Monday, September 21, 2026

Summer Recap of Books Read, Series and Movies Watched, and Favorite Youtubers (2026)

Hello friends. I like to share the books I read for each season. These are the summer books I read for 2026. I will share my FALL TBR plans (To Be Read) hopefully soon.


 ⭐= 5

This was probably one of my favorite nonfiction Christian books this season I read. My word of the year is QUIET, and this book was so helpful and gave me so much direction. I find myself to this day slowing down and putting to practice things I read in the book. I highly recommend.



⭐= 3 in half

I always enjoy Daily Grace Bible Studies. This was good but not one of my favorites that they have published. I am glad I did it, but it is not in my top recommendations from them. 



⭐= 5

I was gifted this book from a blogger friend as a get well happy this summer. It is such a wonderful little book. I read from it every single night right after surgery. It was something I enjoyed doing each evening. There are so many wonderful sayings, quotes and poems. I will use this book for years to come. I will use some of these poems and such to encourage others in letters and cards. 



⭐= 4

I was gifted a set of these cozy mystery books with crossword puzzles after each short chapter. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading the rest of them that I was gifted. I loved the puzzles added in. I wish the chapters were longer and less of the puzzles. The story was good, but it was stretched out longer than needed. Overall, it was fun and neat read. 



⭐= 5

Oh, I mean can you give Agatha anything less?! Nope, not to me. This book is a collection of many of her stories in short versions. I chose a story to read each night. I loved them all but one. If you like books with a collection of short stories this needs to go on your next summer reading list. 



⭐= 5 plus

My favorite fiction book from the summer that I read. This book was recommended by several "Booktubers" (aka...youtubers that talk about books) and I added it to my list. I was not disappointed. I read this in one day. Not because it was a short read. One... I was rstuck in the bed and had nothing but TIME and Two... it was just that good. 

It is twisty, strange, mysterious, decently clean, oh my word...I truly never saw the ending. It was so complicated. I was in suspense until right at the end.



⭐= 3 in half

I truly love Susan Branch seasonal books and artwork. NORMALLY!  This book was sweet and fun. I did find many of the quotes and sayings as well as some of the poems repeated several times throughout the book. Many of the recipes were very strange. I am glad I read it but probably would not read it again. She shared several of the same recipes' multiple times in the book. It was as if she didn't have enough content for the book so she would create different artwork pages using the same recipes and quotes over and over. 



⭐= 4

I originally purchased this last fall to read for fall but stuck it somewhere when I was in a rush and forgot all about it. I did enjoy this cute, twisty and interesting book. If you like storylines with animals living real human like lives and the cozy and wonder of that then you will enjoy this book. It is a mystery book. I enjoyed it very much. It was fun yet had suspense. Sometimes you need a unique cozy read. After Mrs. England I did. :) 



⭐= 4 in half

I was given a signed copy by this wonderful youtuber/author/book shop owner from Washington. I loved this whimsical book. Here we are again with animals as the main characters. I was on a kick, I guess. This book is complicated in a good way. It has hidden lessons I feel can be taken to heart for our own lives that is sprinkled throughout. It is about a strange friendship between odd animals and the sacrifice of one for the other. It is about helping in a hurting world. It is a unique book. If unique whimsical books are your cup of tea. I would say it is probably not for everyone. You would definitely need an imagination to read this book. I would suggest reading the description to decide for yourself if this would be to your liking. If you like magical tales, animal characters, whimsical, good versus evil.... you may like it. :)  To compare... think Narnia but a little more twisty and unique. 




⭐= 3 in half

THIS WAS MY CHRISTMAS IN JULY BOOK. I am giving this book three and half stars due to the language that was sprinkled throughout. It was a good book. Nothing majorly wonderful but it was enjoyable enough. 



⭐= 5

I love every single book in this series. I haven't come across one that didn't cheer my heart, have me crying happy tears, laughing out loud, and overall, just feels clean, joyful, encouraging and lovely. Books like these are my preferred genres of reading. They are just cozy feel goods.



