Crystal Paine Show Crystal Paine

Today's episode is on a topic that was actually requested by a follower! Jesse and I are diving into something very close to my heart: navigating back-to-back senior years with our daughters, Kathrynne and Kaitlynn! It has truly been a whirlwind of emotions and logistics, but Jesse and I are opening up about our experiences - the highs, the challenges, and the unexpected lessons that we have learned along the way.
With our having back-to-back seniors, it has definitely been a mix of emotions for us. From managing graduation festivities to navigating college preparations, listen as Jesse and I share the highs and lows of this journey. Let me tell you, it has absolutely been a learning curve, but we are embracing it all with open hearts and minds.
Grab a cup of your favorite drink, and join us as we peel back the layers of having back-to-back seniors, offering insights, lessons learned, and maybe a few laughs along the way. Also, don't forget to download our free Simplified Home Checklists!

In This Episode
[0:35] - Jesse and I are talking today about handling back-to-back seniors, sharing lessons learned and adjustments made.
[1:13] - I share insights from a devotional from a book, highlighting God's timing and unexpected blessings.
[4:08] - Hear how I discovered unforeseen opportunities through Money Saving Mom, fostering independence and challenging anxiety positively.
[7:03] - Be sure to follow @crystaliscleaning on Instagram!
[9:04] - I begin reflecting on the challenges and emotional intensity of having two back-to-back high school seniors.
[12:52] - Jesse finds our current senior year smoother compared to the previous one, crediting Kaitlynn's self-motivation.
[13:44] - I reflect on simplifying preparations for Kaitlynn's graduation, learning from past experiences with Kathrynne.
[16:07] - Planning a party separately from other commitments helps ease family stress during graduation celebrations.
[19:05] - I reflect on the last-minute rush to meet deadlines for Kaitlynn's senior activities, contrasting with Kathrynne's preferences.
[22:18] - Encouraging preparedness and focusing on the next year makes for smoother transitions for children.
[23:13] - Listen as I reflect on Kaitlynn's openness to uncertainty and evolving plans for the future.
[26:03] - Having back-to-back senior children ultimately brings both challenges and benefits, fostering shared experiences and guidance.
[28:09] - I anticipate the bittersweet transition as Silas approaches graduation, embracing the present while also thinking about the future.

Links & Resources
Crystal Paine

Books
Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God Is Holding You Close by Lysa TerKeurst

Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Crystal Paine on LinkedIn
Crystal Paine on Twitter
Crystal Paine on Goodreads
Money Saving Mom
Money Saving Mom on Facebook
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
crystal@moneysavingmom.com


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Do you ever feel like you're just barely keeping your head above water? If so, this episode of The Crystal Paine Show is for you! Jesse and I have been married for 21 years and we've learned and grown a lot in those years -- and tried a lot of different things that worked and many things that didn't.
In this conversation, we share some of our simple systems that keep us sane and help us to have breathing room in our days to enjoy our life and invest in what matters most.
First up, we talk about how we each have our own jurisdictions in managing our house and business and what that looks like. We also share what we expect of our kids and how us all working together really frees up a lot of physical and emotional energy for us as parents.
Then, we move onto detailing changes we've made this year to simplify and how it has made such a difference: like reserving one day a week for meetings and interviews, carefully considering commitments and what that looks like for us right now, and how we have our work schedule set up so we both get time to work in.
We end with sharing a number of different strategies we employ to eliminate decision fatigue and to streamline our lives: things like groceries, dishes, laundry, daily routines, avoiding paper piles, and more! I also give you a little peek into my home life growing up and talk about how my mom's organized systems influenced me.
If you're ready to ditch the overwhelm and reclaim your peace of mind, I hope our ideas serve as a springboard for solutions that might work for you, and don't forget to snag your free Simplified Home Checklists!
In This Episode[0:35] - Today's episode dives into practical strategies for maintaining sanity and enjoying life even if there's a lot going on.
[1:52] - Delegation and instilling teamwork and work ethic in our kids.
[4:35] - Gradual release of responsibility leads to independence as kids develop their own systems over time.
[8:20] - Everyone is an asset to our home and we all work together.
[11:05] - What simplifying has looked like for our home and schedule this year and one change that has made a big difference.
[15:58] - Our current schedule for work-life balance with both of us working from home.
[18:39] - How my mom's organized systems have influenced me.
[20:46] - Scheduling grocery deliveries and using cost-saving programs like Kroger Boost.
[22:59] - Daily routines, paper piles, and how we prep for our day the night before.
[27:52] - Check out the free Simplified Home Checklists!
Links & ResourcesCrystal Paine208. Slacker Parenting (AKA How to spend less time micromanaging and more time enjoying your kids)232. Why We Require Our Teens to Get a Job at 15Kroger BoostSimplified Home ChecklistsSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on TwitterCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

