So, I promised you all I’d post about A Day in My Life on Monday evening… and well, it’s Wednesday morning and I’m just now getting around to getting the post done. Such is life some weeks, right? 🙂
The last few days have been very full. Full of wonderful times as a family. Full of wonderful times with friends. And full of many other responsibilities that have been more important than blogging.
But I finally have a quiet morning to write and finish this post!
Monday morning started bright and early. We’d had a busy Easter weekend and I woke up early to try to get caught back up on things. It didn’t really end up happening, but it was a nice idea. 🙂
After my Bible reading and blogging time, the kids got up and ate breakfast and then got started on their Daily Lists. I loved how Kaitlynn creatively decorated her list with sticker paper. That girl is all about beautifying every part of life and she inspires me!
The kitchen wasn’t in complete disarray, because Jesse had stayed up the night before cleaning it up for me. He knows that a clean kitchen is one big way to show me love, so multiple times per week, he offers to clean it up for me.
Silas was working on the letter “S” today. This curriculum is very basic and a lot of review for him right now, but it’s been good to reinforce all the letter sounds and how to correctly write each letter.
After cleaning up the kitchen and helping Silas with his school, I set to work cleaning up the rest of the house. I laughed as I realized how much Easter had spilled into our house! (It actually sparked some deep thoughts for me — which you can read here.)
After the kids did their chores and got started on their independent work, I worked on picking up the rest of the house and on the laundry. I had hoped to get all of the massive pile of laundry done, but I only made a dent in it before my time was up and it was time to have Morning Time with the kids.
After Morning Time, the kids asked if the could play with playdough and do the Word Searches that Miss Tam had given them in their Easter baskets.
They all sat at the kitchen table and helped each other on the Word Searches for quite a long time.
I especially loved watching the girls help Silas find the words in the Word Searches.
While they finished up Word Searches, I chatted with Jesse, did a little more housework, and then handed off the homeschooling reins to him and headed out to run on the treadmill, take my shower, and get ready for the day.
The afternoon at the office space was filled with phone calls, emails, taking care of some business projects, working on some blog posts, and answering comments. Before I knew it, it was 5 p.m.!
The day before, our friends, the Hodges, had discovered we’d never gone to Chuy’s to eat before. So we planned a dinner date there with them and then we invited a few other families to join us.
So I met Jesse and the kids there and we had a FUN evening of good food and lots and lots of laughter and good talks.
When we got home, I spent some time working on a project with Kathrynne that she needed to finish up, we put the kids to bed, and then I did a little more blogging before crashing into bed… without finishing up the laundry OR writing this Day in My Life post. Oh well, it was a good day and there’s always tomorrow (or Wednesday!) for writing blog posts and finishing up laundry! 🙂
Just for fun! Leave a comment and win this stack of books!
Want to win this stack of books + some fun goodies from The Tulle Box + a $50 iTunes gift cards? Just leave a comment on this post. I’ll choose and post a winner later this week.
The winner of this giveaway is: meghanbergunzi@ You should have received an email with details on claiming your prize.
I love lists! Even when I can’t get everything crossed off, a list still gets me moving in the right direction each morning and reminds me when I get off track! It feels great when I do cross everything off 🙂
I try not to make big plans because they usually never happen. I’ve come to realize that being ‘go with the flow’ is more my style. I love reading about your wonderful family.
I love your blog 🙂
I’m getting to comment on this only now!!! Sometimes my whole week doesn’t go as planned:)
If there is one thing I learned from you is to give myself grace…often.
As long as everyone is taken care of and feel loved, that’s all that matters.
I would leave a list for my 3 girls(18,15 &13) to do as well…but on 1 sheet of paper and it was never a fun thing because they all hated that…which bummed me out since i work outside of the house I would like help maintaining the messes..
but maybe doing them on diff paper or in nicer writing..something…maybe that will make it easier to look at and do…
Although they are old enough that they need to do this stuff, its things they will do when they eventually live on their own…
I like your website and the informative things…posts..all of it AND its uplifting and personable at the same time.
THANK YOU
love how she decorated her list-maybe I should try that! 🙂
I’ve been following your blog for over 7 years now. I think the best part has been watching you grow. Thank you. (P.s. “Undone” is on my list of books to read this year!)
I’m SO thankful for your site. I really like how you include the Lord so much as I think that’s the most important part of life! Also, I just asked someone how they found my blog and they said from MSM, so I was thrilled! Blessings today!
Thank you so much for your sweet encouragement! And yay for someone finding your blog through mine!
Thanks for all you share!
Sounds like a busy day! Thanks for sharing.
Hah! In my opinion you got a ton done! Way to go, Mama!
Sounds like great teamwork at your house. I enjoy reading your blog. You are not alone.
I’ve been following you since before MSM, on your old blog. That’s a long time ago & I’ve enjoyed watching you grow.
Cleaning up the kitchen is definitely a way my husband shows me he loves me, too. I can’t stand to go to bed with a messy kitchen!
I love that your family comes first. Thank you for sharing.
I love your honesty and encouragement for other moms & wives online. Great job!!
Thursday was my first time to your site and I found the 2 hour cleaning list and put it to the test… as I love a good challenge…and cleaning by the timer. I have MS and it is difficult to get my house cleaned all in one day most of the time, that day, I was having a good day…so I did your cleaning list and I LOVED IT! Thank you so much for posting it! I woke up early this morning just so I could get on your site and read your blog. Thank you for your dedication . With much gratitude!
Sounds like a good day!
Look forward to reading your blog daily. You inspire me.
I really enjoy your blog and find myself missing it if I don’t visit often!
Thank you for all your post to help us save one penny at a time!
Crystal, I love that you can always see the good!! So beautiful and refreshing to see someone who is so positive! Thank you for that sister! 🙂
I love seeing you embrace the craziness more as I have watched your blog over the last 5 and a half years.
Would love the books!
What a fun post – and giveaway!
Can i say, one the main reasons I follow your blog is that you’re so good at keeping it real. It’s so inspiring to know that I’m not the only one who has those days where, even though I do a lot, I don’t accomplish what I planned to.
Thank you.
oh I really want to read Lizzie & Jane! Thanks!
Always fun to peek into a blogger’s daily life! 🙂 Thanks!
Sounds like a great day!
Great post. I love your outlook on life.
Sounds like you have maintained a great balance between chores and giving your kids the attention they need! Way to go!
What a fun giveaway! Thanks for hosting it. I enjoyed the post!
I love your honesty. Thank for this great website. I find so much encouragement in it.
Sounds like a fun evening. Family and friend time is truly a blessing.
I have never enjoyed reading about someone else day to day life before, but your blog is so open and honest. I get inspiration from your daily life post because you don’t sugar coat everything to try and keep up appearances. It helps me to realize that I don’t have to be the perfect wife, mother, cook, etc… I just have to be me, and do the best that I can with the help of the Lord!
We love to read at our house too!
Sounds like great day! I’ve been looking forward to reading Lizzy and Jane. It would be nice to win.
these are my favorite posts….
and my my your kids have grown..
i remember you from your biblical womanhood blog…
I love this. Teach them by example
What a lovely giveaway:-) Thank you for the chance and your thoughtfulness:-)
It sounds like a good day even though you didn’t get your list done. Nothing wrong with that. 😉
what a great day!
thanks for sharing your day. Mine are too busy to hold any sanity but they’re only filled for the benefit and well-being of my 16 mth old, husband, and little one on the way. It will only get more crazy until it gets better… Then maybe I could sit and read while listening to a newly purchased George Winston track and sipping on some hot apple cider if I should win. 🙂
I love how your daughter beautified her chore list and helped her brother w/ his word search. I also think that is so healthy and sounds like so much fun that you hang out with friends so often. God Bless.
I love your posts. Theyre always so upbeat, informative and plain Cool! You’re so busy but still find time to entertain and educate us. Thank you.
Busy but beautiful day! You inspire to make a list and stick to it.
Looks like a great bunch of books 🙂 I know how those days goes it seems like everyday is like that, we make our plans but the Lord directs our steps. (Now I just have to daily working on keeping my attitude good when things don’t go as planned 🙂
I love seeing how you all work as a team! We are currently striving for more of that in our family. Right now feels like mom is pulling a ship on dry land while everyone sits on the deck, but with some changes we’ve been making it’s started to feel like the tide might be coming in to help that ship sail smoothly! Thank you for being real with us 🙂
I have loved watching your family grow. We now homeschool our children in the hopes of giving them a better life. Thank you for sharing.
Isn’t it a blessing when the children are helping each other instead of squabbling? Sweet music to the ear!
Love your blog it has inspired me to start my own . Hope to win the giveaway.. I’ll make time for those goodies!!
Love your blog! It’s encouraging to know I’m not the only one with big lists that mostly get pushed off to another day 😉
You inspire me each day to have more patience with my 3 sweet girls. I have a set of twins who are 8 and 10 year old. I teach middle school children. You make me want to improve the way I interact with them each day. Especially in the evening when we get home. You are amazing how you work through your day and get through so many task and homeschool. Thanks for all you do to make woman and moms better!!!
Just want to thank you for putting so much heart into what you do. Sometimes we just need to read something from someone to remember we’re not alone in this!
I love how you clearly value people over projects!
I love how it was ok that the laundry wasn’t finished. Sometimes life happens, and we are not perfect.
Love your posts. I’m a Montessori teacher and I went to super part time after my second was born and am starting the journey now to home schooling my boys. I’m excited! I appreciate your honest posts. It helps knowing everyone’s lives look different and no one is perfect but you work the best with what you have. Thanks!
A whole stack of books to win, wow! We’re finishing up the last of the Little House series, sniff, sniff.
I have a very similar rug in my kitchen. I love it!
Describes many of my days!
Love your honesty and how you are so accepting of how you didn’t finish your to do list
This stack of books would keep me busy all summer. Cool!
enjoy all the information you share. It encourages me to be better with managing time and money.
Thanks for sharing your story with us!
I love your Day in the Life posts! They are so real and i find your enthusiasm to nr contagious. Thanks,
would love this!!
Love reading all your blog posts! You inspire me so much 🙂
My days never go as planned. I have plans to get stuff done and it rarely works out. Would love to win
Sounds like a good day! Books are my fav, so I would love to win!
I look forward to your posts and I love to read – checking out new authors and I love music and checking out new artists. This would be great for me to win. Thank you.
I’d love this!
Thanks for the post. Excited by the giveaway. Great books which are on my list!
Would love to win!!!
I am making a valid effort this summer to read more. I hope this helps
I have so many days it seems like nothing gets done. I am a former stay-at-home mom with the same expectations that I had before, including cloth diapering. Sometimes washing cloth diapers is all I accomplish during my at-home hours. But at the end of the day, my kids are fed, loved, and in bed happy and healthy. It helps to know that other moms have things that come up or priorities that change throughout the day. It can be intimidating working with or knowing some moms who are the Super Mom type and can seem to make everything work out better than I can. I forget that the reality of it is that we all try and everybody has failures regardless of what they are.
I love reading your posts. Your flowers are beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway. I would love some new things to read for myself and our daughters.
The thing about laundry is, that unless you run around naked, it’s never really caught up or done!
😉
I love your great advice. I have been Foster parent for 3 1/2 years and has taken care of 13 kids. Now I’m taking a break and catching up on some reading.I would love some new books and new music for a little me time. 🙂
you have some very thought- provoking advice and ideas, thanks for sharing
Thank goodness there’s always tomorrow 🙂
I love the part about beautifying all the spaces in your life! I’m stealing that 🙂
I love your posts~~!!
Great giveaway.. hope you have a wonderful rest of the week.
id love to win 🙂
I so love your openness and willingness to really and truly share your life with us… You are a blessing, Crystal!
Thanks! So much!
I would love to win the books and gift card!
What an awesome prize! Thanks
Sometimes you just have to put the housework aside and just have fun! It’s refreshing for everyone and makes the mundane chores more doable! Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to be able to get them!
I love to read and would love to win the books.(and my boys would love the iTunes card.)
I admire you as a mom and a woman like my mom, deceased now. No matter how busy her days were she never forgot to spend time with my brothers and sisters. I would love to win your books. I would hand them down to my daughter who is the mother of my one and only princes granddaughter, Bella. She needs to continue to always read for herself too. She seems to have gotten away from that with being a single parent.
Love all the information & posts. Helps my family stretch that dollar 🙂
Thanks for an unfiltered look in. Would love a chance to win.
Thanks for a fun giveaway, Crystal!
I never seem to catch up or get half of what I had planned done. Oh well. Laundry can wait. They grow up so fast. I never thought I could be comfortable in a messy house, but now that my oldest is 17 (and youngest 3) I finally realize time with them is precious. And, I should take some time everyday to read a good book.
I’d love to win!!
I have been following your site for quite a while now, but this is the first time i have ever commented on anything. I just want to let you know how much you inspire me to make the most of my day! As a mom with young kids and a new blog, i find that life can get a bit overwhelming but seeing your progress and set backs in these “A Day in My Life” posts really helps motivate me to continue pressing forward one day at a time. Thank you for your great posts.
What a fun prize! Thanks for the chance
LOVE your blog and all your tips! Thanks for hosting this awesome giveaway! 🙂
I would love a chance to read these books!
I love your idea of morning time, we’re implementing into our homeschooling next school year with my 1, 3, &6th grader. (Any recommendation for what you’d have a 2 y/o do during that time?
I would love to win!
Oh a giveaway! I too went to Chuys for the very first time last week.
My family would love the books & iTunes card! 🙂
Oooh! Would love!
Reading “Undone” is on my short list, and I would love to win a copy! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Love all the useful information you share with us!
I have really enjoyed these posts! And what a great selection of books! Thank you!
Ugh Landry can always wait until another day 🙂
Laundry I mean…..
I love that your children love word searches. I need to get some for my daughter to try.
“Tomorrow” is my favorite day to do laundry! 🙂
So glad the day turned out better than expected! My kids and I were sick this week, but hopefully it will be the last time since the weather is turning nicer! Have a great weekend!!
With 8 children I am often overwhelmed and reading is my go to treat for myself. Love to read books and mom’s blogs…I would love to win some new books!
Would love to win… thank you for always providing such useful information!