⭐= 4

Another youtuber author here. I have followed Jennifer L. Scott for years.and read almost all her books. I enjoyed her newest book. A book about living well at home and making the most of what you have. I felt it was a simple read and a nice reminder of things I already know. There were some good new tips and ideas but mostly pretty much similar to most Living at Home Books. I did feel some things weren't realistic for the average person who may not have a lot of money. Her budget ideas didn't seem very budget friendly for the average person in today's economy. The book was quaint and nice though. I would recommend but I would not expect nothing grand or life changing. It was still enjoyable and served some reminders that I already know and encouraged me to apply again. 



⭐= 4

I am a big Mitford Series fan and also Jan Karon. I usually always give her books a 5. Her books always make me laugh out loud, shed a tear, and give me that "I do not want to put down the book feeling." I love following along with the life of the characters throughout this series. I will say this book shifted and felt a little discombobulated with the characters compared to past books. Random shifts from character to character in the middle of the story line and it was confusing at times I had to go back and see if I missed a page or something. This is also the first book she would have a bible verse and talking all things wholesome and the next page have an inappropriate word. There was also some strange humor throughout that I have never read before in her usually wholesome books. I will try a few more books of hers but if they are changed to this style, I am not sure I would continue to read her newest writings. I love her older books.



I didn't watch many movies this summer nor a lot of series. I would like to share the ones that I feel are worth sharing. 



We watched the reboot of the Little House on the Prairie. It was good. I did have a hard time with the actors because I didn't feel any of them matched the original actors. Well, Mr. Edwards was the only actor that seemed authentic and true to part. I did like it though. I felt it was good. I think I am such a purist about things sometimes remakes/reboots are hard for me to get into but this show is worth the watch for sure. 



Oh, this was such a wonderful and heart wrenching movie. Minus the few words I do not prefer..... this movie was excellent. I cried so much and my heart was so happy and yet sad. As you can tell I am not a fan of curse words by this point. I think they are pointless. I usually will turn a movie off if they have vulgar language or a lot of inappropriate language. I am truly not a fan. I will warn this does have a few words but overall this was a fantastic movie. 



Oh, I loved this series. Incredibly clean, decent, sweet and over all this is my kind of show!!!!




I have been watching this series for years. Clean, decent and always wonderful mysteries without gore and inappropriate things. I just love this series. 

Well, that is all my books, series and movies I watched this summer as time allowed. 
Overall, I am extremely pleased with my books that I read. 


A couple of my favorite youtubers that I have came across this summer. I had a lot of time on my hands as you all know due to surgery. So, I read more books, watched more series and YouTube than the average past summers. 

Favorite Youtubers...

 Davee Kilian - YouTube a Christian stay at home homemaker with a focus on Small Home Living
Morgan Long - YouTube a sweet gal that posts seasonal ideas, books and a focus on finding joy in the ordinary moments. HER CHANNEL SPEAKS COZY!!!
Amber Wanders - YouTube a young lady that shares her adventures as a beginner solo car camping, solo hiking, and solo backpacking. 
Jonna Jinton - YouTube a Swedish gal that is an artist. From stories and glimpses of her everyday life to music, painting, ice baths, nature and inspirational films and much more.
Jen's Reading Life - YouTube I love watching her book reviews and her suggestions. 
Chase Your Wild w/ Torey - YouTube an older woman learning to camp, hike and explore in her "later life" on her own. 
Krysta Norwick - YouTube outdoor adventure gal
Miranda Mills - YouTube one of my favorite book reviewers 
Terri’s Travels - YouTube a new widower learning to explore parks and beginner van camper in her later years. 



Did you read any great books this past summer? Any movies or series you watched?


I would love to read about your books, shows and etc. share in the comments!

With Love,

Chrissy T



Saturday, September 19, 2026

I Feel You My Little Friend....

Hello friends. You know it is HOT when the squirrels are literally passed out like this. Whew... it is still super steamy in my area. We are under a heat advisory too. Autumn is around the corner, but it feels like true full-blown summer is never leaving. From what I see and read we still have hot days ahead. The mornings are beginning to feel very small bit cooler. I truly mean only a little. I am not one to rush seasons but when one season bleeds to the next... I AM! Haha!




