It’s been a few weeks since I’ve shared a 5 Things I’m Loving post and, because of that, I had a hard time picking just 5 things to share! But here’s what I finally narrowed the list down to:
1. My New Coloring Book
I finished my first page from my new grown-up coloring book (see above). I’m sort of embarrassed to be sharing it here because I graduated Kindergarten a long time ago… And it kind of feels like I’m displaying my elementary school art project or something. 🙂
But then I thought about it more and realized that maybe seeing me take time to invest in creative and relaxing pursuits like coloring will inspire you to consider doing the same.
I also realize that, the older I get, the less I care what other people think. If it makes me happy, I’m going to do it, even if it seems juvenile. Okay well, within reason and all. 🙂
2. For the Love by Jen Hatmaker
I’ve mentioned this book a few times this week on my live video scopes (Are you following me on Periscope?? It’s so much fun! Just download the app and search for MoneySavingMom to follow me!)
This book is laugh-out-loud funny, but packed with many, many thought-provoking nuggets. You probably won’t agree with everything in it (I didn’t either!), but I think it will really make you think and re-examine relationships. And I’m almost positive it will make you laugh!
Note: I enjoyed the first half of the book better than the second half. I’m not exactly sure that I can pin-point why, but just thought I should put it out there. Also, the book is a little all over the place and the chapters feel more like essays or blog posts on different topics, not a cohesive compilation that builds upon itself and needs each chapter to make the whole book what it is.
3. Laughter — Just When You Need It
So, to be perfectly honest, this was a really rough week. Not only was I facing my first-ever surgery and was kind of unsettled and nervous about that, but I ended up getting really sick — with a fever and nausea. I also had a lot of business projects going on and was feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
In addition, since Jesse’s mom died of cervical cancer when he was 12 and the fact that his wife had a cervical cancer scare and had to have surgery to remove a mass on her cervix dredged up all sorts of emotions for Jesse. He was frustrated, stressed, upset, and grieving all at once — and this caught me way off guard.
I’m usually a strong, even keel, upbeat person, but this week, I felt tired, weak, and anxious. So I looked for things to laugh about — because I desperately needed to laugh.
This photo above made me laugh so hard one day. I shared it on my Instagram account and someone mentioned looking up the recipe for ice cubes on Food.com. I cried tears I was laughing so hard reading some of the reviews on that recipe.
Almost ready to be wheeled into surgery… I’m so rocking the no make up, compression sock, hospital gown look. Or not. 😉
4. The Amazingly Loving, Caring, and Supportive People in My Life
Folks, it’s hard to describe in proper words the kind of support we had in our lives this week. It was humbling and so good for me to be on the receiving end — even though it is very hard for me to receive.
So many people offered to help and with each offer, I wanted to just say, “We’re fine!” But the truth was: we weren’t fine. We were struggling and feeling beat down and worn out.
The meals, the flowers, the prayers, the texts, the emails, the comments, the help with our kids, the many more additional offers to help… it was incredibly encouraging and made us feel so loved and surrounded with support.
And it inspired me to look for more ways to reach out and help others when they are going through hard times, too.
5. No Cancer Diagnosis
I saved this for last, because it was our biggest news of the week. On Friday, we got the all clear, NO CANCER verdict from the doctor.
After hearing the news and feeling the relief it brought, I realized that I had sort of been holding my breath to make it through the surgery and to find out the final results of the biopsy (the doctor had told us that they were pretty sure it wasn’t cancer, but we were waiting to have the test results back that up).
I celebrated with graham crackers and ginger ale at the hospital — because I’m all wild like that. 😉 And then slept for 11 hours straight that night.
We have learned so much during the last whirlwind two weeks. We’ve grown as a couple. We have new compassion for people who are waiting on test results, facing surgery, or in the middle of some very unexpected and hard-to-process news. And we feel so humbled by all of the love and support people have heaped upon us — which has inspired us to look for practical and specific ways to love others well.
Thank you, all of you, for how you’ve rallied around our family the past few weeks. We can’t begin to tell you what it’s meant to us! And I’m so excited to (hopefully!) be back to normal life next week!
What are YOU loving this week? Tell us in the comments!
Sarah Therkildsen says
Praise God
Praying with you for a return to normalcy…we’ve had a chaotic and stressful couple weeks also with a death in the family right when school was starting up. Thankful for grace and flexibility in homeschooling.
Feel better and thanks for all you share?
Staci says
Praise the Lord Crystal!!! Praying right now for a speedy recovery that the Lord can give.
