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Books and Food

While there are quite a few things on my “to-do” list being accomplished, two other things that seem to be a focus while stuck at home are books and food – and I want to share what I’m enjoying in both areas. :)

Books and food bring a type of nourishment, don’t they? One for the soul, and one that seems to go straight to areas I’d rather it didn’t.

My reading goals for the year are primarily focused on books that relate to parenting, spiritual growth, and education, but lately not all of my reading has been in those areas. Want a peek at what I’ve been reading the last few months?

** Also – enter to win a copy of Made to Move Mountains HERE (until 4/21/20)

Books Recently Read

The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart

Made to Move Mountains by Kristen Welch ⭐️

The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe

When Less Becomes More by Emily Ley

The Sun Sister by Lucinda Riley ⭐️

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens ⭐️

Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, and Killing Reagan by Bill O’Reilly

I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon

Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby

The War Trilogy by Diane Moody

Current Book Pile

Love That Lasts by Jefferson & Alyssa Bethke

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Persian Gamble by Joel C. Rosenberg

Recent Eats

We’re having fun trying some new (to us) things at home – making sushi, new homemade granola, but keeping a few of our favorite “tried and true” recipes as well. Here are a few you will love.

Sticky Honey Chicken and Coconut Rice (YUMMMMM!!)

White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Easiest Pot Roast

Homemade Granola Bars

Carrot Cake (for Laurianna’s birthday – even though she isn’t here!)

I’m trying to get back into the swing of bi-weekly meal planning, especially so we don’t have to make as many trips to the store right now. We also aren’t typically a family that eats out very much, but each week we are picking one local restaurant to order out.

So – what all are you reading (and eating) these days?

FREE Zoey and Sassafras eBook for Kids

My guess is with schools closed you and your kids are feeling a little stir-crazy (and let’s face it homeschool moms – our kids are still feeling the quarantine crazy). Our local library is closed as well at the moment due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but I have some FUN news.

Fun at Home with Kids, the author of the Zoey and Sassafras books, is offering the first book in the series, Dragons and Marshmallows, completely free. It is a great early chapter book for kids and follows scientific methods – and can be used as a read-aloud, independent reader, or a fun bedtime story. (Click HERE to download the book for the duration of school and library closures in the Spring of 2020.)

FREE Go-Along Printables!

As a bonus, there are a TON of printables to go along with the story. Enjoy and have FUN learning together!

FREE Printables ———> Find them HERE

2020 Reading List

My eyes are always bigger than the time I end up having to read. Inevitably I also bulk up with so many books at the start of the year in my pile, and I forget that books are released over the course of the year. About 15 of the books on this year’s list are ones that were one my shelf already from past years – and they just needed to move up to the top of the pile.

One thing I do try to do each year is create a list that has a bit of broadness in different “life” areas: personal growth, spiritual growth, family, marriage, etc. I love looking at the book choices of others (and hear WHY they loved them – especially on GoodReads). If anything, my “want to read” list there is ever-growing, even if I don’t always pick them up.

GoodReads has been a huge help to me the past two years in tracking the various books I’m reading and giving a peek at how I am progressing toward my yearly goal. The app also gives me a quick way to rate my impression of the book and provide any thoughts on the book, because let’s face it – I sometimes forget a few months later. :) Join me on GoodReads and let’s read along together!

Reading Goals for 2020

My overall book number goal for the 2020 year is 75. I fell a little shy of that in 2019, even though I put a pretty good dent in my piles.

My daily goal is to SIT and read at least 20 minutes – a good ol’ parental rest time, if you will. I’m not usually a fan of audiobooks, but I am venturing into that territory this year as well for those few moments I have quiet time while driving and can put something on.

Since I fall asleep most nights holding my Kindle (I LOVE my new Kindle Paperwhite with backlighting and automatic shut off!), fitting in fiction books is usually never a problem. It’s the non-fiction books that often get me backed up.  

