Pumpkin Picking and Lost in a Corn Maze

 It's fall and time for the Pumpkin Patch!  We had a fun morning of picking pumpkins, riding the training, and getting lost in a corn maze.  Afterwards, we went home to carve our pumpkins.

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The Creek by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)

November 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:

November 1st--Dia De Los Muertos
     *Read what Dia De Los Muetros really is
     *And here!
     *Bake Pan De Muerto
     *Create Sugar Scull inspired Rock Art

November 5th--Donut Day
     *Bake some Apple Cider Donut Holes
     *Sew some Felt Food Donuts
     *Do something unexpected

November 13th--World Kindness Day
     *Help an elderly neighbor with a household chore... just because!
     *Hold open a door
     *Call your grandparents
     *Visit a nursing home
     *Smile more!  At people... everywhere... just smile at others all day long!

November 17th--Homemade Bread Day
     *Start with Basic Homemade Bread
     *Move on to some Savory Monkey Bread
     *Finish it off with some Cinnamon Swirl Donut Bread

November 18th--Mickey Mouse Day
     *Read Who Was Walt Disney
     *Learn to draw Mickey
     *Create a Mickey and Minnie Wreath

November 18th--National Adoption Day
     (This might be my personal favorite)
     *Learn about our journey here!
     *And here!
     *And here!

November 23rd--Thanksgiving Day
     *Play this Roll a Turkey Game
     *Make a Thankful Journal for the family to write in throughout the month
     *Make this Turkey and Narrative Thanksgiving Craftivity

What days are you celebrating this month?

I Love Fall Tag/ Favorites

 Fall is my favorite time of year.  Leaves changing, cooler temperatures, soup in the crockpot, and fall baseball... what could be better?  What are your favorite things about fall?

September Favorites:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVMIt42gdHg

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Questions:

1. Favorite candle scent?
2. Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?
3. What the best fall memory you have?
4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?
5. Best fragrance for fall?
6. Favorite Thanksgiving food?
7. What is autumn weather like where you live?
8. Most worn sweater?
9. Must-have nail polish this fall?
10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?
11. Skinny jeans or leggings?
12. Combat boots or Uggs?
13. Is Pumpkin Spice worth the hype?
14. Favorite fall TV show?
15. What song really gets you in the fall spirit?

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2017 October 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 October was Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

These are the books I read this month:

The Proving by Beverly Lewis--See my review here.

What We Read With The Kids:

Houseboat Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner--We love listening to these Boxcar Children Mysteries in the car.  These four sibling stories are some of our favorites.

The Secret of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks--My kiddos finished up the third this series and are excited to keep reading.  Guess that's the sign of a good series.

Our suggested reading for October was Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery--  I love Anne of Green Gables.  It's one of those books that I've read over and over through the years and it never gets old.  The story of an orphan girl taken in by an elderly brother and sister... raised on the farm... and the mischief that ensues...  It's a story of love, hope, and family.  And although I just finished the book, I really can't wait to start it again.

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 Anne of Green Gables.

Also don't forget to come back on November 17th as we discuss To Love, Honor, and Vacuum by Sheila Wray Gregoire.

Weekend Links

Fall Snow Globe

Best Ever Spider Cupcakes

Best Ever Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Crafts

Monster Books To Read & Craft

Halloween Snack Ideas for School

10 Steps to a Better Homeschool Day

What I'm Cooking:

Oh, we've been cooking!  I got the itch to start prepping for Christmas so Lydia and I have been making cookies and freezing the extra dough.  She loves to bake and the boys love to eat.  So it's been the perfect combination!

Then we had one day this week where we went a little crazy.  Homemade chicken noodle soup, homemade bread, and granola... We had an afternoon at home and took full advantage of it.

What I'm Reading:

I'm reviewing a Christmas book that I'm thoroughly enjoying it.  It's a quick read and it's been perfect for bedtime.  I really can't wait to share it with you all.

What I'm Doing:

As the seasons are changing, the kids have really gotten into riding their bikes.  We've been spending lots of time outdoors, riding around the neighborhood and enjoying the changing scenery.  My daughter, in particular, had really been a catalyst for getting us outside.  

