One of My Favorite Christmas Traditions {Recordable Story Books}

We moved to Arizona in August, and we did not go anywhere for Christmas that year. We stayed here in Arizona and it was kinda hard. But, due to lack of vacation time we stayed here. The following year we had Ava it was her first Christmas, she turned 9 months old on Christmas Eve. Again we did not go anywhere to see family for Christmas, we stayed here in Arizona and had our first Christmas as a new family. 

My parents sent along a gift package for our family and inside was the most precious gift, this recordable story book The Night Before Christmas.

As I turned each page a familiar voice read each word, then another voice read the next page, and so on till it was finished. I sat there in my living room with my baby girl and heard the voices of each of our family members. Crying like a fool cause I missed them so, and so thankful they took the time to do this. 



Now, each year they record a story book and give it to my children. We're getting quite the collection and I love this Christmas tradition. 

If you live far away from family this is the perfect tradition to start with them. Sometimes I open the books when I just want to hear their voices. 

What are some of your favorite family traditions around the holidays?

{Book Review} Let Hope In by Pete Wilson

If you follow me on Instagram and Facebook you've seen for the last few weeks you've seen me posting snippets from the book #lethopein. This week Pete Wilson's book Let Hope In released, I was excited to be included as part of the launch team for this book. I've been a long time fan of Pete Wilson and his effective way to communicate the love of Christ to people, read my review of Plan B here. I was excited to be included and receive an advanced copy of his book to read.

This book is built around this truth; Your past is not your past if it's still impacting your present. The book examines four choices that can change your life and your future. 

CHOICE #1 Choosing to Transform instead of Transfer

CHOICE #2 Choosing To be Okay with not Being Okay

CHOICE #3 Choosing to Trust rather than Please

CHOICE #4 Hurt People, Hurt People. But Free People, Choose to Free People

I believe that when things happen in our lives, it becomes more about our reaction to those things rather than  what actually happened. In those moments we have a choice in our reaction and what perspective we're going to have. When you start to loose your perspective on things, is when you start to lose your HOPE. I've been there, I've been in that situation before. After I got laid off from my job, I began a downward spiral of depression. I lost my perspective, I lost my hope. 

I know exactly what Pete's talking about in this book, I've lived it. I'm sure on some level you've lived it too. It's never too late to let God change your perspective and change your life. I believe that very much. Maybe you're going through a big storm right now in your life, or maybe there are some past hurts that you haven't dealt with and need some break through. I don't know what it is for you, but I do know that GOD is able and he is there if you let him. 

The byline of this book is; Hope changes everything. 

It's more than just words, HOPE really does change everything. If you're going through something right now, if one of those choices pulls at your heart strings I encourage you to read this book. To open your heart and let hope in. 

When I read this book it brought healing and perspective to my heart in areas that I myself am still dealing with, and some I hadn't yet dealt with. After I read it I wanted to give it to my sister who's dealing with a hard time right now. I wanted my husband to read it, because I knew it would speak to him as well. I wanted to share it with my friends and have them read it too. 

And, I want you to have a chance to read it too. I'd like to give away a copy to someone who needs it, someone who wants to answer those questions and change to coarse of their life too. I know God has something for you in this book. 

If you would like to be entered to win please leave me a comment below telling me how I can pray for you today. I'll pick a winner from the comments this next week and send you a copy. 

Thank you for letting me share my heart today, I truly believe that God uses people for his work. He uses words in books to change hearts. He uses blogs like mine to speak his words and his goodness in a hurting world. 

Happy Saturday my friends! 

*This giveaway is sponsored by Worley House. I received an advanced copy of the book as part of the launch team. All opinions are my own. 

Coffee Date// 9.13.13

Happy Friday friends!!

It's been a good week. 

more info about the #LetHopeIn book here.

My necklace is from JulietheFish on Etsy here.

What have you been up to this week? Tell me in the comments below! 

