Based on the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in Coast Guard history, Disney's THE FINEST HOURS is directed by Craig Gillespie and stars Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana. THE FINEST HOURS storms into theaters everywhere TODAY! A heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. A heroic action-thriller, “The Finest Hours” is the remarkable true story of the most daring rescue mission in the history of the Coast Guard. Presented in Digital 3D™, Real D 3D and IMAX® 3D, the film will transport audiences to the heart of the action, creating a fully-immersive cinematic experience on an epic scale. On February 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter s

This is a sponsored post Many are still digging out from the wrath of Winter Storm Jonas. Kids still home from school and cabin fever is eminent. It won’t be long before echoes of “I’m bored” will fill the halls. So before your kids remind you that we can only make so many snowmen and snow balls before the kids get weary.  Don't fret, here are some tips to keep the kids busy. Build It .  When I was a kid, my siblings and I used to build massive forts on snow days.  We would grab sheets out the linen closet and drape them between the couch and loveseat in the den and prop them up with a broom.  My brother was the master of fortress making.  He would move a lamp, his toys and snacks into his while my sister and I spent more time tucking our sheets into the couch than playing in our fort.  My kids have truly inherited their uncle's fort making skills.  My youngest tucks sheets into the recliner and positions them just so for a teepee effect.  Such precision.  He closes t

Silver Dolphin Books, publisher of high-quality, activity-based books for children aged 2-12, is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new series of educational books in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex, and child literacy expert Dr. Adria Klein: Smithsonian Readers (Paper over board; $14.95; 200 pages). This series is designed to strengthen reading comprehension with structured levels that build upon previous skills, paired with informative content that will keep even the most reluctant readers engaged – from outer space to dinosaurs to Ancient Egypt. That's what the promo says.  Check out our thoughts below:

Last weekend, I was feeling a little nostalgic and decided to look up a childhood friend.  I was unable to find him via the popular social networks but lucked up on his name, address and phone number during a random search on Google.  Funny, I wasn't reluctant to call as I had this gut feeling this was indeed my dear friend, Jon, from Capitol Avenue. I anxiously dialed the number and a voice answered.  A sweet, consoling voice on the other end answered with "Hello".  *gulp* Now... now my nerves set in.  It wasn't Jon but perhaps his wife and now I have some explaining to do.  Some strange woman calling my husband.  "Lord", I prayed silently, "please don't let her be the insecure type."  "Hello, is Jon available".

SHIMMER AND SHINE :  Nick's newest and most magical twin sisters sparkle their way to DVD on February 2, 2016 Nickelodeon's (mis)adventurous and magical twin sisters come to DVD on Shimmer and Shine. In its standalone DVD debut, fans can join Shimmer, Shine, Leah and her friend Zac in the magical worlds of genies, dinosaurs and more. Despite any obstacles, the power of teamwork and friendship help to make their adventures turn out great! In addition to over 2 ½ hours of magical content, this DVD comes with a set of four hair ties as a fun gift with purchase! Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Shimmer and Shine is available for the first time on DVD February 2, 2016 for the hot, bargain price of $14.99.  Keep reading for your chance to learn more about this DVD and enter a giveaway to win your very own DVD!

A few years ago while attending a worship conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas I heard a song called “In Awe of You”. It was a track on an album by some Christian artists from Sacramento, California. Youth from all over the country were singing the song as it echoed throughout the halls of the convention. The song was written and performed by a youth music ministry called Jesus Culture.  A nice introduction to a great band of worshippers. Jesus Culture has been performing and releasing CDs for several years and their message and music style hasn’t varied much. For some artists that could be a bad thing but in the case of Jesus Culture, it kinda works. It's evident the band knows who their target audience is and judging by the fact they've released 10 CDs and hit the Top 10 several times in the past few years, it's safe to say the Jesus Culture formula works!  

A reader responded to one of my reviews of a daily devotional asking if I could recommend any good devotionals for younger readers. I’m happy to oblige as there are so many wonderful devotionals for younger readers. I love daily devotionals.  Devotionals are a great way to encourage children to read daily. Whether you choose a devotional beginning with “Day 1” or “January 1”, you have 365 days of reading material. #LearningWinning With so many devotionals to choose from it can be difficult narrowing it down to the “perfect” one for your child so here are 5 tips to help find the right devotional for your little one.

I've been married for nearly 19 years and the tips Patrick shares in  the Dude's Guide to Marriage  are practical tips which cross gender lines.  Believe me, husbands also desire to be wanted, needed and loved.  It's basic.  Really, it's basic but record divorce and unmarried rates clearly illustrate we are somehow missing the mark.  One topic Patrick shares in his book which really hit home was Chapter 3:  Fight.  Fact is there will be conflict in a marriage.  You will have to learn to deal with it and do so effectively.  This chapter flooded with tips on fighting a good fight:  "Let go of the need for an immediate solution", "Articulate the other's point", and Realizing "the fight is about more".  WOW!  This chapter really hit home. Book Description “I am a well-loved wife.” Is this something your wife would say?