What I'm Watching: 

We've been watching The Middle!  It's really one of my favorite shows as my husband and I relate to so much of it.  But somehow we missed the end of last season so we've been catching up.  The suit episode really got us.  It was definitely Noah and I in that episode.

What I'm Enjoying:

homemade granola... glittery Halloween stickers... baking... fall sunsets... 

What are you up to?

God Gave Us Family {Review}

We love Lisa Tawn Bergren's "God Gave... " series.  For those that we've read, my favorite has been "God Found Us You" speaking to the unique journey of adoption.  It was gifted to my little guy on his adoption day by my mom and it's my personal favorite.

In this edition, Little Pup and his family are headed to their family reunion.  Along the way, Little Pup questions his parents about why they only have one child in their family.  They explore the idea that families come in all different styles: grandparents, single parents, adoption.  In the end, Little Pup decides he loves the family that he's been given, crazy cousins and all.

Pros:

• talking about different types of families
• mention of adoption
• beautiful illustrations
• positive parent/ child relationship

Cons:

Part way through the book the story changes from dialogue to narrative.  Although I still loved the story, it would have been better to keep it all in one style or have a mix of the two throughout.  Having the book change halfway through 'caused it to loose it's continuity.  And it was sad to see the dialogue with Little Pup's parents disappear.

All in all, I did enjoy this book and think it would be especially helpful for any child struggling with family relationships.  It's also a great starting point for discussion about different types of families.  While not my favorite within the series, it is a sweet story and would make a nice gift for the child in your life.

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

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

*Originally posted on 9/26/12.  Enjoy!

September screams fall to me and nothing says fall like apples.  The crisp juicy crunch of a freshly picked apple is unbelievable.  And apple desserts are all about capturing that feeling and the comfort of the changing seasons.

So when I saw this recipe on pinterest several months back, I'm immediately pinned it, already thinking ahead to the changing seasons and the cooler evenings.  If you're like me, you'll pin anything that says "cheesecake" and these make a seasonal treat that is not to be missed.  Enjoy!

Carmel Apple Cheesecake Bars
from The Girl Who Ate Everything

Crust:
2 c. flour
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling:
3 (8oz) pkages cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. sugar, plus 2 Tbsps, divided
3 lrg eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Apples:
3 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith's for tartness)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Streusel Topping:
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. flour
1/2 c. quick cooking oats
1/2 c. butter, softened

Carmel Topping

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine flour and brown sugar.  Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.  Press evenly into a 9x 13 pan sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake 15 min or until lightly brown.
3. Beat cream cheese with 3/4 c. sugar until smooth.  Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla.  Pour into warm crust.
4. Stir together apples, remaining brown sugar (2 Tbsp), cinnamon and nutmeg.  Spoon over cream cheese mixture.
5. Combine all streusel topping ingredients.  Make sure the butter is really cut well.  
6. Sprinkle streusel over apples.  Bake 40-45 min. or until set.  Drizzle with carmel and let cool.  Enjoy!

Korean Beef Soft Tacos (Crocktober '17)

 It's time for Crocktober again!  We love using our crockpot and are so excited to be participating in Crocktober again this year.  Hope this video inspires you in the kitchen.

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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https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouTubeMommyMeetup/

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLySPrw-J7GpludO3zdgjZnnKe_LNY2CC0

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Weekend Links

Top 3 Ways to Use Essential Oils in a Healthy Home

5 New Fall Soup Recipes

Animal Face Toast

Halloween Monster Corner Bookmarks

Thankful Mantel

What I'm Cooking:

Last weekend we hosted our family for Noah's birthday.  Friday night he had a late baseball game so I wanted to make something that we could all enjoy before heading out the door.  So I made a double batch of our favorite Pasta E Fagoili soup.  Full of vegetables and alphabet noodles, we all love it.  And it's super filling so I wasn't running to the concession stand every 5 minutes.

What I'm Reading:

I just finished Anne of Green Gables this week.  It's been a few years since I read it,  and I'm remembering once again how magical that book is.  Love L.M. Montgomery's writing

What I'm Doing:

We're in the full swing of the fall routine.  Noah only had one game this week so it was a little less running around.  I've been working on trimming up things in the yard and getting things ready to rest.    I've also starting making some lists for the holidays.  Gathering addresses for Christmas cards, making baking lists, and gift lists.  Trying to get organized ahead of the game.

