Crystal Paine Show

I loved this conversation with Peter Mutabazi -- a single foster dad who has such a heart for kids. In this episode, he shares a little about his heartbreaking but also inspiring story of being abused by his dad as a boy and finally making the decision to run away -- having no idea where idea where he would go. He ended up living on the streets near a bus station for a few years until one man walked into his life and changed everything. 

You will want to not only listen to what he shares of his story on this episode, but you'll also want to get a copy of his book, Now I Am Known. I left this conversation so convicted by his passion for others and how one person can make such a difference in another person's life.

In This Episode

[00:35] – I announce today's guest, Peter Mutabazi.

[01:04] – Peter gives us some background information about himself.

[01:42] – Learn a little bit about Peter's childhood.

[03:30] – Peter discusses his reasons for running away from home when he was ten.

[04:41] – When was Peter finally able to escape survival mode?

[06:18] – Peter shares about getting an education.

[08:32] – I discuss the title of Peter's book.

[10:37] – What can a parent do to foster worth and value in God within children?

[13:36] – Peter touches upon how to get where he is today.

[15:23] – How did Peter decide to start fostering children?

[18:24] – Peter has fostered 27 children in five years!

[19:45] – Peter gives advice to prospective foster parents who are scared to pursue it.

[23:08] – I love how Peter says that birth parents are my ally, not my enemy.

[24:12] – How does Peter reconcile the brokenness in the world with God?

• Books
• Now I Am Known: How a Street Kid Turned Foster Dad Found Acceptance and True Worth by Peter Mutabazi
• Other Resources
• 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Are you tired or feeling overwhelmed as a mom? In this episode, Rachel Norman shares what she has learned about setting healthy boundaries. Rachel is a mom of five and the author of If Mama Ain’t Happy: Why Minding Healthy Boundaries Is Good for Your Whole Family.

As Rachel shared about what boundaries are to her, I had some aha moments in my own life as she has a very different perspective on the word “boundaries” than I’ve thought of before. I hope this conversation encourages you to rethink what boundaries would allow you to thrive and be the best version of yourself you can be!

In This Episode

[00:34] – Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:36] – Rachel shares about her transformation of heart.

[08:13] – What did it look like for you to uproot that system that was propelling you in a dysfunctional way?

[11:55] – Rachel reflects that when you start to realize some things that are not good for us are also not good for them.

[13:15] – How did you break free from when you had set up this system? How did your family react?

[19:20] – Talk to us about boundaries and how you would define them.

[23:02] – Where would a person start setting up boundaries?

[27:00] – Boundaries are the foundation for what is going to allow me to live life at my best.

[32:06] – I love that you are taking the word boundaries and making it something different than I’ve thought of it before.

[33:29] – What happens when you set a boundary and then realize that it isn’t working?

• Books
• If Mama Ain’t Happy: Why Minding Healthy Boundaries Is Good for Your Whole Family by Rachel Norman
• Special Mentions
• A Mother Far From Home
• Other Resources
• 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

After 17+ months of fostering D, lots of court dates, and much due diligence on the part of DCS to make sure there was no biological family who could take care of him (his mama loves him so much but cannot care for him due to all his ongoing medical needs), the judge granted TPR last week and his case will be officially moving to adoption once the 30-day appeal period is up.

We have been busy getting extensive paperwork filled out from all his therapists and specialists and doctors (he’s currently regularly seeing/working with 12 different doctors/therapists). This is something required before the adoption can move forward.  We have a few other things to do on our end but hope to have that all wrapped up in the next few weeks. And then it will be just a few more steps before we get a date for his adoption!! 

DCS is hoping our adoption will be official by Thanksgiving! We are hopeful, but know that it could be longer and we want to be patient.

There are so many emotions in all of this. We love this boy more than words can express and are so thrilled and humbled we get to be his forever family.

At the same time, our hearts grieve so much for the loss he and his family will forever experience as a result of this adoption. We are grateful we can continue a relationship with his mama and that he will grow up knowing how much he is loved by his birth family. This is a gift and one we are deeply thankful for, but we know there will also always be sadness and loss in this.

Thank you to each of you who have been such huge supporters and encouragers as we’ve walked this unexpected journey toward adoption. We can’t wait to get to introduce you to our sweet boy very soon. I have so many videos of his full face grin and laugh that I’m so excited to share with you! In this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, we share more about this process and our thoughts surrounding it, plus we talk about why goal-setting might not be working for you, REM sleep and sleep-walking, and a documentary and a movie we watched recently.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[00:58] - It was a big week for us with a lot of big feelings.

[09:57] - Jesse and I watched an interesting movie and documentary recently.

[15:50] - We got an email recently regarding an interesting response about REM sleep and sleepwalking.

