Crystal Paine Show

Have you noticed how in this modern age of social media, people are so easily hurt, upset, and offended? I know that I’ve fallen prey to knee jerk reactions when scrolling online.

In this episode, Jesse and I talk about this book I’m reading by Brant Hansen called Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better. Hansen challenges us to ask the question, “How would it change my life if I chose not to be offended by others?”

Some of you may be thinking, “But how do I even do that? You don’t know what this person has done or said (or not done or not said).” I don’t, but I do know this: We get to choose how we respond. We can’t choose how other people treat us or respond to us or what they say to us or do to us, but we can choose our response.

This doesn’t mean that we let people walk all over us or that we don’t set boundaries, but it does mean that we can choose to either be a victim or a victor. We can choose to either be offended and hurt and upset, or we can acknowledge our feelings, grieve our loss, and choose to forgive.

In this episode, we dive into this topic + we talk about Silas’ recent Science Fair, an early preschool curriculum we started with Kierstyn and are loving, and what’s saving our lives.

In This Episode

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

[01:03] – Today is the first time we have recorded a podcast — in PJs!

[05:58] – Speaking of PJ’s, we are excited to finally be sleeping through the night again!

[08:07] – But that has come with some crazy dreams for me.

[10:11] – What’s saving our life.

[11:31] – Yesterday we made Oobleck, if you haven’t done that with your kids it is so much fun.

[12:28] – We have been getting a lot of kind feedback from our audience.

[12:54] – I read a couple of notes from our audience.

[15:50] – There are no perfect families, no perfect parents, and no perfect children.

[16:29] – Sponsored Ad: Twigby

[18:46] – Today’s topic is inspired by Brant Hansen’s book, Unoffendable.

[20:47] – Years and years of being on the internet has confirmed this: it’s hard to say anything without offending someone.

[22:41] – I feel like there is some much that we can learn from people on the internet. But it’s so easy for a little thing to turn into a really big thing.

[25:43] – We get to choose how we respond.

[27:58] – It’s okay to acknowledge anger, but it’s what we do with it.

[28:08] – Before rashly reacting, stop… take a breath, and really ask God to help us love others well.

[31:31] – Jesse shares a concept about backing away from an issue when you have an immediate emotional response.

• Books
• Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better by Brant Hansen
• Special Mentions
• Homemade Oobleck
• My Father’s World, preschool curriculum
• Other Links
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 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 wish you could pay less for your phone service? Wishing you could figure out how to get access to great service/coverage without having to break the bank?

I highly recommend checking out Twigby!

Twigby is a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices and they are the perfect option for budget conscious families because they are so affordable! They also offer great coverage from the nation’s largest and most reliable network (yep — Verizon!) and have many different options for phone plans.

Twigby has plans starting as low as $9 per month for just talk and text. And data plans start as low as $20 per month (with unlimited talk & text)! Even a cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of data only costs you $35 per month — which is a lot less than you’ll usually pay!

With these kinds of prices, it’s worth checking to see if Twigby might save you money each month on your family cell phone bill — even if you’ve been on a family plan with a provider for a decade!

Get this: The average family that switches to Twigby saves $80 on their cell phone bill, which equates to an annual savings of $960! See how much you could save with Twigby’s handy dandy calculator (click on “compare us” up top!)

Want to give Twigby a try? If so, you’ll currently save 50% off your first six months of phone service! Wow!!

But that’s not all! On top of this already amazing Twigby discount, our readers can also get a $15 credit when you use code FAMILY at checkout during sign-up!

Note: This $15 credit will be applied to your account when you purchase a new phone, get a free SIM card from Twigby with a new service, or bring your own phone to use.

Valid through March 31, 2022.

(And if you’re not completely satisfied within 30 days of activating your service, you’ll get a full refund!)

I recently shared a little bit about prayer on Instagram in answer to a woman's question about praying to change her husband. I got so many responses from what I shared and many followup questions, that I wanted to focus this podcast episode on that topic.

First off, I think we often have a false sense of what prayer is. It's not about bringing our laundry list of things we want changed and fixed to God; it's about a relationship with Him. It's about releasing our desire to control and micromanage life and give it to our Heavenly Father and entrusting our struggles and stresses to Him.

Ultimately, prayer isn't about changing and fixing other people or situations; it's about changing us. I love this quote by Mark Batterson (above) that I recently read in his book, Win The Day.

