Abel's Field DVD Review & GIVEAWAY

Yippee!  Yay!  WooHoo!

OK, there's my review.  Ha Ha.

Seriously though, this was a great movie.  My family sat down to watch it together and we all loved it.  Yes, even my 13 year old son.

*sigh*  I'm always first to raise my hand at the opportunity to review a good Christian or family themed movie.  Golly, such a rare find these days.  Abel's Field was spot on.....awesome!  I'm not just saying that.  I'm supposed to be honest here and not all of my reviews have been glowing on other products.  But, this here is a good find.  Let me give you the "low down" on what it's about.  Here is an excerpt.....

 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.

This PG movie was heart warming and attention keeping.  The message was good, but not filled with sappy unbelievable tales.  It was honest and real.  The acting was excellent and I felt connected to the characters.  The video was as good as any you would see in the theaters.  The end left me wanting more!  I wanted to continue on with the main character, Seth, and see what the future would hold for him and his sisters.

Here is a little nibblet trailer to tempt your tummy:

You can also find out more about this movie at their website, Facebook page, and following on Twitter.  Check it out!
Website: http://www.abelsfield.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbelsField

At the website you'll see the six different places you can buy Abel's Field.  I'm always looking for the best deal though and it is the cheapest right now at Amazon for only $15.69.  But, you know how we roll here at Our Homeschool Ohana!  Yeah!  Giveaway time!

 

One lucky winner will receive their very own copy of Abel's Field.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Friday, February 1, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 "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."

The 5 Money Personalities - Book Review and GIVEAWAY!

I have yet to meet a couple who doesn't have some kind of "issue" about money.  Even if their finances are OK, their retirement plan is in full upward slope, and their bank account is generously cushioned, there will be issues.  Why is that?  What is there to disagree about?  How can money be a stressor?

It's because we all speak a different language.  Our money language.

Scott & Bethany Palmer, authors of the book The 5 Money Personalities, shed a much needed light on this subject.  The issues you may be having about money in your relationship may have nothing to do with your bank account balance or how much spare cash you have shoved in your sock drawer.  But, it likely has everything to do with how you think about and communicate about money.  Learning about your Money Personality and how it may be different from your spouse's may be the key you need to a happier marriage and a more sound financial future.

Here is a snippet description of The 5 Money Personalities:

The hidden key to a healthy relationship is not just managing money but understanding how the other approaches money.

Every couple argues about money. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for 40 years or dating for 4 months, money touches every decision you make as a couple—from the $5 cup of coffee to the $50,000 car. And when the two of you don’t see eye-to-eye on how much to spend or how much to save, that’s when arguments turn into ugly toxic fights that leave both persons feeling hurt and angry. It’s why money has become the #1 cause of divorce in the U.S. Obviously, something needs to change. The reason this crisis has not been addressed is because it has never been identified, defined, or given a name. Scott and Bethany Palmer, aka “The Money Couple,” have identified and defined this problem and offer concrete solutions to fix it.

Once you know your Money Personality, you can get to the root of money arguments and start really working together. You’ll discover what has an impact on your loved one’s money decisions, and you’ll learn how to talk about money in a way that’s actually fun! You’ll figure out how to put an end to money secrets and lies once and for all.

It’s not just about money management, and it’s definitely not just about overcoming debt. It is a whole new way of living that will change everything in your relationship. Tens of thousands have already been transformed. Are you ready?

I was excited to receive this book.  My family struggles financially and it's always helpful to have a solid resource to help improve things in this area.  My husband and I adopted a method of money management several years ago that literally changed our lives.  But, that doesn't mean that life is perfect!  I had never read a book about "money personalities".  I knew that people had different "love languages", but a "money language"?  What's that?  My husband and I hopped over to The Money Couple website to take the money personality profile.  Our results were not surprising to me at all.  Both of our money personalities were the same.....Saver and Security Seeker.  You see, hubby and I have usually agreed on how to spend our money and how to manage our money.  Our arguments on this topic mostly stemmed from....not enough money.  Because we are both Saver and Security Seekers the reality of not enough money caused the stress that caused the arguments.  The 5 Money Personalities helps to identify your personalities and how to more effectively "mesh" your compatible or opposite personality with your spouse.  Some of the tips on how to communicate about money were helpful and we are hopeful that it will make a difference in our marriage.

Now, I can imagine that this has sparked your interest.  So, here are some links you can go to and learn more about The 5 Money Personalities.

