Creative 2x Mom: 2025

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Simple Ways to Inspire a Love of Reading in Your Kids

I was talking with someone the other day, and the topic of bookmobiles came up in conversation. What is a bookmobile, you ask? A bookmobile is sort of a mobile library. Roughly the size of a school bus, the inside is lined with bookshelves. FULL bookshelves. I remember the one from my childhood having a small desk and a file cabinet near the front, and a friendly librarian eager to help her patrons. Our bookmobile arrived every Friday afternoon, parked in front of the local market, and it was the first place I wanted to go after school. The librarian would help me make selections and then take any requests I had for the following week. For the first 18 years of my life, it was the only public library I had access to. I loved that place.

When I became a mom and lived in a bigger town, my heart was flooded with all those wonderful memories. I remember the thrill I got on bookmobile days and wanted to share that with my kids. The adventure of opening a new book and not quite knowing where it would take you. I just knew that some of our best days would be in shared stories and characters.

As I look back on our homeschool journey, I realize giving my kids a love of reading is one of my greatest accomplishments. Our family has been formed by the books we've read and discussed together, as well as the ideas we brought to the table over our own personal reading. When I think of what inspired this love of reading, a few thoughts come to mind. My hope is that in sharing them with you, you too can create a love of reading in your own family.

1. Be an example

Our children follow our example. Especially when they're young. So let them catch you reading. Talk about what you're learning. Or let them see you reading just a couple of pages in the morning before your day begins. Maybe mention that you're going to pick up your book after you put them to bed. Let them know that reading is something that everyone does, including Mom and Dad.

2. Read aloud to your kids

This was something we started early on in our family culture. Every night before bed, the kids would each grab a picture book to read before our Bible time. It was a great way to wind down the day. After we've gone through different stages, our reading time has been flexible. But no matter what, we try to find at least 15 min/day to read together.

3. Sneaky reading moments

Find those little fringe moments in the day for everyone to read. Whether it's reading aloud together, or just taking 15 min after lunch for everyone to read on their own, find those pockets of time where the whole family can be reading. Just a few minutes at a time adds up quickly. And asking young children to read quietly for small time blocks keeps them reading without being overwhelmed.

4. Use audiobooks

When my kiddos were 2 and 4 years old, we had a road trip planned to surprise my sister-in-law for her high school graduation. To avoid the in-car TV, I went to the library and grabbed a few audiobooks. We'd never tried audiobooks before, and they were an instant hit. It immediately threw us into the audiobook world. Long trips, short trips, driving to activities in town... we have lived so many adventures together through stories. And it's inspired many family conversations about character and who we are becoming.

5. Let your kids get comfy

While we have read in a variety of locations, there's nothing quite like snuggling up on the couch with some cozy blankets and reading together. Maybe you cozy up for reading first thing in the morning while everyone is enjoying breakfast. Or after everyone's showered and in comfy pajamas. There's something about being near each other that makes for an enjoyable family reading experience.

6. Connect with their interests

Tap into your children's interests. I have one child who loves fantasy books, while I'd rather pick up historical fiction. When finding read-alouds or suggesting independent reads, think about what interests your child. I had one kid who went through a phase of reading mysteries. We had mysteries about ballparks, mysteries about presidents, mysteries about history, .... you name it. I did my due dilligence to make sure they were age-appropriate, and then we checked out nearly every mystery book we could get our hands on. He loved it.

7. Connect reading to life skills

Maybe you have a child who only wants to read if it has a real life application. My daughter had a season like that. Nothing fictional was satisfying. For this stage of life, we connect with skills she wanted to learn, specifically baking and cooking skills. She devoured everything in the culinary arts section of the library. This eventually led to fictional books with a baking theme, but she still leans heavily into non-fiction, even to this day. Reading doesn't have to be fictional. Allow your kiddos to pick books for developing skills. They will be inspired to push through the more challenging vocabulary and technical skills at the same time.

