Friday, September 29, 2017

2017 September 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 September was The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.

These are the books I read this month:


The Year of Learning Dangerously by Quinn Cummings--I loved this book.  Part how-to, part educational philosophy, part memoir, a Year of Learning Dangerously following the journey of one mother trying to do her best by her daughter.  As they explore together this crazy work of homeschooling, Cummings takes on the ups, downs, and misconceptions of homeschooling, homeschoolers, and the insanity of taking on your child's education.


Praying for Girls by Teri Lynne Underwood-- See my review here.


All Saints by Michael Spurlock and Jeanette Windle-- See my review here.


What We Read With The Kids:


A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park--This book was a 7th grade assignment for my son so we read it together.  But once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.  


Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers--A classic for sure... we listened to this one on audiobook.  Mary Poppins is a little sharper in the book than the Disney classic, but still an enjoyable read.


The Return of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks--The second in the series, my kids love following the adventures of Omri and Little Bear.


Our suggested reading for September was The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin--  Unfortunately I wasn't able to read this one.  I've had it on hold from the library for over 6 weeks and it still hasn't come in.  I'm still excited to read it, but I'm feeling a little disappointed that I wasn't able to finish it in time for this post.

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 Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Also don't forget to come back on October 27th as we discuss Anne of Green Gables by Lucy M. Montgomery.

Thursday, September 28, 2017

September Favorites {Open Collab}



 Today I'm sharing with you four of my favorites from the month of September: beauty, family, and more!

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1uCN8r0fLD6ubKqLnNgH2xPMasq0kggR&disable_polymer=true

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱11 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 5 yrs.

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

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Music Attribution:

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Coloring Christmas Devotions {Review}


Fall is officially here and the holidays are right around the corner.  Christmas items are showing up in stores, along side Halloween costumes and scarecrows.  And this time of year, it seems like time is accelerating.  So how can we slow down and savor the season?  Even for a moment?

Coloring Christmas Devotions is a sweet devotional/ coloring book combination celebrating the Christmas season.  This compact book is the perfect size for on the go, visiting family, or taxing kids to sport practices.  There are 31 undated devotionals to be read in any order you'd like, along with a corresponding coloring page.  The illustrations range from wildlife, festive decorations, to religious themed scenes.  Some of my favorite illustrations were the nature scenes which include reindeer, polar bears and penguins.

This book is well bound and reasonably priced.  The pages of the book were nice, but not think enough for markers.  Color pencils and gel pens would be appropriate, but markers would bleed through.  

Coloring Christmas Devotions is thought provoking and perfect for a few minutes of quiet each day.  This book would make a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys being creative and is looking to savor the holidays.

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

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Josiah's Moana Birthday Party {DITL 9/16/17}



 Josiah is six years old!  We celebrated with a Moana birthday party filled with friends and family.  Lots of fun.  Then out to dinner with family.

Moana Party Prep:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN-EpFbt2Ao

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱11 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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Music Attribution:

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (https://www.youtube.com/editor)

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Moana Birthday Party Prep!



 Earlier this month, Josiah turned 6 years old!  Where does the time go?  He requested a Moana birthday party.  Although I was intimidated at first, it ended up being a lot of fun, and we had more ideas than time.  Lydia even got in on the act, creating some of the decorations in her spare time.  Enjoy a behind the scenes look at some of the details!

Included in this video are DIY banner, centerpiece, decorations, games, and piñata!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱11 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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

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Music Attribution:

You Make Me Feel Good is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Friday, September 22, 2017

Weekend Links











This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

There hasn't been much healthy food in this house the past week.  Last Friday, we had family rolling into town to celebrate Josiah's birthday.  That was the beginning of some really back food choices.  :-)

So getting back into the week, it was back to routines.  Thursday night I made a yummy crockpot minestrone with tortellini and homemade bread.  It was full of vegetables, full of flavor, and filling for these growing kiddos.

What I'm Reading:

I just finished a true story called All Saints (you can find the review here).  It's based on a true story about a priest, a struggling church, and group of Karen refugees so come together for a true miracle.  Very inspiring!

What I'm Doing:

Three kids... busy life...  I realized earlier this week that Noah's birthday is coming up quickly and I've got to get busy.  So I started working on birthday invitations and a piñata.  On the homeschool front, we're working our way through Ancient Egypt and I'm loving it. We're all learning so much.

