When I received the book A Rare Nativity to review, I worried that it would have a sinister tone. From the first few pages, I just wasn’t sure what the book would contain.  This was probably due to the voice in my head, hearing the words as I silently read.  By the end of the story, though, I realized that the nature of A Rare Nativity was pure and good. [Read more…]

Being a teacher’s kid means that the likelihood of receiving educational toys is pretty good.
Being the child of TWO teachers? The education toys are guaranteed.
Luckily for us, Ryan’s makes learning fun!

This year as part of their Family Night offerings, the Ovation portfolio of restaurants have partnered with Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab series. One lucky reader will receive a A Thomas Edison Secret Lab Prize Pack (and so will I).
Each Thursday from 5-8PM (excluding holidays), participating Old Country Buffet, Ryan’s, Hometown Buffet, and Country Buffet restaurants will host a science-themed event.

– November 12 “Why Do Things Float”
– November 19 “Sweet Dreams/ PJ Party”
– November 26 Thanksgiving DVD Sweepstakes (Each restaurant will give away a DVD)
– December 3 Cotton Candy Experiment
– December 10 Genius Dress Up
– December 17 What’s Your Bright Idea!
– December 24/31 Thomas Edison Secret Lab Activity sheet available

Some restaurants will even be showing episodes of the popular series — check with your location to see if it’s included! In addition to this giveaway, the brand is also sponsoring a sweepstakes featuring a trip for a family of four for 5 days/4 nights to sunny Florida!

The special Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab “Genius” Prize Pack comes complete with themed, collectible products including a Secret Millionaire’s Club (SMC) “Business in a Box” lemonade stand, a SMC Car Wash and SMC DVD and of course FREE MEAL COUPONS from any of the more than 300 Ovation Brands restaurants. The prize packs are valued at well OVER $100 each!!!!!

To enter the giveaway, visit the giveaway form below. The contest is open to US readers, ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!

For 13 years, we lived in a house on a hill. It was a BIG hill, and my kids were not allowed to take their bikes outside alone. I was afraid (with good reason) that they would fly uncontrollably down the driveway. Sad, right? Well, we moved, and now we finally have a pancake-flat yard. Oh, happy day! So when we received the Rockboard Scooter for the kids to try out, it was an instant hit! I mean, look at it. How could it not be an instant hit? Don’t let Santa get credit for the Rockboard Scooter. It’s too good to pass off on an incognito guy in a red suit. Hide it behind the tree, Christmas Story style, and let the hugs and kisses pour in. [Read more…]