Crispy Fruit Are The Perfect Creepy Treat For My Preschool Class' Goody Bag This Year #crispyfruit #halloweentreats #snacks

Every year I struggle with what kind of sweet treat I can add to my preschool class goody bag but NOT this year.  I am giving them Halloween themed Squishes because they LOVE them, bubbles, pencils and Crispy Fruit in a really cute jack-o-lantern goody bag that I stocked up on two years ago from a discount store after Halloween. 

CrispyFruit by Crispy Green are all-natural go-to snacks made from just one ingredient: 100% pure fruit. They’re crunchy, delicious, portable, and available in handy 4-packs (each with four single servings in one pouch). It’s the guilt-free Halloween hero. They come in 7 delicious varieties like my personal favorite mango, plus apple, pear, tangerine, pineapple, banana and strawberry.

This treat is a favorite for my family and I love that it is allergy free, has no added sugar and no preservatives.  

It is perfect for grab and go, I always have one in my purse or  tote because working two jobs sometimes I only have travel time between to snack on something and this is super easy. 

You can find them in most supermarkets in the produce section and amazon

I cannot wait for Halloween and I know my class are going to love their good bags. 

 

 

Rediscovering the Art of Letter Writing: A Heartfelt Return to Loved Ones

 

Yesterday my daughter and I went through a bin of old cards and letters I had in the garage. She organized it into piles and put it all back in the bin in order of who everything was from. Old letters from family, friends and ex boyfriends. Her take away was that as she gets older her generation will not have anything like this to look back on, re-read or share with family. 

It's sad and true. No one sends letters anymore. Thankfully I do have a friend who still sends letters and cards but these days and I get so excited when I receive one and add it to my current journal. These days everyone sends texts and it's not like anyone is printing out their back and forth conversations for prosperity. 

Looking through the old love letters and retelling stories of people who were a big deal in my life way before she was born was cathartic and fun. I had forgotten some of the letters and others felt like only yesterday I had received them. 

There was too much to go through them all because we were organizing and talking but I cannot wait to sit and really read them. Letters from my father who is now gone, cards and postcards I got from my grandparents as they travelled and love letters from ex-boyfriends that made me feel special. Hearing her "geez mom, another name. Another pile!" still makes me laugh right now. 

I think sending letters is important and we should make a conscious effort of telling those we love how much we love them in something they can hold and re-read. In the past I have left my kids love letters as I left the house for work and they slumbered on but I think it's time to do this more. We are all getting older and I want her to have the "receipts" of my love in something she can see, hold, and share with her friends and family when I am no longer here. 

PREP & LANDING: THE SNOWBALL PROTOCOL’ PREMIERES THIS THANKSGIVING, NOV. 27, ON DISNEY CHANNEL

 

  

 

THE ELVES ARE BACK! 

 

NEW ANIMATED HOLIDAY SPECIAL ‘PREP & LANDING: THE SNOWBALL PROTOCOL’ PREMIERES THIS THANKSGIVING, NOV. 27, ON DISNEY CHANNEL AND NEXT DAY ON DISNEY+

 

The Elves Also Make Their Way to ABC Before Joining Freeform’s Iconic ‘25 Days of Christmas’ Lineup 

 

Dave Foley, Sarah Chalke and Derek Richardson Reprise Their Roles, Joined by Manny Jacinto, Danny Pudi and Dulcé Sloan

 

New Teaser Trailer and Art Celebrate the Return of the Iconic Elves and Introduce Adorable New Sidekick, Nog the Seal Pup

 

Photo Credit: Disney

 

Watch the Teaser Trailer HERE

Meet Adorable Seal Pup HERE

Download New Poster and Press Materials HERE

 

(BURBANK, Calif. – Sept. 23, 2025) Unwrap the ultimate holiday event this season with the return of fan-favorite elves in “Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol,” a brand-new Christmas special that will reach families everywhere across Disney+, Disney Channel, ABC and Freeform. Debuting Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, on Disney Channel at 7:00 p.m. EST/PST, and available the next day on Disney+, later in the season the elves will make their way to ABC and then to Freeform’s iconic “25 Days of Christmas” holiday programming event, making it the must-watch family event of the holidays. 