In all honesty, I wish I was this squirrel. Oh, I long for the outdoors. It has been since March since I have hiked. Since June since I took a scenic drive. This is a huge shift from my normal seasonal activities. I really can't leave my husband at this moment alone very long.  It also very hot in my area still and the snakes in our area have been super bad. Copperheads and rattlesnakes have dominated the trails and even yards this year I have been reading and hearing. 


Nothing much major going on here. Derrick is getting a little stronger every day. He is battling extreme fatigue and weakness. I do not leave him alone at all if I can help it. I only have two times, and it was very short situations. I had to make the church deposit and I had to unlock the church doors for the pest control man. But I rush back home. I find myself being super anxious when I leave him. I try to rush back. I do think he will be stronger this coming week. We have a few doctor appointments next week and then the following his oncologist appointment. 


I hope you all have a lovely weekend. Oh, I wish it would feel like fall Monday!!! 

With Love, 

Chrissy




Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Litte Things

 Little things... during these times little things are such a helpful boost to my soul.



My new fall wreath was delivered. It was time to update our fall wreath. This brought a smile. :) 




A little chocolate always gives me a smile!


A beautiful much needed rain! 



 A new book from London signed by the author! :) Perfect for these days when I have a little moment. I just read a little daily.


A yummy simple grill cheese with salt & vinegar chips. Our current fancy dinnerware (ahem... paper plate) has been a little thing that has been a big help during this time of life. 


Seeing my husband get out of bed and finally feel a little better to eat a little lunch with me is a big thing which may seem little to most was such a blessing. 



I hope you all are having a lovely week. Embrace and appreciate the little things in life. Sometimes those little things seem like a lovely grand thing in reality.

With Love, 

Chrissy



Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Life Update

Hello friends. I wanted to pop in and update this sweet space and my friends if any of you are still visiting. Derrick's surgery was more complicated than we thought. What was supposed to be a 3–4-hour surgery was 6 hours followed by an hour of recovery and almost a week stay in the hospital due not being able to get his pain under control or strength. He had some cardiac issues during recovery right after surgery so lots of monitoring needed to be done. All that has somewhat leveled out thankfully as of now. 



Derrick needs full-time care at the moment on the most part. But daily he is getting better. I have been caring for him around the clock. It has been super hard, but I would have it no other way. I am typing this and still in shock what curve ball we were thrown three weeks ago to the day. I am trying to be brave. I am trying to hold it all together but there are moments I just want to cry and cry. So, I do. After I ugly cry.... I clean up, lean on Jesus, and move forward. There is no other way really.



I hope to make my rounds to visit you all one day. I am so sorry for my lack of visiting and posting. It just really isn't possible much. 


So, where do we go through from here? Well, he had the surgery for removal of tumor and lymph nodes. We meet the surgeon to follow up next week and then on the 28th the oncologist to discuss next steps. Continued prayers are appreciated. 


I hope to pop in a little more now that I am home and getting a "new" rhythm to my days.


With Love, 

Chrissy T

Saturday, September 5, 2026

PRAISE REPORT & UPDATE on My Husband

 



Hello everyone. First, I want to say THANK YOU to everyone that has prayed, sent encouraging emails, and thoughts towards our family at this time. It means so much. This space and all of you lovely people have a special place in my life. I truly miss visiting you all and posting here. I hope to be back to a little more regularly when time allows.


MOST IMPORTANT thing is.... THE LORD heard our prayers and Derrick did not have any spread of cancer to other organs at this time. PRAISE THE LORD. The cancer is in the colon for what can be seen by the scan. They could not see how much pass the tumor and they can't tell if the lymph nodes or how much is in the colon until after surgery. 

He is having surgery THIS TUESDAY to have the mass removed and parts of the colon as well as lymph nodes in the area. He will be in the hospital for a little while following that. After a week or so we will know about treatment such as chemotherapy. As of now we are told they suspect it is stage 3 but until they get inside the colon, they cannot confirm 100%.  Also, due to the tumor being so large and blocking most of the middle and upper colon they cannot know until after he recovers and does another colonoscopy what other issues remain. Our hope is NOTHING.


