All That and a Box of Rocks

Book Review--Coming Back Stronger by Drew Brees

2012-01-27T13:02:00.000-06:00

I think everyone has heard of Drew Brees by now and his Cinderella comeback from a near career-ending injury to lead the Katrina-destroyed New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl ever. In his book Coming Back Stronger, Drew tells the story of hitting the NFL bottom due to injury, working his way back to health, and his gut feeling that led him to choose the Saints for his comeback.

They say that New Orleans needed a hero after Katrina and that hero showed up in a Saints uniform. However, Drew tells the story of a man who desperately needed someone to believe in him--as a player, a leader, and as a man. It was a win-win situation.

This book is so much more than football. It’s about struggle, adversity, pain, faith, love, hope, dedication…. I could go on and on. It’s an amazing story.

As a football fan, I enjoyed reading about the inner workings of football. As a Christian, I enjoyed reading about how everything in Drew’s life worked out for the good of many. You do not have to be either to enjoy Drew's story.

**Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of the Tyndale Blog Network book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Where Do I Go from Here?

2012-01-26T16:51:00.003-06:00

I have been agonizing over whether I should blog about 2011’s major events (namely, my son’s Make-A-

Wish party and trip) or if I should just go ahead with my thoughts, plans, desires, and word-of-the-year for 2012. I can come back to 2011 later. I mean, the end of January is already fast approaching….the agonizing cannot go on much longer!

Let’s be honest….

It has been quite some time since any real, heartfelt content has been posted here on my blog. It is no real secret that I have been struggling for months. Oh, I have been writing; it isn’t writer’s block. I have written hundreds of posts over the past six months or so. Some I have written in my head, some in notebooks, and others are sitting right here in draft mode, just waiting. So….why can’t I just click ‘publish’ and stop agonizing, you ask?

Good question.

I don’t know.

Or, I didn’t know, but I think I have finally figured it out.

Finally.

See, when I first started blogging way back in 2006, the purpose was to preserve memories. I had just been handed a hefty dose of mortality--my son was not supposed to make it to birth and if he did, it was not going to be pretty. I had already buried one son, so when my baby was born alive and very stable, well… I wanted to make sure I recorded life in a way that my memories would be preserved and available. Plus, blogging was gaining ground with my circle of homeschooling, stay-at-home moms.

Part journal, part scrapbook, my blog was a fun way to save photos, to talk about homeschooling (and record our progress), to show off my art, crafts, and DIY projects, and to tell what it is like to have a bunch of kids and everything that goes along with parenting. Life, really.

Just…LIFE.

One day I received an email inquiry asking if I would accept a free product in exchange for a written review on my blog. Then another came. And another.

How exciting!

It was not long before my purpose for blogging shifted. It was not so much about my life any longer. It became ~~a little bit~~ about the stuff. Soon, it was page views, followers, and wanting to be one of those bloggers who go to conventions, the ones who get front-loading washing machines and Frigidaire refrigerators to review and to give away to their readers.

There is nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all. The problem? You have to *really* put yourself out there. You have to be REAL--every day you have to post without fear or abandon. I did that….to a tiny extent, for a short time. Then I started questioning myself.

I could not decide if I wanted to be ‘that real’. To post and tweet my every move, to post unplanned photos (*gasp* and YIKES…. I am NOT photogenic, and I’m always wearing this fat suit. *sigh*) just seemed like too much.

Did I really want to deal with the controversy surrounding something I had posted? Could I handle it if someone questioned something in which I strongly believe? Or something that I am strongly against? Could I handle personal attacks?

Shaken by blogger horror stories, I pulled back. I questioned every single post. I practically stopped tweeting altogether. I teetered on the edge and then…

I developed full-fledged blogger anxiety.

I gathered my resolve on numerous occasions, promising to post something meaningful tomorrow.

Always tomorrow.

A few days ago, I received a comment from a new reader that set me back on the right path. This new reader was searching for support. Her baby was just diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease. After receiving her comment, I realized (finally!) that it has not been an issue of laziness or a lack of motivation holding back my blogging. The fact of the matter is…..

I lost my direction.