Have a great weekend friends! 

Let Hope In #LetHopeIn

I'm excited to be on the official launch team for the book Let Hope In by Pete Wilson. If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time you may remember my review of his first book Plan B. You can read the review here if you'd like. I truly believe that God used the words in Plan B to transform my perspective about my current circumstances at the time, and since then it's had a lasting impact on my life.

I'm excited to be sharing with you over the next couple weeks the launch of his latest book Let Hope In. Over the next couple weeks I've got some fun and exciting things I'll be rolling out to help promote this book and share stories of HOPE that God has given myself and others in my life. Can't wait to share with you all!

For more on the book releasing October 1st, check out their links below:

WEBSITE // TWITTER // PETE'S BLOG // INSTAGRAM

30B430: Read Every Nicholas Sparks' Novel

I don't read a lot of fiction, most of the books I read are either inspirational, self-help, cook books, or parenting/child related. But, Nicholas Sparks is one of my fave writers. When I do read fiction his books are the first that I gravitate towards. 

So as a goal this year I wanted to finish off the last of his books that I hadn't read. Here's a list of the ones that we're on my reading list this year:

The Best of Me

Safe Haven

The Choice

At First Sight

True Believer

Three Weeks with my Brother

The Lucky One

This was the last book on my reading list and I finished it a couple months ago, just in time for the movie to come out on DVD. Books are always better than the movies, don't you think? But, it was fun to see the characters come to life and play out the story on screen. 

#26 Crossed off my list. To see the full 30B430 list click here.

Book Review:: Mission Motherhood

I finally finished this book that I started over Christmas. It's not a big book, but reading these days takes me a little longer maybe than most. It's a great book, and I wanted to share with you why I loved it so much. If you're looking for a book to take a Godly perspective about motherhood and its mission this is a great book.

Her book really encourages stay at home motherhood, I know this might turn away some of you from reading this book. There's always much debate about working moms vs. stay at home moms. And here's the only thing I'll say about the subject, is that every family has to choose what works best for their family. And us Moms need to be more supportive and encouraging of one another.

With that said said don't discount reading this book, here's some key thoughts that I took from her book. I really encourage you to read it no matter what kind of mothering situation you are in.

* We mothers have the opportunity to influence eternity by building a spiritual legacy in the lives of our children.


* Accepting the call of motherhood doesn't mean giving up ministry, in fact it is your ministry. 


* Write down goals for your family and how you will accomplish them.


* Making disciples of our children is certainly part of the mission of motherhood.


* Diligent parents do battle for their children's souls. 


* Our vision for our family defines the decisions we make, the priorities we keep.


I would really encourage you too pick up this book, it's a great read and very encouraging for a mother's heart.

You can find it here on Amazon.

Have you read any great books on parenting or motherhood lately? I'd love to hear your recommendations. 

12 in 12: Book #12 & What I Learned

This is my last book of my 12 in 12 Challenge:



Something Blue

by Emily Giffin

After Something Borrowed you really don't like Darcy Rhone, but by the end of this book you're reminded that people can change if they want to.

Here's what I really loved about both Something Borrowed & Something Blue; both books take a real look at friendships and relationships and how sometimes things aren't always cut and dry. Sometimes they are complicated, messy, and not picture perfect.

And that my friends is real life.

I think this book was about change. Darcy changes as a person, and it allows her to become better in every area of her life. And, of coarse there's a little love story mixed in. The book gives you just a little glimpse into the lives of the character's and where they are now from Something Borrowed but the main focus is on Darcy and her life now. 

By the end you kinda fall in love with her too. Or at least I did.

I'm a big Emily Giffin fan now after reading these last two books. She's sparked my interest in reading fiction again so it's kinda fun.

{***** my rating}



So what did I learn from my challenge this year?

I started out the year just wanting to read more, for myself. I used to read all the time and sorta just stopped when I didn't feel like I had enough time. I've realized that there's always time to make for something, we make time for the things we want to. {this is a life lesson} It was true in this case too.

