A Birthday, Buttered Rolls, and a Dash of Christmas Cheer
✨ Happy Reading with Katie Marie
Stories, crafts, and inspiration for families who love to read together.
💬 Quote of the Week
This quote stood out to me so much while reading this week that I underlined it:
“While the world applauds achievement, God desires companionship. The world clamors, ‘Do more! Be all that you can be!’ But our Father whispers, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’”
— Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver
What a powerful reminder in a world that often glorifies busyness.
🖊️ From My Writing Corner
I turned 37 this week, and when a friend texted to wish me happy birthday and asked what my plans were, I couldn’t help but laugh at my response:
“We’re going to Texas Roadhouse for the preschool fundraiser night.”
No fancy dinner reservations. No dressing up. Just my family, my mom, my grandma—and those irresistible cinnamon buttered rolls!
The day started with hot coffee and a hand of cards with my mom and grandma. Then we went thrifting (because that’s our kind of fun). My daughter made me a picture to hang on the fridge, and my son wrote in my card. Simple, sweet moments—each one filled with love.
The day after my birthday, I started decorating for the holidays. Yes, I’m one of those people. Early decorating doesn’t faze me; I’d keep Christmas lights up year-round if I could. My sad, sagging porch pumpkins might not match the cozy, twinkling living room, but soon the outside will catch up to the Christmas cheer happening indoors.
It was exactly the kind of week I needed—no rushing, no deadlines, just quality time and gratitude. Here’s to another year around the sun, filled with laughter, reading with my pups, and chasing dreams one story at a time.
✨ What does your perfect birthday look like?
📚 Reading Corner
Here’s what we’re reading this week in our house:
Me: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver — still slowly working my way through this one. I haven’t carved out as much “me” reading time lately, but I’m giving myself grace for that.
Tuck: Buzz Boy and Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold — short, silly, and packed with imagination.
Ella: The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition — she’s officially ready for the holiday season!
🎁 Bonus: Christmas Book Basket
One of my favorite family traditions this time of year is our Christmas Book Basket.
We always have a basket of books in the living room, but as the holidays approach, I swap them out for winter and Christmas-themed stories. This week, I found the perfect “Santa chest” at TJ Maxx, and it’s become our new home for holiday books.
The kids love this tradition. Having the books right out in the open makes it so easy to grab one and read together throughout the season.
🎄 Want to add something magical to your own Christmas book box?
Pre-order The Adventures of Ella Bella and the Magic Holiday Headband and don’t forget to grab the matching headband for your little reader!
👉 www.authorkatiemarie.com
📅 Upcoming Events
📚 December 13 | 9 AM – 3 PM
Bookfest Omaha 2025
Come visit my booth to grab the newest Ella Bella book and matching headbands!
🎄 December 20 | 11:00 AM
Storytime at Story Collective – St. Joseph, MO
Join me for the first public reading of The Adventures of Ella Bella and the Magic Holiday Headband! Bring a canned food donation and receive a special gift to take home.
Until next time, friends — happy reading!
💛 Katie Marie
