Happy birthday to our 9 year old goob! We are so p Happy birthday to our 9 year old goob! We are so proud of this boy. We are constantly told by others how kind and sweet his is. I mean, we know it too, but it means even more when his character shines through even when mom and dad aren't watching. We love you so much "Puppy!"
More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽ More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽
The start of a new school year has always felt lik The start of a new school year has always felt like more of a “New Years” to me than January 1st ever did. The air starts getting more crisp (thank goodness), the leaves start to change, and the house is quieter (now that the kids are in school, and just during the day, ha). 

Every year around this time I can clearly look back and see how our family has changed. Last year, we had just said goodbye to the boys (our first foster placement) and our family was making sense of the whirlwind that had just happened over the summer. This year, David is way more into soccer, Evy is telling me about the conversations the girls at school are having (she’s a huge people-watcher), and of course Cleo is getting so big! Her first two teeth made their appearance this week and we’re also pretty sure she said “Dada” the other night. 

It really goes by so fast. But little memories like the ones in these photos will last. I remember going apple picking with sweet family friends as a kid and I love doing that for our kids now. 

What traditions have you tried to pass down to your kids?
Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Sinc Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Since she's been a baby, I've been learning that she needs love in a very different way than David does. After school and before bed, she especially needs all the love, attention, and cuddles. 

Today I had a pretty hard day with several hours of intensive Zoom calls. They ended right as the kids got home from school and when I was done, I just felt this deep exhaustion and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with my kids and never look at a computer again 🤪. 

I realized that's probably how Evy (and David, but mostly Evy) typically feels after a long day. I can tell that it's especially draining for her. So I was reminded to be extra gentle with her emotions, especially on school days when there's just so much going on and it can feel pretty intense, especially at that age. And especially to us introverts 🫠 Anyone else have highly emotional kiddos?
My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling away from dropping the kids at school. A little baby needed a home until his adoptive family could come get him. 

At the time, we didn’t know his name, his gender, or anything about him. We were told he was healthy and we’d get more details later.

And we said yes! We thought it would be longer but his adoptive family is BOOKING it to get here and take him home forever. He will be so loved!!

I love that we get to share moments like these with our kids. I know they’ll remember them for a looong time to come.
Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not ev Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not every moment needs to be filled with productivity. And sometimes I don't need to multitask. Easier said than done for me anyway. But I'm trying to intentionally practice slowing down. How do you try to slow down?

Shoes @naot.northamerica
Dress @shopbohme
Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋 Do Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋

Doing fun hairstyles with Ev has been a new way for us to bond, especially since Cleo's joined us. Would you try this one??
I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I n I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I need to rush while the baby's asleep to get things done to rather bringing them along with me when I can. 

Cleo loves being worn and, for the time being, is super content just watching me unload the dishwasher, make dinner, or tag along to grab Evy and David from the bus. 

And I'm way more at peace when I don't feel like I need to rush or time is running out. We have time and most things we have to do in a day aren't urgent.
Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 What was the first food you gave to your baby?
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Dating, Marriage, Relationships · January 13, 2016

7 ways to get your spouse talking!

Keeping communication is one of the best ways to preserve closeness in your relationship with your spouse. Yeah, your sex life might be great, but if you’re not having regular communication, eventually conversations themselves are going to begin to become awkward, uncomfortable, and just hard to have. 

Keeping communication is one of the best ways to preserve closeness in your relationship with your spouse. Yeah, your sex life might be great, but if you’re not having regular communication, eventually conversations themselves are going to begin to become awkward, uncomfortable, and just hard to have. Communication in marriage is something that needs to be well-rounded. Laughter is just as important as crying together (or at least being openly sad together). One of the hardest times I ever had in my own marriage was when I gave up on telling my husband when things bothered me. I just let them go until the issue would bother me again, except this time it bothered me a little more. And each time it came up (because it kept coming up- obviously) it bothered me a bit more until I got to the point of deep hurt and resentment that I had never even mentioned to my husband! And I thought to myself, “We used to talk about everything; good stuff, bad stuff, what bugged us. How did I get to this point?”

Sometimes it’s not all that easy to bring up good conversations out of the blue. Or if you do, you might risk your spouse feeling like he’s being jumped. Sometimes being in the context of an activity is all it takes to spark good meaningful conversation, whether you’re trying to bring up a hard subject or simply dying for conversation like how it used to be. Take a look at these ideas and easy ways to naturally get the conversation flowing.

Go on a walk

For whatever reason, Josh and I always have our best, most focussed talks when we go on a walk together. We have our favorite, go-to trails where we can easily roll a stroller and conversation usually just happens. Those times are the ones that I think I will cherish and remember most years down the road.