In this week's podcast episode, we dive more into what prayer is, what it looks like, and why your prayers might not be getting answered (or maybe they are, but you just don't realize it!).

In addition, Jesse and I update you on his anniversary gift that finally arrived, I share two things that are saving my life, we talk about caffeine and teens, and I share about a book I recently finished reading with Kierstyn.

In This Episode

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

[00:48] - Jesse and I talk about decaf coffee and caffeine... and teens!

[02:34] - I introduce today’s topic: prayer.

[03:03] - The thing that everyone is asking about: did Jesse get his anniversary gift?

[04:05] - I share how peanut butter and jelly is saving my life.

[06:57] - We're loving the Water Wow books by Melissa and Doug!

[08:31] - I have a book update for the young kids.

[10:54] - This week's podcast sponsor: Twigby!

[12:48] - Let’s talk about prayer and what inspired this topic.

[13:38] - I don’t believe the purpose of prayer is about changing our circumstances or changing people in our life.

[14:44] - We think of answered prayer as in “we got the thing that we wanted, we got the outcome that we wanted”. But "no" or "wait", is also an answer.

[15:29] - I read a quote from the book Win the Day by Mark Batterson.

[18:31] - I have really been convicted about how I pray for other people.

[20:00] - Sometimes God doesn’t answer the prayer in the way we want Him to because He has plans for us years and years down the road.

[21:10] - Why are we praying what we’re praying? So often when I pray now, I am not praying for an end result. I am praying for right here and now.

[23:58] - Prayer is one side of a two-sided conversation. View it as a conversation and this can change the way you approach it.

• Books
• Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
• Win The Day by Mark Batterson
• Special Mentions
• Pun Intended Too! 
• Water Wow books by Melissa and Doug
• Other Links
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 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 wish you could pay less for your phone service? Wishing you could figure out how to get access to great service/coverage without having to break the bank?

I highly recommend checking out Twigby!

Twigby is a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices and they are the perfect option for budget conscious families because they are so affordable! They also offer great coverage from the nation’s largest and most reliable network (yep — Verizon!) and have many different options for phone plans.

Twigby has plans starting as low as $9 per month for just talk and text. And data plans start as low as $20 per month (with unlimited talk & text)! Even a cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of data only costs you $35 per month — which is a lot less than you’ll usually pay!

With these kinds of prices, it’s worth checking to see if Twigby might save you money each month on your family cell phone bill — even if you’ve been on a family plan with a provider for a decade!

Get this: The average family that switches to Twigby saves $80 on their cell phone bill, which equates to an annual savings of $960! See how much you could save with Twigby’s handy dandy calculator (click on “compare us” up top!)

Want to give Twigby a try? If so, you’ll currently save 50% off your first six months of phone service! Wow!!

But that’s not all! On top of this already amazing Twigby discount, our readers can also get a $15 credit when you use code FAMILY at checkout during sign-up!

Note: This $15 credit will be applied to your account when you purchase a new phone, get a free SIM card from Twigby with a new service, or bring your own phone to use.

Valid through March 31, 2022.

(And if you’re not completely satisfied within 30 days of activating your service, you’ll get a full refund!)

I first found Jamie Finn's instagram when we were beginning our foster care journey. As I started watching her stories and reading her posts, God used her words to really change my heart and perspective on foster care.

When we started fostering, I was really focused on helping kids and I honestly had a critical attitude toward birth parents. But Jamie's words convicted me that I needed a heart change. A Gospel-centered approach to fostering wasn't about rescuing children but about walking alongside families with the ultimate goal of restoration.

It was such an honor to get to meet Jamie in person recently and record a podcast interview with her. In this episode, Jamie shares her a different perspective on foster care than you often hear -- one that is focused on families, not just children.

She also shares very practical encouragement for stepping out and saying yes -- to anything in your life that might scare you. she shares the lessons she's learned and how God has changed her heart over the years. Plus, she gives fantastic advice for those who feel like they can't foster but they want to be involved in some way.

Whether you are a long-time foster family, someone just considering fostering, or someone who has no interest in fostering at all, I think this episode will encourage you in surprising ways.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show. I am honored to have Jamie Finn in the studio today.

[02:37] - A little introduction for Jamie.

[04:13] - "I really appreciate that you don’t sugarcoat things. You share the beautiful and the brutal.'

[05:35] - Do you feel like you have had a shift in your viewpoint of what foster care is?

