Books of the Month {May 2018}

Sharing what I read this month...

This Open Collab is hosted by Ingrid @ Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles: http://bit.ly/2zpOZBU
and April @ The Simple Rugged Path: http://bit.ly/2zqFXo3

Playlist link: http://bit.ly/2hXr8zl

Girl Wash Your Face {Review}:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2018/05/girl-wash-your-face-review.html

Raising World Changers in a Changing World {Review}:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2018/05/raising-world-changers-in-changing-world.html

How to Be a Perfect Christian {Review}:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2018/05/how-to-be-perfect-christian-review.html

The First Four Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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

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Create! {Review}

Having a very creative 10 year old daughter, I was excited to review this book with her.  She loves all things DIY and I thought this would be a fun book for us to discover together.  Filled with over 50 different projects to inspire and delight, I knew we would find one that would interest us.  

I was completely delighted with the assortment of projects included in this book.  Not too young, and not too mature, each DIY is colorfully illustrated and explained in a clear step by step manner.  From string art to hand lettering to duct tape roses, Create! is full of ideas to keep the tween in your life creating for hours.  Although marked as ages 8-12, I would rate this book more for ages late 9-13.  Most of the projects require more dexterity and patience than is typical of the average 8 year old.

All in all, we really liked this book and are looking forward to more creating over the coming months.  This is a win for my crafty girl and me.

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

How to be a Perfect Christian {Review}

A satirical look at cultural Christianity, How to be a Perfect Christian pokes fun with no holds barred.  From slick church websites to putting on the Christian face in small groups, nothing is sacred.  And while I often steer clear of this type of humor, I found myself laughing my way through this one.

Prior to this book, I'd never heard of the Babylon Bee and had to look them up.  I had my fingers crossed that this book wouldn't be written in all seriousness and thankfully it wasn't.  Having grown up in the church, I could relate to a lot of the scenarios presented and read several whole sections out loud to whoever was around.  It was just that funny.

While I don't typically enjoy books like this one, How to be a Perfect Christian delighted me with it's humor.  However, it's one of books that you'll probably either love or hate.  If you don't mind poking fun at modern Christian culture, than you're in for a delight.  If you're looking to spend your time on a more serious study, this is one to pass.

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

Resources for a Bee Themed Mini Unit Study

Today we're sharing with your all the resources we used in our honeybee themed mini unit study.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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

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Five Easy Sports Night Dinners ll Collab

Today we’re sharing some of our quick, easy, and economical meals for sports nights.

Trish/ This Life of Ours:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeaYNpycoqFCWVfih5DBvdQ

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 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.

Raising World Changers in a Changing World {Review}

As parents, we want the best for our children.  We hope that they can build on the struggles we've walked through.  We wish good things for them: happiness, success, and the ability to thrive.  But what if our vision is short sighted?  What if there's more to raising kids than setting them up for a "happy life?"  

Author, Kristen Welch, tackles the hard subject of sacrifice and parenting in her new book, Raising World Changers in a Changing World.  Welch takes the reader on a journey of discovery and asks the question: What does it take to really raise world changing kids?  Education?  A smooth road paved by mom and dad?  Or sacrificing to see God's glory revealed?

Throughout this book, I found myself challenged again and again.  Am I playing it too safe?  What about those living outside of the U.S.?  Am I raising kids to make a difference in the global society?  Do I even know what that would look like?  Welch shares personal stories from her own family and ministry in Kenya, causing me to reflect on what sacrifice and giving looks like in our home.  And while I don't believe all of us are called to global missions, I do believe there is a mission field laid out for each person.  The question is, will I embrace my mission and help my children find theirs?

On a practical level, Welch closes each chapter by interviewing one of her children.  They talk about how sacrifice and living with others in mind has shaped their lives.  It's great insight into the minds of the children who have lived this way of life.  On a heart level, the author speaks with such honesty that this book absolutely wrecked me.  While I've seen some desperate situations in the world, this book was a great reminder that I wasn't born to live a "happy life."  I was born for something greater.  And so were my kids.  Having read through the book, I feel as though I've only uncovered a fraction of its wealth.  This one will certainly be reread several times over. 

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

Resources for an Insect Themed Unit Study

Today we're sharing with your all the resources we used in our insect themed unit study.  And stick around till the end where I share our Top 5 Resources to spend your money on.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 yrs.

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

C O N N E C T
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Five Summer Must Haves ll Collab

Today I'm joining in a a collab sharing our Five Summer Must Haves... check out our must haves for enjoying the lazy, crazy days of summer.

Collab Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5GkvzudsTs4tQVgDwX4zWMWoA133r6gV&disable_polymer=true

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 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.

