Utilizing Your Local Library

Since moving to North Carolina, our local library has become a staple in our week. We attend story time, check out books, enjoy the coffee shop across the street, and play at the nearby park on nice days. I have become so deeply grateful for the friendly faces at our library now that we live somewhere new. Even on my loneliest weeks, I know I can look forward to library day.

As I've talked with other mamas, many have mentioned that they wished the utilized their local library but struggle to do so. Often when you didn't grow up going to the library or haven't gone much with your kids, it can be a challenge to know how to incorporate library days into your life. Here are a few tips to bring your local library into your weekly life:

Find a Story Time You Love

I've got to be honest, over the years we have attended some truly terrible story times. There was the one with the super mean librarian, and the one with the young librarian whose low cut shirt and peppy songs made her a bit too, umm, bouncy. And then there are ones with so many children you can barely see what's happening. But if you can find a good librarian, story time is magic. Ask around to find out who the best librarian is, or the best story time, and then go. It might take a few tries to find the right one, but once you do, it will be worth it.

Don't Be Embarrassed by Your Kids

Friends, my kids are the loudest, most obnoxious children at the library. They yell, scream, sing, dance, and cry. It's like they save their worst for the quiet library. Here's the thing though: the librarians are glad you are there. They want your kids at the library and welcome their joy. While I recommend sticking to the children's area with your loud kids, don't stay home because of noise. I'd also encourage you to use it as a chance to teach your kids how to behave inside. Repeated, gentle training yields results. It's just the eternal challenge of being patient as you get there!

Use Holds

Holds have literally changed the way I use my library. I used to get so frustrated because I could never find the books I needed. Or I'd try to run through the adult fiction section with my super loud kids, so distracted I couldn't find a book. Now, I do the legwork at home and simply pick up my books from the holds shelf!

Most libraries now have an app or website you can use. Figure out your login and password (you can ask a librarian for help!) and then search for books from your phone or computer. You can request books right from the website and choose which branch you'd like the holds to be delivered to. Once they arrive you'll get an email, and usually the hold is there for about 3-5 days. The best part? It's not just adult books on the holds list. You can request picture books too! We'll often request a favorite book or a new book in a series. I also will sit down with Eli and let him choose a few chapter books to put on hold.

Set Return Reminders on Your Phone

Ya'll, library fines are no joke. Our new library only does a 2 week check out, so I'm always worried about racking up fines. Stick a reminder on your phone when you check out the books so you won't get caught with too many fines. I also like to get a print-out receipt with all the books I checked out and hang it on my fridge. When it's time to return books, I mark off books one by one as I put them in my library bag to be sure I don't forget anything.

Go With a Friend

Story time is a fantastic way to have a play date! Go with a friend and let your kids enjoy story time together, then walk to a park nearby or play in the library's play area if yours has one. I know that some kids struggle to sit still, but don't feel bad about that. Just do your best and enjoy friends and books!

As you begin to use your local library, here are a few resources to help you find great books:

-- Read for the Heart by Sarah Clarkson- "From timeless classics to modern favorites, from picture books to adventure novels to read-aloud favorites, more than 1,000 wonderful stories for young people are recommended within these pages." (from Amazon)
-- Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt- "A modern classic with over 250,000 copies sold, Honey for a Child's Heart is a compelling, essential guide for parents who want to find the best books for their children ages 0–12." (from Amazon)
-- The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie- "From a toddler’s wonder to a teenager’s resistance, Sarah details practical strategies to make reading aloud a meaningful family ritual." (from Amazon)
-- The Read-Aloud Revival Website and Podcast- a fantastic resource full of good books and tips for reading aloud

How do you use your local library? What tips can you offer to other moms?

A Few of my Favorite Things: January

Hello friends! It's a cold and rainy Thursday here in North Carolina, the perfect day to cozy up and write to you!

