This summer has not gone like I expected (+ shows we've been watching and books I've been reading)

Lots of pictures and personal updates! = Hi, Friend! “Let’s take a selfie!” She held the camera up as Jesse and I were out on the back porch with her early one morning recently and this is the picture she took. I’ll be honest: this summer has held a lot of unexpected emotions. I called it my [Slowed Down Summer](=) — and it has been that on many fronts. But I’ve also felt stretched in all directions. I’ve questioned my ability to parent kids who are in so many different seasons with so many different needs. Having us all under one roof again during summer break has brought this out even more. Many days, as I was navigating new challenges with multiple kids I would stop and chuckle to myself, “And here I thought I knew a thing or two about parenting. I feel like we’re back to square one and I have no idea what to do!” I’ve been much quieter online because I’ve been processing a lot of big things. The space has been good for my soul. Though, in complete transparency, digging into some unhealthy and dysfunction that’s been lying dormant in my heart for years did cause me to consider quitting. In fact, I told both my coach and Jesse, “I think maybe I should burn it all down.” They quickly told me that was probably taking things just a bit too far… but that there were areas I needed to change and mindsets that needed to shift. So I’ve been working through all of that piece by piece. So yes, it’s been a summer of processing, of re-learning, of tears, and of letting go of more deep-seated dysfunction in my heart. Ultimately, it’s been a summer of learning to rely upon the Lord anew. In the midst of all of the heavy, there have been so many humorous and holy moments. Laughing until I cried at my kids’ antics and comebacks, staying up too late watching shows (I share a few we've enjoyed recently below), dates with Jesse and the kids, so many conversations on all sorts of topics with our older three, countless hours spent at baseball watching Silas hone his craft, deep heart-to-heart talks, asking forgiveness on days when we’ve struggled, a trip to MO & MS, & KS, & FL… These past 9 weeks have been packed with memories and moments. It’s been messy, mundane, and magnificent. I’m looking forward to three more weeks of summer & what they will hold! Books Read Shows Watched Lifeskills Podcast Date with Jesse Speaking Radio interview Books I Finished Recently [Car Line Mom]( -- I didn't connect with a lot of the content in this book just because I've not really done the car line much as we've either homeschooled or done private school and David's school has a special line for his class. So I spend very, very little time waiting in car lines. But [I loved this quote from the book.]( [Still Standing]() -- This was Courtney's story of her marriage falling apart, the aftermath of divorce, and clinging to the Lord when it feels like life is spiraling out and everything you'd ever hoped and dreamed is lost. I think this book would be so encouraging to anyone going through a divorce or a really dark time. [Liturgy of the Ordinary]( -- My friend, Olivia, recommended this one and I really found it encouraging. There were so many nuggets of inspiration in it. I really appreciated how she talked about how little actions like making our bed or rhythms of rest or sitting in traffic are all things that can be meaningful and how there doesn't have to be a division of the sacred and secular. What I'm Currently Reading It Wasn't Roaring, It Was Weeping Modern Miss Mason Adrift The Biggest Story Bible (reading aloud to the kids) Shows/Movies We've Watched Recently [McMillions](=) -- we've not finished this one and it's got a lot of language in it, but it's fascinating, too. [Simone Biles Rising](=) -- if you are a fan of Simone Biles or just curious to hear more behind-the-scenes of her journey and processing through the last Olympics, you'll enjoy this short documentary [Fly Me to the Moo]()n -- The girls and I (and some of their friends) watched this one in the theater while Jesse and Silas and David were gone. What I Want to Watch Sprint and Receiver -- Silas watched both of these recently and highly recommended them to me because he knows I'm a big fan of documentaries like this! I'm excited to get to share [my podcast episode with Davey Blackburn](, the author of [Nothing Is Wasted: A True Story of Hope, Forgiveness, and Finding Purpose in Pain](. This is a really open conversation about his story of loss, forgiveness, healing, and hope and I think it will encourage anyone who is struggling with some dark and heavy things right now. In 2015, Davey’s wife Amanda and their unborn child were murdered. In this episode, he shares more about what it was like to walk through that horrific loss, the real and raw emotions he felt, and how changing his perspective from bitterness to compassion gave him the ability to forgive the perpetrators. He candidly discusses his initial rage and the complexities of forgiveness – both of others and himself, taking us through the challenges of rebuilding amidst deep loss, including the unexpected closure of the church he and Amanda founded. Through it all, Davey shares how he felt God’s presence even in the darkest moments. One of the most impactful parts of this interview for me was when Davey shares about how empathy for those who caused him unimaginable pain and stepping into their stories transformed his perspective on grace and redemption. His insights are a powerful reminder of God's ability to bring beauty from ashes, reshaping our understanding of suffering and resilience! I was so blessed by my time with Davey and really appreciate his willingness to be so open and vulnerable, and whether you're grappling with loss, betrayal, or trauma, this episode promises to inspire and encourage you to find purpose in your own journey! [Listen to the podcast episode here.]