The past few weeks have been fun and full! Silas and Kaitlynn started off the year with going to overnight Back-to-School Camp (Kathrynne didn’t get to go because she was sick — she was so disappointed!) This was a picture of Silas right before he left!
And this was a picture of him at camp after one of the activities! Our good friend, Isabel, was one of the seniors helping lead the camp, so she sent me daily updates and pictures!
First official day of school for these three!
We have a Junior, Sophomore, and 6th grader this year — and they are all at the same private Christian school again together, which they are excited about. I love how much they enjoy each other… even if they also sometimes get on each other’s every last nerve.
Also: yes, our Sophomore (Kaitlynn) is the tallest, but she also has on platform Converse in this photo. 😉
One of my greatest joys in life is being mom to these three. Even on the hard and hormonal days, I love them so much. I’m excited to see what God has in store for them this year and am looking forward to all of the memories to be made, the growth to be had (spiritually, emotionally, and physically — we’re still holding out hope that Kathrynne’s growth spurt is coming ;)), the lessons to be learned, and the character to be developed.
Here’s to a new school year and seeing more of God’s gift and grace and goodness in all of it!
Soaking up the cuddles with this sweet boy!
She is always hugging and kissing him and taking care of him. It’s the sweetest!
Kierstyn has been loving our lunch and Little House (we’re listening to the series on audiobook)
She “read” our book to him after she and I read it together!
Guess who got to come for a visit?? Champ!
He is growing up so much and thriving! We got to take care of him three days over the past week and it was the BEST!
When our kids come home from school every day there are always squeals and laughter as everyone is reunited again!
Silas and a few friends started a little business selling rainbow loom band bracelets. They had a table at the high school football game and it was quite the hit!
I got to have a Zoom call with a group of women who have been doing a book study on Love-Centered Parenting. It was so encouraging to me — and they ended our time by asking if they could pray for me! That touched me so much!
Whenever I need to be reminded that there is still hope, that miracles still happen, and that a story is still being written, I look at this girl.
10 years of infertility. Doctors and medical tests saying it wasn’t possible. But here she is.
Her middle name (Michaela) says it all: “Who is like God?”
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A huge thank you to @brigettebillupsphotography for gifting us with these @littlebig_shots of Kierstyn. I wish I could share the amazingly gorgeous shots she took of Baby D, too! They are pictures I will cherish for years to come!
I wish you could witness the beautiful relationship that these two have. It’s almost twin-like. They care so much for each other and just LOVE being together!
He continues to make progress in therapy!! Little bit by little bit, he is getting stronger and more mobile!
They both love Baby D so much! It is adorable to watch them care so much about him and try so hard to be gentle towards him.
We got to go meet up with two of my sisters in North Carolina over Labor Day weekend. My nephew was excited to read his very first book to me!
Kierstyn enjoyed watching the cousins play together!
“If 20 years ago, you could see who you’ve become, you would be so disappointed in yourself.”
The blog comment went on to recount how this person was so disappointed in me themselves and how I’ve changed.
While the comment was likely meant to be harsh, it actually encouraged me so much. Because it actually caused me to stop and contemplate how much I’ve changed and how grateful I am for the joy, freedom, and deep fulfillment I have now that I didn’t have 20 years ago. In fact, if I could have known then how much peace and confidence I would have now — I’m pretty sure I would have wanted to fast forward to here!
It’s not uncommon that I get these types of comments — in fact, it’s almost daily that someone writes in to say they are offended, bothered, or upset by something I said or did or didn’t say or didn’t do. And as someone who puts her life out on the internet, I respect others’ rights to give feedback. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s the beauty of the internet — there are a million flavors of tea to choose from!
Negative comments and critical feedback used to really get under my skin, bother me, and eat at me. It took enormous emotional energy and almost pushed me to quit blogging multiple times.
But the more I have been on this journey of understanding how much I am loved by God and living in confidence in His love for me, the less I have needed the approval or accolades of others. And it’s allowed me to see past the negativity or criticism to see a person who is hurting, wounded, weary, and/or discontent. It’s given me a newfound ability to respond in kindness and compassion when a response is needed. To not be offended but to moved to pray for this person and pour love on them instead.
As Charles Martin says: “Only Jesus gets to tell you who you are.”
When I listen to His Voice of Truth, I don’t have to worry about or pay attention to what others think. I can let unkind comments and critical remarks roll off of me because I know who I am in Christ and I know that I am redeemed, loved, chosen, forgiven, and beautiful.
“Only Jesus gets to tell you who you are.” There’s so much freedom and joy and REST there!
