Crystal & Co. Podcast: Real Life Solutions with Crystal & Lenny Crystal VanTassel: Dallas Mom Blogger: Digital Strategist: www.crystalandcomp.com

Let me ask you… what is the most humbling moment in your parenting? (Have you read the decision I made that I will forever regret?)

I am far from perfect. We are all far from perfect. I share this story with much hesitation because you might judge me.

A few years ago there was a situation that occurred that was ugly. I was ugly. I treated someone wrong and they did not deserve it. Sometimes words come out of my mouth based on emotion. It was an innocent stranger. Our kids were in the car with me when it happened. I still regret it to this day!

The right thing to do was to ask for forgiveness. My children had to see me be accountable- no matter the shame I felt. I had to be the example I expect my children to be.

This awful and embarrassing moment became a teachable moment showing my children I am remorseful.



 

In today’s podcast I share with you the story of the time I treated someone unkind… ironically over a happy meal. In a moment of pure frustration. It was wrong.

Moms, know in your moments of transgression you are not alone. Others have been there. I can resonate with you.

The good news is there is forgiveness, love and mercy. This is exactly what Psalm 51 tells us. The exact scripture our pastor just delivered to us in a recent sermon.



And then the burnt cookies and the lessons I hope our children learned…. you will just have to listen in.



More Free Podcast Downloads



* Podcast Episode 001: How to Save Thousands of Dollars a Year

* Podcast Episode 002: How Wives Help Husbands and How Husbands Help Wives 

* Podcast Episode 003: Growing up in Brooklyn, New York and Playing in the Streets with Lenny Kravitz 



Let me ask you… what is the most humbling moment in your parenting? (Have you read the decision I made that I will forever regret?)

I am far from perfect. We are all far from perfect. I share this story with much hesitation because you might judge me.

A few years ago there was a situation that occurred that was ugly. I was ugly. I treated someone wrong and they did not deserve it. Sometimes words come out of my mouth based on emotion. It was an innocent stranger. Our kids were in the car with me when it happened. I still regret it to this day!

The right thing to do was to ask for forgiveness. My children had to see me be accountable- no matter the shame I felt. I had to be the example I expect my children to be.

This awful and embarrassing moment became a teachable moment showing my children I am remorseful.



 

In today’s podcast I share with you the story of the time I treated someone unkind… ironically over a happy meal. In a moment of pure frustration. It was wrong.

Moms, know in your moments of transgression you are not alone. Others have been there. I can resonate with you.

The good news is there is forgiveness, love and mercy. This is exactly what Psalm 51 tells us.

In our first podcast we shared how we save money and count our pennies. The budgeting we do in this house follows what Lenny learned from his parents growing up and what Lenny’s father learned from his parents growing up. Being thrifty is in their blood. We like to call it  The McDonald’s Budget in this house.

As we continue with our podcast journey we realize just how much of a story we have to tell. About life. About blended families. About the impact your upbringing has on you.

I love sharing stories. Lenny’s brother was in town visiting from Ohio. This brother was raised in Brooklyn, New York, by Lenny’s grandparents. This would be Mrs. Georgina Lopez who we shared so much about in our first podcast. That upbringing shaped him.



I love the reminiscing and stories they share. It really helps you see the serving heart that his family has.

If my boys can grow up to be just as serving and caring as this family has paved the way for, I will be one very happy mama!

Lenny’s brother Danny, shares his journey in growing up apart from his siblings and why he grew up apart from them.

He shares stories of growing up playing in the streets of Brooklyn with Lenny Kravitz as young children.

Danny and Lenny (my Lenny) share how much of an impact summer visits were for them- even back in the 70’s and 80’s. A time when the words “blended family” really were not talked much about.

They also talk about Danny’s military career and serving in Afghanistan- something many of you can relate to today.

And you even get to hear my husband get emotional- a man who carries his heart on his sleeve.

(You can listen to all of our free podcast downloads while you’re here!)



 

How is your family shaping you? We all have a story… and it is this story that makes us who we are and who we are not.

Listen to the Podcast:



Make sure you subscribe over on iTunes and take us along with you! Listen on your way to work, while you’re working out or while you’re doing household chores.

 

In our first podcast we shared how we save money and count our pennies. The budgeting we do in this house follows what Lenny learned from his parents growing up and what Lenny’s father learned from his parents growing up. Being thrifty is in their blood. We like to call it  The McDonald’s Budget in this house.

As we continue with our podcast journey we realize just how much of a story we have to tell. About life. About blended families. About the impact your upbringing has on you.