But first, a quick note about the blog: A few of you have asked me how to receive emails when I write a new post. After a lot of trial and error, I finally created a way to make this happen! If you view this (or any) post on my blog, you'll see a form on the right side that says "Add me to the email list!" Simply input your name and email into this form, and I'll add you to my email list. I will send out an email each time a new post is published.

And now, a few of my favorite things this month!

Library Days

Our local library is absolutely fantastic. The librarians are friendly, the story time is phenomenal, and the holds shelf is always full of books I request! If you have little (or big!) people in your life who need something to do on cold days, I highly recommend checking out your local library. They offer so many programs and activities. I'm working on a post all about utilizing your local library. Stay tuned! (Wondering what I'm reading? I keep a link to my current reads here.)

Legos

We turned our train table into a lego table for Christmas and I had no idea how many hours of fun it would provide! All three kids love it, and have had so much fun playing together and creating new projects. Eli loved this Ninjago set and this DIY book, and Tessa has had hours of imaginary fun with this set that matches her new doll.

The Enneagram

Some of you know that I'm a personality test junkie. I've recently learned about the Enneagram and have loved discovering my type! It's a little confusing at first, but check out @enneagramandcoffee on Instagram or the Matt Morgan Podcast for help understanding yourself. I am a 9w1, meaning type 9 that also has traits of a 1. This basically means that keeping peace is very important to me, and I love being cozy and at home. Having 1 traits is where my organized side comes in. There's so much to learn and it's so fun! I love learning about myself and the people I love.

Cozy Clothes

In line with my type 9, I've been all about cozy clothes this month to combat the cold. For at-home days, these yoga leggings help hold in the mom-tummy and have a cell phone pocket!  This sweater has become a definite favorite. It's cozy, roomy, and comes several really pretty colors. I have the v-neck style in olive and I'm thinking about ordering the crew neck style in rose coral. I'm also love this cozy blanket scarf for days I'm outside or on the go. I even sent it to a couple friends for Christmas!

What are you loving this month? Share in the comments!

Add to Your Bookshelf: My 2018 Favorites (and an Instagram Giveaway!)

As the year comes to a close, I am looking back over my 2018 reading and sharing my favorites! I keep a reading journal (this one from Modern Mrs Darcy) which I use to track my reading, including books I've read, books I want to read, and favorite quotes. Currently, I'm at 36 books for 2018, although I expect to push in a last few before the year ends! My goal this year was 35 books, up from 30 last year, so I am excited to have met my benchmark with a couple weeks left in the year.

Favorite Fiction Book:

We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

Friends, pause whatever you're reading and go read this book. The novel follows a Jewish family in Poland from the beginning of World War II through to the war's end, chronicling each member's journey through those harrowing years. The stories of courage, strength, and bravery are stunning. And bonus: this book is based on the author's actual family history.

Might I suggest a new concept I discovered this year? A book flight. You read three books in a row with similar themes or styles. Together, the books bring more than the sum of their parts. For this selection, I'd pair Lucky Ones with The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult.

Honorable Mention:

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Until a couple weeks ago when I read the book above, I thought Firefly Lane would be my favorite book of 2018. It's a beautiful story of two best friends through the decades. I love the depth and longevity of this book and the theme of deep friendship. Kristin Hannah is a phenomenal author and this novel does not disappoint.

Book Flight: I struggled with this one! Try The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson and Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen although I also thought of Anne of Green Gables/Anne of Avonlea or Little Women.

Favorite Non-Fiction Book:

Long Days of Small Things by Catherine McNeil

I've referenced this book in a couple of posts lately. I absolutely love McNeil's take on motherhood as a spiritual discipline. She weaves her own experiences with Scripture and leaves you with practical tips in each chapter.

Book Flight: Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sally Clarkson and Sarah Mae and Becoming MomStrong by Heidi St. John

Honorable Mention:

The Simplified Life by Emily Ley

This book is beautiful and incredibly practical. Emily goes through areas of your life and home, teaching you specific, applicable ways to simplify. There are even spaces to take notes and journal prompts. I found her tips so helpful and now use her fantastic planner. 

