Friday, December 29, 2017

Top 10 Favorite Books from 2017

Looking back on this past year, I realized that it was the Year of Fiction.  Of the over 50 books I read this year, the vast majority of my favorites were fictional.  And some of them were surprises even for me.  I discovered some new authors and returned to some tried and true favorites.  
These are my Top 10 Favorite Books from 2017:


The Gift of Christmas Past by Cindy and Erin Woodsmall--
Cindy Woodsmall has long been one of my favorite authors so when she teamed up with her daughter in law, I was more than excited to review their new book.  Children of foster care was a focus of this book (already working its way into my heart) and the sensitive subject was treated with a lot of dignity.  Not so much a Christmas book, but well worth the read.


The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty--
Moriarty is a phenomenal writer.  I've read about 3-4 of her books and have not been disappointed once.  This story sucked me in right away and took so many twists and turns.  So good.


Growing Up Too Fast by Sylvia Rimm--
One of the few non-fiction books to make the list, this is a Must Read if you have a middle schooler.  I have a middle schooler and have worked as a Jr. High teacher and was still astounded by some of the finds in this book.  Reading this one really opened my eyes to the middle school world and gave me a lot of sympathy for my own kiddo.


Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein--
This was actually the 2nd book in a series and I loved them both.  Written at a middle school level, this book kept me hooked all the way through.  With so many references to other literary works, it had my Language Arts heart singing.  Can't wait to pick up the 3rd book.


The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley--
Another favorite from my kids' reading lists.  Set in World War II, this book was both about the war and a study of human nature.  We will be revisiting this one when I teach Modern History.


The Kindness Challenge by Shauti Feldhahn--
One of the Top 10 Posts of 2017, this was an incredible book.  Broken down into three categories (husband to wife, wife to husband, and individual to others), this book addresses so many relationships and how to improve them.  I actually put it back on my 2018 reading list and I'm excited to continue implementing many of these same ideas in my relationships.


The Year of Learning Dangerously by Quinn Cummings--
Part memoir, part comedy, this book had my laughing and reflecting all the way through.  In this book, Cummings explores the world of homeschooling and all its various philosophies.  I found myself both nodding my head and scratching my head.  It really made me question why I teach the way I do and opened my eyes to new ideas.


Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall--
The final book in the series and it did not disappoint.  Really the whole series would be in my Top 10, but the first two came out last year.  A really, really great series.


Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty--
Like I said, Liane Moriarty does a great job and this was one of my favorites.  She really did a great job of creating an interesting cast of characters and still bringing each one a lot of depth.  Put this one on your reading list.


In The Shadow of Denali 
by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse--
Both of these authors are relatively new to me and I wasn't sure what to expect, but this book intrigued me because of its setting: Alaska.  How could a book about Alaska disappoint?  And it set at the turn of the 20th century.  So this one nicely blended some history and a great story as well.  I'm looking forward to book #2 coming out in 2018.

What were your favorite books of 2017?





Friday, December 22, 2017

Mom On The Go Planner Review and Flip Through



I'm getting organized for 2018 and this Mom On The Go Planner is incredible.  More than just a week to week planner, the Mom On The Go has so many different features, some I've wished for in a planner and others that I didn't even realize I wanted.

Discount Code:
COMING SOON!

In The Leafy Treetops website:
https://intheleafytreetops.com

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Wednesday, December 20, 2017

A Simplified Life {Review}


In A Simplified Life, Emily Ley takes her readers along on the journey of simplifying and savoring the moment.  Divided into ten chapters, touching on topics such as meals, scheduling, hospitality, finances, and more, Ley challenges us to look beyond the pinterest and instagram perfection.  Life is about so much more than the image and our systems are made to serve us, not the other way around.

Ley tackles the idea of clutter in our lives.  And not just physical clutter, but emotional and spiritual clutter as well.  How much of our brain is cluttered with ideas and thoughts that really aren't worth our time?  A simplified life is about more than minimalism, but rather saying yes to what works for each individual's life and purpose.

While I appreciate the message of this book, I found it be oversimplified for the stage of life I'm in.  Much of the information has been said before.  And in all honesty, it's a lot of the same advice that many of us are already following.  The school of life in our 30's has taught us to menu plan, simplify our beauty routine, and take care of ourselves.  And while Ley reminds us (often) to let go of pinterest perfection, A Simplified Life is filled (every 2nd or 3rd page) with Ley's own "perfect life."  Though the book is beautiful, it can feel contradictory and somewhat defeating.

A Simplified Life may not be appropriate for all ages.  However, I could see this book being valuable to a woman in her 20's or a young mom starting out her parenting journey.  The information is good and each chapter includes questions to help you apply the concepts to your own life.  This book would be a good starting point for someone at the beginning of this journey... not a well-seasoned traveler.