Our Sponsors:
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This episode is a reminder to trust your God-given intuition. If you feel something is wrong or off, get it checked out.
In this podcast, we share the story of Micah getting really sick recently and how it ended up landing him in the hospital. We got so many questions from you all about his illness and how we knew when it was time to take him to the hospital/what we experienced, that I thought recording a podcast episode sharing in-depth might be helpful.
We're so grateful that Micah is doing better now and fully back to his sweet, busy, silly self! We missed all his smiles and laughter and singing while he was sick!
In this episode, we also give an update on what we're reading, share a reader's response to last week's episode, and we have a fun and friendly "argument" over audiobooks.
In This Episode
[0:35] - This week, we're sharing about Micah's recent sickness and hospital stay.
[1:27] - Jesse is still reading Three Felonies A Day by Harvey Silvergate and Alan M. Dershowitz because it’s a dense read.
[2:01] - I've been reading I Want God by Lisa Whittle.
[4:10] - I share a message from a listener about commentary in last episode about Farmer Boy.
[6:07] - Jesse and I have a friendly discussion about whether audiobooks count as "reading" and he shares about the John Grisham audiobooks he's listened to recently, including Jake Brigance trilogy.
[8:45] - I had a very full weekend planned, including my last girls-only youth group camp and attending my friend's wedding, but that all changed when Micah got sick.
[12:04] - We knew we needed to do something and ended up calling and asking about getting Zofran.
[14:01] - Micah's symptoms persisted, prompting a pediatrician visit.
[18:39] - We ended up in the ER and it took many attempts plus two rounds of sedatives to finally get the IV in.
[24:31] - After hours of IV fluids in the ER, they ended up deciding to admit Micah as his labs didn't look good.
[29:23] - I touch upon some of the lessons that were learned from this experience.
Links & Resources
Crystal Paine
Books
Three Felonies A Day: How the Feds Target the Innocent by Harvey Silvergate and Alan M. DershowitzI Want God: How to Love Him with Your Whole Heart and Revive Your Soul by Lisa WhittleFarmer Boy: Little House, Book 2 by Laura Ingalls WilderJake Brigance Trilogy by John GrishamSocial Media
Crystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
* Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


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Join Jesse and I this week as we sit down together for a personal episode where we tackle some burning questions submitted by followers on Instagram and share some life updates. (Including a story about a recent travel mishap where we ended up locked out of our own house at 2 a.m.!!)
We kick things off by discussing our recent trip to Kansas for Easter -- our first time to fly with all three younger kids in over a year. We went to a goat farm, connected with friends we hadn't seen in a long time, and got to spend a lot of wonderful time with family. We also talk about a book I'm reading aloud to the kids, a tea I'm loving, and a freebie we launched recently.
And then we dive into your questions on marriage. We reflect on our marriage journey, sharing advice and revelations from over two decades together. We talk about daily flirting, how our lives have taken very different paths than we ever envisioned, how we've grown and learned to work together, whether Jesse has always been a nerd, who makes the meals, and much more. If you enjoy a peek behind-the-scenes of our life, you don't want to miss this fun episode!
Also, don’t forget to check out my newly launched 10 Weeks to a More Organized Home resource! (And use code PODCAST to save!!)
In This Episode[0:35] - Jesse and I are excited for a lighthearted episode answering Instagram followers' marriage-related questions!
[1:55] - All the details on our recent trip to Kansas, including how our three younger kids did on the trip.
[5:40] - How we ended up locked out of the house at 2 a.m.!
[8:09] - A listener responding to our 1900s episode shared about having a car phone in the 1990s for safety concerns.
[9:29] - I have been enjoying Lemon Loaf Tea from TAZO, despite not typically liking lemon tea.
[10:26] - The little kids are loving Farmer Boy a book from the Little House series.
[13:25] - Before we dive into the questions, check out our free Simplified Home Checklists on our website!
[15:13] - Jesse and I have been married for twenty-two years in January.
[15:54] - Flirt daily; it's amazing how something so simple keeps the connection strong.
[17:33] - The hardest (but most important words!) to say in a marriage.
[23:55] - Who does the cooking at our house?
[24:52] - How nerdy was Jesse when we met?
[27:07] - How did we know how big we wanted our family to be?
[29:49] - In 21 years, we've cultivated an intuitive bond, anticipating each other's needs and openly addressing frustrations to improve our communication
[32:11] - Approach situations from a place of love, not opposition, with each other's best interests at heart.
[32:56] - When overwhelmed, I confide in Jesse, who offers support or a listening ear; gratitude and encouragement nurture our bond.
Links & Resources
Crystal Paine250.What it was like living in the 1900’s :)TAZO Glazed Lemon Loaf Herbal Tea Bags for Health and WellnessSimplified Home ChecklistsBooks
Farmer Boy: Little House, Book 2 by Laura Ingalls WilderLittle House on the Prairie (book series) by Laura Ingalls WilderSocial Media
Crystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
* Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