What I'm Watching: 

We've been watching through Last Man Standing on Netflix.  It's only available through 
September 30th so we've been watching several episodes after the kids go to bed.  Tim Allen is so funny and this show in particular gets me every time.  And bonus... I don't have to worry if the kids happen to walk into the room while it's on.

What I'm Enjoying:

Ancient Egypt history... fall baseball games... celebrating Josiah... soup in the crockpot... 
homemade bread... fresh pressed apple cider...

What are you up to?

All Saints {Review}


A young priest... a grieving church... a refugee community... all converge in a series of unlikely events to witness one extraordinary miracle.

Michael Spurlock, fresh out of seminary, dreams of a church where he can be mentored in the priesthood.  Instead the diocese sees fit to assign him to a grieving church that is struggling in the aftermath of a split.  While he and his wife, Aimee, agree to the challenge, the church is also facing a financial crises, with months left in their building before they'll be forced to sell.  While Michael is still coming to grips with the church's situation, a group of Karen refugees discover the little church and begin attending services.  The Karen are seeking not only practical help in adjusting to a new country, but also spiritual guidance.  When one day, Spurlock hears the Lord speak to him about a solution for them all.  Start a farm!  What ensues is a series of unlikely events that saves a church, restores dignity to a people group, and builds a community.  

While the first half of the book was somewhat difficult to follow, moving back and forth with backstory information, once I learned the characters, it was quite an enjoyable read.  Hearing of the faith of the church and the people involved was truly inspiring.  Who, but God, would call on a split church and a young priest to start a farm?  Restoring dignity to the Karen and reviving a community is truly a story of healing and miracles.  If you're looking for a book to inspire you in the faith, All Saints is certainly it.

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




Tuesday, September 19, 2017

September Homeschool Favorites


We're finding our rhythm for the homeschool year and pulling out some of our favorites.  From drawing books to character development, these are some of the tools we're using in our homeschool.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱11 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

Collab w/ FullTimeWifeLife: https://www.youtube.com/user/FullTimeWifeLife

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

C O N N E C T
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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Friday, September 15, 2017

Weekend Links









This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

Josiah's birthday was on Tuesday so he got to pick our dinner menu.  His absolute favorite meal is Parmesan Pasta.  It's listed on Pinterest as Creamy Garlic Pasta and it is incredible.  I don't complain too much when he requests it.  Although it does require a little extra time in the gym.  :-)

Besides that, we tried to eat light this week: salads, chicken pesto sandwiches, ... yummy, but end of summer light.

What I'm Loving:

This week was a little crazy.  There was lots of ups and downs, and some crazy emotions.  But that's what you got when you're living and doing school and doing life together for 24 hrs a day.  So what am I loving this week??? Birthday plans coming together... and cooler weather on the horizon.   Cooler weather moving in has meant more evenings in the backyard, more giggles on the trampoline, new life for the play tunnel, just lots of outdoors fun.

What I'm Reading:

I'm still reading Slow Down by Nicole Nordeman.  Cute little motherhood gift book and has been good for my heart this week.  :-)

What I'm Doing:

We've been enjoying the fall season and all the festivals and activities that pop up this time of year.  Last weekend, we attended the Honeybee Festival.  There was a ton of vendor booths, singing and entertainment, and a live bee beard demonstration.  That was awesome!

What I'm Watching: 

I've gotten hooked on This Is Us.  Totally binge watching in the evening.  It got me hooked when one of the main characters was adopted and I can see the struggles he goes through.  I think ahead to how I'm going to deal with those issues with my son.  But all the characters are well done.  This show totally has the same feel of Parenthood.

What I'm Enjoying:

cooler weather... sun tea... Story of the World... parmesan pasta... capture the flag...

What are you up to?


Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Slow Down: Embracing the Everyday Moments of Motherhood {Review}



Doesn't it feel like life is moving at the speed of light?  Just when you think you've caught a moment, it's gone.  Days filled with baseball practice, and piano lessons, and cub scouts... till eventually they become a blur.  And one day you realize, you've missed some of the greatest moments in your children's lives.  Some stages you're happy to be over with (potty training), while other stages you'd give anything to have back (snugging before bed).  Slow Down is a reminder to embrace your children at whatever stage they're in.  Whether you're embracing the stage of ABC's and peek-a-boo, or struggling, yet embracing, through the pre-teen years, these moments will pass too quickly, and the only way to hang on is through this realization.  Grab hold of the moments, pick your battles, and enjoy the ride.