Wow. I love reading your posts. You seem to have your life organized even on your hectic days. Lol. I wish I could be more like that. But with an odd work shift and my child and husbands schedules. I’m luck to get anything done. Lol
Reading about your day, helps me to see that moms running a house full of kids is never simple and easy, but always enjoyable. Plus it’s never perfect, to the plan we had in mind. Thanks for sharing!
Sounds a lot like my days when I am home! Busy!
Is it a bad thing if I say I’m a sucker for a book give away? I lovelovelove to read!
Would love to win!
Love reading…and music
It sounds like a delightful day! Mine is cleaning and organizing after a flood. It was not a great Easter & we lost some precious memories but at least we’re safe!
Sounds like the fun kind of busy! I would love to win that stack of books! 🙂
Sometimes the best days are the ones where the plan falls apart! It’s so nice to be reminded that not everything has to go perfectly since it so often doesn’t!
Thank you for providing a good example of giving yourself grace when faced will all the tasks life throws at us!
You didn’t get to writing this post until Wednesday? Well I didn’t get around to catching up on your blog posts until Thursday of this week! It’s all good!
This looks like some fun summer reading to me!
Looks like a good supply of items that would be fun to win!
I love reading your blog. Thanks for keeping it real. I have a lot of days that don’t go as planned. I’m so thankful when I can see God showing me the good in those days. I haven’t always done this in the past.
I enjoy your real life posts…it’s so much more interesting and fun to be a transparent person than to look perfect and put together all the time. And we all encourage one another when we live life that way! 🙂
I love the way you seem to find the positive spin on life. I try to do the same- it feels so much better but isn’t always easy! Thanks for sharing your days and your positive, encouraging thoughts. (:
Always enjoy your family’s stories. Love how you are keeping it real…so encouraging.
Would enjoy reading these books. Thanks.
Isn’t it great even if your day does not go as planned it can still turn out great!!
I’m thinking that getting the kids some word searches might be a good idea. 😉 Thanks for the giveaway!
Enjoyed your post. I would love to win!
Sometimes the off-plan days are the best.
My son asked me my hobby yesterday…I told him horse back riding and reading! Nothing like a good cup of coffee and a good book!! 🙂
Great post! I think most Moms understand when plans change. My days are never the same even with a routine. I just learn to let go and tell myself that things will get done.
I love them homeschooling info you share! It gives me hope that one day I can pull it off!
I enjoy your posts, and appreciate your tips!
Love the posts about your day!
‘Yea’ for Chuy’s! That is a great place to eat 🙂
How awesome! Thank you for this 🙂
you can never have too many books 🙂
Today, our family celebrates freedom.
Tomorrow, it is 150th anniversary of the surrender of Lee and Grant.Celebrate… our country stayed united. Celebrate this…this event is more important than laundry piles or dishes in the sink. This event was turning point for our country, a moment to embrace and apply truth. ..a moment to move forward.
More importantly, this event celebrates people are not property but equal creations of God: social justice wins..God’s Word wins…Love wins and transforms.
How do you teach your children to use their God-given freedom to transform their world?
We are making memories by baking and playing games and by coloring a bunch of Easter eggs after Easter. Love having the week off with my kiddos!
What a great day!
Thank you for your post. It is very refreshing seeing how you strive to use your time fully and wisely but are flexible as well.
I also love how you say “headed out to run on the treadmill, take my shower, and get ready for the day” after a full morning. It reminds me that even if I have accomplished nothing by lunch, I still have a lot of the rest of the day before me.
A great day indeed!!
Thanks Crystal!
I love hearing how other moms manage a day of homeschooling and everything else. I love books!
Remember, one day at a time. Life is to short to stress over things. You do a great job. Oh and yeah I would love to win something.
i love it when my plan derails and the day turns out beautiful!
I’d love to win the books; thanks for the giveaway!
I am contimplating homeschooling my girls (eldest is turning 3 tomorrow). What the best curriculum you have seen for preschool?
Love your posts! Thanks for a chance at the goodies!
I would love to win this! How fun!
Books and iTunes?! Would love to win!
Tomorrow is a GREAT day to do that laundry – choosing to embrace the day for what it is is a great plan!
I love reading about your days. Your organization is really inspiring to me. I would love to win your giveaway. Thank you for offering it!
I <3 your blog! I stumbled on it (forget how) and really enjoy reading your posts. Moving from OH to WY at the end of June. Sure could use some books to read on my 20 hour drive!
It’s the “mundane” days that are best of all! I really need to write my to-do lists down…my head can’t keep up with all of them!! I do like your schedule though. Hope to win!
Great giveaway!
i would love to read them all!!!
I love a clean kitchen to! It makes me feel happy, relaxed and I start the day right.
Life Happens!!!!, that’s what I try (really try) to remember and tell to myself everyday that I don’t accomplish what I had planned.
You are amazing! My to-do list is my biggest battle! Lol! I would love to be the winner! 🙂
My goal for 2015 is to start reading books every week. Now that my boys are getting more independent. I’d love to win these. Keeping my kitchen clean and keeping the counters cleared off makes for a more productive day. Maybe it’s because we are in there 3 times a day 😀
Now that the weather is getting nicer, I am dreaming of getting lost in a book while basking in the sun. Would love these!
It is amazing how time seems to just fly away! Before I know it the day is gone and I find myself asking myself, “where did it go”? It seems there are fewer hours in each day the older I get! Did the days get shorter somehow?
You amaze me with all you accomplish in just one day!
I would love to win these books & the gift card! Thanks for the giveaways
Love this post!! ❤️
Wow! You are so busy and inspiring. What a great Mom you are.
This is incredible. Being a mother of 7 I so relate to busy days and Taking the time to value and appreciate everything within it
Thanks for the chance
Love books! What pretty spring colors!
I’m interested to know what curriculum you are using for Silas.
Its always fun for me to read how someone else’s day goes 🙂 and thanks so much for the giveaway.
Love your blogs and blips! Would love to win! Looks like although Easter spilled into your house it was a good one!
A clean kitchen in the morning makes a huge difference! Loving your day in the life posts. We’ve been enjoying having my husband this week for spring break (he’s a teacher).
My family has been dealing with sickness all week and beginning to feel discouraged. The gloomy weather hasn’t helped either. Winning this would be a great pick-me-up. Thanks for your generosity.
I’m so glad you got around to the day in the life post. I always look forward to them for the inspiration of crossing things off & ‘realness’ of not getting everything done 🙂
A clean kitchen always starts the day off right.
It’s always okay when things don’t go as planned, as long as you’re having fun with kids… or Chuy’s is involved! I love that place! 🙂
I’d love to win this, thanks!
I posted on my news feed page, but I think this is where I am supposed to write my comment. I would love to have these books. The Cushatt family is very special to me, I taught Jacob and Ryan when they were in 3rd grade 🙂 I don’t have Michele’s book yet, it would be my first pick from your selection. Also, we recently moved from Colorado to New York. I could really use a few inspirational reads, is has been really hard.
I, too, love a clean kitchen! It makes me feel happy 🙂
The daily printed lists for your kids is a great idea – a tangible way for them to order their day and take responsibility for their tasks. Thanks for the idea!
I can’t ever seem to check everything off my to do list, life with twin toddlers!
Love reading, would love more books (can anyone ever have enough, really!?) and it’s nice to know that we all have days like that!
wow! Busy day!
Thanks for the chance to win!
You pack a lot in your day. Your book selection is great. Thank you for the contest.
Happy kids=a good day! Even if the list didn’t get done 🙂
What curriculum are you using for Silas? I homeschooled my children using Abeka, but no longer have any preschool material. I have been watching my manager’s three year old (after many having opinions that she had problems), and she is blosseming into a loving little red head. I would like to begin teaching her how to write letters – mainly her name – and what I see him working on intrigues me. Would you share; please? Thank You.
Books can turn a frown upside down!
I am waiting for the day that everything on my list actually gets done. My plan does not work out often but I have taught myself that it has to be okay because it is my life as a single parent.
I would love to win! Thank you. 🙂
Can never have enough new books to read!
Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
I would absolutely love to win. Reading is my escape 😉 I also love your posts!!
This would be so amazing!! I’m such a book worm 🙂 thank you for this giveaway!
Would love to win!
Love this giveaway! So many good things! Lizzy & Jane is on my list to read and I feel compelled to read Undone because a friend with young children is fighting for her life because of a very rare cancer.
Are your kids enjoying the Green Ember? I actually downloaded as a free Kindle book from one of your posting and am enjoying it. I’m trying to decide if it is age appropriate to read to a 3, 4 and 5 year old though. Thoughts?
Who doesn’t love books? Would love to win!
Would love to win the books!
So many great ideas and inspirations in your posts. I especially love the honesty about homeschooling and how plans don’t always work out the way you thought, and that is OKAY!!
I need more books in my life!
Awesome article! Awesome give away! Would love to win!
love your blog and hoping to wIn the books. I love to read!!!
My to-do list is on the crazy side these days. We are vacation bound in a week and moving a week after we come back. After a few days of being frustrated of what I hadn’t got done, I flipped it around and focused on what I had done. Taking you’re advice on looking at things in bite-sized pieces instead of the mountain has helped too.
that sounds like a very productive day to me!!
my kiddos call books dessert :)!
Thanks for sharing how you juggle being a work-from-home, home school, parent of 3 kids. I am inspired your posts!
What a great giveaway! Would love to win. Have a great day!
I love this real life post. Hearing about other moms lives with their babies helps me keep it real. Thanks! And thanks for this opportunity to win these great prizes.
I was there with you on the mountain of laundry!
I would love to win this 🙂
Love your posts! I could definitely use a good stack of books! I just had a baby (that makes 3!!) and am navigating what to do with all that nursing time <3
Enjoy your posts and your blog! always look forward to reading them!
My family enjoyed our Easter as well–we only wished that we had gotten Good Friday off from school–we had a bad weather make-up day. Thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds like a great, busy day.
Just read Lizzy and Jane. Great book!
We are seriously spring breaking this week! I need the break as much as the kids. All to-do’s are on hold…well, kind of. There’s always laundry…and dishes…and toys to clean up…and well, ok it’s not really that much of a break 😉
Book love! Love your pictures of the kids doing doing school- I’m inspired to take some homeschool pictures now(I feel like I only take pictures of exciting field trips, but the every day gets missed). Thanks
Undone is on my wishlist! Thanks so much for all that you do and for giving opportunities like this for people to have a chance to win something fun! 🙂 I appreciate your work with and through your blog. 🙂
It is funny how the days slip away. Thanks for the give away.
I’m a mommy of 3 under 3 the youngest is 12 weeks, I’m lucky to do dishes every single day. I wake up nurse, get my 3yr old ready for preschool, make breakfast, attempt a quick clean up which I can’t because the baby needs to nurse, take him to preschool, come back nurse, play with my 2 year old, time to go pick up big brother, nurse, make lunch, clean up, put the kids down for nap. All 3 fall asleep, mommy shortly after. Wake up nurse, try to make dinner, nurse, do dishes, get the older 2 in bed, relax with hubby, nurse the baby go to sleep, wake up 2 more times at night to nurse, wake up and do it all over again.
We’ve had a week (or two) of sickness, traveling, and falling way behind! 🙂
I would LOVE to win those books, please! Also, are you so doing the “how I saved today” posts? I really enjoyed those.
Fun!
You’re pretty organized and seems like you do get a lot accomplished even when things don’t go as planned. Thanks for the blog. It makes me feel less guilty when things get off track.
What a busy fun filled day
We are in between spring break vacations. We returned from one on Saturday, and are leaving for our 2nd (and last for awhile) later today. My house is in chaos. Laundry EVERYWHERE!
njfoley at sbcglobal dot com
Would love to read Undone!
Would love to win this
Love your blog so much! Your authenticity is inspiring. And of course I would live to win! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway.
I’m always looking for a good book to read!
Thanks for sharing your real life! It’s one of those days for me… my 2 toddlers are fighting colds so the main thing on my list today is holding them and reading to them! I figured that way I will be able to cross something off! 🙂 I’m reading for the first time Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. Thanks for all the practical help! God bless you, Crystal!
Your posts help to keep me sane. Thank you for lots of good ideas and ways to save.
Looks like you had a great day with your family.
And who doesn’t love books?
one of the my goals this spring is to take more time to read for myself! This would be a great kick start!
Thanks for sharing! I love getting ideas from other moms on how to conduct your day with little ones.
Plan, that’s a 4 letter word most days! Mom of 4, SAHM & work from home mom & farm/ranch wife = I tell people I might know what’s happening next 10 seconds before it happens!!
Thanks for this giveaway.
I LOVE to read & love to have new books, but life does get in the way sometimes. This would certainly motivate me. 🙂
I could always use a good book! Although there isn’t much time for reading with 3 small children.
Love your blog. Thanks for keeping me motivated to tackle all the daily responsibilities with a smile.
Love the day in the life posts
Pick me! Pick me!
I agree laundry and others can wait. Spending quality time with my kids and husband is more important to me. I dread putting things off but seeing my kids smile it all worth it to me! You inspire me to be a better mom and wife!
Sometimes it feels like the massive pile of laundry will never get done.. No matter how many loads I fold and put away(one day it was 14 loads!)
I’d much rather read then do laundry 🙂
Love your posts! Love books!
I’m just getting ready to load up my iPod with new music, so this would be amazing!
This post reminds me of Emily Freeman’s #itssimplytuesday. The mundane really can be beautiful. Thanks for sharing this and allowing us to have a glimpse at your day. That stack of books has a few that I’ve been looking to buy for myself and my kids. Would be great to win it! 🙂
the list seems never ending these days!
I’d love to win!
I had one of those “rough” days yesterday (late getting up, crabby kids), so was determined to get up on time and make the most of the early morning “kid-free” hours to prepare myself for being ready to meet their needs. Today has been 100% better than yesterday. Day in the life of a mom…
With the weather getting warmer (and the grass/plants growing and needing my attention!), your day sounds like one of mine!
I seem to have quite a few days like this too! And perhaps I should check out Chuys.
I love following your list of books you have read. Trying to keep up with you this year. Thanks for being a constant source of encouragement!
Hello! I love reading your blog posts everyday! Thanks for having a giveaway! Books are so much fun!