Wendy says
I was diagnosed with cervical cancer two years ago. Fortunately, it was in the beginning stages and they just removed a portion of my cervix. I have been there and understand the scare. Thank you for sharing your story and I am celebrating with you that no cancer was found!!!
Angela says
I am so glad and thanking The Lord that you are cancer-free. Thank you for all you do to educate us!
Tshanina says
Oh, praise Jesus for the results of no cancer!!! I’m rejoicing with you Crystal!
I’m right there with you on loving laughter. My husband and I are always goofing around and laughing at the craziest things. 🙂
Kelly says
? Celebrating the good report with you!
Tyla says
Don’t be ashamed of the coloring book, Crystal. I have generalized anxiety disorder which sometimes causes me insomnia and my therapist actually recommended coloring before bed. It does calm a person. Really enjoying your periscope videos as well. Today’s about not letting trolls get to you was very motivational. So happy you’re healthy. Keep up the great work!
Jaime says
I’m loving the no cancer news this week. Whew. Love to you, Crystal!
Janae says
No cancer. Yay! Such good news. I keep hearing so much about periscope and how it is the new Instagram. I will have to check it out.
Jen Lehr says
I’m loving your great news of no cancer! 🙂 And also loving your nail polish in that last photo! Glad you got to keep it on for the surgery! It’s the little things… Praying for a quick recovery!
Crystal Paine says
I SO agree! I was so, so happy when they said I could keep it on!
Claire says
Hi Crystal
I’m so pleased that you had the all clear. I had a scare just like it a number of years ago. Thinking back this morning it was a scary time, and made me realise how alone a felt at the time, I had to ask for help being single and living long way from home. However I now have so much to be thankful for despite challenges on the horizon and thank you for making me think about this.
1. My little one had a great first day back at school- he really wasn’t keen.
2. The weather is beautiful here and fingers crosses for a gorgeous autumn.
3. Seeing my 3 year old sat with his Great Grandma showing her his favourite game for ages.
4. My eldest learning card games and board games with his uncle and loving it.
5. Getting my mornings back into a routine after a busy but amazing summer.
Best wishes Crystal and I hope you get some time to relax and I love the colouring, I do it too to relax,
Best wishes Claire x
Brynn says
5 things I’m loving this week
1. My week old baby boy. My heart keeps growing.
2. Quick labor and a complication free delivery
3. Family being able to visit and keep my toddler for the entire week.
4. My awesome friends and church family bringing meals and prayers!
5. Thankful for your cancer free diagnoses!
Crystal Paine says
Congratulations on your baby boy! How exciting!
Patrick Garmoe says
It really impresses me how positive you are Crystal, and appreciative of even the small things. Congrats on being cancer free!
Andrea Monaco says
Praise God for the “All Clear” report! My oldest daughter (18) loves those coloring books too. I recently discovered Karla Dornacher’s designs, and I’m planning to get my daughter a couple books for Christmas. Here’s the link to one of them on Amazon. Happy coloring! 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1500562289/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Kerry Hunt says
5 Things I’m loving this week:
1. No more chemo! I completed the last of 12 chemo treatments on Tuesday and I am so happy that I had the God-given strength to get through it!
2. No cancer for Crystal! I am so relieved for you! I know that Cancer is more treatable than ever, but that treatment is a huge challenge. I’m looking forward to what you write about home and finances where you want to focus!
3. Wine! I’ve avoided alcohol while doing chemo–too many poisons in my body already. So I truly enjoyed a couple glasses at yesterday’s neighborhood BBQ!
4. Talking with my college freshman son for 20 minutes! I miss that boy, but i am thrilled that he seems to be adapting beautifully with friends, laundry, fixing his computer, organizing his work, and more!
5. Drew Williams, our pastor at Trinity Church , spoke about sending his daughter off to college last week and brought tears, laughter, and courage that all our words for our children are words God has for us too. I am here for you. You can do it. You will not sink. I know you.
Crystal Paine says
YAY FOR NO MORE CHEMO!!!!!!! I’m rejoicing with you!!!
Linda s says
What great news that you are cancer-free! I highly recommend the book Praying for Healing while planning a Funeral by Rosey Brausen for anyone walking a troubling health path. It is one family’s journey through lung cancer and their reliance on The Lord through it all. It is amazingly encouraging even if you aren’t dealing with cancer.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_20?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=praying+for+healing+while+planning+a+funeral&sprefix=Praying+for+healing+%2Caps%2C1678
Lisa Appelo @Trueandfaithful.net says
Crystal ,
What a week! Praise the Lord for successful surgery and a cancer-free diagnosis. Your comments about Jessie s reaction help me know what may lie down the road for my kids who lost their dad, so thank you for transparency. My favorites right now: a day of no school with kiddos and college kids back under my roof for the weekend!
