1. My Husband
I was reminded again how grateful I am for this man. He has loved and cared for me so much while I’ve been recovering from surgery this past week.
And then he spent part of his 35th birthday at the doctor’s office with me. {I had been experiencing a lot of pain so he said I had to call the doctor and they wanted me to come in. And then he worked his schedule so he could take me to the doctor.}
This is what love looks like after 12 1/2 years of marriage. He loves well, serves sacrificially, and gives generously. He completes me, challenges me, listens to me, inspires me, believes in me, and still makes me utterly twitterpated. I love you, Jesse, and would marry you all over again!!
{By the way, the pain was from a small infection that they are now treating. After one day of antibiotics and a LOT of sleep, I feel worlds better. But I’m going to take it really, really easy for the next few days so that I can give my body time to completely recover!}
2. Smoothies
I was nauseous for a few days because of the anesthesia and smoothies were one of the few things that tasted good to me. And I was so grateful for them!
Our friends, Stephanie and Ryan (who are currently in Nashville for two months with their kids), brought me a smoothie on two different days. Just because. They also brought our family dinner and took our kids to the skate park. And this week was one of the busiest weeks of the year for them since they are running the Ultimate Healthy Living Bundle.
This is just one example of the many, many friends who reached out, made big sacrifices, and poured into us this week. Local friends brought meals, friends from across the country paid to have dinner delivered, other friends sent flowers, other friends watched our kids, other friends sent cards, so many friends prayed, or sent texts, or listened to me vent when I was discouraged, or sent me texts to make me laugh, or offered to do anything we needed done…
It has been humbling, overwhelming, and deeply moving.
3. Sonlight Homeschool Curriculum
This is our first year to do Sonlight and we are just loving it so, so much! I am teaching Sonlight Core D to the kids in the morning and Jesse is teaching Math, Language Arts, and Science to the kids in the afternoon (we’re using Monarch from Alpha & Omega for those subjects).
Jesse and I spent a lot of time looking at curriculum this year and thinking through what would be a good fit for our kids and our teaching styles and what we landed on has just been such a great fit. I’m also grateful for Sarah Mackenzie’s book, Teaching From Rest, as it really infused new enthusiasm in me as I approached homeschooling this year.
4. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
So while I told you that I thought some of the parts of this book were weird, I was so inspired by so many of the other parts.
The first two sections of the book were especially good and thought-provoking. I’ve been looking at things around our house in a new light. Does this thing on my wall, this thing on my shelf, this thing in my pantry, this book, this shirt: does it spark joy?
Jesse asked me what “spark joy” meant to me and I told him it was something that uplifted me instead of bringing me down. Something that encouraged me, something that sparked creativity in me, something that made me feel happy and inspired.
I realized that one thing in my life that was not “sparking joy” at all was the big stack of books I have had next to my bed for months. This stack of books was making me feel defeated. Every time I looked at it, I would think about how I should be reading more, how I wished I had more time to read, and on how many books I want to read!
So what did I do this week when I discovered this? I got rid of the book pile! As in, I moved all of the books, save a few, back to the book shelf. It was such a simple thing, but it was so liberating for me! Now, when I see the little pile, it feels doable and realistic, and I find myself wanting to read more!
5. Opportunities to Give Myself Grace
As I mentioned earlier, it’s been a week of lots of resting and learning to give myself grace as I recover from surgery. I’ve discovered I’m not really good at this resting thing — especially when it’s taken me days longer to feel better than we had expected it would.
I’m impatient. I don’t like to be needy. I don’t like to take it easy.
But I’ve learned a lot through it. I’m developing new compassion for people who struggle with chronic fatigue or chronic illness. I’m learning to gratefully and willingly receive from others instead of saying, “I’m fine” or “I can do it myself.”
I’m learning that it’s hard to admit weakness but that doing so encourages others who are also struggling. And most of all, I’m realizing how much I have to be grateful for.
So even though part of me wishes that I had bounced right back from surgery and that anesthesia hadn’t done such a number on me, the other part of me is so grateful for the lessons I’ve learned while being “down and out.” I hope I don’t soon forget them.