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This week's podcast guest is Kaitlynn (my 16-year-old!) who is here to discuss the details of her unforgettable trip to Singapore and Indonesia! Join us as Kaitlynn shares exclusive insights into her trip, talks about why she chose to go on this trip, and all the highlights (and a few lowlights) of the experience. 
The trip started out rocky with a delayed flight that caused their group to miss their a 17.5-hour flight to Singapore and end up stranded in San Francisco at 2 am in the morning! Kaitlynn recounts some of the things she felt and learned and some unexpected fun in the midst -- including impromptu volleyball games in airport terminals! She also shares how the unexpected adventures brought more camaraderie.
In Indonesia, they spent time in a remote fishing village helping build a retaining wall, in addition to a Survivor Challenge and a hike in the jungle. In Singapore, they got to enjoy the bustling city life and vibrant culture while exploring the city. Some of her favorites from her time there were the rooftop restaurant and iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the electronic Supertrees.
We close out the episode with Kaitlynn reflecting on the lessons learned and the lasting friendships forged. 
In This Episode[0:35] - Kaitlynn joins us talk about her trips to Indonesia and Singapore!
[2:49] - Tight layovers, flight delays, and being unexpectedly stuck in San Fransisco.
[8:48] - Indonesia and Singapore were stark contracts to each other.
[10:26] - What their accommodations were like, helping at the village, and the intense heat and humidity.
[18:25] - An exciting jungle hike, including a waterfall, an ankle sprain, monkeys, and heat exhaustion.
[20:52] - Singapore was a whole different, modern world.
[26:56] - Chinatown and Starbucks where she had an excellent chai.
[29:42] - Kaitlynn reflects on the trip and highlights stark financial contrasts between Singapore and remote villages
[33:27] - Despite challenges, Kaitlynn embraced Philippians' message: refrain from complaining and foster faith and gratitude.
[35:55] - I am excited to announce 10 Weeks to a More Organized Home, a step-by-step guide to help you clear out the clutter and get more organization in your home and lives! Use the code PODCAST for a special deal!
Links & ResourcesCrystal Paine10 Weeks to a More Organized HomeSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
* Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


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There were tears and there was laughter on this episode of the podcast, because we talked about the vulnerable (and sometimes difficult!) topic of belonging. And my guests were Chris and Julie Bennett, the authors of Fighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging.
As the title of their book would suggest, Chris and Julie are passionate about relationships and community. In the conversation, they share about how family isn't just the people who you are related to, it can also be people who become like family because of your deep friendship. 
The Bennetts share their story of a very crazy and chaotic season in their lives -- uprooting their lives to move to Los Angeles without a clear plan, not being able to find housing, moving again and again, while facing the completely unexpected diagnosis of stage three breast cancer for Julie.
They share how hard it was, but also how good it was. How God used this space where they felt like they had nothing to offer and were so needy to teach them powerful lessons about belonging. 
In this episode, they share some of what they have learned and provide encouragement for anyone who is feeling lonely or like they are an outsider.
If you're craving deeper connections, longing for a sense of belonging, or simply seeking inspiration to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience, this episode is for you. I think you will be so blessed by this heartfelt conversation!
In This Episode
[0:35] - I am interviewing Chris and Julie Bennett, authors of the book Fighting for Family.
[1:50] - Chris reveals how the book came to be.
[3:21] - Julie points out how life's challenges turned her adventurous family into brave survivors, battling homelessness and cancer together.
[5:49] - Their faith was deepened amidst chaos, reshaping their understanding of belonging.
[8:49] - How did Julie and Chris navigate the immense risk and uncertainty, especially with children involved?
[15:43] - Julie, despite hesitations, joined a diverse group of fourteen women and these women ended up serving as a lifeline for her.
[19:35] - Belonging involves both giving and taking risks.
[24:05] - Fostering genuine connections requires vulnerability without hidden agendas, creating space for authentic sharing.
[27:00] - Chris reasons that Jesus exemplified love and belonging, prioritizing the marginalized and modeling inclusiveness.
[29:39] - It's okay to feel lonely, even with loved ones. Keep fighting; there's hope ahead.
[31:51] - And stay tuned at the end for an exciting announcement of a project I've been working on for a number of months that I'm finally launching this week! I announce that I am launching "10 Weeks to a More Organized Home," with daily tasks for decluttering.
Links & ResourcesCrystal Paine10 Weeks to a More Organized HomeChris and Julie's podcastBooksFighting for Family: The Relentless Pursuit of Building Belonging by Chris & Julie BennettBowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. PutnamSocial MediaCrystal Paine on InstagramCrystal Paine on GoodreadsMoney Saving MomMoney Saving Mom on FacebookMoney Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook groupcrystal@moneysavingmom.com

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: http://www.armoire.style
* Check out Homethreads and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: www.homethreads.com
* Check out undefined and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: undefined


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