Book Flight: The Cozy Minimalist Home by Myquillyn Smith and The Lifegiving Home by Sally Clarkson

And now, a giveaway! Long Days of Small Things was my favorite non-fiction book this year and I know you all will find as much encouragement within its pages as I have! I want to give away a copy to one of YOU, my lovely readers. To enter, simply head over to my Instagram account. You'll need to follow me, like the giveaway post, and tag two friends. It's that simple! The giveaway will end on December 23 at 11:59pm.

Add to Your Bookshelf: Color Board Books

One of my favorite things to do on Instagram is to talk about books I'm reading, and I realized it was high time I brought it over to the blog! Welcome to "Add to Your Bookshelf." I'll be posting throughout the year some of my favorite books on a particular topic, for kids and grownups. These will be a mix of books I own plus ones I've checked out from the library. I don't believe you have to own a book to enjoy it, but I do buy my kids a whole lot of books!

Clockwise from top left: Big Book of Colors, Alice in Wonderland, Pantone Colors, ABC Color

Today we're talking all things colors! I grew up with a creative, artistic mom, so I love books that foster creativity. A few years ago I realized I didn't have a lot of books specifically on colors, so I've sought to change that. Now my kids (and I!) are learning about tons of new colors. Bonus? It's hilarious when your four year old tells his teacher that cerulean is his favorite color.

First up, Usborne's Big Book of Colors. This book has one page for each of the colors of the rainbow, plus lots of fun extras like a color wheel. It also lists specific colors like "caterpillar green" or "deer brown" and uses an incredibly large variety of hues for each color. This book is very large and very sturdy, making it feel more preschooler than toddler, which Tessa (almost 4) really likes. I've linked to the book on Amazon so you can see it, but the best way to buy Usborne books is through a consultant! Ask around to see if you know one, or ask me and I can put you in touch with the one I buy from.

I bought ABC Color for Tessa last Christmas because it combines her love of the alphabet and colors. I was not disappointed! This book runs through unusual colors that correspond to the ABCs. The illustrations are darling, and it's just the right length for a shorter attention span. Similar to the Usborne book, the pages are sturdy but not quite board-book style.

Pantone Colors is brand new to our bookshelf. I ordered it for Theia for Christmas this year. I have to be honest, this book might actually be more for me! I love Pantone colors, and have always wanted a book or art print with a few. When I found this board book, I couldn't pass it up. Pantone Colors includes one page spread per color-- on the left is a grid of Pantone color swatches, on the right is a picture using multiple shades of the color. This is a visually exciting book that is perfect for little eyes learning to appreciate new colors. There is no story to read, so I like this as a reference book or what we call a "look at it book" more than a story time choice.

Finally, Alice in Wonderland: A Babylit Color Primer. BabyLit has been a long-time favorite of mine. (As you can see from the photos, this book has been well loved!) They take classic books and turn them into board books. We have a number of these that cover everything from counting to emotions to flowers. Alice is their color book, and it's filled with delightful illustrations. It might be especially fun if your children enjoy the Alice in Wonderland movies.

Share your favorite colors book in the comments. I'd love to add it to my library!

A Few of My Favorite Things: August

August has been a rough month for me. It's been full of prepping and planning to move, goodbyes, and packing. I'm honestly ready to make it to September in our new house in our new city. But we close on our new house tomorrow, and the end is in sight!

Skiphop Lunch Box, Quilt made by me, Kindle Fire

Here are a few things I'm loving this month:

Summer Bible Study

This summer a group of my mama friends and I have done a prayer time/Bible study together. We hired a couple of high school girls to watch all the kids in the basement while we pray, share, and encourage each other. It has quite honestly been the best summer I've had as a mom. Normally my summers are long and lonely. This summer, by contrast, has been filled with encouragement and community. We each grabbed a prayer journal to use, and I chose a Write the Word journal. I have struggled over the last few years to get into God's word, and this journal has made all the difference! I'm hoping to write a whole post on this soon, but wanted to point you all to this fantastic resource. I have the "Cultivate Prayer" journal, but there are several different ones.