Bonus: Periscope
So I know I’ve been mentioning this a lot, but I am just LOVING this new way of connecting with you all. I love that I get to interact with you live. I love that it’s raw and real and unedited. I love that it allows me to go deeper and foster much closer connection with you all. And it’s just fun!
Here’s a sample of one of my live shows from this past week (you can’t see the comments on this video so if I’m referring to something randomly, it’s a comment someone just left):
You can see replays of all of last week’s Morning Motivation Shows here.
And be sure to download the Periscope app and search for @MoneySavingMom or Crystal Paine and follow me so that you can be notified each morning when I go live (it’s usually around 7 to 7:15 a.m.-ish CT). You can also watch the replays from the app on your phone for 24 hours after the live broadcast.
What are YOU loving this week? Tell us in the comments.
Suzanne says
Crystal, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your recent health scare with us. One of our family’s dearest friends (my mom’s best friend, in fact) is having a similar experience right now and, unfortunately, it has not turned out as happily as your’s. But having just read some of the feelings you were having during your trial has given me a bit of extra insight into some what she’s going through. You’ve helped me be able to give her some practical help and that is just priceless. So thank you, and I am so glad that everything turned out well for you.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much for sharing this! Your comment really blessed me!
Krista says
Crystal, Sonlight should be the perfect homeschool curriculum for you! (well, if there is such a thing) All those great books! I homeschooled our kids for several years, and even though we stopped a long time ago I still go to their site to find good books for my kids (and me) to read.
Warm regards.
Shelly says
I so feel for you being sick from the anesthetic. I also get nausea from it for days. It’s not fun but it’s great you found something to eat that would help a little.
It so great you live close to such good friends who can help. It’s such a blessing to have friends like that in your life.
Things I’m Loving this Week,
Watching the joy my children express when their grandparents come for a visit like the one over the past weekend. It only makes me wish my in-laws lived closer.
The cooler weather today, it was warm this weekend and I’m ready for the fall weather.
The free grapes the neighbor invited me over to pick and the homemade grape juice from them, it so delicious.
The progress we are finally making on our bathroom, it’s been sitting without a floor all summer. But we have now picked out a bathtub so now I can start tearing out the tile so we can remove the tub.
The testing my son needs was approved by our insurance so we can proceed with it.
I hope you and your family have a great week!
Kariane says
I love that your friends and family are gathering around to care for you. Truly that is the meaning of community.
This week I’m loving Fall Scents (I wrote about it here: http://everydaymindfulliving.com/feeling-the-coziness-of-autumn-by-diffusing-fall-scents/ )
And Fruit-Sweetened Chocolate Brazil Nut Milkshakes (Recipe here: http://everydaymindfulliving.com/fruit-sweetened-chocolate-brazil-nut-milkshake/ ) Yum!!
Crisp mornings and long walks are also topping my list this week. 🙂
charity says
You look just like the girl on your shirt.Cartoon version of you!
Theresa L says
What I’m loving this week….
1) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I’m reading it aloud with my son. I’ve never read it before and it’s such a great story. It’s making me wonder why I never picked it up before.
2) The Just Clean Something challenge from Rebeka Hoffer on Facebook. Her idea is to clean something everyday, outside your normal routine, however small. I’m loving it because I’m inspired to do something, but without the pressure of cleaning the whole house spotless. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1619235998330213/
3) My hubby. I haven’t been feeling well this week and he’s been taking great care of me.
Denise@Life With the Lid Up says
I’m loving some cooler temps and that football is back on Sunday afternoons!
Tamboliya says
Crystal- 1) reading about what a great husband and marriage you have brought tears to my eyes today. You two are a great example/witness of Jesus Christ; your marriage brings him glory. That is a sweet and great thing. Be encouraged.
2) I read in your past posts that people were being critical of you raising your eye brows in your photos. I thought I should share that in high school I had 1-2 really mean “friends” -(more like enemies= “Frenemies”?)- who criticized me for the same exact thing. It was really hurtful & mean & made me a bit conscientious about it, but you know what? I still raise my eyebrows any ways b/c that is how I express myself (how I show my emotions or reactions, etc. through those facial expressions).
