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Money Saving Mom

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Saving Families Money Since 2007

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Shared Aug 15, 2020 comment

My Honest Review of The Giver

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My Honest Review of The Giver

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly book update post where I share what books I read this past week + my honest thoughts and star ratings of them.

A Word on My Star Ratings

The star ratings I give the books I read are based on a 5-star rating system. I rarely will ever give a book a 1-star rating (maybe never?), because my philosophy is that if a book is only worthy of one star, I’m more than likely going to quit reading it. 🙂 In the same vein, you’ll also notice that I’ll rarely give a 5-star rating as I reserve those for only my very, very favorite books.

Want to see all of the books I’ve read so far this year? Check out my Good Reads page.

Last week, I finished one book and here is my review…

The Giver by Lois Lowry

It’s rare that I re-read books, but every once in awhile, I enjoy a book enough to re-read it. The Giver was one such book. It’s intriguing and makes you think at a deep level.

I don’t know that “enjoy” is necessarily the word I would use to describe my feelings on it. Maybe “genuinely thought-provoking” would be a more accurate phrase.

Kaitlynn and Silas actually suggested that I read it aloud to them, so that’s actually what motivated me to pull it out. Silas hadn’t read it before and it sparked so many great discussions. And when I ended the book this time, I had a different take on the conclusion than I did last time.

Here’s my review that I wrote when I read the book back in 2017 and it’s still valid:

Finally, I read The Giver for the first time. And you guys, I don’t quite know what to say about this book. At first, I was so frustrated by the ending. That’s it?!?! No! There has to be more!

And then I had to ponder and ponder over the book. I couldn’t get it out of my brain. What am I missing? Why is it haunting me?

The more I pondered, the more I really started to love the book and the powerful way it reminds us that without pain and suffering, we can’t experience emotional connection or truly feel at a deep level. If we took all of the pain away from the world, it would also take away so much depth and the ability to experience life in full color.

I wished I would have read this book with a book club. And I totally understand why some people love it and some people don’t like it at all. Have you read it? If so, I’d love hear your thoughts on it.

Note: This book talks about things that could potentially be disturbing or upsetting to sensitive kids. I’d recommend reading it ahead of time and possibly reading it with them.

Verdict: 4 stars

Picture Book: Pat the Bunny

Jesse’s parents gave Kierstyn this book recently and we’ve loved it. I guess it’s sold over 6 million copies… but I’d never even heard of it! It’s a sweet and interactive book and one we’ve read again and again to the babies in the few weeks we’ve had it.

What have you read recently? I’d love to hear! Tell us in the comments!

Shared Aug 15, 2020 comment

Brigette’s $98 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

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Brigette’s $98 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!

Aldi

1 3-lb bag frozen boneless Chicken Breasts – $5.19

2 cans Chicken Breast – $3.98

1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $1.89

1 pkg 73/27 fresh Ground Beef (5.48lbs), reduced – $8.71

1 16-oz pkg Deli Meat – $2.19

4 bags frozen Broccoli Florets – $3.56

1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.49

1 gallon 1% Milk – $1.27

1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.27

1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.55

1 16-oz carton Heavy Whipping Cream – $1.55

1 32-oz jar Ketchup – $0.99

1 jar Dijon Mustard – $0.85

1 tub Baking Cocoa – $1.19

1 can Parmesan Cheese – $1.99

1 pkg Deli Siced Cheese – $1.29

1 16-oz bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – $2.75

1 16-oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $2.75

1 24-oz Cottage Cheese – $1.59

1 box Cinnamon Crunch Squares – $1.19

1 large box Corn Flakes – $1.18

1 large canister Quick Oats – $1.99

1-lb box Butter Quarters – $1.99

1 jar Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.45

2 Avocados – $1.38

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $1.99

1 Cauliflower – $1.99

1 Seedless Watermelon – $2.89

1 large tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.19

2 pkgs Romaine Hearts – $4.38

1 3-lb bag Lemons – $1.69

1 bunch Bananas ($0.38/lb) – $0.98

1 16-oz bag Mini Cucumbers – $1.09

1 pkg Broccoli Crowns – $1.79

4 cans Green Beans – $1.56

1 pint Grape Tomatoes – $1.09

2 large bags Red Grapes ($0.89/lb) – $3.97

1 Himalayan Salt Grinder – $1.59

1 Garlic Powder – $0.49

1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $2.75

4 dozen Eggs – $2.20

4 single-serving sized Greek Yogurts – $2.36

1 pkg Hot Dog Buns, reduced – $0.25

1 pkg Hamburger Buns, reduced– $0.25

2 loaves Sandwich Bread – $1.34

Total: $92.67

Harris Teeter

6 ears Corn on the Cob – $2.00

2 jars Peanut Butter – $1.98

2 64-oz cartons Orange Juice – $1.98

Total: $5.96

Grocery Total for the Week: $98.63

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Everyone is responsible for making/cleaning up their own breakfasts. Choices include:

Cereal, Oatmeal, Fried/Scrambled/Boiled Eggs, Smoothies, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Veggie Omelets, Fruit

Lunches

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Bananas, Mini Sweet Peppers x 2

Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Watermelon, Cucumbers x 2

Tossed Salad Bar x 2

Leftovers

Dinners

Chicken Gravy over Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Grapes

Hamburgers, Corn on the Cob, Tossed Salad, Green Beans

Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Homemade French Bread, Cauliflower

Dinner at a Friend’s House (I’m bringing Tossed Salad)

Grilled Chicken, Tossed Salad, Roasted Parmesan Broccoli, Creamy Milk Rice

Meatloaf (I mix ground venison and ground beef), Baked Potatoes, Green Beans

Leftovers

Shared Aug 11, 2020 comment

An Update On Our Foster Care Journey

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An Update On Our Foster Care Journey

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

(See more pictures and videos of Champ here.)