Sounds like your day was still very productive and that is due to your husband and you working as a team. Your family is an inspiration
what an inspiration you are to all of us mothers struggling with motherly issues. Enjoy your musings.
Thanks for the giveway!
Sounds like a great day! You accomplished quite a bit, spent time with your family and friends and tried a new place to eat!
I need to start Reading again! With four kids and a busy household I can never seem to “find the time”! But need a good book to get me going!
Yes, please.
My list for today changed when I got a desperate call yesterday from a friend who needed her baby watched today. My kids are 12 & 15, so I’m always up for a baby day!
Oh how I would love to read those books! I buy books and read them and then pass them onto my grandma!
Looks like some great books and I love to read! I’ve especially been wanting to read Undone. I have been following Michelle Cushatt since you posted about her and she inspires me so much. I’ve also listened to them advertising her book on the Chuck Swindoll Insights for Living program. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
What a wonderful giveaway. Love your blog. Thanks for all you do.
Would love to win these books!
I would love to win. I am always wanting new book suggestions. I am amazed at how well your kids play together, it seems like mine fight with each other more than anything.
You had a full day! 🙂 i love reading and I’m a bit happy cause I might be pregnant 🙂 God bless
Sounds like my day most of the time.
Due with my first on Monday and some of these books are on my list. Seems like with my exhaustion lately most days have been like this. Thanks for the post
great post!
Would love to win these. I would even share the iTunes with my daughter!
yes, those days when my to-do list sits un-noticed. sometimes i will cross of the items and then re-write them for the next day! haha!
Would love to win these books! and thank you so much for your candidness! (is that a word?)
would love to win and your posts are great!
It still sounds like you and the kids accomplished a lot.
fun giveaway! Love your blog! 🙂
Glad to know I am not the only one who never gets that pile of laundry finished! Oh well, I would rather spend time with my girls.
We have had a crazy week too. I am looking for a new job, and the short term efforts to make that happen have caused a lot to fall through the cracks. This too shall pass, with better opportunities on the other side!!
I would LOVE to win. Books and music! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
thanks for putting up your day. Good ideas for me and a reminder that things don’t always need to done perfectly!
I’m glad you guys had a good Easter!
The iTunes card would be great to download apps for my nonverbal son! He loves playing games on his ipad and its a great way for him to learn independently:)! And’ thoughts to make your heart sing’ really got my attention:)
love your book choices! I’m reading a few of your other recommendations.
My husband letting me read on the weekend is my love language!
My days are often that way…thanks for being real! Some of those books are on my wish list-I have a nursing baby so I can get lots of reading done!
Thanks so much for sharing your life with us. Thanks for the reminders that plans change and being flexible with our lists is important.
Would love to win these books!
It’s been one of those days. Thanks!
We just settled into our new home and I’d love to spend a little time enjoying our new backyard while I read. I could really use some down time after the bustle of moving.
You are an inspiration! I love reading your posts and love the fact that when I’m overwhelmed with my everyday life with my daughter you inspire me that things will be ok
Wow! You are such an inspiration! I’m always encouraged after reading your blog!
Would love books to read and pass on to family too.
Thanks for the giveaway Crystal! I have some of those books on my “to read” list! Yeah!
Oh wow! I would love some new books to read. 🙂
“Leave a comment” doesn’t offer much direction, so here’s a cute story:
We heard squabbling and crying from our daughters’ room one day. The two-year-old came out and told us that her 4-year-old sister had hit her. We called the older one out and asked what happen. She gave us a lot of lead-up and then stopped. Papa asked, “Did you hit your sister?” She paused, teared up, and said, “I don’t want to tell!”
It’s sweet that she chose that instead of outright lying…though not hitting her sister in the first place would have been the ideal scenario 😉
Does an extra hour in a day come with the books?! I miss sitting and reading for hours the most. Is it summer vacation yet?!
love following you on facebook! You offer do many great ideas and amazing articles to read! I would love to win this stack, my son would even like to read one of them!!
I am always intrigued about how you homeschool. I have a 6th grader, a kindergartner and a 19 month old. My big kid can do almost everything himself and kindergarten doesn’t take long but in the midst of one year old chaos…every day can be a long day. 😉 One of my favorite books growing up was Hatchet and my son loved it as well. Would be nice to add it to the collection.
Sounds like a good day!
I just moved to the beach, so the REAL books would be well read while on the sand! Then I would pass them along! Love your post!
I love books! And music
Thank you so much for not just showing the “perfect” days. I believe the most damaging thing to women is when we try to be perfect for each other. Instead you how us that it is ok to love each other in our imperfections.
Also, how incredibly handy it must be to have a treadmill in your garage! 😉
I agree,Leslie:)
I enjoy reading your posts. I find something inspirational every day.
you put so much in your day! I’m impressed 🙂
Books are my “mommy time.” I forgot how much I truly enjoy reading
Being busy with the kids and life it’s hard to find time to just be alone and relax. I love to spend that time reading. Thanks for the fun giveaway.
This week I finally stared Spring Cleaning! Like you said, it is important to make fun memories with family and friends before sticking to too stringent of a routine. Praise the Lord for flexibility and grace in how we get things done 🙂
Nice giveaway! Love to win, though with a three year old and a (ahem) challenging last trimester, who knows when I’d have a moment to read! Ha!
What a great giveaway of books for kids and their mamas! 🙂
I would love this!
I would love to read theses books. Especially The Imagination Station.
There never seems to be enough time in the day!
I love reading!! I love listening to music!! What a great match, thanks for this great giveaway!! I love your blog and all the tips and words of wncouragement you give!! I would love to win this! Thanks Sarah
I’m always inspired by reading your “day in the life” posts! Thank you! Also, I would love that stack of books 🙂
It’s been a chaotic 6 months. Moving to a new state, new house. Selling the old. Changing schools and adapting. Finally ready to relax a bit and enjoy a book….
Would love to win!!
Hi Crystal! I have to say how much I love this post. I have been trying (to no avail) to get set up with a daily routine with my kids. It’s really hard when my days are so different between soccer for my older boy and therapy for my younger one. On top of all that, my third boy is due in about 12 weeks and my nesting has settled in early! Regardless of whether I win or not, I love new book recommendations! Thanks for being real with your readers! 🙂
Fun! I love your uplifting posts.
I’d love to win the books! Thanks for your posts!
What a lovely stack of books!
Us moms have a tough job trying to do it all and at times feeling guilty.
yes please!!
I definitely have to learn to be “ok” when my days don’t go as planned. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love your blog!
i love this. You’re so creative and generous. I just started following you and using your ideas for my family. Thanks for all you do! It’s a blessing for sure.
I need to focus more on our daily schedule. I been trying to make smaller list for the day rather than large. Just seems like our days go by so fast. I been reading a good book while my son has his speech sessions.
I have resigned myself to the fact that while my intentions are good, a day in my life will always include an unfinished to-do list, a not-so-spotless home, pure exhaustion, and a sense of gratitude, because I wouldn’t want it any other way. I love my full house and full heart, even on those rough days!
We love reading in our house! It’s a great way to relax.
I think reading is one of the few “me” things I have left as a mom. And nothing makes you neglect like a good book!
Would love those books! Especially Lizzy and Jane!=)
Sounds like one of my days!
Love your blog! Read it everyday!
I love your honesty! You inspire me to live each day to the fullest and often remind me of what’s important. I think God gives us others to remind us that life doesn’t always go as planned, especially when we think everyone else always has it together. Thanks for sharing!
It is finally getting warmer in MN – but now it is raining – a good day for reading! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
How fun! Thank you!
Thanks for all of your posts! This giveaway is an awesome “extra” for your readers!
we’ve had a couple weeks of sickness! I’m ready for healthiness and time to play outside!!
Sounds like my mornings! I’m full of good intentions but keep jumping from one thing to another without completing anything. Oh well, the laundry will ALWAYS be there, right? 😉 thanks for the giveaway!
i could use some new books to read. Thanks!
Would enjoy winning these books and gift card.
I’ve just “returned” to reading books because of your prompting. I would love to read some of these. 🙂
Trying to establish a morning routine is tough… I think that you are doing fantastic!! Blessings.
Oh, how that stack of books is calling my name! Thanks for the opportunity!
im down to less than 5 weeks until our second is born. My to do list seems longer than possible to get done in that time frame!
What a kind, thoughtful husband who helps you clean up the kitchen!
It’s encouraging to know other people have crazy days and messy houses. We are going through a rough patch in life these days. It would be fun and uplifting to win something.
I really enjoy your blog. Your tips of home, work, and life are very helpful. Thank you!
A friend just gifted me my first (used) mobile device – I’m the last in our family to get one. I could get lots of music using the iTunes gift card to reinforce to my kids that I really am “old!”
I love reading these posts. It’s encouraging to see reality and know that we’re not alone when not everything goes as planned. But it’s still a day to rejoice
Love reading your posts as a first time mom! Thanks for being real and encouraging! I’d love to win the stack of books!
Those books look like good reads!!
I love your blog!
I enjoyed this peek into your day – haven’t read your “Day in My Life” posts before. As a mommy of two very busy little boys, I’m just looking at the picture with the books and imagining relaxing! 🙂
Stopping by from http://lovepeacebeauty.com
That Easter filler stuff gets everywhere!
Thanks for the encouraging post!
I would love to read Lizzy and Jane. I added that to my Goodreads list after seeing it here on another post.
Absolutely love your blog and I’d love to get to read these books 🙂
I laughed out loud when I saw those Easter basket strings everywhere. Same story over here! 🙂 I have most of those books on my wish list on Amazon. I would love to win them!
We love books!!!
I have a daughter who loves to embellish her papers too! Also, I love that your kids helped each other with the word searches. That’s some good parenting there!
You inspire me! I love that you make time to read. I make time for my kids to read and my husband makes time to read. I need to make time to read. Thanks for always being such an open book. <3
I would love to win this giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity
It would be great to win these! I’m always looking for new books to read!
always love the book ideas! i compile a reading list! (ss straws! too cute )
i’d love this!
Great giveaway. I’m up for some new things to read and I’m always up for new music.
I love to be organized and find your blog so helpful! With 2 kids under 2, it can be hectic at times. But having a schedule and keeping things neat and organized does help keep me sane. 🙂
I read your blog everyday mostly to see what deals you come up with and to see what books you are reading as I love to read and wish I had more time to read. Unfortunately working on my masters gets in the way of me reading what I want and instead I have to read my homework:). Oh well…. I still always make time to read my Bible which is the most important thing to read everyday.
I always enjoy your posts! I would love new books for my upcoming road trip.
Having kids beig such mess and crazy to ones life, but never so much joy and love. Motherhood is a superpower.
word search books! those are kids after my own heart
I love reading about your day. It’s so inspiring to see how busy you are and how much time you spend with your family in spite of that!
I’d love some new reads! Thanks for all the giveaways!
cool!
As an eighteen-year-old college student, I love researching ways to save money! Your blog is definitely an inspiration to me. Thanks for all your hard work!
Would love to win.
Love it!!
I love how you always keep it real! Keep the day in my life posts coming.
My girls love to read and would be thrilled to get new books. Love your blog!
Now THIS kind of post is why I read MSM–it’s real, it’s about interaction with your family, and it’s LIFE.
Thanks for the peek into your day- I love seeing how other people organize their days!
What a great little gift pack!
these books look great and the iTunes gift card would be so awesome! Love your blog!
I would love to win your stack of books and iTunes gift card! (That’s in the hopes that one day I will get it all together enough to read for pleasure again)
I love the honesty of your posts! And would love to win this!
I’m not a stay at home mom but you have inspired me to use my after work time with the kids in a more intentional way and to try to weave in reading time together! Love seeing your day in the life posts.
Love those book!
Would love to win!
Sounds like a great day! 🙂
I love your blog!!
Love you blog and especially love these posts! Thanks
I love giveaways
Love your posts!
I love these posts so inspiring for my days. My boys were both so tuckered oit after a mid week Easter dinner at ky parents house that they both went to bed right away!
Looking for some good reads!!!!
I really don’t know how you accomplish so much in a day! I definitely get sidetracked when doing ANYTHING so not much really gets done. My husband LOVES that about me. Lol! And I was at a Chuy’s for the first time the last time I visited Austin! LOVED IT!!
I love your honesty! And I’m inspired by how you chose to go with the flow and enjoy life instead of being stressed that your to-do-list didn’t get completed. 🙂
i would LOVE to read these books!!! Love the blog thank you for sharing with us!!!
Busy day ! My kids got playdough too and played with it yesterday for a while and I was able to get a few things done.
I’d love to win! Thanks for always being inspiring.
Thank you for sharing!
I feel like every day is a day when my plan doesn’t happen here lately. A house remodel and a crazy school/homeschool schedule has meant chaos around here! I would love a chance to read something inspirational!
It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one with crazy days!
Love your blog. Love that you add in posts about homeschooling & book reviews. Undone is on my list of books to add to my reading list. Thanks for the giveaway!
Love your blog!
As I read this, it seemed very familiar and normal. Days that just evolve and grow organically, despite what we think we will accomplish. 🙂
Love your site- I check it at least 5 days a week without fail! Those look like some good reads! 🙂
Every day has something (lots of things!!) that don’t go as planned here. But, like you, they are all still good days. 🙂
WOW…you seem to accomplish a lot in one day!
Thanks for sharing; I enjoy your blog! I think we all have days like this sometimes 🙂
This week is spring break for us, so my normal activities are on hold (my scale is telling me that I miss the gym ALOT!). Trying to make it a real week of relaxing for boys aged 10 & 8. Would love a new stack of books when life is more normal next week!!
As an avid reader I’m always up for winning new books. Love your blog, especially all the couponing tips hahaha. 🙂
would love these books! I always have a list of books I want to read and am currently reading three right now!
I’ve wanted a few of those books for a while!
What a fun post. I love reading your blog always so real. I just started making morning lists for my girls. Fingers crossed it helps smooth things out! 🙂
Wow! I thought my day was busy. You are one busy lady. Highly organized.
I would LOVE to win this! And I love that you find time to workout and read your bible. Those are two things I am working on. 🙂
I love reading your post!
So fun to see a day in the life of other mommas!