This hardcover book includes 14 chapters encouraging moms to recognize the how brief life is.  Each chapter includes tips for motherhood, as well as beautiful photographs.  The book is gorgeously bound with a nice cover, perfect gift for moms at any stage of life.  I would recommend this book for any mom needing a little encouragement in this wild ride of motherhood.

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

Friday, September 8, 2017

One Second Every Day {August 2017}



One second every day during the month of August.... how is it the end of summer??? It went by way too fast!  At the beginning of August, we took a trip of a lifetime to Hawaii!  It was awesome!  Then it was back home to savor the end of summer, get ready for school to start, view the eclipse, and a whole lot more fun!

C O N N E C T
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Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

Music Attribution:

Jenny’s Theme by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Weekend Links












This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

It's been kind of a mixed menu this week when we had some unexpected rain.  Due to the fires in the area, our hot weather has been really intensified.  So even though it's September, we've still been eating lots of salads.  But it rained Wednesday night and into Thursday.  Oh, it was a sweet relief, knocking down the fires and clearing out some smoke.  Since it was also a swim night, I threw tomato soup into the crockpot and started a loaf of bread.  Soup was a nice treat and a fun welcome to fall.  Savoring it as the 100 degree temps are coming back.

What I'm Loving:

There are so many things I'm loving.  Clear air... rain... cooler days approaching.... but one thing I'm really loving this week being at home.  Our last weekend was REALLY busy with several parties (birthday, anniversary, etc) and travel.  So this week I've just been enjoying being at home, establishing a routine before baseball starts.

What I'm Reading:

And as I'm enjoying being at home, I started a book called Slow Down by Nicole Nordeman.  It's a sweet motherhood gift book that I'm reviewing and it's reminding me to enjoy these moments of homeschooling 'cause it's really the only time in our lives we have to slow down.

What I'm Doing:

Like I said, last weekend was busy.  We surprised my in-law's with an anniversary party and then immediately jumped back in the car and drove some more to go to my nephew's birthday party.  We're in the middle of what we call birthday season with three cousins' birthdays in Sept, one in Oct, and my birthday in October as well.  Fall is busy around here and then the holidays are right around the corner.

What I'm Watching: 

I've been binge watching a show on TLC called Outdaughtered.  This family has 6 girls, 5 of which are quintuplets.  It's been interesting to watch from the perspective of parenting, but also knowing that the couple attends church and a small group.

What I'm Enjoying:

A taste of cooler weather... finishing summer candles and started some fall candles... hands-on history lessons... ReWordAble... 

What are you up to?

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Praying for Girls {Review}


In our home, we've been blessed to not only raise two amazing, rambunctious boys, but also one energetic, lively daughter as well.  On the one hand, all three of our kids have some striking similarities.  On the other hand, there have been some noticeable differences in raising boys and girls.  Sometimes I have to step back and remember that they're all individual and need different things.  Ever since I was able to review Praying for Boys a few years ago, I've been praying that someone would write a similar book for girls.

While I've been waiting for a book like this for years,  Praying for Girls has far exceeded my expectations.  Each chapter addresses an area where girls need to hear from the Lord in wisdom, humility, contentment, identity, etc.  Included in each chapter is an explanation why that area is important, Scripture based prayers, and "girl talk" for little girls, middle girls, and older girls.  I felt that this section, in particular, was unique to this book.  Girl Talk includes ways to connect with our daughters or the girls in our lives on these particular subjects.  For example, the Girl Talk for middle girls on acceptance leads the adult through having a conversation about rejection and how the Lord always accepts us, no matter our shortcomings.  I found these section of each chapter to be filled with very practical advice and action steps.  Additionally, the Scripture based prayers are very solid and cut right to the heart of the matter.

All in all, I was quite happy to read through this book.  It has become a staple on my nightstand and I'm sure it will be there for years to come.  What a wonderfully practical way to support our daughters and the young women in our lives!

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

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Our September Morning Basket



Filling our September Morning Basket with poetry, Ancient Egypt, and space study... I'm a little excited about things coming up.  :-)

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱11 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 5 yrs.