My blog is meant to tell my story. Period. It is not meant to bring in a paycheck (which is a particularly laughable statement at this point). It is not about page views and unique visitors and ad clicks and LG appliances, or any other branding.

It is about ME. My family. My life.

This does not mean that you will never read a new book review or see a product review and giveaway here at The Box of Rocks--(I have a NOVICA $50 GC giveaway coming next week!) It just means that if/when it happens….great! If my blog generates a little interest in the blogging business world….terrific! And if it doesn’t? No sweat. Do I want readers and followers? Of course! If my life experiences can help or motivate others….wonderful! If I can share an occasional good book or awesome product….all the better!

No more tomorrows. Today is tomorrow.

Now that I have found my focus, I am all set.

Thanks for reading~

Wordless Wednesday--Planet of the Apes....

2012-01-18T08:06:00.001-06:00

Monkey Man?

You don't see THAT every day.....

(Check out the Picture of the Day at Memphis' Main Street Journal. My boys are famous!) :o)
Happy Wednesday!

It's Jumping Time Again!!

2012-01-13T12:48:00.004-06:00

Yep. Cade has one week to raise money for his school's Jump Rope for Heart program. He is just as excited now as he was last year, his first year to jump. I wrote about my feelings last year. It's a really big deal in our home since we have been so intimately touched by 'special hearts'.

Cade is jumping for Eli again this year. It feels great to see him get excited about honoring his little brother. (Not to mention bringing awareness of CHD to our community.)

Eli, Green Army Man, and Cade at Hollywood Studios in June 2011

Please be patient as I bombard Twitter and Facebook for the next week. I want Cade's efforts to be rewarded. If you can help.....Thanks! ( You can donate via his website with a credit card. ) We really, REALLY appreciate you.

Flowers....

2012-01-12T13:33:00.001-06:00

Aren't they beautiful??

My brother brought these to me this morning. Wonder what he's done now?

Just kidding...

Scentsy Party!

2012-01-12T13:06:00.001-06:00

Lisa's Basket Party

I know what you're thinking.

She's.....alive?

She's Ahhh-liivveeee!

It's true. I *am* alive! I even have several ~~new~~ real posts in the works. Not just Wordless Wednesday and product reviews. (Yawn. < what my blog makes me and everyone else do uncontrollably.) I know. I know. I've said all this before.

This time I really mean it. I am coming back to my blog. (Cue the wild, enthusiastic applause.)

As a little warm-up for the few (very few) readers I still have, I thought I'd post a link to my new favorite products..... Scentsy!

The problem is, well.... I have to support my future habit, so I'm having a basket party! If you click on the large photo above, it will take you straight to my basket party link. Place an order and it will ship directly to you AND will be credited to my party at the same time. (Genius.)

For the record, my favorite scents (today) are: Weathered Leather, Pima Cotton, Twilight, and Shades of Green.

Go on. You know you want to. Retail therapy is the best!

And for you die-hard Scentsy fans.... it's time for Bring Back My Bar! Lots of old favorites available right now!

Wordless Wednesday--Happy Birthday, Eli!

2011-12-07T13:21:00.001-06:00

When I was One,

I had just begun.

When I was Two,

I was nearly new.

When I was Three,

I was hardly me.

When I was Four,

I was not much more.

When I was Five,

I was just alive.

But now I am six,

I'm as clever as clever

So I think I'll be six now

Forever and ever.

(The End by A.A. Milne...Thanks GWEN!)

Wordless Wednesday--Trick or Treat!

2011-11-02T11:49:00.002-05:00

Boy #4-Spiderman...

Boy #3-Steve from MineCraft...

Boys #3 & 4 hamming for the camera....

Boy #1- Something incredibly scary.... (the day after his 17th birthday!)

Boy #2 went to his friend's and I never got pictures of his costume. :o( He was Creeper from MineCraft.

Don't you just love Halloween??

I do.

Wordless Wednesday--Mr. Potato Head??

2011-10-26T07:16:00.000-05:00

I've seen many a Potato Head creation over the past twenty years or so, but I do believe this is a first.....

Mr. (Mrs.??) PH seemed to really like Woody.

