Being a mom has always meant so much to me. Growin Being a mom has always meant so much to me. Growing up, I thought it was pretty much all I was cut out to do, which ended up being false. But even though I've learned that I'm capable of so many other things, being a mom is still one of my highest aspirations. As we're getting our home ready for fostering, I can't help but think of how the little one(s) entering our home will feel but also how David and Evy will feel. How will they react if we parent slightly differently? Will they understand that we're working to build trust and connection or will they feel indignant? These are the things I pray about and also speak to the kids about in the days leading up. We're all excited but I have the feeling of heaviness that we don't and won't understand the burden until we're all already carrying it together.
Doing my gosh darned best to manifest spring over Doing my gosh darned best to manifest spring over here and I think it might be working 😉 Today the kids had TWOsday at school and they were so sweet. David wore a tie (I don't exactly get how it tirles in to Twosday but the kids were happy so..) and Evy "twinned" with a couple of sweet friends in her class. It's so sweet when you see your own kids building their own friendships. It just loosens a little piece of anxiety I've had about parenthood since David was still in my tummy. How did you spend your TWOsday??

Sandals @naotfootwear 💕
Today was a sweet day. Woke up at 8:30 next to Jos Today was a sweet day. Woke up at 8:30 next to Josh in a quiet house - the kids slept over my parent's last night. Got up, raced to clean the kitchen as fast as I could while my coffee was brewing. The coffee won this time. 

I recorded a Reel while getting ready. Went to the place where we were going to meet my fam a bit early so Josh and I could get in a walk. Then we got coffee, went to a huge antique store (sadly left with nothing but took pictures of my faves so I can remember to come back) and went to lunch with the kids and my parents. Love easy-going and fun days like these 🖤
Back in the day,I was talking with someone about m Back in the day,I was talking with someone about marriage.Josh and I had been married for a few years at that point but this guy was still single. ..

He told me he was studying to get his masters in counseling and he wanted to be a marriage counselor one day.I thought "Hey that's pretty cool" but, curious,because,you know, he was single. 

Anyway, after we'd been talking a few minutes about our interest in helping married couples, he leaned in and said, "You know, I have this theory on marriage.." "Oh yeah?" I said (pretty curious to hear what theories this guy had for all of marriage for everyone everywhere). 

He said, "I believe that every single problem in marriage boils down to communication."

At the time, I didn't really know what to say. I'm more of a *reflector* and then I come up with what I wish I had said later.

Here's what I wish I had said: "Um. Yeah I don't think so. I mean sure, communication helps with a lot of issues. But what about selfishness,⠀addiction,⠀past hurt and trauma, etc? Communication will help people work through those issues but they're connected to much deeper issues that concern the heart--not just your communication skills."

We are all broken, very human, beings and when left to our own devices,⠀we don't have all the tools necessary to "fix" ourselves or our spouse's problems. We can talk until we're blue in the face but we just can't fix ourselves. 

What we do need, is to lean on the Creator who made all things good and makes all things new. To understand that we are not the main characters here. The whole world and everything in it points to Christ and His redeeming power. And yes, he often works that out through us and often through communication. But it's not communication that saves marriages. It's Jesus.

I was just thinking about that today and wanted to get it off my chest. What role do you think communication plays?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! 🎁 Merry Christmas from the Damons! 🎁
So much joy in one photo! Ok, maybe 4 photos 😜 So much joy in one photo! Ok, maybe 4 photos 😜 Love my littlest niece, Eva ❤️
Let's hash something out together: what's somethin Let's hash something out together: what's something you do or used to fight about in your marriage/relationship regularly?

Do you feel like the issue is/was pretty cut and dry? 

Or was there an underlying issue that bubbled up in different ways?

Curious to know your thoughts. 

When Josh and I were first married, we fought a lot. We were pretty low-income, didn't have great jobs, and had a wee baby. While our fights were often about the grocery list, the real issue was that we were SCARED. 

Scared of the adult life we had just stepped into. It was kind of like jumping into a puddle you don't think is that deep until after it's too late and now your socks are completely drowning 🚣🏼‍♀️ 

Luckily, though, they dry off over time, don't they?