[18:07] - How do I actually follow through with goal-setting?

[21:44] - I sometimes think we look at what someone else has set as a goal and we think that's the only way that goal setting works.

[22:25] - Start with one simple goal.

[23:52] - Pick a goal that excites you.

[26:56] - It's not enough to just set a goal. Here's what to do next...

[28:52] - Make sure you are celebrating the mile markers.

[31:04] - One good habit can breed into another good one.

• Books
• Jon Acuff
• The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
• Special Mentions
• Cave Rescue, a movie
• Thirteen Lives, a movie
• The Rescue, documentary
• Pomodor App
• Teaching Your Kids to Set Goals Ep 174
• Other Resources
• 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Do you struggle with kids who get easily irritated or have angry outbursts? If so, you don't want to miss this episode of The Crystal Paine Show where I interview David Thomas, therapist, dad of three, and author of Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On for Life.

In this episode, he shares some of the biggest struggles boys are dealing with right now and how we can best walk with them through these. He gives so much practical advice and strategies you can start using immediately. I have mulled over this episode again and again after we recorded it and have changed how I approach a number of interactions with my kids as a result. This 30-minute episode is packed with inspiration, encouragement, and hands-on tools for all parent -- or anyone who interacts with kids!

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[03:15] - David shares how he got started as a therapist and what led him down that path.

[05:34] - Since you've been doing this for a long time, have you seen a shift in what parents are struggling with and what teens are struggling with?

[06:38] - Do you feel there is a reason for that? What's at the root of that?

[13:09] - What does it mean to be emotionally strong?

[20:09] - How do we, as parents, set an example for our kids when we're feeling so frustrated?

[23:46] - Moms often feel like, "If I admit to my child that I don't have it all figured out, I'm somehow failing them."

[27:42] - I would love for you to speak to that mom right now. She is feeling like it's too much, it's too overwhelming. She feels she doesn't have what it takes. She doesn't know what to do with her child.

[31:36] - There are so many tools in this book, not just tools for your son, tools for you as well.

• Books
• Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas
• Strong and Smart: A Boy's Guide to Building Healthy Emotions by David Thomas
• Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World by Sissy Goff
• Special Mentions
• Raising Boys and Girls
• Other Resources
• 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Christina wrote in and asked: "I was wondering if your older children set their own goals and if they do, what does that process look like? I have a 9 and 6 year old and I would love to help them define small and large goals for themselves but I'm not sure how to translate my personal and business goal setting process to something that is exciting for younger children."

In this week's episode of the podcast, we share some of our thoughts on helping our kids set goals, inspired by Christina's question. We share how we've approached goal-setting with our kids and some ways to help them be inspired to set goals and ideas to help them take ownership of their goals and follow through with them.

We also share about books we're reading, something new we learned this past week related to sleep, and something that helped fix a skin issue I was having.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:14] I taught Jesse something new this week. Have you heard of this?

[08:12] Blistex’s medicated lip balm is what is saving my life this week.

[08:22] Jesse's book update.

[10:50] A book I've been loving.

[15:33] - Today’s podcast inspiration comes from a listener.

[16:19] - The first step to helping your children set goals is to model it for them.

[19:56] - We had lots of conversations involving them and talking about it conceptually.

[21:44] - Recognize their interest, their personality type, and what is going to motivate them.

[25:41] - Sometimes it's just like a little bit of challenging them and providing encouragement that you think they can do more.

[26:51] - And finally, be their cheerleaders.

[27:30] - Celebrate the progress that they make. This can fuel their desire to do even more.

• Books
• Rising Tiger by Brad Thor
• Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas
• Special Mentions
• Our Goals for the Fall
• Other Resources
• 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Since it's the beginning of a new school year for us, Jesse and I sat down and shared some of our new mid-year goals that we each set for our fitness, family, and personal lives.

If you need a little inspiration to set some new goals or to get back up on the goal-setting wagon if you've fallen off since January or are just curious what we are prioritizing for the next few months, be sure to listen to this episode.

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:56] - We are very much in back-to-school mode here.

[02:39] - My reading update and another five-star book for this year.

[04:53] - I'm loving this water bottle.

[06:43] - Are you ready to talk about goals?

[07:09] - I think when you set a goal, it needs to be something you can measure. So, it's not a goal if there's not a finish line.

[07:29] - We're going to start out with health and fitness goals.

[10:04] - Most of Jesse's goals could be considered workout goals in some way.

[12:04] - I'm cracking up because mine and Jesse's goals are the complete opposite.

[17:09] - My biggest priority is a healthy baby and a healthy mom, so I'm giving lots of grace.

[18:13] - We're also prioritizing relationships and community. We are actively working towards building more community.

[20:46] - In addition to community, consistency with meal-prep and family meals.