There were lots of kissing sounds going on.

Imagination is a great thing....

Carlito C Caterpillar's MathHouse Games Giveaway Winner is...

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

...DRUMROLL....

Comment #3--Leslie!!

I'm so excited for you! I know you will enjoy playing these math games with your little one. :o)

Thanks, again to Propeller for sponsoring this giveaway.

Carlito C Caterpillar's MathHouse Games Review and Giveaway....

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

My homeschooling readers (and moms of preschoolers) are going to LOVE this! Math lessons you can do at home to give your little ones a head start. Math is notoriously labeled as hard or hated, especially by girls. But it doesn't have to be hard or hated. Math can be fun! Especially if you use a multi-sensory teaching plan. Multi-sensory teaching looks a whole lot like play time and is used in many preschools and even in therapy plans for developmentally delayed children. Carlito C Caterpillar's MathHouse Games are based on Domenico Marcario's Sensory Math Teaching System.

Who is Domenico Marcario, you ask? He is the creator of C3pla Sensory Math Teaching System, a retired high school mathematics teacher, and a full-time passionate grandparent! Domenico's program utilizes the natural way children learn--with sensory play.

Carlito C Caterpillar's MathHouse Games is a system of staged games, a total of 20 steps with two games per step. That's 40 games! Each step covers quantity, numeration, and operations. Keeping the focus on play, these games allow the child to remain an active participant during learning.

The C3pla website has additional information on the background of this system of learning, as well as support, reinforcement, and downloads to use with the cards.

The Games come as a set that contains the following:

•30 double-sided, full color, illustrated Game Cards

•Related editorial information explaining to parents The What, Why and How of Each Step

•Each 8" x 4" loose leaf card is printed on heavy card stock, lacquered to help protect from spills and ring bound to keep together and facilitate play

I was eager to try this product with my little one. As my readers know, he has Autism. However, he is considered very high-functioning. He is smart and is busy working on Kindergarten readiness skills. I was thinking these games would come in handy. After looking them over, it seemed that there were several activites we could begin right away. We started at the very beginning with the quantity games "Alike It or Not" and "Hungry Lion". I'm not so sure he fully understands the latter, but I know he will with practice. It's just a matter of time.

I am excited to see my little one growing and learning!

Visit the C3Pla website and check out Carlito C Caterpillar's MathHouse Games. You can purchase a set of these game cards for only $23.95. That's a complete early childhood basic math curriculum for less than twenty-five bucks! (They also have a Facebook page.)

You can also enter to win a copy of the MathHouse game cards here! Yep, I'm giving away a copy starting right now. Just leave a comment to enter. Open to US residents over 18 years of age. If you are interested in bonus entries, you can:

follow this blog via GFC
'like' Carlito's Facebook page
follow me on Twitter (LisalynSchaffer) and tweet this giveaway

No pressure. :o) Just a comment is good enough for an entry.

Giveaway ends at 11:59PM next Tuesday, October 4, 2011. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced here on Wednesday, October 5, 2011.

Thanks so much to Propeller for sponsoring this review and giveaway.

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."

How I Spent my Summer Vacation....

2011-09-27T10:13:00.000-05:00

School is back in session, Labor Day has come and gone, and we're all back in the rhythm of life after summer vacation. Since I obviously did NOT spend my summer, blogging, I thought I'd share how I spent my time over the past three months.

You're thrilled. I can tell.

Honestly, I want to blog about the summer so I can remember. I mean, that's why I started blogging in the first place. As a diary of sorts. It wasn't about pageviews, followers, reviews and giveaways....it was about memories. So, with that said...

We kicked off our summer just a week or so before school was out by attending the MAAR first annual Charity Golf Tournament for Make-A-Wish. This was so exciting! The tournament funded wishes for three kids, but my little one was the guest of honor at the tournament, the only wish kid present to receive his wish publicly. I posted a snippet about the gifts he received in this post back in May. It was the coolest party and I want to post a separate entry with all of the details and photos. I don't want to forget any of the details!

