2017 August Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for August was Loving Your Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk.

These are the books I read this month:

Growing Up Too Fast: The Secret World of America's Middle Schoolers by Sylvia Rimm

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein--

What We Read With The Kids:

Ribsy by Beverly Cleary--

The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop--

Our suggested reading for August was Loving Your Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk--

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on Loving Your Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk.

Also don't forget to come back on September 29th as we discuss The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

2017 July Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for July was Paris for One & Other Stories by JoJo Moyes.

These are the books I read this month:

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall-- See my review here.

What We Read With The Kids:

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks--  We've never read this classic with the kids so we decided it was time.  My oldest, going into 7th grade, loved it and can't wait to read more in the series.  That's a win for me!  :-)

The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White--  This is one of my personal favorites.  I could read this one over and over again.  Not only is it a great classic, but it also speaks to the value of hard work, integrity, and loyalty, among other life lessons.

Our suggested reading for July was Paris for One & Other Stories by JoJo Moyes-- 

I was looking for a little summer read for the month of July and this one was perfect.  I picked it up from the library on a Friday and had read the entire thing by the end of the weekend.  Paris for One is the longest story obviously with several other short stories at the end.  My favorite was Paris for One about a young woman who discovers she's not as timid as she once believed and in the process sees a whole new world open up.  Great read for the lazy days of summer.

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on Paris for One & Other Stories by JoJo Moyes.

Also don't forget to come back on August 25 as we discuss Loving Your Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk.

2017 June Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for June was Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas.

These are the books I read this month:

Habits by Charlotte Mason-- This is the first volume of the Charlotte Mason writing.  We use a little Charlotte Mason style education in our homeschool, particularly in history.  So I was curious to explore more of the philosophy.  This book is about establishing habits in not only the homeschool, but the home.  And what really struck me was that it also focused on the parents.  I find that to be so true.  A good place to start in understanding more of the Charlotte Mason philosophy.

The Outdoor Life of Children by Charlotte Mason-- so this was book 2 of the Charlotte Mason series and one that I was really excited to delve into.  I'm always looking for ways to incorporate more outdoor studies with my kids and this is one of the major tenants of the educational philosophy.  This book in particular focuses on nature study and getting kids outdoors.  Great advice!

What We Read With The Kids:

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate-- I don't know what I expected from this book, but it wasn't quite what I expected.  But in a good way.  We've been reading through the Little House series and they can be pretty heavy.  But this one was so funny.  Heartfelt, sincere, and sweet.  A great book for reading aloud to younger ones, but even my seventh grader enjoyed it.

Run with Me by Sanya Richards Ross-- See my review here.

Our suggested reading for June was Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas--  When I picked up this book, from page one, I remember how important this book is to my parenting journey.  A way of thinking, rather than a how to, Sacred Parenting focuses on how God matures us through parenthood. Think you've got it all figured out?  Have kids!  What if parenthood was less about raising kids and more about drawing close to the Lord?  Well guess what?  It is!  Top five parenting books in my opinion, if not the top book for any parent.

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas

Also don't forget to come back on July 28th as we discuss Paris for One & Other Stories by JoJo Moyes.

2017 May Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for May was Atlas Girl by Emily T. Wierenga.

These are the books I read this month:

Are My Kids on Track by Goff, Thomas, and Trevathan-- See my review here.

What We Read With The Kids:

On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder--  We are book #4 of the Little House series and the kids are soaking it up.  Especially my 5 year old; he loves them!

Our suggested reading for May was Atlas Girl by Emily T. Wierenga--  This book was so good.  Memoir written in rich language, Wierenga explores a life marred with imperfect people, an eating disorder, and trying to make sense of a loving God in an unlovable world.  Leaving home at a young age, Wierenga finds the love her life, but learns that battling her demons will follow her.  And when her mother is diagnosed with brain cancer and she's needed at home, those demons continue to follow along.  Written in a nonlinear, quirky, thought provoking way, Atlas Girl discovers that sometimes the last place you want to be is the place that will heal you.  Meant to be read slowly and savored, Atlas Girl is a great book for gaining deep perspective.

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on Atlas Girl by Emily T. Wierenga.

Also don't forget to come back on June 30th as we discuss Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas.

2017 April Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for April was Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

These are the books I read this month:

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult-- Ruth, a labor and delivery nurse of over 20 years, has been taken off a patient's case through no fault of her own.  So what's her fault?  She's African-American and the baby is the son of a white supremacist.  When the baby goes into cardiac arrest, with only Ruth in the room, what will she do?  Will she act as a nurse?  Or simply walk away?  Told through the eyes of Ruth, the supremacist father, and her public defender, Small Great Things takes on the challenge of race in America.  Challenging and thoughtful, I agreed with some of it, disagreed with some of it, and came away with a lot to think about.

Love Unending by Becky Thompson--See my review here.

What We Read With The Kids:

A Dog's Life by Ann M. Martin--  This book was so sweet.  At times heartbreaking.  It reads as an autobiography as the dog tells about his various owners, good and bad.  And the adventures and misadventures of a stray.  Honestly, it was a horrible book for me to read 'cause now I want to go adopt all the strays at the shelter.

Our suggested reading for March was Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty--  Six adults and three children at a dinner party... what could go wrong?  Spend this book uncovering what exactly did happen at that dinner party and who's to blame.  But be careful with your guesses.  There may be more than one right answer.  If you've read many of these bookmarks posts you know that I love Liane Moriarty's books and this one is no exception.  It was a page turner for all 415 pages!  I couldn't put it down as my mind was racing to unravel this mystery of friendship, guilt and obligations.  Read it!

