reflections
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