1. Our Bedroom
I took this picture earlier this week after our crazy stuck-in-Dallas-for-forever saga, because I was just so happy to be home for a few days after not having luggage or a way to get home for a few days.
But after I took it, it made me realize how much I just love our bedroom. In the past two years, I’ve really tried to put forth more effort to make our home more inviting and welcoming — even though decorating is not something I’m skilled at. But I always love the final results!
I’m so happy we put forth a little effort to spruce up our room — because it makes me happy every time I walk into it!
2. My Kids (aka Cheerleaders)
My kids are basically my biggest fans and they embarrass me with their excitement over anything related to my books. When we spotted my new book at the Chicago airport, they were all “I can’t believe my mom has a book at the airport!! Let’s tell everyone this is your book!!”
And I was all, “I can’t believe it either (God has truly done exceedingly abundantly above all I could ever dream!) but let’s not tell anyone. Shh! Please don’t embarrass me!” 😉
But I love how they are my cheerleaders and are so excited about things like this!
3. New Year’s Eve With All My Extended Family
My brother got married on Saturday, so my whole entire extended family was in town for New Year’s Eve — which meant we got to have our family’s traditional New Year’s Eve celebration all together — complete with crazy games, Limbo, and snacks.
As shown in the photo above, I almost royally hurt myself attempting to win the game of Limbo. Spoiler alert: I didn’t win. Also, I may be getting a little old to be fiercely competitive at this game!! 🙂
4. My Kids All Dressed Up for My Brother’s Wedding
My brother and his new wife graciously asked all of their nieces and nephews to be in their wedding — which my kids thought was pretty much the best. thing. ever.
The girls were Mini Maids and Silas was one of the “Ring Barriers”, as he called himself. 😉
The girls got to choose their dresses. Kathrynne chose a simple navy dress with leggings and cowboy boots. Kaitlynn chose a poofy, shimmery dress and wedges. I love how different these kids all are from each other. Seeing their personalities bloom and blossom makes me love them even more — if that is possible!!
5. Running the Coffee Bar With My Sisters
It was SO fun to run the Coffee Bar with two of my sisters at the wedding reception. We made Breves, Lattes, and Mochas and we had a line of people waiting the entire reception!! My sister-in-law, Ellen, also helped out, but we couldn’t find her when we finally remembered to take a picture at the very end of the day!
{And yes, I am short. But this picture is a little deceiving because both of my sisters had on high heels — and I had taken my shoes off at this point because my feel were so tired from tons of walking and standing all day long!}
What are YOU loving this week? Tell us in the comments!
Linda Ziulkowski says
I love that I took the time in the midst of my crazy-crazy schedule to come check out your blog for the first time in weeks, and got the bonus of seeing some pictures of your family at your New Year’s eve gathering and from your brother’s wedding. We thought for just a bit that Laura might actually be able to be there, as she was planning a ‘road-trip USA’ with a Mercy Ship friend that would have had her in Wichita on that day, and it would have been so fun, however, it did not work out for the plans, but this way, at least I saw a few photos. Thanks for sharing them.
Crystal Paine says
Oh! That would have been fun! I hope you all are doing well!
Diane says
Crystal, you did a fine job decorating that bedroom! It is warm and inviting with pops of color. Very cozy and uncluttered too! I think you are better at decorating than you give yourself credit for. :). Thanks for sharing!
Beth says
So, a little off topic–but I just have to mention that I’ve never heard of having a coffee bar at a wedding, except on your blog. I think you mentioned helping out at one once before, and I was puzzled that time too. Sounds awesome, though. I may have to start encouraging my family members to include such an offering. 🙂
Crystal Paine says
I’m so glad you like the idea! It’s a such a fun and different reception idea… and people LOVE it!
Karen says
Finally getting out of the house this week after the Texas blizzard. My family lives here, could not get out of our house for days on end.
Only one thing, but it is as big as Texas!
Laura says
Your room IS adorable, Crystal! Also, love that coffee bar idea and that you got to do it with your sisters. So fun! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Aw, thank you so much for your kind words on our room!
Amanda (Crunchy Hippie Life) says
Five things I’m loving:
1. My one-year-old son’s favorite word is “daddy.” He says it allllll the time.
2. My husband’s reaction when he hears that sweet little voice say “daddy!”
3. My family’s goals for 2016. Basically, 2016 is going to be awesome.
4. Our budget. It gives me such peace of mind and a desire to keep striving for higher income to meet our savings goals faster!
