The Restoration Series: Jonathon's Walk

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Do you have a connection with someone in prison? I imagine, whether we realize it or not, we all know someone who is in or who has been in prison. My great uncle was in prison...though I don't know any other details than that. The closest I have ever come to prison was when we sent our dog to the local prison for their dog training program. When I went to pick our dog up, I had to walk through several gates with razor wire, and check in. I watched as the prisoner who trained our dog showed us his new tricks. The program they have there rehabilitates dogs from shelters so they can be adopted and also trains dogs for families. Through this program, I came to have a slightly better appreciation for the men and women who do this program...who spend their days making the lives of those dogs better.

 Jonathon's Walk is a series that goes live today. It shows us how he has spent 15 years in prison from a mistake made at age 18. Through the series, we see how his family has had to carry on without him, and how they will have to reintegrate as a family after being apart for so long.The odds are stacked against him because over half of America's prisoners who get released end up back in prison. He has gone through a program called The Academy to help him reintegrate into life outside of prison walls.

The Restoration Series: Jonathon's Walk is a five part documentary. If you would like to watch this series or send the link to someone that might be touched by it, check it out and sign up to watch it at this link. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Kids Craft: Paper Plate Submarine

This post is entirely dedicated to getting the song "We All Live in a Yellow Submarine" stuck in your head...just kidding ;).

This was a fun craft to do with my daughter because it used a few different art mediums...paint, markers, ripping/cutting paper, glue. I found the idea at Red Ted Art and made a few modifications to her submarine.

DIY Wooden Growth Chart

My husband's parents always marked his growth on a door, but when they got rid of carpet, all of the measurements changed. My parents used the door frame, which worked until we moved and couldn't take the door frame with us. I wanted something to keep track of my children's growth that would last a long time, and that we could take with us when/if we moved. That's why I fell in love with the idea of a giant wooden ruler!

"Indivisible" coming to theaters October 26

Disclosure: I was given the chance to see an advanced screening, and received ticket codes for a giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own.

There's such a variety of movies available in theaters right now...something for everyone I suppose. If you are looking for a wholesome, clean, moving movie, I highly recommend going to see Indivisible.

This film, starring Sarah Drew, Justin Bruening, Jason George, Tia Mowry, and Madeline Carroll, addresses some hard issues that many military families struggle with. For those of us who aren't military families, it's hard to imagine what these individuals deal with during, and after deployments. I truly appreciate the honesty and openness of this film.

Indivisible is based on the true story of
Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather. During the film, we see how Darren and Heather use their talents to bless others, but then struggle in their own marriage. 

This is a movie of faith, endurance, and love. If you would like to win tickets to see this movie in theaters, please watch the trailer linked here and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cheesecloth Ghost without Starch

I love the cute cheesecloth ghosts that everyone makes, but most of the tutorials I read required using starch to give the ghosts their shape. I didn't have starch on hand, so I was thrilled when I found a different technique that uses corn starch (which is still probably technically starch, but not the stinky spray kind)!

I found the idea at Love and Laundry...and I'm so glad I did. My kids had a blast making these ghosts.