Sometimes it’s good to embrace people instead of our to-do list. Great reminder today 🙂
I love reading your blog posts! I also love reading books, which I really haven’t done too much of lately…I really need to get back into that true love of mine! Have a great day!
Here’s hoping for some new reading – and thanks as always for an awesome blog post, MSM! 🙂
My boys loved Hatchet! I would love to win the gift card! Thanks!!
The day in the life posts and reflections are the best. I know ever since I started using Say Goodbye to a survival mode, my life has gotten easier THANK YOU! I don’t think you can ever have too many books! My kids would love the iTunes card too!
Oh the Easter grass. We switched to paper grass (brilliant decision!) 2 years ago and I STILL find shreds of the plastic grass places (mostly stuck with static to the inside of moving totes).
That stack looks like some good reading. I wish I could be so organized …
Thanks for sharing a piece of your week! I love getting a peak at others lives and often find inspiration in the process!
Sounds like days at my house!! 🙂
I would.love a stack of books.
Is it bad that I consider your day to be pretty productive compared to my average day? I need to get motivated!
Thanks for sharing your every day life!
I love to read!!!! I read during my only downtime – carpool line!
I love that she beautifies her list 🙂 And the books look super fun!
Thanks for sharing about your day and being real about how our days don’t always go as planned! It’s refreshing in today’s world!
I like this post. I would enjoy the pile of books, too. We are a family of avid readers, so if I need to feel accomplished as a homeschool mom because everything is not going as planned I sometimes just have the kids go read!
I really appreciate your site! Been a long time reader and have enjoyed all the various different series posts you have done. It’s nice to see a little glimpse into one of your days. Many blessing to you and your family!
Great blog, great giveaway! Have a great day!
I have been rereading some favorite books of mine over the last week. It would be great to have some new fun reads!
Schedules around my house vary greatly. My husband works shift work so we have to be flexible. I’d love to win the stack of books. I’ve never had an itunes card before.
Love your posts!
I, too, have a stack of books just waiting to be read this spring! Thanks for sharing your day!
Reading aloud is the best part of homeschooling…hope I win!
I love to read a would love to have those book! 🙂
I really enjoy your posts! Than you for bringing up wonderful topics!
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
I absolutely love your blog! Thanks for sharing! And I would love that stack of books ! 😉
New and different reading is always enjoyed!
I really love reading on your blog. your an inspiration to us stay at home mom’s! thanks for all your hard work!!! 🙂
I struggle some days to be organized with my time but you are an inspiration:) thanks for a you do!
I would love a big stack of books to read on my road trip to FL this summer !
i need some new reading material. I’m stuck in a rut and need something new
Would love to have the books!
My daughter’s teacher is reading Hatchett to them–she is loving it.
My days never go as planned
That stack of books looks just like my reading style!! With a 5 month old and a 3 year old, this penny pinching mom would love some new, relaxing reading material. Love this site!!
Enjoy your posts! Isn’t it great when hubby’s know how to show us love?! Cleaning…
I wish I was better at sticking to a schedule like you!
I would be beyond thrilled to win this awesome prize pack! I always am on the look out for new books and love your choices.
Thanks for giving us a picture into your life. Sometimes it seems like we will never be caught up. It is so great to see an example of someone that has balance in work, family, and faith and it is inspiring. Thanks for sharing – and as a Librarian I love to read and love the idea of a book giveaway! 🙂
Would love to share the undone book with a friend…and iTunes with my girls!
Iove that you are honest and completly normal!! We all have days where things happen and we cant get everything done on our lists. Especially laundry!! Lol.
I ove the sticker idea from your daughter, very creative!
The books look like they would be a great addition to summer reading fun!!!
God Bless!
I was just telling my son that we need to read Hatchet.
Thanks for sharing your life with us. God Bless!
Thank you for being so honest about a normal day; having great expectations and then just not getting everything done. That said though you can still have a good day and I don’t always remember that 🙂 It’s not always about getting everything done, it’s about enjoying everything else along the way!
Yay! I would love to win that stack of books! 😀
Good Morning!
Everyday is a blessing and memory making opportunity with our kiddos! Thanks for sharing your day with us!
I am so impressed that you make time for exercise in the am. With a 1 yr old and 3 yr old on hand, outside of walks with them I’m still trying to figure that out. Thank you for your blog I really enjoy it.
My husband would love for me to have more books!
My morning is trying to get my husband and son off to work and college. So I can get my daughter up to start homeschooling her. I get her started then put in a load of laundry and makeup my bed. Then its breakfast time. After that more homeschooling and then lunch and we are done with schooling. I try to clean house some more. Try to relax with a good book and time to fix supper. Clean up kitchen, then bedtime.
I love all of your posts! Thank you for bringing such an encouraging light into a world that so desperately needs it. You bring hope and joy to moms everywhere! We are so thankful for you.
Sounds like a busy but fun and productive day!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
Thank you for your blog. I really enjoy reading your posts.
I would love these books! I’m looking for some new reading material!!
This just sounds like normal! I make plans to put me on some sort of track but I’ve learned to be VERY flexible over the years
Love reading the posts and getting ideas. Would love to be as organized as you are 🙂 Someday… Thanks for the inspiration!!
Love your Day in the Life posts! And I’d love your stack of books. 🙂
I’d love to win these books! I haven’t been able to do any good reading since my son was born!
I had forgotten about Hachet! Loved it as a kid. I think I’ll add it to our reading list.
Thanks for the post, you are always so encouraging! 🙂
Easter spilled into my house too. I thought we simplified this year, but there is something about that Easter grass…
I’m commenting to enter the contest, but I’m also curious as to how many hours you spend in your office space each day. Always comparing notes with other WAHMs!
I try to buy books for my niece and I know that she would love to read the stack in the photo. I try to look over the website every morning to get my day started.
Love to read…books are the best! My whole family calls me a nerd lol.
I love it when my husband cleans the parts that I despise doing! Sure way to my heart!
I always appreciate how you are real in your blog posts…. Life happens and sometimes my to do list lays untouched, but you encourage me that it’s okay and family life is more important. And finding that balance is always a juggling act! 🙂 I also appreciate your love for the Lord and home schooling your kids. Both are so important to me as well! 🙂
What a blessing to have your kitchen cleaned for you and ready to go in the morning! I love waking up to a clean kitchen 🙂
Our Mondays are always like that too! At least you got some stuff done, and there is always the next day or week. 😉
I love your blog. Such awesome tips and you keep it real!
Life w family is hectic but rewarding I know
Sounds like my life
Rarely do my days go according to “plan” the “plan” often changes whilst making the lists so some days I don’t bother, and others I “cross off” items from lists that haven’t been made yet!
Oh my! I would love to win! I’m new to your site but so far I’m loving it. 🙂
I can’t wait to see you at MomCon in September! Been a long time follower, would be so cool to just say hi✋
I hope we get a chance to meet!
My husband is great about helping around the house. And that stack of books looks so lovely!
I really enjoy the direction your blog has taken! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for sharing such helpful advice with us.
Hi! What is the S resource you are using with Silas?
That’s the Hooked on Phonics curriculum.
Thanks Crystal! I woke up a little earlier today and am so much more calm! Thanks for all of the great advice.
I love to read. It’s nice to see there are still people who like holding a book in their hands vs digitally. *thumbs up!*
I read Dear Mr Knightley after you mentioned that author last week. I was able to borrow the Kindle book from my library. It was a good read, and now I’m reading the classic book that inspired it, Daddy Long Legs. So thank you for helping me find some good reads.
I love when my husband helps clean up the kitchen as well!
I would love to win a stack of books! Love following you on Facebook.
Awesome! One of life’s simplest pleasures (in my opinion) is a good book!
Love this post, sounds very familiar :). Thanks for a great giveaway!
I love all your posts but especially “A Day in My Life” posts. They are all so inspiring!
🙂 the books look great!
Love the idea of word searches at this age! What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!
I love hearing about all the places you discover around Franklin/Cool Springs. My son just moved there with his new wife and I just wrote down Chuy’s as a “must-try” next time we go to visit.
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time. Such an inspiration! Thanks!!
Love your page and your honest heart. I look forward to reading your personal posts as I feel I can relate so much to where you are in this season of life! God bless!!
I’m curious about the ages of the kids who have those morning lists, and what the third one looks like (I know there’s another girl).
I love reading about your day! It is both fun and encouraging to read the details of daily life.
These are becoming my favorite posts. You are showing your actual day, good and the bad. I appreciate that! Helps me to realize those crazy days are normal!
I love your children’s morning lists! I’m thinking that would be a great addition to our morning routine
Love your site and your freebies! You’re an inspiration!
Wow! That’s one crazy busy day.
Hi there, thank you for sharing these peeks into your life. I really appreciate your honesty . Julie
I love the idea of “Daily Lists”–I’m going to work on that with my daughter. Thank you!
I love Chuy’s! Glad you got to go!
So nice of your hubby to help you with the dishes!
God bless your family! 🙂
Eh, housework is lame anyway. =)
Thank you for opening your home! You have such inspirational posts!
My days rarely go as planned! LOL
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thank you for the opportunity to win a fun stack of books! This time in our lives with our children is priceless. Thank you for encouraging the moms!
Thanks for the post. Assuming that restaurant is local? Never heard of it!
I wish some of my friends will discover this peace that you show when things are not getting done when are planned. Thank God, I don’t have this problem…I actually think I am the opposite: I need to try harder to get more things done. 🙂
Would be awesome to win!
Thanks for sharing your day. 🙂 Makes mine seem just a little less hectic!!
I had six loads of laundry to do today. They all got washed and the last one is going into the dryer before bed. Only one and half got folded. Always good to be reminded that I’m not alone.
Thanks for sharing your life so openly with us. These posts make me feel like I am sharing with a friend. I have followed your blog for several years and enjoy seeing the pictures of the kids growing up!
Oh I would love this stack of books! I just found out my husband has an 8 week job in Alaska and I’m so worried about how we will be at home with two under two. A good book would be a nice way to unwind!
Thank you for all of your encouraging posts
Love the teamwork:) I work night and I knew I had limited time to get dinner on the tabel before heading out the door. My hubby pre cut the sweet potatoes into cubes for me, to save me that step:)
Thanks for this post! It’s fun to hear about your life and your kids!
Love your honesty!! Thank you for your all of your encouraging words and generousity.
Love Reading these post! Always inspiring!!
With a family of seven, five being 6 years and younger, I completely understand how the hours slip away and your to do list doesn’t get shorter :). Love hearing about how your day goes and how your do things!
Laughter always makes things better 🙂
If it makes you feel better, I often get the laundry done and folded but then run out of time to put it away. It used to bother me, but I’ve come to terms with- there’s always tomorrow- my family is more important
I enjoy these personal posts and the encouragement when things don’t go as planned.
Thank you very much for keeping it real! I enjoy your posts and I am able to realize that I am not alone
I love these posts. I am not as productive as you at all. Lately, my goal everyday is to do SOMETHING housecleaning wise. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your life. I enjoy reading your posts.
Neat give a way!
I love that you’re able to adjust your work schedule to hang with family and friends.
When I read about your day, it seems like you fit so much in! It inspires me.
PS I have “Thoughts to Make your Heart Sing” on my wishlist!
Happy Easter! Sounds like a good day, thanks for sharing! I completely understand wanting to get back on track after holidays and it never seems to go as planned for me either. We are getting ready to move into our first home and I’m really eager to get back to a normal homeschool routine. I hope you have a blessed week!
We use no easter grass. Lol. We have it up years ago. The little ones don’t even know what it is! Love that Jesse cleans up the kitchen for you to show his love. That is one great husband!
Sounds like you had a super productive day!
would enjoy a stack of books! Thanks!
Today was fairly productive for me. Got some laundry and dishes done and did the grocery shopping.
Awesome stack of books!
I love when my husband cleans the kitchen, too! Once he realized that that one tasj changed how my day started he lovingly surprised me when I’d go out at night etc!!
Thanks for the chance to win! Sounds like you had a fun and productive day!
My To-Do lists are broken down into must-do-today, to-do this week, general projects. My must-do list is generally 1-2 things. Makes me feel like I have time for extra time with the kids, relax, or a phone call and still get the important things done.
Really intrigued by that book “Green Ember,” is it your read-aloud to the kids or part of your morning devotional?
I have been wanting to read Undone. I would love to win it.
I’d love a new stack of books!
i’m so glad I found your blog! Love it!
Thank you for being so real and showing us that it is ok when things go differently than planned! I appreciate the work you do on this blog and the messages you share.
Thanks for the chance to win the books! Days rarely go as planned!
Juggling all the roles we play in life can make us all too serious. Looking back I was way too serious and demanding but I get another chance with my wonderful granddaughters! They are so precious and helpful and their mom gets few weeks to recharge her batteries before school starts back up. I would love to get these books to share with them. Reading is such a joy!
I read that “Lizzy & Jane” book on your recommendation and I really liked so thanks for that! I’m eager to hear your review of her other book. I think it’s called “Dear Mr. Knightley”.
It has been crazy at work for the last 3 weeks. Combined with Holy Week last week with the extra music I am tired this week. We have decided to only do what is absolutely necessary until we are less tired. No dancing this week for us.
I always love reading these posts!
Thanks! We still have Easter in our home. 🙂
Life Is Good!!!
These posts are fun to read. Thanks for sharing!
I love these posts! I promise I won’t hold it against you that it took this long to finish it. I love that your family is your first priority!
After a short visit with family, our laundry pile is overflowing. I have come to the same conclusion, laundry can wait. Thank you for sharing. You have inspired me to read more. I have three books I am reading that you have shared about on your blog over time.
Word searches – makes me remember – they were the one kind of homework that annoyed my mom when I brought them home… So she would do them for me! 🙂
Thank you for inspiring me to be a better person and being real about imperfections. You help me realize that my best is good enough!
My husband loves Hatchet we bought the audiobook and he finished it in very little time and re listened to it again. Thanks for the update I always appreciate your transparency.
Thanks for your generosity!
I have a 10 & 4 year old and one on the way, I foresee a lot of plans that don’t end up happening. But it’s reassuring knowing it’s going to be ok! 🙂
Sounds like a fun day! Do you use My Father’s World for homeschool? Some of those books look familiar 🙂
These are serious my favorite type of posts! I feel like I’m connecting with a friend 🙂 thank you for sharing your day with us! Btw, there’s a silver looking straw in one of the mason jars, what kind of straw is that – doesn’t look like the plastic kind… Or was that a silverware?
