1. Periscoping With My 6-Year-Old Sidekick
This little guy loves to show up to my daily #MorningMotivation LIVE show on Periscope and it’s become a fun thing for the two of us to do together.
He usually just pops in for a few minutes every day to say “hi!” and share a tidbit from his life. Periscope is real-time and non-staged and non-edited, so I love that it allows me to share a little real-life peek into our home!
{If you’re not already joining us, I’d love to invite you to tune in — download the Periscope app and then follow @MoneySavingMom. I usually go live sometime between 8:15 and 9:15 am CT. (I know, that’s a big range, but I’m staying very flexible and giving myself grace during #TheYearofRest!) You can have Periscope notify you when I’m live so you can watch and interact/ask questions in the comments. Or, you can watch the replays on the app or at Katch.me/MoneySavingMom.}
2. My Husband
I absolutely adore this shot from our filming this week. I love this man so much.
He has stood by my side through thick and thin. We’ve walked through some deep waters over the last year and he has carried me, prayed with me, loved me, listened to me, encouraged me, and been a safe place for me to fall apart.
We struggle. We argue. We snap at each other. But we fight through and fight for our marriage.
Because we know it’s worth fighting for… even on the rough days.
3. A To Do List That Made Me Laugh
I found this to-do list somewhere online awhile back and I came across it again this week and it made me laugh! 🙂
4. My Current Book Stack
What are you reading right now? My current reads are: A Broken Kind of Beautiful, Four Seasons in Rome, & Roots & Sky.
I’m reading more stories and “quieter” books during #TheYearofRest — fewer books telling me what I should do as a person or business owner or parent or homeschooler and more books that just give my soul space to exhale.
There’s nothing wrong with non-fiction or so-called “self-help” books (I wrote some myself, after all!), but I’ve just felt that spending time getting caught up in good stories has been so restorative and relaxing for me.
5. TOMS Shoes
After years and years of hearing how amazing these shoes were, I finally ordered my very first pair of TOMs in a recent sale. And I am in LOVE! Totally smitten!
I think these are going to be absolutely perfect for travel and everyday wear and I love that I can dress them up and dress them down — and that they are crazy comfortable!
I’m usually not someone who follows trends, but this is one “trend” I wish I would have jumped on earlier!
What are YOU loving this week?
Janell in Georgia says
Can’t believe you didn’t own a pair of TOMS. I normally wear a 7 in shoes and found the youth size 4 fits me. It has a thicker sole. Since my heel was crushed in an accident I walk on the outside of my right heel and wear my shoes out there. The thicker sole helps and they are so comfortable and don’t hurt my ankle. When I catch them on zulilly I purchase several pairs.
Trish says
I just started my own blog thanks to inspiration from you and a few other bloggers and I just so happen to have a weekly series I call: “What I Loved About This Week.” Here’s the link in case you’re curious to what I loved this past week: http://www.theflightofmamaphoenix.com/what-i-loved-about-this-week/. I have a hard time condensing down like you, but I’m working on it! LOL! My kids love getting involved in everything I do, so I can relate to your son jumping in on the action. And I love my knock-off Toms! They are my favorite shoes! So comfy!
Lisa says
Love this post–so important to take time to count the blessings in life! Here’s my list:
1. My seven kids–life is never dull around here!
2. My husband
3. It’s ALMOST milking season again! I enjoyed the break over the winter, but now I’m ready for my two cows to have their calves.
4. I learned something new on my website–love learning new things! (And SO thankful for online tutorials and videos that make it easy to learn…)
5. Tomorrow is Leap Day and will be a fun change of pace for our homeschooling. Just because.
Tamara says
MY kind of “To Do List”!
Monica says
Just a quick comment about your Toms! The toe is the first thing to wear out. I wish I had known (I threw mine out) that you can turn them into the CUTEST sandals. I have a crafty friend who turned hers into adorable sandals last summer. I thought she had invented the style because she’s capable of that 🙂 but sure enough…..there are tons of cute inspirational DIY posts.
