What We Read ll April 2019

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Sharing what our family read this month...
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This Open Collab is hosted by:
Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg
The Simple Rugged Path: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ
Creative 2X Mom: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_jc2X9jKUgTkoxsPB49_bg

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7KKA1BqMTH4q4Gaz43OrZvA&jct=YLWHBrPkk8M2nmXKX8KICy3RKCLXIg

The Amish Cookie Club:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-amish-cookie-club-review.html

The Escape of Robert Smalls:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-escape-of-robert-smalls-review.html

Little Guides to Great Lives: Anne Frank:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-escape-of-robert-smalls-review.html

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 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
like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom
follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

What's in Our May Morning Basket?

Sharing the books and ideas in our May Morning Baskets. Click "show more" for multiple links.

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

Bytes of Memory:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYXBRaow7qaPnA5i0kf2bw

The Brave Homeschooling Mama:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT9jeaMb7ylcKvZm5yq2Zg

Winter Favorites:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd1QlXQJ_sY

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 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
like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom
follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Growing in Godliness {Review}

Raising a teen girl is not for the faint of heart.  Today's world is full of challenges that previous generations never dreamt of facing.  And yet, the basic foundations of life remain the same.  Foremost of which is how do we live to glorify our creator?  Throw in teenage emotions and peer pressure, and you're in for a wild ride.

In Growing in Godliness, Lindsey Carlson leads teens through 10 lessons that address this tumultuous time, including:

*Who we are in Christ

*God's sovereignty in all situations

*The importance of the Bible

*The importance of the church

*and more!

When I first started reading this book, I was slightly put off by some of the language.  The words weren't inappropriate.  It was more the tone... the edge... and maybe some of the author's illustrations.  But as I read, I realized I was viewing it through the eyes of a preteen mom.  And as much as I'm protecting her now, she will one day be going through growing pains like these.  As I began to read through a different lens, I realized I did like this book, but would suggest it for a slightly older audience... waiting until the later teenage years.  I did appreciate the fact that Carlson takes time to touch on two important topics: identity and the role of the church.  Identity for it grounds us in life and keeps us from being swayed by trends.  And the importance of the church that seems to have been lost in a seeker sensitive culture.  All in all, I would hesitantly recommend this book, but would caution that it's probably most useful as a mother/daughter study in the older teen years.

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

10 Tips for Planning a Stress Free Disneyland Vacation

*Originally posted on 6/29/15.  Enjoy!

 

We love Disneyland if you can't tell.  My kids have been spoiled to land in, not one but, two families that love vacationing there.  So we've traveled with big groups and small groups, grandparents and cousins, quick trips and longer trips, and have loved every minute of it.  These are just a few of the tips we've learned along the way for Planning a Stress Free Disneyland Vacation:

1. Choose the "best" time-- I personally love traveling in the fall.  School is back in and the crowds are thinner.  My in-laws like traveling in mid-spring.  I have a friend that swears by the week right after Thanksgiving.  Whatever you do, avoid summer and Christmas, and be prepared for heavier crowds around school holidays.

2. Choose the "best" hotel-- We've never stayed on-site and yet we've had good experience with all the hotels we've stayed at.  Look for hotels within the first couple of blocks as the blocks are loooooong.  Other things we look for are continental breakfast, free parking, and shuttle service.  At the end of a long night, shuttle service is pretty incredible.  :-)

3. Consider a travel agent--  Travel agents can often find deals that the rest of us can't.  Plus if you have a good agent, they'll keep an eye out for fluctuating prices and can get you a better deal as your vacation approaches.

4. Consider a dining experience-- Booking one or two Character Meals will ensure that you get to see several characters while you eat, maximizing your time.  We've dined at Goofy's Kitchen and Minnie's Breakfast and loved every minute of it.  It's a great way to see several characters and they come to you!

5. Book it-- Book those character meals several months ahead.  As soon as your travel agent gives you the green light, book them to get the best possible times for your family.  Be mindful of your child's schedule and your energy level.  We booked one for the beginning (while we were fresh) and one for the end of our vacation (when we needed a chance to sit).

6. Keep trying-- If you're preferred times are booked, keep trying.  Cancellations happen and you just might get into your time slot anyway.  Also check into your meal a few hours ahead and see if there's been a cancellation that you can get into.

7. Rent a stroller-- Even if you have older elementary aged kids, you will not regret renting a stroller. Disneyland vacations can include some really long days and even older kids will get tired.  Last time, we took our double stroller and even the 8 year old rode once in awhile.

8. Check the weather before packing-- Weather patterns change.  We once went in January and found ourselves running to Target to get t-shirts and shorts.  The weather had changed in the days leading up to our trip and I was caught unprepared.

9. Know the park schedule--Disneyland's park schedule is posted with hours, parades, fireworks and more.  Planning a few of these things ahead of time will help you prioritize what you want to see and what you're willing to miss.  It can help you plan what part of the park to enjoy throughout different parts of the day.

10. Be flexible-- While all this planning can help you enjoy a stress free vacation, you also have to remember to be flexible.  Traveling with kids will keep you on your toes and being flexible is key.  If someone needs a snack, veer from your plan.  Everyone will have a better time with a full tummy.  Flexibility is important in any vacation and will ensure that everyone has a more enjoyable experience.