() I've been posting [a lot more money-saving tips and grocery hacks on Instagram](). So many people have asked for this and I realized that I have years and years of blog posts on my blog that I could re-create into [Instagram posts to encourage and serve my followers well.](=) Silas and I took a quick trip to Sarasota, FL two weeks ago for me to give a one-night mini conference on Love-Centered Parenting at a church there. (We had the best time, even if Silas is giving the face of, "Mom, really? Do we have to take this picture??" :) ) If your church or group would be interested in hosting me for a one-night (or half-day) Love-Centered Parenting conference, I'd love to chat with you about the specifics on that! I currently have a few openings in my schedule over the next 18 months to be able to travel and speak! (Just hit reply to this email and we can talk about specific details!) I have such a heart to encourage parents to build strong relationships with their kids and to stop parenting from a place of stress and instead parent from a place of joy and peace! Happy 4th birthday last week to the little boy who has turned our world upside down in the best of ways! We never could have imagined that random Tuesday in March of 2021 when we got a call from DCS about a baby boy who had a cleft lip/palate, feeding tube, and Down syndrome that our lives were about to be radically changed. David lights up our lives with his full-face grin, his infectious laugh, his mischievous antics, and his irresistible hugs and kisses. He’s taught us more in the last 3+ years we’ve gotten to love him than most will ever teach in a lifetime. We aren’t the same family, we aren’t the same people, we don’t have the same perspective, and we don’t run at the same pace because of this boy. He’s helped us to slow down and savor and celebrate life. To have eyes wide open for those who might sometimes be overlooked. To know with experiential knowledge that God is faithful — even on the really hard and scary days. That you don’t need words to express love. And that success isn’t defined by a linear trajectory of accomplishments. We love you so much, David Mateo Paine! ---- By the way, David went with Jesse and Silas last week to Virginia for Silas to attend a baseball camp at the University of Virginia. All week long, Jesse and Silas sent pictures of their various adventures and how much fun they were having with David. It brings tears to my eyes to see the love that my 15-year-old has for his little brother. Yes, there are hard things that come along with disabilities and medical complexities. There are the many stares. The many questions. It’s awkward and uncomfortable for some. And I know it will only get more so in the years to come. There are many unknowns. And there are real things to grapple with as he gets older — like what happens when we are no longer alive or able to care and advocate for him? But then Jesse sends me this picture of 15-year-old Silas walking with David in the parking lot as Silas heads to baseball camp with 50 other teen boys and I know that it’s all going to be okay. David is so loved by God and he will forever have a group of five siblings who are his fiercest protectors, advocates, and cheerleaders. Speaking of Silas and baseball, he just finished up his 14U season and just accepted an offer to move up with many of his current teammates and coach to a higher level 15U regional travel team. The commitment and competition will be significantly more, but we're so excited for this door that God has opened for him!!! And now that he's in 15U, he's officially beginning the college recruitment process. He wasted no time in getting everything set up and already set up a call with the recruiters on Thursday. He is highly motivated and we love being on the sidelines cheering for him and seeing where God leads! I spent a day and half last week with my Mastermind Group. This group has been such a gift to me -- it's made up of all women who are very successful business women and they are all in very, very different fields than me. So I'm learning so much -- especially since pretty much all of them lead much larger businesses and teams than me! It's been an answer to so many prayers! If you’re looking for something unique and fun for your kids to do this summer, [sign up for the FREE #LifeSkillsNow Virtual Summer Camp](=) that will take place August 4-6, 2024. #LifeSkillsNow is a unique, online summer camp with over 100 fun and engaging workshops and skills for kids of ALL ages + parents. 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 is August 4-6 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!! This is a rare deal! You can currently get a [FREE $40 Costco gift card when you purchase a Costco Gold Star membership!]() [More details here.]() Links You Should Check Out: - I was recently on the [Faith & Finance Radio Show]( talking about saving money on all things back-to-school. [Listen here.]() - Do you struggle with menu planning and getting dinners on the table each night for your family? If so, download my [FREE one-week menu plan](=) to help take the stress out of menu planning this week! _______________ Have a wonderful week! -Crystal P.S. Are you [following me on Instagram](=)? If not and you love my personal enewsletters, you'd probably really enjoy [all the behind-the-scenes and real-life updates I share there!](=) I'd love to connect with you there! [Unsubscribe]( Money Saving Mom, LLC 2020 Fieldstone Parkway, Ste. 900 #313 Franklin, Tennessee 37069 United States