Silas makes his podcast debut + 5 things I'm doing to get better sleep

What I'm reading, hair cuts for the books, and kids in the kitchen! Hi, Friend! If you [follow me on Instagram](, you saw a peek into what cooking sometimes looks like at our house on my stories this week! If you didn't see it, you should definitely be following my stories every day (!) and this picture gives you a little idea of how it can be pretty loud and wild somedays. I try to constantly remind myself that these are the good days AND I'm modeling working and cooking for the little kids so that they will eventually be able to do this themselves. Just a bit ago, I was on the phone with Kathrynne (who lives about 45 mins away and is going to college) and she was cooking and asking me for advice on what she should make this week with the groceries she got on sale. Mamas of littles, it does pay off -- not only because you'll eventually have good helpers but also because you'll be teaching your kids skills that will help them the rest of their lives! Silas makes [his formal debut on the podcast this week]() by joining Jesse and me to share about their trip to DC. He’s joined in on a few podcasts in the past when he was much younger and didn’t say much, so I’m excited for you to get to hear more from him now that he’s older and less scared of the microphone. 🙂 Jesse and Silas recount the adventures they had on their trip, including flying Southwest (and winning some vouchers!), Arlington, the Holocaust Museum, the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon, Museum of the Bible, the Capitol, Mount Vernon, Gettysburg, the White House Visitor’s Center, and more! You’ll enjoy hearing both of their perspectives on it, what they learned, what was disappointing and surprising, and places they want to return to. They shared some stories and insights I hadn’t yet heard from their trip, so it was really fun for me to sit back and listen — I hope you enjoy it as much we did recording it! [LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE.]( Speaking of Silas, middle school baseball officially started this week! I love getting to sit on the sidelines (or stand nervously pacing if the game is really close!!) and watch him play! He's getting to pitch a lot this season, which he really enjoys! And Jesse is the assistant coach, which he is just LOVING!! = Did you see this? [I’m giving away these checklists to you for FREE](=)! When you download the [FREE Simplified Home Checklists](=), you’ll get: - An easy set of regular household tasks for you to quickly go through and check off each morning, afternoon, and evening so you can feel more on top of things all day long. - Extra space and some ideas for you to personalize your lists with tasks that are unique to you. - Two versions to choose from for those who are home most of the day and those who are away from home most of the day. (You get both versions, so that you can decide which is best for you!) - Weekly, monthly, quarterly, and even annual checklists for your tasks that need to be done regularly, but not daily. [These simple lists]() will not only help you simplify your life and save you time, but they will help you start your day with a few quick and easy wins! And here’s the thing I’ve learned: when you start your day with a few quick wins, you’ll usually be inspired to follow those with even more wins and productivity! Sign up for your [FREE Simplified Home Checklists](=) to help save your sanity and streamline your day — starting today! I've been tracking my sleep with my new Oura ring for the last six weeks or so and I am learning SO much!! I'm discovering that what I do before bed and what time I go to bed has a HUGE impact on my quality of sleep. I listed above (in answer to a question someone asked me) some of the things I'm finding that make a big difference for me! I can't believe how much more rested I've been feeling by really prioritizing and being intentional before bed! All three little kids got haircuts this week! Links You Might Be Interested In: - If you love deals, don’t miss the [Top 10 Deals From This Past Week post!](=) There’s a hot deal on our favorite outdoor furniture set, the Ninja Creami, Under Armour Kids' Shoes, a Shark vaccuum sale, and more! - Looking for an easy, frugal weeknight meal that everyone will love? Try [this Easy Baked Chicken]() — so tender and juicy, and perfect for any time of the year! - I shared in-depth about [How I Do It All (or not!)]() and give you some detailed lists of a lot of things I streamline in this post! Hopefully it can encourage you with ideas of things that you could also simplify in your own life! = Books I Finished Recently: [Little House in the Big Woods]() -- I think this was my third time to read this aloud. We read it at least once (maybe twice?) when the older three were little. So it was fun to read it again with the younger three. Kierstyn wasn't super engaged at the beginning, but got much more into it as the book went on! We're now reading Farmer Boy and she's all into it! I can't wait to read through the rest of the series as the year goes on. [Really Very Crunchy]() -- I read this book in preparation for my interview with Emily. If you are a fan of Emily, it is a must-read as you'll love hearing behind-the-scenes of their life. If you are unfamiliar with her, I think you'd still find the book helpful -- especially if you are looking for some basic starting points to live a less toxic life. Currently Reading: Only the Beautiful, I Want God, Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, Embraced, Fighting For Family, The Biggest Storybook Bible (aloud to the kids), and Farmer Boy (aloud to the kids). Just a reminder if you missed it in last week's email: [I started a brand-new account on Instagram]() two weeks ago that I’ve been thinking of doing for a little while now. So many of you have loved when I’ve done my cleaning challenges and have asked if I could share them in a way that you could refer back to them. This account will be just that! Every week day, I’ll be [sharing a reel with a very simple cleaning challenge](=) (usually that you can complete in 5-15 minutes!) If you need some motivation to keep your home more clean, organized, and decluttered, be sure to follow along. And in my typical style, it will not be perfect or magazine-worthy, but I hope that it encourages you to just do something because something is always better than nothing! [Go follow my new cleaning Instagram account.]() _______________ I hope you've had a wonderful Sunday! -Crystal P.S. If you love deals, don’t miss the [Top 10 Deals From This Past Week post!]() There’s a hot deal on our favorite outdoor furniture set, the Ninja Creami, Under Armour Kids' Shoes, a Shark vaccuum sale, and more! 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