Crystal Paine Show

Longtime listeners or new listeners who have gone back and listened to our older episodes may recall one of our early episodes in which we had Jeannie Cunnion on the show as a special guest to talk about how to be a happier mom! Well, Jeannie is back again this week to discuss her new book — how it came to be, what it means to rely on the Holy Spirit, and how that can change your life.

Jeannie shares so many great points during our conversation such as how the Holy Spirit is available in all of us who are Christians but is not necessarily active in all of us. We can get in the way of the Holy Spirit and impede Him, she talks about what it means to cooperate with Him and follow up on His nudges, even if it feels like we have to go outside of our comfort zones to do so.

We also talk about how to go about determining whether or not a calling is truly coming from the Holy Spirit or if it’s coming from our own agendas. I give an example from my own life about a time when that wasn’t apparent, and Jeannie offers some advice on how to make that determination. She closes by explaining how she acknowledges the Holy Spirit’s presence on a daily basis, insight that I hope that you will find helpful so that you, too, can do the same!

My greatest desire in this episode is that you will truly take a step back and ask yourself if you are pursuing your own agenda or if you are recognizing the Holy Spirit’s presence and listening to Him.

In This Episode:

[0:33] – We have a special guest today – returning guest Jeannie Cunnion!

[2:43] – Jeannie shares some background information about herself with us.

[5:18] – What does it mean to rely on the Holy Spirit?

[8:24] – One of the Holy Spirit’s roles in our lives, Jeannie asserts, is as a map and a compass.

[10:48] – Jeannie compares the Holy Spirit to being a close friend.

[12:41] – I reflect on when I realized what it means to rely upon the Holy Spirit was in me.

[15:23] – An example from Scripture of the Holy Spirit being at work.

[16:34] – The difference between the Holy Spirit being available and being active.

[19:25] – Jeannie expounds upon the word conviction and what it means to her.

[21:38] – How to determine whether or not a calling is coming from the Holy Spirit.

[27:33] – We learn how Jeannie acknowledges the Holy Spirit’s presence every day.

Links and Resources:

• The Crystal Paine Show – Episode 3: The Secret to Being a Happier Mom
• Jeannie Cunnion – Parenting the Wholehearted Child: Captivating Your Child’s Heart with God’s Extravagant Grace
• Jeannie Cunnion – Mom Set Free: Find Relief from the Pressure to Get It All Right
• Jeannie Cunnion – Don’t Miss Out: Daring to Believe Life Is Better with the Holy Spirit
• 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 ju...

Covid... that was the last thing I expected she would test positive for when our doctor sent us to the hospital when Kierstyn was really, really sick a few weeks ago.

She had come down with a fever and a really bad case of what we thought were hives all of a sudden on Saturday night. We called the after-hours nurse and she had us go in and get it checked out at the walk-in clinic that night. They thought it was just some sort of allergic reaction + a virus. They gave her Benadryl and told us what to watch for and sent us home.

Her fever went up and her hives got worse Sunday night/early Monday morning. She was miserable and my mama heart felt like something wasn’t right. We called our pediatrician Monday morning and got Kierstyn in to see her. Kierstyn’s fever continued to rise and her rash/hives got a lot worse and she was inconsolable, so our pediatrician sent us to the hospital.

In addition to giving her IV fluids and meds, they ran a battery of tests/bloodwork... and we were all shocked when she tested positive for rhinovirus and Covid. (We knew something was up when the lady came in in a sort of hazmat looking suit to tell us the results!!)

They were able to find some meds to give her some relief and calm her down and her breathing looked good, so they sent us home with meds and what to look for and watch for (they felt she’d be more comfortable at home and they said basically what they were doing at the hospital we could also do at home, since she doesn’t need any oxygen or anything).

In this week's episode, we share about our experience, what we learned about MIS-C, surprising info that we never expected from test results, and lessons we learned from this experience.

At the beginning of this episode, we start it out like we always do -- giving you some life updates, talking about books, sharing about what's saving our life, and sharing some listener feedback!

In This Episode:

[0:35] – We explain why we took the last two weeks off.

[2:00] – We also went on our annual trip recently with my extended family.

[2:55] – I recently finished listening to The President Is Missing -- an audiobook Jesse recommended!

[8:06] – What has been saving my life.

[10:30] – Hear a funny story about my recent trip to the dentist.

[12:57] – It's listener feedback time!

[18:16] – We start sharing our recent story involving our experience with COVID-19.

[20:45] – Learn about what happened a couple weeks ago on the weekend of a baseball tournament.

[23:11] – We share what our daughter was initially diagnosed with.

[26:06] – Our daughter's fever was 104, and medical personnel knew something was wrong.