After lots of learning and working really hard (both at our jobs and relationship) things started to ease up. We started to see that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and even though we weren't there yet, it gave up hope to carry on together ❤️
Go on a walk with your spouse before Netflixing. O Go on a walk with your spouse before Netflixing. Or if you can't leave the house, sit in the kitchen with a glass of wine. Make time to talk. And make it easier by doing things together. It's so so important ❤️
Top knots over crop tops 😜 Top knots over crop tops 😜
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fitness, Health, Sponsored · November 29, 2017

8 Home Workout Planks For Busy Moms

If you’re like me, you don’t want anything slowing you down and keeping you from the things you need to do! We all know that littles don’t really know or care if we’re not feeling 100%. It’s not their fault, they just haven’t worked out the whole “empathy” thing yet. Until they do, it’s not likely that we’re going to get a day off, even if we’re not feeling 100%. That’s why I do my best to keep my immune system strong by eating well, exercising and keeping my EmergenC Gummies close by! When I shop at Target.com, I easily add it to my shopping list to make sure I’m prepared for whatever life throws my way. Since they’re available in chewy Super Orange, Tangerine and Raspberry flavors, taking my vitamins feels more like a treat than a vitamin! The added energy boost gives me just what I need to keep up with my regular daily routine (plus whatever else might get thrown my way!). Try it for yourself!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Emergen-C for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey mama, this week has been a week of home workouts for us. We’re usually lucky enough to have people in our lives who can regularly watch the kids so Josh and I can hit the gym, but this week that hasn’t been the case. So, home workouts, it is! This post isn’t meant to be a full workout, but rather a reference to different types of planks you can pick and choose to incorporate into your own workout routine! If you’re like me, you don’t want anything slowing you down and keeping you from the things you need to do! We all know that littles don’t really know or care if we’re not feeling 100%. It’s not their fault, they just haven’t worked out the whole “empathy” thing yet. Until they do, it’s not likely that we’re going to get a day off, even if we’re not feeling 100%. That’s why I do my best to support my immune system by eating well, exercising and keeping my Emergen-C® Gummies close by! When I shop at Target, I easily add it to my shopping list to make sure I’m prepared for whatever life throws my way. Since they’re available in chewy Orange, Tangerine and Raspberry flavors, taking my vitamins feels more like a treat than a vitamin! Try it for yourself!  Shall we dive in?

Standard low plank

If you’ve ever done a plank before, this is probably it. Simply get up on your elbows, engage your core, keep your butt down, and hold.

The side plank

The standard plank isn’t complete without its side planks! This will target your obliques (your sides). Try as best as you can to stay straight as a pencil from all sides!

Single Leg Plank

Per usual, start in the standard plank position. Raise one leg. Hold it in their air for your goal time and then lower and do the same with the opposite leg!

Plank with shoulder touches

Begin in a standard high plank position (elbows extended) and then intermittently touch one of your shoulders with your opposite hand (i.e. right hand touches your left shoulder). Try to stay as flat as possible!

Mountain climbers!

Unlike most of the other planks in this list, this plank is not stationary! While doing your best to keep your bum down, bring one knee up to your chest and then back again, then repeat with the opposite leg.

Extended side plank

Just like our previous side plank, but with an extra challenge. The hardest part? Staying balanced. While working on your balance during this plank, you’ll simultaneously be building up your strength and resistance!

Plank hip dips

Start out in a standard low plank position and in a controlled movement, slowly dip one side of your hips down. Come back to the starting position, and then dip the other side!

Tricep plank

Feeling up for an extra challenge? This plank is not for the faint of heart! Begin as if you’re going to do a tricep pushup (with your elbows bent and your hands next to your chest). Then, lift yourself up and do your best to keep your back straight and your triceps even with it! Tell me your favorite planks and core workouts in the comments below and remember to pick up Emergen-C® Gummies. Try it for yourself, available at Target!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Emergen-C for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Visit Sponsors Site

If you’re like me, you don’t want anything slowing you down and keeping you from the things you need to do! We all know that littles don’t really know or care if we’re not feeling 100%. It’s not their fault, they just haven’t worked out the whole “empathy” thing yet. Until they do, it’s not likely that we’re going to get a day off, even if we’re not feeling 100%. That’s why I do my best to keep my immune system strong by eating well, exercising and keeping my EmergenC Gummies close by! When I shop at Target.com, I easily add it to my shopping list to make sure I’m prepared for whatever life throws my way. Since they’re available in chewy Super Orange, Tangerine and Raspberry flavors, taking my vitamins feels more like a treat than a vitamin! The added energy boost gives me just what I need to keep up with my regular daily routine (plus whatever else might get thrown my way!). Try it for yourself!

