Monthly Archives: November 2018

Finding Change In Stock Today!

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Today is the day Finding Change arrives here at Titus2. We’re gearing to begin shipping pre-orders this afternoon. 

I’m so excited for the heart-pull of the plot and characters. 

Without the help of many, this book wouldn’t be here. From my family, to the pilot testers who listened to my plot to the real testers to others I turned to for advice to my cheerleaders, y’all know who you are! I truly am so grateful!

Mary, my sister, gave it her all and spent countless hours from September-October crafting the illustrations and cover. She pulled it off beautifully.

Mary working on the cover

To celebrate recently, we girls took a long run in a pretty area and got coffee on our way home. Part of our run took us through a quiet, cozy town, one I had actually considered patterning Hill Top after but instead chose another. 

If you’re debating about the perfect gift for a child you love this Christmas, this book could have an eternal impact on their life. 

Doesn’t the picture make you smile? This is a test reader’s response when they finished the book.

From a test mom: “You wove so much into a book, and it hit every emotion.
We laughed and cried and agonized and cheered.
The character development was incredible.
We adored the characters.
Like, we LOVE LOVE LOVE the characters.
My kids are STILL talking about them!” 

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always
having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8

Anna Marie’s Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe

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Y’all, I think we’re officially in the Christmas season! I’m excited to share with you Anna Marie’s favorite cookie recipe. It’s simple to make and easy to include littles. 

Vanilla Butter Cookies

1 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla and mix well. Add salt and flour (1 cup at a time). Form 1-inch balls and roll in sugar. Stamp with cookie stamp. Bake at 350° about 8 minutes or until edges are barely turning golden. Enjoy about 3 dozen cookies.

(Note: Anna Marie’s cookie stamps are Rycraft brand.)

Lydia, Ruthanne, and Anna Marie Maxwell

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6

Thanksgiving Recap

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We had a beautiful Thanksgiving day. Yes, some of us did our annual turkey trot, and the weather and company were perfect. We all enjoyed a day off work and spent lots of time together. 

Here’s a recap in pictures.

Turkey trot with Nathan
The girls made an incredible breakfast of: bacon, egg and meat breakfast casserole, fruit and yogurt, and pumpkin muffins. A perfect refuel meal after our run!
Dad preparing the turkey
GiGi and I playing Sequence (and yes, she beat me both games!)
Anna making gravy
Making mashed potatoes
Our Thanksgiving crew on the home front
Dessert!
Bible time
Then, the Pilgrims showed up! Nathan and Melanie’s family were with a widow and friends, and some stopped in afterward.
Each of the kids gave a little speech, as if they were one of the Pilgrims. So well done!
This little Pilgrim played tug of war — which Ellie loves!

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”
2 Corinthians 9:15

Happy Thanksgiving!

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I wanted to drop in and wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for. 

Although it may seem basic, here are some things I’m grateful for:

  • Gift of salvation
  • Eyes to see God’s amazing world
  • Ears to hear and experience
  • Legs that move
  • Warm home
  • Tons of family who love me and love each other
  • Platform to share with you ((the blog)) and kids across the world ((my books))

And the list goes on.

I’d love to hear something you’re grateful for!

Thank you for being faithful, loyal readers. Happy Thanksgiving from all the Maxwells.

Love,
Sarah

The Steve Maxwell Family

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Psalm 100:4

Fifteen Year Anniversary

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Hello, Everyone! This is a somewhat unusual blog post in a few ways. First, it is written by me (Anna Marie). Second, Sarah doesn’t know I’m writing it. And third, it’s announcing a special little milestone for Sarah!

I recently began reading Summer with the Moodys to our oldest three children (who are loving it). As I flipped open the book, I saw that it was originally published in November 2003. That means…

Sarah Maxwell
Sarah Maxwell

This month marks the fifteen-year anniversary of the first Moody book publication!

I know there are a lot of Moody fans out there, and as Christopher and I were talking, we were thinking about young adults in their 20’s who started reading Moody books 15 years ago and are now beginning to raise their own family. If so, and if any are still following the blog, we thought it would be fun to hear from “original” Moody book readers – favorite memories or impact the series had on you, etc. Maybe, like me, you enjoyed reading them with siblings while you were younger, and now find yourself reading them to your own children!

With love,

Anna Marie

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Colossians 3:17

Maxwell Family 2018 Photo Session

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Mom is our amazing organizer, and this year, she eyed the calendar and proposed a family picture at the end of September. Usually, we’re in this scramble-battle with the weather and everyone’s schedules come October or even November. But this time, we were early enough, it turned out perfect. Add to that we had friends visiting, and they could take the picture and attempt to get all the kids’ attention. Mom even suggested a new photo location, and it worked out beautifully.

Afterward, Dad and Mom provided a hot dog roast, and we enjoyed fellowship and talking.

I’m going to give you a mix of pictures below, so you can sneak a peek into a Maxwell photo session!

A huge thank you to Dessiree and Chris for helping us out!

Love,
Sarah

Mary even had the line up sketched out so she knew where to place people,
but it still takes time to get everyone set.

Getting babies in their correct spots.

This is what happens when a few of us run to check
how the photos are looking. I guess you can call this their break.The Maxwell Family 2018

Casual times, and I began taking individual family pictures

the Nathan Maxwell Family

the Christopher Maxwell Family

the Joseph Maxwell Family

the John Maxwell Family

While individual families got photos, Dad and Mom
went to start the grill and set out dinner.

John and Tina in a race (can you spot Tina?)

Mary and Benji

Mom and Kyle

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting;
and his truth endureth to all generations..”
Psalm 100:4-5