I just thought it might help you to not feel alone– to know that others like me have also had jealous people in their lives who tried to tear them down verbally similarly as you have experienced. Just know that people who really love you will love you unconditionally. Just also know that there are probably a million of us who love you in Christ for every 1 mean bully. May that encourage you & bring a smile to your day. God bless you & your marriage and your family. 🙂
Reelika @Financially Wise On Heels says
Glad to hear you feel much better. 🙂 I am loving so many things this week as well:
1. My wonderful husband who is always there for me.
2. My amazing son who just started his preschool and turns five next week!
3. I finally got back into blogging business again (if not counting behind the scenes work).
4. Reading more than usually.
5. Amazing weekend in Chicago with my lovely sister.
Have a blessed evening!
Deanne says
I commented on your post to win the Vitamix.
Deanne says
I would lI’ve to win the Vitamix!
Tabitha says
I’m glad that you are getting rest this week. I’ve been encouraged by your posts and periscopes about listening to your body and getting rest. It’s made me think of that too more often as I’m trying to make it through the nausea of my 1st trimester with our 3rd baby and two littles. So thanks for the encouragement!
The things I’m loving this week is being able to homeschool my 4 year old and having this time to play and watch him learn. It’s super fun.
Amy says
I love seeing so many uplifting comments from people cleaning up and clearing out. I have read so many books on the subject, and am now finally, slowly putting this information into action. I see that a lot of people are shedding their books. Can I make a suggestion? Please look up the http://littlefreelibrary.org website, and see if there is one in your area that you might be able to contribute to. I donate a lot to one in Columbia, SC, and love seeing how quickly my books are taken. Everyone have a great week!
Victoria says
Love the Frozen shirt!
5 things I am loving this week
1. Watching my children’s friendships deepen as they are growing older.
2. Hunting for a rental with the hubby. I love working with him on renovations and can’t wait until we find a home to sink our teeth into and make rent worthy.
3. Dark chocolate smothered in peanut butter.
4. Apples off local trees. A friend gave me a huge bucket full and I have been putting my one son to work….he peels them for me and then I make up apple sauce or apple crisp from them. I ate apple crisp for dinner last night…those things happen when the hubby is at work. The kids had hot dogs.
5. Epsom salt baths. Heard they were suppose to help a health problem of mine but mostly they seem to be helping me sleep. I am having the deepest sleep I have had in years on the nights I take time to soak in the tub with 1 cup baking soda and 2 cups Epsom salts mixed in just before bedtime.
Annie says
I’m loving the beautiful, cooler autumn weather in North Dakota!
Nicole says
This week I’ve been loving periscope (I had never been on the site and when Ruth from LWSL mentioned it I tried it) and am enamored at all of the inspiring stores one can here as well as the valuable business webinar gleaning that can be found on the site, trolls excluded. I am also loving fruit this week, particularly cranberry juice and my nightly treat of strawberries and cream (with app savings of course). I am also loving that I found non-toxic beeswax candles from both Burt’s Bees and a new organic line under the Yankee Candle Umbrella at Walmart; I love when companies provide greener, cleaner, affordable products to consumers. I am also loving my husband this week; as he knew I was taking a no-spend challenge next month, in lieu of buying expensive fall pumpkins, he looked up wooden pallet pumpkins on Pinterest, and made a trio of pumpkins for my Autumnal displays. Finally, I’m loving my new office organizers and shelves this week. There is something to be said for having a clean, nothing out in sight office. I’m loving that! As well, Crystal please continue to take care of yourself. Be well!
Jennifer says
Hey! Love hearing your periscopes! Thanks for the motivation. Also, if you have quicktime there is actually a way of recording your screen and audio straight from your phone. This way you get all the comments and hearts =)
Jennifer says
Oh and oops this week I am loving being inspired!! I am also loving co-writing a blog with my sister!
Stacy says
I’m so glad you are feeling some better! I hope you get lots of rest this week.
I really enjoyed your series through The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. I cleared out my closet because of it 🙂