*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.



Monday, December 18, 2017

Top 5 Non-Religious Christmas Books



I'm sharing with you today our Top 5 Non-Religious Christmas Books that we return to year after year.  Do you have a favorite?

Our Top 5 Christian Christmas Books:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozCVubgKY9Y

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Friday, December 15, 2017

Christmas and Advent Traditions



Today I'm sharing some of our favorite Christmas traditions... both the ones that glue us together as a family, and those that point us back to the reason for the season!

A Catholic Mom's Life:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBPwe61hWru6AN8ZzyY-KwA

Our Top 5 Christian Christmas Books:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozCVubgKY9Y

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Music Attribution:

We Wish You A Merry Christmas by E's Jammy Jams

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

You Are The Beloved {Review}


Compiled by Gabrielle Earnshaw, this daily devotional draws from Henri Nouwen's writing on identity.  From January to December, each selection focuses on who the reader is in Christ and clarifies hope, purpose, gratitude, and so much more.  You Are The Beloved pulls from both previously published works, as well as never-before-seen writings, to encourage readers in their central identity as the Beloved of God.  

As someone who suffered from loneliness and depression, Nouwen's words take on a profound meaning.  Having struggled with his own identity as the Beloved, his writing speaks of acceptance, kindness, and ultimately recognition of his own place in the kingdom.  

You Are The Beloved is a beautiful bound collection of encouragement.  Ranging from a quarter to a full page, the devotions are short, but powerful.  My only criticism is that I wish of the selections would have been expanded upon.  While they are challenging and powerful, I feel that some of them were too succinct and possibly fall short of a fuller meaning.  Still this devotional is powerful and would make a great addition to anyone's time with the Lord.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Kids Service Project: Tie Blankets



We're teaching the kids to give back this season with a service project for babies!

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Music Attribution:

Deck the Halls by Jingle Punks

Monday, December 11, 2017

Our Top 5 Christian Christmas Books



I'm sharing with you today how we do a book advent through the month of December and our Top 5 Christian Christmas Books that we return to year after year.  Do you have a favorite?

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Saturday, December 9, 2017

Christmas Home Decor 2017



Today I'm taking you through our home and sharing some of our favorite Christmas decorations!  How do you like to decorate for the holidays?

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Music Attribution:

We Wish You A Merry Xmas by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Happy Little Elves by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Friday, December 8, 2017

2017 Lighted Christmas Parade



 It’s the holiday season and time for one of our favorite family traditions… The Lighted Christmas Parade!  Join our family on one of our longest standing traditions… 20 years and running!

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Music Attribution:

We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Jingle Punks

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

5 DIY Dollar Tree Christmas Ornamentts



 5 Easy DIY Dollar Tree Kids' Crafts for the holidays...

What are you crafting?

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Music Attribution:

Deck the Halls by Jingle Punks

Monday, December 4, 2017

Decorating a Christmas Tree in Three Minutes {2017}



How quickly can you decorate a Christmas Tree?  Three Minutes???

Our 2014 Christmas Tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKUjoTkid_E

Our 2015 Christmas Tree:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3cWxw8PE20

Our 2016 Christmas Tree:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhPE5WoQ-Vs

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Music Attribution:

Deck the Halls by Jingle Punks

Happy Little Elves by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Saturday, December 2, 2017

One Second Every Day {November 2017}


 November was full of life... school, Veteran's Day parade, working on service projects, and gearing up for the holidays.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

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Music Attribution:

Happy Little Elves by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Friday, December 1, 2017

November Favorites


 Today I'm sharing with you a few of my favorites from the month of November... books, planner, makeup, and family.

Gift of Christmas Past Review:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-gift-of-christmas-past-review.html

My Christmas Planner Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbz1Oeghdz8

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 6yrs.

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Weekend Links








What I'm Cooking:

This week Josiah made cinnamon muffins in his cooking class and he actually enjoyed them.  So we picked up the recipe and he actually wants to help me in the kitchen.  Yes, please.  I'm more than happy to have help with the household chores.

What I'm Reading:

I'm reading the December bookmarks book and really enjoying it (Circling the Sun).  It's by Paula McLain and I've never read any of her books before.  But this one is good, pretty different from anything I've read before, but I like it.

What I'm Doing:

Christmas is coming!  Christmas is coming!  But... instead of the fun stuff this week, we've been doing the catch up stuff.  I thought I was on track for tackling this week, but then realized that we had a ton of appointments this week.  It's been a little crazy.  We're planning on being "Merry" this weekend and getting some decorating done.