[07:54] - I hear from many people, “We’re interested in foster care but we’re afraid of how it will affect our family.” Have you ever had those feelings?

[09:39] - How do you respond when someone’s like, “I can never do this, but that’s amazing what you’re doing”?

[12:08] - How do you even know when to take that first step?

[14:28] - What can we practically do? Where do we start?

[19:47] - Could you talk about just some of the really hard things that you have walked through?

[22:56] - If you could go back 8+ years as a brand new foster parent and talk to that woman, what would you say to her?

[25:41] - What is foster care from a Gospel-centered perspective?

[26:41] - I share what I love and recommend Jamie Finn’s new book, Foster the Family.

[28:56] - What do you say to that person who feels like, “Is God still good, even when this feels so hard”?

• Foster the Family Blog
• Foster the Family on Instagram
• Foster the Family on Facebook
• Books
• Foster the Family by Jamie Finn
• Other Links
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 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

One of the kids woke up really frustrated recently. In all honesty, I wanted to respond back in frustration... because it felt like a really “silly” thing for them to be upset by.

But if I’ve learned anything in over 17 years of mothering, it’s this: responding in frustrating to a child who is frustrated never ends well. Just trust me on this.

So instead, I took a deep breath, leaned on the Holy Spirit, and asked them to share what was wrong.

They had a lot to vent out right then & I purposely just listened. I wanted to try to come up with some quick fixes or solutions, but I could tell that’s not what they needed. They just needed a listening ear that said: “I care. You are valued. What matters to you, matters to me.”

After they had poured out their big feelings, I asked how I could help. There wasn’t much I could do, but I could tell that just that simple question brought some relief to them. It communicated that they weren’t alone. That I was *with* them. That they didn’t have to shoulder this all on their own.

And then I asked them what they could do about it. Instead of me trying to swoop in and fix things, I wanted to let them process through what they were feeling and come up with next steps.

We didn’t tie everything up with a neat bow, but my posture of leaning in and loving and seeking to walk beside de-escalated the situation so that by the time they walked out the door to leave for school, they were feeling much calmer and less stressed.

Mamas: we set the tone for our home. We can’t fix all our kids’ struggles. We can’t solve all our kids’ problems, but we can walk with them. We can communicate to them, “I’m here. I love you. I’m FOR you. And I’m not going anywhere.”

There might need to be some hard conversations or consequences or addressing heart issues in days to come — after a child/teen is in a better headspace — but in the moment when our kids are feeling overwhelmed & frustrated, they just need to know we are there. They don’t need our lectures; they just need our presence.

“What’s wrong?” “How can I help?” These two questions and the willingness to listen well can make a huge difference in our relationship with our kids.

In this episode, Jesse and I share more about how to respond when our kids (or anyone in our life!) is frustrated. Plus, I share a crazy travel story from my recent trip, and we talk about books and reading.

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

[01:15] - What to do when your child is frustrated.

[02:00] - I have a travel "horror" story to share today.

[04:02] - While I was stuck in Charlotte for four hours, my phone was starting to run out of battery.

[07:46] - Word to the wise: if there is wet carpet in the airport don’t assume that it’s water spilled.

[08:41] - What I recently finished listening to.

[09:57] - A letter from a listener about Jesse’s advice on reading.

[12:05] - Are you making progress over who you were yesterday?

[12:35] - Jesse shares his book update.

[13:49] - How to help a child who is frustrated...

[16:02] - Ever been frustrated at someone for being frustrated (oh! the irony!)

[17:52] - Instead, stepping back and asking for God’s help

[19:13] - Question #1: “What is wrong?”

[21:23] - Question #2: “How can I help you?”

[22:39] - Question #3: “What can you do about it?”

[23:53] - Practice the art of asking questions versus telling someone how they should feel or respond.

• Books
• The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers
• Other Links
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 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

What is one thing you do every morning to start your day well? How you begin your days sets up the foundation for how you live your life.

Here are 5 things I do every morning to start my day with intention:

1. Create a simple plan — I make a time-blocked to do list on a notebook. (If that feels like a lot, you could just do 3-5 things you want to accomplish in order of priority.) Making a plan helps me live with much more focus and use my time well.

2. Write down blessings — I take a minute every morning to jot down a few lines of things I’m grateful for from the past 24 hours. Gratitude reframes my perspective.

3. Get my heart pumping — I walk on the treadmill for 25-30 minutes. While walking, I read a few chapters from an encouraging book, think, and pray (see #4). This jump-starts my energy and settles my soul.

