Holden Sweater curated on LTK

chelsealeighdamon

It can be easy to feel stressed out by the kids. Their needs, questions, 19495991 year long stories, activities. But recently I'm doing my best to remember that these are the moments I want. I don't *want* the moments where I'm staring at my computer screen, but I often prioritize them over those 19495991 year long stories. I forgot that those are the moments I'm working for. Those are the in-between moments that give so much else meaning and purpose. Stop and enjoy them. Those are the moments we'll remember. http://liketk.it/2JQmK @liketoknow.it #liketkit

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Holden Sweater | Evereve

High Rise Skinny - Jane - Medium/Dark Blue | Mott & Bow

The Half White Diamond Half Multi-Color Sapphire Eternity Band Ring | Noémie

Women's Naot Love Water Repellent Bootie | Nordstrom

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Stay All Day® Foundation & Concealer | Stila Cosmetics

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chelsealeighdamon

The past couple years, especially since the pandemic started and there was no where to go, I got a lot more invested in my skincare routine. I've been trying @goodmolecules for a couple weeks now, and I am so impressed! My skin feels smooth, tight, and moisturized. I love it!! Here's my routine:

#LTKbeauty #LTKunder50

Most of my life, I used to think I was the weird girl who had to try a lot harder than everyone else to fit in. I also used to think that I wasn’t smart enough to contribute any helpful ideas whether it be at work, ministry, or at home.

It wasn’t until I realized that everyone has different lived experiences, skills, backgrounds, and even different ways of thinking that are valuable. When I realized that my ideas could be useful not despite my differences, but because of them - that was the real game changer.

Now, when something pops into my head that I know no one else is thinking about, I know it’s not because I’m a weirdo (ok, maybe a little) but it’s because we all think differently and that can be a really good thing when working with others in all sorts of capacities like parenting, work, ministry, whatever.

Have you ever felt like the odd ball in the group?

What's one thing you want to do OR not do this Mother's Day?? I want to go for a run, spend time writing, get brunch with the farm.. and maybe strawberry picking??? 🍓

Check out @shopbohme for my outfit and use CHELSEA15 for 15% off! ✨

Love my Still makeup!
http://liketk.it/36qbJ @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Which is your favorite, clutch 1 or clutch 2? @able is one of my favorite brands to wear and support. Use code FESTIVE25 to get 25% off everything today!

Shop your screenshot of this pic with the LIKEtoKNOW.it app
http://liketk.it/32OEv @liketoknow.it #liketkit

My 💯 Etsy and Small Business Gift Guide for Her ❤️
http://liketk.it/320DX @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Me & my squad 🥰
I'm so freaking proud of these two. David has been riding the bus!! And loves it! Evy is still home with us but she's been reading with us much more and practicing some letter recognition at home. While these two still have their moments, I feel like they've been getting along so well recently and have started to really look out for each other, and as a parent, that's honestly the best ❤️
http://liketk.it/2X3cf @liketoknow.it #liketkit

What I use for bleach and toning!
http://liketk.it/2Wbw4 @liketoknow.it #liketkit

When you got ketchup on your face but you don't care because the fries were too good 😂🍟
Recently Josh and I have started a daily "quiet time" for the kids and let me tell you - it has been a game 👏🏼 changer. Not that we don't love being around our kids - seriously they're the best. But Josh and I do so well when we have a few quiet moments in the day 🤫 especially when the kids haven't been in school since the beginning of the year. Do you do a daily quiet time? How long does it last?
http://liketk.it/2Togl @liketoknow.it #liketkit

When I start to understand child leashes ☝🏼😂This particular child has a hard time walking in a straight line, let alone wearing a mask 😜 But of course, we try. 😷
http://liketk.it/2RWqt @liketoknow.it #liketkit

There not much more of a greater feeling than being in your favorite place with your favorite people 🌴👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🐾
http://liketk.it/2Rn6G @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Tonight we couldn't find Evy for 15 minutes (we took this photo yesterday). At first we were all, "Ok she probably just went upstairs to change her outfit for the 10th time today." Then a few minutes later it was... Ok this isn't funny anymore. We had the whole family running in and out of rooms calling for her, running up and down the road, I had David check their "hideout" in the woods, and even a few neighbors helped us look. I was beginning to think - Ok how long do we look ourselves before calling the police?
And then a few seconds later Josh's sister came out of the house saying she found Evy.... Pooping in David's closet 💀💀💀😐💩😭😆😴 All the emotions! I'm just glad somebody smelled her. I mean, found her. My goodness. Have you ever had a similar experience??
http://liketk.it/2NK95 @liketoknow.it #liketkit

How are you currently expressing yourself creatively?
I think it's really cool that we get to use art to communicate, to express ourselves, and even as therapy. I've always loved writing, currently love photography, and want to pick up drawing again. Swipe to see the paintings the kids worked on today! (Evy says there's a reindeer in hers...).
http://liketk.it/2Nm47 @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Love this ribbed set from @beachriot!
http://liketk.it/2N6oU @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Some things we can do in uncertain times:

• Hold on to what you know won't change

• Give each new day to the Lord and ask Him to give you peace and joy no matter what the day holds

• Do little things each day that you have control over, ie. the way you use your free time, getting dressed in the morning, being intentional the the kids, making coffee JUST the way you like it.