I made more time to read. I found time on my lunch breaks, at night when the baby was in bed and hubby was watching t.v. I read. I read a lot of books that fed my soul, made me laugh, cry, think and ones that challenged me.

My sister bought my a Kindle for my birthday, and it made me want to read more. I found myself reading books faster than before. It could be purely psychological {I'm sure it is} but I like it!

I really want to continue to read just as much as I did this year, and hopefully push myself even more next year in 2012!

What about you? Any challenges you completed for yourself this past year? Tell me about it in the comments below!

What's next for 2012's challenge? Well, it has to do with turning 30! Stay tuned for the first of the year when I reveal next year's challenge for myself.

12 in 12: Book #11

For book #11 I read.......



I'm probably the last person on the planet to read this book, but after watching the movie recently, I decided that I really needed to read the book. {you know since they often leave a lot out when making a book into a movie.}

And after reading book #10, I was on a kick to read more fiction.

It's been a long time since fiction has taken over my reading, I have to say that the book was a good read. I enjoyed it even more so than the movie. Author Emily Giffin does a great job of brining her charachters to life. I reall felt like I got this amazing sense of who these people were.

I like that it's about a realtionship that's a little unexpected. A little complicated too.

I found myself relating to Rachel and Darcy's friendship.

I found myself thinking, even though it was fictional. It was thought provoking.

I really liked the book, and the story left me wanting more, which is a good thing because now I'm reading this:

{as luck would have it, there's a second book!}

Thank you Ms. Giffin, thank you.

What about you? Reading anything fun these days? I'd love to hear your book suggestions in the commments below.

{**** my rating}

12 in 12: Book #9



The New Dare to Discipline

by Dr. James Dobson

I've read two parenting books so far by Mr. Dobson and both have been very good.

We're just now entering the stage with Ava where she's testing her limits even more. We're trying to decide what behavior(s) warrant discipline and which ones are just her being curious and figuring this world out.

Which is what made me want to start reading this book. This book takes a look at discipline from all ages and stages. That's one of the things I really liked about it. I poured over the pages about toddlers.

He has some opinions and beliefs about spanking. I won't talk about those ins and outs, I think every family needs to decide what's best for them and their children.

I did appreciate how he broke down many of common behaviors toddles use and told you a way to approach them.

There were chapters in the book however that were for teens and young adults. We're not quite there yet, but I'm glad I'll have this book to reference back to when the time comes. There's some good stuff in them.

My favorite chapter however was the very last chapter, it's appropriately titled:

A Moment for Mom

I so loved this chapter. Most days when I really think about it, I feel overwhelmed at the task of parenting. It's no joke, and a serious job that I don't take lightly at all.

This chapter basically affirms mothers everywhere, and he gives some encouragement to Moms which I felt was so needed. Moms have a BIG job, different than Dads. Both equally important I think, but different.

He included a list in this last chapters for Moms, as a way to help prioritize yourself and your family. Simple things like;

make lists

have a regular once a week me time!

have a regular date night with your spouse

Those are just a few that I love, and think I need more of in my life.

Overall I felt encouraged by the end. Like it's ok that I'm taking this parenting thing one day at a time.

{**** my rating}

12 in 12: Book #8

Wow! August is already over, can you seriously believe it?! My August book was a great read. I was really excited to read this one, I'd heard a lot of great things about it. I love reading and hearing people's stories, their testimonies and about their lives.



Candace Cameron Bure rose to fame on the hit t.v. show Full House. I'm not ashamed to say that I really loved DJ Tanner growing up. {they just don't make t.v. like that anymore} Today she's a wife, mother and actress. Her book chronicles her life's story, he struggle with bulimia and food addiction and how her faith in Jesus Christ help her overcome.