Do a monotonous chore together

Sometimes I think we get awkward during deep conversations because we don’t know what to do with our awkward bodies! Well to solve that, give them something to do! Looking back on that sentence I am realizing how that sounds…. Take it how you want it. I was mostly referring to folding socks or something along those lines. Having a common activity is a great way to break the ice with anyone, let alone your husband. If you’re looking to have a quality conversation though, try to stay away from distracting activities or ones that take a lot of thought as your minds will be preoccupied.

Attend a thought provoking event

Anothing thing that always sparks great conversation is leaving an intense or thought provoking movie. Of course, as we’re leaving the theater, we’re talking about the movie, what scenes were the best, what actors were good, what we think the next movie might be like; but eventually the conversation wanders down roads of real-life-ness and real conversations get started.

Read a book together

This is a great intentional way to spark intelligent, meaningful conversation with your significant other. Plus you two will learn something in the meantime. Whether it’s a book of the Bible, a self- help book, or sci-fi novel, you both will have something new to bond over, something to discuss and questions to ask, and new memories to fondly look back on.

Check out my posts full of questions to ask your spouse!!

Looking for some random questions to ask your significant other?? Check out a this post and this post (oh, and this post) for some awesome inspiration!

Draw together

Ever heard of coloring therapy? It’s a real thing and it’s not just for children! Besides being relaxing and something I find extremely fun (as I often need a creative outlet) coloring prompts are a great way to get your spouse to open up about their day or something that may be going on in their life that they might feel awkward telling you about just because, you know, men aren’t always great talkers.

Road trip

Both mine and Josh’s family live pretty far away. My family (the closer of the two) live an 8 hour car ride from our home in Virginia. As long as this ride may seem, I’ve actually come to enjoy and look forward to this long road trip! Josh and I always have the best conversations about our families, OUR family, life, God, the future of our son, future plans, things we want, any random or not so random thing you can imagine probably comes up sometime in that 8 hour car ride. If you can spare the time, try changing things up and taking the scenic route on your way to where you’re going. Or try stopping at the random hole-in-the-wall restaurant you always pass by. Making memories together is a great way to make conversations!

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In: Dating, Marriage, Relationships · Tagged: boyfriend, closeness, conflict, conversation, girlfriend, love, marriage, questions, significant other, spouse, talk

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Comments

  1. Christy F says

    January 13, 2016 at 11:18 pm

    These are great ideas, and wonderful conversation starters. I definitely struggle with telling my boyfriend what is bothering me. It’s something I need to work on for sure. But I agree it definitely comes and goes in waves. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Dominique says

    January 13, 2016 at 11:19 pm

    Great read! I love all of these suggestions! I have been with my husband 11 years, married for almost 7 and communication really is key to making it work! You are wise little lady.

    http://www.wiritingmotherfashionista.com

  3. Brittany Putman says

    January 14, 2016 at 1:22 am

    I feel like my hubby and I always have the best conversations late at night or on road trips! In both places we are together with little to distract us.

  4. Kylie says

    January 14, 2016 at 4:33 am

    This is cute!! Love these ideas!

  5. Rachel G says

    January 14, 2016 at 8:23 am

    We lived an 18 hour car ride from his family’s place when we were in the USA, and I have such good memories of talking for hours together on those trips!

  6. Karen says

    January 21, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    I just recently found your blog from Pinterest. You really have posted some gems here. Thank you. I’m sure my husband thanks you too. Take Care!

  7. Jane says

    June 6, 2016 at 12:38 pm

    My other half never talks to me, but has no trouble talking with others. When we are alone my biggest problem is Face Book, it has taken over any conversation, he’s on it constantly all day.
    I’ve stopped him taking pictures of me, he’ll just post it on FB, what happened to us sharing a picture of our special time together.
    When we drive on a long trip he’ll put music on in the car so he doesn’t have to talk, it’s hurtful.

  8. Sally says

    August 21, 2016 at 11:45 am

    Yes this is a definite problem! My hubby doesn’t communicate very well at all either. I’m sorry that I don’t have a total answer. Have you talked to him about it or sought Christian counsel? For many years I resented my husband… I would cry silently on long trips because of total silence, and because of hearing news from other family members of his that he never passed on to me. I took my sadness to my only true friend.. God. It’s gotten a little better over the years…

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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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Happy birthday to our 9 year old goob! We are so p Happy birthday to our 9 year old goob! We are so proud of this boy. We are constantly told by others how kind and sweet his is. I mean, we know it too, but it means even more when his character shines through even when mom and dad aren't watching. We love you so much "Puppy!"
More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽ More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽
The start of a new school year has always felt lik The start of a new school year has always felt like more of a “New Years” to me than January 1st ever did. The air starts getting more crisp (thank goodness), the leaves start to change, and the house is quieter (now that the kids are in school, and just during the day, ha). 