Marking the franchise’s return after more than a decade, “Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol” is the fourth installment in a series of popular animated holiday specials featuring Christmas elves from an elite organization tasked with preparing homes worldwide for Santa’s arrival. The new special follows Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne, whose holiday mission goes awry, leaving Wayne convinced he’s in major trouble with Santa and accidentally revealing other merry mishaps. Magee, the North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center Coordinator and lover of eggnog lattes, brings along her pet arctic seal pup Nog to the office — kicking off endless hijinks. 

Original voice cast reuniting for the special include Dave Foley as Wayne, a world-weary but dedicated Prep & Landing elf, alongside Sarah Chalke as Magee, the ambitious and eggnog latte-obsessed Command Center Coordinator, and Derek Richardson as Lanny, Wayne’s loyal friend and ever-agreeable partner. They will be joined by new cast members Manny Jacinto as Renato, the most sought-after massage therapist and holistic healer in the North Pole; Dulcé Sloan as Janice, a clerk at the North Pole Post Office; and Danny Pudi as Chef Geoff, the master chef at the Fruitcake Factory. Rounding out the cast is Christopher Swindle as The Big Guy, a.k.a. Santa. 

Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton return to their roles as executive producers, and Colleen Evanson is co-producer and story editor. “Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol” is produced by Disney Television Animation, part of Disney Branded Television. 

 

Disney Branded Television also revealed a first look at the special with a teaser trailer and key art featuring Nog (short for Commodore Charles Eggnogginton III), an irresistibly cute seal pup who becomes a part of the elves’ hijinks and adventures. 

 

Previous specials “Prep & Landing” (2009), “Prep & Landing: Operation: Secret Santa” (2010), and “Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice” (2011) are currently available to stream on Disney+. Toddland will be launching a limited-edition merchandise collection inspired by the new holiday special.

70s Style Slasher Film Brute 1976

 

BRUTE 1976 IS AVAILABLE TODAY ON VOD, DIGITAL PLATFORMS FROM CINEPHOBIA RELEASING

Releasing is proud to announce the release of director Marcel Walz’s (That’s A Wrap, Pretty Boy) and writer Joe Knetter’s (George A. Romero’s Twilight of the Dead) latest feature Brute 1976. The film is now available on VOD, digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vimeo on Demand, and YouTube Movies.

 

”Brute 1976 is bloody and sexy, with a deranged family so demented they make John Waters’s Pink Flamingos look like a paradigm of family values,” said Cinephobia President Raymond Murray. “Brute 1976 restored my faith in horror that shocks.”

An homage to ‘70s horror cult classics The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes. Brute 1976 takes place in 1976, when Raquel and her girlfriend have car trouble and break down on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. At the same time, a group of people are in the desert for a photoshoot. Soon, they stumble upon an abandoned town where a family of masked psychopaths reside.

 

“I’ve always been a huge fan of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes, both the originals and remakes” said Walz. “Brute 1976 was an amazing experience to shoot: It was hot, it was dirty and it was bloody. I’m sure the audience will feel that on screen.”

 

"We are so excited to have Brute 1976, our modern take on the 70s horror films we love so much, in the hands of Cinephobia for it's North American release”, said Knetter. “We look forward to everyone experiencing the Birdy family in all their gory glory."

 

Brute 1976 stars Adriane McLean (Miracles of Christmas), Sarah French (Blind), Gigi Gustin (The Retaliators), Dazelle Yvette (Garden of Eden) and Adam Bucci (NCIS Los Angeles). From production company Neon Noir, Marcel Walz, Joe Knetter, and Sarah French produced, with Dirk Schürmann and Tobias Schürman serving as Executive Producers. Robert Kern III (Prey, Creepypasta) provided makeup effects, and Marcus Friedlander (The Getback) served as Director of Photography. 