Renee says
I prayed for you Crystal, before your surgery. I know I don’t know your family personally, but I’m thankful that it was not cancer. God hears our prayers. You probably have no idea how many people out there pray for you and your family through this blog, what a blessing!!!! Have a great week!!
Jill says
Praising God for your good diagnosis!?
Rebecca says
Thanks for the link to the recipe for ice cubes. 🙂 We got a good laugh from reading those reviews.
Jessica says
So glad for the update! Take care of yourself and your family – you are in our prayers!
Charity says
I enjoyed this post so much. There is nothing weird about adult coloring. Well, if there is then I’m weird too. 😉 I find it very relaxing and it’s a special time to sit with my children and have sweet converstions. 🙂 I’m so glad that your surgery went well with good news to follow. Also, you look wonderful with no makeup and glasses. I’m sure there are many of us wishing we could say the same about ourselves. ;P
Martha Lawson says
So glad you are cancer free!! Enjoy the coloring, you are never to old to color!
Joy says
Yay! No cancer. Hugs <3
Cris says
So so glad you’ve received such good news! Had to leave a quick note before my laptop battery dies!!!
E.Blake says
I have to thank you for the laugh, of course it was a laugh close to home, on the account I have to eat like that, ever since a Hemorrhagic stroke, and now hypothyroid, and hashimottos disease. But it is good to laugh, it helps keep us going:)
Alexis says
Crystal,
I am sorry you had to go through all of this but so happy that you got a great diagnosis in the end. Here’s to graham crackers and ginger ale. I hope the wildness continues! 🙂
Carol says
Crystal, I have been checking every day for your medical update and was ecstatic to read the news. God is so good. Thank you so much for sharing about Jesse. He is in my prayers.
carol@simple_catholic says
So glad that your health scare turned out NOT to be cancer. What a relief to you and your family!
No need to be embarrassed about the coloring book. 🙂 Besides, it seems that grown-up coloring books are becoming very popular nowadays. My son has never been one for sitting down to color but I loved coloring as a girl. I’m actually thinking of getting one for myself!
Courtney says
I’m so happy for your good news, Crystal! Yay!!
Julie S says
I’m loving answered prayer! So glad you made it through with flying colors. Our God is good! God has been working in amazing ways and it’s such a joy to witness.
Thank you for sharing all you’ve been through with us all and for giving us the privilege of praying for you and your family. I’ll continue to pray for increased strength and energy and healing. Take care!
Lea Stormhammer says
Oh Crystal! So, so glad that you are cancer free! What a huge blessing! And thank you so much for sharing your story with us these last few weeks. It means so much in this world of “Pintrist perfect” stories and images we see again and again.
Here’s my five for this week:
1. My mother sewing for my children – she loves to sew and the children loving to wear!
2. Actually be all ready for school to start – me, the children and my husband! Whoot! My husband started two weeks ago and the children and I start this week.
3. Growing, healthy children. And they’re hugs and singing and enthusiasm for life!
4. Being able to share garden bounty and prayer for others – even if we don’t have extra cash right now.
5. A nice quiet weekend this week. We’ve been busy lately and it’s nice to rest.
Hugs Crystal! And we’ll continue prayers for healing and the future for you and your family.
Lea
Jennifer says
So glad you received good news!!
Things I’m loving and so grateful for:
1. My precious, healthy baby
2. A loving husband that has worked so hard to make a way for me to stay at home with our baby (put in my 2 weeks notice last week–whoohoo!)
3. Time spent with family and friends
4. A home that is safe and comfy
5. A God who hears all prayers and is faithful, He is my rock
Lindsey S says
I am SO GLAD to hear that their is no cancer and that you made it through the surgery with tons of support from friends and family! Hurray! I’m wondering what it is about this age of life that so many need surgery! I had my first surgery at 33 too, this year, on my vocal cords. It was terrifying, especially knowing I might lose my voice or never be able to sing again. I came through it fine and am still working at the healing, but my voice is mostly the same. My friends my age have all had surgeries too on knees, uteruses, sinuses, gallbladders, etc. I went to my chiro and his wife, who is my age, was having surgery on her heart the same day I had my surgery. I said, “What is with this?” He said, “I guess the warranty is up! Everything must start breaking down at 33!” May God continue to heal you and give you guys peace.
Diane says
I’ve been praying for you. One of my good friends is going through chemo now and it’s so hard. I’m trying to be a good friend to her. So glad your results were good and hope your surgery recovery is speedy!