A year ago, we were in the middle of our foster care home study and praying for who God would bring into our home for us to love on.

We were at peace about pursuing this path, but we were still apprehensive and wondering what it might mean for our future. There were so many unknowns, so many what if’s, and so many things outside our control.

I look back on this last year and the 5 children we’ve had the privilege to have in our home — 4 for just a very short-term stint and sweet little Champ who has been with us for almost 4 months.

There are still just as many unknowns, what if’s, and things outside our comfort zone. My heart has been broken in a hundred little pieces over the things we’ve seen and witnessed firsthand and the many kids and their stories whom we weren’t able to say yes to. I’ve cried more tears in the last 10 months than I’ve cried in the last 10 years (okay, pregnancy and postpartum probably played a part in that!).

And yet, my heart is fuller and happier than I can ever remember. The opportunity to love, pour into, and nurture has filled me up in the deepest of places. Seeing my husband and kids sacrifice and serve and love so well has been one of the most amazing experiences.

I don’t know what the future holds. I can imagine it will be full of heartbreak and beauty, tears and love, a roller coaster of emotions, and many things I can’t even imagine.

There are many unknowns, but this one thing I know: I don’t regret for one second saying “yes” to foster care. I look at these pictures and think, “We could have missed this.”

In this week’s podcast episode, we talk very honestly about our foster care journey, what we are learning, how it’s been different than we expected, and what has surprised us. We also give an update on how things are going with Champ and answer some of your specific questions related to his placement with us.

Powered by RedCircle

In This Episode: 

[00:36] We are back from vacation and excited to be talking with you!

[01:48] Why packing in tubs saved our lives on our road trip. 

[04:10] How we used them to create a system for keeping everything organized. 

[06:47] Jesse’s Father’s Day present is saving his life.

[10:53] Silas and I are reading The Giver. 

[14:23] Jesse is still reading Near Dark by Brad Thor along with several others.

[15:48] Let’s talk about our foster care journey and share our answers to some of your questions.

[17:51] What did it take to get our home ready for fostering? 

[21:26] How long does the process take? 

[23:23] We have no idea how long we will have Champ in our home. 

[25:46] Why we are okay with the uncertainty that comes with fostering.

[27:19] Learn how we’ve prepared our hearts to have to say goodbye to Champ at some point.

[28:18] Where do children end up if there is no family to foster them? 

[30:36] We have considered adopting a child that we foster but that is not our goal. 

[32:07] What has surprised us the most about fostering? 

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Shared Aug 11, 2020 comment

A Peek Into the Last Week

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A Peek Into the Last Week

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

This little girl brings so much joy to our home. She’s really started talking the past two weeks and it is so fun to “talk” back and forth with her. (Want to see some videos of her talking? Go here.)

Silas had so much fun making this Marshmallow Launcher.

The finished project! (Psst! You can get a great deal on a woodworking kit for your kids here.)

The babies have started really loving being read to! Silas and I have a special singing and reading time together before bed. This past week, we decided to start reading a chapter book during this time, too!

These two sweet babies love to lay next to each other and they almost always hold hands when doing so. It’s just heartwarming to see!

It was our primary elections this past week. Since Kathrynne works for a political consulting group, she was super invested in this election and I loved watching her contagious enthusiasm for the privilege we all have to vote!

After many requests after I mentioned this nail trimmer on Instagram Stories, I finally got a short post written on why we like it so much.

I was honored to get to write the for Jami Amerine’s new book, Well, Girl: An Inside Out Journey to Wellness — and her book came out this week and she sent me a copy + this gorgeous painting that she painted!

Speaking of books, I’ve slowly been reading through this book. I’m really enjoying it!

Shared Aug 11, 2020 comment

Gretchen’s $75 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 5

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Gretchen’s $75 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 5

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Lidl

I finally got to go to Lidl after hearing about it for a while! I was super impressed and excited to see all the great deals they had. It is almost an hour from my house and I didn’t have a cooler with me, otherwise I would have purchased a lot of their refrigerated and frozen items.