All that said, here’s a peek at what books are in each of my piles for the upcoming year. 

My Main Reading Pile

Fiction Books & Series to Read

“If There’s Time” Pile

Favorite Books from Past Years

If you’re interested, here are my 10 favorite books I read in 2019 (a mix of fiction and non-fiction). I’d love to hear what books you have on your shelf for the upcoming year and and recommendations for me to add to my list! 

Don’t forget to join me on Good Reads so we can keep up on each other’s reviews! 

My Top 10 Favorite Books from 2019

My 2019 reading overall reading goal was 75 books, with 13 specific books I wanted to try to fit in. The rest of the year, I would fill in with other random choices – you know, the ones that catch my eye in a friend’s feed or are a great Kindle deal! Out of the 13, I completed 12 of them – which overall isn’t too bad looking at how our year went and makes me pretty happy to average one non-fiction book a month.

This past month I’ve been reading a bit more (yay), but truthfully this year has been hard overall to focus on reading. It feels as though life blew up at the end of March/start of April and only recently began settling down, which definitely impacted my reading.

My final book count total for 2019 was 64: non-fiction – 16 and fiction – 48. You can see the full list of books I read here on Good Reads, a few short of my 75 goal. I do know there were a few fiction books I read at night that didn’t get added into my overall total, but I was honestly a bit lazy in adding them all in.

One thing I am excited about – a few months ago I broke down and purchased a new Kindle paperwhite when they were on sale, and it automatically adds any books I’m reading on my Kindle to my GoodReads list, saving me the trouble of remembering! It’s also a lot easier to find since I purchased a canary yellow cover for it (and it makes me smile – it’s so cheery!).

Starting right away, I need to start setting an alarm and specifically put aside some time each day (other than bedtime) to rest and read (and refocus). In years past I have been much more consistent with this, but somehow managed to let it slide this past year. I’m also trying to keep my Kindle with me a bit more when I’m at appointments – or just a good old fashioned paperback book!

Top 10 Favorite Books from 2019

This year that weren’t as many books that really stood out to me outside of these ten. Either I’ve gotten a bit choosier in my ratings and reading, or I didn’t pick some of the best books. :) That said, these are the ten books that I especially enjoyed reading this past year (in no particular order) and would highly recommend. The list is a mix of both non-fiction and fun reading – and some branching out for me as well.

1. It’s All Under Control

It’s All Under Control by Jennifer Dukes Lee – This book was one I took plenty of time to savor and was key in a few decisions I had to make about my time and how it’s spent. Quite honestly it’s as though the book plopped into my lap at just the right time.

Things I’d been wrestling with – well, each time I sat down and had a chance to read, the chapter on hand was specifically tied into an issue I had been mulling over. I love that.

Fabulous read – no matter the pace you are able to get through it!

2. Walking With Henry

Walking With Henry by Rachel Anne Ridge – Reading this book is like sitting down with a friend over a cup of coffee and having a heart-to-heart talk together. Rachel’s writing style is not only relatable, it is one you will quickly fall in love with – along with her sweet donkey. Through the antics of her second donkey, Henderson (or Henry, for short), Ridge shares her grapplings with a new season of life and the searching it opens in her spiritual walk. As she coaxes this little donkey to understand his worth and value, spiritual truths are gently spoken to her heart. Their walks become a time of developing a new prayer life and her intimacy with God is deepened.

This book spoke to my heart on so many different levels. I appreciate Rachel’s candor and honesty in the things she questions and begins searching for deeper understanding and meaning. She is gentle and open – and incredibly relatable. On a side note, it is so sweet to read this story, having met Rachel and both Flash and Henry (and Tom!) in person as well as walking with them through the fields where she pondered so much. For me that added an extra special touch since I can envision their faces and personalities. ❤️

3. The Art of Parenting

The Art of Parenting by Dennis & Barbara Rainey – The Raineys have such a relatable style and insight. Their years of parenting advice, combined with excerpts from their grown children and others, are presented in this easy read – and one that will leave you with great resources. No judgement – just honesty and sound advice. Love that this book includes wisdom for blended families as well.

