Has it really been over three weeks since I did a Peek Into Week post?? I always have every intention to do one of these posts each week. And then, well, life happens… 🙂
Home Ec class one day: prepping food together for some new friends we had over for dinner! So fun to work together like this! And yes, I’m not sure exactly what kind of hairstyle Kaitlynn is sporting! 🙂
I made some Homemade Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. This has been a family favorite recipe for years. I love that you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it in balls. Then just pull out a few — or a dozen! — and have fresh baked cookies whenever you’d like!
We took our kids to the Compassion Experience that was set up here for a few days. Walking through it and seeing the poverty that kids around the world experience reminded us a lot of our time in the Dominican Republic.
We so appreciate the work Compassion is doing around the world to release children from poverty. Our whole family has been blessed by the opportunity to sponsor two girls, correspond with them, and learn more about where they live and the struggles they face.
So grateful for this energetic, analytic, detail-oriented boy of mine. He keeps me on my toes, keeps us in line (he always has a running mental list of what we need to buy at the grocery store!), and amazes us with his math skills (he taught himself subtraction and skip-counting earlier this year, he just learned three-digit addition and carrying by sitting in on Kaitlynn’s 3rd grade school lessons, and now he’s asking if we can teach him multiplication and division!)
I hope he never outgrows his need for mama snuggles… The highlight of the end of every day for me!
Guess who flew to TN for my birthday?? Yes, my mom and dad!! They did a bunch of house projects for us — like switching around bedrooms in order to make office space for me in this house — and also babysat our kids so Jesse and I could go on a date.
My mom and I had a date one of the afternoons. We enjoyed yummy salads and heart-to-heart conversations outside on the porch at Frothy Monkey — one of our favorite places in downtown Franklin.
It was fun to be quoted in the October issue of Southwest Air magazine!
Someone asked me a few days ago, “Where do you see yourself in two years from now?” My response: “God’s plans for my life have been so crazily beyond what I could have ever dreamed that I’m just trusting Him for light for the next step. I’ll take that next step and then trust Him for light for the next.”
Whether today’s “next thing” is cleaning a toilet, doing a national media interview, folding laundry, speaking to a large audience, hanging out with my family, or writing a book… I just want to be faithful and continually seek the Lord’s guidance and direction to do what He calls me to.
I “Trim Healthy Mama-fied” the Blueberry Crisp from Bread & Wine and it is SO good! Get the recipe here.
I cannot believe how much I love this way of eating… I never thought that sweet-tooth, carb-loving me would survive without sugar and lots of carbs. But I’m not just surviving; I’m thriving — and it’s been five months now, so I think we might be able to officially declare it a lifestyle change??
The kids have been taking a lot more initiative around the house recently and are SUCH big helps!
We’ve been having Laundry Parties at night. We have so much fun and get so much done when we all work together. And when Mom’s excited about it, the attitude is usually contagious! 🙂
I’m so proud of my girl for punching fear in the face and swimming in her first swim meet! She was so nervous about it, but she went out there, smiled, held her head up high, and swam in three different races.
She inspires me to be brave and courageous even when I feel timid and scared.
We are loving this new book from Lysa TerKeurst! It’s such a beautiful story with so much depth and meaning. I wanted to just read it over and over as I needed to hear the simple, but profound message.
Are you struggling, overwhelmed, or discouraged right now? Remember this: your Heavenly Father sees, He hears, and He is watching over you… It will be okay.
Grandma sent new colored pencils and crayons in the mail recently, so this has been a scene we’ve seen a lot at our house. I love that my kids all still enjoy hanging out together and doing simple things like this. It warms my mama heart.
{And lest you think our home is all roses and rainbows, in full disclosure, there was an argument and crying almost as soon as I snapped this serene-looking photo!}
Coloring is so cathartic, even at age 33! I need to do this more often as my kids were like, “Mom, we love to see you coloring.” 🙂
You can take the girl out of Kansas but you can’t take the Kansas out of the girl. 🙂
I’m so proud of my boys in blue and that they made it to the World Series and are 1-1!!! We loved Wednesday night’s game especially. Halfway through the game, Silas (a DIE HARD Royals fan and Mr. baseball stat encyclopedia) said, “They are on fire in Kansas City tonight!”
#GoRoyals
A few days after her first swim meet, Kathrynne had her second swim meet.
Her coach put her in six different events and she was a nervous wreck after the first heat. But she took deep breaths, toweled off, and jumped in and swam again. And again.
By event #3, her whole demeanor had changed and she just totally starting attacking the water with fierce intensity. My heart was just about ready to burst!
I’m loving seeing my kids blossom and overcome fear like this. Also, I love how this is such a family affair and how engaged Jesse is in helping Kathrynne excel (see him giving her a pep talk and walking her through her next event above.)
Oh me, oh my! I Trim-Healthy-Mamafied a Starbucks Hot Cocoa recipe!!!! And it’s delicious and good for you, too! You better believe I did a happy dance!
Recipe is here, in case you want to join me in drinking this deliciousness!