Two weeks later, we were on our way to Orlando, Florida thanks to MAAR (Memphis Area Association of Realtors) and Make-A-Wish. Our whole family boarded a plane early one morning (a first for most of us!) and arrived at Give Kids the World Village in time for lunch! There were tickets for Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens in Tampa, and many other local attractions. With all of the activities they had planned at the Village, it was too much!

In a good way.

My little one's wish was to meet Buzz Lightyear and meet Buzz, he did.    It really was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I will be posting more detailed posts about the trip, because I want to remember every last detail. Not to mention the 1000 photos we took.

No, I'm not kidding.

Two weeks after that trip, we had planned another family trip to Las Vegas. This was a cross country driving trip with lots of sight-seeing.  As the time drew near, I came down with a bad cold. It wasn't super bad, but bad enough that I knew I didn't feel like riding in a packed van for days. So, I bowed out. I decided to stay home with my two youngest kids while the others went ahead with the trip.

And then I got really sick. That "I can't get out of bed" sick. Near 104 temperature for 3 days. Two urgent med visits, an ER trip, breathing treatments, inhalers. I.mean.sick. Sick enough that my 10 yr old said he was really getting tired of seeing me in that bed. I blogged about my hallucinations here. This illness took over most of my summer. It took me weeks to recover! I can't remember ever being so sick. And so alone. With two needy little kids.

While I was sick, I watched Hoarders on Netflix. I needed something to watch that I didn't have to think about. I watched that show and started noticing little things around my house. Like the growing pile in the corner of my bedroom, my overstuffed closet and laundry room, the garage...oh the garage....    And I got worried. I vowed to clean up my act as soon as I could stand up for more than a minute of two.

And I did it! Well, I'm working on it.

Thanks to our tax refund, we made plans to use some of the money for backyard fun. When the Vegas trip was history, we picked up our new patio table and umbrella set, and our new above ground pool was installed just in time for the 4th of July. We also built a small deck by the pool. It was money well-spent. We have had so much fun playing in the pool this summer. The younger two boys took swimming lessons and now had their very own pool for practice. Turns out the whole family loves the water, but I think my little one loves it best.   Seriously....we swam nearly every single day of July and August.

Putting a halt to swim time a couple of weeks ago was a real drag. We can't wait for next May! Next year we hope to add to the deck we built, cover the patio, and plant some flowers and shrubs back there. I'd also like to have a comfy outdoor sofa. And the little boys would like a play fort. We'll see. In the meantime, it's time to break out the firepit and roast some marshmallows!

School started here the first week of August. That seems so early to me, but it has been that way for years. My boys are finishing up their first 9 weeks grading period already!

We really did have a summer filled with fun. The sickness wasn't fun, but we still managed to work around it. I'm so thankful for family activities and fun-filled summer days.

Now I'm looking forward to the splendor of Fall.

Happy Fall, y'all!

Theo DVD Giveaway Winner.....

2011-09-25T09:32:00.001-05:00

Stef at When Life Hands You a Broken Heart!

It would have been better if there had been a little competition, don't ya think? Oh, well. A winner is a winner, though, and I know that Stef and her boys are gonna love Theo!

Thanks to The Propeller Group for supplying the DVDs for this giveaway.

Focus on Autism--From Denial to Devastation to Discovery (Part 2)

2011-09-22T15:45:00.000-05:00

(Click HERE to read Part 1--Denial)

Part 2--Devastation

dev·as·tate verb \ˈde-və-ˌstāt\

1: to bring to ruin or desolation by violent action
2: to reduce to chaos, disorder, or helplessness : overwhelm

Shortly after we began the evaluation process through our state's Early Intervention program, I remember a sweet angel of a face tilted upwards, earnestly telling me something important in that sweet jibber jabber I knew so well. I remember wishing I had a clue-any clue-that would help me unravel the string of thoughts he was trying so hard to put forth. A relative watched and asked if I thought he would ever talk.

The question shocked me.

Not talk?

That had never crossed my mind.

"Of course he will," I said confidently. All false bravado on the outside, but inside, from my brain to my heart to my very soul, the wall I had so carefully constructed between my sanity and the word AUTISM came tumbling down. The rocks and bricks etched with denial fell and fell, leaving me bruised and battered.