4. Pray over my day — while on the treadmill, I pray through the details of my day, handing the known and unknown over to the Lord, asking for His help, for His love to flow through me, for patience, kindness, wisdom, and for any specific areas where my heart is feeling weary or heavy.

5. Dress for the day I want to have — taking a little time to shower, dress in clothes that I love, fix my hair, and do my makeup gives my energy and helps me feel more cheerful and productive (I can’t really explain it, but it works!)

What about YOU? What’s one thing you do every morning to start your day well? Tell us in the comments!

Jesse and I discuss these 5 things more in-depth on this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show. We also talk about what is saving our lives, an update on our reading, reminisce about how I used to try to read while mowing the lawn, and more! Listen to it a the link above or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show. Today’s topic is about mornings.

[01:26] - Let's talk about what is saving our life: hot water.

[03:20] - There’s nothing like ice cold water.

[05:25] - I share something that has been really helpful for me, especially with pregnancy.

[07:58] - Jesse has been reading 20 minutes everyday.

[09:54] - I date myself as we reminisce when I listened to cassette tapes books when I mowed the lawn.

[11:08] - I share the book that I finished reading.

[14:24] - I read an email from one of our listeners, Tiffany.

[17:07] - So let’s talk about mornings, here are the five things I do

[17:23] - First, I create a simple plan.

[19:50] - Then, I write down my blessings.

[21:48] - Next, I get my heart pumping.

[25:05] - And while I'm doing that, I pray over my day.

[27:00] - Jesse talks about how little things can be big wins and shares one of his accomplishments.

[28:24] - Finally, I dress for the day I want to have.

[30:45] - Recap of my morning routine and we would love to hear what your routine is if you have one.

• Books
• They Call me Mama by Nicole M. Homan
• Special Mentions
• The Amazing Race
• Other Links
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 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

It’s so easy to over-complicate life. To completely miss simple solutions because they are, well, just too easy!

Now, hear me out: I’m not saying you should be lazy or lax. What I am saying is that there’s no point in wasting a lot of time and energy on making life more complicated or difficult than it needs to be. The more we pare down to what matters most, the more time we have to intentionally invest in what’s important.

Two questions I ask regularly as I come up against a problem or just go throughout normal life are:

1. How can I make this easier?

2. What can I do to simplify this?

I firmly believe that simplicity is a superpower. And while I have always focused on keeping things simple, the last three years of two pregnancies and fostering two other babies has caused me to simplify even more! In this episode, I share 8 ways I simplify my life.

Jesse and I also talk about a favorite TV show, a documentary we're watching, what we're reading, and what's saving our lives.

In This Episode

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

[01:45] - It has been an eventful week, with a pretty significant amount of snow.

[02:45] - One of our favorite shows on TV has returned.

[03:43] - We talk about a documentary that Jesse and I are watching.

[06:54] - What has been saving my life for some time now.

[08:00] - Jesse jokes about what is saving his life.

[09:21] - I finished an audible book that was recommended by a listener.

[13:15] - Let's talk about simplifying our lives instead of over-complicating them. Here are 8 ways I do this...

[13:24] - I wear the same outfit over and over again.

[14:09] - My make-up and hair routine.

[16:00] - We keep meals really simple.

[16:42] - We don’t have many toys.

[17:55] - We have the older kids be in charge of many aspects of their lives.

[20:33] - We have a donation bin.

[21:18] - I avoid work related meetings and phone calls.

[22:37] - Systems for organizing emails and piles of paper.

[23:40] - Some of these may not work for you but I want to challenge you: how can you simplify?

• Books
• The Way It Should Be by Christina Suzann Nelson
• Special Mentions
• The Amazing Race
• Meddling documentary
• Four Little Sparrows
• Links for Simplifying Your Life
• My System for Staying on Top of Emails
  
• Less Paper Clutter, More Filing
  
• How to Eliminate 99% of the Paper Piles in Your Home
  
• My Simple System to Eliminate 99% of the Paper Piles
• Other Links
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 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

My word for 2021 was Show Up. (Okay, that’s two words, but who’s counting?)

This simple phrase impacted so much of my year and served as a guide for how I lived my day-to-day.