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty.

Also don't forget to come back on May 26th as we discuss Atlas Girl by Emily T. Wierenga.

2017 March Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for March was A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans.

These are the books I read this month:

What We Read With The Kids:

The third book in the Little House series, my kids were thoroughly engaged.  They are loving this series and we're anxious to pick up book four.

Part of the Who Was series, this book gave us a look at the legend of Davy Crockett.  Part man, part tall tale, we learned about his contributions to American Independence and history.  Although I must say, I may have learned more about his humanity than I wanted to know.

Our suggested reading for March was A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans--  Pursuing a different biblical virtue/ idea every month, Evans dedicates one year to exploring what the Bible really says about woman.  Just what is a Biblical Woman?  Beyond all the hype and modern interpretation, what is Biblical Womanhood?  I had never heard of Evans prior to this book, although she is a well-known blogger.  And this book really messed with me.  Although the author really put a lot of research into the book, it really played with how I look at the Bible and Christianity.  It really made me question a lot of things I've always believed and at time I honestly wanted to throw the book out the window.  There's good stuff in this book, but read it with a lot of discretion and be in the mood to wrestle with a lot of ideas.

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans

Also don't forget to come back on April 28th as we discuss Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty.

2017 February Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for February was The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.

These are the books I read this month:

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley--I had originally picked up this book for my daughter, but she wasn't interested.  So I read it!  Ada and her brother, Jamie, flee London during WWII because of the bomb threats.  They also flee a very abusive home life.  Once in the countryside, they meet Susan Smith, mourning the loss of her dear friend.  Though reluctant to take in the children, Susan quickly realizes she needs them.  And they certainly need her.  As the three characters recover from their emotional scares, war moves closer and closer.  Until one day Ada and Jamie's mom shows up and the children must decide where they really belong.  Must more than a historical fiction novel, this book also touches on emotional abuse, recovery, and the definition of family.  I'll definitely be including this one in our WWII unit.

Our suggested reading for February was The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines--

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Also don't forget to come back on March 31st as we discuss A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans.

2017 January Bookmarks

*Bookmarks is an online book club hosted at Creative2xmom. Here we discuss the books we've read in the past month as well as the suggested reading. Our suggested reading for January was The Husband's Secret by Laine Moriarty.

These are the books I read this month:

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan-- Esperanza has always lived a blessed life with her parents and grandmother.  The daughter of a wealthy landowner in Mexico, she's lived with servants, comfort and money.  Till one day her father is killed by bandits, and she and her mother must flee to America in order to stay together.  Once in California she learns what life is like as a migrant worker.  Here she  must chose to either rebuild or fight the system that is feeding her.  An interesting look at the Dust Bowl era.  I picked up this book for my 4th grade daughter and found I couldn't put it down.

The Kindness Challenge by Shaunti Feldhahn-- See my review here.

In the Shadow of Denali by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse-- See my review here.

What We Read with the Kids:

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder-- We love the Little House on the Prairie series but it's been years since we've read through them.  This year we're starting over to share them with our Kindergartener.  Farmer Boy follows the childhood of Almanzo who will grow up to be Laura's husband.  There are many adventures and misadventures that will sure to delight your children.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library-- This was a one of the selections from Barnes and Noble's summer reading program this past summer.  My 4th grade daughter picked it out and read it in November and I read it this past weekend.  It's so good.  I was in awe at how Grabenstein could weave so many wonderful works of literature into one fantastic book.  I loved it as much as she did.

Our suggested reading for January was The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriary-- Cecilia Fitzpatrick lives a busy wife.  With three daughters, a successful husband, and a thriving business, Cecilia seems to have it all.  Until one day she discovers a mysterious letter only to be opened in the event of her husband's death.  Tess O'Leary comes face to face with her own frail marriage when she discovers that her husband, Will, has secretly fallen in love with her cousin and best friend, Felicity.  Fleeing the city for some time to heal, she reconnects with an old flame and questions her future.  Rachel Crowley, the elderly school secretary, lives a sad life, remember her 17 year old daughter who was murdered years before.  As her desperation grows, she narrows in on Connor Whitby and struggles to control her desire for revenge.  This book was a page turner.  Although we quickly know who the murderer is, the tragic details unfold slowly and left me questioning my own moral code.  I continue to be astonished at the depth of which Moriarty can create both a mystery and study in human nature.

So what are your bookmarks this month?

Tell us in the comments about the books you're chewing on. Or link up a review from your own blog. Let's share the books we're finding, good and bad. And give us your thoughts on The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty.

Top 10 Posts of 2016

#10-- Ashland, Or's Standing Stone Brewery

#9-- 15 Fabulous Fall Craft and Recipe Ideas

#8-- September/October Homeschool Favorites

#7-- Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream

#6-- 50 Great Ideas for Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

#5-- 37 Random Things on My 37th Birthday

#4-- DIY Pocahontas Costume

#3-- 12 Things to Do in November to Make Christmas run Smoother

#2-- 2016 October Bookmarks

#1--Pumpkin Spice Caramel Banana Bread

And a few of my personal favorites that didn't make the list:

Winter Citrus Salad

My Top 5 Parenting Books

Chicken Pesto Sandwiches

Top 10 Winter Field Trips

Kids' Valentine's Gifts for Every Love Language

Happy Reading!

Did you have a favorite?