4. The Number of Love

The Number of Love by Roseanna White – Every time Roseanna White releases a new book, I cannot wait to read it. She is one of those authors that delivers every.single.time. There are some books that are just a good read, and then there are those that leave you mulling certain aspects, delving into new subjects, and so completely satisfied. 

The Number of Love follows a young codebreaker, Margot De Wilde, as she works to decipher the enemy’s messages. Margot sees the world through an interesting lens – numbers. Through her secretive work she meets “18” – a young man who quickly falls for her quirks and sees the heart of the girl behind the numbers. Together the delve into breaking a crucial code that will save many lives, but not before their own, and the lives of many they love, are threatened. White offers a peek into another aspect of WW1 and the role many men and women played in helping foil the enemy’s plans by using their own codes against them. 

While this book goes hand-in-hand with a previous series by White, it can be read independently without the reader missing a beat. There aren’t many series I feel that can be said about, but after reading you will likely want to read her other books. Another great read and one that I highly recommend.

5. Grace is Greater

Grace is Greater by Kyle Idleman – one of my favorite things about Idleman is the natural humor he interjects into his writing via little footnotes throughout the book and just telling it like it is. He has such a practical way of explaining principles that help the reader better understand. This book definitely offered some great food for thought, review, and application.

6. The Road Back to You

The Road Back to You by Ian Moran Cron – it seems like everyone is reading and learning all about the enneagram types. After a weekend with friends where we discussed so many various things together, along with this specific book, I bought it and read it in a few days. It’s really rather fascinating. While I haven’t pinpointed my specific “type” quite yet, this specific book offers some valuable insight into how individuals function in their types when they are “healthy” vs. “unhealthy” – where they tend to divert their focus in either direction. Definitely worth the read.

7. The Orchid House

The Orchid House by Lucinda Riley – Historical books that span generations and slip back and forth seamlessly between the two eras with their overlapping stories are truly some of my favorites. An old diary is discovered during a family estate sale and sends a family in search of answers to the many questions raised in the storytelling.  There’s honestly no quick way for me to condense the topics and span of what is covered – it’s just good. :)

8. Parenting Beyond the Rules

Parenting Beyond the Rules by Connie Albers. This is the book that I wish would have been around six or so years ago, BEFORE our kids were teenagers. Reading through this now, with four kids ranging in age from 13 to 18, I was nodding my head in agreement, especially as we learned some things the “hard way” on our parenting journey.

Albers addresses so many various topics from building a strong foundation in your relationship with your kids to not giving into the fear that can strangle you as a parent (been there!). Her heart is encouraging parents, and that is so strongly achieved in this book. Through examples of family meetings gone completely off course and other extremely relatable examples, this book is a wealth of information for parents who are either embarking or wading through the pre-teen/teen years with their kids.

Parenting teens is hard, but it can also be one of the most rewarding times in our lives and reap benefits for years to come. It’s the timeframe when our kids are waking up to all the possibilities that are in front of them – and we get to have a front row seat (and part) in the adventure! The best news is that it is never too late to learn from our mistakes, take a step back, and approach things in a different manner to connect with our kids.

Here are a few passages that I really loved:

You’re not called to manipulate a situation to get what you want out of it; you’re called to love, you’re called to show grace, and you’re called to teach and train. Be faithful about doing that. (p. 40)

We all have hopes and expectations about what our children will become. But we often confuse our role by believing we should plan their lives instead of simply dreaming with them about what they will do. The real goal should be to equip them to be the person God created them to be and prepare them for adult life. (p. 159)

9. The Middle Matters

The Middle Matters by Lisa-Jo Baker – Since this is literally the point of life I’m in right now, and Lisa-Jo has such a relatable style (like you’re sitting down and chatting with a friend), The Middle Matters was a quick and easy read for me.