What are your tips for Planning a Stress Free Disneyland Vacation?

For more Disney tips and tricks, check out our Disneyland tag.  You'll find everything from ride info to bucket lists to ways to save money on food.

The Escape of Robert Smalls {Review}

In the early morning hours of May 13, 1862, Robert Smalls poses as a Confederate warship captain to lead a crew of slaves on a daring escape.  With a ship full of crew and family, they must pass by one of the most highly defended Confederate forts.  Will Smalls be able to successfully impersonate the captain and lead the ship to safety?  Or will their escape be over before it even starts?

Based on a true story, this book introduces readers ages 9-12 to one of the little known heroes of the Civil War.  Before reading The Escape of Robert Smalls, I'd never heard of this unsung hero.  But his story, courage, and integrity were so clearly portrayed in this picture book.  Due to his clear thinking and nerves of steel, Small changed the fate of his crew and their families.  We need more stories like this, holding up men and women of integrity for our kids to admire.  As a teacher, I'm happy to share this book with my students as we study the Civil War.  If you're looking to learn more about the Civil War or just looking for great examples of strength and character, this picture book is a great place to start.

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

What's In My Kids' Easter Baskets? ll 2019

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One of my favorite videos to share each year... Today we're taking a sneak peek into my kids' Easter Baskets!
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Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17 yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

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

The Waldock Way:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqCX1WaxK7QNR2dDdklS-VQ/?fbclid=IwAR2GR3P5XxOqvi_S-UCJYTNPHkzrER6as7q4SPmo0S1EG3MBrmq4oYRg1M4

Mommy and Mia Chronicles:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg?fbclid=IwAR19WtENm5eqCJoCE1gB0Qz-omZoPkk9X7RgjyQt7KGZSUmdYSZ_zU1lZ0k

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7KisAIRi0Kp2a_aYXD-RNS1

C O N N E C T
subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom
read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com
like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom
follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Little Guides to Great Lives: Anne Frank {Review}

A young girl who dreamt of being a writer and ultimately touched the world with her personal look into the atrocities of WWII... Anne Frank's words have touched the world for generations and now her story is being told in a new way.  In this Little Guides to Great Lives book, Anne Frank's legacy is shared using a friendly, yet informative, picture book format.

As a parent, I've struggled with how to talk about the Holocaust with my kids.  But this book made it so simple.  The author was honest without sharing too much and wrote about the horrors of WWII in an age appropriate manner.  Marketed to second to sixth grade, I came away from the book with new insight into Anne Frank's struggle for survival as well as further background information about Nazi Germany.  This would make a great introduction to WWII for any elementary aged student.  I'm happy to have found this series and this edition in particular.

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

The Amish Cookie Club {Review}

Best friends Edna, Vera, Wilma and Mary meet together every other week to bake cookies for their Amish fellowships and to make time for each other.  Their "cookie club" provides a place to reconnect and unburden.  When Vera's daughter, Myrna, is fired from multiple jobs, the group conspires to help her find her place... and perhaps, even a beau.  Widower Ezekiel desperately needs help with his four young children, and for awhile it appears as though a romance may be kindled between he and Myrna.  But when a misunderstanding regarding his deseased wife occurs, Myrna finds herself on edge in their relationship.  Will the truth be revealed in time for this two to connect and find happiness together?

Sarah Price was a new to me author and I loved the way she was able to weave together several minor and major characters throughout the book.  I was a little worried about Myrna in this one.  Although I was pretty confident that things would turn out alright, the author had me guessing throughout most of the book.  The Amish Cookie Club was a wonderful story about second chances, the stickiness of gossip, and finding ones self.  Perfect for a light, uplifting read.

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

Top Five Parenting Books That Shaped Me As A Parent

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Sharing the Top Five Books that have changed me as a parent... the five I always recommend and will never get rid of.
Click for more!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17 yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 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
like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom
follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Plan With Me ll Mom on the Go Easter Layout

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Click on the Description Box for more info!

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑17yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

2019 Mom on the Go Flip Through:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksRt7Yaau4M&t=6s

In The Leafy Treetops ($5 off) (affil. link):

http://share.intheleafytreetops.com/SZ0CSHPz?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjoxMzUzOTg2ODV9

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

like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom

follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE:

This video is not sponsored.  Affiliate links and referral links may be used within the description box of this video.  Thank you as always for all your support!

What We Read ll March 2019

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Sharing what our family read this month...
Click for More!

This Open Collab is hosted by:
Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmcrZSa0FOG6FH5BUv8QNDg
The Simple Rugged Path: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HVorQE8LgvYfw8_zPiDAQ
Creative 2X Mom: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_jc2X9jKUgTkoxsPB49_bg

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId_JNKYCQ7KKA1BqMTH4q4Gaz43OrZvA&jct=YLWHBrPkk8M2nmXKX8KICy3RKCLXIg

Winter Book Swap Unboxing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC_H9eJSkOw

The Mozart Girl Review:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-mozart-girl-review.html

Raising Giant Killers Review:
http://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/02/raising-giant-killers-review.html

Boy Mom Review:
https://creative2xmom.blogspot.com/2019/03/boy-mom-review.html

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱13 yrs, 👧11 yrs, and 👱 7 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
like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom
follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/

FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.