 

About Cinephobia Releasing

Launched by Ray Murray, founder of TLA Releasing and Artsploitation Films, Cinephobia Releasing is dedicated to presenting the most eye-opening genre and LGBTQ+ movies from around the world.

This Is So Exciting - Spaceballs The Iconic Movie Returns In 2027

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, Amazon MGM Studios announced that Rick Moranis (Ghostbusters; Little Shop of Horrors; Honey, I Shrunk the Kids franchise), Josh Gad (Frozen; Beauty and the Beast; The Wedding Ringer), Keke Palmer (Nope; One of Them Days), Lewis Pullman (The Testament of Ann Lee; Thunderbolts), Anthony Carrigan (Barry; Superman), George Wyner (A Serious Man; A Million Little Things), Daphne Zuniga (Melrose Place; One Tree Hill), and Bill Pullman (Independence Day; Lost Highway; The Sinner) are set to star in the studio’s new Spaceballs film, alongside previously announced star, Mel Brooks. 

Moranis, Zuniga, Bill Pullman, Brooks, and Wyner will reprise their iconic roles in the long-awaited sequel to the 1987 MGM sci-fi parody that warped its way into cult comedy history, while Gad, Palmer, Lewis Pullman, and Carrigan will take on brand-new characters whose identities are being kept tightly under wraps. Production is now underway on the follow-up, which will hyperspace into theaters in 2027.

Check out the first gathering of the original cast, new cast, and core group of people that are a part of the making of this movie, from the official table read.

*Courtesy Amazon MGM Studios Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) is directing from a script by writing duo Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez (Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy; TMNT: Mutant Mayhem), and Josh Gad. Plot details are being kept under lock, key, and an industrial-strength Schwartz shield. Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Jeb Brody are producing the film, alongside Mel Brooks, Josh Gad, Josh Greenbaum, and Kevin Salter. Adam Merims, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez will executive produce. While the title and plot details are being kept under wraps, the title is rumored to be the name of the movie, and plot details are being described as information about what happens in the story. Rick Moranis is represented by Troy Bailey of Bailey Brand Management and Marc Von Arx . Josh Gad is represented by CAA, Range, and Johnson Shapiro. Keke Palmer is represented by 3 Arts and Hertz Lichtenstein. Lewis Pullman is represented by CAA, Anonymous Content, and ID. Anthony Carrigan is represented by United Artists in the U.K., Independent Public Relations, Goodman Genow, and Schlegel Entertainment. George Wyner is represented by The House of Representatives. Daphne Zuniga is represented by Untitled Entertainment, CESD, Jill Fritzo, and Jackoway. Bill Pullman is represented by CAA and WK-PR. Josh Greenbaum is represented by UTA, Entertainment 360, and Lichter Grossman. Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez are represented by 3 Arts, UTA, Jackoway, and imPRint. ABOUT IMAGINE ENTERTAINMENT Founded in 1986 by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, Imagine Entertainment is a multi-award-winning film and television production company with a remarkable track record of creating critically acclaimed and commercially successful content across genres for over 40 years. Imagine’s productions have been honored with 90 prestigious awards, including 47 ACADEMY AWARD™ nominations and 296 Emmy® award nominations. Upcoming projects include “After the Hunt,” a thriller for Amazon MGM directed by Luca Guadagnino and starring Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny, in theaters October 10.

My Anxiety Is Messing Things Up by Jennifer Licate

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Children’s Book Shines Light on Anxiety in High-Achieving Kids

PHILADELPHIA, Penn., Sept. 22, 2025 — With youth anxiety rates climbing nationwide, an age-appropriate chapter book is helping kids ages 9-14 recognize the toll that stress takes on their bodies and friendships—and offers strategies to help them cope.