What I'm Watching: 

I'm hooked on THIS IS US.  This week's episode was super powerful.  Just a good reminder of how tough foster care really is.  It's my favorite right now.

What I'm Enjoying:

Being Auntie (less rules, more fun)... New Books... Baseball Family... Chili in the Crockpot...

Story of the World projects... Listening to my 6 year old sing...

What are you up to?

Really Woolly Christmas Blessings {Review}

Christmas Blessings is a sweet little Christmas book written for preschoolers and younger, addressing the joy and blessings of the holiday.  Each page has whimsical illustrations, a Scripture to introduce the topic, devotional and prayer.  This devotional starts with topics that tell the Christmas story and move on to other areas of the holiday, including Christmas trees, snowflakes, and giving.

What I loved:

• the illustrations
• range of topics
• and quality of the book (thick pages perfect for little ones)

Overall this was a really cut book, perfect for gifting your little one this holiday season.

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

15 Fall Seasonal Treats

Pumpking Gingerbread Truffles

Pumpkin Spiced Fudge

Apple Cake Sundae

Apple Cider Cake with Caramel Cream Frosting

Spiced Pumpkin Mousse

Apple Pull Apart Bread

Pumpkin Gingersnap Crunch Parfaits

Apple Cheesecake Pie

Pumpkin Patch Brownies

Apple Pie Caramel Apples

Maple Glazed Apple Blondies

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Apple Fries with Caramel Dip

Pumpkin Chai Bread

Cider Doughnut Muffins

What are some of your favorite seasonal treats?

October Homeschool Favorites

 Welcome to October Homeschool Favorites!  We're learning about the human body in the upper grades so we have a game that helped with that.  Plus grammar for my 1st grader, and fall books.

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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Favorites Party (October 2017)

 This past weekend an old friend invited me to a "Favorites Party."  What's a "Favorites Party?" Really good food, some fun prizes, and a whole lot of fun.  Watch as I unbox the favorites gift that i came home with.

Nutella No Bake Cheesecake:
https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/no-bake-nutella-cheesecake-recipe/

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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Music Attribution:

I created this video with iMovie.  Be Gentle.  I'm still learning.  :-)

Weekend Links

7 Resources for Learning to Code

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Kids Unicorn Costume

Lavender Lemon Banana Bread

What I'm Cooking:

It's been comfort food this week.  We've had tomato soup after swim practice one night to warm up my little guy.  And then Korean Beef Soft Tacos.  I have a video coming up for that one next week.  It's super easy and can be thrown in the crockpot so it's a Mommy favorite on a busy night.

What I'm Reading:

I'm still reading Anne of Green Gables.  In fact, I'm reading it a lot.  I'm supposed to be reading a review book as well, but I've gotten sucked into Anne's world.  I can't even think about putting it down for a moment.

What I'm Doing:

Today we're celebrating Noah's 12th birthday.  When did that happen?  He's grown up so much in the past year that he's sneaking up on me.  I'm going to get passed up in no time.

What I'm Watching: 

I'm still watching This Is Us.  This week's episode was pretty intense with the main couple becoming foster parents.  It hit really close to home.  I know those emotions and feelings.  I remember those days of waiting for a phone call or dealing with your child's hurts and pains.  It's really true to life.

What I'm Enjoying:

Ice Cream Cake... Pumpkin candles... Plasma cars... Pre-teen conversations... Making Halloween costumes... Korean Beef Soft Tacos...

What are you up to?

The Proving {Review}

When Amanda Dienner's mother dies unexpectedly, she returns home to run the family Bed & Breakfast.  But after a falling out with her sister, a broken heart, and a 5 year absence from the community, Amanda must keep the business profitable for a full year before it's legally hers.  And not everyone is excited to have her back.  

Trina Sutton signed up for a mystery trip, expecting a tropical location.  Instead, she finds herself right in the middle of Amish Country.  And angry.  This is not at all what she had in mind.  But these two need each other and become an unexpected duo keeping the B&B alive.

Beverly Lewis delivers another page turner.  The relationship between the two main characters provides for some funny misunderstandings and a good contrast for each other.  The family dynamics described between Mandy and her twin is relatable, and at times tension filled.  There were moments when I just wanted to shake both sisters and make them talk to each other.  All in all it was a well written tale and kept me interested from beginning to end.

