I didn’t get a 5 Things I’m Loving post up last week because I chose to go to bed early instead of stay up and write a post (priorities, eh?). That means I have lots of things to share this week! In fact, I had trouble narrowing the list down to just five things!
After some thought, here’s my list of some of my favorite things right now — what I’m thankful for, stuff I’m loving, things that are making me happy, etc.:
1. Our New Fire Pit
I’ve long wanted one for our patio and was SO excited when Jess surprised me with it. It may be a little cold to roast marshmallows right now, but that didn’t deter us from using it before the freezing temperatures and snow came.
Sitting out by the fire is a the perfect end to a quiet and relaxing day of rest. I think it’s especially appropriate for this Year of Rest as it will encourage me to slow down and savor time with the family more.
2. An Amazing Grocery Deal
This is for sure our best grocery deal scored so far in 2016! I thought maybe the zero was supposed to be another number, but they had a whole stack of them at this price!!
I love me some Kroger markdowns!
3. My Book is in Target & Costco!!!
I never, ever thought I’d have a book in Target. In fact, just a few months ago, someone asked me if my new book would be in Target and I said, “No, I doubt I’ll ever have a book in Target. I just don’t sell the thousands and thousands of copies required for them to consider it.”
And I was content with that. Truly content. I’m just honored to actually have 3 published books — something I would have never dreamed would be the case 10 years ago!
But then, not a week after that conversation, I got an email from my publisher saying that TARGET HAD PICKED UP MY BOOK and would carry it in January!!!!!
So yes, Silas’ face here is pretty much how I feel about this. Surprised. Thrilled. Humbled. Overwhelmed. Overjoyed.
And mostly just grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to write words. Grateful for the privilege of getting to share those words with the world. Grateful for the faith my publisher has placed in me. Grateful for my loyal and amazing readers who have believed in me and in this book.
Grateful that God does abundantly above all we could ever dream or hope or imagine. Grateful that He uses broken vessels for His glory.
Then, this week, Costco started carrying my book. And all week long, people have been posting and emailing me to tell me they saw my book in Costco. A number of people even sent me pictures to prove it, as shown above! 🙂
I’m reminded once again how blessed I am. How amazingly blessed I am. That people take the time to care about me, to cheerlead for me, and to celebrate with me.
In a world filled with so much competition and comparison, this is a gift I don’t take lightly. And it inspires me over and over again to look for ways to care more, cheerlead more, and celebrate others more.
Life is so much more meaningful and rich when we choose celebrating and cheering with others instead of competing and comparing ourselves with others.
4. SNOW!!!
Color me surprised… We woke up to this on Saturday. Yes, even though we weren’t so sure of it ever since moving here from Kansas, it is really possible for the Nashville area to get more than a dusting of snow!
However, they are saying that this is the worst snowstorm they’ve had in 13 years… So this is pretty EPIC for this area!
Apparently, everyone in our area decided that stocking up on meat was more important than stocking up on bread and milk before the snowstorm, as evidenced by this picture my husband took at the grocery store on Saturday evening!! 😉
5. Our New Morning Routine
At the beginning of this year, one of the big commitments Jesse and I made together was to put forth a lot of effort and intention into getting on a great morning routine. We came up with a simple routine, we made some changes in what we did before bed and when we got up to set ourselves up for success, and then we just dove in.
Even though the first few days were hard, I’m so glad we stuck with it as it’s made such a difference in our days. One of the best times has been starting our mornings by sitting down to breakfast as a family and studying God’s Word together after everyone is dressed and ready for the day. This has been such a sweet time and such a great beginning to our homeschool day!
Bonus: This quote — I read this on an “off” day this past week and it made me laugh. It was just what I needed that day. And I thought maybe some of you might need the laugh, too.
What are YOU loving right now? Tell us in the comments.
Brenda says
Congratulations on your book Crystal. God is so good!
Jessica says
1. I got to see my dad. It was only for an hour, but I had not seen him in 6 months. He and my mom divorced last spring after 36 years of marriage- she walked out on him- and he’s had a lot of stress with that, caring for my severely disabled younger sister, and working 2 part time jobs. My kids were thrilled to see him too.
2. My dad brought down my Christmas present from him and my mom- a 1/4 organic, grassfed beef cow. STEAK FOR A YEAR! My uncle raises and butchers it, and I love that it’s a family thing.
3. My old bed. My dad brought my old bed for my youngest child to have. My 9 year old has my husband’s college bed, and my 5 year old has my husband’s childhood bed… and now my 3 year old has the bed I got as a gift from my grandparents when I was 3. It shows its age, but I love that it’s back with me.