1 pack Green Peppers – $1.49

1 bag Roma Tomatoes – $1.29

1 bag Flour Tortillas – $0.95

1 bag Burrito Tortillas – $1.29

1 bag Oyster Crackers – $0.79

1 bag Apples – $1.29

2 dozen Eggs – $0.75 each

Total: $8.60

Aldi

1 lb Ground Beef – $3.39

1 lb Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – $3.99

1 bag Frozen Blueberries – $1.79

1 Value Pack Frozen Tilapia – $1.79

1 bag Frozen Broccoli – $0.89

1 bag Frozen Steak Fries – $1.59

1 bag Frozen Chicken Breasts – $5.59

2 pkg MooTubes Yogurt – $1.29 each

2 Half & Half – $1.55 each

1 gallon Milk – $1.69

1 box Cocoa Rice Cereal – $1.45

1 box Crisp Rice Cereal – $1.39

1 Container Yogurt – $2.69

1 Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.95

1 bag Shredded Cheese – $2.75

1 bag Romaine Lettuce – $2.19

1 can Refried Beans – $0.75

2 boxes Mac & Cheese – $0.34 each

2.87 lbs Bananas – $1.12

1 Spread Butter – $2.29

1 Seedless Cucumber – $0.89

4 Yogurts – $0.25 each

1 lb Butter – $2.66

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.95

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup – $0.50

1 bag Spinach – $1.19

2 cans Green Beans – $0.38 each

1 box Graham Crackers – $0.85

2 Chunk Cheese – $1.45 each

1 can Black Beans – $0.48

1 Italian Dressing – $0.89

1 Chunk Tuna – $0.68

1 loaf Bread – $0.55

1 box Fruit & Grain Bars – $1.35

1 pkg Blueberry Bagels – $1.49

1 pkg Chocolate Chips – $1.69

Total: $66.69

Total for both stores: $75.29

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Toast, Eggs, Bagels, Spinach Smoothies, Yogurt

Lunches

Tossed Salad Bar, Tuna Sandwiches, Turkey Sandwiches, Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Fruit/Hard Boiled Eggs/Crackers, Mac & Cheese, Leftovers

Dinners

Italian Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Peas, Biscuits

Grilled Tilapia, French Fries, Steamed Broccoli

Spaghetti, Green Beans, Toast

Tacos, Chips & Salsa

Bean Burritos, Fruit Salad

Pancakes, Eggs

Homemade Cheese Pizza, Breadsticks

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Shared Aug 10, 2020 comment

My 10 Goals For This Week

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My 10 Goals For This Week

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I was excited to cross almost everything off my list last week! I’m finding myself so motivated by doing weekly goal setting!

Last Week’s Goals

Personal Goals

1. Take 5 morning walks in our neighborhood.

2. Read 10 chapters of The White Rose Resists. Finish listening to Where the Crawdad Sings. (I decided not to finish this book after getting halfway through the audiobook. You can read more why here.)

3. Do pelvic floor exercises at least four times.

Home/Family Goals

4. Finish reading The Giver aloud to the kids. 

5. Go on a date with Jesse. 

6. Go through baby clothes and put away those the babies have outgrown.

7. Get all needed school supplies.

Work/Blog Goals

8. Work on my manuscript edits

9. Make a plan for my Mastermind coaching sessions in August.

Word of the Year Goals

10. Make tea and spend an hour reading a book just for fun.

This Week’s Goals

Personal Goals

1. Take 5 morning walks in our neighborhood.

2. Finish reading The White Rose Resists. Finish listening to Be the Bridge. Read 5 chapters of Fully Alive and You Be You.

3. Do pelvic floor exercises at least four times.

4. Write and mail a handwritten note.

Home/Family Goals

5. Read three chapters of A Boy’s War as a family. Read three chapters of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the babies and Silas.

6. Go on a date with Jesse. 

7. House projects: Organize storage room/go through makeup bag.

Work/Blog Goals

8. Finish my manuscript edits (the edited draft is due back to my publisher on August 17!)

9. Experiment with Reels on Instagram.

Word of the Year Goals

10. Make tea and spend an hour reading a book just for fun.

What are YOUR goals for this week? Tell me in the comments! I’d love to hear and be able to cheer for you!

Shared Aug 9, 2020 comment

Our Trip to the Discount Store in Ozark, MO

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Our Trip to the Discount Store in Ozark, MO

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Remember when we went to the Christian County Discount Freight & Grocery store on our annual lake vacation last year? The girls and I were so hoping it would work out for us to go back again this year on our way back home and we were so excited that it did! We only had about 20 minutes to shop, but we tried to make the most of it!

If you missed my post last year with more details on this store, be sure to read it here.

Basically, they sell a lot of grocery and other household items at discounted prices. Some of the items are close to expiring or are past their sell by date (so you’ll want to pay attention to that!), but there are so many amazing deals to be had!

I didn’t have as much time to dig for deals this time (since Jesse was in the car with the two babies — oh how our lives have changed since last year! I didn’t know that I was pregnant in the pictures from last year’s discount store visit!)

This year, our favorite deals were the $1 lip gloss and nail polish bins. We dug through and found some higher priced polishes — such as Essie and more! Kaitlynn ended up getting 5 different nail polishes for just $5 + tax. When we got home, she looked at how much these would have cost had she bought them at Target and it was over $50!!

Our other favorite deal was their protein bar deal! Last year, they had protein bars 2 for $1. This year, they were 4 for $1 and they had so many different kinds… including RX Bars!!

We ended up buying a lot of snack items for school lunches (we’ll keep them in the freezer until we need them), some lip gloss/lip stick, masks, bandages, cereal, mug cake mixes, and a few more things.

My only regret? I wish I would have bought a lot more of the protein bars because we’ve loved having those on hand and we’ve gone through them a lot faster than I thought we would! 🙂

P.S. For more details on Christian County Discount Freight & Grocery Store, read this post.

Shared Aug 8, 2020 comment

Brigette’s $99 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

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Brigette’s $99 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!