In: fitness, Health, Sponsored · Tagged: abs, arms, back, compilation, core, engage, exercise, fitness, Health, home, leg, leg raise, mom, planks, resistence, roundup, routine, strength, strength training, tone, tricep, workout

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Comments

  1. illiah manger says

    November 29, 2017 at 11:02 am

    I love your photos – I would never know what to do without seeing it first!

  2. Laura @ MommyDearest says

    November 29, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    i had no idea there were so many variations of the plank. i’m not the best at a basic plank. i would love to start doing a few workouts at home. thanks for sharing. the pictures are great, lets me know what i should be doing.

  3. robin rue says

    November 29, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    I don’t love planks, but they ARE a great workout, so I do them anyways. I will have to add a few of these to my workouts.

  4. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says

    November 29, 2017 at 6:49 pm

    I didn’t realize there was so many variations of the plank. That side plank is a killer!

  5. Krystal Butherus says

    November 29, 2017 at 7:42 pm

    Planks to me are a love/hate relationship. Adding these, even just a little at a time and build up, will eliminate the boredom of regular planks

  6. Erica says

    November 29, 2017 at 10:36 pm

    Ugh, I just came from an exercise class where they had us do a bunch of planks. So, I’m still feeling them as I read this.Ouch. But I love how you break down all the planks.I never thought of a mountain climber as a plank with movement. But that makes perfect sense. And I’ve never tried a TRICEPS plank. So I’ll have to give that a try.

  7. Terri Steffes says

    November 30, 2017 at 2:08 am

    My daughter is a planking machine! I cant do even one for any length of time. I think it is a good workout though.

  8. Reesa Lewandowski says

    November 30, 2017 at 3:00 am

    I really need to start doing this. My core is PRACTICALLY gone. I need to start vitamins too!

  9. AnnMarie John says

    November 30, 2017 at 6:47 am

    I’ve been relying on home workouts because I don’t have much time to go to the gym! This is perfect, definitely appreciate the poses that you shared!

  10. Angela Ricardo Bethea says

    November 30, 2017 at 7:53 am

    Getting excercise is very important. Thanks for the tips, I’ll keep this in mind.

  11. kimberly lewis says

    November 30, 2017 at 8:34 am

    what a great workout! I’m always looking for new ways to workout because different ones effect your body so much.

  12. Jessica Joachim says

    November 30, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    This looks like it would be a wonderful workout for a busy mom like myself. I am always trying to squeeze in some time to work out and stay healthy

  13. Stephanie Pass says

    December 2, 2017 at 1:04 pm

    I currently take a prenatal vitamin since i’m nursing, but man do I need to switch to one for the immune system. even though we got flu shots, we’ve been hit with other viruses all month long.

  14. Sylvia says

    December 2, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    We always have emergen-c packets at home in case of a cold coming on. I need to pick up these gummies because cold season is upon us and i don’t have time to get sick!

  15. Cindy Ingalls says

    December 2, 2017 at 8:45 pm

    Planks are such great exercise. I admit that I hate side planks because my low back and hips start to hurt. I need to do them more to really up my strength.

  16. Marielle Altenor says

    December 2, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    Excellent home workout! I find planks so difficult but they feeling after a few is pretty amazing.

  17. Journa Ramirez says

    December 3, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    I’m a busy mom and this post is a blessing. I don’t know how to find time for work outs and thanks for this!