It’s about being comfortable with where you are at – and quite honestly, one can feel a bit lost when your kids are growing older, you are dealing with an entirely different body than the one you entered your marriage with twenty (or so) years ago…and life in general is just different (for lack of a better word).

Through her anecdotal stories, Lisa-Jo encourages us to embrace the messy, ever-changing, not-what-we-expected glory in every moment of every day (the bad along with the good) and see all that God is doing in and with us. She is open, honest, and encouraging – all wonderful things.

10. Becoming

Becoming by Michelle Obama – this isn’t a book I planned on reading this year, but it was added to my Kindle wait list as a possible read on a recommendation from a friend. It was really intriguing to read about Michelle’s life growing up, read a different perspective on some things, but also hear about her walk alongside her husband as his political career began and then eventually placed them in the White House.

Regardless of political affiliation, I cannot even imagine the scrutiny one’s life would be under when running for political office of any kind, never mind living in the White House. Her stories of her mother (some are hilarious) and their family life are some that help you realize they are just like any other family in so many regards – and their desire to protect their children was so important to them. I will say I was surprised to enjoy the book, and there were (quite a few) parts I didn’t see eye-to-eye with her on, but that definitely didn’t mean the book wasn’t one to enjoy.

That’s it for 2019! What have you read this year that you would recommend for others to read? I’d love to hear from you and add a few more books to my 2020 pile! 

Need a Few More Suggestions? 

In case you’re interested, check out My Top 10 Favorite Books of 2018 and My Favorite Books of 2017 in the posts below: 

What I’m Reading – July 2019

What are you reading? 

My reading hasn’t picked up too much, although I did get WONDERFULLY caught up in two different fiction reads this past month. I’m also loving one non-fiction, and it’s one I really want to focus on, but I still haven’t finished it!

I’ve been trying to carry my Kindle or a book with me when I’m out, just in case I have a chance to read, but often my phone can become a distraction…sigh. And my Kindle is in a bit of a sad state so I’m debating purchasing a new one, but haven’t taken the plunge quite yet. 

The progress on my 2019 Reading List is technically making progress, just a bit slower than I’d like. At the moment seven of the 14 books on my primary list have been marked off, and a few from my secondary lists – so there has been progress! 

This month ONE of the books in my pile are from my core list, one from my fiction list, and one is from my “if there’s time” pile. They look so very good!!

*all links are referral links

What the Kids are Reading

Kaleb is the only one working on reading with me this summer (All About Reading Level 4), and otherwise the kids are quite busy with swimming and work. 

What I Read Last Recently (and Quick Thoughts)

Here are two books I read last month along with a more detailed look at both. It seems so sad to say only two, but I loved both of them! 

The Number of Love by Roseanna White – Every time Roseanna White releases a new book, I cannot wait to read it. She is one of those authors that delivers every.single.time. There are some books that are just a good read, and then there are those that leave you mulling certain aspects, delving into new subjects, and so completely satisfied. 

The Number of Love follows a young codebreaker, Margot De Wilde, as she works to decipher the enemy’s messages. Margot sees the world through an interesting lens – numbers. Through her secretive work she meets “18” – a young man who quickly falls for her quirks and sees the heart of the girl behind the numbers. Together the delve into breaking a crucial code that will save many lives, but not before their own, and the lives of many they love, are threatened. White offers a peek into another aspect of WW1 and the role many men and women played in helping foil the enemy’s plans by using their own codes against them. 

While this book goes hand-in-hand with a previous series by White, it can be read independently without the reader missing a beat. There aren’t many series I feel that can be said about, but after reading you will likely want to read her other books. Another great read and one I highly recommend.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher to read prior to its release and was not required to write a positive review. A opinions expressed in this review are my own. (5/5 rating)

The Orchid House by Lucinda Riley – Historical books that span generations and slip back and forth seamlessly between the two eras with their overlapping stories are truly some of my favorites. An old diary is discovered during a family estate sale and sends a family in search of answers to the many questions raised in the storytelling.  There’s honestly no quick way for me to condense the topics and span of what is covered – it’s just good. :) (5/5 rating)

You can follow along with me via the Goodreads app where I share my reviews and additional thoughts. What have YOU been reading this month? 