8. Partner read

If you have multiple children, partner them up. The older child will feel a sense of responsibility when being allowed to read a picture book to his younger sibling. Conversely, a younger child will be excited to show off his new reading skills in front of an older sibling. Partner reading can also help develop a sense of family and camaraderie between siblings.

9. Start a book club

Starting a book club with one's peers can create a sense of connectedness in community as well. Having a deadline to meet will motivate kids to find time for reading. Additionally, meeting together and sharing ideas, over snacks of course, will challenge readers to wrestle with the story and hear perspectives they might have missed.

10. Keep books visible

Having books visible means that anytime someone is bored, they're probably going to notice something to read. And if bored enough, they're more than likely going to pick up a book, magazine, Bible, pamphlet, etc, and start reading. Just by having books visible, it becomes an invitation to be read.

11. Fill out a reading bingo

There are a ton of reading bingo cards on the internet. I just found one the other day for adults, based around an autumn theme. Make reading into a game. The first one to make a bingo gets to go to Jamba Juice. Or the next person to get bingo gets to pick out the movie for family night. Or make it cooperative. When everyone gets a blackout card, the family has a Saturday adventure day. Gameify reading, and you'll quickly inspire a love of reading.

These are just a few ideas for inspiring reading in your home. But I know there are many more. Take one of these ideas that resonates with you and implement it in your family for a few weeks. And if that one doesn't work, choose another. The world is full of possibilities, and what works for one family won't always work for another. But I would love to hear your ideas for inspiring a love of reading. Tell me:

How do you inspire reading in your home?

Monday, October 6, 2025

Top 10 Fall Field Trips

*This post was originally published on 10/3/16. Enjoy!

Fall is here, and the leaves are turning. The days are cooling, and it's the perfect time to go exploring. Since we've been in school for a few weeks now, we're ready for a field trip. And there are so many great opportunities for getting out of the house in the fall. In our adventures far and wide, these are our Top 10 Fall Field Trips:

1. Nature Walk/ Nature Preserve-- Our local nature preserve schedules walks and explorations year round. From identifying native plants and wildlife, to public lands clean up and preservation, to cultural demonstrations, we've found a variety of field trips to suit the kids' ages and interests.

2. Pumpkin Patch-- We always make a stop at our local pumpkin patch. The kids love wandering the field, looking for the perfect pumpkin and marveling at the variety of produce available. Plus there's plenty of other activities offered: petting zoo, local crafts and foods, corn mazes, pony rides, and more. Lots to learn about.

3. Pick Your Own-- Fall is a great time to visit a "you pick" farm. Apples and pears are in season, and grapes are plentiful as well. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids about farming and where their food comes from. Then take some home and make one of our favorite treats, like Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, Apple Cider Donut Holes, and more. Check your local listings or this site for farms in your state.

4. Visiting the Farm-- Many local farmers love sharing their trade and offer tours for homeschool groups. Ours has visited a local alpaca farm as well as a dairy. The kids get a chance to see the farming industry up close, from raising the animals to finished products.

5. Native American Pow Wow-- Pow Wows are a good opportunity to learn about the native populations in your area. From the music to the traditional costumes and community structure, there's so much to learn at a traditional Pow Wow.

6. Salmon Festival-- The salmon are spawning, and this is a great time to learn about migration and conservation. Salmon festivals typically give children a way to view the whole conservation process, from swimming up the salmon ladder, to the fry tanks, and eventual release into the wild.

7. Civil War Re-enactment-- Nothing brings the Civil War to life like a re-enactment. Re-enactments add the human touch to history, and a Civil War battle provides the mental framework for really understanding the complex issues of slavery, ammancipation, and early American economics.

8. Local Court House-- With elections being held and November being National Adoption Month, the fall is a great time to visit your local court house. Ask to sit in on a trial or hearing in process, or even an adaption finalization. Personally, I recommend the adoption. :-)

9. Apple Festival-- Our area is known for having a bounty of apple festivals in the fall. Apple cobbler, music, and family entertainment make it a fun outing for all of us.

