SO many fun pictures from Kaitlynn's graduation weekend + 5 books I read this past week (and my reviews!)

What I'm reading this week, a French Bread recipe, freebies, and more! = Hi, Friend! I prayed for the longest time for God to change her strong spirit. What I didn’t know was that God wanted to use it to change *me*. I tried so hard to fit her into my neat little box of who I thought she should be. What I didn’t know is that God wanted me to change my expectations and start appreciating her for who she is. I got so frustrated at what felt like constant messes all throughout our house. What I didn’t know is that God was going to use her to teach me so much more about beauty and creativity… and that I desperately needed the color she would infuse into my often black and white world. I only saw challenges and difficulty and I got constantly frustrated and angry at her for what felt like endless stubbornness. What I didn’t see was that — channeled in the right direction— her fierce passion was going to give her the ability to not quit when things got tough and to push through with courage and grit. God knew I needed Kaitlynn. During those long toddler and preschool and grade school years when I wondered if we would make it, God was chipping away at the rough edges of my heart and revealing the many ways I was parenting out of caring most about my reputation in front of others instead of my relationship with my kids. I look back and see how the very thing I tried to break and pray away — her strong spirit — is actually one of her very greatest gifts. It just took me a long time to see and recognize and appreciate it. Saturday, as I watched Kaitlynn confidently walk across the stage to get her high school diploma, graduating Summa Cum Laude at 16, I couldn’t have been more grateful that God taught me these lessons before her high school years. I got the privilege of spending the last 4 years watching her soar and grow and live with courageous confidence in Christ — using her fierce strength and indomitable spirit as a tool to bless so many others! I don’t know what the future holds for Kaitlynn, but I know this: whatever she does, she’ll do it with 150% effort and it will be fueled with passion, creativity, and beauty. These two (Kathrynne and her boyfriend, Will) showed up to the graduation in matching outfits -- completely unplanned! It was so cute! We had family drive and fly in from Kansas, Colorado, North Carolina, and Florida for Kaitlynn's graduation. It was so special! (See more graduation pics later in the enewsletter). If you’re looking for [that perfect French Bread recipe](, look no further! This recipe has become one of my tried and true favorites! And it’s SO easy to make. It’s the perfect blend of a crunchy crust and soft inside. I can whip this up in less than two hours and it goes as a great side to so many dishes. We love it fresh out of the oven with butter, but it also tastes good several days later. [Here's the recipe.]( SLOWED DOWN SUMMER I am responding to your email because I wanted to know more about the "Slowed Down Summer" that you mentioned in this email. My question or the things I would like to know more is: from your own experiences, when do you feel like you need to rest and trust and dial back and when do you recognize that you may be procrastinating on something that should take more of a priority? -C I think we all know the answer in our heart of hearts if we stop long enough to listen and evaluate. But I'd say some signs of procrastination are when we know that we should do something and it's nagging at us, but we are trying to come up with lots of distractions or "productive" things to do to avoid doing it. One thing I'm planning to do this summer to help with the Slowed Down Summer goal is to only plan to do two home-related goals (an errand, a cleaning products, a decluttering project, etc.) plus two work-related projects per day. I'll still do all of the maintenance stuff to keep the home and business running, but I'm limiting myself to only two extra projects in each area per day. That way, I'm getting things done and having forward momentum, but also allowing plenty of breathing room to rest, read, hang out with my family, soak up the summer, and have flexibility for whatever comes up that day (most days right now, there are our kids' friends -- teens/college students -- in and out of our house all day long and I love being able to spend time with them and not be rushing through a long to do list and not have time to just enjoy them!) = Speaking of summer, did you see that there is a [FREE Life Skills Now Online Summer Camp](=) you can sign your kids up for? [#LifeSkillsNow is a unique, online summer camp]() with over 100 fun and engaging workshops and skills for kids of ALL ages + parents. And I'll be sharing a workshop with keys to develop better communication with your kids that I don't think you're going to want to miss! Did I mention [it's FREE](=)? The online camp week is June 24-28 and everything is free. It's a great way to keep your kids busy and productive in the summer. Plus, they can earn prizes for completing missions!! Here's what you'll get: - Over 100 video workshops teaching life skills to kids 5-18 (plus parents) - Content from 70 different experts joining your parenting team - Secure password-protected dashboard with NO ads or “next playing” videos - Printable handout with every workshop (recipes, checklists, reminders, follow along guides…) - Instant access to 13 workshops as soon as you register - Over $8,000 in prizes that week for completing “missions” and being active in the real world! - Use the workshops on your own schedule, 13 immediately and then for 24 hours each during camp week. [#LifeSkillsNow summer camp](=) is all about kids building confidence, learning real-world skills, and taking ACTION off screens with full minds-on, hands-on experiences! [Sign up for FREE here!](=) C's mom asked if we could help watch him more this summer since she has a new work schedule. So we will be babysitting for him most Fridays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We've decided to make Fridays our fun day and to plan lots of things that work well to engage multiple little people who are very active. :) David is constantly making us laugh! Here he is sporting some of his sister's sunglasses! It was his first time to leave sunglasses on and he was so intrigued with how the world looked with them on! If you are parenting a child with delays or disabilities -- or just a child you are worried about right now -- [I wrote a post here that might really encourage you.]