August 2020 Book Review

I'm wrapping up August with an early book review! 

First up was Just Mercy.

We're big on reading the book before watching the movie around here so when I found this YA version of Just Mercy, I thought it would be a perfect way to involve my teens by reading this together. We still haven't seen the movie but it's on our watch list. This is a collection of true stories by lawyer and civil rights advocate, Bryan Stevenson. He works to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in society-- the poor, the wrongly convicted, children, and those whose lives have been marked by discrimination and marginalization. As much as we love America, we know it's not perfect by any means. This was an eye-opening look into capital punishment, our justice system, and representation for the underprivileged. 

Often compared to Nelson Mandela, Stevenson's work is both important and necessary if we are to resemble Christ to our hurting world.

Next up was a book that I borrowed from a friend of mine called Brain Integration Therapy. It's actually a manual but I'm counting it here because I spent so much time reading it this month. This was an interesting step by step "right brain" training system for kids (and adults) who have a hard time with things like auditory processing disorders, dyslexia, Autism or ADHD. Basically, the concept is that we can train the brain to bridge the gap between the left and right side, making the right side stronger. Zach has come such a long way and although he's a good reader and writer, there are some things he could use a little help on such as speech, auditory processing, and his ADHD. I've started to implement some of these exercises and I can already tell the difference it's making in his ability to focus for longer periods of time, his coordination, balance, and a general calmness. Coincidence? Maybe. 

As his mom, I'm all for helping him reach his fullest potential so anything I can learn more about to help him grow, I'm here for that! 

I first started listening to Monica Swanson on her Boy Mom podcast. I quickly became a fan so I purchased her book and I was not disappointed. Boy Mom is filled with biblical and practical wisdom. She takes moms deeper into the insights we need for the boy-raising journey, covering topics like friendships, technology, work ethic, and helping a boy grow to be physically, spiritually, and emotionally healthy. I don't think anyone can deny the crisis facing boys today. There seems to be an epidemic of unmotivated boys and underachieving young men. In Boy Mom, Monica writes like an old friend with relatable stories, practical advice based on research, experience with raising her 4 sons, and biblical truth to guide and equip moms in helping our sons achieve their God-given potential. Really enjoyed this book and loved all the handy checklists at the end of each chapter. 

Lastly, I read Let Them Be Kids by Jessica Smartt. 

With an 8 year age difference between the girls and Zach, often times, we feel like we have the opportunity to parent all over again. Some may see this as a challenge but actually, it's been the biggest blessing. Hopefully, we've grown a little wiser in some ways. This book was a refreshing reminder of all that is good and right about childhood. Yet it also offered encouragement for parenting in today's day and age. It covered topics like technology, outside time, the gift of boredom and imagination, and protecting their innocence. It left me motivated and inspired to be more engaged, compassionate, protective, but also adventurous with my kids. Not just with Zach but with my teens as well (maybe even more so). It was a strong reminder that their time under our roof is so short but incredibly important. Jessica's humor and humility made her so relatable and I found myself sharing much of what I was reading with Morgan. In fact, I LOVED this book so much, he's reading it now for himself. Although there's nothing profound or brand new in this book, I think the simple and intentional reminders are what made it so good. It both warmed my heart and set it on fire at the same time. If you're wanting a renewed vision and encouragement for your parenting journey, I highly recommend Let Them Be Kids! 

Isn't this so true? 

For me it is! #momsquiettime

Have you read something good lately?  

If so, I'd love to hear about it! Leave me a comment or shoot me an email. 

Happy Reading!

31/50

Friday Favorites

It's that time again. I'm sharing all of my favorite things that have been happening around here lately.

My mom came to visit for a few days so spending time with her, playing ping pong, and watching Faith paint her nails was a favorite of mine.

Our little man has really blossomed in many ways during this Covid time (even my mom noticed a big difference in him). It makes me even more convinced that staying home while learning is such a valuable gift and blessing! Here he is working on his Kumon Math workbook. 

 School didn't stop for him during Covid. In fact, we ramped it up even more, simply because we had the extra time. Once a week, I have the girls helping me out with homeschooling lessons. They either choose an Art or Science project to do with him. It's had multiple benefits because he loves the one on one time with his sisters plus, it gives the girls an opportunity to plan a lesson and practice teaching as well. Win-win!

Grace is outside doing a moon crater experiment with him. 

 Sibling love is the just sweetest! 💕

Another fun thing that happened was that Faith got to go with dad to his CCW renewal class.

She's always been the kind of girl who's into stuff like that. #fearlessfaith

She was thrilled to have gotten a private lesson from the instructor.

    

Watch out, boys. This girl can shoot. 😝

"Sword fights" with daddy and watching Zach in all his boyhood has been a favorite to witness.    

