I haven’t had a chance to post A Peek Into Our Week posts the past few weeks. So I thought I’d do a recap of February, instead. It was fun to review the month and see so many different things we did and tried and learned and experienced!
We started a Daily Morning Time in late January and it’s become one of my very favorite times of the day. We all gather before lunch to sing, read from a few different books (we’re reading from Aesop’s Fables, The Children’s Homer, Portraits of Integrity — a book on how historical figures demonstrated character qualities, plus our current read aloud), and review our memory work.
My kids’ excitement over spending this time together blesses me so much! These are the homeschooling and mothering moments I will forever hold in my heart and cherish. And homeschooling moms, I cannot recommend the concept of daily “Morning Time” highly enough. It has breathed such fresh new wind and life into our home and family.
Watch the video here to get a peek into our Daily Morning Time. 🙂
We had our very first Say Goodbye to Survival Mode one-night event in Mississippi and were thrilled that over 140 people showed up — especially because the church that hosted it was in the tiny town of Purvis, MS!
The women in Purvis were amazing! So warm, friendly, gracious, and welcoming. I was incredible blessed and encouraged to be there. Thank you, all, for having me!
{Our next Say Goodbye to Survival Mode one-night event will be on June 20, 2015 in Acworth, Georgia — right outside of Atlanta. I’d love to get to meet you there!
There are a number of other churches and groups very interested in hosting a similar event in other areas of the country, so stayed tuned for more details on where all we’ll be holding these events in the coming months! In addition, if you’d like to bring this event to your church or women’s group, you can find more information on how to do so here.}
While I was in Mississippi, Jesse took the kids to a fun Movie Night at our church. They were supposed to wear PJs and had popcorn, movie candy, and this fun photo booth!
As the kids get older and we’re training them to be able to help with more and more chores, I just can’t believe how much of a difference it makes in our workload and how much cleaner our house stays — without me having to do much work at all!
Moms of littles: keep on and know that one day soon, your hard work is going to pay off and you’ll be working yourself out of job… Don’t give up!
This was a fun surprise to get in the mail in February! My first book, The Money Saving Mom®’s Budget, got published in Chinese. It’s my first time to have a book translated into another language and it feels rather surreal!
Our little kitchen helper… This guy’s heart to serve blesses me so much! There’s rarely a cooking job that he’s not anxious, excited, and willing to help with.
My kiddos bought this bear for me for Valentine’s Day. And it just makes me so happy!
Every time I look at it, I smile… Not because I’m a big stuffed animal person, but because I know that so much heart and love for their mama is represented by this gift.
As a mom, I often make mistakes and have to ask forgiveness, but I’m so grateful for my children’s forbearance with me and their willingness to love me despite my shortcomings. God is good.
We took a trip back to Kansas for 5 days (and it was so busy the whole trip that I failed to get one single picture!). We came back to TN to a blanket of snow on the ground.
This might not look like much snow, but in TN, this was a LOT of snow — and it ended up mostly shutting down the city for 5 whole days. There was a thick sheet of ice underneath the snow and, because the temperatures were so cold, it took days for things to finally thaw out.
We ended up staying home all day for five whole days because all of our activities were cancelled and the roads were icy. So we just stayed put.
I’m usually a homebody, but I ended up feeling quite cooped up after a few days — especially because it was so cold that I just wanted to stay cozied up under a blanket all day long. So then I had troubled motivating myself to get up and clean the house, which meant that it quickly got messy!
Someday, I’m going to miss the days of busy little people in my house who leave a trail of books, craft odds and ends, papers, stuffed animals, and random scores from claw machines behind in their wake. (My kids are actually claw machine pros — studying techniques on YouTube videos and constantly perfecting their abilities. Cracks me up since it flies in the face of my minimalistic, frugal nature. But they LOVE it, are so good at it, and they can usually get quite a lot for just a few of their quarters. So I just go with it since I figure there are many much worse vices and, in most all other respects, they are usually really great at money management!)
One of my favorite times of each day is the quiet morning hour before the house is awake. My routine is something like this: light a candle, spend time in God’s Word, go through the the current #SheReadsTruth study, and read a few chapters from the current devotional/spiritually encouraging book I’m reading.