Christina says
What you have gone through in the last few weeks has been very similar to what I have gone through as well. I had a cone biopsy to remove pre-cancerous cells. 1 week of recovery turned into complications leading to a week of strict bed-rest, then to another week of partial bed rest. Just now getting back to my role as a 26 y/o wife & mommy of 4 children ages 3 and under. I have been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of friends as well as NO CANCER in my lab results! Amazing to see my husband step up and cover for me in parenting our children.
Tina says
I would love your prayers. I found out this week (totally out of the blue) that I was born with a heart defect and I have to wait another 2.5 weeks to get in with the cardiologist to find out what that means for my future. I’m 35 with 5 homeschooled kids and I’m just on pins and needles, trying to trust but feeling so uncertain. I haven’t shared with many people because it’s just so new and I have no answers to all of the questions they will ask. But the truth is that I’m so, so scared. I don’t have a lot of time to process since the kids are with me 24/7 so I do a lot of processing at night (which means no sleeping, which ultimately means the whole situation is blown out of proportion in my mind). Prayers for peace especially would be greatly appreciated. I’m so thrilled you are through your surgery and have heard good news!
Julie S says
I’m praying for you, Tina! May God give you a peace that passes all understanding. And prayers for perfect healing of your heart. 🙂
Tina says
Thank you Julie! I’m humbled by your thoughtfulness 🙂
Uilani says
Great news. You definitely have a positive outlook, and you’ve been a blessing and an inspiration to many. Thanks for all you do.
claire says
Glad your on the road to recovery and sharing the journey with us (your readers).
Five things i’m loving this week
1) my girls getting along so much better, even at the end of 7 weeks off school.
2) having a relaxing time on holiday with the family and my in laws.
3) getting lots of reading done.
4) adult colouring books.
5) sunday morning mass.
Janell says
So happy that is behind you! I love to color too and I am almost 50!
Mariah says
1. Loving church today! Family Sunday, so the kids were able to learn right beside their parents. Psalm 23 today, very amazing what God does for us and the preparations he carefully attends to in our lives.
2. Smoked salmon!!! We smoked it yesterday and shared with a neighbor! So yummy!
3. We filed with our state to start a business. We are just a wee bit giddy!!!
4. My husband’s “days off” were at the end of week. Nothing more attractive than watching him teach my oldest algebra! (We homeschool)
5. Although I had my first migraine episode earlier this week, I’m very thankful it happened at home and my kids helped keep the house running! I have such an amazing family.
Carol says
Mariah: I recently went to a DoTerra essential oils seminar and heard the testimony of someone who gave the proper essential oils to her neighbor who was having such a severe migraine attack. Two dosages of the oils cleared up the sickening migraine before the neighbor’s husband could come home with an injection of medicine. The husband is a physician and said his medical training had not included the benefits of essential oils so he had no idea how wonderful they could be. I did not know if you had heard of them or not.
Mariah says
Thanks for the heads up! I do use essential oils sometimes. I had no idea I was experiencing a migraine until afterwards when I could think clearly and figure it out. I’ll be better prepared if it happens again. I’ll look into which oils work for that. Thanks for reaching out. Super sweet of you! 🙂
Becky says
I’m so glad you came through ok. I have never commented on your blog before, but have been following for a couple years now, and have gleaned so much inspiration from your blog. This isn’t completely like what you and your family are going through, but my husband and I also went through a lot this year that brought up old and fresh emotions. 6 months ago my dad died of cancer and it was a huge blow to me and my family. My husbands dad had died when he was 18 and so my dad’s death brought up so much pain and questioning God for him. It was difficult to be grieving myself, and also helping my husband through the emotional turmoil. 6 months later though I can honestly say we are closer now then before weathering this storm together, and i understand my husband more then I ever did. So I’m VERY glad that you are cancer free and hope that you have a full recovery and also am praying for you and your family for extra strength and peace as you make your way back to normal.
God bless, Becky
Mackenzie says
So glad to hear that you do not have cancer, Crystal! Blessings and prayers to you and your family and best wishes for a speedy recovery from your surgery 🙂
Ang F. says
Yay! Hope you are healing and doing well! Prayers for you all! On a side note- I too am loving these adult coloring books! 🙂
Anita Scheftner says
I’m not sure how I missed the surgery thing or cancer thing, I am so glad that everything is ok! Being on this side of surgery is way better 🙂 praying for His strength and peace for you and your family!
Trina W. says
I’m SO thankful that you received a no cancer diagnosis! I’m facing a scary situation similar to what you have gone through. My Dr. is very concerned that I could have endometrial cancer. I’m now waiting on more test results, then a couple of days ago, I received news of an abnormal pap. All this to say thank you for sharing your story and for being such an inspiration!