Keelie Reason says
You’re such a beautiful lady Crystal. 🙂 Love that you have Silas on your scopes so much and all the great things you have been able to do this week. I’m praying for you.
Brandi says
Here’s mine, in no particular order:
5. My baby boy. He’s 10 months and is learning so many new things!
4. The weather. While Oklahoma tends to have mild winters, 70 degrees today is gorgeous!
3. Dr Seuss’ upcoming birthday. I’m a teacher and next week will be Seuss-tactic! So many fun lessons!
2.My church- so inspiring!
1. My hubby, he’s a hard worker and is so great with my son!
Victoria says
I LOVE that picture of you and Silas
5 things I am loving this week.
1. My foot injury has come a long way this week. Not healed yet but getting closer.
2. The free FYI app made a lot more episodes of Tiny House Nation free to watch!
3. The teenage stage of parenting. Seriously loving it way more than I ever thought I would.
4. Hot water bottles. Hurt my back this week–not sure how. The warmth of a hot water bottle helped.
5. Friendship.
Davonne @ The Tidy Mom says
Love your list! Here are my five things:
1) Anne of Green Gables. The books and movies.
2) The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. I am loving absolutely everything about reading through this series with my kids.
3) Our new team member. He’s only 3 days in and picking up information at a surprisingly rapid speed. This has been SUCH a blessing and provided immediate relief to my schedule.
4) This glorious weekend weather & the hope/reminder that spring will come again!
5) My husband cheerfully cooking several meals each week 🙂
Alicia says
I’ve always wanted a pair of Toms! They look so comfy, and cute!
5 things i’m loving this week…
1. That I got to guest post on your site! Seriously- highlight of my week! Thank you so much!
2. I work part time at a dental office, and I had to work today (Saturday). But it turned out to be such a blessing for me, and I really enjoyed it! I really do love working there.
3. My husband and family have been SO supportive of me starting out blogging, it’s honestly blown me away. I’ve been so nervous about it for so long- some of it being nervous about what other people would think- but following God’s prompting in my life has led to me being absolutely amazed at the work He’s doing in my life. God is SO good.
4. We got some great news about a work trip my husband has to take, and it’s been such a blessing. Further proof that God is doing amazing things.
5. Just…my children. I’m learning how to enjoy them in the little things, and they make my heart so full.
Have a fantastic weekend! 🙂
Alicia says
P.S. I love reading these “5 things…” posts! And I love reading everyone’s responses! 🙂
Nichole says
The way you WELCOME your kids in your everyday life has stuck with me. I think I read it on your blog a while back ago if your kids woke up early and your were still doing your quiet time you invited them in to your quiet time instead of telling them to leave.
Instead of getting frustrated when I want to get the kitchen cleaned and my 2 yr old daughter wants to help I remind myself it is an opportunity to teach her. Now when she isn’t by my side I’m missing her and I think it takes me longer to do it by myself without her help. Even though I may have a ton of water to clean up and a half bottle of soap gone it’s okay!
Jessica says
I finished my first cable knitting project! I always thought cables looked so cool, and I only learned how to knit last September. One of my 2016 resolutions was to learn a new knitting stitch or technique each month. February was cables month. I started a simple C8F scarf on 2/1/16 and finished it tonight. I have crocheted for nearly 29 years but lately I’m loving the knitting- learning new things!
Crystal Paine says
WOOHOO! I love this! I’d love to see a picture if you have time to email me.
Paula says
I’ve been knitting for several years, but have been a bit afraid to tackle cables. Good for you. I love the idea of planning to learn a new technique each month. Might steal that one.
Heather says
Ok Jessica I thought I was reading something I posted in my sleep. I had the exact same knitting goal for February. How funny. Don’t you think cables are so fun? Just curious what your goal is for next month. Mine is to turn a heel in a sock.
Jessica says
Socks are my ultimate goal! In March, I plan to make myself a shawl and practice increases and decreases. So far I have done decreases in the round with hats, but no increase/decrease like for lace.