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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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Being a mom has always meant so much to me. Growin Being a mom has always meant so much to me. Growing up, I thought it was pretty much all I was cut out to do, which ended up being false. But even though I've learned that I'm capable of so many other things, being a mom is still one of my highest aspirations. As we're getting our home ready for fostering, I can't help but think of how the little one(s) entering our home will feel but also how David and Evy will feel. How will they react if we parent slightly differently? Will they understand that we're working to build trust and connection or will they feel indignant? These are the things I pray about and also speak to the kids about in the days leading up. We're all excited but I have the feeling of heaviness that we don't and won't understand the burden until we're all already carrying it together.
Doing my gosh darned best to manifest spring over Doing my gosh darned best to manifest spring over here and I think it might be working 😉 Today the kids had TWOsday at school and they were so sweet. David wore a tie (I don't exactly get how it tirles in to Twosday but the kids were happy so..) and Evy "twinned" with a couple of sweet friends in her class. It's so sweet when you see your own kids building their own friendships. It just loosens a little piece of anxiety I've had about parenthood since David was still in my tummy. How did you spend your TWOsday??

Sandals @naotfootwear 💕
Today was a sweet day. Woke up at 8:30 next to Jos Today was a sweet day. Woke up at 8:30 next to Josh in a quiet house - the kids slept over my parent's last night. Got up, raced to clean the kitchen as fast as I could while my coffee was brewing. The coffee won this time. 

I recorded a Reel while getting ready. Went to the place where we were going to meet my fam a bit early so Josh and I could get in a walk. Then we got coffee, went to a huge antique store (sadly left with nothing but took pictures of my faves so I can remember to come back) and went to lunch with the kids and my parents. Love easy-going and fun days like these 🖤
Back in the day,I was talking with someone about m Back in the day,I was talking with someone about marriage.Josh and I had been married for a few years at that point but this guy was still single. ..

He told me he was studying to get his masters in counseling and he wanted to be a marriage counselor one day.I thought "Hey that's pretty cool" but, curious,because,you know, he was single. 

Anyway, after we'd been talking a few minutes about our interest in helping married couples, he leaned in and said, "You know, I have this theory on marriage.." "Oh yeah?" I said (pretty curious to hear what theories this guy had for all of marriage for everyone everywhere). 

He said, "I believe that every single problem in marriage boils down to communication."

At the time, I didn't really know what to say. I'm more of a *reflector* and then I come up with what I wish I had said later.

Here's what I wish I had said: "Um. Yeah I don't think so. I mean sure, communication helps with a lot of issues. But what about selfishness,⠀addiction,⠀past hurt and trauma, etc? Communication will help people work through those issues but they're connected to much deeper issues that concern the heart--not just your communication skills."

We are all broken, very human, beings and when left to our own devices,⠀we don't have all the tools necessary to "fix" ourselves or our spouse's problems. We can talk until we're blue in the face but we just can't fix ourselves. 

What we do need, is to lean on the Creator who made all things good and makes all things new. To understand that we are not the main characters here. The whole world and everything in it points to Christ and His redeeming power. And yes, he often works that out through us and often through communication. But it's not communication that saves marriages. It's Jesus.

I was just thinking about that today and wanted to get it off my chest. What role do you think communication plays?

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Being a mom has always meant so much to me. Growin Being a mom has always meant so much to me. Growing up, I thought it was pretty much all I was cut out to do, which ended up being false. But even though I've learned that I'm capable of so many other things, being a mom is still one of my highest aspirations. As we're getting our home ready for fostering, I can't help but think of how the little one(s) entering our home will feel but also how David and Evy will feel. How will they react if we parent slightly differently? Will they understand that we're working to build trust and connection or will they feel indignant? These are the things I pray about and also speak to the kids about in the days leading up. We're all excited but I have the feeling of heaviness that we don't and won't understand the burden until we're all already carrying it together.
Doing my gosh darned best to manifest spring over Doing my gosh darned best to manifest spring over here and I think it might be working 😉 Today the kids had TWOsday at school and they were so sweet. David wore a tie (I don't exactly get how it tirles in to Twosday but the kids were happy so..) and Evy "twinned" with a couple of sweet friends in her class. It's so sweet when you see your own kids building their own friendships. It just loosens a little piece of anxiety I've had about parenthood since David was still in my tummy. How did you spend your TWOsday??

