One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ S One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ So blessed to call this family mine!
Just beachy 🌴 Just beachy 🌴
Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and I have been pretty go-with-the-flow with Cleo, we've found that she's been getting overly tired at night and almost inconsolable. So the last few nights we've been intentionally putting her to bed around the same time as Davey and Evy and she's actually been loving it? Go figure (also, not complaining! 😆).

Also.. today I walked out of the house to grab something from the car and this 10~ year old girl was walking by with her mom and she goes, "Mom she looks like Barbie!!"

Well that's the best compliment I've had in a while and I'm gonna hold onto it 💖
I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" ty I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" type person, and for the most part that's true. But what I've realized recently is that I'm good at going with the flow when I can see a good outcome down the road. But if I smell trouble, "go with the flow" Chelsea is gone with the wind 🌬️

This week we were working on memorizing some Bible verses with the kids. Evy randomly chose Psalm 119:105, "Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way, it is like a light that guides me."

It made me think about how all through scripture, God is just BEGGING us to trust that he has it all figured out. And time and time again, he comes through and does exactly what he says he's going to do. 

But for whatever reason, whenever anything unexpected happens, we immediately think that we need to jump in and control the situation. Some of us are really good at it, too. So it can be really difficult to leave the unknown in God's hands and trust that, yet again, he will provide. 

In this season of unknown for us, I'm praying daily for God to do His will with our family, that he would use us for good, and that we would trust the outcome. It's a scary thing to pray. But ultimately, that's exactly how we hope our short lives will be used—following the path he leads us.
Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
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 ❤️
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Marriage, Relationships, Sponsored · July 22, 2019

3 Ways I Create Quality Time With My Husband

This post is sponsored by Cupcake Vineyards. All opinions are my own.

These days, quality time isn’t all that easy to come by. Young kids and demanding schedules can make quality time even more scarce. In this blog post, I want to share three ways I regularly create quality time with my husband, Josh, in between the busy times.

Create a routine that gives you time

I get it. Everyone’s schedules are different and it can sometimes seem as though the longer you’re together, the more you both just understand “how it is.”

What I think a lot of us forget is that we have a lot more power to work quality time into our routines than we think!

One of the ways we do this is by aligning both our hobbies and several things in our daily routine. For instance, in the mornings, Josh and I like to do 20 minutes of yoga. The kids usually play around us or try to join in. We also like to have home workouts together in the afternoons and evenings. We also love cooking dinner together while the kids play. 

It might sound too good to be true, but finding quality time doing things together during the day is possible and it’s a great way to get extra time together!

Don’t wait until the perfect time to have a date

Dating your significant other can sometimes feel like either just watching movies at home or scheduling a babysitter and planning your outfit two weeks in advance. On the one hand, we can feel stuck and without options, so we resort to doing what we always do and is easy. On the other hand, we sometimes feel like dates need to be a long-anticipated event. 

I’d like to think that we can have a lot more fun, quality time with our significant other if we’re able to meet somewhere in the middle. Yes, it might take some effort, but creating a time when you and your significant other are able to have a conversation together or do something you enjoy can be all you need to “go on a date.”

This might even mean your date involves a running errands together or even bringing the kids along. Some of the best dates Josh and I have on a regular basis involve going on a walk with the kids. While they’re picking up sticks and flowers on the path ahead, he and I are actually having a conversation together. 

Sure, we might not be dressed up or alone, but we’re maintaining our friendship and enjoying each other just the same. Quality time isn’t always perfect. It can sometimes be spontaneous, temporarily interrupted, or even multitasked. But as long as both you and your significant other are putting in the effort, your relationship will continue to grow.

Here are a few ideas you can use for an impromptu date:

  • A trip to run errands that ends (or starts) with a tasty treat.
  • A trip to the park so you and the hubs can chat while the kids play. 
  • A drive-in theater where a little chatter from the kids is a-ok
  • A walk on a new trail 
  • A family picnic 
  • Even kids love a coffee shop date (that is, if they involve cake pops).

Just because a date is impromptu, doesn’t mean it’s not special. I like to have a few things on hand, just to make my time with Josh a little bit more fun and romantic. I always keep Cupcake Vineyards Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc in the fridge and ready to go when we get a chance at a little quality time together. They never fail to brighten up an evening together and really give it that something “extra”!

Whether we’re sipping on the Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc, each flavor is super refreshing. I love the hints of watermelon, strawberry and white nectarine in the Rosé. I also really enjoy  the flavors of white nectarine, and key lime with subtle hints of grapefruit, gooseberry and citrus, in the Sauvignon Blanc! Overall, Cupcake Vineyards wines always give us a sense that we’re celebrating something, even if it’s just celebrating a few moments together. Really – try some for yourself!

Sometimes, it’s ok to ask the kids to wait

A lot of moms are like this. I’m like this – I can tend to put the kids first. 

Being self-sacrificial isn’t a bad thing, but it can sometimes come at a cost to the other things that are really important in your life like your friendships, tasks on your to-do list, self-care. 

It was up until a few months ago that I found myself putting the kids first a lot when Josh and I were talking. Now, don’t get me wrong. The kids were completely safe, fed, clothed, and behaving within expectations 😂. Josh and I are actually pretty good at taking time to answer the kids’ questions, listening to their stories, and using teachable moments. But I realized that there are many times when, instead of answering them when they interrupt our conversation, I can simply ask them to wait.

This does two things:

1). It allows Josh and I to actually have conversations together during the day rather than just in the evening when the kids go to bed and we’re already zapped of most of our energy. And 2). It shows the kids that mommy and daddy are priorities to each other and that they’re not the only humans in the world that need attention. 