More than just a book about food addiction Candace shares her personal testimony and practical advice for letting God be the center of your life, letting him fill the voids that food or any other thing in your life that may hold a bigger place than God.

What I really loved about this book was how practical it is. She offers scriptural backing to her advice, practical tips for keeping life biblically on track, and even recipes straight from her kitchen to yours. She offers sound biblical advice for shaping not only your physical appearance, but also your spiritual life with the Lord.

It motivated me to start making some changes in my own life in some specific areas, as well as gave me the accountability to do so. I truly recommend this book, I even have a few ladies in mind that I think would benefit greatly from hearing her story.

Now, I'm off to go watch Make It Or Break It!

(***** my rating)

12 in 12: Book #7

Book #7 

For the seventh book in my 12 in 12 Challenge, I decided to read a book that was given to me but our Pastor's Group at District Council this year. 


Dick Hardy, is a former Pastor and Church Business Administrator turned Church Consultant. The 27 questions he covers in the book are great questions that every Pastor I think asks at some point. He gives you the guidance and answers to some of those questions. 


I really felt like this was a great book that every Pastor should read. Every staff person of a church should also read this book. It has great perspective, and gives a clear picture of things that go on in the "inside" of church sometimes. 


The chapters are short, and very easy to read. I really like this book, and thought it's a great valuable resource for people in ministry. 

**** {my star rating}

12 in 12: Book #6



Parenting Isn't for Cowards

by Dr. James Dobson

{click here to buy}

For the month of June I decided to start reading one of my parenting books I've picked up. I've heard a lot of good things about Dr. James Dobson's books so I was excited to start reading this book. Most of his work and advice is geared towards the strong willed child, which I don't think Ava is at this point and she probably won't be if her current temperament is any indication. However, this book was a real encouragement to me as a parent. He has a lot of great things to say towards encouraging parents to trust their gut, and do their best in Parenthood.

I found myself accessing my childhood and comparing how my parents raised me to the words he was saying on the page. He covers a lot about siblings and the interaction between siblings. I could totally see my own siblings in his words. He covered a lot about discipline, and starting this early in children and the habits and patterns that form in children who aren't disciplined as children. It was very affirming and insightful for me as a young/new parent.

Parenting is one of those interesting life phases. Everyone does it differently. I feel like at the end of the day I trust my gut and my gut. And ask for the Lord's help everyday to be a great parent to Ava, and to be the kind parent she needs.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

{***** my rating}





12 in 12: Book #5

Crazy Love by Francis Chan



I've been doing so well with this year's challenge, I'm so excited that I'm getting in more reading this year. I read on my lunch breaks at work, it's the perfect 30 minute escape. Book #5, I was really excited to read Crazy Love, I'd heard so many great things about this book from others and couldn't wait to dive in.

This book is about an authentic love with Jesus. To be quite honest a lot of the themes and topics in the book didn't quite hit me where I'm at these days. But the last chapter was really good! The last chapter of the book the author talked about how God loves us so much he created us uniquely our own.

There's a sentence in the book where he says "God only created one Francis Chan." Only one.

It's such a powerful statement to really take it. And I feel like we need to be reminded of that small simple statement on how much God loves us.

There's only one Andrea Worley. He's uniquely made me, called me to serve a purpose, and gifted me like no one else. The dreams he's given me aren't like anyone else's. What I will do for the Lord will be different than anyone else's. I feel so privileged to carry out what he's called me to.

The attention to detail he took to create me, is overwhelming at times when I really think about it.

He loves me so much. And daily, I want to fall more in love with Jesus and serve him in a crazy kinda way!

**** (my rating)

PS- there's still time to donate & be entered to win some amazing prizes. GO HERE to donate to THE BROOKER'S ADOPTION FUND! Thank you, thank you for donating! 

12 in 12: Book #4

My book #4 in my 12 in 12 Challenge was an interesting read. I actually finished it by the end of the month which I was really excited about considering how book #2 didn't go so well.