I loved your thoughts on the Easter grass – “how the resurrection and the hope that it brings should permeate every area of our lives.”
It’s so fitting that Easter is in Spring. New life! There is something about Easter that makes me feel alive 🙂
I always really appreciate how real and honest you are about your everyday life. 🙂
My husband tries to help me a few times a week clean up the kitchen after the kids go to bed. He knows acts of service is my love language plus he benefits having more time with me:)
I write a list of my top ten things to do and count it a blessing if 7 are crossed off. Maybe I should try adding stickers to my list!
Your blog is always an inspiration!
Sounds like a good day to me!
Sometimes Monday’s spill into Wednesday, have a good week!!!
What letter book is Silas using? We desperately need some extra letter practice at this house and that book grabbed my attention.
Sounds like a full but perfect day filled with fun, family, and purpose. Love it!
Is that the newest Imagination Station? We haven’t read it as we’re waiting on our library to get it in. I’ve heard Hatchet is one my son would enjoy!
You are so generous! Thanks so much for a chance to win!
I love reading about how much you get accomplished. I tried very hard today to clean and pack (we just purchased a house and have 22 days until we move in) and take care of a seven month old. You inspire me!
Thanks so much for sharing about a day in your life! It is fun to see how others do homeschooling and life!
The Easter grass in your carpet made me smile… I keep finding it in my carpet too! Have a great week!
Would love to win! 🙂
Love the reality posts! 🙂
It’s hard to tell from the kitchen picture, but I THINK we may have the same kitchen towels. Lol.
Thanks for the surprise giveaway!
We love books…and free! Win, win!
I am new to reading your blog and have really enjoyed it. I have two children in college & a teenager still at home. There are so many seasons to a woman’s life, and your blogs remind me that it takes a lot of courage to care for a home, husband, and children. Thanks for being transparent. Your blogs encourage me.
My baby boy is teething and extra fussy this week so no day yet has gone quite according to my plan. I’ve heard good things about Lizzy & Jane and would like to read it.
I am also curious to know what curriculum you are using for your sons writing. My son is his age and we homeschool and he needs a little help with writing practice and forming letters!! Thanks!!!
Chuy’s – yum! Hope you got to try to avocado salsa. 🙂
I truly love your transparency!
These posts are awesome. Thanks so much for sharing your day! I just read Dear Mr. Knightly and can’t wait to get Lizzy and Jane. 🙂
So productive. Love it.
The tulips are beautiful!
The Easter grass on the carpet cracks me up! I think Easter grass multiplies. There’s always more on the floor than there ever was in the baskets!
I can never have enough books to read 🙂
Thanks for keeping it real.
I am super curious about the Lizzie and Jane book! And would love the rest of the goodies!
I seriously love your blog! Your honesty and personality are so refreshing and inspiring! As someone who is neither a mom nor married, I still find great value in so much that you post and it has made me a long time reader. Blessings to you and your family! 🙂
Wow! It’s nice to know that other people are crazy busy too! Blessings on u this week!
I love to read and would love to win this stack of books!!
How fun!! 🙂
Looks like a good stack of books! Thank you for the giveaway! 🙂
Looks like some great reading material!
Enjoy reading how your days go.
I have not been to Chuy’s either…one was just build close by, maybe we’ll give it a try:)
I know how you feel about things not going as planned. You amaze me though by how much you get done in a day!
Crystal,
I enjoy reading your posts so much! Glimpses into your life make me realize I am not alone! Motherhood is both a daunting responsibility and a glorious opportunity. It is so enjoyable to read your posts — you are a great influence in my life!
Looks like a great stack of books to read!
I love seeing how organized you are in a day that allows you to accomplish so much! I also like the glimpse into how you homeschool your kiddos. I’m a fourth grade teacher and recently told my principal I would not be returning to work next year but staying home and raising my two boys! We plan on homeschooling them as well. I’m very excited and enjoy reading your blogs for tips on how to save money and stay organized as a stay at home momma! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
I appreciate your honesty about the state of your home, and wish I could be as productive in a day!
It sounds like you had a wonderful day and evening. Sometimes the best days are the ones that don’t go as planned.
We’re in the middle of a big remodeling project, so laundry is about the only thing that I can stay on top of. I’m looking forward to the end of the project so that I can *clean* my house – it needs it so badly, but it hardly pays when everything is getting covered in dust everyday. But I am looking forward to and thankful for the end result.
I love Chuy’s!!!
With a 4 year old, 2 year old, and almost 5 month old, I dream of the day they sit at the table doing word searches 😉
I would come do your laundry for you if you would come declutter my master closet for me! I love doing laundry (I know!). I love folding all the fresh smelling clothes and thinking of my family wearing them. But I HATE organizing closets, which you are very good at.
Great post and awesome stack of books!
Great stack of books for summer reading! Thanks for the glimpse into your life and the reminder that it’s ok when we don’t stick to the plan.
Glad you had a good Easter! We shopped our closets for clothes too.
Love that you are so normal like every momma. 🙂
You always seem to accomplish so much every day. I don’t know how you find the time to homeschool with everything else you do. I admire you a lot, Crystal.
We have read Hatchet. I haven’t read the sequel but older daughter says it isn’t as good. I need to try imagination station. I think my younger daughter who is 9 would like it.
It sounds like a fun filled day! Thank you so much for doing your blog! Even though I have many years till I have a household of my own, I still love seeing how you save money! Thank you for doing the giveaway too! 🙂
Smiles and Blessings,
Elizabeth
That’s why I love homeschooling! Even when you have crazy days, you still get to spend time with the little ones!
Thanks for sharing about your day. I love hearing about it!
I love reading about your days. It makes me think about my days.
So great to find joy in the mundane. Thanks too for an opportunity to win!
Thanks for letting me into your home for a bit 🙂 Winning would be great!
Thanks for giving us a peak into your life!
Time with family, time with friends, time at home, time at work. Sounds like a perfect day!
I love reading your personal posts. Your website is so inspirational to me 😀
Thanks for sharing! Those look like good books!
Sounds like a busy day! Thanks for sharing!
I love reading your day in a life blogs. It a great reminder to me that the day-to-day living and raising a family can either be routine or we can use it to be closer to our loved ones and embrace our daily blessings of being together – I choose the latter.
Your days always inspire me. So productive!
Sounds like a full day!
The Green Ember is great. We finished it two weeks ago. I hope there will be other parts.
Thanks so much for the giveaway Crystal. I enjoyed this post!
Looks like great books!
I always love your day in the life posts. You inspire be to embrace all that life throws my way and try not to be overwhelmed.
This is great! My Goal for my life is: Live my life in such a way that it can’t make sense except for the grace and love of the Lord.
Thanks for being a graceful sister!
Looks like some fun books!
My plans are always messed up! It is that season of life! I appreciate that you emphasize that it was okay because you didn’t let other quality opportunities wih family and friends pass you by! I struggle with this but am learning!!
I love how your daughter added that little extra bit of beauty to her daily list. It is a really great example of how the smallest things can truly make a difference/ lasting impact. It is so cute and inspiring! What a beautiful family you have. 🙂
The books look great!
I am always encouraged and inspired after reading your posts! I would love to win these books for my children. Thank you for these fantastic giveaways!
I am still finding easter grass inmy house!!!!!
Glad to know I am not the only one who has these days. I often start my day thinking of all I can accomplish and then the sun sets and I realize I didn’t get a whole lot done!
That’s a fun pile of goodies. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to win a stack of books! I really enjoyed your day in the life post.
Looks like a fun stack of books! Thanks for the giveaway.
It’s taken me awhile, but yes, it is okay even when our days don’t go as planned. Tomorrow is a new day! 🙂
What a full day you had. I am amazed by all you do!
Thanks for always being so real about your life!
Book lover right here! *Hand raised*
I have been focusing on reading more and personal development lately. This giveaway is perfect!
What curriculum is Silas using?
I love your blog and enjoy reading it everyday. Thank you for telling the “real story” and not just the high points. Thank you.
Looks like all the importnt things got done. Laundry will always be there tomorrow!
Your personal posts are my favorites!
Have learned so much from your website- thanks!
I enjoy reading your Day in My Life posts. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for being real and sharing a bit of your life! I’d love to win the goodies. My oldest loves Imagination Station and hasn’t read #16. I’m also trying to piece together a set of the Gary Paulsen books. I’ve got a few years until my kids are ready to read those, and I don’t have Hatchet yet.
These books look amazing!! Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the tulips in the canning jar!! It makes a beautiful simple centerpiece!
Yesterday was a day of mine that definitely didn’t go as I was expecting. I went with some of my family in town to Baltimore where we were going to spend the day. Four of the places we wanted to visit were either closed or more expensive than advertised online. We ended up just window shopping and watching the video at the visitor center. Then when heading back to the car we find that it has been towed! We forgot to put the handcap tag on the mirror. Needless to say it was an adventure but God is good and we made it home safely having learned a hard and valuable lesson.
Sounds like you were very productive after a busy holiday weekend! 🙂
You wear me out just reading about all you do in 1 day, but I am inspired at the same time!
Thanks for the giveaway!
love reading these posts!!!
Love to see how other people spend their day! Totally inspirational!
Sounds like a great day! Thanks for all you do!
Stacks of books are the best prize!
I love that you stopped doing your project because it was time for morning time with your kids. This is where I struggle: stopping before I’m done to move on to what I have scheduled. Three eager faces waiting for you probably makes it easier for you though. : )
Sounds like a great (if very busy) day in the life! The laundry might be my least favorite task, but that is one thing I don’t think I can trust my husband with. Cooking, yes. Laundry, no.
Love the little glimpses into your family life….and pics of those precious little ones. Keep ’em coming! I enjoy reading so winning the giveaway would be nice too!
Thanks for posting! Life often goes off track, in big and small ways. How we handle it always makes all the difference!
I love the books you choose!
I think a lot of my days end like that. Just not enough hours in the day to get it all done. 🙂
I’m just teaching my 4yr old how to read and I had completely forgotten about Word Searches. I think a beginners Word Search would be a great game for a new reader.
Thanks!
Thanks for a chance to win!
Sounds like a wonderful day anyway! It’s encouraging to hear you share honestly how your day didn’t go as planned – I can completely relate 🙂 Your positive attitude about it is encouraging – thank you.
Thank you so much, Crystal, for your generosity! Always love your book selections. I wasn’t planning on reading The Best Yes, but I did after you enjoyed it so much. I loved it and am even rereading it, which hardly ever happens since my book stack is always very tall!
And I’m with ya on the laundry pile!
Love this! Thanks for sharing your day!
Great post! pretty flowers!
Beautiful flowers! Love the updates, they keep me motivated
Thanks for sharing the finer things in life with the rest of us: family, friends, and the beauty of the daily grind. Lol.
What a great day you had! A great reminder that friends and family are a huge part of a meaningful life.
Thanks for the chance to win!
It is so nice to read something and is you being real. Real life. Real mom and wife. Thank you for showing the real you.
These posts about your daily life are some of my favs! As a Canadian, many of the deal posts don’t have the same impact.
And I’d love this pile of books!
(As an aside, after reading about your goal planning, I am finally implementing it! And as part of a fitness challenge group I’m with, we’re goal setting and I got it bang on right away based on what I’ve learned reading your goals! So thank you!)
Real life!!
I read your blog almost everyday since Silas was a baby. Thank you for all you do. I’m a mom of 4 and I appreciate it when I read your posts.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for all that you do and share.
A day in my life today would have included waking up at three a.m. to cries for “Mommy” and a sick five year old laying on the bathroom floor. Yep, it’s been THAT kind of day, lol.
Keeping it real is important! Thats a pretty nice stack of books!
Thanks Crystal- you are always a busy gal! What vitamins do you use? Hahaha!! 🙂
The laundry monster is alive at our house. It is good to see it lives all over the place. 😉 I find your posts very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your life and light with all of us. You touch people more then you realize.
I would love to read those books!
What time do you actually get up each morning? You accomplish so much in one day!! I appreciate your posts 🙂 and would love another stack of books to put in my “I’ll read those soon” pile.
Look forward to your posts!
You always seem to get so much done every day! A stack of books is always welcome in our home.
Thanks for the chance to win!
I’m glad to see you are forgiving when you don’t get everything done you intend to. I’m working on that in my life 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love how you share your life with all of us and are so transparent. It inspires me to be more transparent and real with those around me also. Enjoy your week!!
Sounds like a fun and productive day!
It’s so nice to see your beautiful children grow and help each other. I have a 2 1/2 year old and I am homeschooling him as best I can with limited time at home. I have transitioned so far from working full-time outside the home to working part-time away from home. I am continuing this trend with a purpose. My goal is to work from home full-time. You are an inspiration. I want to be at home for my little boy and homeschool him. I really appreciate your books as I make my journey. I listen to them daily, especially when I’m feeling down about how long it’s taking for me to reach my goals to be a novel writer and blogger. I listen to Say Goodbye to Survival Mode and The Money Saving Mom’s Budget when I’m feeling down or just need some “atta girl” pick-me-up. And…when you posted about Blogelina’s course on Beginner blogging, I took the leap and signed up! The first class was yesterday and I’m blown away. Thank you so much for your resources and encouragement. God bless and keep doing what you’re doing.
Thanks for having a giveaway!
Those books look good!
You seem to accomplish so much in one day. I can’t imagine getting through my to do list and homeschooling!
Love days that are filled with family fun!
Your day in the life posts always inspire me to spend more time with friends. It’s a great reminder!
I love reading your blog each day. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your life, it’s very inspirational!
thanks for the opportunity to win some great reads and goodies
I love your day in the life posts. They always encourage me when MY day doesn’t go as planned. Thank you 🙂
I love when you give away stacks of books!! 🙂
Sounds like a fun weekend! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
I enjoy seeing your day in the life post. They remind me that others live busy lives but with goals and hard work it’s quite rewarding.
It sounds like a lovely day. Thanks for sharing.