[28:48] – We were shocked to find out that Kierstyn tested positive for COVID.

[31:26] – We had so much planned that the COVID diagnosis impacted.

[34:09] – The new hospital where Kierstyn was transferred didn't seem as concerned.

[36:02] – We started thinking back over the last few weeks and things started making sense.

[38:02] – What we learned from the testing we got done.

[40:42] – What Kierstyn's recovery process looked like.

[41:42] – Two lessons we learned from the experience.

Links and Resources:

• James Patterson & Bill Clinton – The President Is Missing
• Libby
• The Crystal Paine Show - Episode 133: Our Best Strategies for Raising “Twins”
• 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 ...

Although we've never actually had twins – neither biologically nor via fostering – we have had two babies for most of the past year and a half, so we thought that we would share some of our best advice and tips on either having twins or fostering twins!

The biggest thing we've learned is that it takes time (our experience has been 4-6 weeks) to establish a comfortable rhythm and routine, so be patient, and give yourself (and those around you) a lot of grace. We also recommend finding creative ways of keeping track of things. Setting up different stations around your house (such as a feeding station and a diaper-changing station) and using an app to keep track of when each baby is fed, sleeps, has their diaper changed, get their meds, etc. can really help when you are sleep-deprived and caring for multiple babies -- especially if one is medically fragile or has special needs.

On a somewhat related note, we also share lessons learned from a recent trip that we took to Colorado Springs and how we encountered some unexpected obstacles due to having two little ones, so yes, even traveling via plane is going to be different if you have twins! Having two babies at once can feel overwhelming at first, but we promise that you will get into a comfortable groove! It will get so much easier over time, and it will even become natural to you.

Have you had twins or two babies who are almost the same age? If so, I'd love to hear your best tips and strategies!

In This Episode:

[0:35] – Today's topic is advice for having twins.

[2:39] – We just got back from a quick trip to Colorado Springs!

[4:00] – Learn why we couldn't sit together on the plane.

[5:35] – Jesse shares what he learned from our recent trip.

[10:04] – We both share what we're reading, plus some fun emails/messages from listeners!

[16:13] – We answer a question sent in by a listener about why we don't book Airbnbs when we travel.

[19:26] – Now let's talk about our best advice for raising twins...

[21:03] – Expect it to take at least a month to establish a comfortable rhythm.

[23:11] – It was helpful for us to set up different stations around the house.

[24:56] – I recommend keeping a log of when each baby eats, sleeps, has their diaper changed, has medicine, and so forth.

[27:25] – Give yourself and others grace!

[30:18] – You will eventually get into a groove.

[31:04] – The most important thing for us is relying on God and getting to see Him be so faithful!

Links and Resources:

• James Patterson & Bill Clinton - The President Is Missing
• James Patterson & Bill Clinton - The President’s Daughter
• T.J. Menn & Jenn Menn - Faith to Foster: An All-American Story of Loving the Least of These
• Hoopla - Website
• Libby
• Huckleberry: Baby & Child
• 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: [email protected]...

Today on the podcast, not only do Jesse and I share some fun book updates, a hilarious podcast review we received, and something that's saving my life, but I also am joined in studio by one of my dear local friends!

Fran Maynard and I got to know each other well over the past few years as our families were in Community Group together. Then, she and I got even closer two years ago as we were in a small group in our church's Discipleship Program. This past year, Fran and I also had the privilege of leading a small group together through the Discipleship Program.

During the past two years, I got to have a front row seat in watching Fran and her family go through the training and interviews required to become foster parents. Then, I've seen them open their home and hearts to a sweet little girl (see the precious blond toddler in the photo above?) and also become passionate about the great need in our community.

As I have seen Fran's heart expand, as I've witnessed how this journey has impacted their family in such beautiful ways, as I've watched her advocate for children who need a temporary or permanent home and family, my heart has been deeply touched. And it has deeply impacted our family in ways we never expected (more on that story in the months to come!)

In today's episode, I asked Fran to share more of her story and how foster parenting has changed their families lives in ways they could have never dreamed or imagined. I hope that her words inspire and touch you as they have inspired and touched me.

Whether you have any interest in fostering at all, I urge you to listen to this episode and prayerfully consider where you are being called to step out in faith and obedience to be the hands and feet of Jesus to others -- whether it is signing up for foster parenting classes, coming alongside other foster parents, advocating for children who are in the foster care system, helping walk with families who are struggling, serving single parents, or reaching out and serving in a completely different capacity.

In This Episode:

[03:32] - Jesse did it! He inspired me to listen to the Killing Lincoln Audiobook by Bill O’Reilly & Martin Dugard.