And in shock.

My self-created world of safety was obliterated. I kicked and screamed and fought it like a wild ninja on the inside. On the outside...I watched his every move. And I knew.

And I was devastated.

How?

Why? Why such a heavy burden? First his heart and now, this. For nearly three years I had lived thinking his heart would keep him from living a normal* life. I was so wrong.

Then came the devastated anger. You know...that anger that makes you throw things.

Yeah. That anger.

I spent the following weeks and months wallowing in devastation. And truthfully, there are moments now when it washes over me like waves crashing against the beach at high tide, covering all of the beauty that shows in the daylight. It leaves me gasping, struggling to breathe.

But only for a moment at a time, and for that I am truly grateful.

We didn't hear the official Autism diagnosis until three months after our initial appointment with Early Intervention. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, we were able to move from devastation to discovery. I learned so much in such a short time. Enough to push for Autism assessments for another son, and to once again hear an Autism diagnosis. And enough to know how to move from devastation to discovery all over again.

*normal--whatever that is!

Wordless Wednesday--25 Years!

2011-09-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

September 20, 1986

Gosh, I just can't believe it has been 25 years!

Time flies.

Seriously.

As Promised....Theo DVD Review and DOUBLE Giveaway!

2011-09-18T23:07:00.000-05:00

This is Theo....

Check out the quality of this animated Biblical DVD/teaching tool. It's really good! The creator, Michael Joens, has worked on many big name projects in the past, including 'The Adventures of Odyssey'.   Oh, and 'My Little Pony'! (I had to mention that one. You can read all about Michael Joens here.)

Having created the Theo character back in 1978, he had to wait more than 30 years for everything to fall into place before he could bring Theo to life.   And now he and Whitestone Media bring you "Theo Presents", a series of animated videos dedicated to teaching young children all about God's Word.

I was given a copy of episode one: 'Saving Faith', along with a bonus... 'Good News'. Included in the DVD pack was a special teabag....what a nice surprise! You can see a clip of 'Saving Faith' here and you can also download 'Good News' free! Check out the quality---you will enjoy introducing your children to Theo and his friends.

I sat with my youngest son and watched the DVD a couple of times. He is definitely an animation lover. The animated characters grabbed his attention immediately. I'm sure we will be watching Theo together many times.
If you know what I mean... And you probably do if you have kids who watch animated shows. Over and over and over....

The quality is amazing, the concept is admirable, and the message is spot on. Two thumbs up for Theo!

And here's something else that I thought was really awesome....

The Buy 1 - Give 1 campaign!

For every Theo DVD purchased, Whitestone Media and Child Evangelism Fellowship® will send a child in need their very own copy of Theo. You can log onto TheoPresents.com after making your own purchase, and select the region of the world you'd like another copy of Theo to be sent.

Plus....wouldn't Theo be great for Sunday School? Lifeway seems to agree...check out the Theo Sunday School curriculum here.

Theo just came out last week. In conjunction with the new release, (and thanks to the Propeller Group) I have not one, but TWO copies of 'Saving Faith'/'Good News' to giveaway!

Entry is easy peasy....just leave a comment on this post.

For bonus entries:

-Follow this blog on GFC-leave comment here.
-Visit Theo's Facebook page and 'like' it-leave comment here.
-Comment on Theo's Facebook page that I sent you-leave comment here, too.
-Tweet this contest and include @LisalynSchaffer and a link to this post-leave comment here.

The Rules:

Must be 18 years old or older.
US residents, only.
Don't forget to comment separately for each entry.
2 winners will be chosen via Random.org.
Winners must respond within 48 hours or new winners will be chosen.

This giveaway begins NOW and ends at 11:59pm on Saturday, September 24, 2011.
Winner will be announced Sunday, September 25, 2011.

GoOd LuCk!! And spread the word!

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."

MIA...aka Friday Ramblings

2011-09-16T11:10:00.001-05:00

So.

You're still here.

Hard to believe since I've been MIA for nearly a month. Really, I've been MIA all summer. I never intended to be so 'blog shallow'. It just worked out that way.