My Anxiety is Messing Things Up, by school counselor and award-winning author Jennifer Licate, follows Oscar, a hardworking student whose drive to succeed earns him praise in the classroom and on the field—but also leaves him wracked with anxiety. Unable to sleep and increasingly irritable, Oscar lashes out at his friends. When a teacher invites him to a school support group, Oscar must decide if he’s willing to seek help and try new strategies for relief

Licate expertly combines a fast-paced, relatable story with guided questions and activities at the end of each chapter. These tools help young readers explore their own feelings, while giving parents, teachers and counselors a structured way to start meaningful conversations about anxiety.

“I wrote the book to help children understand anxiety,” said Licate. “Not all symptoms look the same, and not all strategies will work for everyone. My hope is that kids learn there are multiple tools they can try to feel more confident and less overwhelmed.”

The release comes at a time when educators are reporting increased stress levels among students. According to recent studies, more than one in three children experience anxiety symptoms, and sleep disruption is one of the most common side effects. Licate, who has worked as a school counselor for more than a decade, believes early intervention and open discussion can help prevent anxiety from becoming debilitating later in life.

“Children do not need to wait until anxiety is debilitating before using strategies to help their symptoms,” Licate added. “Using strategies to deal with anxiety can help children and anyone reduce their symptoms so they can live their best lives, work toward achieving their goals and feel confident.”

My Anxiety is Messing Things Up

Publisher: Boys Town Press

ISBN-13: 978-1944882891 Available HERE

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About the Author

Jennifer Licate’s award-winning books help teach children the strategies they need to navigate common challenges, from friendship struggles to anxiety to study skills. Some of her other notable titles include I Lost My BFF; Faking Happiness, Feeling Sadness; and He’s Not Just Teasing! Accompanying teacher and counselor activity guides are available for many of her books. Licate received her master’s degree in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling and has worked as a school counselor for over a decade.

For more information, please visit https://www.storiesbyjennifer.com/, or connect with her on Facebook (Stories By Jennifer) and Instagram (@storiesbyjenniferlicate

Tween Sleuths Tackle Chilling Central Park Mystery in Riveting New Story of Friendship and Courage

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“This coming-of-age story is both exciting and heartwarming, making The Central Park Irregulars a worthy addition to any middle-grade library.”

— The Children's Book Review

VINELAND, N.J., September 23, 2025 — Bestselling author Paul Cicchini returns with a gripping new middle-grade mystery, The Central Park Irregulars, a coming-of-age adventure that blends friendship, history and suspense against the backdrop of one of America’s most iconic parks.

The story follows siblings Harper and Bohdi Jensen, who are uprooted from their family’s Pennsylvania farm when their mother accepts a new job as a curator at a museum in Manhattan. Life in the “concrete jungle” is a far cry from the rolling meadows they’ve left behind, but Harper soon finds refuge in nearby Central Park — which her mother calls “the biggest backyard in the world.”

It’s there that Harper quickly forms a diverse circle of friends: Addy, Eli, Gabriel and Zara. But their adventures take a chilling turn when the group stumbles across the body of a saxophonist named Zoots Morgan. What begins as an accidental discovery soon spirals into a risky investigation involving stolen artifacts, family secrets and a race to clear Harper’s mom’s name before it’s too late.

Reminiscent of Dan Brown’s use of world-famous landmarks like the Louvre and the Vatican, Cicchini weaves the real history and hidden corners of Central Park into a high-stakes mystery for younger readers. Alongside the thrills, the book emphasizes teamwork, inclusivity and the enduring power of friendship.

A Readers’ Favorite Five-Star Review praised the book: “Cicchini’s writing is sharp, with organic dialogue and genuinely suspenseful scenes, making each chapter feel like a puzzle piece falling into place. … With its intriguing plot and strong characters, The Central Park Irregulars is a fabulous read for mystery lovers, offering adventure and a real collaboration of friendship and teamwork.”

Comparing the book to James Ponti’s The Sherlock Society series and Kate Milford’s Greenglass House, BookLife Reviews gave The Central Park Irregulars an “A” grade across four categories, saying: “Cicchini’s well-plotted surprises will keep middle-grade readers engaged throughout, invested equally in the friendships and the intrigue.”