Loo king for a unique gift to wow your valentine?   Check out  YourCover !  YourCover began in 2000 with the belief that everyone deserves to star on his or her very own magazine cover. Initially, YourCover had its employees creating each issue individually, using photos and information provided by customers. This process of making fake magazine covers was highly labor intensive – and the price point reflected the considerable labor cost. Keep reading for details on how to save 20% on your Your Cover purchase.

From the cover page emblazoned with I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 to the Prayer Journal on the last page, Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible for Kids  is one of the most thorough Bibles for youth I've ever reviewed. The Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible for Kids, NIV includes the complete New International Version (NIV) of the Bible along with devotions, prayers, and highlighted verses to help kids pray and listen for God’s answers to their prayers.  Features include: Presentation page for personalization and gift giving. Devotions about people who prayed and listened to God such as Abraham, Hannah, and Job. The Lord's Prayer explained for kids. The "hand" prayer model to help kids remember to pray for others and themselves. Highlighted verses great for memorization and meditation. Book introductions explain what each book of the Bible is about. Prayer journaling pages with space to record personal prayers and answers to prayer. Reading plans. Complete text of t

I remember the headlines of the escape, manhunt and capture of Brian Nichols.  Nichols overpowered a sheriff's deputy then returned to a courtroom where he murdered two, shot an officer as he fled the courthouse and later shot another officer before carjacking others and forcing his way into the home of Ashley Smith.  He bound Ashley with tape and an extension cord and held her hostage for seven hours.  Sources report Nichols' girlfriend had given birth to a son and he escaped jail so he could see his infant son but that was never to be. Ashley, like many of us, was starting a study of the popular book, The Purpose Driven Life.  She hadn't long been into her studies of the book before it would prove to change her life.  As she was returning home from a local store one day, she was accosted by Nichols. Captive chronicles the paths of two people, one on the run and the other tired from running.  A chance encounter that would change their lives forever. The role of Brian

Here's another fab Nickelodeon DVD to add to your collection.  Your kids are sure to delight as Shimmer and Shine, Dora and many other Nickelodeon characters come together in one delightful DVD.   Nickelodeon's favorite characters are preparing for the Spring with some cute and cuddly new friends in Nickelodeon Favorites: Whiskers and Paws . This furry and fun collection features over two hours of content from some of Nick's newest and greatest shows. New Nickelodeon shows Shimmer and Shine and Fresh Beat Band of Spies make their DVD debut as they encounter a zoo full of animals and an out-of-control bundle of bunnies.  Other Nick adventures include the PAW Patrol pups trying to control some naughty kittens; Dora and Friends making peace between cat and dog; the Bubble Guppies getting an education in house cats; and Blue spending time with her bilingual kitten friend Periwinkle in Blue's Clues. Created by Nickelodeon and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribu

Our last travel excursion of 2015 took Three Boys and an Old Lady to one of my favorite cities, New Orleans. This was the first time I’d traveled there with the kids in tow and was excited to share with them some of my favorites haunts and what better place to being a trip to N.O. than with a visit to Canal Street. The frugal mommy me booked a hotel in Kenner, a brief 10-minute drive to The Big Easy. Anyone who has ever stayed in the N.O. knows it’s difficult to find a hotel sans the exorbitant valet or self park fees. Our travel buddies opted to stay at the downtown Doubletree and Hyatt Regency locations and shelled out a whopping $35/night for parking. *drops mic * Moi, on the other hand, paid zilch, zero, nada but I did have to drive into the city every day but given our hotel was a 2-minute walk from Macy’s, Target, Dillards and a 5-minute drive from Walmart, I still deem my hotel as #WINNING! With so many things to do and see when traveling with kids to New Orleans it can

Oh you poor, poor folks with birthdays on holidays like Christmas, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day.  I imagine it's tough having a birthday on those days with everyone caught up in the holiday your birthday may go unnoticed.  Such is not the case for the Three Boys and an Old Lady family.  We have fam with birthdays near or  on most holidays including Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day and the 4th of July but no birthday goes unnoticed.  We celebrate that person's day because we know it's THEIR day and everyone loves a little cake on their special day.  Thank goodness for Birthday in a Box... our one stop shop for all our party necessities. Hubby's birthday falls near the Christmas holiday and I confess it's tough gathering fam and friends to celebrate as their often tied up with their own special activities.  This year, I want to make his birthday extra special since it'll be the first time the kids and I won'