Aldi

1 gallon 1% Milk – $0.78

1 gallon Whole Milk – $0.78

1/2 gallon Orange Juice – $1.59

1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.29

2 5-lb bags fresh Chicken Drumsticks – $4.90

1 2-lb bag Tilapia – $4.99

1 16-oz pkg Deli Meat – $2.29

2 pkgs Turkey Kielbasa – $4.40

1 pkg Turkey Bacon – $1.89

1 jar Table Salt – $0.29

1 pkg Taco Mix – $0.29

1 bag Mini Cucumbers – $1.79

1 carton Baby Bella Mushrooms – $1.09

2 bags frozen Broccoli Florets – $1.78

1 pkg Riced Cauliflower – $1.89

2 pkgs Romaine Hearts – $3.98

2 bags Fresh Green Beans – $2.48

1 3-lb bag Mandarins – $2.89

1 10-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $3.39

1 pkg fresh Zucchini – $1.75

1 large jar Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.95

1 Cauliflower – $1.99

1 bag Spinach – $1.09

1 pkg fresh Broccoli Crowns – $1.49

1 Cabbage – $1.39

1 large tub Organic Spring Mix – $3.49

1 jar Mild Salsa – $0.89

1 3-lb bag Gala Apples – $2.19

2 Avocados – $0.98

1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers – $2.19

1 bag Baby Carrots – $0.79

4 cartons Blueberries – $3.56

1 bunch Bananas ($0.38/lb) – $0.83

2 large bags Red Grapes ($0.89/lb) – $3.98

1 large canister Old Fashioned Oats – $1.99

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $0.75

1 bag Nacho Chips – $0.75

1 bag Veggie Straws – $1.49

1 bag Gluten-Free Pretzels – $1.75

1 pkg String Cheese – $1.89

1 pkg Deli Sliced Cheese – $1.19

1 16-oz bag Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – $2.65

1 16-oz bag Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $2.65

1 32-oz tub Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt – $3.05

5 single-serving size Greek Yogurts – $2.95

1 24-oz carton Cottage Cheese – $1.59

1 can Whipped Topping – $2.45

1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $2.85

1 dozen Eggs – $0.57

Weekly Grocery Total: $99.91

Weekly Menu Plan

Breakfasts

Everyone is responsible for making/cleaning up their own breakfasts. Choices include:

Cereal, Fruit, Oatmeal, Yogurt, Applesauce, Scrambled/Fried/Boiled Eggs, Veggie Omelets, Smoothies, Blueberry Muffins

Lunches

Veggie Straws, Cheese Sticks, Deli Meat, Apples, Carrots x 2

Pretzels with Peanut Butter, Bananas, Mini Peppers

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Oranges, Carrots x 2

Baked Potato Bar, Blueberries, Steamed Broccoli

Leftovers

Dinners

Grilled Hobo Packets, Grapes

Baked Tilapia, Steamed Rice, Green Beans

Hubby Lovin’ Chicken (recipe from Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook), Baked Potatoes, Tossed Salad, Steamed Broccoli

Build-Your-Own Burrito/Taco Salad Bar (Seasoned Ground Venison, Shredded Cheese, Nacho Chips, Tortillas, Shredded Lettuce, Chopped Onions, Chopped Tomatoes from a Friend’s Garden, Plain Greek Yogurt, Avocado, Salsa) Spanish Rice

Spaghetti Carbonara, Tossed Salad, Homemade French Bread, Green Beans

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks, Grilled Vegetable Medley (Zucchini, Peppers, Onions), Mashed Potatoes

Leftovers

Shared Aug 7, 2020 comment

Two Books I Finished & One Book I Didn’t (+ a favorite picture book)

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Two Books I Finished & One Book I Didn’t (+ a favorite picture book)

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Welcome to my weekly book update post where I share what books I read this past week + my honest thoughts and star ratings of them.

A Word on My Star Ratings

The star ratings I give the books I read are based on a 5-star rating system. I rarely will ever give a book a 1-star rating (maybe never?), because my philosophy is that if a book is only worthy of one star, I’m more than likely going to quit reading it. 🙂 In the same vein, you’ll also notice that I’ll rarely give a 5-star rating as I reserve those for only my very, very favorite books.

Want to see all of the books I’ve read so far this year? Check out my Good Reads page.

The last few weeks, I finished two books and here are my reviews…

Show Up For Your Life

This book, by Chrystal Evans Hurst, is written to encourage teen girls to live with more intention and purpose. As the Amazon description says, it’s “a book that empowers young women to appreciate their divinely-created uniqueness instead of comparing themselves to others.”

The chapters are short and easily digestible and the book is packed with lots of stories and practical ways to walk out the lessons it contains. I especially loved how the author was so honest in sharing her mistakes and short-comings.

As someone who has teen daughters and who helps lead a small group of high school girls in our youth group, I thought it was a worthwhile read. Not all of it was relatable currently (it delved into certain things that my girls haven’t dealt with or struggled with yet), but I picked up some words of wisdom as a mom and youth group leader, plus inspiration in my personal life.

Verdict: 3 stars

The Way I Heard It

I’ve never listened to Mike Rowe’s podcast by this same name, but I really enjoyed this book. It shares little known stories of well known people…  but he doesn’t tell you who the individual is until the very end of the story.

In addition, he shares a more personal reflection at the end of each story. These were often my favorite as he’s had such a fascinating life and journey.