That’s great that you’re at the place where you can say, “my plan didn’t happen, but that’s still ok!”. It has taken me a loooong time to get to that place myself. 🙂
Thanks for sharing about your day 🙂
I would love to win the books…several are on my pinterest “books I want to read” board 🙂
That sounds like how my day went!!
Thanks for the chance to win!
So lucky to have Chuy’s where you live. It is one of my favorite restaurants!
Love your blog! It’s encouraging and one of my favorites to read.
I love your blog!
It is such an encouragement to see how you and your husband share in the homeschooling AND home keeping. You are role modeling what a beautiful Christian marriage can look like, for so many onlookers.
I really like to see your day in the life posts. Thank you.
I love reading about your day!
monk5 at charter dot net
A busy, but very productive and blessed day 🙂 Happy it went so well! Laundry and posts can always take a back seat.
Wow you inspire me! I always feel like I never get enough done most days, but then I have to kick myself in the pants a bit and have a “If she can do it, I can do it” chat with myself. 🙂
Oh and what homeschool curriculum do you use and/or recommend? My eldest starts Kindergarten this fall and we’re leaning toward homeschooling.
sounds productive and with days like that sometimes things need to be edited. I am glad you gave yourself the freedom to do so.
Love books… And your blog… And free stuff!
what fun!
Easter grass can be a big mess sometimes. It’s kind of like angel hair for the Christmas trees…you keep finding it! Have a great day and thanks for the chance at winning these great books!
Oh my, how my family loves Chuys! It’s our cheapest sit-down restaurant meal. The kids split a chicken strip kids meal, and my husband and I split fajitas or an Elvis Presley Combo. We can all four eat for about $25 including the tip. And who doesn’t love that creamy jalapeño dip? 🙂
My week started the same way! As in, needing to get caught up and still being willfully behind on Wednesda!
Thanks for sharing your life. Love reading about your beautiful family.
I love your blog!
I love being able to see how other homeschoolers days go, especially when you have your own work to do as well. Would love to win the books, you can never have too many!
You are truly an inspiration!
I need more books to read! Thank you for your blog.
I’ve wanted to read some of these books and would love to win them! Looks like a full, productive Monday. 🙂
Sounds like another productive day for you!
Awesome stack of books!
looks like some fun books………..another cool giveaway ……thanks
I love how you always seem to have fresh flowers on the table. Makes me hopeful that Spring will eventually arrive.
Those books! Swoon! I have an ongoing project for my piano students involving an exponentially-growing studio playlist, so I’m drooling over that itunes card, too! 🙂 Loved this post…have a wonderful day! 🙂
Such is life sometimes!! It’s better late than never!! Thanks so much for all your hard work on a wonderful blog and your keeping it real inspiration!
Thank you for sharpening us with glimpses of your daily life! I love thinking about Easter spilling all over my home… In the non-literal way! May God continue to bless you!
I am the mom of 5 amazing grown adults and home schooled for 34 years. I have followed you for years even though I am old enough to be your mom. I am so inspired by how much you touch the lives of others including me. You are a blessing. Keep up the good job!
Love your blog, especially the day in the life post!!
Would love to win this! Thanks for the chance!
That sounded like a fun weekend! And what a great giveaway too 🙂
What a great giveaway! Love your blog.
Always a good stack of books!!!!!!!
Love your blog! Looks like a nice giveaway!!!
love books and iTunes too!!
Sounds like a busy day!
I wanted to become more intentional with my reading, so this week I started a reading journal which is really helping encourage me to read more. I would love to win these books!
I get really excited when I see your kids working independently on something. I’m in the thick of 100% eyes on with my two boys (2.5 years and 6 months) and it thrills me to think that someday they can run around and do things on their own!
Would love to win some good books. I enjoy your day in a life posts.
I love that you share real life…and that sometimes things don’t always go as planned. Would love to win!
I have wanted to read Lizzy and Jane so badly! Love these day in the life posts. Kids take over our days in the best ways!
I wasn’t sure where my Monday went either! 🙂 Thanks for the “realness” in your blog posts!
love your blog — and would love to win the books. 🙂
thanks for the opportunity to win!
I like the day in my life posts! Thank you so much for sharing this, it truly encourages and inspires me!
Thanks for sharing about your days. It’s encouraging to know that as busy Mama’s that we’re all in this together!
Thank you for the giveaway! Happy Wednesday!
What a fun, busy day!
I really enjoy your Day in the Life posts. Thanks for the giveaway!
You are such an inspiration. Thanks for your amazing blog
I love the “realness” of your blog. I can’t tell you how many days it has encouraged me and reminded me that it isn’t just me who experiences the unexpected or finds that my “to do” list was nowhere close to being completed. Tomorrow is another day…
Thanks for the “just for fun” give-away. 🙂 I’m interested in at least a couple of those books, and I have some ideas for that gift card! I don’t actually know what The Tulle box is, though. I’ll have to look them up!
I’m glad to be reminded often that NOBODY’S life goes as planned every day, and that nobody is super mom.
I love your fun giveaways!
Crystal–LOVED your thoughts about how Easter had “spilled” into your house: “how the resurrection and the hope that it brings should permeate every area of our lives. That living in the knowledge that “He is Risen!” should give us such inner peace and joy that nothing can take away. Because nothing — NOTHING! — can separate us from the love of Christ. ” Amen! 🙂
Your a day in the life posts are my favorite posts! What a wonderful giveaway, thanks!
Thank you! Loving the details in your list!
I’m a type A person, too, and learning to be flexible and ride the wave of daily life has made me happier.
Thanks for the giveaway. It would be awesome to read those books!
I love to read! That stack of books looks exciting! 🙂
Thanks for sharing about your week. I always get frustrated when my plans don’t play out, but I always have to remember to not get frustrated and trust God. I feel I always cause my own stress and turmoil when I should just enjoy the moment with my kids. Thanks for the giveaway! I love how encouraging your blog is. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your heart and being so transparent. You are a blessing to many! Also, thanks for the opportunity to win books!
Love these ‘day in the life’ posts-thanks for sharing!
I recently found your website and have enjoyed your posts. Thank you 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! Looooove your blog.
Your day in the life posts are my favorite!
It’s always so great to hear about your day(s)! 🙂 Blessings on you and thanks for the fun giveaway! 🙂
I’m so inspired by your family’s idea of Morning Lists! And I was very excited to see the book ‘Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing’ in the fun goodie pile… That’s been on my list to read to my daughter 🙂
looks like a great stack of books!
So good to hear of your positive attitude even when things don’t go the way you’d planned. Thanks for the encouragement!
thanks for the chance to win these books! 🙂
I would love to start reading the Imagination Station books with my 2 boys! I enjoyed reading about you day!!
Wow! You are one busy lady!! Thanks for sharing your days with us!
Yes, I would love to win that stack! 🙂 Glad I’m not the only one who’s days rarely go as written down …
I love getting a peek into the going ons of the day! Love the word searches, so fun!
My son is currently loving the Imagination Station series, so I’d love to win the stack with that in it!
A great spring giveaway! Thanks for always thinking of your readers!
Glad to see I’m not the only one that things dont always go as planned…
I routinely visit your blog. I am so gracious for having to come upon it about 4 years back. You have so much useful and inspiring reading. Thank you for all that you have to share. Btw… Your children are adorable! I don’t know how you find the energy to keep up with so much but keep up the great job. Again Thank you!
I love your give-aways! Laundry is one chore that typically doesn’t get me too riled up. But it has gone completely off the rails this week because our washer broke a week ago. We took the extra time to try to have it repaired, only to be told that it would cost $600-800. Disappointing, as the machine is only about five years old. I have read that they truly “don’t make them (appliances) like they used to” unfortunately. Anyway: our new washer will be delivered tomorrow and I’m reminding myself that we’re so very blessed and in the big picture a broken washer is just a small inconvenience.
This is my first time to read your blog. I love it, so open and honest. Helped me not feel so bad that the plan I start the day with and don’t get it all completed I am not alone. We do the best we can and pick up where we left off the next day. Thanks again.
Wow! What a neat stack of goodies. I know someone will be blessed to get it. Thanks for all you do.
What a great giveaway! 🙂
I love your blog and I’d love to win these!
I just love the daily peek into your days. I’m a work out side the home mom and your posts are always so inspiring!
Love these posts- I like seeing how other moms plan their days! I’d love to win the giveaway, it’s been too long since I’ve actually read a book!
🙂 thanks for the giveaway
Seems like a great day! I had that Easter Grass all around my house too! 😉
It’s so sweet that your husband offers to clean the house up for you! So glad that you found some good friends in TN too!
Love your blog! I often say you read my thoughts because much of what you say is something friends and I are just talking about! I very much appreciate your real approach, we all live real lives and its great to see someone reflect that!
Thanks for the giveaway and the honesty! It’s refreshing!
It’s good to know I’m not the only one whose plans don’t always end up happening as I had hoped –that’s been the story of my life this week! Thanks for your real-life stories and encouragement to put the important things first, and that it’s not the end of the world if my Monday plan happens on Wednesday instead.
When my plans get off track, that is when it seems that God is moving the most!
Pretty tulips! (And a functional vase.)
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love FREE anything, but FREE books are awesome!
I really like these “day in my life” posts.
Looks like a great stack of books!
Love these posts! 🙂
Sounds very busy, but productive.
Thank you for being so transparent with your life – and not simply posting the pinterest-worthy photos – It’s encouraging to read!
Excited for the chance to win, but also just wanted to say that reading your posts about your schedule and daily life have inspired me to be much more intentional in my own daily living. I had found myself in a big slump and your blog posts have really helped start to pull me out of it.
Looks like a great stack of books! There is never enough time (or quiet in my house 🙂 to read my fill but I enjoy the few moments I get.
Doesn’t life just seem to happen like that some weeks? It’s great to remember that often experience and living life with those we love is far more important than our to-do lists!
Love, love your blog! I love the more personal posts like these. Thanks for sharing!!
My life went a bit “unplanned” with some water in a basement issue due to flash floods around here. Not fun, but definitely a very “first-world problem”. 🙂
Love your blog and your complete honesty. Would love a chance to win:)
I would love an extra copy of Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing!
…and what doesn’t get done today, is still there to do tomorrow… 😉
I remember those days
I like seeing the time you spend with your kids, it helps me realize the chores can wait.
I commend you for posting that your family and friends come first. I enjoy reading your blog but sometimes forget that it is your full time job. Just like the rest of us we put our jobs on hold for family and friends. Thank you for reminding me that we all have more important things in our lives and some things can wait for a day or two 😀
“A Day in My Life” has become my favorite posts! Thanks for sharing with your readers!!
Most days seem to end with an incomplete to-do list for me. I’m glad I’m not alone!
We have had some really nice days out but now it’s been raining all this week. Since I watch kids at my house that means we have been stuck inside the majority of this week. I feel like I’m getting plenty done around here but would much rather be outside 🙂
Thank you for your always inspiring and honest posts about day to day [real] life. I’ve been wanting to read Undone….heard so many wonderful things about that book. Thank you!
I would love to read those books! I just started making “me time” a priority in my life and some new books would be great.
Thanks for the opportunity to win! Love reading your posts!
Thanks for the chance to win! Have a great week 🙂
Love reading about your every day life. I’m always up for some new books! I need to rebuild my “to read” stack – it’s getting low 🙂
Thanks for sharing your day with us. And for all the encouraging words! The Lord is good to bless us even in the ordinary things of life. Many blessings!
I’d love to win these! Thanks for the opportunity!
Yes, life regularly happens and derails my plans, but I’m learning that in so doing those are actually opportunities from God, Who gives good and perfect gifts! James 1:17
I read somewhere to use tule in the easter baskets instead of grass. Worked like a charm this year! Each basket had a yard, but less would have worked too, and each was a different color. Fold it up and use it again next year!
Would love to win, thanks for the opportunity!
Oh I could SO use this giveaway! We are trying to put together Christmas for 3 big families in need next year and have already started collecting presents to that we can do it frugally – this would be a huge help! 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway. I am most excited about the undone book!! Wheee!
Love to read and would love these.
Thank you!
Even though I don’t have kids and I live in a tiny urban apartment, I love Money Saving Mom. Wonderful ideas, great photos, and thought-provoking posts. Thank you and God Bless you.
How fun! And I definitely get those days that go sideways and upside down. I think that accurately describes our last 2 weeks with colds and things wrapping up!
I enjoy your “Day in the Life” posts! It is nice to see I’m not the only one who seems to have days where my to do list doesn’t quite get all done. 🙂
I try to never get behind on following your blog, but when I do I keep the pages rolling back until I am caught up! 🙂
I found your blog last fall, and I love how open and honest you are! Yours is one of a few blogs that I read regularly!
I need something to read 🙂
Thanks for keeping it real! I think most of my days don’t go as planned.
ooh I’ve been wanting to read undone, would love to win
A couple of those books are on my “to read” list!
I, too, did not complete my goal for Monday – the goal to go to sleep with a clean house (inspired by your goal.) However, just having a goal kept me going and I accomplished far more than normal. I can’t tell you how frequently you inspire and encourage me. I’m also encouraged by the grace you have for yourself for not completing the ‘to dos’ because your focus was on what was more important.
Great giveaway!
Grace for every moment, even the ones that don’t go our way. Thanks for sharing these posts. I enjoy them.
You inspire me !
I love how you are real about putting things off!
Fun giveaway!
I love reading about your days and seeing your kids. And it’s great that you keep it real and honest. I think it makes the rest of us feel like we aren’t alone in our struggles and daily walk.
I always enjoy these posts! And you have the best stack of books to always give away 😉
Love your posts about real life! I especially like having a glimpse into your homeschool days. Always curious about how others do things!
Thank you for sharing how you use to do lists and goals in everyday life. You inspired my dear friend and I to email each other our weekly goals every week and hold each other accountable, even though we live several states away.
I was feeling a little discouraged today. Nothing major, just about all the things I am not getting done today. After reading this post, as well as the post about contentment a little further down the page, I feel encouraged and ready to press on, walking on in the Victory that the Resurrection ensures we can have.
Thank you!
I appreciate all of your book suggestions!
Love seeing all the pictures of your kids doing homeschool and life. Inspires me as we are doing the same. Thank you!!!
Great post, thanks for sharing!
I love reading your blog!
I love your blog so much, and these posts are becoming my favorites!
Love your blog. It is an inspiration to me!
I always enjoy reading your “day in my life” posts. You do such a great job of documenting all the little moments, which is something I need to try harder at. Thanks for sharing your life with us 🙂
You truly inspire me to be a better person
I Love this post series is always fun to read!!!
I am interested in reading Undone and Lizzy & Jane! Thank you for the encouraging post.
Thanks for always keeping it so real! It’s super encouraging!
Thanks for the giveaway! The winner (hope it’s me) will have some fun. Have a blessed day.
your day in the life posts are so inspiring!!
Love Chuy’s! Sometimes breaking away from the plan can be a good thing!
I like seeing your kids so into their school work!
It’s so fun reading about your family. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for being real with us! And thank you for this opportunity!
I love how you and Jesse work together. I’ve often wondered if you might write a post about how you get work done in the same house with Jesse around. Seems as though it is difficult getting my own work down when my hubby is home. He is my first priority of course, but when he’s off from work seems as though I don’t get anything done. Maybe it’s me just being Martha-instead of Mary.
So good to know that we all have days that don’t go exactly as planned! 🙂
You inspire me to be better!
Thanks so much for sharing your day with us! It’s always fun to read 🙂
Thanks for another great giveaway! So fun.
Ha! My goal on Monday was to catch up on the laundry, but that didn’t really happen either. They are clean but not folded yet. Hopefully tonight after Church. Thanks for being honest with us 🙂
Love reading about your days!
Now I want to do a word search! 🙂
I love your blog and especially your “day in my life” posts. Thank you for being you and being authentic in all you do.
How did you like Chuy’s? We were introduced about 3 years ago and visit whenever we are near one! Don’t eat out much at all but Chuy’s is our treat!
I always enjoy reading your posts on family life.
I love the lists the kids have for the day. I go back and forth about homeschooling one day, but if I do I really want to implement the lists!
Would love these books 🙂
Easter spilled all over our house too! 1/2 the counter is filled with treats (gifts from others, not our doing) that I don’t really know where to store…and my plans rarely work out so mostly I don’t make them lol
I like reading about your daily schedule. I feel like if I don’t jump on the treadmill first thing in the morning that it will never get done but you remind me to fit exercise in wherever I can. Wish I had a husband who wasn’t gone 12-13 hrs. per day 6 days a week and could help clean the kitchen!!!
LOVE your blog! Such an inspiration to me =)
Love your blog! Have been following religiously for the past year! Thanks!!
The best part of parenting – watching them help each other (instead of fighting all the time!)
I’m glad to hear that I am not the only one who has days that don’t exactly go as planned. Thanks for keepin’ it real! I love your blog because you are not perfect.
I actually appreciated getting back to my normal routine this week (after spring break/vacation last week), even with the 6AM wake up time! Last week was a fun family trip before the oldest two head to college this fall, but I was exhausted. Then we came home to college financial aid letters and decisions about where to attend. Thankfully, the best financial awards also corresponded with their top choice schools, and now it is settled!
I often times wonder where the week went…time flys when we are having fun I guess! Would love to have a new stack of books to read!
Just brought our third child home from the nicu after a five week stay. Quickly learning that my days will rarely go according to “plan” but they are good full days. I am more thankful than ever just to have us all under one roof again. Love your day in the life posts! Would enjoy reading that stack of books… If only all three kids would nap at the same time 😉
Thanks for the chance to win some books! I have a whole house full of children who love to read. 🙂
And thanks for the insight to your daily life. I like the encouragement to really consider how I am spending my time each day.
Pick me, pick me! :)Thanks for sharing your days with us!
I know as moms we can do many things in a day, but it’s so hard to mentally stop say blogging and jump into homeschooling. You make it seem so easy and I pray I can become more disciplined in that area. Now might be a good time for me to get off the computer and start school lol! Pray for me!
Your productive days always inspire me. I’m a newly single working mom of 5 and I strive to be a hard worker just as you are.
Have been a reader for years! Your blog is the only one I follow and i check it many times a day. I hope I win, hehe!
So encouraging to see you keeping it real, and posting about the fact that family and friends always come before the other stuff
Thanks for inspiring me to order my days in a more functional way! A couple of these books are on my to read list!
Several of those books look really interesting!
Your blog is one I frequent day after day. I love seeing what a day in the life of one of my favorite bloggers looks like! Have a fantastic Wednesday! 🙂
I love reading your blog, especially the “day in the life…” posts!
Love your day in the life posts.
I loved word searches growing up. I ought to find one for my daughter.
What a fun giveaway! I enjoy your site 🙂
I would love to win! Thanks!
We just got back from a trip that ended up being unexpected and not in a good way (:O) but I am SO happy to be home and am still catching up on life at home too!!
Yep, sometimes life gets in the way of blogging. Sometimes life gets in the way of life! My kids looooooove word searches, and they are such great learning tools. I would so much rather they do things like that than loaf around in some way. Mazes are another big hit over here.
Thanks for being so real and not hiding behind the screen!
Love your blog!
Isn’t it great how things change throughout the day sometimes? And it’s even better when you know how to appreciate what you’re doing.
I’d love to win this giveaway! =)
I would love to win this! Thanks for the chance!
My daughter received an iTunes gift card for her birthday and lost it within a day or two! She was devastated, so I would love to win these books…and surprise her with a new iTunes giftcard! 🙂
Sounds like a great day.!
Thank you for the chance to win a stack of books!! And thank you for writing!
I’m behind on laundry too!
I love the morning time idea. Going to figure out how to incorporate that into our daily routine.
I would enjoy winning the giveaway. thx
I would love to win! Thanks for the chance
I have 4 kids ages 9 and under…a day in my life never goes as planned lol. But, I love this life God has given me!!
I love your real life posts!! 🙂
Loved the peek into your day! Special memories. 🙂
Your blog is so awesome! In many ways – saving money, being a great citizen and great friend, and being there for your family and friends. LOVE IT! You’re the one blog I keep up with on a regular basis – Facebook, email and original website, too! Thanks for everything you do!!
I am glad I found your site – it’s inspiring to see how you manage your family and work life and I enjoy reading your earlier posts too. A welcome break in my day!
awesome giveaway! I would especially love to read Undone!
I have a difficult time sleeping at night so when I wake up in the middle of the night I read. I would love to have some new books to keep me inspired, peaceful, and encouraged. Thank you so much for all of the great pieces you post.
Thank you for your generosity!
I love reading your posts…and I love books…and thank you for posting this giveaway! 🙂
I am glad I am not the only one whose plans get derailed sometimes! I would love those books!
Thank you for the fun giveaway. I’m always looking for new books to read to my children and myself!
You’re mornings seem so productive! I’ve been moving up my rise time earlier each day to have time before my 10 month old wakes, but its like she has a super power to know when I wake up! No matter what time I wake 5-10 min later she’s up. 🙂
Thanks for a fun giveaway!! I just want to let you know that I am inspired by your intentionality re: goals, especially in the day to day of life. Hoping to apply some of that today – thanks!
Love the fun giveaway!
Mondays are always so hectic…I don’t know how you ever get around to writing the Day in My Life posts 🙂
I think your day sounds lovely! What a gift to have so much time with your husband each day.
Love your blog! Would love to win some books as I start homeschooling for the first time!
Would love those books!! Thanks for sharing your day! Always look forward to hearing about it and how real you are!
Love your more personal posts and book reviews. Would love to win!
I love your book giveaways! I especially enjoy your posts about what you are reading now and what you are reading to your children. You’ve given me some great ideas!
I love your transparency. Some weeks are so full but I am encourages how you prioritize what matters most.
love your post and stories!
Who doesn’t love a great giveaway?! And a day that doesn’t go according to plan 😀
I’d love to win!
I love how your kids have a daily list. Wish that would work for my son he goes to public school and I work all day so not sure how we could implement that. Maybe on the weekends. Thanks for all you do.
Thanks for all of your helpful hints! Would love to win 🙂
Would love to win!
I love how Easter grass ends up everywhere! I think I’ll still be finding it in June.
We love books at our house
I can’t wait to read that Lizzy and Jane book! Our library doesn’t have it and I can’t afford it right now, but maybe I’ll get picked to win 🙂
Thanks for keeping it real. 🙂
I have many days that don’t go my way. A good reminder that “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Prov19:21 Keeps me humble. : )
Some days are like that. Still enjoyed reading on Wednesday. I would love to win some new reading material.
thanks for the giveaway
I was curious what books you are using with Silas? Thank you! 🙂
I would love to win! The books for me and my kids would be thrilled with the iTunes gift card!!
It would be such a blessing to win this stack!
I love being reminded of the beauty in the simple and everyday. Thank you!
I keep seeing your post on the Imagination Station and noted it’s in that stack. I haven’t seen the set in the library so it’ll be a purchase and waiting until funds are ready for that. Would love to win and get a chance to try it out with my kids! Thanks for the offer and for your honesty in your posts!
thanks for sharing part of your life with us!
Oh, your kids are so adorable! My daughter, who is 6, loves a good Word Search book too! Keeps her busy for a while too. 🙂
A wise friend told me that some days we make progress, some days we just maintain, and other days we feel like we’re barely surviving, and that’s okay; just part of life, and I should be thankful to have survived. 🙂
My kids would love Imagination Station! 🙂
I am a fairly new reader of your blog and I am also a mom of three children under 4. I have really enjoyed reading your blog and just being encouraged.
Great post! I love all the pictures.
Thank you for all of your great giveaways!
I’m a sucker for books! 🙂
We love books!!! It’s perhaps an addiction! The library used sales… we all get the jitters of excitement as we head inside!! 🙂
blessings – appreciate reading your site.
Love these posts!
love it
Would love some new books to read
Even when your day seems disorganized, it’s still closer to my ideal organized day!
How fun! Sometimes it take the whole week to get ‘cleaned up’ from busy weekends!
Honestly, I usually skip these posts, but today I noticed the giveaway… glad I looked!
God Bless you and your unpredictable days! We all have them! Thanks for keeping it real.
I am still catching up from Easter weekend too! But what a fun, wonderful, relaxing weekend it was. Today is full of teaching and piano lessons and soccer and church (and.. and… 🙂 ) But tomorrow I will catch up on my laundry!
Reading new books is like a spa day.
I have been wanting to read Undone & I have yet to set up the ipod I got a year ago – that $50 would go a long way!!
Honesty is more inspiring than perfection! Thanks for being real!!!
Thanks for ev erything you do here on your blog and in your books!
Thanks for sharing about your day! Laundry catches me off-guard often. I’ve found I have to do at least one load each day or it piles up like crazy! It reminds me to be thankful for the evidence of family life though. 🙂
Wish we had a Chuy’s around! I’m sure it was a wonderful time to fellowship!!
Thanks for doing a giveaway – always fun! 🙂
Thanks for “keeping it real.” It’s always comforting to know I’m not the only one who doesn’t finish my “to-do” list each day. Family always comes first. The tasks can always wait for another day.
Thank you for an awesome giveaway!
Thanks for your site!
Winning would be so fun! Thanks for the opportunity!
I would love to win your giveaway!
Your “A Day in My Life” posts are my favorite to read! I love that you are both inspiring in how much you get done and relateable in that you don’t always get it ALL done 🙂
I’m in a season with small children and it encourages me to see your priority of life giving relationships and hope that in a couple years I will have a tiny bit more space for that too. Thank you!
Happy Easter! He is Risen, Indeed!
I personally love when bloggers can be transparent and say “I didn’t blog because I was living my life!” Thanks for being authentic with us!!
And for such a cool giveaway 🙂
Crystal, thank you for your website! Your family’s story is an encouragement to me and I enjoy reading your money saving tips. I’d love to win this- we are new foster parents always looking for new books (to lessen video game time) and my husband loves getting new music. Thank you again for the time you put into this website!
Thanks for these posts ! I feel it keep the blog “real” and shows the readers that you are just like the rest of us–trying to get as much done as you can and juggling kids,work, school etc….
would love to have some reading for the next few weeks since i’ll be welcoming a new baby boy tomorrow!
I’ve been to Chuy’s once. My favorite thing is their fresh salsa!
I would love to win this stack of books! I went to my first book club last night and really enjoyed it:) thanks for the giveaway!
Like most people, I love knowing I am not the only one behind on housework – or that laundry that seems to grow overnight!! But I love these posts that remind us it’s ok to play hooky on work and have fun instead. It’s spring break here and just as I feel like I am not getting anything done – this reminds me that I am doing plenty by being blessed enough to spend wonderful time with my children! I read once something about living for your resume or your eulogy – simply put, are you living to fill up all your to do lists/jobs or to make connections and impact people’s lives – so in my opinion your “late” post sounds like it was well worth it!
Thanks for sharing so openly on this blog
I appreciate how honest you are a a blogger that real life doesn’t always go as planned but instead of blogging you choose to stay focused on your family. That is so encouraging to readers I think because it lets us know that we all struggle sometimes to get things done as we originally hoped and to just roll with it when things don’t go as we planned. Thanks for the blog, I am an avid follower!
Your blog is one of my favorites. Thanks for the opportunity to win such great giveaways.
He is risen!!
Life is right where you are at isn’t it? Love that you just rolled with it and did then next thing. Free books are always fun! Hope I win!
Love to hear about your “real” life!
I love how honest and relatable you are. Getting to something two days later than planned seems to be the story of my life lately! I am glad you had a great night with your family and friends!!!
You are such an inspiration–even in the regular day to day things of life. I love getting peaks into your days. They fill mine with sunshine on how God brings beauty into our everyday lives. 🙂
The list of titles looks interesting.
Love your blog and this stack of books look awesome
My weeks go like that a lot 😉 !
I love reading your day in the life posts! They are so inspiring to me how you manage to fit so much into your day and take everything one step at a time : )
I would love to win. You inspire me to take the time to relax and read!
The book stack makes me drool – I think all of those are ones we’d enjoy and don’t have!
I love the day in your life posts! It’s so helpful to me to see how others order their days. Thanks for offering this giveaway!
Glad to know I am not the only one with wishful hopes of the day!
Loved the message with the Easter grass strewn about the house! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity too!
Love how you stick to your priorities! Family and friends before blogging. What a wonderful example you are to moms, young and old!