Showers

Don't laugh! A friend told me that you can measure your well-being by how many showers you take a week. I have found this to be true! When I take a few minutes to take care of myself, I feel so much better about my day and my life.

Ebooks

I'm finding that with so much happening in our lives, I need to be able to take a few minutes for me. Ebooks and audio books have allowed me to do that this month no matter where I am or how much time I have. This month I have listened to Girl Wash Your Face (loved it) and What I Saw and How I Lied (almost finished, okay but not great). I've read The Immortalists (didn't love it) and I'm currently reading (and enjoying!) The Lost for Words Bookshop.
(For more info on where I get my ebooks, check out this post!)

Lily Jade Diaper Bags

You guys, I have been eyeing these bags for years and I want one SO bad! Not only are they absolutely stunning, but they have a super amazing removable insert so you can have a diaper bag and a purse all in one. All their bags are on sale, and the navy ones are on closeout. (My favorite is the Shaylee in Camel or Grey. What's yours?)

Movers!

Friends, in God's graciousness, Ben's new job is hiring movers for us. *angels sing* Words cannot express how thankful I am for this! I feel like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am hopeful that our move will be less stressful than I anticipated.


What about you? What are you loving this month?

A few of my favorite things: July

Happy Friday! July has been a HOT month for us. I've found myself drawn to quiet and cool indoor things. Although our days at the pool have been a favorite too.

(Matching shirts are from OshKosh, doll is from BlaBla.)

Affliate links used in this post. If you buy through the links, know I am grateful for your support!

Here are few things I'm loving this month:

The Lola Quartet by Emily St. John Mandel
This book was recommended to me by Modern Mrs. Darcy- my favorite blog for new reads! I love this line from page one, " The story has drawn me in and kept me guessing. It switches between characters without getting too confusing, and I can tell it's getting closer to a final reveal as I get deeper into the book. I'll let you know what I think when I finish it!

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie on Amazon Prime Video
Between house showings and a stomach bug, we've been relying on movies more than normal. This one is a favorite of both kids and me!

Creating Space for Quiet
It's so easy for me to turn to social media, audiobooks, or a movie when I have free time. I've been working to create more space to read, journal, and pray lately. I've seen such a difference in my daily attitude.

Summer Maxi Dress
I've been living in this dress (I have it in gray). It feels like pajamas but looks so much more polished. I'm thinking I'll try it with a belt for a different look sometime.

Puddle Jumper Floaties
One of my friends has a pool at her apartment complex and we've been going about once a week all summer. I'll be honest, the idea of swimming with three kids totally terrified me until my friend told me about these puddle jumpers. Now I can enjoy the pool and so can the kids.


What are you loving this month?

Books and Shows for a Cozy Fall

Fall always brings me home. Candles, warm blankets, sweaters, and a general homebody sort of feeling. We've had a surprisingly warm fall here in Colorado this year, but it doesn't make me any less ready to next for the cooler months.

This "nesting" that happens every fall brings with it a new round of books and television shows that I enjoy. After being outside most of the summer, it's a nice change of pace to curl up on my couch. Here are a few of my favorites right now...

Books



The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe

I found this book on a "Books Every Woman Should Read" list and I haven't been disappointed. It's the story of five young women embarking upon careers in NYC during the 1950s. It is a good reminder of how far women have come in the workplace, and also a beautiful reminder of the idealism of young women. I wouldn't call it a "clean read" but I do think it's worth your time.



Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman

I have never read a book on motherhood with so much truth on every page. Gloria ties motherhood back to Christ and shows how our role as mothers actively brings the Gospel into the world and into our homes. I have been challenged and encouraged on every page and I highly recommend it!



Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay

I am a huge Jane Austen fan, but as a rule I don't read knock-offs of the originals. However, this came highly recommended by my favorite Modern Mrs. Darcy so I gave it a try. I wasn't disappointed! The story is about a young women struggling to find herself and make a life in the midst of her personal pain. She writes letters to the anonymous Mr. Knightly and through the book you get to watch her grow into a new version of herself. It's a beautiful story and a quick, enjoyable read.

TV Shows

The Blacklist on Netflix

Ben and I are addicted to this crime drama. I love shows that have a longer plot that unfolds throughout the seasons and this show does not disappoint. It is a little scary and graphic at times so be aware.

This Is Us

I don't normally watch new shows until they arrive on Netflix but this one was worth the exception. It's only four episodes in, and I'm already loving this sweet family of triplets and their parents. As a parent myself I identify so much with this drama. I'm excited to see how the show unfolds.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

THE PREIVEWS!!! This new GG installment comes out November 25 and I can't wait. A new preview was released yesterday and I'm even more excited than I was before! Expect me to disappear for a few days at the end of November.


What are you reading or watching?

Jane Austen for Babies (Giveaway)

**** Giveaway closed ****

Jane Austen has always been one of my favorite authors. I don't remember when I first picked up one of her novels, but by high school Pride and Prejudice was cemented as one of my most-beloved books. I've watched the P&P mini series at least 20 times and used part of the sound track to the 2006 version as my wedding march. The moment I found out Tessa was a girl, I knew I wanted to share my love of Jane Austen with her. (I wanted to name her Elizabeth or Elinor or Jane, but for some reason Ben didn't quite agree.)

My mom threw a book shower for Tessa, and one of the gifts was Baby Lit Books' Pride and Prejudice. I had no idea there were Jane Austen board books, and I was delighted! Since then we've also collected Sense & Sensibility and Emma, along with a few other classics. As a lover of classic literature, these have been perfect for my kids. They combine my love for old books with fun, colorful illustrations that Eli and Tessa really enjoy.

Tessa's current favorite is Emma which might be my favorite too. It combines feelings with colors for a really fun book. Tessa imitates the "sad" page and it's pretty adorable.

Of course, I'm already thinking about which ones to order next! My mom just bought Tessa Alice in Wonderland on Saturday. I think for Christmas I might get her Little Women (comes out Sept 6!) or The Secret Garden. And they aren't just for girls! Eli loves our copy of Moby Dick and I think Jungle Book might be next for him.

And now for the best part, a giveaway! I'll be giving away one copy of your choice: Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, or Emma. Comment below with your favorite Baby Lit Book plus which of the three options you'd like to win.  Follow me on Instagram or share this post on Facebook for up to 2 additional entries (add an additional comment per entry). Giveaway ends August 25 at midnight MST. Open to US residents only. May the best reader win!

Congrats to Lavonn! An email has been sent! (Drawing done via Random.org.)

Sibling Bonds

Growing up, I always loved having siblings. Sure, we fought with each other and vied for our parents' attention, yet all my happy memories are with my siblings. Every birthday, Christmas, vacation, funny moment-- they were there. Now as adults, they are some of my dearest friends.

This is literally the cutest photo we have every taken. I'm not planning 

to ever show any new photos because we are not nearly this cute anymore.

After Tessa was born, I was so excited for Eli to have a sibling. I couldn't wait for the bond my siblings and I had to develop between them. I had those idyllic visions of them being best friends and holding hands all the time. But I have to be honest, they fight all. the. time. Not a day goes by without someone (Eli) pushing or someone (Tessa) screeching at their sibling. We have a lot of time outs and a lot of "sorry"s at our house.

This will probably be on our Christmas card this year.