Any time I found out a friend was struggling or discouraged or just feeling overwhelmed or tired, I tried to stop and pray, “God, how would You have me show up for her?” That sometimes looked like sending a text or checking in regularly or just stopping to pray or sending dinner or a card. But it often looked like reaching out of my comfort zone and offering intentional proximity — like showing up at her house (even if I didn’t know her that well) to give her a hug or watch her kids so she could take nap.

Here’s the beautiful thing I discovered: taking those steps beyond loving people well at a distance (where it’s still pretty safe and comfortable) to leaning in and showing up right in the middle of the mess is awkward and uncomfortable at first, but some of the deepest community has been forged in those vulnerable spaces this year.

I often didn’t have the right words to say. Many times, I questioned as I was driving to someone’s house, “What am I doing? This is crazy! What if I show up and it’s just really weird.” But then I’d remind myself that this wasn’t about me; this was about me showing Jesus’ love even if I felt inadequate and awkward.

And every single time, I would leave knowing that it wasn’t about saying the perfect words or even doing a lot to make a difference, it was just communicating to a long-time friend or newer acquaintance: I am WITH you. You are not alone. You matter. I see you.

I think that in our often-detached virtual world, it’s easy to play it safe in relationships. To hold people at arm’s length. But playing it safe never builds strong community or deep relationships.

Let’s be people who pursue intentional proximity. Who show up for others — even when it feels uncomfortable. And who keep showing up over and over again.

We were made for community!

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show. Starting the year off with colds.

[02:09] - Finally finding our groove while traveling to Kansas.

[06:00] - How cold is cold weather to us?

[08:36] - Jesse shares what is saving his life.

[10:10]  - The lotion that is saving my life.

[13:11] - My book update and my new monthly reading goals.

[14:35] - The last book I finished in 2021.

[15:55] - We share a running inside joke about our marriage.

[17:05] - What is Intentional Proximity?

[20:00] - Don't just say, "Let me know if we can help!"

[22:15] - Yes, it was awkward, at times. But it was worth it.

[25:35] - It was a great reminder that it wasn't about me but about showing Jesus' love.

[28:11] - What would intentional proximity look like for you?

• Books
• Pray Confidently and Consistently: Finally Let Go of the Things Holding You Back from Your Most Important Conversation by Valerie Woerner
• GoalsMy Goals for 2022
• My Reading Goals for January
• Special Mentions
• Food Saver
• Magnesium Lotion Shop
• Other Links
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 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

We’ve been keeping a secret for 11 weeks — I’m 15 weeks pregnant!!!!

Yes, this news was possibly even more shocking than when we found out I was pregnant with Kierstyn after 10 years of infertility! In fact, we were so surprised, we waited a full week to tell our kids — which, if you know Jesse and me well, you know we can’t keep secrets from our kids!

We found out I was pregnant right after saying yes to adopting Baby D... who we thought was going to our family’s caboose! But God definitely had different plans and we just had laugh at the timing of it all!

We also have to marvel at how we went from grieving the loss of being told that we’d never be able to have more kids a few years ago (not even through IVF) to now prepping for having 3 littles with the oldest being barely 2 years old! Oh and at 40 and 41 years old! Only God!

We are all thrilled and excited with this very unexpected news and how God is writing a story here that is so different than what we could have ever dreamed or imagined!

I’m slowly coming back to life after 9 weeks or so of the usual morning-noon-and-night sickness and extreme exhaustion. If you’ve noticed I’ve not been sharing as much here and not sharing food/cooking/recipes or videos with my face much on Instagram stories, now you know why!

For all the details on how we found out, how we told our kids, and more, be sure to listen to today’s podcast episode.

Want more details on my pregnancy? I'm sharing more and answering your questions over on Instagram today.

Note: I know that this news will be really hard for some of you to hear. You’d give anything to be pregnant and hearing another pregnancy announcement feels like a gut-punch. I want you to know you’ve been heavy on my heart and I’ve been praying specifically for you. I also want you to know that you have my full permission to unfollow or mute my social media accounts for awhile — whatever you need to do, please do it and know I will fully support you in that.

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

[01:28] - Our infertility journey.

[05:06] - The surprise of saying yes to adopting Baby D.

[06:54] - After saying yes to Baby D, we felt done and complete.

[09:27] - My reaction to the pregnancy test results.

[12:00] - Jesse explains how we shared the news with the kids.

[15:50] - We didn’t really tell any of our other close friends or our family for a while. Here's why...

[20:40] - My heart has been heavy for those experiencing infertility and loss.