Website: http://themoneycouple.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/themoneycouple

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/themoneycouple

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Money-Personalities-Speaking-Language/dp/0849964784/

Amazon is offering this book right now for only $10.87 with FREE super saver shipping.  Awesome!  Get your copy today and enter for a chance to receive your FREE copy below.
  
 One lucky winner will receive their very own copy of The 5 Money Personalites.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Friday, January 25, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's For Dinner? Chicken.....and hidden veggies

What's for dinner?  Ah, the question of the day.  My son asks this question starting somewhere around 9 AM.  You would think I would post a nice little schedule on the fridge of my plans for the week for dinner.  Yeah, no.  Too often I am scrambling somewhere around 3 or 4 PM about what to make.  Sure, I'm on the ball a couple of times a week and take something out the night before or get something in the crock pot first thing in the morning.  But, this blog post (I think it's becoming a series so check out the one from last week) is for those times when I'm not sure what is going in my family's tummy and it's already 5 PM.

Here we go.....dinner was Herb & Garlic Chicken with Garden Veggie Pasta Parmesan, and a mixed veggie salad with homemade vinaigrette.

 

So, here's how it went down...Heat about 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil and 2 fresh pressed garlic cloves in a deep pan.  Add the chicken and brown lightly on both sides.  Add a packet of Lipton Recipe Secrets Herb and Garlic that was mixed with about 1/4 cup of water (or wine) and about 2 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice.  Just pour it over the top and then cover the sautee pan.  Go back and turn the chicken in a few minutes and re-distribute the sauce.  It will thicken.

While the chicken is simmering, cook up a box of Ronzoni Garden Delights Fettuccine.  This stuff is great.  It has lots of flavor and packs a full serving of vegetables in a 4 oz portion (hidden veggies!).  When it is done, drain it well, toss it with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top.

The veggies was a mixture of what I had in the fridge....grape tomatoes, broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrots.  I made a dressing with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and some fresh pressed garlic.

Voila!  Dinner is served.  It took me a little less than 30 minutes from start to table.  We all ate it up and my son wanted seconds of the fettuccine even after I confessed that it was made with tomato, carrot, and spinach!  Of course, hubby took the leftovers the next day for dinner!

What's For Dinner? Pork

OK....I've been MIA on my blog.  If you know me personally then you know I've been dealing with a lot of goop and goo over the past 6 months.  If you don't know me personally then, well, now you know I've been dealing with a lot of goop and goo.  I'm trying to get back on the wagon with a lot of things and tending to my blog is one of them.

Moving forward.

I spend about an hour total a day on FB and I'm always seeing people post what they made for dinner.  Part of me wants to comment...."who cares?"  Sometimes though when it sounds good I want to comment...."so what is it and where is your pictures?".  I'm always looking for a little brain yank on what to make for dinner.  I do love to cook, but I rarely have time to go all out with a meal that takes hours to prepare.  Did you know that I'm a Foodie Wannabe?  Yup.  I even have a monthly article at Homeschool Mosaics.  And, you guessed it....my article name is Foodie Wannabe.  Check it out!  There, you will find my more involved creations with lots of pics and details on how I made it.  Here, you will find my simple meals that didn't take much time at all and the basic gist for you to re-create it yourself.....if you are so moved to do so.

Tonight, I made pork chops, green beans, and stuffing.  Here is my husband's plate....yum!

Here we have good ol' fashioned pork Stop Top, fresh green beans sauteed in olive oil and fresh pressed garlic (just until tender), and baked pork chops that I coated in a mixture of seasoned bread crumbs and crushed french fried onions.  Total cost of the meal was $9 and we had some green beans and stuffing left over that I will gladly enjoy for my lunch tomorrow.

I will leave you with this funny....well, because I try to find humor in just about anything.  My son, who loves pork chops on the bone, was sighing with joy as he was gnawing on the meat closest to the bone.  He turned to me and said...."Sometimes when I'm playing Minecraft and I kill a pig to get pork I get jealous.  I want the pork to come out of the computer and into my mouth".

There ya have it.

Father of Lights DVD Review

FATHER OF LIGHTS chronicles the journey of filmmaker Darren Wilson and his team as they fearlessly travel the globe, far from the daily existence of the typical evangelical believer in the West. By thoughtfully documenting the stories of extraordinary believers and candidly filming miracles, visions and other supernatural occurrences, Wilson engages viewers in modern day examples of the true nature and character of God.  

Wilson gives honest access to his own spiritual questions as he tackles the religious misconceptions he has struggled with throughout his life.  “I went into making this film by asking the simple question: who is God? I wanted to know His character, His personality, and who He truly is. To answer this question, we had to peel back the many layers of religious garbage that has been passed onto him through generations. That He is angry. Vengeful. Wrathful. And in general, that He doesn’t like you very much. The truth, as you will see vibrantly in this film, is that He is the most loving, compassionate, and wonderful Father you can imagine.”

