2019 Rise Women's Conference

one of the many snack options/trays available

There was also a popcorn bar, chips station, pizza rolls, and chocolate covered pretzels

#allhealthyoptions

performers from the local high school drum line

Back in early November (just a couple months late posting...don't judge) I attended the annual Rise Women's Conference held at my church.  It's a Friday evening/Saturday morning event with speakers and activities for close to 1000 women.  

This year had a Homecoming oriented theme.  I helped with decorations and the snack bar.  This was my favorite Rise conference yet.

QHS drum line

lead singer of That 80s band dressed as Debbie Gibson

Mandy Harvey of AGT fame as a speaker....Beyond inspirational and down-to-earth.

QHS Drum Line....amazing. 

That 80's Band from St. Louis.......Great live band with music from the 80s. 

The Crossing Worship Team.....sang uplifting music to get us pumped.

Friday was phenomenal.  I even had a couple friends over after to spend the night.  I'd like to talk about how Saturday went but I way overslept (by several hours) so never made it.  

If you've never heard of Mandy Harvey, look her up!  It was at the conference that I first learned who she was.  Mandy is best known for being a finalist in America's Got Talent.  She has a voice that will tear at your soul and can play an instrument quite well.  And, unless she told you, I swear you'd never know Mandy is deaf.  

Mandy, at the age of 19, lost all of her hearing.  She went through a season of self-pity and anger but put on her big girl panties and has made the best of it.  Because she can't hear the songs she writes/sings, Mandy uses different techniques to get the vibrations and vocals correct.  That girl is the epitome of inspiration!

The Addams Family - Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack Giveaway

Street Date: January 21, 2020
Rating: PG for macabre and suggestive humor, and some action
Run Time: 1 hour and 26 minutes

Everyone’s favorite creepy and kooky family is back  in  the “frighteningly  funny  and  fresh” (Rosie  Knight, IGN)animated  feature  film, THE ADDAMS  FAMILY,  arriving on  Digital December 24,  2019 and  on  Blu-ray,  DVD  and  On Demand January 21, 2020 from Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios (MGM) and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The  very first full-length  animated  film about the  eccentric and   unconventional family, THE  ADDAMS  FAMILY on  Blu-ray,  DVD  and  Digital showcase the  wonderfully  weird world  of the  Addams  family  with  a  variety  of  exclusive  bonus  features not  seen  in  theaters including deleted and extended scenes, an interactive charades game with Thing, behind-the-scenes footage, music lyric videos and more!Filled with wildly funny moments and a fresh take on the beloved  characters  created  by  Charles  Addams, THE  ADDAMS  FAMILY celebrates  the uniqueness of every family and delivers spooky fun all year long.

From  directors  Conrad  Vernon  (Shrek2, Madagascar  3)  and  Greg  Tiernan  (Sausage  Party, “Thomas & Friends”), THE  ADDAMS  FAMILY boasts  a  star-studded  voice  cast including Oscar   Isaac   (Star   Wars:   The   Last   Jedi, X-Men:   Apocalypse),   Charlize   Theron   (Long   Shot, Kubo  and  the  Two  Strings), Chloë  Grace  Moretz  (Kick  Ass, The  5thWave),  Finn  Wolfhard  (It, “Stranger Things”), Nick Kroll (The Secret Life of  Pets 2, Sing), music icon Snoop Dogg, Bette Midler (HocusPocus, The First Wives Club) and Allison Janney (Minions, I, Tonya).THE ADDAMS FAMILY was recently nominated for two Annie Awards™ including “Best Character Design –Feature” and “Best Production Design –Feature.”

Get ready to snap your fingers! The Addams Family is back in their first animated comedy about the  kookiest  family  on  the  block.Funny,  outlandish,  and  completely  iconic, THE  ADDAMS FAMILY redefines what it means to be a good neighbor.

BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL:
Deleted and Extended Scenes*
Welcome to the Family*–In this combined Making of/Character Profiles, we hear from the filmmakers and stars of TheAddams Familyabout how the film came about, the animation process and insight into the characters.
Life of a Scene*–From black & white storyboards and layouts to animation and lighting,follow along with filmmakers as they bring to life a scene from the movie.
Charades with Thing*–There’s nothing quite like a game of Charades with your friends. But what happens when the person giving the clues isn’t exactly a person? What if he’s just... a hand? On talent day, stars of the film are invited to play Charades with Thing. Talent goes head-to-head, competing to see who can guess Thing’s clues. Graphics reveal the answers and keep score for each player.
Addams Family Throwback
“Haunted Heart” Lyric Video–performed by Christina Aguilera
“My Family” Lyric Video–performed by Migos, KarolG, Rock Mafia & Snoop Dogg
* Never-before-seen bonus content

Win It!

One person will win The Addams Family Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received no compensation for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Petmate: 15% Off Orders $20+

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From now until 3/31/20, you can receive 15% off your orders $20+ when you use Petmate coupon code SOFTQ1 at checkout.
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Use code WARMBED20 at checkout.  Offer ends 1/25/20.

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This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Heck Of A Christmas Eve 2019

one of the photo props we took a million pictures with

Yep, it's another Christmas post!  We did a lot this year so I didn't want to cram it all in to one writing.  As with every year, we celebrated Christmas Eve at my sister's home with a lot of food, fun, and gifts. 

This picture resonates to me for so many reasons.  It's my sister consoling my brother's mother-in-law.  She had been quite ill and in the nursing home/hospital for an extended period.  She came home a couple days before Christmas Eve and was so excited to be able to spend time with family.

my lottery ticket winnings

Because our family is so large, each person draws another person's name on Thanksgiving.  We then buy that person a gift and give it to them on Christmas Eve.  This year I received a black backpack purse. 

my daughter and her husband

a fancy appetizer plate made by my niece

The adults played several games of Left Center Right.  We've all gotten used to bringing quarters and lottery tickets during family gatherings, knowing we're more than likely going to play LCR.  I won a bunch of lottery tickets but didn't win a bunch of money.  The weather was nice enough that we were even able to hang outside for a bit.

#Selfie

Three of my kids - Logan, Allyson, and Shelby

Check It Out: Savings.com #SaveAtPaperMart Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away ten $20 Paper Mart e-gift codes!

Giveaway ends on Tuesday, January 21st at 11:59 PM PT.  Ten (10) winners will receive a $20 e-gift code from Paper Mart.

Paper Mart sells a massive selection of packages for any product or occasion. Find everything from simple boxes and bags to elaborate ribbons and gift wrap for occasion like parties, wedding and showers.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 197

Photo by Rachel Lynette French on Unsplash

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 197. If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
–Psalms 111:9

Christmas at The Crossing

me and Logan

The church I attend,  The Crossing, had four times for Christmas service.  I went to the Christmas Eve Eve one with my oldest son, oldest step-daughter, and a co-worker.  Jason was there too but he had to work so we saw little face time of him.

me and Kylla

Allyson with friend, Jordan

Jordan works at the church alongside my husband.

My cookie decorating skills are on point!

The entire lobby and kid's area was set up with holiday props and photo opportunities.  Olaf made an appearance and made it snow.  A hot cocoa station and cookie decorating station was also available.  Best of all, we heard the message of the Good News!

Kids clamored to Olaf once they saw him.

Notice the snow coming down from the ceiling.

Hope you had a great Christmas!