What I'm Watching: 

I just watched the season finale of This Is Us.  Eek!  If you haven't started watching this show yet, go... run... start it now!

What I'm Enjoying: 

Christmas Tree... cooler weather... watching the kids roller skate... fall leaves... 

What are you up to?


Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Lizzy the Lioness {Review}


Lizzy is just too little... too little to climb, to little to wander, to little to patrol with the other lions... "Be careful!" the others always tell her.  And she's just so tired of being little.  She is ready to be brave!

Till one day Lizzy meets a little girl and takes an interest in her.  And the baboons start to encircle the little girl, Lizzy knows she must be brave and take action.  But what's a little lion to do?

This sweet book by Lisa Bevere explores what it means to be brave.  And it may surprise young readers what brave really is.  Lizzy is truly a sweet character that children will love and her story is relatable without be condescending.  The story flows nicely and the illustrations are lively.  This book would make a nice Christmas gift for children 4-8 years.  I can imagine that further stories of Lizzy the Lioness would be well received as well.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.  



Tuesday, November 28, 2017

FREE Christmas Planner Review



 Time to start planning for the holidays.  In that spirit, I found this wonderful printable planner to share with you.  It’s a beautiful and fun way to keep track of this busy time of year.

WonderMomWannabe Printable:
https://wondermomwannabe.com/printable-christmas-planner/

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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Friday, November 24, 2017

Weekend Links











What I'm Cooking:

It's Thanksgiving Week... and we're doing lots of projects in the kitchen.  Since it's our week off of school, I pulled out some of the recipes from our Story of the Work curriculum for us to try while we had the time.  Lydia and I made homemade pita and it was incredible.

She and also got into the kitchen to make homemade cranberry sauce and our family favorite Pumpkin Pie Cake.  It's been a yummy week in the kitchen and we're loving it.

What I'm Reading:

I just finished reading a good about the faith and legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Now I'm in between books and thinking about checking out the December bookmarks selection.  Looks good!

What I'm Doing:

We had the week off from school, but I think we might have been busier than we are when we're in school.  Lydia and Josiah had Egyptian projects to finish, Noah had a history project to work on.  We spent a lot of time in the kitchen and I even finished the kids' Christmas ornaments.

What I'm Watching: 

I caught up on the last couple of episodes of This Is Us and it's really hit home.  It's one of those shows that really delves into real life and dealing with real situations.

What I'm Enjoying:

homemade cranberry sauce... getting to know the neighbors... service projects with the kids...
Christmas projects... 

What are you up to?

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving!


Prayers for a blessed holiday of
reflecting on all we have to be thankful for.

Count Your Blessings today and...
Stay tuned for lots of holiday fun coming your way!

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

A Prairie Girl's Faith: The Spiritual Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder {Review}


In A Prairie Girl's Faith, Stephen W. Hines takes an in-depth look at the spiritual legacy left behind by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Searching both her books and other publications, as well as her daughter's writing, Hines delves deep to explore Wilder's personal faith and how it impacted her character, pioneer spirit, and ultimately a far reaching audience.  Hines also uncovers how Wilder's faith influenced her daughter, and how the two, although often at odds in viewpoint, came together to write an extraordinary series.  

In one of the more interesting chapters, Hines takes a closer look at the hymns and songs mentioned in the Little House series.  He examines the lyrics of each, and relates the history of the piece and how it applied to the pioneer lifestyle.  Through this work, the reader can discover much about the beliefs, culture, and mindset that kept American pioneers moving forward in uncertain times.  As well as how central the Christian faith was to the Ingalls family.

For someone who's always been a fan of Wilder's literary legacy, this book was a delight.  It took me back to the original stories and offered insights to deepen the already rich history of the Little House series.  This would make a wonderful for read for anyone that is a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.



My Fun Holiday Favorites Tag



 It's that time of year... time for the holidays to hit, mom and dads to be busy, and time to make memories as a family.

A Common Life:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4zsjxGSfl4FiYcxJO_4H_Q

BoyBoss Mama:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvrQy_Ml6tuc8Z4k83kmaXg

Mommy & Mia HS Chronicles:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg

Tag Questions:
1 - Which is your favorite, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years?
2 - What are you looking forward to the most these holidays?
3 - Do you have a wish list or prefer to be surprised?
4 - Name a few things you are most thankful for.
5 - What's your favorite dish to cook and why?
6 - Will you be hosting or going to a family members or friends house? traveling?
7 - Pick your favorite holiday and share what does your table look like. (decor, food & activities)
8 - What are some of your favorite traditions?
9 - Which movie gets you in the holiday spirit?
10 - What is your favorite Holiday memory?

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

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Music Attribution:

Joy To The World by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
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