So, to work with the kids in this area, Josh and I have asked them to put their hand on us when they need something or simply say, “Excuse me…” and then wait. When Josh and I get to a good place to pause our conversation, we answer the kids or get them what they need. Overall, I’d say we have a pretty good system down.

Overall, I believe that we have a lot more power over the quality time we create with others than we think. We have the ability to make time for the special people in our lives and turn those movie nights into something truly special.

If you’ve never explored Cupcake Vineyards cans before, give it a try! I love the convenience of a grab-and-go wine to bring on our dates and they pair perfectly with warm summer nights and good times! Try Cupcake Vineyard’s cans for yourself!

In: Marriage, Relationships, Sponsored · Tagged: alcohol, can, Christian, cupcake, husband, improve, kids, marriage, marriage advice, noads, parents, quality time, rose, spend time, tips, white, wife, wine

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Comments

  1. Scarlet | Family Focus Blog says

    March 11, 2020 at 4:49 pm

    Yes! It is so important to set aside quality time with your spouse that is kid free so you can make sure you are staying connected to each other.

  2. Elly says

    June 26, 2020 at 11:36 am

    Thank you for your time and efforts to write on this topic. I agree, spending quality time with your loved ones is very important in every relationship. Every relationship requires communication, It is a way to keep a healthy relationship for a long time.

  3. Rob says

    July 29, 2020 at 10:45 pm

    Wow, inspiring and helpful

  4. Jhon Carter says

    March 8, 2021 at 7:03 am

    Thank Your, Great Post with amazing photo

  5. Kiipop says

    April 6, 2021 at 6:05 pm

    Thank you

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How to Self Care by Creating a Routine You Enjoy

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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One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ S One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ So blessed to call this family mine!
Just beachy 🌴 Just beachy 🌴
Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and I have been pretty go-with-the-flow with Cleo, we've found that she's been getting overly tired at night and almost inconsolable. So the last few nights we've been intentionally putting her to bed around the same time as Davey and Evy and she's actually been loving it? Go figure (also, not complaining! 😆).

Also.. today I walked out of the house to grab something from the car and this 10~ year old girl was walking by with her mom and she goes, "Mom she looks like Barbie!!"

Well that's the best compliment I've had in a while and I'm gonna hold onto it 💖
I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" ty I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" type person, and for the most part that's true. But what I've realized recently is that I'm good at going with the flow when I can see a good outcome down the road. But if I smell trouble, "go with the flow" Chelsea is gone with the wind 🌬️

This week we were working on memorizing some Bible verses with the kids. Evy randomly chose Psalm 119:105, "Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way, it is like a light that guides me."

It made me think about how all through scripture, God is just BEGGING us to trust that he has it all figured out. And time and time again, he comes through and does exactly what he says he's going to do. 

But for whatever reason, whenever anything unexpected happens, we immediately think that we need to jump in and control the situation. Some of us are really good at it, too. So it can be really difficult to leave the unknown in God's hands and trust that, yet again, he will provide. 

In this season of unknown for us, I'm praying daily for God to do His will with our family, that he would use us for good, and that we would trust the outcome. It's a scary thing to pray. But ultimately, that's exactly how we hope our short lives will be used—following the path he leads us.

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One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ S One of the best Mother's Days! Thanks fam ❤️ So blessed to call this family mine!
Just beachy 🌴 Just beachy 🌴
Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and Some photos of life recently. As much as Josh and I have been pretty go-with-the-flow with Cleo, we've found that she's been getting overly tired at night and almost inconsolable. So the last few nights we've been intentionally putting her to bed around the same time as Davey and Evy and she's actually been loving it? Go figure (also, not complaining! 😆).

Also.. today I walked out of the house to grab something from the car and this 10~ year old girl was walking by with her mom and she goes, "Mom she looks like Barbie!!"

Well that's the best compliment I've had in a while and I'm gonna hold onto it 💖
I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" ty I've always seen myself as a "go with the flow" type person, and for the most part that's true. But what I've realized recently is that I'm good at going with the flow when I can see a good outcome down the road. But if I smell trouble, "go with the flow" Chelsea is gone with the wind 🌬️

This week we were working on memorizing some Bible verses with the kids. Evy randomly chose Psalm 119:105, "Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way, it is like a light that guides me."

It made me think about how all through scripture, God is just BEGGING us to trust that he has it all figured out. And time and time again, he comes through and does exactly what he says he's going to do. 

But for whatever reason, whenever anything unexpected happens, we immediately think that we need to jump in and control the situation. Some of us are really good at it, too. So it can be really difficult to leave the unknown in God's hands and trust that, yet again, he will provide. 

In this season of unknown for us, I'm praying daily for God to do His will with our family, that he would use us for good, and that we would trust the outcome. It's a scary thing to pray. But ultimately, that's exactly how we hope our short lives will be used—following the path he leads us.
Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no be Happy 6th birthday to the OG sister! There's no better feeling than getting to know the wonderful person she is growing into. We're so proud of this girl!! 6 is going to be a great year 💕
I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every I'd want to sleep all day, too, if I were up every hour last night 🙃🙃 

Outfit @honest 🦋
Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, Anyone see our other kids lately?? 😜 You know, it's so funny how some parts of the newborn phase have been like muscle memory and others have been like we've had our first born all over again. 

We were worried about how David and Evy would feel with this new family member but they have been so sweet that it brings tears to my eyes to put it into words. I was especially worried about Ev being supplanted as the youngest but, honestly, being the big sister suits her SO well and I think she's been loving it, too. 

I've also loved getting to experience this again with Josh. The way you band together during the newborn phase especially is very bonding. You rely on each other deeply and it's not always cute or pretty. 

Super grateful 💗
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??

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