To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be s Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be super intentional with the time we spend with David and Evy recently, knowing that big changes are just around the corner! We pray with them, ask them what questions they have, take the time to explain things. I'm hoping they'll be set up pretty well for the transition of little sis coming in March but most of the work will happen after she gets here! How did you help littles prepare for baby?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️ Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️
The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊 The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊
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fitness, Health, Life & Finances, Motherhood, Sponsored · October 4, 2017

Full Leg (Home) Workout for Busy Moms

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pure Protein. All opinions are my own.

Do you ever get so frustrated knowing exactly what you want to do in a day and not being able to do it? Oh, you *could* do it. But a certain little person (or people) have other plans. Plans that might involve diapers, cold toast, nap times, tears, laughter, and everything in between. With motherhood comes compromise. But I want to tell you that compromising on your workout routine doesn’t necessarily mean putting it off for tomorrow. It might simply mean getting a little creative with how you work those muscles.

For you mamas who have a hard time getting out of the house to get a workout in, especially as
the temperatures begin to drop, this post is for you.  Below I’ve created a super simple leg workout for busy mamas that you can do in your own home! (Or backyard, because the kids like it better outside).

Stair Climbing

First thing’s first, get in your cardio. This type of cardio is great for our leg workout because it also helps to build strength and tones muscles. Not only that, but adding cardio to the beginning of any workout with jumpstart fat burning. Do this a few times interspersed throughout your workout.

Single Leg Reverse Squat (from a platform)

Ok, I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure what these are called. But I do know that my backside is sore for 2 days every time I do them. The lower you can get with your opposite foot, the better. Also try to do your best to squat without holding on to anything, balancing while performing this workout will also help to build strength.

“Box” Jumps

This workout is great because it can be performed almost anywhere and have varying degrees of difficulty based on how hard you want the workout to be- just find a shorter or higher platform! Always make sure that your platform is sturdy and won’t tip over when landing on it.

Tip: For best results, keep your feet even (so you’re not working one leg harder than the other) and stand up straight every time you jump up on the platform, it’s half the workout!

Calf Raise

Don’t take this workout for granted! It can be a doozy if done well. Do while holding onto a poll or without to practice balance. For best results, lower your heels below the surface on which you’re standing, then raise as high as possible. You can alternate this workout by doing short, quick pumps as well.

Standing Side Leg Raise

Looking to add a little lift to your bum? This’ll do it! It specifically targets the gluteus medius which rests higher on the hip and is overlapped by the gluteus maximus. Alternate these with backward leg raises as well!

Good ol’ Squats

Sometimes just the squat motion itself is all you’ll need to get a decent workout for your thighs. If you find yourself needing a bit more weight than that, grab one of those kiddos running around and hold them in your arms or on your back. Always try to keep your knees from going further than your toes, keep your back as straight as possible, and engage your core to prevent injury.

Of course, after every workout, you’ll want to jumpstart the muscle rebuilding process by consuming about 20 grams of protein. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get a minimum of 8 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight.

Luckily, Pure Protein® Bars makes that part pretty tasty. And with each bar containing 19 to 21 grams of protein with just 6 grams or less of sugar, there’s so much to love
and these bars the perfect on-the- go refuel option especially during a hectic new season!

Want to get $1 off your next Pure Protein purchase on Amazon? Just use the code PPSAVE17 at checkout!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pure Protein. The opinions and text are all mine.

In: fitness, Health, Life & Finances, Motherhood, Sponsored · Tagged: active, babies, backyard, body, build, busy, butt, calf, children, exercise, fat, fit, fitness, Health, home, house, kids, leg, mama, mom, motherhood, muscle, outside, raise, squat, strength, strengthen, thigh, toddlers, tone, work out, workout, workout with kids

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Comments

  1. Lori geurin says

    October 5, 2017 at 9:23 am

    Your post shows how simple it is to do a workout at home with some steps (and a busy toddler in tow)! Exercising the large muscle groups in the legs is a great place for anyone to start.

    I’ve tried the pure protein bars and love how they provide so much protein and so little sugar.

  2. Karen Morse says

    October 5, 2017 at 12:15 pm

    It’s so nice to see that you can still focus on your health and fitness even you’re holding the fort down at home! These exercises are awesome and definitely easy to copy. Thanks for the tutorials!

  3. AnnMarie John says

    October 6, 2017 at 1:17 am

    I’m looking forward to learning more about the different exercises that I can do at home so I don’t have to go to the gym. I think these leg exercises are definitely going to help!

  4. Rachel says

    October 6, 2017 at 6:16 pm

    There are so many workouts that can be done at home. It is a little crazy to think that we must go to the gym to make it happen.

  5. Cindy Ingalls says

    October 7, 2017 at 7:00 pm

    I workout at home quite often because it means I can fit my workout into whenever I have time. Plus, it means no excuses not to workout. Love this leg Workout that you can do Right outside your door.

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Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!

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To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be s Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be super intentional with the time we spend with David and Evy recently, knowing that big changes are just around the corner! We pray with them, ask them what questions they have, take the time to explain things. I'm hoping they'll be set up pretty well for the transition of little sis coming in March but most of the work will happen after she gets here! How did you help littles prepare for baby?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️ Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️
The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊 The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊
We took the kids to baby's 20 week anatomy scan to We took the kids to baby's 20 week anatomy scan today and here's how it went. Have you ever brought kids to one of these appointments??

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