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

C O N N E C T
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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

September Holidays and Homeschool Ideas

Looking for a few ways to add some fun to your homeschool?  Here are just a few of the holidays and fun days you can celebrate this month:

Sept 4th--Lazy Mom's Day
*Have the kids make their own lunches
*Drop the curriculum for the day and go on a field trip
*Order takeout
(This might be my favorite holiday of the month)

Sept 8th--International Literacy Day
*Take a trip to the library or attend story time
*Write journal entries from the perspective of your book's main character
*Create a puppet show based on a favorite fairy tale

Sept 10th--Grandparent's Day
*Make cards for the grandparents
*Surprise the grandparents with a visit and lunch
*Become a Grandparent Servant for the day (mow lawns, cook, etc)
*Adopt the elderly in your neighborhood

Sept 13th--Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day
*Plan a meal and grocery shopping with the kids
*Bake a special treat with the kids for after dinner
*Practice measurements with baking muffins for breakfast

Sept 16th--Playdoh Day
*Make Pumpkin Pie playdoh
*Try making textured playdoh
*Set up a themed playdoh center

Sept 22nd--First Day of Autumn
*Collect fall leaves
*Take a nature walk and take photos of the changing leaves
*Enjoy a cup of apple cider

Sept 27th--Tourism Day
*Create a brochure for somewhere you'd like to travel
*Research a family trip for next summer
*Create a travel brochure for your hometown

Sept 28th--Good Neighbor Day
*Take a treat to your neighbors
*Adopt an elderly neighbor to take care of
*Host a block party

What days are you celebrating this month?

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Left Our Nine Year Old in Hawaii???



 Our Hawaiian vacation is coming to an end.  But the adventure continues... first up... surviving a Red Eye Flight with three kids.  Well, maybe three... we might have to leave Lydia in Maui.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱11 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 5 yrs.

*The video was filmed on Aug 10-11, 2017.  Enjoy!

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

C O N N E C T
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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Vacation Ukele by ALBIS is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

Gymnopedie No 3 by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Saturday, September 2, 2017

First Time Zipline, Aquaball, and the Lahaina Banyan Tree



Today we're taking the kids zip lining for the first time.  Which kids will zip and which ones will chicken out?  And Noah gets to finally live out his dream of riding in an Aquaball!  Finally we finish off the day checking out the Lahaina Banyan Tree and  getting in one last swim.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱11 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 5 yrs.

*The video was filmed on Aug 10, 2017.  Enjoy!

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

C O N N E C T
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Music Attribution:

Vacation Ukele by ALBIS is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

The Big Beat 80's by Kevin MacLeod & Syrinx Starr is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)


Spring in my Step by Silent Partner is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Friday, September 1, 2017

August Favorites {Open Collab}



 Today I'm sharing five of my Mommy favorites from the kitchen.  Little things that I just couldn't live without.

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1uCN8r0fLD6ubKqLnNgH2xPMasq0kggR&disable_polymer=true

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱11 yrs, 👧9 yrs, and 👱 5 yrs.

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

C O N N E C T
subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom
read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com
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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Bright Wish by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: http://incompetech.com/

I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

Weekend Links












This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

My favorite meal this week was definitely our Fajita Salad.  It's super light, refreshing, and full of flavor.  We marinate some chicken in a chili lime sauce and then grill it.  It's served over a bed of lettuce with sautéed peppers and onions, with chopped tomatoes and avocado, and of course more dressing.  It's so yummy and the marinade/ dressing and amazing!

What I'm Loving:

This week we got a word building game called Rewordable.  It's not something I thought I'd ever enjoy, but we're having so much fun playing this one.  It's really stretched my brain, but it's been especially fun to play this one with Lydia.

I'm also loving getting back into a routine with my workouts.  August was rough.  Between vacation and starting school again, it was hard to find my way to the gym.  So I finally caved and started working out at home just to get something in.  And this week it's been nice to get a few workouts at the gym too.

What I'm Reading:

A few weeks ago, I picked up a copy of A Year of Learning Dangerously from our local library.  It's a memoir of a first time homeschooling mom.  And the author has such a way of blending information, storytelling, and humor.  It's learned a ton, laughed a lot, and really taken a different look at our own homeschool.

What I'm Doing:

Fall schedules are kicking in.  My work schedule is changing.  The change is for the better certainly, but it's change.  And I'm not one to enjoy change.  Fall Ball kicked in this week and with that, just comes the need to balance new commitments.  So I'm working on keeping things running smoothly and trying to help us all keep our sanity.

What I'm Watching: 

We started watching The Little Couple again.  We dropped off from watching it a few seasons ago, but it was recently on while I was working out at the gym.  So we've been trying to catch up.  Their kiddos are so cute and it's fun to see their adventures.

What I'm Enjoying:

Fajita Salad (my husband and I both said we wished there would have been more of that)...
No Cavity Dentist Appointments (Josiah came out with a clean bill of health)...
Reliving our Hawaiian vacation by creating these videos...

What are you up to?
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