Onto my thoughts, this book was published in 2009 at the height I think of when Facebook was gaining all sorts of popularity and publicity considering its legal battles with its creator. No one can deny that social media has become a daily part of our lives, it's just like brushing our teeth. Many people log on multiple times a day to their social media choice.

This book talks about our basic need as humans for connection and community. It's just the truth we were made to crave connection, it's the way God designed us. To be in community with one another. At the heart of this book is the question of:

How has this social media of Facebook changed how we relate to others?

How we see or do ministry in the church?

How are we ministered to?

While he had some good things to say, they weren't profound by any means to me. I know that sounds really critical but this is a review so we're allowed to be a little bit. It was really hard for me to get through this book only because I felt like I wanted him to tell me something I didn't already know. Or hadn't already thought about or analyzed myself about community and our relationships with one another.

He did however, have some good points at the end on how we can choose to use Facebook in a positive way to impact others for Jesus, he also talked about prioritizing social media in our lives and how to not get so consumed. I appreciated those thoughts.

I would recommend this book to someone who has never thought about this idea of social media, the church and the community. It will give you some things to think about.

For someone like me who is already over analytical about everything in life constantly re evaluating life this isn't for you. It will only annoying you. ;)





*** (my rating)

12 in 12: Book #3

Book #3

Uncharted Territori by Tori Spelling

For book #3 I decided to read this book. I'd already read book one and book two of hers so it was only natural that I'd want to read book number three. 

Here's the deal I know not everyone is a fan of Tori Spelling, you probably have your fair share of opinions about her, etc....etc.... 

But for the sake of this book review let's just pretend were all on some level playing field here and take this for what it's worth. 

Book one was about her explaining, dispelling rumors and telling the real truth about her lift according to her. Book two, was about her life as a Mommy and wife. 

This book was about her life where it is now. Wife, mother, business owner, friend, and everything else that she is that you want to add to the list. 

After reading all three of her books I am used to her writing style which is quite good, she's very funny and has a way with story telling and words. I actually really enjoy reading her books. 

The basic theme about this book that I got was all about juggling, balance and finding that perfect fit (there isn't one in my opinion) between mothering, being a wife and everything else that you want to be or are supposed to be in your life. She's dealing with in this book. 

I don't know if you like her, or if she annoys you or if you are her #1 fan but what I do know is that she is a Mom, a wife and a woman trying to raise her kids, find balance, a way to make it work and fit together, she struggles with it and openly admits she's not perfect. 

And that's something can relate to. It doesn't matter my opinions. 

People have enough opinions and judgements these days. 

Women don't need that. 

Moms don't need that. 

People don't need that. 

They need love, understanding and most of all Jesus. 

It made me relate to her. It made me want to be her friend. 

And that to me, is a book I like. 

**** [my rating]

12 in 12: Book #2

Ok, so here's the deal about book #2 on my list. I didn't finish it. I read 4 chapters and I was bored, bored out of my mind. I really hate to say it because it was a book that I'd really wanted to read for a while now, but once I got to reading it I found the story line incredibly boring, slow moving and not holding my attention at all. I've tried picking it up and reading parts just to see how far I could get and hopefully finish it. I tried bringing it to work and reading it on my lunch break and didn't get anywhere with it either.



I feel like I can't do a true review of this book since I didn't finish it, and I hate not finishing books. I really hate that. But, I've been trying to finish it for a few weeks now all while reading my #3 book and just can't do it. So I have stopped and maybe I'll finish it sometime within the year and do a review then. In the meantime I'll be finishing book #3, and I will leave you now with my super non scientific rating system for this 12 in 12 challenge as inspired by Eighteen25's rating system.



Day 3 Blogaversry Contest: Hello Plan B



Last year I read this book, and dare I say it changed my life and my perspective. I will be forever grateful to the author for writing such honest words, and following the will of God to obediently write the words that fill these pages. It was what I needed at a time in my life that I needed to heal. You can read my full review that I wrote last year here.