10. Virtual Field Trips-- Fall is full of opportunities for learning about early American history. Why not take a virtual tour of Jamestown or Plymouth? Or a Wampanoag homesite? Virtual field trips have become a good resource for us when the places we want to learn about are too far to travel.

So what about your homeschool?

What are your favorite fall field trips?

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

What We Have Planned for October

ay! October is one of my absolute favorite months. The weather is finally cooling down. We can be in the backyard more. The evenings are perfect for fires in the fire pit. And... my oldest son and I both celebrate birthdays in October. It really is the perfect month!

So while I'm looking at the perfect month on the calendar, I'm trying to make sure I'm intentional with my time. With three active kids, this month has a tendency to fly by if I'm not careful. So I'm purposefully placing certain activities on the calendar NOW. Here are a few things we're planning:

*Going to the Pumpkin Patch: One of our classic family activities is a trip to our local pumpkin patch. It's fun to see the kids' personalities come out as they look for the perfect pumpkin. My biggest challenge is keeping my oldest from going for the HUGE pumpkins in the back. We top off our day with wandering through the corn maze and sipping on some fresh-squeezed lemonade.

*Hiking Lassen Peak: I did this a few years ago with a friend of mine, and it was a lot of fun. Now my youngest wants to hike it. It's a fairly moderate climb, so I think it will be a good challenge for him and some fun family bonding time.

*Painting the Kids' Christmas Ornaments: I ordered the kids' Christmas ornaments last week. It's a fun tradition that we've all enjoyed over the years. I'd like to see at least two of the ornaments painted by the end of the month. Then I can tuck them away for safekeeping until Christmas.

*Youth Conference: My two high schoolers will be attending youth conference again this October. It was a really great experience for them last year. I always feel like they come away from the conference being reminded of how big God is and how He has a plan for their lives. Really helps them put things into perspective.

*Baking: I'm dying to do some baking. Our temps actually momentarily dipped into the 80's last week. That got me thinking about all the muffins and yummy, seasonal treats we could be baking. So I have pumpkin muffins and waffles on my list for sure. Any other suggestions?

What do you have planned for the month of October?

Monday, September 29, 2025

What I Read and Our Homeschool Read Alouds ll September 2025

What I Read:

Your New Playlist by Jon Acuff

This is the first book I've ever read by Jon Acuff. I know; he's been around for awhile. And even now, I'm not sure I can say I've read a Jon Acuff book, as the majority of this book was written by his daughters. It's the teen version of Acuff's earlier work, and the book's basic premise is shifting mindsets. Learning to retrain the brain for a growth mindset and out of a fixed mindset. The chapters are fairly short and quick to read. My purpose in reading this one was to see if it's something I'd like my teenagers to read in the future, and I can wholeheartedly say, yes, it is.

Habits for a Sacred Home by Jennifer Pepito

I truly desire to make my home a haven for my husband and children. So when I saw this title, it instantly drew me in. Serving our families and Savior by creating my space for Him to enter? Yes, please. Written by a mother of seven, 9 Habits for a Sacred Home sets forth some of the practices for creating peace and stability in a busy, chaotic world. Author Jennifer Pepito includes habits such as prayer, hospitality, and more in establishing a family rhythm. I loved that this book draws on famous women from history who lived out these ideals. Rather than this book being wholly theoretical, Pepito shares these stories so we can see how real individuals have worked out these habits in real life. Even as a mom of teens, I still have big takeaways from this book.