Mike Rowe is a fantastic storyteller and I get so personally inspired as a writer just by paying attention to how he weaves words and stories together in a masterful way. I especially loved that this audiobook was narrated by him. I loved some of the sections so much that I had to have Jesse listen to them!

Note: If you’re familiar with Mike Rowe’s show, Dirty Jobs, you’ll know that he tends to be a little crude at times and there was definitely some innuendo in the book. So if that type of thing bothers you, this book is definitely one you’ll want to pass. I’m giving it a high star rating based upon the vibrant storytelling in this book.

Verdict: 4 stars

Book I Didn’t Finish: Where the Crawdads Sing — I’ve seen this book mentioned so many places and it has often been recommended. I made it halfway through the audiobook and just couldn’t keep listening. While I found the story engaging and it was so good to remember that you never know where people have come from and what it’s like to walk in their shoes, I just felt uncomfortable that it was starting to give too many details about intimate scenes.

Picture Book: Goodnight Moon

I thought it would be fun to start sharing some of the picture books we’re reading to the babies. Goodnight Moon was one of Silas’ favorite books when he was little and he was so excited to get to introduce it to them babies.

They love this book already and we’ve read it over and over again. I think this is a perfect book to introduce to little babies because the pictures are so engaging (plus it has some black and white pages), the story is short, and it’s fun and rhyming.

What are your favorite picture books to read to little ones?

What have you read recently? I’d love to hear! Tell us in the comments!

Shared Aug 6, 2020 comment

Our Favorite Electric Baby Nail Trimmers

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Our Favorite Electric Baby Nail Trimmers

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Ever tried to trim little baby nails and found yourself so frustrated because their nails are so tiny and you are scared you are going to cut your baby’s skin? I’ve got the solution for you — electric baby nail trimmers!

When I was pregnant with Kierstyn, my sister gave me these electric nail trimmers and I have fallen in love with them. They are so easy to use, they won’t cut your baby’s skin, and they really work!

Electric Baby Nail Trimmers

These electric baby nail trimmers basically sand down the nails. Instead of clipping the nails and risking clipping your baby’s skin, too, you just turn on the trimmers and sand down your baby’s nails. No more potential cuts or bleeding or hurting your baby!

There are different tips you can use, depending upon your baby’s age. (You can even use some of the tips on kids, teens, and adults!) There are 4 different speeds and it can rotate both ways.

I tested out the trimmers on my skin and nails before using it on the babies and it’s basically impossible to hurt yourself with it. When you turn it on, it easily stops spinning if you put it on your skin.

This would make a great baby gift idea because it’s so practical, it’s inexpensive, and it’s something that can be used for years!

One note: My trimmers didn’t come with any instructions or details in it. So I had to kind of figure out how to use them on my own. But it’s pretty simple and self-explanatory. Just pick a head, put it on the trimmer, and then turn it on and sand down the nail tips until they are down to where they won’t scratch anyone any more! 🙂

What are your favorite baby products? I’d love to hear!

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Shared Aug 5, 2020 comment

A Peek Into the Last Few Weeks (and our family vacation!)

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A Peek Into the Last Few Weeks (and our family vacation!)

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How to get a shower and get ready for the day when you’re taking care of two babies! 🙂

People ask me all the time how I’m doing with having two babies and I think this early morning picture says it all. Life is full, my hands are full, and my heart is so full! (By the way, I’m actually putting this post together while trying to bounce Kierstyn to sleep in the Baby K’tan… it’s rare that I don’t have at least one baby in my arms these days!)

How could my heart not be full when this is an almost daily site at our house!

Silas had another weekend baseball tournament at a town about an hour away (Murfreesboro). We had fans set up with a generator, tents, lots of cold drinks in coolers, and these cold wraps to keep everyone cooled down

Champ has been learning how to hold his head up and roll over!

The babies have started to love having books read to them. Goodnight Moon was Silas’ favorite book when he was little, so it’s been so fun to introduce the babies to this book!

We packed for our family trip in tubs — each person got a tub for the week. This saved so much space in our vehicle and made things much more organized!

Our one out of state trip this summer was to go meet up with my family at Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas. We weren’t sure if the trip was going to happen due to COVID-19, but because of a number of safety measures we put into place, DCS gave us special permission to be able to go and take Champ with us.

Every afternoon during our annual extended family lake vacation, my mom has “Grandma Time” with her grandkids. She teaches them a Bible lesson, they do a craft, have a snack, and do a game together.

Over the past two years, the older grand kids have started helping out. This year, each of the older ones signed up to help out with a craft and/or a snack and then Kathrynne is in charge of games (complete with an elaborate ticketing system and prizes they can turn their tickets in for at the end of the week ala Chuckie Cheese style!)

As many of you know, my mom had some serious health issues last year, including multiple extensive surgeries and skin grafts for skin cancer. She also got really sick with pneumonia in the middle of all that.

She almost didn’t get to come on the annual lake vacation last year. She did come, but she was so weak and sickly that I wondered if she’d make it another year.

This year, at 66 years old, she’s stronger than ever — not only leading Grandma Time, but also skiing and helping with the babies and cooking and looking for ways to reach out and serve all day long.

I know many of you prayed for her last year and I just wanted to tell you thank you, again! I look at this photo I snapped earlier this week and it just reminds me to be grateful for the many gifts it represents.