May the Lord bless you with a quick recovery ?!
Crystal Paine says
{Hugs!} I’m so sorry! I just prayed for you, Trina. Please keep me posted.
Trina says
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for praying for me! It touches me deeply to know that you care so much for others, even if you don’t know them personally ?. I’m praying for your quick recovery!
Beth says
I loved the plate of ice. I had to laugh harder at the irony – if you ate that diet you’d probably have iron deficiency induced pica and would be craving ice anyway! It even made me smile more since I’m waiting for tests results to come back that might cause me to seriously change my diet (celiac or some other major food intolerance.) This has been a year of difficult health things coming to a head and you’re right, it takes you to places you didn’t want to be (extremely vulnerable) but also gives you insight into the lives of others who are struggling. Thank you for the post 🙂
Leigh says
Whoo-hoo and Praise God for your test results!! We the readers are honored that you felt safe sharing so much, so transparently. Sending prayers for a swift and complete recovery.
Jennifer@TheIntentionalMom says
What an awesome answer to prayer! Isn’t it amazing how you never really understand what it is like to actually face the reality of a big, bad, ugly diagnosis of some kind until you actually face it? We had that this past year when my healthy 12 year old son had a seizure and needed an MRI and MRA. I also had a breast cancer scare a few years ago when there was so much waiting, too.
So glad to hear you don’t face those scary places that I’m sure your mind has been dwelling for the past couple of weeks. At least if you’re like me, you can TRY to think positive, but when it really comes down to it, the hard, scary things always seem to take over.
Prayers for you as you continue to heal. I’ve got much to be thankful for this week as well!
Kristina says
You are such an inspiration, and I look forward to your posts everyday. I’ve been praying for you and your family and I’m so glad that it is not cancer!
I was in tears hearing about the diagnosis and news of surgery, and you kept it together and stayed positive where a lot of people may have lost it and fallen apart. Thank you for being who you are and creating this uplifting family vibe in the Money Saving Mom community! God Bless
Erin @ My Mommy World says
So glad that everything went well with your surgery! It is scary when you have to go under for the first time 🙂
My 5 things:
1. Periscope…I was resisting yet another social media site, but I tried it one day and loved it, now I’m hooked!
2. The Own Your Life book club at The Cultivating the Lovely show…so fun!
3. A new candle that smells so pretty when it’s burning.
4. Fresh flowers from Aldi on my living room table…brightens up the room.
5. A big batch of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins in my freezer…they are so yummy!
Have a great week Crystal 🙂
Wendy Briscoe says
Hi, Would you mind sending me the recipe for the pumpkin chocolate chip muffins? They sound yummy. Do they freeze well? Wendy Briscoe
Cris says
Wendy, these might be what she’s talking about: https://moneysavingmom.com/2009/06/baking-day-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-muffins.html Coincidentally I also made some of Friday (mini though) and froze over half, they do freeze well!
Erin @ My Mommy World says
Yep, that’s the one! They are very good and they do freeze well. I do put in less oil than the recipe calls for (1 cup), however.
Cris says
I forgot to mention that also, I use 3/4 c applesauce, 3/4 oil. Tried just half oil, rest applesauce but it was a little too dry and stuck to liners.
Kim says
So glad to hear that you got the all clear! My family just went through a big move and our week was crazy with emotions in a different way. Had to get the kids into school which they were already behind by a week and a half. Trying to get I Internet and come to find out that the tech was sent to a house in another state. Then trying to get my kitchen stuff unpacked so we could have a home cooked meal…that just seemed impossible. Well the kids are enrolled, we had a good family movie night Friday, and we got Internet and a home cooked meal on Saturday! 🙂 So a good ending to a crazy week for us as well! Praying you have a speedy recovery!
Kayla says
I am so sad you will be so close to me (in Indianapolis) in a couple weeks, and I won’t get to meet you!!!! Silly, sold out tickets! lol
Victoria says
1. I am LOVING the no cancer! That is awesome news for you and your family
2. I am loving the hot week we have had here in Indiana.
3. I am so thankful for how well the new routine in our household is going.
4. Tried the coconut bars from the freezer section in ALDI and oh my!…LOVED them.
5. My daughter did her first ever unaided back handspring this week…love her commitment to keep trying.
Kayla says
So, so glad it isn’t cancer!!! Also, you look so cute in those compression socks!
denise says
So sorry you’ve had to deal with health concerns and surgery but so glad you got the all clear with a no cancer diagnosis!