Country Blessings: January 2013

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Abel's Field {Review & GIVEAWAY!}

Abel's Field is the kind of movie that we need more of. It is a movie you can enjoy with your family and not worry about them hearing foul language or seeing inappropriate scenes. I really enjoyed this film. It is a great story about hope, forgiveness, and prayer. The main character, Seth, is carrying the weight of the world as he tries to care for his two young sisters, work hard at his schoolwork and jobs, and put up with bullying. And he is determined to do it all on his own. As things slowly crumble around him, Seth learns about asking for help from others and from God, whom he has given up on after his mother died. Abel, Seth's supervisor, is a key part of helping him, but Abel has a secret of his own that might turn Seth down the wrong path for good.
One thing that did seem a little unrealistic to me was that three children would be allowed to live on their own. Even if Seth is 18 and refused help from anyone, someone (from church, school, etc.) would most likely step in and do something about that. Other than that, I thought it was a very well done movie full of heart, humor, tears, and even a little romance. Although I think this is a great family move, I did not allow my kids to watch it yet. Buddy, 8, might be able to grasp some of the storyline, but I think this movie is more appropriate for teenagers and older. If my kids did happen to watch it, I am glad that there is not anything in it that I need to be concerned about. It is rated PG for thematic elements, brief violence, and a smoking image.

Flyby Promotions generously gave me this copy for review, and even better, they are giving a copy to one of you! Please leave a comment on this post with your favorite family movie to be entered. I will pick a winner next Friday, Feb 1 at noon using random.org. Please leave a way for me to contact you if you are the winner!

Thank you Flyby Promotions for your generosity!

About Abel's Field

Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. But fighting back only finds him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (SOUL SURFER’S Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As dark times lure Seth toward desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back toward the light.

Website: http://www.abelsfield.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbelsField

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbelsField

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Blessings,

Linked up with:
Raising Homemakers
Far Above Rubies
The Better Mom
Teach Me Tuesdays
Titus 2sday
Women Living Well
A Delightful Home
Raising Arrows
The Modest Mom
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Nutcracker {Review}

I think most people are familiar with the story of the the Nutcracker. Although I have seen the Nutcracker ballet and read some simplified versions of it, I had never read the full story until I was given the chance to review this copy by E.T.A. Hoffmann and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. It is actually a much longer book than I thought it would be! There are scenes that I never new about from my previous reading or viewing of the story. I found it very interesting! It is nicely broken up into shorter chapters, and my kids enjoyed listening to one a day. Maurice Sendak is well known for illustrating the book Where the Wild Things Are and I think he did a very lovely job with the Nutcracker as well. There are some full page illustrations as well as small ones on most of the other pages. If you are looking for a good version of the original Nutcracker to add to you bookshelves, I highly recommend this one!

I received this book free for review from Waterbrook Multnomah.

Blessings,

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Don't those look yummy?!? Well they are! I know it's not really pumpkin season anymore, but these are so yummy that I have to make them year round! This fall I cooked and pureed several of our pumpkins to put in the freezer just to make this recipe whenever I want. And the kids love them too! Since this recipe makes 2 dozen, I usually end up putting about 1/2 in the freezer for another day's breakfast.

Ingredients:
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 eggs
2 cups pureed pumpkin (or one 16 ounce can)
1 cup melted coconut oil (or butter)
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together all dry ingredients. Add eggs, pumpkin and oil. Mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into muffin tins. You can use paper liners if you want, but I just spray them with a little cooking spray and they come out fine. Bake in a 400° oven for 16-22 minutes or until the muffins are golden brown. Makes 24.

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Tasty Tuesday: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Lately I've been trying to cook dinners that I can double or triple to be able to put some away in the freezer for an easy dinner another night. I found this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole on Money Saving Mom and when I tried it we all loved it! And another bonus is that it makes enough for four dinners, one to eat and three in the freezer! (Unless you have lots of big eaters, then you might want to only do 3 or even 2 dinners with it.) When I am freezing dinners, I line a casserole dish with aluminum foil, put the food it, and freeze it. Once it is frozen, I take it out of the dish and wrap with more foil over the top and pop it back in the freezer. When I am ready to use it, I remove all the foil and put it back in the casserole dish I froze it in to thaw it out. This saves freezer space and that way I don't need to keep tons of casserole dishes around to keep stuff in the freezer. Or you can try it in bags like Money Saving Mom does.

Ingredients:
10 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
4 cups chopped broccoli, lightly steamed (can use frozen or fresh)
2 cans cream of mushroom soup (or 2 batches cream of mushroom soup)
2 cans cream of chicken soup (or 2 batches cream of chicken soup)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Divide into four 8x8 or similarly sized casserole dishes. Sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese if you desire (and who doesn't desire more cheese?). Put three in the freezer and bake the fourth at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. To use the frozen ones, thaw in the fridge and bake as directed.

Blessings,