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

Weekend Links

Fall Mason Jar Crafts

Pumpkin Cake Jars

Healthy Turkey Chili

Fall Pumpkin STEM Project

String Art Pumpkin

This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

As the seasons have been changing, the kids have been full of all kinds of ideas.  I think they were feeling the need for a change too and they've gladly offered suggestions for meals.  In the past couple of weeks, we've hit some of their favorites: taco salad, spinach calzone, chicken noodle soup, and chili with cornbread.  I can't say I mind the change of pace.

What I'm Reading:

Since Anne of Green Gables is the Bookmarks Book Club selection this month, I picked up a copy at my local library.  There's something about this book that screams fall to me.  I'm loving curling up on the couch in the evenings, when the house is quiet, and reading through this one again.  It never gets old no matter how many times I read it.

What I'm Doing:

With a new school year, the mom taxi is off and running: swim lessons, baseball, ballet, and cooking classes abound.  But I'm also working in the year.  Fall and spring are my favorite times to enjoy the backyard.  Summer is too hot, but this season is just right.  Getting the roses ready for the winter, fertilizing the lemon tree, and decluttering the garage are all on my list this time of year.

What I'm Watching: 

After binge watching so many episodes of This Is Us, it was kind of disappointing to find myself on the current episode with nothing to watch.  So I've gone back and have been catching up on Bringing Up Bates.  Always come away from that show feeling encouraged.

What I'm Enjoying:

Our Backyard... Experimenting in the Kitchen... Decluttering... Quiet Late Evenings....

Chili and Cornbread... Fall Picture Books... Worship Music...

What are you up to?

Our October Morning Basket

 Filling our October Morning Basket with 50 States Postcards, fall books, and learning about manners.

50 States Postcard Exchange Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/50StatesPostcardExchange/

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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Music Attribution:

I created this video with iMovie.  Be gentle.  This is a first and I'm sure to make plenty of mistakes.  :-)

2017 Fall To Do List

 Fall has finally arrived and it will soon get away from me if I'm not careful.  So I'm laying out my plans for our Fall To Do List.

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

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C O N N E C T
subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom
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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)

Q&A A Day for Grandparents {Review}

This cute little Q &A  a day books is written with the grandparent in mind.  Nicely bound with beautiful paper, this journal has just the right amount of space for writing without being too overwhelming.  The size is perfect for on the go, and the book is of such quality that it should last for years to come.  

There was one thing that disappointment me about this journal though.  And it was a big one.  Looking at the prompts, it wasn't what I had expected.  Instead of being a memory keeper of the grandparents' life, each prompt was directed toward the grandparent in relation to the grandchild.  Prompts included such things as:

• To whom do you show off photos of your grandchild?
• What does your grandchild do that always makes you laugh?
• How do you celebrate your grandchild's birthday?
• What does your grandchild's winter coat look like?

This was not at all what I was expecting.  While a few questions like these are fine, it was every question in the book.  I'd much rather have questions geared toward who the grandparent is as an individual.  The journal quality was beautiful, the size was perfect, and it's a cute little gift book.  But with the writing prompts in mind, I would continue to look for a replacement of this product.

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

October 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:

Oct 1st--World Vegetarian Day
       *Try a new meatless meal
       *Talk about nutrition/ the importance of vegetables

Oct 2nd--Farm Animals Day
       *Visit a farm
       *Make farm animal puppets
       *Learn about the life cycle of farm animals

Oct 5th--Card Making Day
       *Make/send a card to the grandparents
       *Design some simple holiday cards
   
Oct 17th--Pasta Day
       *Try a new pasta recipe
       *Bake some cheesy garlic pull bread

Oct 25th--International Artist Day
       *Learn about a new artist
       *Replicate a famous piece of art work
       *Try a new art technique

Oct 26th--Pumpkin Day
       *Study the life cycle of the pumpkin
       *Toast pumpkin seeds
       *Complete a pumpkin science experiment

Oct 31st--Halloween
       *Create a homemade costume
       *Make a fall/halloween themed wreath
       *Practice math facts with candy

What are you celebrating this month?