Hawley > Recent Status Updates

Reading aloud for the second time to my second set of kids and I still absolutely adore these characters and this story. I wish Kate albus would write a second book about their adventures after this!

I just love this series!

Just started this but I am really resonating with it, grateful that she comes from a history of far worse clutter than I do - and yet found a way out… or rather, ways! Hoping to have this accelerate my ability to declutter and make our home even more of what we want; and be able to maintain it despite all the junk kids acquire just about anywhere they go and the tendency of some loved ones to give (too) generously

I’m reading this book because of reviews I saw in a similar reading tastes group I’m a part of… So far, this book is exceeding my expectations. The cover made me think it might be trite or silly, but there’s a lot of depth and it grows and grows on me. I thought the letter writing style might get old but it is actually lovely.

Soooooo soooo good. Every parent should read this!

So far, I’d say this is one of the most practical and enjoyable books on parenting I’ve read in the last 15 years… Very real, practical and important.

Never have I ever read a book that referenced scripture more than this one. It’s extremely powerful and thought provoking, convicting in a mostly good way. Although I’d say she may be on the more extreme side of being pro-children, truly she stands on very firm ground. I am definitely wrestling with, moved by, and challenge by this.

Currently reading this aloud to my 5 and 7 year olds and although the some of the plot is very obvious to me and the story isn’t always very gripping to me as an adult, they LOVE it sooo much! They are absolutely all in reading it and I’m enjoying reading it aloud with so many accents!

It’s a sweet retelling of Noah on the Ark but from the animals’ perspectives

So far, this book is truly fascinating. This true story has connections to cultural shifts, historically important changes and events (if you’re a homeschool mom like I am, you might notice CC memory work throughout! So fun), and well, it’s just a masterpiece. The character of the man Barbour Lathrop and the curiosity of David Fairchild is such a funny mix. I am thoroughly riveted!

Currently reading aloud with my husband. ♥️

So far, we are LOVING this read aloud. The author is really funny!

I think this book is a great easy introduction to the topic of fasting. Sort of like a Fasting for Dummies 101. Quick, simple, direct and easy to follow or skim if you’re just getting your feet wet. They offer practical starting points and also share three different view points. Easy and pleasant read but also really incredible! I’m amazed by how good I feel.

Currently decently intrigued by the Nicholas Quinn character but “Gabe” is exceedingly too modern to make this at all believable. It’s over top like a far too enthusiastic musical. Decently readable but I am not enjoying the massive dis chord of modern characters in the 1800s. Not believable at all.

“We don’t have to be so concerned with where we don’t feel qualified because our “inadequacies” are of no concern to God. They are NOT an obstacle to him! It’s a truth I’ve seen played out over and over again in the lives of parents who choose to meet their fears head on.”

“Education is discipleship.
Discipleship is rooted in relationship.
Relationships take time.
This is why having our kids with us for the bulk of the day is so important and sharing life together so effective in preparing our kids for real life.”

My daughter got this as a gift to me for Christmas since she knows it’s the only book of Julie Klassen’s I haven’t read yet (ok aside from her most recent novel published less than a month ago)... 🥰

So far, this book is so fantastic! I am deeply grateful my friend Joan shared the title with me when another mama of multiple boys highly recommended it as a practical and helpful book for moms of boys. I am not entirely sure how to describe it other than to say it’s simple, doesn’t discourage me, gives me concrete tools to use and addresses concerns I’ve had, well.

“Finally, being a parent should naturally lead you to shape your heart for reconciliation. Love is all about forgiving... A parent is meant to be the compassion of God, the father and mother of the prodigal son and the bitter brother, who embraces the child not because the child is worthy, but in spite of all unworthiness. A parent must ever say, “Return as far as you can and I will come the rest of the way.”

Lots of concentrated wisdom nuggets in this.

“Whenever we betray our commitments as they pertain to our relationships or to our work, we become less than we are.”

“Today you are young and very much in love and you think that love can sustain your marriage. It cant. Let your marriage sustain your love.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer in advice to a couple on their wedding day

“Prayer is like eating.” (P.43)

Hands down, this is the best of the books I’ve gotten recently about nature observation and study. It is beautifully presented, simple and approachable, with clear and feasible projects/steps for growth in nature journaling. I’d like to buy myself a copy. It’s fantastic. Highly recommend.

Really rich and valuable. I’m buying myself a used copy so I can sit with this for longer, and read and digest more gradually rather than having fines from the library. 😉

Great resource!!!

Ok if you’re already amazingly orderly, thrive on structure naturally and easily include more habits to your lifestyle, this won’t be for you.

However, if you’re more like me and *want* to be more intentional, structured and dedicated to what you value rather than just being caught on a hamster wheel? Yeah, this book is awesome! I am loving how practical and insightful it is. Very motivating!

It’s getting better but Emma is still really annoying and trivial. 😂

I’m under 100 pages in and just rolling my eyes at this rich, snobby, naive white girl who only cares about trivial things and controlling people. 😂 I do feel curious if it’ll get better but so far I’m like “😑 dude, seriously?” This is why in highschool I read my brother’s sci fi fantasy books instead of Jane Austen. Trying to read it so I can know my take on JA’s famous works but might give up..

This book is absolutely phenomenal, and I’m not sure it’s importance could be underscored adequately. I commend it to anyone who is literate, but especially parents and educators of all kinds and all ages.

I really loved this sweet little series. Perhaps a bit more predictable than some of Julie Klassen’s other work, but very tender and sweet. If you enjoyed the other books in this series, you’re sure to enjoy this one.