This is my fuel and foundation for the day. A few years ago when I only had babies and toddlers, this wasn’t possible (I was doing great to get in 5 minutes of Bible/prayer most days!). Moms of littles: know that someday you will actually be able to have a consistent daily quiet time!
For now, just soak up the season you’re in, pray while you’re cooking or nursing or changing diapers, listen to the Bible and uplifting music on your phone throughout the day, and sneak in moments here and there to refresh and encourage your heart!
It only took me about five hours of frustrated failed attempts and watching multiple YouTube videos, but I finally perfected the seed stitch! And now I’m working on making a head wrap for the cold winter days we’ve been having here.
It feels so gratifying to have learned a new skill, even if I’m a v-e-r-y slow learner. I love challenging myself to try different things and never grow stagnant as a person. I’m a better wife, mom, friend, writer, and business owner as a result.
Kathrynne was feeling a bit under the weather one day a few weeks back so Silas volunteered to make her one of her favorites: boiled eggs. With my supervision, he boiled them, rinsed them, peeled them, and then served them with a smile.
When my kids take initiative to serve their siblings it’s one of the best momma-gifts there are!
My bedtime routine is even more enjoyable than my morning routine. Here’s how it usually goes: clean up the kitchen with Jesse while our kids get ready for bed, snuggle with the kiddos/chat and then tell them goodnight, make myself a cup of herbal tea with cream, take my pills/vitamins & wash/moisturize my face, write out my to-do list for the next day, and then settle into bed with a good book or to watch an episode of Downton Abbey with Jesse and work on a knitting project.
I don’t always follow this perfectly, but I’ve found that even a loose before-bed routine followed consistently makes such a difference in our home. We all reap the benefits — not only in calmer evenings and better sleep — but it paves the way for a more peaceful morning the following day.
One afternoon last week, I had to opportunity to do some filming with Kelsey Humphreys for her upcoming online TV show.
Every time I sit in front of a camera or stand on a stage, I’m reminded of the fact that God often chooses those who are least qualified so that He is glorified. I ran away from opportunities like this for years out of fear and insecurity.
I still struggle with feeling afraid and not good enough, but I’ve learned that when I step outside my comfort zone and say “yes!”, I get to see God show up and do great and mighty things on my behalf. What He can do through broken vessels who are willing to be obedient to His call — even when it feels so scary! — constantly amazes me!
Speaking of stepping outside my comfort zone, I spent too much time last week putting together 14 different outfits for the 14-day course we’re filming this coming week. This is a minimalist’s nightmare — especially because it involves the trying on of many different outfits and attempting to piece together as many varieties as I can from what I already own.
I’d probably rather be slowly piercing my eyeballs with a burning stick. However, part of running a business is dealing with dreaded details like this. And so, I persevere in the spirit of pursuing a high-quality finished product and not utterly boring fashionistas worldwide with 14 days of the same outfit. 🙂
In February, I read the book The Adrenal Reset Diet and committed to doing a better job of eating a high-protein breakfast evening morning, getting more sleep at night, and not drinking coffee after noon. So far, these simple changes are making a great impact.
We tried out Sarah’s idea to use Daily Lists to help my kids stay on task in February. The kids were fairly resistant to the idea at first, but after a little convincing and encouragement, they seemed to have a complete change of heart. And then, they’ve ended up loving it and it really has seemed to help them stay motivated and focused!
As a bonus, they’ve needed a lot fewer reminders from me on what they are supposed to be doing or encouragement to steer them back on course. We’ll see how it plays out long-term, but I’m really loving the idea so far! The kids get so much done, the house is staying so much cleaner, and everyone is happier all around. I highly recommend this idea!
TOP 3 POSTS FROM FEBRUARY:
Want to get a peek into my every day life or hear about things I’m learning, trying, or mulling over in my every day life? Be sure follow my personal account on Instagram here.
Cari says
What a full and good February you had! Congrats on all the accomplishments, big and ‘small’! I really like the idea of a monthly recap. Hopefully I can remember that long ago:) and be able to do one.