Her first time in a pool!

They had this sign at the pool! 😉

For details on how we all pitch in on meals and clean up, check out this post.

One of my favorite parts of our extended family vacations: the daily salad bars we have.

On our way home, we stopped by Ozark, MO so the girls and I could go in to the discount store there. (More details on what we bought coming this weekend!)

Jesse’s parents and his sister, Lisa, drove from Kansas to meet up with us so they could meet the babies, too.

I’m so grateful we got to spend time with extended family. This year certainly has made us so much more grateful for this!

A year ago, we were in the middle of our foster care home study and praying for who God would bring into our home for us to love on.

We were at peace about pursuing this path, but we were still apprehensive and wondering what it might mean for our future. There were so many unknowns, so many what if’s, and so many things outside our control.

I look back on this last year and the 5 children we’ve had the privilege to have in our home — 4 for just a very short-term stint and sweet little Champ who has been with us for almost 4 months.

There are still just as many unknowns, what if’s, and things outside our comfort zone. My heart has been broken in a hundred little pieces over the things we’ve seen and witnessed firsthand and the many kids and their stories whom we weren’t able to say yes to. I’ve cried more tears in the last 10 months than I’ve cried in the last 10 years (okay, pregnancy and postpartum probably played a part in that!).

And yet, my heart is fuller and happier than I can ever remember. The opportunity to love, pour into, and nurture has filled me up in the deepest of places. Seeing my husband and kids sacrifice and serve and love so well has been one of the most amazing experiences.

I don’t know what the future holds. I can imagine it will be full of heartbreak and beauty, tears and love, a roller coaster of emotions, and many things I can’t even imagine.

There are many unknowns, but this one thing I know: I don’t regret for one second saying “yes” to foster care. I look at these pictures and think, “We could have missed this.”

Shared Aug 4, 2020 comment

Gretchen’s $72 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 5

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Gretchen’s $72 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 5

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Aldi

2 dozen Eggs – $1.03 each

1 canister Oats – $2.29

1 box Cinnamon Cereal – $1.39

1 Half & Half – $1.55

1 box Graham Crackers – $0.85

1 bag Potatoes – $2.99

1 bag Frozen Chicken Breasts – $5.59

1 box Thin Wheat Crackers – $0.98

1 pkg Tortillas – $1.35

3.58 lbs Bananas – $1.40

1 Applesauce – $1.95

3.66 lbs Red Grapes – $3.48

1 bag Mandarins – $2.89

3 boxes Mac & Cheese – $0.33 each

1 lb Ground Beef – $3.39

1 pkg Taco Mix – $0.39

1 bag Corn Chips – $0.75

4 cups Yogurt – $0.25 each

1 Pasta Sauce – $0.85

1 bag Tortilla Chips – $0.89

1 box Snack Crackers – $1.59

2 pkg Shredded Cheese – $2.75 each

1 bag Frozen Blueberries – $1.79

2 bags Steamed Veggies – $0.75 each

1 can Pineapple Chunks – $0.98

1 can Refried Beans – $0.75

1 lb Butter – $2.66

1 pkg Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – $3.99

2 cans Tuna – $0.68 each

1 pkg Romaine Lettuce – $2.19

1 Ranch Dressing – $0.89

1 pkg Cream Cheese – $0.79

1 bag Spinach – $1.19

2 Seedless Cucumbers – $1.29 each

1 loaf Bread – $0.50

1 pkg Chocolate Chips – $1.69

1 French Baguette – $1.49

1 pkg Tomatoes – $2.19

Total: $72.35

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Bagels (leftover from last week), Eggs, Fruit Smoothies, Oatmeal, Yogurt, Muffins

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Turkey Sandwiches, Cheese Quesadillas, Tossed Salad Bar, Cheese/Crackers/Fruit, Leftovers

Dinners

Grilled Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, French Baguette

Chicken Taco Soup, Tortilla Chips

Sweet & Sour Meatballs, Rice, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Tossed Salad Bar with Chicken, Homemade Bread

Soft Tacos, Chips & Salsa, Refried Beans

Pancakes, Eggs, Fruit

Cheese Pizza, Breadsticks, Tossed Salad

Shared Aug 3, 2020 comment

My 10 Goals For This Week

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My 10 Goals For This Week

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I took the last two weeks off of goal-setting since we were on vacation as a family. It’s good to be back to it… especially as we gear up for the kids going back to school!

This Week’s Goals

Personal Goals

1. Take 5 morning walks in our neighborhood.

2. Read 10 chapters of The White Rose Resists. Finish listening to Where the Crawdad Sings.

3. Do pelvic floor exercises at least four times.

Home/Family Goals

4. Finish reading The Giver aloud to the kids. 

5. Go on a date with Jesse. 

6. Go through baby clothes and put away those the babies have outgrown.

7. Get all needed school supplies.

Work/Blog Goals

8. Work on my manuscript edits

9. Make a plan for my Mastermind coaching sessions in August.

Word of the Year Goals

10. Make tea and spend an hour reading a book just for fun.

What are YOUR goals for this week? Tell me in the comments! I’d love to hear and be able to cheer for you!

