Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Unexpected Lessons from a Year of Foster Care and more...

It has been just over a year since we brought home Champ, our first long-term placement in our foster care journey. It's been a year of learning, growing, and riding a rollercoaster of emotions. In this episode of the podcast, Jesse and I sit down and ...
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Intentional finance. Intentional family. Intentional business.

Unexpected Lessons from a Year of Foster Care

It has been just over a year since we brought home Champ, our first long-term placement in our foster care journey. It’s been a year of learning, growing, and riding a rollercoaster of emotions.

In this episode of the podcast, Jesse and I sit down and recount some of the most unexpected lessons — the grief of goodbye, walking through deep sadness with our kids, what we’ve learned through reunification, how it has impacted our kids, thoughts on caring for a child with special needs, and how our faith has been strengthened and changed through it.

We also talk about a book I’m reading, a book Jesse finished, plus the foster care support group and how sometimes stepping into awkward things can turn into really awesome relationships.

 

In This Episode:

[00:33] It’s foster care awareness month and we’re sharing our takeaways from this past year of fostering.

[01:51] My foster care support group is saving my life these days.

[05:42] Jesse finished the book he’s been reading and is still recommending it to me.

[08:49] I’ve been reading Can’t Steal My Joy by Bekah Bowman.

[11:35] Okay, let’s talk all things foster care and the unexpected lessons we’ve learned along the way.

[13:20] Dealing with the grief that comes along with reunification was a huge lesson learned.

[15:30] Our kids have also been impacted and given the opportunity to learn how to grieve.

[17:12] How our grief impacted our initial experience with Baby D.

[20:04] Fostering has impacted our kids and we went into that with eyes wide open, but it’s also given them a chance to grow so much.

[23:01] It’s been amazing to watch our kids become so attached to the boys we have fostered.

[26:02] Fear is normal. Expect the unexpected.

[27:55] Foster care has also changed my perspective on hot button topics in the world.

[30:14] This past year has deepened our faith like never before.

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

    
 

Gretchen’s $85 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 5

Aldi

1 bag Frozen Chicken Breasts – $5.59

2 Half & Half – $1.55 each

2 containers Vanilla Yogurt – $1.75 each

1 MooTubes – $1.55

1 bag Frozen Strawberries – $2.95

1 gallon Milk – $2.29

1 bag Frozen Peas – $0.75

1 dozen Eggs – $1.18

1 Marinara Sauce – $0.85

1 Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.95

1 bag Potato Chips – $1.12

1 Dill Pickles – $1.19

1 bag Flour – $1.15

1 bag Shredded Cheese – $2.59

1 bag Chocolate Chips – $1.29

1 Taco Seasoning Mix – $0.39

1 bag Green Peppers – $1.99

1 bag Baking Potatoes – $2.99

1 Peanut Butter – $1.19

1 can Refried Beans – $0.69

1 bag Spinach – $1.19

1 box Crackers – $1.75

1 box Raisin Bran – $1.85

1 box Cinnamon Crunch Cereal – $1.39

2.47 lbs Red Grapes – $3.19

1 bag Caesar Salad – $2.29

1 bag Vine Tomatoes – $1.89

1 bag Pink Lady Apples – $2.89

2.91 lbs Bananas – $1.08

1 box Granola Bars – $0.95

1 bag Mini Cucumbers – $1.99

1 can Tuna – $0.65

1 bag Flour Tortillas – $1.49

1 bag Marshmallows – $0.89

1 Cinnamon Raisin Bagels – $1.49

1 loaf Bread – $0.59

1 Brown & Serve Rolls – $0.99

Total: $64.85

Harris Teeter

1 Breyer’s Ice Cream – $3.19

1 box Rice Krispies – $2, used $1/1 printable (Rewards coupon) – $1 after coupon

2 Lily’s Chocolate Bars – $2.79 each, used $2/2 printable – $1.79 each after coupon

1 Organic Spring Mix – $2.14, used $2/1 printable – $0.14 after coupon

1 Halo Top Bars – $2.89, used $0.50/1 Ibotta rebate – $2.39 after rebate

1 Roasted Chicken – $4.99, used $3/1 Ibotta rebate – $1.99 after rebate (not pictured)

Used $0.10 Ibotta rebate for any receipt

Total after coupons and rebates: $12.19

Publix

1 Challenge Butter – $2.50

1 Sara Lee Mini Cheesecakes – $2.99, used $1.50/1 Ibotta rebate – $1.49 after rebate

1 Rowdy Energy Drink – $1.25, used $2.99/1 Ibotta rebate – Free pus $1.74 overage after rebate

4 boxes Annie’s Mac & Cheese – $0.99 each

1 Hunt’s Ketchup – $0.59

1 Danimals Yogurt – $1.54

Total after rebates – $8.34

Total for all groceries: $85.38

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Cereal, Spinach Smoothies, Yogurt, Oatmeal, Cinnamon Raisin Bagels, Eggs

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches/Fruit/Chips x 2, Mac & Cheese/Grapes x 2, Tuna Sandwiches/Veggies, Tossed Salad Bar, Leftovers

Dinners

Roasted Chicken (from the store), Caesar Salad, Brown & Serve Rolls, Ice Cream

Spaghetti, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, Steamed Veggies

Soft Tacos, Refried Beans, Sliced Apples, Steamed Peas

Pancakes, Eggs, Strawberry Smoothies

Beef & Gravy over Noodles, Tossed Salad

Homemade Cheese Pizza, Breadsticks

Baked Italian Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Biscuits

    
 

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