You are so generous 🙂
Grandson is asleep for a bit. Saw this stack of books I would like to read – I’m especially eyeing Undone!
I like reading about your life. I like that you are saying the gospel more now too! It’s easy to talk about all the things that are good and right to do but we are sinful and need Jesus! Thank you! I’ve been reading your blog long enough to see a change in your heart about what the gospel is and what it covers! I’m happy for you and your family!
Free books?! Yes please!!! And I just gotta say…I love your day in the life posts! So real and authentic
Love these day in your life posts!
My days never seem to go as planned but i am usually not as calm about it!
I’d love to have a fun package in the mail…and nothing is more fun than books!
I totally understand about mornings not going quite as planned. You still accomplished a lot. I would love to win this giveaway. What fun! Thank you!
I love your book giveaways too; I love reading!!
I love these types of posts. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Great post! I appreciate how you always give us a real perspective of your life. Life happens and never seems to go as we plan but as He plans for us. I have finally learned to just roll with it because He knows best.
I need new reading material!
Thanks so much for your openness and honesty. Would love that stack of books!!
What a great giveaway! And so nice to hear what you and your lovely kids are up to. 🙂
I would love this!
I would love to read Undone.
These are some of my favorite posts of yours (no matter when they’re posted!) They either inspire me to look for ways I can streamline and be more productive, inspire me to be more present with my family, or relieve me that everyone has off days every now and again. Thanks for the glimpses, inspiration, and relief! (Looks like a good stack of books there!)
It seems like I am forever finding pieces of Easter grass here and there long after Easter has passed.
It’s nice to have a schedule for the day, but when you have children and own a business, the key is to be flexible. Everyday I have a plan of what I want or need to get done but invariably something comes up and the plan needs to be reworked. Such is life!
Hope you had great Easter! I love your blog and all the giveaways!!
I so appreciate this post. I am glad I am not the only one who has these days. Thanks for the honesty.
The flow to your days really inspires me. Thank you for these posts. They really help me to keep plugging away until I find a routine that works for us.
I really enjoyed Lizzy and Jane and would like to also read the others listed in your stack. I did find Dear Mr. Knightley a better read so would recommend that one by Katherine Reay too.
I love these book giveaways!
Thank you for these posts! And for the chance to win some new books! 🙂
Awesome giveaway!
You inspire me with your daily morning routines!
My husband knows that it really makes my day/night for him to clean and mop the kitchen for me! I’m so easy, LOL!
I enjoy reading these posts and how you keep it real. Those tulips are so pretty and refreshing. Your children are growing so much and seem to get along so well.
Love these posts! How do you manage to run on the treadmill everyday? I cannot seem to get 10 mins to walk on the treadmill (am a work-away-from-home mom)
The day after Easter here to was the same however I guess we were Easter out. Nothing really got done an on top of it all I had a child who was fussy an mean so instead of a day getting stuff done an back in order I ended up having to take a nap with him ( the only way to ensure a nap is to lay down with him). I had so much fun Easter an all the family an games, an hiding the eggs for the kids to Easter egg hunt but it kicked my butt.
The last few days haven’t gone as I planned either–my kiddos have been super tired and grumpy (3YO and 10MO) and have taken bad naps, which means I have gotten behind in filling orders for my Etsy shop, laundry, etc. It’s hard to get anything done with little ones needing constant attention. But I’m trying so hard to remember that these little ones are my most important work! I’m a Type A who loves to have lists and be productive, and it’s hard not to be frustrated when “my” plans don’t turn out or I can’t check off my to-dos. But I’ve been blessed with these babies and a wonderful husband, family and friends and I need to remember that they are indeed blessings, not interruptions.
Crystal, I love your “personal” posts, and they always seem to come at the right time to encourage me. Thank you!
I love books and after reading your book say goodbye to survival mode I have carved out reading time for myself. You make things seem so easy. I will be making daily lists for myself, husband and 2 year old daughter. I love lists and following a schedule. You are an inspiration!
I would love to win the book stack and I love reading your blog!
Thanks so much for the giveaway! I’d love to a win all those things.:)
We love Chuys! Glad you got to go!
The day may not have gone according to plan, but it reads like it was a great day for the Paine family. Our yesterday was not good, but by the grace of God we get another chance today!
I have sons, so I had to smile at the picture of your daughter’s decorative stickers. I was that girl when I was a child – if there was a way to make to paper pretty, I was all over it. 🙂 I love it.
I love reading about your day! I homeschooled my 4 and remember the challenges and distractions that sometimes crept into a day. It amazes me how much we could get done, though, when we all put our minds to it.
Great giveaway!
Love your honesty! It’s great to see I’m not the only one behind on the laundry!
thanks for keeping it real 🙂
I love books!
My SIL works at a Chuy’s in TX and we have one near Indy but we haven’t been yet either!
What an awesome giveaway! I love reading your posts throughout the week! Have a blessed day!
Would love to win the stack of books to add to our library. Thanks for sharing part of your life with us.
How was Chuy’s? We’ve never been either, but I’ve heard really good things about it.
Love when you give away book stacks! Thanks!
its great seeing a real day and knowing mine aren’t the only ones that don’t go as planned!
Love following your blog, and would love to win a stack of books! 🙂
I love the glimpses into your life. Today I am determined to get a few things done and my list keeps getting longer instead of shorter. I must cross a few things off now, I suppose. I really want to make time to read for myself today!
I love these types of posts.
I would LOVE to win this book stack :))
Kids have been gone til today. Can’t wait to see them
I love reading about your days and how things may not always go as planned, because that is so my life, too! 🙂 Thanks for all your encouragement.
I loved your post. I have been considering homeschooling my 4 children (9,7,5, and 3) and I love seeing how it works for your family. I just wish my hubby could do the teaching part! I would love these books if I win. 🙂
I love these day in the life posts! I would love to win those books!
Glad to hear you are normal! Or at least I am not the only one this happens to!
My Monday didn’t go as planned either! So its ok!
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN YOUR BOOK STACK. My day’s fly bye as well. I am a very hard working mom. Tuesday was filled with rising at 2am (not my doing). I think I just needed time with God and he was helping me accomplishing this. Work from 5am until 3pm. Went home for lunch. Put chicken legs in the crockpot. Fueled the car. Back to work. After work went to due my coupon buys for the week at Meijer, CVS, and RA. Home at 5pm. Made green beans and mashed potatoes. 2 loads of wash and time with the kids, homework, baths and bed.
Love these posts and these book giveaways!
Love your transparency when you post.
Sarah
I always thought ‘S’ was the hardest letter to learn to write and felt bad for kids with ‘S’ names 😉
love your transparency! So refreshing!
Glad you have friends in Nashville who are like family! We all need that when we live far from our family.
Yes, I would love to win the books. Even if I don’t, your post was very inspiring, I am in awe of everything you accomplish in one day.
Thanks for being so authentic in your posts. I would love to read all those book!
Thanks for always being an inspiration and also for the giveaway.
The best kind of day – productive, fun, and filled with family and friends. Thanks for the chance.
I enjoy reading books when I have time! Thank you!
It’s rare that a day goes exactly as planned, but that’s what makes life fun and interesting! 🙂 I’d pick family and friends over laundry any day, too.
Thanks for being a steady encouragement to others!
always love reading your posts! thanks for all your hard work!
I’m reading Green Ember right now. My husband is really great about cleaning the kitchen at night when he can, too.
That’s quite a lot accomplished!
This week has gotten away from me, too. After a quiet night at home last night and a quiet day, I hope to be back on track!
My sweet husband cleans up the kitchen for me in the evenings on a regular basis even though he has been at the office all day and I have been home. Some days he just knows that I am ‘done’ from all the chores and errands I had to get finished.
I admire how you can just go with the flow and not sweat the little things.
Thanks
I like books.
Wow, sounds like you had a great Easter. It is always great to spend time with other families.
Love your blog! Would love to win these books.
I love how you always seem to have pretty flowers on your kitchen table.
Would love to get back to more reading with these books!
Love reading your posts! And love Chuy’s!
Love these posts. Love your honesty and seeing that you are just one of us too. Love the tulips too!
I would love to win those books!
Just letting you know, I really enjoy your A Day In My Life posts. And your stack of books look very interesting.
Thanks for the reminder not to sweat the small stuff!
Would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity.
Sounds like you did the most important things!
I enjoy reading your posts!
I would love to win your book stack!
Love reading your updates 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway !
Thank you for your positive attitude!
Our Easter has spilled into the week too. I decided we would take a week off from school and try to finish up some of the little house projects that don’t quite seem to happen (I am 24 weeks pregnant and I think I finally having the nesting feeling and the energy to make things happen!). As a long time reader from even your previous blog, I do enjoy these posts, thanks for sharing them!
Enjoying your blog. Love reading these types of posts! Would love to win the books also 🙂
Thank you for always being ‘real’ and genuine! It’s refreshing 🙂
It’s good to see that others have those kind of days as well. Glad you got to experience Chuy’s. Love that place!
Sounds like a pretty good day to me!
Your day in the life posts are my favorite!
Sounds like a nice day and an even nicer giveaway.
Love how you always keep it real!
Thank you for being an honest blogger whom we can all identify with! 🙂
Hi crystal, I enjoy reading about Morning Time; this is something I want to implement when my child is older. I want to get back on track with my reading goals; thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for posting about your day. It’s fun to see glimpses of what your life is like!
I love your blog. Ty for all the great posts.
I love seeing your day! So fun
I would love to win these things!
Enjoying family and friends time has gone up on your list! I love what I’m seeing and reading!
Aww – the rest of what I typed didn’t go through.
I loved what you posted on Instagram over the weekend. About the notes being nailed to the cross. So real and so true! Thank you for sharing!
I love reading your posts about your family life and your schedule even if those posts don’t appear as scheduled. 😉
I sure do miss good Mexicans food living up North! Sounds like a fun night with friends, family, and yummy food!
I LOVE reading your blog. It’s my daily blog to read. You are full of inspiration. Thank you for all you do!
I enjoyed yhe
I enjoyed the peek inside your day! Always nice to see others don’t have everything go as perfectly planned as it sometimes seems they might!
I am impressed with how much you get done in a day. You mention the difficulties with getting it all done, but I am amazed at how much you do–and how much is intentional and meaningful. It sounds like you have a great husband too, who helps carry the load.
I love posts like this! Your honesty is a blessing as I often feel I need to have it all together, but usually don’t. The way you keep your focus during days that don’t go as planned are definitely a challenge to me as I go about my day.
If you don’t mind me asking, what curriculum are you using for Silas?
We’re using Hooked on Phonics with him. So far, it’s been a really good fit. We tried a few other curriculum choices and they just didn’t work well for his personality/how he learns.
Ah yes the never ending laundry! I’m loving reading real books again, would love to win!
I finally got to my Monday (mailing taxes) yesterday….but I mailed something else important at the same time so it all worked out. Loved Dear Mr. Knightley, would love to read Lizzy and Jane.
I love Chuy’s and would love to win this giveaway!
thanks for sharing!
I would love don’t some new books!
oh yes love that my husband now cleans the kitchen :)! Thanks for sharing.
You are an inspiration! (And, hope I win 🙂
I love it when my husband helps with the kitchen. A clean kitchen seems to make the house feel more organized than it really is…LOL!! My grandma’s favorite saying when I would tell her I was behind on laundry was “it will be there tomorrow.” Sometimes there are moments that are more important than laundry 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your day and let it slide 🙂
I love what you said about your daughter being all about “beautifying all aspects of her life” and how you find it inspiring. Such a great attitude!!
Thanks for sharing your days with us!
i love chuy’s! one of my favorite mexican places in nashville 🙂
Such a fun giveaway! It looks like it was a wonderful day!
My days rarely go “as planned.”
Life is what happens when you are busy making plans. Enjoy your well spent day 🙂
Can’t plan for the fun of life, can we? Happy spring!
Sounds like a great day!
Sometimes we seem to have entire weeks that don’t go as planned. The important thing (as you’ve pointed out) is to give ourselves grace and know that all of the tasks on our to-do list WILL get done…even if it’s a few days later! 🙂
I too have an amazing kitchen helper and I appreciate him so much!
I enjoy reading your blog.
Love reading about your days!
🙂
I’d love to win that stack of books!
l love to read your blog:)
I keep finding eggs that haven’t been found from the bunny.
I love seeing these posts about “A Day In My Life”!!! They are always an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing.
thanks for sharing. I enjoyed reading it 🙂
What curriculum is that?
Would love to win! Most days at my house don’t go as planned, but I’m trying to work on that. 🙂
The same kind if grass grew on my carpet ! Spring must be here 🙂
thank you for always being so transparent on your blog! it is so refreshing to read.
Love it when my husband cleans the kitchen for me too!
I’ve never heard of Chuy’s but it sounds yummy! Love your “Day in my life” posts!
Those are beautiful, tulips are my favorite! !
Thanks for being inspiring!
I love that you are so real with your post and really let us see a glimpse into your life that’s not perfect.
Sounds like you had a fun weekend and start to the week! It’s so refreshing to see your priorities are in order and family time often comes before work! Thanks for a cool giveaway too! I’ve been looking for some new books to read lately, but haven’t been able to get to the library recently with some busy schedules.
I love the checklist idea- we’ve been using it and it really helps my kids stay on task 🙂
your a good mother…..
Sometimes I am overly optimistic about my plan for the day!
Sounds like a wonderful day!
your a good mother……
I’m thinking Spring…those tulips are beautiful. My favorite!
I love the “day in my life” posts, and would really like to read the Imagination Station book with my kids.. I think they would love it!
We love Chuy’s!
It sounds like you are settling in to life in the South – and enjoying wonderful new relationships!
I am amazed at all you get accomplished each day!! You are an inspiration!
I enjoy your blog and visit everyday. Thank you for a chance at a giveaway!
Sounds like you had a good day nonetheless!
I always enjoy your ‘day in my life’ posts. I especially like your ability to capture the small moments!
Tulips make me so happy! 🙂
Sometimes things, or people!, are just more important than laundry! 🙂
I love reading your ‘day in my life’ posts. Thank you for sharing.
Pick me!
I love you honesty. Thank you for that and your blog.
*your* honesty.
A good reminder to not stress too much when my day doesn’t go completely as planned!