JR Davis says
Keep up the great work you do. I will say this and that is so many need to stop reacting to everything and pause and ask the Lord can I do to offer encouragement to another. We all have change in our lives and to me these days to many get offended over anything. Sometimes we all need to examine our hearts and thank the Lord for his goodness and lean on him.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for sharing — so much wisdom in this comment!
Nicole says
Wow!?!? You’d be ashamed that you worked hard to provide a nice life for you and your family and are now able to help others? That you have a public forum to share your faith/God’s love?
Wow…I mean, I think you’d be happy to see who you are and what God has used you to do. God bless you and hopefully you’ll be seen as an inspiration to the naysayers. Let God’s light shine through your life!!!
JT says
20 years ago me would be disappointed in me right now. And that is a VERY good thing. I’ve grown in so many ways! 20 years ago I had 2 children and I thought I understood so much. Today me is a mother of 5 who struggles daily. I hope 20 years from now me knows more, does more and is a little disappointed in today me too! I hope I learn new things, change my attitudes about things I’m not even aware are a problem right now and I hope I love even more fiercely than I do now! I hope I can look back 40 years into the past and realize that, that version of me was doing her best and thank goodness the best can get better! Keep looking to Jesus, Crystal. Keep listening to what he is telling YOU! Keep loving all of your children, keep writing love notes to your husband and keep making time for your own growth and self care. I’m proud of you for 20 years of growth. I hope you keep sharing with us when you are a Money Saving Grandma and you can caution us not to buy ALL of the cute things we see for the grandbabies! (or at least help us find great deals on the things!)
Crystal Paine says
I love this! And thank you so much for your encouragement!
Jenn says
Hi Crystal. Thank you so much for your kind reply and forgiving attitude towards that negative comment. I’m shocked someone would say something like that. I fail to understand why people feel a need to tear down and hurt others. I have been following your blog since Silas was a baby and I deeply admire the changes and growth you have made. I love how you are always trying to learn and improve yourself and help others along the way. You have made a difference and continue to inspire to me. Keep up the great work!
Kasia says
Can this little girl of yours be any cuter? Don’t think it’s possible!
Amanda says
I love these updates so much, and I also wanted to say that if 20 years ago, you could see who you’d someday become, you would be so proud of yourself. Your confidence has improved tenfold since the early days of the blog, and it’s been beautiful to see. I hope the positive comments far outweigh the negatives. Yours is the only blog I continue to consistently read most every day after many years of reading… thank you for all the years of giving of yourself to all of us readers.
Chris says
Totally agree with every word Amanda said. 👍
Crystal Paine says
Oh wow! Thank you so much for being a long time follower! That means so much!
Patti says
What a wonderful post. The pictures of the babies are just priceless!!!! You have a beautiful family and you can just tell how happy you all are!!! Thanks for sharing and please know how much it is appreciated. I was grinning the entire time 😊. Simply adorable 🥰
Crystal Paine says
Aw! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!
Gina says
“Only Jesus gets to tell you who you are.” I cried reading this. I very badly needed to hear this today. In my mid 50’s and still struggling to get over the hateful comments from well meaning folks. This quote will be cherished by me and I am not even a Christian by faith. Your life is a shining example of a true, good soul. Keep going. You never know how many lives you have and will be impacting in a good way. Blessings to you and your family.
Crystal Paine says
It was such a powerful quote and I couldn’t help but not share it!
Julie says
These posts always make me smile! I love them and I think you and your family are amazing. You encourage and inspire me. Thank you for sharing! I don’t know what that commenter is referring to..but like you said, it’s ok!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you for your encouragement!
Wendi says
These are my favorite posts!😍
Crystal Paine says
I’m so glad you enjoy them!
Akaya Kitchen says
I love this update! Thank you for sharing these sweet intimate moments, they are so inspiring and encouraging!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you for your encouragement!
Adrienne says
I have followed you for years and this post gives me such joy. Praise God for His blessings on your family. So fun to see Champ come for a visit. Such sweet friendship!
Crystal Paine says
We are so grateful his mama has been so kind to allow us to continue to be involved in his life! It is a gift!
Julia says
I love this post! It took me a long time not to worry about what others thought of me and the decisions that I made that I thought were the best or right for me. I’ll be 59 on Friday!
Keep in mind a saying that I heard, “Hurt people hurt people.” It puts it all in perspective when someone is critical and makes a harsh comment.
Crystal Paine says
Yes! It’s a lifelong process! I look back and see how much I’ve learned and grown in the last 20 years and am excited to see what the next 20 years hold!