( Jesse and I did the Murph (a CrossFit Memorial Day workout to honor those who serve in the military and those who have given their lives for our freedom). This was right after and I can't believe we were smiling because we were SO tired. But we did it! (Run one mile, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and run another mile -- I modified the pull-ups and push-ups.) = Recently, I mentioned something on Instagram about how having an adult child is wonderful and also there are new challenges as your kids get older and grow wings and fly. This resonated with so many people that I ended up turning my thoughts into an [Instagram post.]( And then it inspired us to expand further on it in this week’s podcast episode. We’re just a year into having an adult child, but we wanted to share what we learned so far — especially as we get ready to graduate another senior from high school! In [last week's episode of the podcas](=)t, we talk about the ups and downs of watching our kids learn to navigate life on their own. We discuss things we are glad we did ahead of time and things we wish we had known. It’s such a joy to see them succeed and grow, but it’s also tough to watch them struggle and face hardships that we can’t fix for them. We share some of our experiences, some of the hard lessons, and the surprising things we’ve learned along the way. I hope this conversation encourages you, whether you’re about to launch your kids into adulthood, you already have launched them, or you’re right in the thick of parenting littles or tweens or teens. We also discuss my goal for a “slowed-down summer” and what I’ve proactively put into place to make that happen. We also answer a question we kept getting about Jesse’s To Do app, talk about a book I finished recently, and share some lessons we’ve learned about communication in marriage (please laugh — this was such a rabbit trail!). Plus, I share a freebie with you — [100 Free or Low Cost Summer Bucket List Ideas!](=) [Listen to the episode here.](=) = Want some fresh and fun ideas for things to do this summer with your kids?! (And, all on a budget?!) Download our brand new [FREE Summer Bucket List](=) that has 100 ideas of free & cheap things to do! With this list of activities in-hand, you’ll be able to have a memorable, fun-filled summer as a family without spending tons of money! When you [sign up](=), you’ll get TWO versions of the bucket list: - [Checklist Version](=) — Display it in a common area and check activities off as you go! (This is a fun way to keep track of what you’ve done AND see what to look forward to!) - [Print & Cut Version](=) — Trim into strips and place in a jar where your kids can draw a surprise idea each day! (And, with this version, you can pick and choose which ones you want to put in the jar!) Take the stress (and expense) out of making summer special and use these ideas to create fun memories your kids will love! [Click here to get your FREE Summer Bucket List of 100+ Fun Activities!](=) Books I Finished This Past Week [Now and Not Yet](=) -- This was a beautiful book! I personally was encouraged in reading it to realize that I'm not in a season where I feel like I'm longing, unsettled, or restless for more. It made me see clearly how content and fulfilled I am in life right here and now. It hasn't always been that way. If you are in a season of wanting more or feeling discouraged with where you are, I think this book would really encourage you! [Win at Work & Succeed at Life](=) -- I needed the message of this book right now as I'm seeking to be much more intentional in my business hours this summer and to really streamline my work time. If you feel overwhelmed with trying to figure out work life balance, I'd definitely recommend this book. [Unlimited Motherhood](=) -- This was, by far, my favorite read of the week. I got to have Jessica on the podcast (stay tuned for details on that episode in next week's newsletter) and it was SO good! This book was convicting and inspirational, as well as just being a great read! Jessica has the best stories to share and her life with challenge you to live more fully for Jesus. We aren't limited by the confines we create in our minds when we know Who we serve and Whose we are! (Side note: If you have a child with autism or disabilities, you will especially love this book... though I think everyone will be encouraged by it!) [House Rules]() -- If you struggle to decorate your home or just want a good refresher on ways to make your home more beautiful and practical, this book has a lot of food for thought in it, plus great pictures illustrating the points! [Sunlight Burning at Midnight]() -- Jess Ronne has an incredible story of walking through not only having a child with severe disabilities, but also the death of her husband. In this book, she chronicles in a very raw way what living that journey has been like. I appreciate her openness and honesty. What I'm Currently Reading [Habits for a Sacred Home]() [The House That Jesus Built]() [Nothing is Wasted]() [Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots]() [Saving My Assassin]() [WHEN YOU FEEL LONELY & LEFT OUT](=) “She didn’t pick me, Mom.” Her voice quivered. Tears ran down her cheeks. And my heart hurt so badly. We were on our way home from a party that one of our then-tween girls had been invited to. As soon as my daughter got in the car, I knew something was wrong. Her face reflected disappointment, and her eyes brimmed with tears just waiting to spill out. Slowly, the story emerged. They had played a game involving the birthday girl picking individuals to be on her team, playing against the other girls at the party. The only problem was my girl didn’t get picked. And throughout the game, everyone else was chosen. She felt intentionally left out and slighted. We had just made a cross-country move, and she was struggling to make new friends. So being the only one not picked stung extra deeply. I knew how she felt — and you probably do too. If you have ever felt overlooked, left out, unloved or lonely, I want you to know you’re not alone. Everyone feels that at one point (or many points!) in our lifetime... [Read the rest of my devotional over at Proverbs31.org.](=) I hope it encourages your heart! Links You Should Check Out: - If you’re looking for summer reading programs for kids, we put together a [comprehensive list of all the completely FREE programs!](=) - Looking for [summer jobs for teens & tweens]()? We’ve compiled this list to help give you some creative ideas for best part time jobs for teens to brainstorm with your kids! - If your kids need some encouragement and motivation to get in some more reading before the summer ends, be sure to download our [FREE Kid’s Summer Reading Printable Pack](=)! _______________ I hope you're having a wonderful week! -Crystal [Unsubscribe]( Money Saving Mom, LLC 2020 Fieldstone Parkway, Ste. 900 #313 Franklin, Tennessee 37069 United States