4. I conquered my fear of driving on the interstate! I took my 3 year old on a road trip 65 miles away. I have not driven on an interstate in 15 years, even though I live in Columbus OH.
5. An incredible yarn sale. I got word of a place in Northwest Ohio clearing out their yarn for $.50 for skeins that typically retail for $10-20. So I conquered my driving fear to head up there and check out the sale, and it sure was worth it! I have crocheted for 28 years and learned to knit last September. Yarn is my therapy. I now have a huge yarn stash, but I use yarn every single day. Yarn doesn’t collect dust in my house. I currently have 4 knitting projects (2 hats and 2 blankets) and 1 crochet project (an afghan) going.
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama says
I love the picture that Jesse took! Our stores were out of milk and bread before the storm. We got 22 inches, so most of What I’m Loving This Week revolves around snow.
1. Playing outside in the snow with little ones.
2. The fact that the power stayed on despite the intense winds and heavy snow.
3. Hot cocoa with the kids.
4. Hot cocoa with Bailey’s with my husband. 🙂
5. Snow days off of school–I’m a teacher!
Kristen S. says
I’m thrilled for you that Costco and Target are carrying your book! I read it and loved it, and am happy that so many other people will hopefully see it, buy it, and be as inspired as I was!
I’m loving the 30 inches of snow we got!! Had a wonderfully relaxing weekend of being house-bound.
beth says
Looks like everyone has jumped on the adult coloring craze except for me! Here’s what I’m loving right now:
1. Snowzilla! The 30 inches of snow we received here has allowed my husband and I three glorious days off together!
2. Dancing around the kitchen to my “good morning” playlist. Listening to songs like Mandisa’s “Good Morning” and MercyMe’s “Shake” puts me in a great mood!
3. The Chrome extension Simple Blocker. Setting a timer and random password to block websites that I waste time on has been a blessing.
4. Books like “The Miracle Morning” and “The Power of Habit.” Potentially life changing if you take the advice and apply it.
5. Life in general! I can not imagine living a life full of bitterness and complaining. Life is so fuller when you choose joy and thankfulness!
[email protected] says
I am loving your epic business coaching podcast on Brilliant Business Moms. There are so many helpful tips for a blogger like me. Thanks!
Elise says
I love this list – firepits on a cold winter evening are divine! 🙂
Five things I’m loving lately:
1. Working on DIY projects with my husband while we’re snowed in – the bathroom is finally painted!
2. Our toddler playing in his first real snow.
3. David McCullough’s 1776 – I just finished!
4. Homemade bread
5. Johanna Basford’s “Secret garden” coloring book – so relaxing.
http://homegardenlove.com/
Tina says
We (I live on Long Island) got about 25 inches. BLAH!! The storm broke the single-day snowfall record in NYC’s Central Park.
5 Things I’m Loving This Week:
1. Comparing pics! Finding my old pics and Mini’s selfie obsession collided this week. She in 3rd grade and her face is an exact copy of mine in my 4th grade photo.
2. Gatorade Frost in Glacier Cherry. I was on meds that left me very dehydrated. This really helped.
3. My girls. My friends really came through for me this week when I got bad news about a family member and had another bout of major drama with my in-laws. My girls are all so amazing!
4. Color Escapes by Crayola. It’s a set you can purchase through their website. It comes with 12 sheets, a pack of colored pencils and a pack of markers. Love it!
5. Mini’s ability to make me laugh. Her father was shoveling the side yard last night during the calm of the storm so our prissy Pugs would go outside. Mini stood near the door singing “Hello. It’s me. Hello from the other siiiiiide.” I couldn’t stop laughing!
Renee says
1) Having a long weekend with my hubby – with the winter storm in Mid-TN, his company closed early on Friday
2) Having a warm home during the cold days
3) Family Devotions every night
4) Morning Devotions daily with my hubby
5) Adult coloring pages
Venus Morrison says
I always enjoy reading your posts. Today’s post lifted my spirits. The funny saying about mood swings really made me laugh. Thank you for your positive kind spirit!!
Monica says
I saw your book in my local Costco. I said “Hey, honey. Look, it’s my friend Crystal’s book.” 🙂 Good for you!
I’ve started blogging about 2 things that I love each week. Thank you for your inspiration.
This week, I’m loving 1) having Christian friends 2) being able to mentor a student teacher. It’s exciting to have a new person in my classroom who brings so much energy to the table.
Jeri DeGroot says
At night by the fire my kids would share things they might not have shared while sitting face to face in the light. I thank the Lord for those times.