[22:34] - For the business goal, I have one book-launch related goal.

• Books
• Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen
• Special Mentions
• My Goals for 2022
• Simple Modern Water Bottle
• My Father's World preschool
• 30-day Postpartum Workout Plan
• Other Resources
• 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

This is the podcast episode so many of you have been waiting for! We not only share about Micah's birth -- which ended up being my easiest, least-eventful, and quickest birth of all of my births -- but about some of the unexpected events leading up to the birth and the eventful day of the birth (including a toddler poop explosion and half the family leaving for a baseball tournament!)

Jesse and I didn't talk about what we were going to share ahead of time, because I wanted this episode to be very raw and unedited so we could have a record of our fresh thoughts about the birth to share with Micah someday when he's older. So we hope this is like just sitting in our living room and chatting with us as we share our thoughts and feelings and perspectives on this big occasion in our family.

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[00:57] We are sharing Micah's birth story today.

[02:43] - I had multiple sonograms, leading up to the birth and we made the decision for me to be induced.

[04:47] - Jesse and I both prayed a lot in the two weeks leading up to my induction date that I would naturally go into labor.

[04:54] A week before the induction, baby D got really sick.

[09:22] Another reason we prayed I would go early was because of an upcoming tournament.

[11:16] I have a highlight on my Instagram profile about the whole experience before and during called “My Birth”.

[13:54] My hope was for it to be as natural as possible and to be fully present.

[16:36] Always advocate for what you need at the hospital.

[18:40] - I was present, aware of everything that was going on, talking in between contractions.

[19:29] - It felt like natural contractions versus Pitocin contractions. And that was such a gift because in between contractions, there was almost zero pain.

[21:51] I was trying to focus and rely upon the Lord through some intense contractions.

[22:20] Jesse and I joke about the men’s perspective of birth.

[23:27] I still didn’t feel ready to push.

[25:04] My preferred birthing method is always on hands and knees.

[27:20] - It was this surreal moment when he came out because I was thinking, I didn't feel like he was ready to come out and there he is.

[29:59] - So instead of us admiring our beautiful brand-new baby, we're trying to figure out what to do about this poop explosion.

[31:20] It was such a wonderful birth experience, especially after a rough pregnancy.

• Kierstyn’s Birth Story
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [email protected]

In the middle of May, I went in for what I thought was just a routine weekly ultrasound, but there were some significant concerns about the baby’s movements/activity.

Within an hour, they were prepping me for the very real possibility of a c-section that day. (Starting steroid shots, no eating/drinking, admitting me to the hospital, etc.)

I was by myself and it felt very surreal. So many things to process all at once. So many details to try to work out. And so much concern for our sweet baby.

This whole pregnancy has been a real test of faith and endurance for me. There have been many unexpected bumps in the road. Many things I’ve never experienced (so much bleeding and spotting, so much more nausea, low-lying placenta, the possibility of placenta previa, transverse baby, fibroids, etc.).

Over and over again, I’ve had to stop and release my desire for control and my need to have a plan. It’s required me to continually open up my hands and say, “God, help me to trust You and walk by faith — even though there is so much uncertainty for what the future holds.”

By the grace of God (and many answers to prayer!), baby started moving much more normally and after 24 hours of monitoring + a lot more testing, I got to go home from the hospital to keep the baby inside for a few more weeks. (My OB and specialist believe baby was just in a really deep sleep cycle during the initial ultrasound but we are monitoring and testing very closely to make sure baby continues to move/act normally and not in distress).

I don’t know what the future holds for this pregnancy. Our goal is for me to make it to my scheduled induction at 39 weeks (just two more weeks!). But I’m just living one day, one week at a time right now — seeking to make the most of it, continuing to release my desire for control to the One Who knows the end from the beginning.

We never know what a day might hold, but I’m grateful to know the One Who holds the whole world in His hands.

Jesse and I sat down and recorded a podcast about this experience sharing more details, things we learned, blessings in the middle of it, and also what you can expect for the next two months for the podcast. Click on the link above to listen to it.

P.S Thank you to @kathrynnepaine for staying the night at the hospital with me so Jesse could be at home with our littles! And to @isabel.nestor for coming to keep us company!

“Start where you are.” Such a short statement but it has such a huge impact.

In this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Bob and Linda Lotich, authors of their new book Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact, talk about how they’ve made Sabbath a priority in their home and lives and how to just start where you are.

In this age of busyness when we all have a lot on our plates, is Sabbath rest even possible? If so, what would that look like? We delve into what it looks like for Bob & Linda and how we all can find ways to practice it in our own lives — even if we have a very full schedule.

We also talk about how this practice is more about our hearts and releasing our sense of control and micromanaging our lives and instead resting in Jesus.