Jenni says
My boys LOVE having lists of things to do. They like it best, of course, when they make up their own lists. Here is one that I saved:
* Look at Legos
* Eat Pumpkin Bread
* Love your friends
* Play with Legos
* Eat Candy
* Go to bed
I think I would be much more goal-oriented if I had lists like this :).
Crystal Paine says
Haha!! Love it!
Deborah says
I thought about you recently posting about how much your daughter loves putting outfits together~you can soon turn the wardrobe section of your life to her and let her choose outfits when you need them!! 😉
Happy new week!
Crystal Paine says
I know. I cannot WAIT until that day comes. Already, I’m getting her input regularly on outfits I’ve put together, and while our tastes differ a lot, I think she’ll soon be a pro at taking care of this for me!
Ann says
My own thoughts…I am so happy your book got translated so quickly. That’s wonderful!! Many Chinese people (like me!) need to read it.
However, I’m a little disappointed with the title. It does not tell the content of your book at all. It simply says “What do rich people do when they are poor”. Odd to me, maybe I didn’t understand the publicity appeal…
Just me.
Crystal Paine says
That’s so interesting and a little weird… since I don’t know Chinese, I have no idea how it was translated or what it says. The only thing I had a say in was saying yes that it could be translated and they had me write a handwritten note at the beginning. Otherwise, the publishers/translators did everything else.
Karen says
Thank you so much for sharing Crystal! Your A-Day-In-My-Life posts are some of my very favorite. 🙂 I really appreciate the ways you have incouraged and inspired me to continually stive to grow as a mom, wife and friend. I will be praying for you as you film all those videos this week.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so very much for your kind encouragement! And also, I so appreciate your prayers.
Adrienne says
Oh wow! Lightbulb moment. I never thought of doing morning circle time before lunch instead of right at breakfast! That spot right after breakfast is prime-time for getting my independent learner going and for my three year old twins to be able to play nicely independently! Doing circle time at that time seemed like such a waste of open time for me to get the rest of the day started and then they end up watching a video before lunch. However switching the two might be perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Nichole says
Thank you. Thank you for sharing about in your reading. Sleep: It does a family good. Started reading it and really has been good! Helping me understand more why Michael Hyatt takes a 15 minute everyday and the benefits of that. We live in a busy world who looks down on sleep. This book changes that. More need to understand that. Our workplaces and homes and the U.S. needs to be educated.
Trina says
Thanks so much for your amazing website! The Lord has used you to inspire me in SO many ways!! You have an amazing ministry here and I know that you bless so many others through it!
I was wondering about what bible you have. I’m looking for a great study bible and would love to know what you use : )
Blessings and many thanks!
Sarah says
Yes, what is it about the claw machines?!! 🙂 My kids love them too, but they waste so much money on them that I don’t let them do it very often. I guess I should as it might teach them to better manage their money once they realized they were throwing it all away. But even $5 wasted over time eats me up. 🙂
Never even thought of trying to look it up on the internet to help them get better at it.
Anya N. says
I had that same Aesop’s Fables book when I was little, I loved it then and you’ve just inspired me to try to find it at my local library for my 7-year old!
Tamboliya says
Crystal,
I cried reading about your success w/ getting your book published into Chinese and the other ways God is blessing you b/c I am so happy for you. 🙂
Your children are so sweet. I love reading how helpful your son is. He is so precious. That is endearing. And I love his joyful, beaming smile. 🙂
Your daughter is so beautiful posing w/ her infinity scares. She could be a model one day. It looks like you will have to beat the guys off w/ a stick one day! LOL 🙂
It is SOO encouraging to read how much your husband helps you. It gives me hope and encouragement that maybe Christian marriages CAN work and be good! 🙂 Your marriage is a great testimony to the world about how Jesus can make any marriage flourish beautifully in a loving way– God’s way.
I also love how ambitious you are with your reading goals, wanting to learn new things and grow and in wanting to help people. You remind me of myself. 🙂 Sometimes I am too ambitious for my own good and feel like a failure when I don’t get done all the things I had felt I needed or wanted to get done.