 

Tools for Teaching Sight Words, Homophones, and Early Reading

I See, I Spell, I Learn is a blog sponsor and we received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. All opinions expressed are my personal, honest opinions. You can read my full disclosure policy for more details.

There are certain words in the English language (who are we kidding – a LOT of words) that require quite a bit of decoding for kids. Certain words are rule breakers, meaning they don’t follow the typical phonics rules, and then when you add in homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently), it can be overwhelming for children. I See, I Spell, I Learn offers early literacy materials to help children tackle and learn tough words through the use of visual clues. 

Recently our family (and friends) were sent the Reading and Spelling Program for Homeschoolers from I See, I Spell, I Learn to review and share with our readers. While all of our children are reading, we were able to work on some of the reading materials with a friend’s daughter and we are also using the sight word cards, homophone cards, and workbooks with our youngest son. 

Don’t forget to read all the way through for a 10% coupon code! 

I See, I Spell, I Learn Program Overview & Sequence

 
I See, I Spell, I Learn® products support early literacy in children. They have been tried and tested on emerging readers (4-8 years). Research shows that children are more successful using these learning products as they are visually engaging and fun to use. Created by a reading specialist and dyslexia tutor who has worked with homeschooled children, this specific program has been designed to complement any homeschool literacy curriculum. 

The Reading and Spelling Program for Homeschoolers includes phonics workbooks, sight word picture cards, sight word storybooks, homophone picture cards, and homophone workbooks. We were able to use the picture card sets along with the storybooks during our review, later adding in the workbooks for additional practice. 

Picture Sight Word and Picture Homophone Cards

The program is intended to use in a step-by-step process, and for those who have visual learners, the picture word cards are sure to be a huge hit. The words have been taken from Dolch Sight Words lists (Pre-K to 3rd grade). Each of the three sets has 25 words starting at a beginner level in Set 1 to an advanced level in Set 3.

The Picture Sight Word cards can be used in a variety of ways. Each card features the sight word along with a creative rendering of the word (the word “one” shows a one-eyed smiley face, while “now” shows the letter “o” wanting something “NOW”. On the back side of each card is a simple text of the word as well as the word used in a sentence, with the focus word highlighted in color. Children work on three cards at a time and their purpose is to help link the shape of the letters to the picture cue or phrase. 

“The visual cues used in our Picture Sight Words™ and Picture Homophone™ cards serve a purpose – they help children make neurological connections with the word which help them retain that word which, until now, was impossible to remember!”

One of our children struggles with spelling many key sight words, so we are implementing the Picture Sight Words and Picture Homophone cards with him for the remainder of our year to help him in his writing. 

The Picture Homophone™ cards are some of my personal favorites, mainly because I love the word play – but homophones can be so very confusing for kids. There are two homophone sets (see the below list for included words). Similar to the Picture Sight Word cards, the front of the cards offer a picture clue for the word with a go-along sentence on the back side to help with context. Children use the cues to help remember the spelling of the different words, and also understand the meaning of the word. Can you visualize the word “dew” now? 

Picture Homophones Set 1 contains 33 cards:
ate, eight, blew, blue, buy, by, bye, for, four, hear, here, hour, our, knew, new, knot, not, know, no, one, won, sea, see, son, sun, than, then, their, there, they’re, to, too, two

Picture Homophones Set 2 contains 33 cards:
Cell, sell, cent, scent, sent, dew, do, due, die, dye, flour, flower, hair, hare, hole, whole, mail, male, pail, pale, right, write, sail, sale, sew, so, sow, tail, tale, threw, through, which, witch

 

Early Literacy Story Books

There are three different levels in the Early Literacy Readers from I See, I Spell, I Learn. Each reader follows the same format: sight word introduction, story, and a short activity.