You can visit the website HERE to read more about the film, read testimonies, and purchase the movie.  Check out the Facebook page HERE  and watch a trailer on YouTube HERE.

I was given a copy of this DVD in exchange for this review and my honest opinion.  When I was first offered this opportunity and watched the trailer, I was excited!  I couldn't wait to receive the DVD and watch it.  As the film progressed I found myself uncomfortable with some of its content.  My husband was unsettled as well.  Afterwards we did some of our own research about the people involved and the Finger of God trilogy, of which this is the third film.  Our findings confirmed our reasons for discomfort.  I don't want to get into the details, but I would say that I would not recommend this DVD to my friends because I feel that some of the content and the information I gathered from its supporters is not biblical.  It is so difficult to say this as I always hope to love an item that is given to me to share on my blog.  But, my honest opinion is asked of me.  I am only one person with one opinion and I encourage you to make your own decisions for yourself.  Check out the website and research the production company and its supporters. 

 "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."

Being Grounded Stirs Creative Juices

Matthew has a chart that he needs to follow each day.  You know, things like his chore list, lesson completion, stay within media limits (1 hour a day!), etc.  If he does everything on the list then he has privileges for the next day.  If he doesn't, then he loses those privileges.  By the way, we consider privileges things like TV, video games, computer use, and treats.  It's all up to him.

*cue sad violin music*

He lost his privileges for today.  Of course, the morning started with tearful groans and a toss of a limp body on the bed in dramatic protest.  When he gets like that I just tell him to go to his room and come on out when he has regained control of himself.

He was in there for a long time.  Hmmmmm.....should I check on him?

Finally, he emerged, excitedly, with notebook papers in one hand and a stapler in the other.  He worked eagerly at the kitchen table completing his project.  Oh my, what has he created?

He was so anxious for me to see what he had done.  He had written a story, complete with illustrations.  Now, Matthew has never been very artistic and he rarely uses color when he draws.  He prefers a good old fashioned pencil.  He used his best cursive handwriting, and it was beautiful!  Here's how the story goes.....

The Legend

by Matthew Gadow

Long ago in a land known as Hyrane, there was peace in the land and all were happy.  But, one day something happened where a great, unstoppable evil was released.  The beast destroyed all and released evil onto the land.  The beast was known as The Dark One.  Then, something else happened.  Something the beast never thought possible.  A Hero of Light rose against the beast, wielding the ancient Sword of Light.  There was an epic battle between good an evil.  In the end The Dark One could not be stopped completely.  So, they sealed him in the center of the earth.  There was still evil, but good always came out on top. 

The End

It's short.  But, I was blown away at the use of adjectives!  This is a 12 year old boy who less than 6 months ago would cry if I asked him to write a couple of sentences describing his day.  Now, after using Institute for Excellence in Writing he is.....

1.  Writing by choice without being asked. 

2.  Developing his own story line without any help.

3.  Using excellent vocabulary and descriptive words.

4.  Using excellent grammar and punctuation (thank you Daily Grams!)

Being grounded has stirred his creative juices.  Maybe this should happen more often.....

*cue Mom's evil laugh*

Sugar Free Applesauce Spice Cookies

I volunteered to bake for a fundraiser my church is having for a missions trip.  The last time we had a bake sale there were several people asking for sugar free items, but we had none.  This time I was determined to make something to offer even though I had never made a sugar free baked good in my life.  If you are familiar with my monthly Foodie Wannabe article at Homeschool Mosaics, then you know I am famous for making recipes I have never tried before for people or events. 

Get your ingredients together:

1 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. quick cooking rolled oats
1 c. unsweetened applesauce
1 c. raisins - I almost left these out and I'm glad I didn't.  They added a nice natural sweetness & texture)
1/2 c. vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. nuts (I didn't use any in my batch)

 

Mix flour, baking soda, spices and oats. Add remaining ingredients. Batter will be slightly runny, but they do not spread during baking. Drop by teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.

 

I really enjoyed the spice flavor.  It was a nice Fall cookie.  The texture was a little spongier than I like in a cookie.  It was a little cake-like.  But, it was moist and yummy.  They are definitely not sweet like a good old fashioned Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie, but they had great flavor.  If you want a little more sweetness you could use 1/2 unsweetened applesauce and 1/2 sweetened applesauce, or add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.  Hmmm, I'm thinking these would be good with a cup of hot cider.