Written for ages 10-14, The Central Park Irregulars delivers page-turning suspense with heart. “I hope young readers come away from this story with a sense of adventure that stays with them long after the book is closed,” Cicchini said.

The Central Park Irregulars
Publisher: One Knight Publishing LLC 
Release Date: September 15, 2025
ISBN-13: ‎979-8218685539 
Available from https://amzn.to/3VwkIde 

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About the Author

Author Paul Cicchini, M.Ed., Ed.S., NCSP, GOTJ, is a nationally certified school psychologist. He specializes in character education and is certified in the new field of Social Emotional Learning (SEL)/Character Ed.

Cicchini’s earlier written works include the Amazon bestseller Young Cyrano, a fictionalized account of the teenage life of Cyrano de Bergerac. His third novel, The Essentialz, is about a team of teenage superheroes that undergo the same challenges as modern teens and was an International Impact Book Award winner for 2024.

Much like his hero Cyrano, Cicchini aspires to be a well-rounded Renaissance man. He has worked as a cable television host, sports journalist, adjunct professor, martial artist, fencer, archer, semi-pro football player, high school football coach, collegiate football scout, Templar Knight (rank of Knights Commander), Washington lobbyist for education and award-winning webmaster.

For more information, please visit www.paulcicchini.com, or find the author on BlueSky (@paulcicchini.bsky.social), Instagram (@paulcicchini) and Facebook (Author Paul Cicchini).

The Science Behind Overcoming Mental Barriers and Personal Limitations

Best-Selling Author cites ways to break free from break free from invisible limitations and step into your fullest potential

Many of the obstacles people face—whether it’s anxiety, addiction, or self-sabotage—are driven by subconscious thought patterns. Studies in neuroplasticity show that our brains form strong pathways based on repeated behaviors and experiences. These "mental strongholds" can make change feel impossible, even when we consciously want it. Krick argues that just as we train our bodies through exercise, we must also train our minds to recognize and reject limiting beliefs. By breaking these mental cycles, people can free themselves from past traumas, self-defeating narratives, and emotional burdens that hold them back.

Krick is available to discuss topics like these:

• Recognizing Negative Thought Patterns – Many people accept negative self-talk as truth when it’s actually conditioning from past experiences
  
  
• Reframing Internal Narratives – Shifting from a mindset of fear to one of confidence and self-worth is a process that requires intentional effort
  
  
• Letting Go of Toxic Attachments – Whether it’s relationships, habits, or old ways of thinking, removing influences that reinforce negativity is key
  
  
• Replacing Destructive Cycles with Positive Ones – The brain can rewire itself, but it takes consistent practice and intentional thought replacement

Ways to Overcome Anxiety, Addiction, and Self-Sabotage for Good 

Anxiety, addiction, and self-sabotage often feel like personal failures, but what if they’re actually learned patterns that can be unlearned? Krick can also discuss the hidden cycles that keep people trapped and offers strategies for lasting change.

• Identify the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptoms
  Many people treat the surface-level effects of their struggles—using willpower to stop bad habits, taking breaks when overwhelmed—but fail to address the underlying causes. Anxiety, addiction, and self-sabotage often stem from past experiences, unprocessed emotions, or ingrained coping mechanisms.

• Rewire Your Brain Through New Habits
  Neuroscience proves that repeated thoughts and actions create strong neural pathways. By consistently replacing destructive behaviors with positive ones—such as exercise, meditation, or structured routines—new, healthier pathways can take over.

• Change Your Environment
  Breaking free from toxic cycles requires removing triggers that reinforce them. If social media fuels anxiety, limit screen time. If certain people encourage self-sabotaging behavior, set boundaries. Environmental shifts create space for positive change.

• Shift from a Survival Mindset to a Growth Mindset
  Many people operate in survival mode, responding reactively to stress, rather than proactively shaping their future. By reframing failures as learning experiences and focusing on long-term goals, individuals can break the cycle of self-sabotage.