[06:20] - Dear Bob & Sue, the book I actually picked to tell you about this week, chronicles the authors' visits to all 58 (at the time) national parks. It is hilarious and made me want to go visit a lot of national parks -- something I've never thought I'd want to do!

[08:26] - What’s saving my life this week? My eye mask! I talk about why I started using it, when I use it, and how it helps.

[10:33] - We are doing a #100DaysofSummerFun Family Challenge this summer! Check out my Instagram account to see all the fun activities we do!

[12:29] - Meet my wonderful friend Fran, learn how we met, and hear about their path to foster.

[14:11] - Fran shares with us a little bit about her childhood, her journey, and how it affected her decision to foster.

[16:18] - I ask Fran how they were first led to consider fostering and whether they had fear going into it.

[19:46] - The biggest surprise for Fran and her family in this process was the unbelievably positive response from their kids and their community. The hardest part? All the unknowns. The most beautiful part? The growth that their children have seen in their hearts and their faith.

[24:14] - We talk about the great need for willing and able to foster families in every community and Fran shares some words of wisdom and recommendations for those who may want to foster in the future.

Links and Resources:

• My Eye Mask for Sleep
• Killing Lincoln Audiobook
• Killing Kennedy
• Killing Reagan
• Dear Bob and Sue
• 100 Days of Summer Fun on Instagram
• Last Week's Podcast Episode with Our Pastor
• Fran Maynard on Twitter
• Fran's Blog
• America's Kids Belong
• Crystal’s Favorite ...

A few years ago, we went through a season with a lot of evening activities. During that season, we decided to switch from family dinners to family breakfasts.

We would all eat a hot breakfast (usually eggs and bacon, maybe toast or pancakes, too) and spend some time reading the Bible and talking together. We were homeschooling at the time and didn't have any specific time we needed to get out the door in the mornings, so it worked so well for our family.

Recently, we've had a lot going on in the evenings and we were noticing that we weren't getting to have family dinners very regularly. We called a family meeting and asked for people to give their ideas on what we could do to have more time together around the table.

(Tip: want to come up with creative solutions for your family? Call a family meeting and let everyone weigh in and then come to an agreement on what might work. Your kids are much more likely to want to go along with the plan if they helped create it in the first place!)

After our family meeting, we all decided together to go back to having family breakfasts again. Jesse and Kaitlynn need to be out the door to ice-skating by 8 a.m., so we decided to have family breakfasts at 7:30 a.m. I've been prepping a hot breakfast at 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. -- so far, I've done things like Breakfast casserole, Baked Oatmeal, toast and scrambled eggs, French Toast, Waffles and Bacon, and even cold cereal (on particularly full days).

It's been such a great start to our day again. And, we've realized that it's had a trickle down affect into other areas -- our days feel more organized and it feels like we have a lot more breathing room in them... just from the simple practice of how we are starting our mornings.

In this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, we share more details on how family breakfasts work right now, how it's made a difference in our entire day, two books I've been listening to, how to get the pit out of an avocado, a new job for one of our girls, listener mail, Hoopla, and more!

Sponsor Spotlight:

This week’s episode is sponsored by Annie’s — a company I’ve loved for a long time! Annie’s has the perfect subscription boxes for both boys and girls that will keep them, creative, constructive, and engaged this summer!

This week’s spotlight is Annie’s Young Woodworker's Club — a monthly subscription that sends kids real hammer-and-nails construction kits. They even include real tools starting with a kid-sized hammer. Each kit has pre-cut and pre-drilled wood, so your kids can build complete kits with minimal supervision and be proud of every project.

Annie’s is offering 75% off your first month of their Young Woodworker's Club when you go here and use coupon code CRYSTAL at checkout. This is a fantastic deal!

In This Episode:

[1:15] – An easy way to get the pit out of an avocado!

[3:50] – Kaitlynn just got a job, so we now have two high schoolers who have jobs!

[5:43] – I have been listening to The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer.

[7:38] – The Warsaw Orphan is the second book that I have listened to on Hoopla, which I have been using lately.

[8:57] – I share my thoughts on how The Woman with the Blue Star ends.

[11:40] – Listener mail: feedback, tips, and a question on Airbnb.

[15:10] - Today's sponsor is the Young Woodworker's Club.

[17:48] – We dive into talking about family breakfast!

[19:40] – We were going to suggest family meetings to our kids before putting them into place, but they had the same idea!

[21:24] – Our mornings have been so much more productive and structured.

[22:32] – Hear my advice on what you can do if there is something in your home that isn't working.

Links and Resources:

• Kelly Rimmer – The Warsaw Orphan: A WWII Novel
• Kelly Rimmer – The Things We Cannot...