So, I am going to post today this update and probably do a Monday post because I so miss you all. Monday may be about my summer reads and my fall reads that I hope to get to, then it may be a bit quiet here unless I do a quick update on things due to helping him after surgery and being at the hospital for a while. 



If you would have told me that I would be caring for my husband in this way 10 weeks after my own surgery I would have never believed you. The Lord is giving me strength, but I am truly exhausted and could use some prayers. I am being very transparent that today has been a very emotional day. I am so thankful with every inch of my being the cancer had not spread anywhere else. I am so trying not to worry about his surgery it will be up to 4 hours long. I also know a TAD of what to expect as far as recovery in the abdominal area so I feel so bad for him because his will be a more complicated and being that my surgery is so fresh in my mind it makes me hurt in my heart for him. He is not a person that sits down or does well with being "down." This will be a real challenge for him. 


We have had to arrange so much for the church and for his job. This is definitely a hard season, but we will press on! 


Blessings, 

Chrissy



Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Urgent Prayer Request & Photo Challenge Update

If you haven’t read my last post you may want to pop by and read. 

I have an urgent request… please pray for my husband (Derrick) today. He has a full body scan to see if the cancer has spread TODAY at 11:30. If you could pray that it has not spread!!! 

Thank you all! 

Under the circumstances… I cannot commit to the September daily photo challenge. I hope you all understand. I may try to do a week of challenges later this month. We have appointments all week. Today the scan, tomorrow his oncologist appointment, Thursday his surgeon appointment. It’s just not good timing for a photo challenge. Everything is moving fast to get him care and I’m thankful for that.

Love,

Chrissy 

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

The Word No One Wants to Hear...

Hello everyone. My last post was Monday and that was only two days ago yet feels like a week ago at the same time. I wrote on seasons and the strange one I was in. Little did I know that "Little Note" post I wrote to you would make a little more sense why I have been feeling I didn't need to rush into anything again. The Lord always leads if we will be still and listen. To fully understand that post please read this past Monday's post if you would like.


Monday when I wrote that post my husband was preparing for a procedure for preventive screening. Tuesday morning, we woke up at 5 am to head to the medical plaza. We were laughing, make light of this "uncomfortable" procedure and the only reason I went to was because I had to drive him home afterwards. 

The medical staff was so friendly. The doctor and anesthesia doctor came in and went over everything. The procedure is one most dread, so the staff made him super comfortable and keep it jovial and lighthearted. We laughed and cracked some silly jokes with them and each other. We took a silly picture of him to send to the kids, and he rolled out of the room. I went to a waiting area and wasn't even in the waiting room but a few minutes and was told to come back. I was thinking that was quite fast.  He was in recovery and waking up slowly. He said he was hungry and I giggled. He was ready to eat. He had not eaten since Sunday at 6 pm. 




As he was waking up from sedation, he was silly and we were laughing a little. The doctor walks in and had the look like you knew something was wrong. What was meant to be a preventive health screen revealed my husband has a large tumor in his colon and it is cancer. He could not even complete the colonoscopy because it was so large. He had to stop the procedure. We sat there in shock. The doctor was in shock. The nurse came in with a tissue box and then information came out of his mouth like a fire hydrant had been opened and we were rolled out to the car and sat in the car weeping and in shock. 

I am asking if you pray, please lift up my husband and our family. To say that this has been a challenging year ALREADY is an understatement. 

Derrick has a long road ahead, the doctor has stated. They believe this tumor to be 5-10 years old and that it is very important this had not spread to other areas for the best case scenario. 


My husband has had no signs other than some change of bowels this year and some cramping. He thought it was age, IBS or poor diet. His bloodwork has been fine over the years. He has no medical history. He is on no medications. NO high bp, cholesterol or anything. Always had a clean bill of health as we know. He is also only 46. So, the doctor is very taken back and concerned. He has been very tired more this year than normal and mentioned he felt he needed to exercise more or cut some stress out. These are actually some mild signs of colon cancer, but they match normal aging things too making it easy to ignore.


With this said he goes THIS Tuesday to get a full body scan. Would you pray that this is contained and has not spread and that we have the best case scenario. A miracle!!! 


Thank you

Chrissy T