5. My blog. I’ve been studying the craft every day and implementing and it’s been amazing to see results! Plus last week I got asked to be a weekly (paid) contributing blogger to a huge online magazine for our town! All because she liked my blog. Yippee!
Crystal Paine says
“I got asked to be a weekly (paid) contributing blogger to a huge online magazine for our town.”
So, so, so cool! I’m so excited for you!
Amanda (Crunchy Hippie Life) says
Thank you! It’s all thanks to you and your encouragement for starting a profitable blog!
Guest says
What a blessing to see the joy in your family, Crystal. Wonderful!
This seems so superficial after that but…where did you get that amazing rug in your bedroom?
Crystal Paine says
I think it was from Amazon.
Jamie says
I love all of the family time you had! Family time is my favorite. 🙂
Five things I’m loving this week are…
1. The New Year! I totally love the fresh start with fresh goals.
2. Family time. My hubby was off work and my kids home from school, so it was nice to just hang out at home and enjoy playing games together.
3. Reading. I love reading, but I rarely make time for it. Lately I have been giving myself “permission” to sit down and read, and I’m remembering how much I enjoy that!
4. Watching our goats get big and change since they will be having baby goats soon! I’m really excited and nervous since it’s our first time with this experience.
5. I’m not excited about the cold finally arriving, but I do love a cozy fire with a cup of hot tea. 🙂
Hope you have a great week!
Angie says
I love the pics! Things I’m living this week are:
1. How my job has slowed down after the Christmas rush. I’m getting things done I’ve let slide for the last month and I’m feeling a sense of accomplishment.
2. I cleaned out the library in my home and organized my books. I’m anxious to get reading again.
3. I’ve actually already crossed off a few goals already on my Project 52.
4. My youngest son (20) stopped in st work to see me. It really brightened my day.
5. My husband came home from work with his vacation schedule, now the plans can begin!
Jessica says
I am in a great knitting group on Facebook and I am loving the great advice and just plain encouragement. There are people who can knit a sweater in a day and people who have knit for 60 years and people like me who have knit for only a few months. I got advice on a “psso” so I could start my resolution of learning a new knit stitch each month. (This month I am doing mitered squares, and my first go of it turned out great!
Melody Benschoter says
I love the picture of your bedroom- I remember years ago when you shared a picture of how your room was completely undecorated- you’ve come such a long way! Hooray for stretching yourself out of your comfort zone… and making your comfort zone more comfortable in the process!
Rebecca Krusee says
Nice blog site! Happy New Year!
Joanne Peterson says
Your kids are adorable all dressed up for the wedding. Had a chance to spend time with my grown son two days in a row, for dinner and then the next day watching the Star Wars movie. We both agreed it was a lovely time.
Melissa says
I love your bedroom too! Would you be willing to share from where you got your platform bed and if you are satisfied with it? I am shopping for one.
Things I’m loving…
1. The music at my church
2. A little time in the evenings to read for a couple of months.
3. Bengal Spice tea by Celestial Seasonings.
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama says
I love the picture of your kids at the wedding. They look so cute! This week I am loving: another relaxing week off of school, daily trips to the park with my kids, beginning my 2016 Reading Challenge, and relaxed mornings. Tomorrow we all go back to school, and I’m dreading getting up early again 🙂
Victoria says
That is so sweet that they point out your book and want to tell everyone!
5 Things I Am Loving This Week
1. My daughter’s growing cooking abilities : Just tonight she made oven baked fries that tasted awesome.
2. New books coming my way: A reader told me that Tyndale Reward’s had added new books to their offerings. I went in an ordered new fiction books, nonfiction books and even 2 new Adventures in Odyssey audio books.
3. A new year with new goals: There is just something about starting a new year. I made 8 goals this year and made up fun new ways to keep me on track.
4. Coloring: I began a new routine a few weeks ago of coloring for 30 minutes or so each night right before bed. It is so relaxing.
5. A fun party with friends: Friday night we enjoyed a fun gathering of friends. It was good fellowship time.
Keelie Reason says
I’m loving the awesome church service my husband put together on Sunday. He sang a wonderful solo, preached an awesome message, and served the Lord’s Supper…it is amazing to me how much God has gifted him. I’m glad he has a place he can use his spiritual gift.