But you guys, they LOVE each other. This sweet bond has begun to develop that is so precious to watch. Watching them fall in (sibling) love with each other has been incredible as a parent.

Tessa looks like she's planning to be super naughty, and Eli

looks like he has a secret. I have only fuzzy memory of what happened

next but I'm fairly certain somebody pushed somebody.

For Christmas this year my brother bought me the book Siblings without Rivalry (the irony! I know!).  I started reading it right after Christmas and found immediate, practical help. I've so appreciated Faber and Mazlish's wisdom on this topic. A major portion of the book focuses on you as the parent. I always figured my kids relationship was up to them, with me hoping and cheering on the sidelines. But the book takes a different path, challenging me as a parent.

I compare my children more than I'd like to admit. I imagine if you are a parent, you do too. I am often afraid that I am not treating them equally. Am I favoring one over other? Faber and Mazlish push this to the side, arguing "Children don't need to be treated equally. They need to be treated uniquely." And then, the authors push you to focus on bigger skills, those broader ideas that funnel down into good sibling relationships. They write, "Instead of worrying about [your children] becoming friends... [begin] to think about how to equip them with the attitudes and skills they'd need for all the caring relationships."

This book is practical, truthful, and relatable. The authors' honesty helps you feel like you really can make good relationships happen. In the words of Kathleen Kelly, "Read it! You'll love it!"

THIS is the framer. Love them.

Cold Zebras and Superheroes

On Wednesday I found a book in the fridge. Apparently, when Nana brought the kids back from Chick-fil-A, I put the whole kids meal bag in the fridge without looking through it. Today as I went through the fridge I saw the book. Eli saw it too, of course, and wanted to read it right away. So we sat down in the middle of the kitchen floor to read a cold book about zebras. Only Tessa didn’t want to read books, she wanted to sit in my lap. So every time I started reading she yelled, stopping when I stopped, beginning again when I read more.

Today Eli told me he wants to be a superhero when he grows up. I am so relieved to have made it past "garbage man" or "construction worker". A superhero could materialize into any career, really, so we shall see where it takes him.

Warning: This Book May Change Your Life

At Ben's company Christmas party, his boss's wife mentioned a book to me called Half the Sky. She said it was a book about women in third world countries, but little more. I filed it away in my head to read later.

Then last month, I read a book my mom had given me that challenged our preconceived notions of biblical womanhood. One chapter was about oppressed women, and it mentioned Half the Sky. The author included a couple of the stories from Half the Sky, and I was hooked. I went out the next day and bought the book.

Since then, I haven't been able to put the book down. I finished it yesterday, and I want to find more books like it! What's so incredible about this book? 

The book is a chronicle of women across the two-thirds world who have overcome great adversity. They have triumphed where all hope was lost. They have fought monumental battles and won.

Authors Kristof and WuDunn (a married couple) write about their experiences as journalists traveling around the world, telling the stories of women they meet and highlighting women's issues around the world. They focus on three particular issues: sex trafficking and forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality. 

I knew very little about these issues before I read the book. I originally appreciated the book for highlighting such serious, and at least to me, fairly unknown issues. As I read further, I realized that an even greater issue was being presented. In my own life, I have been told "a woman's place is in the home" and was encouraged during my childhood to forgo avenues like college in favor of motherhood. As a mother now, I have struggled greatly with my life purpose. This book helped me realize that I do have a greater purpose. I am part of a greater group of women around the world championing women. I can prove that women are more than just a housewife, while championing the role of motherhood. I can be empowered to be and do great things in this world as a woman.

Beyond my personal response, Half the Sky is a call to arms for those of us in the wealthier world. Across the world, women are being killed, raped, oppressed, and so many more things. Through our money, our service, and our prayers, we can make a difference! The book was from a secular perspective, but I believe it is a message straight to the heart of every Christian woman (and man)! We have a responsibility to help our sisters around the world.

My challenge to you is to go out and buy the book! Read it and then do something. What will you do?