Category Archives: Random

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Is Mary Poppins A Good Film For Foster And Adoptive Families?

A Full Review Of The Film *WARNING: SPOILERS*

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It’s officially, OFFICIALLY, the Christmas season and we are excited to see Mary Poppins Returns as our annual Christmas Day tradition. But Kristin and I had the chance to see a pre-screening of the film earlier this week, which is officially in theaters today. The question we always try to answer with our reviews is, “Is this good entertainment for foster and adoptive families?” Here’s my take…

In an era of remakes and reboots, comes a refreshing sequel with Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns. You read that right…sequel. Because honestly…how do you remake the original Mary Poppins? The answer is, you don’t! Like a well-preserved bottle of wine, you allow the magic that Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke brought to the silver screen in 1964 to grow better with time. And you add a magnificent layer of magic with Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Mary Poppins and Jack The Leary in case you are wondering).

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Dear Frustrated Parent, There’s Hope For More!

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There are days when you struggle to believe your child is ever going to be able to function on their own, do the right thing, or make the right choices. But I believe, there is hope for more!

Can I just be honest for a second. This past Sunday I had had it with my child. HAD it! I was beyond done. In fact, I instantly allowed myself to go to a place of complete and utter hopelessness. We had finally made it to church after weeks of not being there, and I plopped into my seat in the back row, hopeless!

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How Do I Know If I Need Medication?

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Sometimes we find ourselves struggling through this journey as parents in ways that are beyond the normal struggle. But often, we’re afraid to admit that we may need medication too. How do we reach out? Our hope is that this post encourages you to bravely step into the light. You are not alone!

My children were preschool and elementary age and had struggles. The kind that keeps you up at night. That drains you. That most people don’t get. The behavior kind. The invisible special needs-kind which gives way to more judgement from others, even if just perceived. It had been years and was taking a toll on me. 

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Disney’s The Nutcracker & the Four Realms Is An Instant Holiday Classic!

*WARNING: SPOILERS*

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Bring on the Holidays! It’s opening week for Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms and we are your central hub for all things Nutcracker, including a short review of the film, and a family fun page with coloring pages, movie clips, and more!

Photograph courtesy of Disney Studios

If you follow us on social media you may know that we just recently recorded a mini documentary about how our family celebrates the holidays. The documentary was filmed in connection with a home goods store. (We can’t wait to share the finished product with our readers soon!!!) Consequently our house has been decorated for Christmas since mid October.

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How Do Pastors Find Help When They’re Supposed To Be Helping?

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This was supposed to be a post from Kristin about taking better care of yourself while caring for children from hard places. But then I read the story of the recent suicide of California Pastor Andrew Stoecklein, after battling with depression. So I decided to talk openly and honestly about the struggle of being a pastor.

I’ve been there. 

This thought bounced around in my mind in the early morning hours, like words echoing off of canyon walls, as I read the heart-crushing story of how Pastor Andrew Stoecklein’s life ended this past weekend. In the darkness of my bedroom, I wiped tears from my eyes as I thought about his wife and young sons now trying to figure out how to live life without their husband and daddy. I read how he struggled with depression, and anxiety and I identified perfectly.

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Incredibles 2 Is Just That….Incredible!

WARNING: SPOILERS

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It’s opening week for Disney-Pixar’s Incredibles 2, and we are your central hub for all things Incredible, including a short review of the film and a very special family fun page with coloring pages, activity sheets, recipes and more!

(*WARNING- Spoilers are contained in this review)

Laugh-out-loud humor, girl-power, family values, and one solid storyline.

These are just a few ways I would describe the brand new Disney Pixar film, Incredibles 2.

I took my two teenage daughters (yes teenagers!) to see Incredibles 2 last week a few days before it released to the public and in short…it did not disappoint. At all! In fact, as one of the most highly anticipated sequels in Disney Pixar’s history, it far exceeded my expectations as a moviegoer, a Disney fan, and a dad. Not only that, but my two daughters (who were 2 years old, and almost 4 when the first film released) loved every second of it. In fact, my 16-year old returned on opening night with a group of friends to see it a second time!

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Is Every Person Called To Adopt?

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It’s a common question in our society. We all wonder if we are capable of such a hard task. Those of us who are seasoned usually find out we most definitely are not capable at all because so much more plays into it. Outside our group, it’s phrased as more of an exclamation. “Not everyone should adopt!” It seems they feel judged and maybe that I think of them as less than for not doing such a “noble” task.

I’ve observed/know of/heard of many families who started the journey of adoption where it worked great. Most just worked, but maybe not great. I’ve also observed those that started the journey and then it didn’t work. Like all things went TERRIBLY wrong. There is no cookie cutter answer or family for this job.

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How Families Can Eliminate Debt And Save More Money.

The Honestly Adoption Podcast - Season 9, Episode 79

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Stressed out about finances again?  Wish you could save more money and eliminate debt?  Is that even possible for families who have many children and are in debt from adoption, cars, or other major expenses?

Welcome Back!  We are kicking off Season 9 of the Honestly Adoption Podcast with an incredible episode! Brian and Cherie Lowe join our hosts, Mike and Kristin Berry, to talk about why eliminating debt can help bring peace to your home, your heart, and your marriage and share some practical strategies for how you can do this even in a large foster or adoptive family.

Listen Now: