There’s been a lot going on at our house and in our family. Here’s a little peek into this past week:
He woke up one morning last week and said, “I’m going to make eggs for breakfast. How many eggs do you want me to make for you?” I watched as he then prepared our fried eggs, dished them onto plates for both of us, and came and presented mine to me like this.
This is what parenting is all about — raising adults who are self-sufficient, take initiative, and look for ways to serve. However, you should know that there are many moments where I feel like I’m failing as a parent. It’s the beautiful stories like this that remind me that we are making headway, even if it sometimes feels like 2 steps forward, 10 steps backward.
There was a hair in one of my eggs. Usually, I would gag and throw my plate of food down the sink. But somehow, I was able to just pull it out, throw that section of eggs out, and eat the rest. A mother’s love overpowers even gag reflexes, I tell ya!
{By the way, Silas loves to wear Daddy’s t-shirts to bed. Do your kids ever do that? I did as a child and thought it was the best thing ever.}
This picture is rather fuzzy, but what it represents to me is powerfully clear… Almost a year ago, we moved to TN in a huge leap of faith and obedience. We didn’t really know the why behind it and we didn’t really know what was waiting for us here. But we moved anyway, because we knew that if we didn’t, we would always wonder what we missed out on by staying where it was safe and comfortable.
The first five months were hard. Jesse went through an identity crisis and struggled to believe he had any worth or value.
I struggled to know how to walk through this dark time with him. We wondered if we’d made a massive mistake in moving.
But God, in His amazing grace, brought us to Fellowship Bible Church where Jesse connected with Eric (our campus pastor — who is standing by the camera in this picture). Eric invited Jesse to be part of a Men’s Small Group where Jesse has been welcomed, challenged, poured into, and built up.
I’ve seen him slowly transform from the inside out these past 8 months. He no longer believes he has nothing to offer; he now wholeheartedly knows who he is in Christ and the value and worth he has. As a result, he has more joy and passion for life than I’ve ever seen.
Last week, Eric asked him if he’d be willing to share his story on video for a project he’s working on. As I sat and watched Jesse record the video, my heart felt like it might burst. God is good!
I had a date by myself to Panera. For real. I can’t remember the last time I’ve gone out to lunch BY MYSELF. It was an introvert’s paradise.
Please note the receipt. Yes, only $2.24 for lunch! And that was just for my overpriced cup of coffee (I should have gotten a small or just skipped it altogether!).
I logged into My Panera account the other day to check to see if I got the free coffee all month offer that a bunch of you all said you received (did you get it?). I didn’t have it in my account, but I did have a FREE You Pick Two Meal. Woot!
{I have no idea why I “earned” the free You Pick Two Meal because I haven’t been to a Panera in months. But hey, I’m not going to complain!}
Inspired by this video and the encouragement you all gave me in this post, I did a LOT of laundry last week and ended up getting all caught up on laundry. Which I couldn’t be more excited about!
Apparently, I need to do the laundry more often! In just one load, I found 4 quarters and a $10 bill!!! I’d say that’s much better than finding a wet diaper or food (two things I’ve found multiple times in the past while transferring wet clothes from the washer to the dryer. Yes, gross, I know!)
Kaitlynn had an assignment to write a letter in her language arts lesson last week. She came and handed me this… And there are no words.
I don’t deserve my children’s love — especially after the past few weeks where I’ve had a lot on my plate and have struggled with irritation and lack of patience. I am so grateful for the grace and love that my family constantly extends to me, even when I least deserve it.
Excuse the early morning hair that I didn’t have a chance to do anything with as I was getting everyone out the door for our early morning flight to Maine on Saturday morning {Yes, I didn’t have time to fix my hair but I did put on makeup. Priorities, people!}
Apparently, I was rushing just a wee bit too much as halfway to the airport, I realized that I LEFT MY PHONE AT HOME!
Since I recently missed a flight because security took way longer than usual, I’m a bit paranoid so I didn’t want to turn around to get my phone lest we all miss our flight as a result. So, I’m involuntarily phone-free for 5 days.
It’s only appropriate that I had planned to finish reading Hands Free Life on the plane this morning!! I did panic a bit when I discovered I’d left the phone at home, but I quickly worked through it and reminded myself that it’s just a phone. I lived for years of my life without one. Okay so I was a baby and child and pre-teen during most of those years, but still… Surely I can survive for 5 days!
We headed to Maine with all of my family — my parents, my 6 siblings, and their children (my parents paid for all of us to come as a celebration of their 40th anniversary). All 23 of us are staying in one house and we are loving exploring Maine (we’ve never been to Maine before!).
I got my feet wet in the Atlantic Ocean and had Tim Horton’s coffee for the first time. The ocean here is breath-taking. The crashing waves. The rocks. The lighthouses. I felt like it was the scene from a painting.
It’s cold here. Cold and wet. I sort of wish I would have brought more warmer clothes, but we’ll make do. Our kids thought the ocean was incredible.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t as impressed with Tim Horton’s as I hoped to be. The coffee was just sort of so-so.
Yesterday, we went on a supposedly “moderate” 3 to 4-mile hike up to some cliff overlooks. I’m pretty sure I have a different definition of “moderate”! I would be scared to know what a “strenuous” hike is!! (Maybe I’m just a wimp?!?)
We slogged and slid through areas that had up to a foot of snow and ice. We climbed uphill for almost two hours — mostly through unmarked trail areas, scaling some large rocks in the process — in order to hit both the North and South Cliff Overlooks. But, it was worth it for the beautiful and spacious views at the top!
I am blown away by how NICE and friendly people are here! We met multiple hikers this afternoon and they went out of their way to ask questions and give us helpful advice for other trails/attractions we should check out in this area. We are loving it here and so thankful for my parents gifting us this family trip as a Christmas present!
Brighid says
I’m glad you’re having fun in our northern New England neighbor state! After this winter, when the temp is close to 60 degrees, it’s sandal weather!. 🙂 Enjoy the maple syrup too!
Hannah Beth Reid says
Your trip to Maine sounds like an amazing adventure with the ones you love! Enjoy!
Rachel says
While not a big fan of Tim Horton’s coffee, I MISS their blueberry muffins. I used to get one when we visited Niagara Falls as a kid. Soooo good.
Miriam B says
I love reading your family update posts. You do a fantastic job connecting with your readers!
Sandra says
Congratulations to your parents on 40 years of marriage!!!! Love reading your blog.
Kim says
Thank you for the wonderful update. I really enjoyed reading about your adventure. I am one who received the free coffee all month from Panera. I’ve been there every day. 🙂
Erika says
Yay for Maine!! What a wonderful family time away!!! Having grown up in Maine, I laughed at the Tim Horton/Dunkin Donuts comments. We moved to NJ recently, but after 6 1/2 years in Central Illinois, the thought of you all (as mostly Kansans) hiking in Maine makes me smile!! My dad (a state forester) would be the leader for our youth group’s “moderate” hikes–all day activities with lots of dirty clothes after the climb and especially the descent!!
Katy says
Tim Hortons is not strong like Starbucks, but it’s warm and safe like home! And so affordable. I can take my 2 kids there for a quick snack and some mamma time and leave only spending $5 and all of us are happy and satisfied. It grows on ya, I must say.
Tracy says
Tim Horton’s and Dunkin Doughnuts are the only coffee shops around us. I love Starbucks though. So whenever I go away I locate the closest Starbucks to where I am going; just so I can get my Starbucks fix.
Asheritah says
I teared up at the part where you shared about your husband. It’s so hard to watch when they struggle and not be able to fix it for them. I’m rejoicing with you over God’s provision in your pastor and the men’s group. What a wonderful Father we serve, to take personal interest in our lives!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your sweet words. We are incredibly humbled and grateful!
kariane says
A date by yourself as well as time in nature without a phone or the internet; that sounds pretty much like an introverts dream come true. And that letter — beautiful. What a wonderful week!
Kelly Merrill says
Maine is a beautiful place….please come back when it’s warmer and try Dunkin Donuts coffee….Maine’s coffee of choice. 🙂
Gabriela says
🙂 I hope you enjoyed your time without a phone. For me is always freeing when I don’t have it on. And about Tim Horton….We had it when we went in Canada and I liked it. We bought some coffee beans for my family and us and we all liked it so much that I was about to order some online. But then decided to leave it for next time we visit… 🙂
Kimberly says
Love this post but I am very very surprised that no one else from New England said anything about Dunkin Donut’s coffee?! That is what a true die hard New Englander drinks..Iced, in the middle of a blizzard 😉 LOL! I have heard from my friends that if you get Dunks out of New England, it is just NOT the same…LOL!
I’m from NH but we love going to Maine! If you ever get the chance, come back in the Fall when that hike you went on will be so full of vibrant colors from the season changing! It’s our families favorite time to drive/walk around because it is just so beautiful!!
Thanks for always being real with your readers! It gives me hope to see that there are people who are real out there 🙂
Lisa says
That’s what I was thinking too!! Tim Horton’s is totally a Canadian thing. I know they have them in Northern Maine, but it’s not a New England things at all.
Crystal Paine says
A bunch of people commented about that on Facebook and Instagram, so you’ll be happy to see this picture: https://www.facebook.com/MoneySavingMom/photos/a.475550193226.258436.129449563226/10152927048203227/?type=1&theater
😉
Penni Hill says
As a lifelong Mainer, I must agree! DD has the best coffee… Tim Horton’s is a relative newcomer to our state (a Canadian import 😉 ) and not as tasty at all. 😀
margaret says
we are going to maine for a week in June. Never been. Also a family time. Where in Maine are you? And would love to hear what you recommend when you get back.
Crystal Paine says
We flew into Portland, ME, but are staying in the Sunday River area. So far, we’ve loved every area here!
Karen says
Tim Horton’s is just so-so?!?! Lol. Somebody had to “take offense.” Eh, we all have our preferences, right? For me, Starbucks is too bitter/strong. Glad you got to go on such a fun trip!
Bethany Marier says
This was a great read… and I checked my Panera account and I have free coffee for the month!!!!!! OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That made my night especially since I am meeting a friend for breakfast there tomorrow. I also loved your review on Maine, I’m originally from NH so the beauty of the two are very similar and it reminded me of home, so thanks for sharing. PS I did a weekend without my phone recently (involuntary too) I left it at the office and I just couldn’t muster up the urge to drive back and get it ;-).
Crystal Paine says
WOOHOO!!!!
Jo says
Absolutely LOVE the photo of you on the plane! You have such a sweet spirit. I’d like to read this book one day.
My sister lives in Maine, along the shore. Last visit we spent many hours walking along the shore looking for sea glass. It was very calming and I look forward to visiting there again. Enjoy your time in that beautiful state!
Jennifer says
I have never been to the East Coast at all, but I would love to get there some day. Maine looks beautiful. Family trips are awesome!
Two summers ago my sister got married in Mexico, and my whole family was able to go. We never would have been able to swing it for all 8 of us (9 now!), but my family graciously helped us all get there. Totally worth it. My kids still talk about it ALL the time!
This summer we are headed to Mackinac Island as a family just for a long weekend. I live in Michigan, and Mackinac Island is known throughout the state, but if you’ve never been there, it is a great place. A small island only about 7 miles around the whole thing, and cars are NOT allowed. It is only bikes and horses. It is so cool. It should be on everyone’s bucket list!
Genny says
True! And the stars at night are awesome!