I also struggle w/ not getting enough sleep. LOL 🙂 We are two peas in a pod: “kindred spirits” as Anne of Green Gables would say. 🙂 I like to think we would be friends if we had met.
I am PROUD of you for choosing the “growth” choice instead of the “fear” choice of choosing to be brave speaking infront of others and in taking risks of choosing to be so honest and vulnerable w/ your readers. I love how you are humble.
And if it makes you feel better, my house looks much worse than yours and I am not as busy as you (I don’t have as good of an excuse as you perhaps), so I hope that helps you to laugh or smile.
Be encouraged. God bless you. And “keep on keepin’ on” ’till the Lord calls us home. 🙂 Have a great day! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so very much for your sweet encouragement! Your comment blessed me this morning!
Stephanie F. says
“Every time I sit in front of a camera or stand on a stage, I’m reminded of the fact that God often chooses those who are least qualified so that He is glorified. I ran away from opportunities like this for years out of fear and insecurity.”
This is my favorite thing you said. It’s very poignant. We do feel like the least qualified when God puts opportunities in front of us and we feel scared. He KNOWS we are the most qualified for His purpose in the situation. I try to remember that when I feel insecure doing something too. Bless you and your big heart sharing your ideas and life with us. <3
Jen says
Really enjoyed reading this! 🙂
Helen Xia says
Hi Crystal, I’ve been following your blog for a while now but I’m not so much of a commenter. But I just can’t hold myself back when I saw your book translated to Chinese. I am from China and I can tell you that China needs more books like this!!
Erin@The Humbled Homemaker says
I love this glimpse into your life, Crystal! I just started writing a monthly recap of sorts last month, and I think it’s so good for building community!
I wanted to comment on several things:
1. I love that you said this: “A few years ago when I only had babies and toddlers, this wasn’t possible (I was doing great to get in 5 minutes of Bible/prayer most days!). Moms of littles: know that someday you will actually be able to have a consistent daily quiet time!
For now, just soak up the season you’re in, pray while you’re cooking or nursing or changing diapers, listen to the Bible and uplifting music on your phone throughout the day, and sneak in moments here and there to refresh and encourage your heart!”
I feel like I’m starting to come out of that stage, as my youngest is 2 1/2 (although still in diapers), and my oldest is in kindergarten. But my devotional time is usually very short still, and podcasts + KLOVE are some of my spiritual fueling right now! I used to beat myself up about this!
2. You knitting is beautiful! The pic makes me want to learn–when the girls are older! LOL
3. I LOVE Downton. The finale of season 5 does NOT disappoint!!
4. I love all of your outfits for your video shoot! We are shooting the videos for the free eCourse for the homemaking bundle on Tuesday, and I have no idea what I’m wearing yet! Yikes! It will be either 3 or 4 videos, and I had planned on wearing the same thing! LOL!
Have a great week! 🙂
p.s. My hubby is from MS…we lived there for the first 5 years of marriage! Come to NC sometime! 😉
Crystal Paine says
I loved this comment! Thank you so much for the constant encouragement that you are to me!
Carrie Willard says
Looks like I’ll get to shake your hand finally Crystal!! Acworth is right up the road from here. I’m so excited! I think I’ll bring my hubby too (do men come to these events?).
Crystal Paine says
Oh yay!!! I’m excited to finally get to meet you! Your husband is more than welcome to come! We usually have at least a few men in attendance. 🙂
Julie@frugallyblonde says
Thanks for sharing! I love seeing how people spend their days.
Antonella says
Love this recap. Seems like a good idea (and easy too) for a journal of sorts 🙂
April says
I need a “love” button (as in similar to the Facebook ‘like’ button) for this post! So many good points, and the parts about moms of littles brought tears to my eyes. My fourth, and last planned ‘little’ is now 20 months old. If I can just make it another year or so, perhaps I will have that daily quiet hour in the morning too!!! Meanwhile, you’re right. I have GOT to enjoy this phase. They are SO ridiculously adorable right now. Thank you for the encouraging post, as always!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your sweet words this morning!