Weekend Links

More than 20 Freedoms Homeschool Parents Forget

Spicy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese

DIY Dixie Cup Party Lights

Mexican Pasta Salad

Nine Things My Kids Have Taught Me

About Changing the World

What I'm Cooking:

All our meals have been quick, easy, light... yummy!  Baseball season is winding down, but in the meantime, we've been packing dinners for the nights we're at the field.  And I've really been trying to focus on veggies and protein as I'm starting 80 Day Obsession.  It's hard to get in protein.  Any thoughts?

What I'm Reading:

I'm finishing up Raising World Changers that I'm reviewing for the publisher/author.  Be on the lookout for quotes and pieces on my Facebook page soon.  It's so good.  So challenging to me as a parent.  It reminds me that living a safe Christianity is so dull.

What I'm Doing:

This is our final Saturday of regular season baseball games.  Josiah's season is coming to an end, and Noah's team is headed to playoffs.  It's crazy to think that this wild three months of rushing to practices and games, but it's definitely been family.

What I'm Watching: 

I'm trying to catch up on Once Upon a Time episodes... especially as the show is ending.  I love this one and truly hope there's something incredible to come on the scene next.

What I'm Enjoying: 

School winding down... veggies and herbs growing in the backyard... lots and lots of good plant books... plans for field trips... good books... learning new technology tricks... 

What are you up to?

May Homeschool Favorites

May is here.  Where has the school year gone?  Just a few more weeks and we're done.  School is lightening up, but we've still got some good finds, from poetry to biography, Mother Goose to science, and a fun board game thrown in as well.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 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.

Family Bible Resources

Today I'm sharing the various Bibles, devotionals, and picture books that we've used over years in our family.

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 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.

Girl, Wash Your Face {Review}

In Girl, Wash Your Face, Rachel Hollis confronts twenty lies she listened to that held her back for far too long.  With lies like "I'm Not Good Enough," "No is the Final Answer," and "I'm Not A Good Mom," Hollis shares her own personal struggles, how these lies affected her, and the countering truths that can set so many lives free.

Speaking with bold honesty, Hollis breaks into some raw truths that the church tends to shy away from.  I found her chapters on struggles in motherhood to be particularly relatable.  Including the tumultuous adoption journey that she and her husband lived through.  There were several chapters throughout this book that I found myself nodding along to, realizing I've struggled with many of these lies as well.

While not scripturally based, Girl, Wash Your Face tackles the lies that hold us back from physical, mental, and spiritual health.  The principles that Rachel Hollis uncovers point the reader to a better understanding of who we are created in Christ.  Furthermore, she writes in a very down to earth style, making her quite relatable.  This book stands out in the Christian world for the author's willingness to write on hard topics and not hold back in some brutal truths.  Written for women of all ages and stages, this would make a great Mother's Day or graduation gift, or a gift for any occasion.

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

All Things Strawberries ll Collab

Today we're sharing a delicious Strawberry Lime Sorbet as part of the All About Strawberries Collab.  This is the perfect light and refreshing treat going into summer.

Collab Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdamhRE3YECbBr0XeCBQgCZtlRxZYpFU&jct=lZN1YoZOE7YtW5gBN42IZoxkQEEmUg&disable_polymer=true

April- The Simple Rugged Path
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ

Emily- Em's Essentials
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_7e3jEER-9b2WVHWJGnzg

Ingrid - Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg

Michelle - Encouraging Mamas
https://www.youtube.com/user/mjsaladin

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 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:

Happy Mandolin by Media Right Productions

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2018

Sharing some of our favorite Mother's Day gift ideas!

Instant Happy Journal Review:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2016/01/instant-happy-journal-review.html

Praying for Boys Review:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2014/01/praying-for-boys-review.html

Praying for Girls Review:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2017/09/praying-for-girls-review.html

Praying for the World Review:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2016/05/an-insiders-guide-to-praying-for-world.html

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 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.

ABC books for Four Year Olds

The Turn Around Upside Down Alphabet

Aster Aardvark's Alphabet Adventures

ABC Animal Jamboree

B is for Bulldozer

Dr. Seuss' ABC

Richard Scarry's Find Your ABC's

Clifford's ABC

The Cowboy ABC

Real Time Homeschooling--First Language Lessons

Today we're sharing a real time lesson from First Language Lessons with our first grader.  This is our first year using this curriculum and we love it. So simple and effective!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 6 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.

Ten Fun Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week

Eraser Candy

Summer Relaxation Kit

Sweet & Simple Thank You

Creative Juice Gift

School Supplies "Cake"

Smart Cookie Gift

Money Tree for Teachers

Teacher Appreciation Succulent and Printable

Teacher & Apples Wine Glass

Teacher Relaxation Kit

What are your creative ideas for

Teacher Appreciation Week?