Shared Jul 29, 2020 comment

Answering Your Burning Questions

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Answering Your Burning Questions

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You all love it when we do Answering Your Burning Question podcast episodes. It’s been awhile since we’ve done one, so I posted recently on Instagram asking for questions you’d like Jesse and I to answer on the podcast and you had lots of great suggestions.

We went through as many as we could on this episode — including talking about Kathrynne’s new job, budgeting, where we’d love to travel, how we find time for intimacy (this was the number one asked question!), where would we love to travel to, date nights, would we take more foster care placements right now, and much more!

Jesse and I also discuss teaching Kathrynne how to drive, our vacation to Arkansas, the books we’re reading, and how I’m getting in exercise right now.

Powered by RedCircle

In This Episode: 

[00:33] We’re answering your burning questions on today’s episode.

[01:29] RODECaster Pro is saving Jesse’s life. 

[03:26] Why Jesse is teaching Kathrynne how to drive instead of me.

[04:53] This year our big trip is going to Arkansas.

[06:11] Morning walks with the double stroller are saving my life.

[08:22] What we’re reading right now.

[10:35] How did Kathrynne land her first job? 

[14:19] Why did we move to Tennessee? 

[16:02] Learn more about our decision to quit the law firm and work for ourselves. 

[17:44] How we find the time and energy for intimacy. 

[18:59] Do we sit and go over the budget together? 

[20:25] Where do we want to travel together? 

[21:25] What does Jesse make fun of me for? 

[22:54] What are your go-to date nights?

[24:58] Would we take any more foster care placements right now? 

[26:39] How do we build each other up?

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

Shared Jul 28, 2020 comment

How to Have The Best Family Movie Night at Home

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How to Have The Best Family Movie Night at Home

Published: by on   |  This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Why spend a ton of money at the movie theater when you can have an at-home movie night that’s just as fun and doesn’t break the bank? Plan the ultimate family movie night at home with these great tips and tricks!

{Psst! Looking for more ideas for frugal family fun? Check out these Kid Date Ideas, Creative Ideas for Family Fun at Home, and Inexpensive Ways to Have Fun at Home!}

Ultimate Family Movie Night at Home

You will love these Movie Night Ideas for Family

Guest post from Ivana of Find Your Mom Tribe:

Before my husband and I received the coveted titles of Mom and Dad, a weekly night at the movies was our thing. We’d get tickets to the blockbuster of the week, eat overpriced snacks (or sometimes sneak a Reese’s cup in here and there), and have a fab time.

After our kids arrived, however, we had to get very creative with our movie night ideas. At first, when they were babies, watching a full movie in one sitting seemed like a relic of a time gone by.

But now that they are older, we have lots of fun watching different movies as a family – mostly at home, though, since frequent trips to the movie theater as a family of four would definitely break our budget!

Besides, with so many streaming services available, it’s easy to plan a fun family movie night at home. (And if your kids start crying — or worse, fighting — you won’t have to deal with the glares of the entire movie theater).

movie night popcorn in bowls

Family Movie Night Ideas to create the theater experience

Over the past few years, we have really improved our family movie night game and I would love to share some ideas with you! Maybe they’ll become a family ritual in your household as well.

1. Make a concession stand.

Snacks are key for any movie-watching experience! You can always just get some popcorn, a couple of packs of M&Ms, some soft drinks, and call it a day.

But what we do to make it really fun is turn our kitchen into a concession stand! It doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either. I just use some colorful cardboard paper and a Sharpie to make a sign. Bonus points if you have some glitter glue to really kick things up a notch!

Years ago, I bought a few reusable popcorn tubs at the Dollar Store and they’re perfect for this sort of occasion, as they really make the kids feel like they’re at the movie theater.

My husband usually takes charge of running our DIY concession stand and we give the kids Monopoly money to “pay” for their snacks and drinks. (Don’t worry, we’re not as bad with the prices, although you could argue it would be a valuable life lesson!)

As we’re still trying to keep our kids from eating too much sugar, we try and only “sell” healthy snacks and drinks to our kids. The funny thing is, I think we could serve them broccoli like this and they would still eat it since they love role-playing so much.

It’s also important to set some ground rules so that you’re not getting up every 10 minutes to get something from the kitchen once the movie starts.

In our house, we usually take a break when the movie is halfway through so that everyone can get refills and run to the bathroom. Ten minutes is typically more than enough time for the whole family to take a break and gather back in the living room to watch the second half of the movie.

2. Design your own movie tickets.

Since the whole point of organizing a family movie night is to create fond memories for our kids to look back on, I also like to create “movie tickets” to give to the kids that they can hold onto as a keepsake.

Again, it doesn’t have to be anything too fancy – you can draw them by hand and color them with your kids as a fun activity.

But if you would like to go all out (and have a bit of experience using design tools or don’t mind learning), you can use computer software to design and print the tickets.

Personally, I love using Pixlr because it’s free, online (no need to download and install anything), and great for beginners!

With a bit of trial and error, you will get the hang of it pretty quickly and your kids will have really cool tickets to remind them of some great family moments.

If you’re short on time and can’t design your own, you can Google and find some free movie ticket printables to use.

family having a movie night on the couch with popcorn

3. Transform your living room.

One of my favorite movie night ideas is to give your living room a fun (but still reversible!) makeover to make the night even more memorable. We usually blow up our air mattresses, place them on the floor, and cover them either with old blankets or bed sheets.