 The closeness and laughter I see in these siblings is such a joy! Even when it seems like they're torturing their little brother... you can see he actually loves it. 😊

This week, I was busy with last minute Back to School Prep. We typically do school year round (the girls get the month of August off) so I actually did most of this a few months ago but this week, I just made sure all my ducks were in order because we'll be starting back up right after we return from vacation. I love feeling organized, even if it doesn't last very long. 😜 

Our last vacay of the summer is right around the corner so we're taking some time this weekend to really sit down and research our must-do bucket list while we're in the Carolina's. I'm not looking forward to the long flight (with masks) but I am looking forward to all the fun adventures and making new memories with my favorite people! 

After having the LONGEST spring ever, I feel like summer flew by. 

Here's to #summerslaststand

Hoping to savor every moment!

River Getaway- Part 2

 The fun continued each day. 

Zach was both scared and thrilled at the same time. 😀

  The girls got to drive the boat at night when the river was less crowded. 

 Relaxing on our own island. 😁

 Captain Zach and our friend, Lee. 

 Moms can have fun, too. 

 The girls' favorite part was being towed in the tube.  

Here they are having a blast with Mr. Aaron. 

They even got bold and tried to stand up with no hands. 🙈

What a GREAT time we had adventuring at the river thanks to our friends, Lee and Sabrina. 

They were so generous and good to us. We left with full hearts and fantastic memories! 

River Getaway- Part 1

Last week, we met up with some friends to spend a few days in Bullhead City, AZ.

This is a view of the dock from our condo. The Colorado River is just on the other side of those hills. 

 After getting all settled, we went out for a night ride on our friend, Lee's boat. 

 So peaceful and quiet. 

 The bright lights of the Laughlin casinos were absolutely beautiful. 

 Such a lovely night for cruising down the river. We had a blast! 

 The next day, we took the boat out to find a small stretch of beach where we could hang out. 

 The water so refreshing!

 Lee had fun toys for the kids. 

 His pontoon boat. 

 My 3 babes, enjoying the river. 

 I could get used to this. 😊

 Faith's first time on the paddle board. She did great!

 The girls tried riding together.

Splash and lots of laughs!

The boys. 

Zach had so much fun playing with Harley, Lee's puppy.

Part 2, coming up!

July 2020 Book Review

Well, here's my July book review, in August. 🙈

This weekend, I totally thought I'd be able to finish up at least 1 of the 2 other books I'd been reading but alas, it just didn't happen. Oh, well! I'll just count those 2 books for August. Here are the 3 books I DID manage to get through in July.

First up, Why I Couldn't Stay Silent by David J. Harris Jr. 

Harris is a passionate black conservative, a father, a husband, and most importantly, a Christian.

What surprised me most about this book was his deep faith and how everything he believes centers around the fact that he's a Christian. He could not remain silent after witnessing the presidential election of 2016. All of the negativity and deceit that transpired seemed to cast a shadow over what he believed to be the most important issues affecting our country's future.

Why I Couldn't Stay Silent tells a story of one man's pursuit to shine light in the darkness and make sense out of the gloom clouding our country's greatness. This book may challenge everything you currently believe about racism in America. I listened to this one on audible and really enjoyed it! 

Next, I read aloud to the girls, Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. 

Written in 1955, the story is a Christian allegory novel, similar to Pilgrim's Progress. This is the story of Much Afraid and her journey through the hills and valleys to the High Places. Much Afraid's story is every Christian's story. It encouraged me and gave me insight into my own walk with God. Especially why He lets us go through different trials in life. I can definitely see why this book is a timeless classic. It's a beautiful story of brokenness to transformation. Since finishing the book, I understand there is a beautiful version of this with watercolor paintings and journaling pages. I think I'll treat myself to that someday because this is a book I'd definitely want to read again and again.

This would make a wonderful gift!  

I love to read books about bold courage, don't you? This book's cover had me captivated and I knew I just had to dive in. I don't know about you but I can remember distinct times in my life when I have prayed those "dangerous" prayers and you know what? It always led to a life changing, heart-pounding wonderful adventure with God. Maybe our prayers are too safe? But is that what they're meant to be?

Here's your warning label: Read this book only if you are willing to be moved out of your comfort zone.😀   

Here's what it's all about: 

Do you ever wonder, "Why doesn't God answer my prayers?" Do you wish you could see the evidence that prayer changes lives? Are you tired of playing it safe with your faith? In Dangerous Prayers, New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel helps you unlock your greatest potential and tackle your greatest fears by praying stronger, more passionate prayers that lead you into a deeper faith. Prayer moves the heart of God--but some prayers move Him more than others. He wants more for us than a tepid faith and half-hearted routines at the dinner table. He's called you to a life of courage, not comfort.This book will show you how to pray the prayers that search your soul, break your habits, and send you to pursue the calling God has for you. But be warned: if you're fine with settling for what's easy, or you're OK with staying on the sidelines, this book isn't for you. You'll be challenged. You'll be tested. You'll be moved to take a long, hard look at your heart. But you'll be inspired, too. Read it! I dare you! 😊

Ok, that's it! Those are the 3 books I finished in July and I loved them all! 

27/50