Every year around this time I can clearly look back and see how our family has changed. Last year, we had just said goodbye to the boys (our first foster placement) and our family was making sense of the whirlwind that had just happened over the summer. This year, David is way more into soccer, Evy is telling me about the conversations the girls at school are having (she’s a huge people-watcher), and of course Cleo is getting so big! Her first two teeth made their appearance this week and we’re also pretty sure she said “Dada” the other night. 

It really goes by so fast. But little memories like the ones in these photos will last. I remember going apple picking with sweet family friends as a kid and I love doing that for our kids now. 

What traditions have you tried to pass down to your kids?
Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Sinc Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Since she's been a baby, I've been learning that she needs love in a very different way than David does. After school and before bed, she especially needs all the love, attention, and cuddles. 

Today I had a pretty hard day with several hours of intensive Zoom calls. They ended right as the kids got home from school and when I was done, I just felt this deep exhaustion and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with my kids and never look at a computer again 🤪. 

I realized that's probably how Evy (and David, but mostly Evy) typically feels after a long day. I can tell that it's especially draining for her. So I was reminded to be extra gentle with her emotions, especially on school days when there's just so much going on and it can feel pretty intense, especially at that age. And especially to us introverts 🫠 Anyone else have highly emotional kiddos?

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Happy birthday to our 9 year old goob! We are so p Happy birthday to our 9 year old goob! We are so proud of this boy. We are constantly told by others how kind and sweet his is. I mean, we know it too, but it means even more when his character shines through even when mom and dad aren't watching. We love you so much "Puppy!"
More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽ More photos from this weekend 🍂🍏⚽
The start of a new school year has always felt lik The start of a new school year has always felt like more of a “New Years” to me than January 1st ever did. The air starts getting more crisp (thank goodness), the leaves start to change, and the house is quieter (now that the kids are in school, and just during the day, ha). 

Every year around this time I can clearly look back and see how our family has changed. Last year, we had just said goodbye to the boys (our first foster placement) and our family was making sense of the whirlwind that had just happened over the summer. This year, David is way more into soccer, Evy is telling me about the conversations the girls at school are having (she’s a huge people-watcher), and of course Cleo is getting so big! Her first two teeth made their appearance this week and we’re also pretty sure she said “Dada” the other night. 

It really goes by so fast. But little memories like the ones in these photos will last. I remember going apple picking with sweet family friends as a kid and I love doing that for our kids now. 

What traditions have you tried to pass down to your kids?
Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Sinc Evy has always been very much a Mommy's girl. Since she's been a baby, I've been learning that she needs love in a very different way than David does. After school and before bed, she especially needs all the love, attention, and cuddles. 

Today I had a pretty hard day with several hours of intensive Zoom calls. They ended right as the kids got home from school and when I was done, I just felt this deep exhaustion and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with my kids and never look at a computer again 🤪. 

I realized that's probably how Evy (and David, but mostly Evy) typically feels after a long day. I can tell that it's especially draining for her. So I was reminded to be extra gentle with her emotions, especially on school days when there's just so much going on and it can feel pretty intense, especially at that age. And especially to us introverts 🫠 Anyone else have highly emotional kiddos?
My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling My phone rang this morning just as we were pulling away from dropping the kids at school. A little baby needed a home until his adoptive family could come get him. 

At the time, we didn’t know his name, his gender, or anything about him. We were told he was healthy and we’d get more details later.

And we said yes! We thought it would be longer but his adoptive family is BOOKING it to get here and take him home forever. He will be so loved!!

I love that we get to share moments like these with our kids. I know they’ll remember them for a looong time to come.
Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not ev Sometimes I just need to remind myself that not every moment needs to be filled with productivity. And sometimes I don't need to multitask. Easier said than done for me anyway. But I'm trying to intentionally practice slowing down. How do you try to slow down?

Shoes @naot.northamerica
Dress @shopbohme
Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋 Do Butterfly hair! It's easier than it looks 🦋

Doing fun hairstyles with Ev has been a new way for us to bond, especially since Cleo's joined us. Would you try this one??
I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I n I'm working to adjust my mindset from thinking I need to rush while the baby's asleep to get things done to rather bringing them along with me when I can. 

Cleo loves being worn and, for the time being, is super content just watching me unload the dishwasher, make dinner, or tag along to grab Evy and David from the bus. 

And I'm way more at peace when I don't feel like I need to rush or time is running out. We have time and most things we have to do in a day aren't urgent.
Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 Baby's first taste of solids: banana edition 🍌 What was the first food you gave to your baby?
Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖 👀 th Just a Wednesday afternoon and a book 📖
👀 the comfiest heels I own by @naot.northamerica 
#naotic

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