This is what’s been stirring in my heart recently and I have a full post coming on it soon. One child in particular has really been going through a tough time and I’ve been frustrated and at my wit’s end over this child.
Last week, God really convicted me to do something to show love to this child every time I was tempted to lash out in frustration. Well, guess what? This week there has been remarkable difference in this child’s demeanor and behavior. Love works!
So that’s what’s been happening around our house. What has been happening at YOUR house? Anything exciting or hard or interesting? Tell us about it in the comments.
Jaclynn says
I was flying Southwest a week ago Friday and totally saw that article where you are referenced, it was pretty cool! Definitely caught my eye 🙂
Amy says
Would you ever do a post on how you eat the THM waywith kids? I have the book and really like the lifestyle, however I have found it difficult to do with having five kids. Do you make separate meals or eat THM as much as you can…???
Thank you!!
Crystal Paine says
It’s not been a big issue for us. We just make our normal meals (which are mostly Paleo) and then I eat whatever I can eat from them — the meat and veggies, etc.
samantha says
What a great post Crystal. The part about intentionally showing love to your child instead of frustration is just what I needed to hear today. Thank you so much for the encouragement, and you’re absolutely right that love works!
Charlotte says
I did THM for 2 months and never felt better. I stopped 5 months ago and really want to get back on track, but just can’t seem to. Do you have any motivational tips?
Alexis@Clip Your Cash says
I am appreciating your move to Nashville much more this week. We just moved into a new house and it is exhausting. On another note, it is only 8:30 a.m. and your post really has me craving chocolate chip cookies!
Crystal Paine says
Yes, moving is exhausting! {Hugs!}
Jayleen Zotti says
It sounds like you have had a full and fun filled week! I’m looking forward to your upcoming post about loving your child even in frustrating situations. Tonight we went to our daughter’s first high school conference arena. We love her teachers and appreciate the kind words they had! Teachers make all the difference!!! We are working to coach our son in a few tough situations and are thankful for the experiences he is learning so much from.
Chris says
We have had some struggles at our house the last couple of weeks. What a nice reminder to focus on the positive and see if it brings change….
Marian says
This last week we totally revamped our homeschool room. We moved it from an open area in our loft that was used for schooling and playing and into a spare bedroom. My husband and I painted the walls a light aqua and light apple green. It looked cheerful! We also got an L-shaped desk off craigslist. Painting ourselves and purchasing used furniture saved us $$. I still have to decorate a bit (making pom poms to hang) and getting a window treatment. I am thinking of having my husband make a cornice for me and then I can paint it with matching wall colors, etc. We are excited about the new school area and hope it promotes a relaxing learning environment for our 3 kids 🙂
joyce says
I love the coloring book too! I’m going to have to look for it.
Lori in NC says
There are free printables on Karla Dornacher’s website — go to the “You Create” tab. http://www.karladornacher.com
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for mentioning that!
Jenni says
Oy, I have been struggling with my 4 year old lately. It’s been a crazy year. Started homeschooling my first grader and am now 4 months pregnant with a suprise blessing. We also have a two year old and some house problems. So I’m sure the 4 year old is dealing with all of it. Lots of interrupting, attitude, anger, and defiance. We are consistent in consequences but also working on carving intentional moments with him. I’m hoping we also see an end soon. I feel so weary of it, but this quote was enough to keep going. Thanks.
Lydia says
Silly question maybe, but how do you make your espresso for the coffee drink? Do you have an espresso machine?
Crystal Paine says
No, we use this (so much cheaper than a machine and it works GREAT!): https://moneysavingmom.com/2014/07/delicious-homemade-latte-without-espresso-machine.html
Lydia @ The Thrifty Frugal Mom says
Thank you SO much! I’m intrigued. Kind of thinking this is going to go on my Christmas list. 🙂
Melissa Kaiserman says
I love these peeks into your week! Thank you for sharing the hot cocoa recipe. It’s dark and rainy here, so I’m definitely having some this afternoon. 🙂
Lisa says
Crystal thanks for sharing your week – I’m anxious to read your post about how you are handling your challenging times with your child(ten) – as my children are girls 17, 12, 10 and boy 16 – Thanks
Judy says
I am rooting for the Royals too! I grew up in Missouri, so glad they have a team that made it to the World Series! 🙂
jessica says
What coloring book were you using? BEAUTIFUL!
Crystal Paine says
It’s a coloring book from Karla Dornacher. My mom found it at her booth at Silver Dollar City.
Malinda says
I love how Kaitlynn is rocking some cute, fun hairstyle 😉 You go girl!
Quinn says
As a new mom of a 1 yr old I am starting to look for deep meaningful books to read to her. Thank you for posting the read a loud challenge!!
Do you have any resources where you find good books?
Crystal Paine says
Have you read Honey for a Child’s Heart? I LOVED that book and it’s packed with book ideas for kids.
