~ November 2014 ~

Dear Readers,

Happy November! It's hard to believe the holidays are almost here already. But first, don't overlook Veterans' Day as a day of honor, appreciation, and respect for America's Veterans, remembering the sacrifices they have made in serving our country to protect us and our way of life.

As part of your Thanksgiving/pre-Christmas activities, consider going to see "Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas."

Also be on the lookout for homeschool actress Mandalynn Carlson’s movies. She stars as lead character Summer Dean in "A Horse For Summer," a family-friendly faith-based film that should be in Walmart stores soon. Then there is "A Christmas Promise," about a girl and her dad who try to help save a horse farm, coming out on cable in December. And finally, "Small Town Santa" is available on DVD and instant video at Amazon.com.

Featured Article

"SAVING CHRISTMAS is a wonderful defense of Christmas traditions and is quite educational." ~Dr. Ben Carson

This Christmas, join with Kirk Cameron’s family as they feast and laugh and celebrate. The newest film from the star of "Fireproof" and "Unstoppable" is an engaging, entertaining, and edifying story that shrugs off political correctness and commercialism, and glorifies the true reason for the season. "Saving Christmas" provides a biblical basis for our cherished celebrations and time-honored traditions, remembering the significance of Christ's birth in human history.

Cameron stated in a press release: "For too many years Christmas has been attacked and hammered by those outside the church, and it's even changed how we think about Christmas inside the church. We are proudly going to put the Christ back into Christmas and remind Christians why this is not only a holy day, but a celebration as well. I believe that families will love this movie!"

"Saving Christmas" is a collaborative effort between CamFam Studios and Provident Films, in partnership with Liberty University. Additional ministry partners include: Jennifer Rothschild Ministries, Fresh Grounded Faith, Extraordinary Women, and the Christmas 180 Project.

This is the perfect movie to watch to have fun and get fired up for Christmas in spite of hectic days, busy stores, and spending money. If you know any old Scrooges or someone who says "Bah, humbug!" they need to see this movie too.

"Saving Christmas" opens in 400 theaters across the country on November 14 for a limited engagement - two weeks only! You can purchase tickets here and watch the trailer here.

Book of the Month

America's Thanksgiving commemorates the Pilgrims' harvest feast, part of the story of the settling of Plymouth Colony, an important period in American history. Since the Pilgrims' original feast was never repeated, it can't really be called the beginning of a tradition, nor did the Pilgrims call it a Thanksgiving Feast. Nevertheless, the 1621 feast has become a model for our own Thanksgiving celebration. Learn all about the first Thanksgiving, find out what else was happening at that time, read Thanksgiving poems, get authentic Pilgrim recipes, activity ideas, etc.

48 pages of Thanksgiving resources including:
-The Pilgrims' Thanksgiving
-The Mayflower Compact
-The First Ever National Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1777
-Continental Congress Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1782
-Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789
-Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1863
-The First Thanksgiving (from "Stories of the Pilgrims")
-Pilgrim Timeline
-Pilgrim Trivia
-Thanksgiving Links
-Thanksgiving Poems & Prayers
-Thanksgiving Quotations
-Thanksgiving Scriptures
-Thanksgiving Picture Study
-Thanksgiving Worksheets
-Thanksgiving Activities
-and much more!!!

*Downloadable in PDF format, using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Famous Homeschoolers

“The March King” was born on November 6, 1854. Musically talented and homeschooled as a child, he grew up to be a world-famous American band conductor who composed over 100 popular marching songs. Read his biography here. You can also download the following story written by Sousa himself: John Philip Sousa: Experiences of a Bandmaster* (Five entertaining anecdotes, good for reading to kids.)

*Downloadable in PDF format, using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Reading Between the Lines

What motivated the Pilgrims to come to America? What formula for success did they discover? More importantly, how can we apply these same foundational truths today? Monumental is a 90-minute documentary that follows Kirk Cameron across Europe and the U.S. as he seeks to discover America’s true “national treasure” – the people, places, and principles that made America the freest, most prosperous and generous nation on earth. Click here to read the whole story.

Learning Links

Veterans Day (The history and traditions of this holiday, along with some activity ideas.)

The First Thanksgiving (The Pilgrims' 1621 harvest feast became a model for America's Thanksgiving celebration. This page includes Thanksgiving poems, recipes, and activities.)

Giving Thanks (The Thanksgiving holiday is a good time to help your children reflect on what they are grateful for.)

Family-friendly Thanksgiving Films (Some movies with Thanksgiving themes that the whole family can enjoy.)

First in Flight: Wilbur & Orville Wright (To celebrate Aviation History Month, read about these two brothers who built the first successful airplane.)

Teddy Bears (November 14 is National American Teddy Bear Day.)

World Hello Day (Learn how to say "hello" in 40 different languages.)

Freebie of the Month

The Gettysburg Address - President Lincoln delivered his famous speech on November 19, 1863. Download this PDF and practice reciting it.

Thanksgiving Proclamation - This 1623 Thanksgiving Proclamation was attributed to Governor Bradford (although it was most likely created sometime in the 20th century). It's fun to recite and it looks great printed on parchment paper, or print it on plain white paper and have the kids decorate it!

(Requires Adobe Reader: click here for free download.)

Quote of the Month

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

A Note From Teri...

A bushel of thanks to all my loyal readers. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. Did you like this month's newsletter?