• Build a Support System That Reinforces Growth
  No one overcomes deeply ingrained struggles alone. Surrounding yourself with people who encourage positive change—whether through therapy, mentorship, or personal development communities—makes the process sustainable.

Overcoming these struggles isn’t about willpower alone; it’s about understanding the patterns that keep them in place and intentionally shifting them. Krick’s insights provide a roadmap for making those changes lasting and meaningful.

About the Expert
Best-Selling Author Kathryn Krick has always carried a deep sense of passion and purpose. In 2013, she moved from her hometown in Andes, NY, to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Over time, her creative path shifted—she began pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter before eventually dedicating herself fully to building community and inspiring others.  In 2017, Kathryn launched Five-Fold Church in Los Angeles, beginning with small gatherings on Mulholland Drive. Within months, the group expanded from 5 to 300 attendees, sparking rapid growth and attracting people locally and online. Today, it continues to draw hundreds each week from across the U.S. and abroad. Since 2021, Kathryn has traveled extensively, hosting large-scale events worldwide that have impacted countless people. Her mission is to empower others to live fully, grow in strength, and embrace lives of purpose and transformation.

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Obsessed With Younger On Netflix & Not Sure What To Do When I Finish #YoungerNetflix #LizaMillerVibes

Binge Alert

Younger Is My New Favorite Show

I couldn't sleep one night three weeks ago. Finally went to the couch at 3 am looking for something that would make me bored enough to fall asleep because I would have to get up for work very soon. This was not it. 7 Seasons and I am almost on the last season and not sure what I will do when it is over!

Sutton Foster as Liza is everything—faking it as a 26-year-old at 40? Reinvention goals. If you are looking for a new/old this is it! All the characters are great. The acting is amazing And don’t get me started on Hilary Duff’s Kelsey (that fierce energy!) or Debi Mazar’s Maggie (best BFF ever). These characters feel like real friends I’d spill wine with. Binge alert for anyone needing a fun, flirty escape!  This show makes me wish I had gone into Publishing 

Gabby's Dollhouse Hits The Big Screen This Month

Join Gabby on her biggest adventure yet – to the movies! 😻 ✨   Watch and share featurettes, clips, and soundbites for GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE: THE MOVIE    Experience #GabbysDollhouse The Movie only in theaters September 26!     GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE: THE MOVIE – IN THEATERS SEPTEMBER 26 Official Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube |#GabbysDollhouse DreamWorks Animation elevates its global smash streaming series into its first ever cinematic adventure with Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie.  Since the debut of the Gabby’s Dollhouse series in 2021, kids around the world have been having one big sprinkle party with Gabby and her friends on Netflix. Created by celebrated storytellers Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, Gabby's Dollhouse is a mixed media preschool series that unboxes a surprise before jumping into a fantastical animated world full of adorable cat characters that live inside Gabby’s dollhouse. In the new film, Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner, reprising her role from the series) heads out on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi (four-time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan) to the urban wonderland of Cat Francisco. But when Gabby’s dollhouse, her most prized possession, ends up in the hands of an eccentric cat lady named Vera (Oscar®nominee Kristen Wiig), Gabby sets off on an adventure through the real world to get the Gabby Cats back together and save the dollhouse before it’s too late. The all-star comedic voice cast includes Saturday Night Live powerhouses Ego Nwodim, Kyle Mooney and Melissa Villaseñor, as well as Emmy nominee Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!, American Dad!), Jason Mantzoukas (Invincible, Big Mouth), and Fortune Feimster (Fortune Feimster: Crushing It, Velma). The beloved series voice cast reprises their roles as Pandy Paws, CatRat, Cakey, DJ Catnip, Baby Box, MerCat and more.    Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is directed by Ryan Crego (executive producer of Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh, I Heart Arlo), who earned a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination for his television feature Arlo the Alligator Boy. The film is produced by Steven Schweickart, who has served as a production supervisor or co-producer on some of DreamWorks Animation’s biggest blockbusters including How to Train Your Dragon, The Croods and most recently, Kung Fu Panda 4, which has earned almost $500 million worldwide. The film is executive produced by Jennifer Twomey and Traci Paige Johnson, based on the Gabby’s Dollhouse series created by them.   In 2024, according to Nielsen, the Gabby’s Dollhouse series was the ninth-most-viewed streaming original series. Netflix expanded the series to 100 total episodes, and the 11th season debuted on Netflix in February 2025.    Rooted in a growth mindset, Gabby’s activity-based episodes encourage flexible thinking and learning from your mistakes. The Gabby’s Dollhouse series has been in the Top 10 in TV in 63 countries on Netflix and has become a top preschool brand around the world, inspiring an award-winning toy line, publishing, home, apparel, and more, as well as original music, a top-rated app and a growing YouTube channel visited by millions of fans weekly. Additionally, Gabby’s Dollhouse continues to expand through Universal Destinations & Experiences theme parks, global fan experiences, live events and more.    Genre: Animated Adventure Starring: Laila Lockhart Kraner, Kristen Wiig, Gloria Estefan, Thomas Lennon, Jason Mantzoukas, Ego Nwodim, Kyle Mooney, Melissa Villaseñor and Fortune Feimster Based on: Gabby’s Dollhouse series created by Jennifer Twomey & Traci Page Johnson Director: Ryan Crego Producer: Steven Schweickart Executive Producers: Jennifer Twomey, Traci Paige Johnson