• Think about how you want your kids to remember this time: full of panic and fear or strength and stability

• Pray for those who are hurting and sick

• Help in little ways: order food in from local restaurants, donate to charities who are helping, check in with the elderly, ask friends and family if there's anything there need.

What would you add?

#stayhomestaysafe

http://liketk.it/2LP69 #liketkit @liketoknow.it

http://liketk.it/2LtvM @liketoknow.it #liketkit

This photo is cute, but if I'm being honest, tonight was a rough night. Currently watching Sofia the First alone with Evy while David went to bed early 😥 It would be so much easier to turn a blind eye to some of the things we see and hope that the kids still turn into decent humans later, but that's not how parenting works. we always tell the kids that we don't like giving consequences, but they're important to help us learn how to do better next time. Sometimes giving consequences sucks for parents too. Here's to a fresh start tomorrow 💗
http://liketk.it/2K84L @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Friday HAAAANGS.
This weekend we need to organize the heck out of our stuff! We're in conversations with moving companies and it's not as easy to figure out how much stuff you actually have when you're living with someone else 🤪 I'm thinking I'm just going to try to stuff all of our worldly possessions into 1 room for 2 months so it's easy to keep track of. Sound like a good plan??
http://liketk.it/2K572 @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Yesterday Evy woke up from her nap and was inconsolably grumpy. Nothing helped, not being held outside, offering 100 different snacks, mom trying to be silly, nothin. But this boy broke through. He can always get her to laugh and tries so hard to all the time. They're two very different peas in a pod but they work so well 💗
http://liketk.it/2JWG6 @liketoknow.it #liketkit

I've gotten questions from you recently about how I do my makeup & what products I use so I thought I'd record going through my regular morning routine today!
http://liketk.it/2JKts @liketoknow.it #liketkit

New blog post is up!!! I was so excited to write this post about how we paid off $30k in student debt and have so far saved $20k for a down payment (not to mention pay off a whopping $5k medical bill when Evy had the flu last year 😰). There were definitely areas where we could have been more strict with ourselves, and I still wouldn't consider us "expert" dept payer-offers. But we did make a lot of sacrifices along the way and learned a few tricks. Check out the link in my bio to read the blog!
http://liketk.it/2JziE @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Fridays are for free feelings, kisses, and cuddles. Hoping this weekend feels like a long one ♥️
http://liketk.it/2Jxqv @liketoknow.it #liketkit

When you're accidentally twinning with your mini-me 🥰
The softest, squattable denim courtesy of @1822_denim's Butter Box!
http://liketk.it/2JceW @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Hold 'em tight. They don't stay little forever 💜

Funny enough, we started the year with no plans other than to move at some point 🤗 and plans are already starting to line up just like that 💁🏼‍♀️ I feel like my life is a constant pendulum of feeling bored, feeling overwhelmed, and then feeling bored again 😅

So even with moving, family trips and potential vacations in the works, I still want to guard against this year feeling rushed and chaotic. I want this to be a year of holding family close and enjoying each other 💜 @liketoknow.it http://liketk.it/2J0Q1 #liketkit

The face you make when you're choked by a unicorn princess crown #girlmom
Diving into the deep side - do you ever go throughout your day juuust fine and then you lay down to go to bed and the weight of the world just falls on you?? I partially blame it on being too tired to be rational 🥴. But I started to notice that this is a time of day when I regularly feel more "down" or stressed or simply overwhelmed. So, instead of leaving it that way, I decided to take steps towards making it a more positive part of the day. I deleted a few distracting apps from my phone, started reading my Bible regularly this time of day, and literally counted my blessings by thinking of good things that happened during the day, things I can be excited about, and things I can turn over to God and simply let go of. What are steps you take to make your day more positive and less overwhelming?
http://liketk.it/2ISSN @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Ten things that make me feel excited:
• Travel plans
• New workout clothes 😂
• A new creative idea
• Meeting a friend for coffee
• Providing for my family
• The feeling right after a run
• Waking up to a sunny day - the possibilities!
• A beautiful hike
• Seeing developmental breakthroughs in the kids (potty training, anyone??)
• Alone time - again, the possibilities!
What makes you excited??
http://liketk.it/2IPKM @liketoknow.it #liketkit