  • Words used in the stories only contain short vowels and the sight words that have been learned. No sneaky silent “e” or long vowels to throw them off in the stories, so stories can be decoded and read quickly, building confidence. 

  • The background of each story has color to help with visual difficulties – no glare for children.

  • At the start of each story a list of sight words used in the story is provided so children can review the words before beginning.

 

  • At the end of each story there is a short activity for children to complete – copying a few sight words, drawing a picture, etc…

As the levels progress, the font decreases in size and increases in difficulty. Each level can be purchased as a set or as individual ebooks via Kindle. Level A includes ten stories, Level B includes fifteen stories, and Level C includes five chapter stories.  Characters are continuous through the stories too, which helps children engage with their stories and progression.

 

Digital App and Workbooks

Two additional digital products are also a part of the program: an interactive app and worksheet sets. Our family hasn’t been using them to their full extent yet, but we want to make sure you are aware of their various features. 

The Picture Sight Word app is available in the app store and features digital sets of the cards. Each set is color coded to match the physical copies, but they have a few additional features: children can hear the word spoken and spelled on the front side and then flip the card by touching the word and hear the go-along sentence read as well. Progress on the words can also be tracked by the parent as the child listens to the words and sentences. 

The Picture Sight Word app with the first six cards free, and the remaining cards can be purchased in-app.

Short vowel workbooks and picture sight word workbooks are also a part of the Reading and Spelling for Homeschool program. As I work with our youngest on various sight words that still trip him up with spelling, he has been completing the two go-along worksheets for each word. On the first page he traces and writes the word several times and on the second sheet he fills the missing letter (the one that is illustrated on the card) and also completes several sentences using the focus sight word. 

Note: At the time of this review, workbooks for Picture Sight Word set 3 and Picture Homophones set 2 are still in progress.

Short Vowel Workbooks are also available and designed with a phonics-based approach where children can work on matching a picture to the simple word they sound out. Each of the words in this five workbook series features only short vowels. The workbooks have 12 worksheets in each and increase in difficulty with each level. Worksheets can be printed off and put into a sheet protector to re-use and continue practicing until mastery and moving on to the next step. 

What Moms Need to Know About the Program…


Above you can take a short video peek into the story books and also see the cards. 

  • The picture cards are durable – each card has a protective coating and is printed on thick cardstock. They will last being handled by children. 
  • Each set of picture cards is color-coded, helping you figure out which set they belong in. No worries if they get mixed up. 
  • Materials can be used independently or with another program you are currently using. If you feel your child needs a little extra boost, this is a great addition!
  • Worksheets can be reused if you slide them into a sheet protector (per the company’s suggestion!)
  • The program also has go-along apps. If you have children who love technology, check out their apps – they read the words to you and also track your child’s progress.

Personally, I love that we can incorporate components of this program into our current homeschool day and add in extra practice, but in a different form/method, helping reinforce the skills our son has already attained or needs a bit of extra help in mastering. As our son’s confidence in his reading and spelling abilities grow, and as his proficiency grows, we’ve helped create a winning environment for him – and that’s something I love to see happening! 

Learn more about the full Reading and Spelling Program for Homeschoolers from I See, I Spell, I Learn or the individual components here: 

Save 10% on I See, I Spell, I Learn

Until June 30, 2019 you can save an additional 10% at the I See, I Spell, I Learn online store using promo code: HOMESCHOOL2019 (expires 6/30/19).

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Also, save 10% in their Amazon store using the promo code 10HOMESCHOOL

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Connect with I See, I Spell, I Learn

Follow along with program developments for I See, I Spell, I Learn using the links below: 

 
 
10% coupon code to use on our online store – PROMO CODE: HOMESCHOOL2019 Valid till June 30, 2019
 
10% coupon code to use at the I See, I Spell, I Learn Amazon store – PROMO CODE: 10HOMESCHOOL.