A New Chapter Begins With A Lighter Heart #faithrenewed #reconciliation

I have prayed alone for 40 years of my life. Being raised Catholic whenever I needed to I turned to God! After having children I decided to let them decide what path they wanted to take. We baptized them both and when they were young. I prayed over them and when they could repeat after me we prayed nightly.  I have spent years going into church often but always off hours just wanting to sit in my own head with my prayers and my very personal relationship with Jesus. 

In January of this year I decided to learn to pray the rosary and to read the bible.  It has been interesting and makes me feel really good and close to God which I think is the best reason to pray. 

Two months ago I decided to start going to church by meeting up with a friend and her son every Sunday and praying as a community. Goddess has come with me 95% of the time. When I talked about how I sometimes feel guilty that I didn't force religion on her and her brother because life is hard and you may need to have faith and pray but won't know how she said something I will appreciate all the days of my life. "I like the way you did it. Maybe if you had forced it I wouldn't be as interested as I am. I believe there is a higher power and believe in God. I also like aspects of other religions and I am finding my own way."

This past Saturday I finally received confirmation because after reading 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory I really longed to receive the most holy sacrament of the eucharist and longed to be on the line of parishioners.

The priest at my church is fairly new to the priesthood being ordained in 2017. He is a blessing to our community and I adore him. As a child confession seemed so daunting. If you don't know, you walk into a booth and say "bless me father for I have sinned.  It's been ___ weeks since my last confession" and then go into your sins that you want forgiven.  As a child I didn't feel like I had sinned so mostly I just would say I fought with my sisters but what do you say to a priest when it has been 40+ years since your last confession? Also back in the day confession was done with a wall between you and the priest. This time I walked in and he is sitting there. The only thing between us is a table with a lamp and some books on it. 

We spoke about my return and since we have talked in the past I felt comfortable and could abbreviate the story. He was unbelievably helpful, forgiving, easy to speak with and then said something thought made me cry. He told me that since it has been 40+ years that he would do my penance. We prayed and then Acting in the person of Christ he told me  "God forgives you. There is nothing else you have to do. you can receive communion tomorrow". I thanked him and we prayed and spoke a moment longer before I said, "don't be surprised if I cry at communion tomorrow." He replied "don't be surprised if I do too."

I am so thankful and feel blessed. Receiving communion was amazing yesterday and I cannot wait to go again.  I know my priest will never see this but I am so grateful to him and his time and sacrifice. He is a wonderful person and every time I talk to him, I feel closer to the Lord!