Shelly says
I love seeing the photos from your travels. I enjoy seeing the places others visit but have never even had a want or need to travel. Everyone who visit here says we live in the most beautiful place in the world and while I haven’t traveled much at all I have to agree with them. Maybe that’s why I don’t have the want or need to travel, but I so enjoy seeing photos from others.
It’s so wonderful to hear how God has brought you and Jesse through this that trying time. He is so faithful to us when we listen and follow his calling.
Yeah that you were able to get your laundry done. I know I’m always happy when the laundry is done and put away, even if it only last a day or two.
Beth says
Always love the peak into your life posts! As for morning hair…ha! You always look so young and cute in all of your pictures!
Angelic says
I’m sure people said welcome already but if not Welcome. So sorry its raining. If you ever get a chance to visit us during the fall months please do…if you think its pretty now you will be blown away at the vibrant colors! Oh by the way thank you so much for all the great articles!!
Susan says
Maine is very large geographically but has a “small town feel”. We live in a small town on mid coast Maine. After this winter I can’t wait for some warm weather!
Annie T. says
Welcome to my state!! I’ve lived in Maine my whole life, and trust me, this is warm weather for us. 😉 It’s finally warmed up enough here in the mountains that our three week sapping season closed a week or so ago.
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama says
We used to live near Boston and loved going to Maine to hike. I’m glad you’re enjoying it! My husband was out of town at a conference for the weekend, which always makes things interesting. However, the kids and I had a good time with a soccer game, library visit, church party, and play time. I love rejuvenating weekends!
Ashley Genovese says
I’m so happy I ran into you at The Portland Head Light. We moved to Maine 6 months ago and it still feels surreal that we live in this gorgeous state! And yes it’s cold, but the gorgeous views totally make up for the cold weather we have. Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Mary G says
Maine is chilly but lovely. I especially like visiting out of peak season. My husband spent virtually all his childhood summers there, so we’ve been quite a few times. I grew up in California and so was surprised by the cairns to mark the rocky trails. And I never grow tired of seeing the many little islands off the coast.
Anna @ Feminine Adventures says
Loved getting a peek into your beautiful family life! The rugged scenery is just gorgeous.
And hurray for “memory gifts!” This past Christmas we bought our kids’ season passes to a local theme park instead of a big toy. It’s so fun getting to make memories together all year long.
Guest says
Am I remembering correctly that you used to have a fear of flying or was it just the long flight to Africa? Either way, how did you overcome that?
Maine is on my bucket list!!!
Crystal Paine says
I don’t LOVE flying, but I’ve never really had a fear of it. Which is good because I usually fly at least 1-2 times per month. Flying overseas for 18 hours did make me anxious, but so many people on here gave me such great advice and prayed for me that it wasn’t anything close to as hard as I thought it would be.
Chelsea says
Your Panera date reminds me of the last time I saw you. 🙂
So glad to see that Jesse has been poured into and is able to share his testimony. What an amazing gift. Today’s Proverbs 31 devotion touched on that topic. I was particularly blessed to read it today. I would encourage any of your readers struggling with not feeling like you “fit” anywhere to check it out!
Thanks for the peek!
Kay says
Where could I find that devotion?
Chelsea says
http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/is-there-room-for-me/
There is the link! They post a new devotion every day, I enjoy reading them. 🙂
Stacy @ A Delightful Home says
Wow! It looks beautiful in Maine! And, yes, that hike doesn’t sound like my definition of moderate either!
I think I’d have a hard time leaving my phone at home for 5 days. How funny that you brought that particular book along.
It’s really encouraging to see the journey your husband (and family) has taken this past year. It’s wonderful that he now sees the value and worth he has in Christ.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip!
Reelika @Financially Wise On Heels says
How amazing week you had! Being without a phone (or without internet) can be really strange at first, but it is totally eye-opening for sure. I always take my son for a walk without my cell phone, so I can just focus on him and nice weather. 🙂