Chrissie says
Would you, or Jessie, consider doing a scope or post on the Fighter Verses? After he mentioned it I looked into it. We do a Family Bible Night and it sounds great for it but if you could share your thoughts it might either save me or convince me
Lisa Appelo @Trueandfaithful.net says
Lol, that quote is great. 5 things:
1) fires in a Florida fireplace;
2) long talks with my college girl;
3) a tween boy that just wants to chop wood and man the fire;
4) Adventures in Odyssey on One Place;
5) a new water heater an anonymous someone pd to install after I was casually talking about ours on its last leg. #Godissogood
Kristina Holcomb says
I’m just thankful for not getting any of the winter storm and I’m soooo excited about my 12 dollar flea market bread machine find!!!! I rarely buy things new, especially expensive things, so I’ve been obsessed with finding a good cheap one for months and I finally did! And it works perfectly 🙂 Also thankful for the extra day off work Hubby is getting now so we get to spend more time together. Yay! And for getting to celebrate my sweet mother-in-law’s 74th birthday with a nice lunch out after church today.
Rosanna says
I went on a date with my hubby, yesterday, and we stopped in at Chapter’s and he bought me your book! I am so excited to read it some more!
Susan says
1. Being ME….and being ok with it.
2. My feet…..they take me far.
3. Seeing other’s do amazing things.
4.Being so Blessed with the things that sustain me.
5. Having a big heart when it could be easier to not.
Thanks felt great writing that.
Anne says
I love the mood swing quote! I’m 15 or 16 weeks pregnant (I can’t keep track with a toddler!!) and my mood swings have been awful this pregnancy. I cry all the time over silly stuff! I wasn’t like this last pregnancy so when I apologize to my husband, he just jokes that it’s his fault anyway – he got us in this situation 😉
Diane says
Congrats on the continuing success of your latest book, Crystal!
I’m loving this snow too! Don’t worry, there will be more. You won’t have to wait 13 years. 🙂
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family says
We really love our firepit, too! But we aren’t quite dedicated enough to use it in the winter time. 🙂
My 5 things would be:
1.) Having great friends for my kids to play with. It’s tough to find a good match for your child, so when you find them they are gold!
2.) A surprise snow day which meant sledding and hot chocolate.
3.) Celebrating our church’s 75th anniversary.
4.) The “baby” (i.e. 2 year old) is finally feeling better from his icky cold.
5.) Celebrating hubby’s birthday and learning how to make cannolis for him. (I totally cheated on the shells!)
Hope you have a great, restful week!
Keelie Reason says
This week I’m thankful that :
1. I knew I should be prepared for a power outage and got everything set up.
2. I was able to get things done before the power went out.
3. I have friends who called me up and invited my family to stay with them so we weren’t without warm home, food and showers.
4. The roofer was able to remove our skylight and cover over with plywood and shingles to fix the leak in my roof before the ice got here.
5. We found a used suv to buy with the cash we’ve been saving, on the same day the car finally bit the dust.
Goodness….I just realised it’s been a crazy week! Bought a vehicle, had the roof fixed, and dealt with ice and power outages. Here’s hoping to a calmer week this coming week….oh and that my power will be on today. 😀
cynthialeigh says
What I’m loving this week…
Playing board games with extended family
Filling the freezer with easy homemade dinners
Reading (For the Love and Money Making Mom)
Spending more time in prayer (with Allison Burr at “the Prayer Bench”)
Savor and Establish Colossians Bible study (with BoldTurquoise)
Amity Decker says
I’m so happy to see you taking time to refresh!
Five things I’m loving this week:
1. Having Monday off and spending time with my kiddos-! We saw the new Star Wars and it was much better than I thought!
2. I have been wanting to learn how to knit and I finally took the time to sit down and attempt it.
3. Had a whole weekend off which meant time with my family and getting my house organized.
4. Early mornings- by nature I am an early riser and this morning was very peaceful.
5. Frozen pizza! I make most everything homemade however it was wonderful not to have to cook for one night.
Victoria says
I love seeing all the places your book is showing up! It is awesome!
5 Things I Am Loving This Week
1. The first draft of my eBook is done!
2. Coloring & Audio books: This has become my favorite way to end the day—30 minutes of coloring while listening to an audio book.
3. The Fringe Hours : LOVED this book. Finished it Friday night.
4. Fruit salad topped with yogurt and chopped nuts: My current favorite breakfast or lunch.
5. My daughter’s baking skills: When a teenager wants to make brownies, let them. They were awesome.