Christian Heroes: John Newton

by Janet and Geoff Benge

I really didn't like this book at first, and nearly put it down. The first book in this series that I haven't been able to recommend wholeheartedly. I had no idea who John Newton was when I picked up this title, and that may have been part struggle. He was highly influential in the lives of many of England's early abolitionists. However, before that, he was a profitable slave trader in the Middle Passage. This book shares a lot about his time before surrendering to Christ, and it was very challenging to read. For this title, I would recommend waiting until your child is older or reading it with them. There are some harsh truths in Newton's life, and it was painful to read at times. However, I do think this one would be beneficial for older teens studying that time period, as it really reveals the mindset of the traders involved.

The Christmas House by Beverly Lewis

See my full review here.

Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island

by L.M. Montgomery

I'm continuing to listen to the Anne of Green Gable series while I'm in the car, running here and there picking up kids. I remember reading the entire series as a girl, but I don't know how long it's been since I read past the second book. In Anne of Avonlea, Anne returns home to help Marilla with the twins and teach at her old school. There are many stories and antidotes involving the people of Avonlea and the adventures of the little ones. In Anne of the Island, Anne goes to college in Redmond and rooms with friends. This book is all about those four years, the friends she makes, and the continued involvement of Gilbert in her life.

The Last Keeper by Kathryn Butler

For years my younger son and I have followed this series. And now the final book has been released. All I can say is ... WOW! The Dreamkeeper. Saga follows a younger girl named Lily who enters a dream world in search of her father. Along the way, she discovers her family legacy, as well as a very real battle between good and evil. This book picks up immediately where book #4 ends, and it's a breathtaking adventure from cover to cover. Think Lord of the Rings meets Narnia... and then you just have a taste of what these books are about. Sad to see the series go, but satisfied with the ending. These books are marketed for ages 9-12, but my teens love them and so do I.

Our Homeschool Read Alouds:

Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan

I picked up this read aloud to complement our U.S. and Mexico study, but it was so much more. Naomi and her little brother are being raised by their great-grandma when their mother is sent to rehab. They live a happy life full of love and stability. But when their mother returns and threatens to take them, the whole family heads for for Mexico in search of the children's father. But he's gone missing, and the clock is ticking. Will they find him in time? Or will their mother reclaim her rights? This book touched on so many important topics, primarily the importance of family and belonging. Read it together and discuss to get the most out of this title.

Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan

The first in a series, Angel on the Square follows Katya and her mother as they move into the royal palace just a few years before Tsar Nicholas' abdication of the throne. Set during the beginning of WWI and the Russian Revolution, it's a fictionalized telling of Russia and the royal family. We added this one in as part of our geography study and found it to be a quick read that really transported us to that time and place.

What are you reading?

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Maple Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls ll Pinterest Inspired

*This post was originally published on 11/15/13. Enjoy!

These Cinnamon Rolls popped up on Pinterest about a week ago and I was practically drooling. And since it's fall... and since I'm a pumpkin fanatic... well, these were baking in our house this weekend! If you love pumpkin, these pumpkin cinnamon rolls just might find a place in your cookbook.

Maple Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
(*from Creme de la Crumb)

Dough:
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 c. warm water
about 3 c. flour
2/3 c. pumpkin puree
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. butter, melted
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Filling:
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
4 Tbsp butter, melted

Frosting:
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1-2 Tbsp milk
1 tsp maple extract
1 Tbsp maple syrup

(or cheat like I did and use cream cheese frosting)

1. Dissolve yeast in water to proof. Add pumpkin, milk, butter, sugar, salt, spice, and vanilla. Mix together. Slowly add flour, starting with 2/3 c., and slowly add add as dough forms a ball (mine took 3 c.)

2. Allow dough to rise in a warm place

3. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Mix together filling ingredients in a small bowl. Brush melted butter over dough and sprinkle filling. Roll dough tightly and cut into 9 sections.

4. Place cinnamon rolls in a greased pan, cut side down. Cover and allow to rise until doubled in size (can also refrigerate at this time and bake in the morning).

5. Preheat oven to 375 and bake 20 min or until golden brown. Drizzle with prepared frosting and serve warm.

Enjoy!

*Linked to these Parties