Mr. Krueger's Christmas

Last night, we had some down time and decided to watch a Christmas movie together as a family. We don't own very many (which is why I got on Amazon.com and bought six different Christmas themed movies the other day), but there is one that I always make sure to watch.

Mr. Krueger's Christmas. 

It's an older movie, made back in 1980, so we popped it into the VHS player (amazing we still have one of those) and started watching. I love this movie. Not only because Jimmy Stewart is the leading role and because he is the cutest old man and reminds me of my sweet grandfather, but because of the message it teaches and the tears of the true Christmas spirit it brings to your eyes. Mr. Krueger's Christmas is about Willy Krueger, a kind and lonely widower living alone in a basement apartment he is custodian to. The story follows what happens to him one Christmas Eve as he goes to purchase a tree and nearly spends the holiday alone. Although he makes a few attempts to be with someone, his desires are sadly overlooked and no one seems to notice the company this old man needs. No one except a sweet little girl, Clarissa, who is out caroling with her family. Through the events of the night, Mr. Krueger finds the true reason to celebrate the season and prayerfully thanks the infant Jesus for being his closest friend through his struggles.

This movie is fun and has some very enjoyable and touching scenes. There are a few instances where the audience gets a look into Mr. Krueger's imagination, which are happy and lovely and of course, my favorite parts. From images of directing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to being a well-known man purchasing a new suit in a department store, there is one scene from Mr. Krueger's mind that stands out the greatest. While he is rearranging his nativity Mr. Krueger imagines himself there in the stable at the baby Jesus' side.  It is at this part that one of the greatest, most touching, and most meaningful monologues ever is given. It is clear that Jimmy Stewart doesn't just simply act out this part, but the  message of gratitude, faith, and love were truly from his heart and soul. "I love you," says Mr. Krueger to the Savior. "You are my closest and finest friend. And that means I can hold my head high, wherever I go."

The message that is given in this film is beautiful and one to remember even throughout the year. It is summed up in one, conclusive line. "I love you. That's what Christmas is all about. Clarissa said it to Mr. Krueger. Mr. Krueger said it to Jesus. And Jesus, in so many ways, has said it to all of us."

• Age Appropriateness: All ages. Of course, it probably wouldn't hold a small infant or toddler's attention for long, but even young children would enjoy this movie. Plus it's only about 15 or 20 mins, so it isn't long either.
• Content Rating: G. Super G. There is absolutely nothing objectionable about this movie. :)
• Overall Rating: 5/5 stars. I've already stated my reasons above, but I simply just adore this movie. Unfortunately, I don't believe it is a very well-known film, so I'm not sure how accessible it would be to get a copy. However, if you can't find it to rent anywhere (which I highly doubt it is), it may very likely be available to watch on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG2xdsKNXy8 (In fact I think it is very likely and very available. But you didn't get this from me. ;) )

Now go watch this wonderful movie! Merry Christmas! :)


Movie Poster from http://www.listal.com/viewimage/1584223
 

Meatball and Vegetable Soup with Pasta

Easy schmeasy yummy soup recipe! Just in time for the cold winter season. :)

Ingredients:

 (Yes, I shop at Walmart...)

3 14-ounce cans beef broth (You can also use the bigger 32 ounce box plus one 14 ounce can instead. Sometimes the boxes are cheaper, so you may save money that way).
1 12 to 16-ouce package frozen cooked meatballs
1 15 to 16-ounce can Great Northern beans or cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained (if you can't find the kind with seasoning in it, just add about a teaspoon or less of each when adding the tomatoes).
1 10-ounce package frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup dried small pasta (such as macaroni, small shell, mini penne, or rotini)
crusty bread (optional)
shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. In a 4-quart Dutch oven (or just a big pot), combine broth, meatballs, beans, undrained tomatoes, and vegetables. 
2. Bring to a boil. Stir in pasta. 
3. Return to boiling, then reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 10 mins. or until pasta is tender. 
4. To serve, ladle soup into bowls. If desired, serve with bread and sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 to 8 main-dish servings.

 Mmmmm, yummy! Enjoy!

Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens Anyone Can Cook- Step-by-Step Recipes Just for You. Meatball and Vegetable Soup with Pasta recipe pp. 380.

Lindsey Stirling- Crystallize

I wanted to do something Christmas, but I know that some people (like my husband) who are complete Scrooges and say "No Christmas until December 1st!" (J/K Sweetheart...I still love you :) ) So I thought I'd post a song I really love, but is also wintery. This one is by the awesome Lindsey Stirling who is an AMAZING violinist and performer. She makes some awesome arrangements and original music and on top of that, she dances while she plays the violin. Check it out!

BEST ACTION SCENE EVER!

Of course, that title is sarcastic. This is, without a doubt, the worst action scene ever and it is hilarious! The only thing I don't find funny at all are the poor horses used for this. Not. Cool. But the rest will have you in stitches. My personal favorite is the jeep. XD

Shredded BBQ Chicken

This recipe is seriously my favorite thing. First of all, it's yummy, and I like yummy food. Second, it takes only two (yes 2!) ingredients, so it's super cheap. Third, it makes a lot. And fourth, the best part, it's a crock pot recipe. And not one of those crock pot recipes that has a million steps like, "Make sauce on stove stop. Bake chicken in the oven. Place sauce in crock pot for 1 hour. Then add chicken. After 3 hours, add vegetables. Cook for 2 more hours."  Which, by the way, totally defeats the purpose of having a crock pot. Seriously, these things were made to throw food in and magically have it turn into a delicious dinner hours later.  But this recipe is not like those. This is one of those one-step-and-you're-done-all-day crock pot recipes. Perfect! :)

Ingredients:

1 lb. of chicken (about 3-4 large chicken breasts)
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce

That's IT! Woot! :D

Place chicken and sauce in crock pot.

This brand is really, really good. I would highly recommend it. Something else to note as well, this bottle is pretty big, so if you do buy a bigger bottle instead of the regular size, you'll want to add only half of the bottle.

After that, cook on low for 8 hours. You can also cook on high for 4 hours, but I think it turns out better and easier to shred if you do 8 on low. 

Next, shred the chicken and stir with the sauce. Heat through.

Serve the traditional way on buns, or...

In a tortilla with lettuce and cheese! Mmmmm!

This recipe can also be made using a pork roast, which I haven't done yet, but I'm sure it would be absolutely yummy! :) Enjoy!