Just so you know...   I do have a few things in the works.

Like, a couple of book reviews, a DVD review and double giveaway (coming this weekend!), a cool math game review and giveaway, a few posts on Autism (that have been in the works for months), a summer descriptive, and of course, a full detailed diary of my son's Make-A-Wish trip to Orlando back in June. Speaking of Make-A-Wish, I've been asked to be a MAW e-ambassador, so look forward to some cool wish stories in the future.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Would you believe that two of our 3 computers bit the dust in the past few days? It's true!

When you have 3 boys fighting over the one that's left and it belongs to YOU, well, what do you do? You hand it over so your boys can do schoolwork, play Minecraft, add to itunes, post on Facebook....you know, the important stuff!

Which leaves me with very little time to ~~play~~ work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, I do have an excuse for the past couple of weeks.

Oh, and before that I was busy decluttering.

You see, I was sick most of the early summer. I sat around watching Netflix and staring at this growing pile of stuff in my bedroom. I vowed that I would tackle it and every other pile in the house as soon as I was well again.

I'm proud to say that I did just that. I still have 2 closets and the garage left, but I've made great progress! Not a chance I'll be picked for an episode of Hoarders, no sir. Not anymore.

Okay, maybe it wasn't THAT bad.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I lost my camera. The new one. Well, *I* didn't lose it. I put it on the shelf for safe keeping. It disappeared. Hence, this photo-less post. Do you know how hard it is to blog without a camera?? I'm thinking maybe it will reappear when my son cleans his room.

Like that's gonna happen...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Speaking of said son...he has joined a new band and will be playing his first public gig with this band TONIGHT. On Beale Street. Yes, THE Beale Street. Pretty exciting stuff for a teen guitarist with big dreams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Since it's time for my little one's school bus, I'll wrap up my ramblings for now.

Thanks for hanging around during the drought.

Seriously.

The Grace Card DVD Giveaway Winner is.......

2011-08-27T10:54:00.001-05:00

Molly!

I guess those multiple entries really do pay off.

Congratulations, Molly and thanks for entering~

Weird....

2011-08-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

???

Weird things happen.

I think it's because I started a new Bible study two weeks ago. A study that is causing me to really dig and to learn about myself.

Then I watched a Christian movie, wrote a review about it and offered a giveaway.

And got NO blog comments. On a giveaway? (A giveaway that ends tonight.)

Weird.

What else......

I have money in a bank account that is being held because of eBay. Never, in 11 years as an eBay seller, have I experienced anything like this.

Thanks, eBay, for protecting your buyers so well and neglecting your sellers so completely. Maybe you should start selling your own stuff and just do away with outside sellers. Then the money would be yours to hold and you wouldn't be messing with my livelihood!

Weird.

My pool turned green overnight and I can't for the life of me get it clear again. It's looks like the ocean. Ick.

Weird.

There are others weird things I could list, but I'll spare you.

The lesson?

Expect turmoil when you pray and study the Bible.

Hang in there.

And keep doing it anyway.

PS~If you have commented on any of my Facebook posts regarding The Grace Card DVD giveaway, consider yourself entered in the giveaway that ends just before midnight tonight!

The Grace Card DVD Review and Giveaway!

2011-08-20T10:55:00.001-05:00

The Grace Card came out on DVD this week and I watched it last night.

Let me just say that I rarely get emotional over movies. I don't take tissues to the theater and I don't worry about my mascara running during chick flicks. But last night? Well....I admit it.

I teared up. More than once.

The Grace Card takes place in Memphis, Tennessee. The main focus of the story is racial discord and, of course, grace. Mac, the main character, is a white police officer who has become angry and bitter due to his life experiences. His new partner is Sam, a black preacher who moonlights as a newly promoted police sergeant. Both men struggle with the racial tension between them until life gives them both a chance to play the grace card.

You may not know this, but I basically grew up in Memphis. We moved to Memphis just after my 11th birthday. I went to junior high and high school in Memphis. I met my husband, a lifelong Memphian, there. Five of my six children were born in Memphis. We left Memphis in 1998, but didn't go far. I was born somewhere else, but when I think hometown, I think Memphis.