You've probably heard me say before that David LOVES arts and crafts. Like, our kitchen table is perpetually covered with paper clippings, makers, tape, playdough, you know it. He's even started getting in on our creative "process" when it comes to taking photos! This spot was his idea and I love following his lead when he has his own ideas. Not bad, Bud!
http://liketk.it/2INsL @liketoknow.it #liketkit

When a toddler touches my face I have 2 simultaneous reactions: 1). WHERE HAVE THOSE HANDS BEEN???
and 2). Never let go 😭
You?? 😂
PSSST. My boots are ethically made by @nisolo and they're on sale!! Plus you can use my code 25CHELSEADAMON to get 25% site wide! 🙌 Everything on their site is timeless and QUALITY. Swipe up in stories to check them out!
http://liketk.it/2IIQx @liketoknow.it #liketkit

10 things that help me feel peaceful:
• The perfect Spotify playlist for a current mood
• Finishing a workout in the morning
• Cuddling
• All bills paid for the month and some money saved
• Time spent in God's word and seeing how it applies to life
• Alone time
• Settling in to work at a coffee shop
• Feeling prepared
• Finishing a project
• Forgiving
When do you get that *peaceful* feeling?
http://liketk.it/2IImh @liketoknow.it #liketkit

I was reminded today that God places things in our lives to be uplifting. Things like music, His word, friends, rest, exercise. Sometimes these things just happen, but other times, when they’re not happening on their own, it’s ok to seek them out in order to feel refreshed and inspired and in awe of God and His goodness again. Has anything been uplifting in your life today - something that made you feel grateful? If not, go out and find it ♥️
http://liketk.it/2IHEM @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Well, people in 2019 seemed to REALLY like pics of Evy and me smoochin' (swipe) 😂 so I thought we'd recreate our signature look on the last day of the year!
•
Really tho - if I could describe 2019 in one word, it would be "waiting." I thought we'd be in our own house by the end of this year but we realized early on that we had some more waiting to do. For me, waiting also felt like silence. Distant, restless silence. But the silence and waiting taught me that there was a huge need to learn to be content. As somebody who's always looking forward to the next thing, this is crazy hard! But every time I talked to the kids about being content, I heard the words being whispered right back at me. "You have everything you need." So even though I think 2020 will be a year of changes, I want to bring this lesson with me.
"For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Phil. 4:11
http://liketk.it/2IGe7 @liketoknow.it #liketkit

I’ve always been someone who’s really easy to please. I like doing things that make others happy and I’m typically ok with setting aside my own wants for others. I also tend to think pretty optimistically and don’t like to have a lot of needs. I always thought of this as being selfless and easy to get along with. Which I liked.

Until I started hearing things like, “You know, you don’t always need to tell me what I want to hear” when asked for honest feedback and I said, “I thought it was fine!” Or when I was told, “We’d like you to revamp this system and make it totally your own.” To which I inwardly freak outa and think, “I have no idea what ‘my own’ would even look like!” 😳

And then I realized, that not having a strong opinion was actually making me not very helpful, not a great friend, and definitely not helping me make anything better.

I realized how much of this “easy to please”-ness had permeated so much in my life. From ignoring red flags 🚩 in relationships, to not always providing helpful ideas at work, and simply not speaking up in general.

I used to believe that “critical thinking” was a trait that pessimists and negative people possessed 😂. It was useful, but just not my thing. And then I realized - WOW, everyone needs to be a critical thinker. By asking questions, making valid points, and sharing our opinions, we make each other better.

Of course, there are better and worse ways to share your ideas and opinions😂, but we can get into that later. What I want to leave you with now is the idea that your critical thinking and opinions are necessary and helpful to those around you. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share. You have a place at the table!
http://liketk.it/2IDHp @liketoknow.it #liketkit

Everyday when we get out and explore, and find something new, is a good day 🥰
I was so proud of how the kids did trekking all over the city yesterday and never whined to be carried. I mean, that's nothing short of a MIRACLE 🙌. Love so much when family comes to visit us and also loves that it makes us get out to explore our city each time.
http://liketk.it/2IAM4 @liketoknow.it #liketkit

^^ the way I look at Josh when he tells me to go take a nap 🥰
3 more days till Christmas break and we're a cookie-baking, snowflake-cutting frenzy over here 🍪❄️
http://liketk.it/2Ihjm @liketoknow.it #liketkit

We started out today thinking that we were headed to one state park for a more family-focused morning, that is until we saw a sign for a new trail we've never seen before on the way there so we pulled over and did that instead. I think mine and Josh's indecisiveness is going to make for very flexible kids so that's good 😂 👍👍 Anyway, as seen in stories, the trail was so pretty and peaceful and made for a perfect morning 🌄 Here's to the last week of work before Christmas break 🙌🎄
http://liketk.it/2IcN2 @liketoknow.it #liketkit