In any case, I try and avoid the couch for one reason only – our kids are still quite clumsy and if they end up spilling their drink, it’s not as big of a deal on an air mattress. Plus, it’s much easier to get rid of any runaway popcorn or chips!

We also like to get all of the cushions out and arrange them on the mattresses so that everyone can lean back and get a comfy seat.

Or you can make a giant blanket fort for extra coziness! Just get the chairs out of the kitchen, drape them with all the blankets you can find and you’re good to go!

As a finishing touch, it’s nice to hang some inexpensive string lights to create a cozy atmosphere.

4. Take it outdoors.

During warmer months, one of the best at-home movie night ideas is to take it outside, although you might need a couple of extra gadgets for an outdoor movie night, such as a projector.

The good news is that movie projectors are pretty affordable these days and you can use them indoors as well, so it’s good value for money.

This is also a perfect opportunity to invite the neighborhood kids over! Just make sure to tell everyone to bring a foldable chair or sleeping bag with them unless you want to spend days removing grass stains out of blankets.

5. Go offline.

When I say “go offline”, I don’t mean canceling your Netflix subscription and digging up old DVDs and VHS tapes.

Instead, grown-ups should put their phones on silent mode at the very least, although my husband and I make a point of turning the WiFi off on our phones during family movie nights.

Whatever work-related text pops up during those two hours can definitely wait, and all kids deserve to have time with their parents being fully present for the family fun!

Family Movie Ideas

Best Movies for Family Movie Night

My husband and I often use family movie nights as an excuse to rewatch the movies we liked when we were growing up. But our kids end up loving them just the same most of the time, so I don’t feel like we’re in the wrong here!

Of course, we always make room for the kids. I can’t count the number of times we watched Cars and Frozen (I know that my daughter wore her Elsa costume for at least 50 percent of those viewings) and luckily there is no shortage of good kids’ movies coming out on a yearly basis.

When it comes to movie night ideas with kids, you just can’t go wrong with an animated Disney movie or a beloved kids’ classic.

Here are some of our personal faves:

  • Ratatouille – I could watch this story of Remy, a rat who dreams of working as a chef, any day, anytime;
  • Moana – My seven-year-old daughter loves this one and knows all the words to “How Far I’ll Go”;
  • The Lego Movie – If you haven’t watched this one yet, do yourself a favor and do it ASAP! It’s genuinely hilarious for all ages and I guarantee you’ll have the “Everything Is Awesome” theme song stuck in your head for days;
  • Toy Story 3 – Any movie in this franchise is gold in my opinion, but the third installment in this series gets the most rotation in our household which is why I picked it over the others;
  • Wall-E – Way more than just a kids’ movie, Wall-E does an amazing job of teaching little ones about the importance of protecting our environment;
  • Harry Potter – This is a classic that we haven’t introduced to our kids for one simple reason – they’re still a bit too young, but we’re definitely counting down the days until they get to watch it for the first time!
  • Shrek – Any movie with a talking donkey in it is an Oscar-worthy movie if you ask us. On a serious note, though, Shrek belongs to a category of kids’ movies that even grown-ups will fully enjoy!
  • Finding Nemo – Who knew fish could be so funny and heartwarming at the same time? Apart from being a classic, it was my son’s favorite for the longest time, so I couldn’t leave it out.

Family Movie Night Snacks

Healthy snack ideas:

  • Grapes
  • Apple slices
  • Blueberries
  • Carrot sticks or even a whole raw veggie tray
  • Raisins / Craisins
  • Cheese sticks / cheese cubes

Salty snack ideas:

  • Popcorn — duh!
  • Any type of snack mix (chex mix, trail mix, etc.)
  • Pretzels
  • Crackers
  • Peanuts, almonds, or other nuts
  • Beef Jerky and/or summer sausage

Sweet snack ideas:

  • Caramel corn or kettle corn
  • Licorice
  • Gummy bears/worms/fish
  • Skittles
  • M&Ms
  • Milk Duds
  • Cookies
  • Rice Krispie Treats

Family Movie Night FAQs

How do you pick a family movie?

One way to pick a movie is to write suggestions down on little slips of paper and pull one out each week. You could also create a weekly rotation, allowing one person to choose their preferred movie each week.

What do you put in a movie snack pack?

You can customize your movie snacks to your own preferences, but we suggest popcorn, something chocolate, and something gummy.

What do you need for movie night at home for kids?

All you really need is a movie and a comfy spot to sit. Of course, special snacks make it that much more fun — and fun lighting or surround sound can be nice as well. Just keep it simple at first — you can always add more later!

A family movie night at home is guaranteed fun for your kids, even when you’re on a budget. Plus, it creates a warm family atmosphere that makes for wonderful memories later on in life!

Whether you decide to go all out or keep it simple with some snacks and comfy pajama pants, there’s always a way to incorporate fun movie night ideas into your family tradition – and it’s never too late to start!

Ivana Davies is an educator turned stay-at-home mom. She’s a proud mom of 2. Since she didn’t have a clue about raising kids, she had to learn it all in a hard way. Ivana managed to find so much information online and it inspired her to turn to blogging to share her experiences and struggles as a mom. Her blog, Find Your Mom Tribe, is here to help you connect with other moms, as well as to share mom hacks, information, and tools to help you on this parenting journey.