My connections to the city made this movie feel real. I saw places I've visited and I saw the racial division I have always known. The movie felt genuine. Even the accents were right! Don't you hate it when a movie is filled with those fake southern accents?? You know, when everyone sounds like Scarlett O'Hara or that woman on that television show, The Closer? What's her name? Kevin Bacon's wife....

I hate that!

I will definitely watch The Grace Card again. Thanks to the Propeller Group, I have my very own DVD that I can watch as many times as I desire. AND... they were kind enough to supply a DVD for me to giveaway!

To learn more about this movie, visit the website or check it out on Facebook.

WIN IT:

1. Leave a comment here to enter the giveaway. (mandatory-1 entry)

2. Follow this blog via Google Friends Connect. (Bonus entry)

3. Follow this blog via Networked Blogs on Facebook. (Bonus entry)

4. Tweet this giveaway--include @LisalynSchaffer and a link to this post. (bonus entry)

The Rules:

Must be 18 years old or older.
US residents, only.
Don't forget to comment separately for each entry.
Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

This giveaway begins NOW and ends at 11:59pm on Friday, August 26, 2011.
Winner will be announced Saturday, August 27, 2011.

GoOd LuCk!! And spread the word!

Disclosure of material connection: I received one or more of the products 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."

Every Heart has a Story....

2011-08-15T10:52:00.001-05:00

Stef at When Life Hands you a Broken Heart has a blog link-up today. It's called Every Heart has a Story and each participant is linking up a post that tells their family's CHD story in some way.

What a great way to meet others living with CHD or to learn more about how Congenital Heart Disease affects different people. Chances are, every person reading this knows someone with CHD. About 1 in every 100 babies are born with some type of CHD and many do not live to see their first birthday.

If you are visiting from the blog hop.....welcome! I have linked you to this post because our family has a 'two-fer' heart story. That's right....two kids with complex Congenital Heart Disease! Below you will find a few direct links to posts about both of my boys here on my blog. You may have noticed that there is a tab on my blog header for our CHD story. It's still blank. Sorry! I keep telling myself to write that out and well... I just haven't. I will, though.

In the meantime, please check out these posts about my two boys, both with variations of complex TGA and hypoplasia:

My CHD Boys

Clint (10/92-1/93)

http://lisaschaffer.blogspot.com/2006/10/tribute-to-my-son.html

http://lisaschaffer.blogspot.com/2011/01/remembering-this-day.html

Eli (12/05) 5 1/2 years old

http://lisaschaffer.blogspot.com/2009/12/reflecting-on-miracle.html

http://lisaschaffer.blogspot.com/2010/12/five-years-agothe-journey-began.html

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Writer's Workshop--Thoughts of Loss: A Poem

2011-08-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

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I chose the following writing prompt for this week's Writer's Workshop at Mama's Losin It :

4.) Write a poem inspired by the word “Loss”.

Thoughts of Loss

Empty aching arms
seem like lead
becoming heavy without you.

Empty broken heart
seems to beat a different rhythm
stopping here and there to rest.

Empty quiet nursery
seems to know you won't return

and the shadows are too much.

Empty wretched seconds
seem like hours
and turn into days, months, years.

Waves of leaden grief
ebbing and flowing through time

And the loss of you remains

as much a part of me as ever.

What Day Is It?????

2011-08-03T00:08:00.001-05:00

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Yes, it is.

:o)

Robert Pierre "I'm All In" CD Giveaway Winner is......

2011-07-30T01:16:00.000-05:00

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Comment #3--Amanda Towne as chosen by www.Random.org. I usually post a picture of the Random.org widget, but I'm being lazy.

True Random Number Generator
Result: 3

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations, Amanda! Shoot me an email with your mailing info ASAP.

You are gonna love this CD. :o)

Thanks to the folks at Fly Propeller for offering this item as a giveaway.

Robert Pierre's "I'm All In" CD Giveaway......Time is Running Out!

2011-07-28T19:47:00.000-05:00

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This giveaway ends in about 24 hours, so leave me a comment QUICK!