I love sharing stories. Lenny’s brother was in town visiting from Ohio. This brother was raised in Brooklyn, New York, by Lenny’s grandparents. This would be Mrs. Georgina Lopez who we shared so much about in our first podcast. That upbringing shaped him.



I love the reminiscing and stories they share. It really helps you see the serving heart that his family has.

If my boys can grow up to be just as serving and caring as this family has paved the way for, I will be one very happy mama!

Do you have any idea how far your sincerity goes in a marriage?

Lenny and I have been at this relationship thing for a long time. We have had amazing times in our marriage and we’ve had struggles.

In our latest podcast we candidly share how to love one another and some tips that work for us. This is how he helps me as my husband and this is how I help him as his wife. In turn, believe it or not, it makes us better parents!

While you’re here make sure you listen to all of your free podcast downloads!



 

Where does your marriage stand in these areas:

 



* How genuine are you with your words?

* Do you compare your marriage to other people’s marriage?

* Do you compare your spouse to your friends spouse?

* Are you overlooking the simple ways you can have date nights?

* Do you pray for your spouse?





Listen to the Podcast:

Listen to our latest podcast. Ignore the child who comes into the room and opens the squeaky door.

And Lenny does share a crazy story about a breast pump from when our twins were babies…. oh my.  Considered editing it out, but it shows his love. His crazy love. I hope it does not offend anyone.





Show Notes:



* The Five Love Languages 

* Love & Respect

* Love Language Minute Devotional

* Debt Free Marriage Podcast

* Marriage Advice





Do you have any idea how far your sincerity goes in a marriage?

Lenny and I have been at this relationship thing for a long time. We have had amazing times in our marriage and we’ve had struggles.

In our latest podcast we candidly share how to love one another and some tips that work for us. This is how he helps me as my husband and this is how I help him as his wife. In turn, believe it or not, it makes us better parents!

While you’re here make sure you listen to all of your free podcast downloads!



 

Where does your marriage stand in these areas:

 



* How genuine are you with your words?

* Do you compare your marriage to other people’s marriage?

* Do you compare your spouse to your friends spouse?

* Are you overlooking the simple ways you can have date nights?

* Do you pray for your spouse?

My husband and I have ZERO credit card debt. None.

The only cards with a Visa symbol are connected to our checking account.

We comfortably live each month off of what you probably pay for your monthly mortgage. And we’re happy!!! (Check out our 30 ways to save money!)

So many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.

They spend so much on their mortgage and car payments that if they lost their job tomorrow they would lose everything they have.

We are here to help you turn this around.



Do you want to know how my husband and I save THOUSANDS of dollars every year? We are sharing the details with you in our very first podcast! (Click here to listen to our free podcast download episode 001!)

 



Ask Yourself:



* Are you tired of making money just to give it away?

* Do you feel like you work just to pay bills?

* Does your monthly/weekly budget include things other than necessitates?

* Are you house broke?

* What would happen if you lost your job tomorrow?

* Are you self-sufficient?

* If you had to take a job making $9.00 an hour would you lose everything?

* Are you in the middle of a financial crisis?

* Does thinking about your monthly expenses keep you up at night?



 

We can help you. We have one simple tip that teaches you how to save thousands every year. It is THE tip we have always implemented in our home.

Maybe you long to be a stay at home mom and be home with your babies. Maybe you think it is impossible to live a wonderful life on one income. We are here to prove to you that this is just not true!

Let us share with you exactly how we do it!



Listen to the podcast and leave your thoughts in the comments!

If you enjoy our podcasts we hope you will subscribe over on iTunes and leave us a review!

 

SHOW NOTES: 



* Learn to Blog Hangout Playlist

* Learn to Blog VIP Forum

* The McDonald’s Budget 

* How to Meal Plan in 5 Easy Steps

* 30 Ways to Save Money at Home

* 21 Coupon Resources

* My Favorite Amazon Daily Deals 





My husband and I have ZERO credit card debt. None.

The only cards with a Visa symbol are connected to our checking account.

We comfortably live each month off of what you probably pay for your monthly mortgage. And we’re happy!!! (Check out our 30 ways to save money!)

So many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck.

They spend so much on their mortgage and car payments that if they lost their job tomorrow they would lose everything they have.

We are here to help you turn this around.



Do you want to know how my husband and I save THOUSANDS of dollars every year? We are sharing the details with you in our very first podcast! (Click here to listen to our a href="http://hwcdn.