Bob and Linda share their experiences, what they’ve learned, how this practice has deeply impacted them, and struggles they have encountered along the way. I hope this episode inspires you with ideas for how you, too, can implement a regular practice of Sabbath in your own life and what that might look like for you.

[00:34] – Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:28] – Bob & Linda introduce themselves.

[04:57] – How did you recognize there was a need for Sabbath?

[05:57] – Bob talks about how hard it was to take a break for a week the first time.

[07:05] – Did it shift something in your soul when you took time off?

[09:20] – Bob and Linda explain how they set up and delegate when taking off time.

[10:45] – What can someone do if they don’t have the luxury of taking a full month off or even a week off?

[13:05] – Linda shares that what you can do is make your time count and be intentional.

[14:28] – I read a snippet from Simple Money, Rich Life.

[16:42] – How do you practice Sabbath when you have young kids to take care of?

[18:20] – Bob and Linda share what Sunday Family Day looks like.

[20:12] – We talk about the advice they would share with a couple who may not be on the same page.

[23:40] – The question to ask is, “What does this look like for each person?”

[24:12] – How have you invited and talked to your kids about Sabbath?

[26:12] – Linda and Bob unpack what it means to live the lifestyle of the Sabbath.

[29:19] – We discuss one practical step that you can take to help you rest in Jesus.

• Links & ResourcesBob & Linda Lotich, Seedtime
• Books
• Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact by Bob Lotich
• Love-Centered Parenting by Crystal Paine
• 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

I hear from so many moms who ask for suggestions on how to help their teens develop a closer relationship with Jesus. So I'm excited to have Angelia Perritt joining me in the studio for this conversation. She has three daughters and she just released a beautiful new bible called, Young Women Love God Greatly Bible.

In this week's episode, we start by talking about how we can cultivate a relationship with Jesus ourselves as moms. Angela and I discuss some practical ways for us to study the Bible and take what we read and apply it to our daily lives. What if you have questions or doubts? Angela addresses that, too.

We then talk more about ways to encourage our teens to trust in God's faithfulness and that following Jesus doesn't mean they'll always get everything right and how we can show grace as they wrestle through what they believe. I especially loved what Angela shared about creating a safe space for our kids in our homes and in our relationships.

I hope this episode inspires you with ideas and encouragement. And I'd love to hear what tips or advice you would add!

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:12] – Angela shares a little about her background and family and talks about putting together this Bible

[05:46] – I think there are so many teens right now who are really questioning the existence of God and also the goodness of God.

[06:35] – How do you wrestle with this, with your girls?

[09:06] – Could a girl who has no exposure to the Bible pick this one up and understand it?

[13:16] – Have you always known how to study scripture?

[15:37] – Angela shares how she is instilling the love of God in her home and with her family.

[17:31] - Angela gives advice on taking the time to reading God’s word.

[21:00] – What encouragement do you have for a mom, who is seeing her teenager struggle?

[24:40] – How do you cultivate that safe space?

[26:30] – What is the one thing you would want to tell the mom who has heart for God?

[29:40] – You can connect with Angela on her website, Love God Greatly.

• Links & Resources
• Love God Greatly
• Books
• Young Women Love God Greatly Bible by Angela Perritt & Thomas Nelson
• Love-Centered Parenting by Crystal Paine
• 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
• Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
• MoneySavingMom.com
• My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com

Do you have kids who love science, technology, or STEM-related activities? If so, you might want to check out CodeSpark Academy — an online program that teaches kids ages 5-9 how to code and use critical thinking skills.

CodeSpark is the #1 learn-to-code app, teaching kids the ABCs of coding and basic computer programming skills — all without having to know how to read!

Based on research-backed curriculum from MIT and Princeton, this highly-rated educational app features hundreds of activities and games designed to teach kids the fundamentals of computer science and introduce them to the world of STEM.

In additional to learning how to code, this app also teaches basic problem-solving and logical thinking skills, encourages profound creativity, instills persistence and resilience, and boosts confidence in kids.

Better yet, the games are so fun to play, most kids won’t even realize they’re learning while playing!

When you sign up for your first FREE month of CodeSpark Academy, you get:

• Unlimited coding challenges
• New skills every week
• Hundreds of educational puzzles
• Unlimited access to their creativity suite

Right now CodeSpark Academy is offering our readers/listeners an exclusive deal to get a FREE 30-day trial! Typically, you only get a free 7-day trial, so this is a really great opportunity for your kids to try it out and see if they like it!

Note: When you take advantage of this offer, you’re signing up for auto-renewal at the regular price of $9.99 per month. If you love the program after your free trial, you can continue. If you want to cancel after your free trial, just be sure to cancel the auto-renewal in your account to avoid getting charged.