One lucky person will win a copy of Plan B by Pete Wilson.

to read more about this book visit their site here.

To Enter Day 1's Contest go here.

To Enter Day 2's Contest go here.

12 in 12: Book #1



The first book I decided to read for my new challenge this year is Pathway to Purpose by Katie Brazelton. I was recommended this book by a friend. The premise of the book is to figure our your God given purpose through a series of "stepping stones" as she calls them. She talks about how God wants to use every part of you but before he can use every part he must heal every part, and we have to learn to surrender to him.

After reading the first few chapters I quickly realized that this book wasn't totally hitting me where I was at in life, not because I didn't need to learn, or there weren't really great ideas and principles in the book. But, only because I feel like most of it I'd already read and heard in this book. She takes a little bit of a different approach specifically for women, which I liked.

But as I started to read more I realized that for me this would be a great book and tool to use for a small group with women, or for a book club. I read the rest of this book with that intention and perspective in mind.

I do, think this is a good book. I do think that any woman could probably benefit from it in some way. This would be a great book for someone who has just come out of a difficult phase of life, and is searching for some healing and understanding. A great book for a twenty something looking for her purpose and how to connect God to it.

Anyone else read this book? What are your thoughts?

Next up, I'm going to finish reading Micheal J. Fox's book that I started on vacation and never finished. I hate not finishing books so it's up next on my list for the month of February.

12 in 12 Challenge

With one more week left in the year, and one last Be Creative Challenge project to share with you (more later in the week) I thought I would introduce you all to my new challenge for myself in 2011. One of my resolutions for the year is to read more, take the time out for myself and read. I want to make a goal to read some of the books that have just been waiting for me to crack their binding since I put them on the shelf, and also read a couple titles that I've been dying to read for a while now but haven't had made the time for.

With that in mind I introduce the 12 in 12 Challenge. 12 books a year, 1 for each month and a review after reading each book.

Here's a sneak peak at the first 4 books on my list: (in no particular order)

I'm pretty excited about this next year's challenge, I love to read and I feel like these little blog/life challenges gives me the accountability to do and actually try new things and stick to them.

Plus, it's fun coming up with cute little names to call'em! ;)

What about you, what are you challenging yourself to this next year?

What are some of your resolutions?

Books

One thing I hope to instill in Ava is a love for reading and for books. 

I love books, I love reading. Some of my early favorites were books like the Bernstein Bears, The Box Car Children and The Baby Sitters Club.  

I love the way books transport you to another time or place, they spark the imagination, and help you learn about the world around you. 

They say that it's good to read to your children even at this age as it helps them develop their language skills, and helps them learn simple words and phrases. 

My Grandma (Ava's Great Grandma) has been sending her books. Classics, cute ones, and short ones. 

I love fresh books. Breaking the binding for the very first time, smelling the pages, and wondering what the story will tell. 

Used books are even better. They not only tell a story, but there's a story to be told about the one before who claimed the book as their own. 

Someone else touched and turned these pages. 

Someone else read them to their own little ones. 

Someone else made memories with these books. 

And now, they are mine to hold. Break open and read them to my girl.

Making up silly voices for all the characters. Reading to her the stories that I read as a child myself. 

Pointing out bold colors, and objects. 

Helping her learn and take in this BIG great world around her. 

Reading her to for the first time was so fun, she sits quietly, listens and takes it all in.

She grabs for the book, and tries to put it in her mouth as if she's going to learn through osmosis. 

I can't wait for her to develop a love for reading and bring books to me to read her someday. I hope it's a love we share together.

I hope trips to the library are in our future.

I hope snuggling beneath covers on a rainy day with books are part of our lifestyle. 

I hope she discovers a world of wonder and imagination through books. 

I hope this is just a small glimpse of what is to come for us.