“I can’t do this. It’s too much. I’m scared.” I lay awake in bed pretty much all night long the first night Baby D arrived. I felt completely overwhelmed and in over my head.

When they told us he had Down syndrome and a cleft lip (they didn’t realize he had a cleft palate, too) + a feeding tube, I expected an 8-month-old baby that was somewhat delayed. I didn’t expect him to show up as a tiny malnourished infant that was just 11 pounds, in 0-3 month clothes, and non-responsive. I knew he needed a lot of medical care and DCS didn’t know contact info/names for any of his doctors or specialists, I had no clue what I was doing — and Jesse was out of town that week!

In this last podcast episode of the year, Jesse and I sat down and talked about what we learned in 2021 and the entire theme was how this sweet boy has completely changed our lives. I could recount story after story of specific ways that God has showed up and answered prayers, helped us track down all the specialists in record time, brought just the right medical professionals into our lives at the right time, protected Baby D in the process of us not knowing so much, and has been so faithful to carry us through many scary moments and nights.

Not only was our faith and trust in the Lord stretched and strengthened in big ways as we saw God show up, but like Jesse said so eloquently (and it brought tears to my eyes): “When Baby D came to us, he needed multiple surgeries. But what we didn’t know was that God was going to use his little life to perform surgery on our hearts.”

Truly, this little boy has completely changed all of us in profound ways. And he’s been one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever experienced as a family. I struggle to put into words just how deeply this boy has captivated and changed our hearts forever!

We could have never dreamed what 2021 had in store for our family, but God writes the best stories!

In this episode, Jesse and I also talk about a few other things we learned in 2021, a book I've been reading for a long time and finally finished, an app Jesse loves, and a snack I've been enjoying. We also tease a big episode we have coming at the beginning of 2022. You won't want to miss it!

Thank you so much for all of you who regularly listen to the podcast each week. We are so grateful for each and every one of you and are looking forward to what 2022 brings!

[00:34] - Last night was a bit of an unexpected night, but it reminded me of how easy it is to take things for granted.

[02:13] - Speaking of perspective, today we are going to be talking about what we learned in 2021.

[03:05] - A weather app that has been so help!

[06:00] - Nuts and vegetables, how can you go wrong?

[06:42] - I finished a book I've been slowly reading for a long time!

[09:16] - So let’s talk about what we learned in 2021.

[12:04] - It’s okay to have seasons where you’re not as goal-driven and goal-orientated, but I also realized that I missed the focus that more goal-setting brings.

[14:55] - 2020 taught us all that, what we think life is going to look like can be completely upended.

[15:32] - Jesse shares his two takeaways from 2021.

[17:54] - A big part of our story this year was saying yes to Baby D.

[22:16] - It was such a faith-building experience for both of us.

[24:29] - In the process of Baby D's surgeries, our hearts have been repaired as well.

[26:04] - Thank you so much for joining us this year!

• Books
• The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel
• Don’t Miss Out: Daring to Believe Life is Better with the Holy Spirit by Jeannie Cunnion
• Special Mentions
• Storm Shield, weather app
• Skinny Dipped Cashews
• Other Links
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 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

Welcome back! We unplugged for a few weeks; visiting family and friends in Kansas for Thanksgiving but we are excited to be back with another episode today!

In this week's episode, we not only talk about our December Bucket List but we also share an exciting Baby D update, what we've been reading, what is saving our lives, and some thoughts on self-care vs. self-comfort.

In This Episode

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

[03:24] - Today we're sharing a big Baby D update.

[08:13] - Let's talk about the books we've been reading.

[11:51] - Some thoughts on self-care and self-comfort.

[15:38] - Jesse's new gadget.

[19:39] - How handing off doing the Advent Calendar has been such a good thing.

[21:49] - Let's talk about our Christmas Bucket List.

[23:28] - We started asking the kids at the end of the November: "What are 1 to 2 activities you’d really like to do in December?"

[26:09] - Here's what everyone picked and what is on our Bucket List this year.

• Books
• Pike Logan Series by Brad Taylor
• Mom Than a Mom: How Prioritizing Your Wellness Helps You (and Your Family) Thrive by Kari Kampakis
• Special Mentions
• Libby/Overdrive
• Garmin Instinct Watch
• Die Hard Advent Calendar
• Read-Aloud Revival 
• Stocking Stuffer Ideas from Dollar Tree
• All Day Christmas Family Celebration 2020
• Other Links
• Love-Centered Parenting
• 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