Karen says
Thanks for sharing Crystal. Congratulations to Kathrynne for competing even though she was so nervous about it! I really needed to see the quote from Renee Swope. I have a child who seems to just cause so much trouble. So often he hears correction all day long, but not much encouragement. I will try to focus on what he does right today! And Happy Birthday to you! My 37th birthday was last Sunday. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Happy Birthday to you!
Amy says
I’ve been intrigued with Trim Healthy Mama, but I’m not so sure about the sweeteners. I know that artificial sweeteners aren’t good for you (I’m a diet coke drinker), so I’ve been very hesitant to dive in. Any info you have to share would be great!
Lori says
That’s also what holds be back. I’ve been hearing so much about sweeteners being bad, and because I have T2 Diabetes I have to be careful. My physician even told me that I should avoid soft drinks, but that if I had to have one, I should drink the regular, not the diet. Apparently it messes up your system and you crave even more sugar after a while, and put on weight.
Melissa Kaiserman says
Stevia and erythritol aren’t artificial sweeteners. 🙂
Amy says
Hmmm, I guess I need to do some research! 🙂 Several months ago I read some reviews on Amazon about THM’s book and several people were saying they wouldn’t use the program because of the sweeteners. I don’t want to take over the comment section, but I would love to know if the sweeteners are natural!
Crystal Paine says
Certain ones are natural… I recommend doing research and deciding which ones you feel comfortable with and just going with those. I’ve done quite a bit of research on it and feel comfortable with some and not with others. So I definitely recommend researching it out.
Lauren @ bPatty.com says
I just tried posting a comment but the computer screen did something weird. Maybe none of that was really meant to be said. LOL! Anyways, Happy (late) Birthday!
Jacki says
I continue to make it to work part time 3 mornings a week. This is something I thought I would never be able to do again. I do have memory lapses about my research but my patient co-worker reminds me.
I have decided to help my daughter’s family by watching my grandchildren. I will be watching a 9 month old and 4 year old with special needs. My grandchildren are great! I won’t start until January after I finish my semester at the lab. It is challenging to keep up with homeschooling and a little one all day. My grandson will be coming after school 2 days a week. He is in so many things and my daughter does a wonderful job of keeping up with his schedule of therapies.
I am cooking up some things she uses for his tube feedings. She decided the premade formula is not the right nutrition for him so she cooks up all these nutritious foods every night and blends them to liquid consistency. We can tell a difference in his energy and mood without all that sugar that was in the canned formula.
When I think I cannot go on, I regroup and tell myself that I CAN do it. I may have to got to bed earlier:) Anyone with MS will agree with me!
Crystal Paine says
I love your attitude! You inspire me!
Marie says
Can anyone tell me how I can post the quote from Renee Swope onto facebook?
Melissa Kaiserman says
The easiest thing would probably be to share it directly from the Proverbs 31 Ministries FB page. You can find the image here: https://www.facebook.com/Prov31Ministries/photos/a.390955286960.162138.99550061960/10152408494111961/
Jessica Claire says
We’ve had a crazy week.
Friday my mother in law came into town. She lives 750 miles away but is a truck driver and sometimes gets a load through our small city. We were able to go out for ice cream with her.
Saturday my husband had the day off. It is rare for him to have a Saturday off so the kids and I soaked in some day time. We went to our oldest sons (he is 8) last soccer game of the season. They won! His team had an undefeated season! We then went home and took a much needed nap. Then went to the pumpkin patch. We had a blast picking pumpkins, petting animals, going through the maze, racing through the obstacle course and so much more. When we went to leave, however, we were stuck in a huge mud puddle! The staff wasn’t able to help us get out for over an hour. We ended up going back to the activities we rushed through and enjoyed them some more. It was great to have some forced down time.
Sunday we were beat! Not only from the night before at the pumpkin patch but also because our youngest son (he is 5 months) didn’t sleep a wink. We played outside much of the day. Had an awards ceremony for soccer. When I apologize to our 8 year old he said, “It’s OK mom. Things happen. At least I get to go to school!” What a great blessing he is to me! On my way home from d ripping them off I remembered a weird bill I had gotten from the dentist so I stopped there. Found out it was just a mistake! So glad I challenged that bill! Saved us $300! They were also able to get me in right then and there for an overdue cleaning. Oldest son got his report card home with all A’s! And middle son (he is 3) ate all his food at school. He has a lot of medical problems and so this was huge for us!
Tuesday rolls in and another sleepless night. I notice a big red bump on 5 month olds chest. I decided enough is enough and I take him into the drs. Ends up being a staph infection. 🙁 They put him on a few meds but warned he might have to have minor surgery if it doesn’t get better by Friday or so… I go to the pharmacy and spend an hour there with 2 youngest. Pharmacy can’t figure out our 3 year olds meds again… Ugh.. He has had serious medical problems since day 1 so we are used to waiting for drs but it was just not the day. Lots of crying. We went home, had lunch and slept for 2 1/2 hours.
Wednesday was a sleepy day and we started in PJs.
Lori says
Whew! I’m exhausted just hearing about your week. God bless you for doing so much for your family.