Sandals @naotfootwear 💕
Today was a sweet day. Woke up at 8:30 next to Jos Today was a sweet day. Woke up at 8:30 next to Josh in a quiet house - the kids slept over my parent's last night. Got up, raced to clean the kitchen as fast as I could while my coffee was brewing. The coffee won this time. 

I recorded a Reel while getting ready. Went to the place where we were going to meet my fam a bit early so Josh and I could get in a walk. Then we got coffee, went to a huge antique store (sadly left with nothing but took pictures of my faves so I can remember to come back) and went to lunch with the kids and my parents. Love easy-going and fun days like these 🖤
Back in the day,I was talking with someone about m Back in the day,I was talking with someone about marriage.Josh and I had been married for a few years at that point but this guy was still single. ..

He told me he was studying to get his masters in counseling and he wanted to be a marriage counselor one day.I thought "Hey that's pretty cool" but, curious,because,you know, he was single. 

Anyway, after we'd been talking a few minutes about our interest in helping married couples, he leaned in and said, "You know, I have this theory on marriage.." "Oh yeah?" I said (pretty curious to hear what theories this guy had for all of marriage for everyone everywhere). 

He said, "I believe that every single problem in marriage boils down to communication."

At the time, I didn't really know what to say. I'm more of a *reflector* and then I come up with what I wish I had said later.

Here's what I wish I had said: "Um. Yeah I don't think so. I mean sure, communication helps with a lot of issues. But what about selfishness,⠀addiction,⠀past hurt and trauma, etc? Communication will help people work through those issues but they're connected to much deeper issues that concern the heart--not just your communication skills."

We are all broken, very human, beings and when left to our own devices,⠀we don't have all the tools necessary to "fix" ourselves or our spouse's problems. We can talk until we're blue in the face but we just can't fix ourselves. 

What we do need, is to lean on the Creator who made all things good and makes all things new. To understand that we are not the main characters here. The whole world and everything in it points to Christ and His redeeming power. And yes, he often works that out through us and often through communication. But it's not communication that saves marriages. It's Jesus.

I was just thinking about that today and wanted to get it off my chest. What role do you think communication plays?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! 🎁 Merry Christmas from the Damons! 🎁
So much joy in one photo! Ok, maybe 4 photos 😜 So much joy in one photo! Ok, maybe 4 photos 😜 Love my littlest niece, Eva ❤️
Let's hash something out together: what's somethin Let's hash something out together: what's something you do or used to fight about in your marriage/relationship regularly?

Do you feel like the issue is/was pretty cut and dry? 

Or was there an underlying issue that bubbled up in different ways?

Curious to know your thoughts. 

When Josh and I were first married, we fought a lot. We were pretty low-income, didn't have great jobs, and had a wee baby. While our fights were often about the grocery list, the real issue was that we were SCARED. 

Scared of the adult life we had just stepped into. It was kind of like jumping into a puddle you don't think is that deep until after it's too late and now your socks are completely drowning 🚣🏼‍♀️ 

Luckily, though, they dry off over time, don't they?

After lots of learning and working really hard (both at our jobs and relationship) things started to ease up. We started to see that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and even though we weren't there yet, it gave up hope to carry on together ❤️
Go on a walk with your spouse before Netflixing. O Go on a walk with your spouse before Netflixing. Or if you can't leave the house, sit in the kitchen with a glass of wine. Make time to talk. And make it easier by doing things together. It's so so important ❤️
Top knots over crop tops 😜 Top knots over crop tops 😜
Josh and I have been doing a lot of reading on par Josh and I have been doing a lot of reading on parenting recently and I love so many of the lessons we've been learning on creating structure while also being empathetic to your child's needs. 

One of the concepts that's stuck with me is how we should "sandwich" our criticism or corrections with positive things. Kids can get discouraged pretty easily but we can help make sure they feel reassured and loved by complimenting them and noticing & verbalizing their growth as well. 

So for example, saying, "I'm very proud of you for putting away your toys. I want you to work on not bossing around your sister - I'll be the parent in charge. Ok? But the way you put your clothes in your drawers was great!"

Idk about you but I would love if other adults sandwiched their criticism too 😂

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