What I am loving

$1-credit for Kindle books

I order a lot of stuff from Amazon. If there is something we need, I will almost always look for it on Amazon before driving to a store. It is usually similar in price or cheaper than most stores and it gets delivered to my house. What is not to love? With Amazon Prime, we get 2-day shipping but I typically choose their no-rush shipping option for the $1 credit toward ebooks or music. I can’t tell you the amount of books I have read for free or for very cheap because of those credits. If you have Amazon Prime, definitely pay attention to your shipping options, it is worth it to wait a few more days!

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood is my absolute favorite kids’ show. If you have Amazon Prime, there are a lot of episodes included with Prime Video.

Mister Rogers talks about dealing with emotions, working hard, failure, and pretty much every other life issue kids deal with. If you have toddlers or preschool-aged kids, I can’t recommend this show enough. I promise it holds up well even after all these years. It is also the one kids’ show that sucks in both me and Carlos — I almost always sit down and watch it with my kids.

Preschool

My 4-year-old recently started going to preschool 2 days a week and it has been such a great decision for our family. He loves it so much and it gives us much-needed space from each other. I will most likely write about our decision to send him to preschool at some point in the near future, but it is definitely one thing I am loving this month.

‘Hidden In My Heart’ Scripture Lullabies

We have listened to the “Hidden In My Heart“ albums for years, but I have recently been reminded of how much I love them. The music is amazing and I love that my kids are going to sleep listening to truth that encourages them. One of the kids often turns it on in the middle of the night when he or she is having a hard time sleeping. The music is definitely a comfort thing for them. You can download a free song on their website if you are interested in checking them out.

What I’ve been reading

‘Teaching From Rest’ by Sarah Mackenzie

I read “Teaching From Rest“ about a year ago when it was only available as an ebook. This is an expanded second edition and I am so glad I own a paper copy now. I think this is one of my very favorite homeschooling books. It is short, but so wise and refreshing. This is a book I need to be reading regularly.

‘In Firefly Valley’ by Amanda Cobot

“In Firefly Valley“ is another Christmas gift that I thoroughly enjoyed. Have I mentioned that I love chick lit?

Amazon’s blurb:

Marisa St. George is devastated when she is a victim of downsizing and has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it’s a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow’s End resort. The only silver lining is Blake Kendall, a new guest who is making her believe in love at first sight. But will her dreams of happily-ever-after be turned upside down when she discovers who he really is?

‘Columbine’ by Dave Cullen

“Columbine“ is totally out of my normal reading genre. I heard it recommended on the Sorta Awesome Podcast and I had to read it. The library had several copies so it must have been popular at some point.

When I started, I really wasn’t sure I would like it. But it sucked me in. It is very journalistic in the way it is written, which is also not my thing, but again, it kept my interest. The details of what actually happened at Columbine are different from what I learned from the media coverage at the time. One of the things I found really interesting is how the public believed the false details from the media even after the media corrected it. I often paused my reading to discuss parts of this book with Carlos — definitely thought-provoking. That being said, “Columbine” might not be the book for you if you are sensitive to violence.

‘The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends’ by Monica Swanson

“The Secret of Your Naturally Skinny Friends“ has been on my Amazon wish list for quite a while and I am glad I finally ordered it. I have read Monica Swanson’s blog for at least the past year and I tend to really appreciate a lot of what she writes on parenting.

This is a relatively short book, but I love it and found it super helpful. The concept she shares of changing the way you think can definitely be used in so many areas of life, not just health.

‘Last Chance Inn’ by Melissa Simonin

I enjoyed this mystery. “Last Chance Inn“ was a light, fun read which is exactly what I was looking for.

Amazon’s blurb:

When 28-year-old private investigator Jack Ryland walked into his cousin’s security agency that afternoon, the last thing he expected was to walk out as bodyguard to 23-year-old Cheryl Adams.

It’s simple, his cousin says. There won’t be any trouble, his cousin says. Whoever’s after her can’t possibly track her where you’re going. It’ll be like a vacation, it’ll be fun, you’ll stay at a great lodge, and it’s just one week out of your life. Did I mention I’m desperate with no one else to assign? It’s no big deal. All you have to do is keep an eye on the girl.

Nothing is ever that simple.