Chelsea Renee - BLOG

Spring Has Sprung

3/20/2018

...indeed it has!
Although...it hailed here in Florida today. Little strange!? I'd say so!

This is about the time of year that the rain rolls in about every afternoon; something I love the most about Florida weather. The afternoon showers in the spring! It's always the most peaceful beautiful time in the evenings after the rain. Not to mention the quiet downtime of the shower itself. With those rainy days will come all of the beautiful flowers! Looking forward to that the most this year; watching our newly planted garden hopefully flourish.

The inspiration of the spring season and the beautiful flowers brings about vivid bright colors and energetic imagery. Today I took some time during the rain shower to work on a few of my paintings. An afternoon oh so very well spent! Dreaming of beautiful patterns, colors, and imagery. My goal is to turn these paintings into prints. Worth it? We'll see. But, it's been a long-awaited dream in the making and I hope to make that a reality very soon. It's about time!

I wish for everyone that you spent a rainy afternoon dreaming in color...but if you didn't have the beautiful chance, try and dream in color soon!

xo
CRH

Celebrating ONE Special Little Man

2/21/2018

I always knew, even before having a child, that come birthday time...I would have trouble controlling my excitement in planning it!
I'm sure every mama feels this way and especially when it comes to the big O....N....E; and naturally, with your first.
Low and behold, perusing the dollar section of Target (always welcoming you so kindly at the entrance!...) with my then, probably 7 month old, I come across an adorable little pendant hanging sign that read Happy Birthday in somewhat primary colors. I'm not sure I was even quite thinking about his birthday at the time, however, this simple little sign triggered the motor and the wheels started spinning. So, I buy the little sign, completely against my intuition, the whole time thinking to myself,
"Chelsea...you can make this sign!" -- I buy it anyways.

Now, I'm not really a "theme" kind of gal. I think it's very cute and for some occasions...very appropriate. However, I personally will always base any and every decorative aspect of my life and especially event planning off of color scheme first and foremost. I was immediately attracted to the little sign in Target primarily for the colors and the sweet pom pom trim. So, in the back of my mind, I set those as the colors that I would somewhat incorporate and build off of. I'm no expert, so don't take advice from me - but personally, I like to take colors, a pattern, something that you love and are inspired by decoratively, to build the entire design off of for an occasion. I think I apply this to even decorating for the holidays! It wasn't until I found a tartan plaid pattern with similar colors to the sign that I officially said "yep, there it is!" His birthday is December 3rd, so this was the perfect tribute to the Holiday Season, complementing the light holiday decor that I had already placed around the house, but not making it too too terribly "Christmasy".

After solidifying colors, and being delightfully inspired by the sweet plaid pattern -- invitation design was now in full swing.
I knew that in addition to the design I had in my mind, I wanted to incorporate some way to tastefully ask people to give rather than bring a gift if they felt inclined. Levi is a healthy, blessed little boy, and there are many out there experiencing less fortunate circumstances. Then I thought, well, that's not always something people feel comfortable doing, so why don't I do something in addition to that which everyone will want to participate in, and we can still touch some lives in some little way. So I decided to design several different card designs that littles ones would love. I would then attach one to each invitation so that people could write a message and they could be delivered to the children at the hospital in hopes of uplifting their spirit; through whatever it is that they are facing. I created the designs for the greeting cards on my Apple iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil and the “crayon” effect - to make it look as though little Levi drew the pictures. I designed a little logo for the back of each card reading “Love, Levi” - hoping to one day soon establish that as a line of children’s cards. (I also used the Pro to create the painted background of the invitation and information insert). With all of that said and done, invitations were pretty much complete - - I pulled the hunter green color out of the plaid with the envelopes and finished the entire look off by tying the set together with red and white baker’s twine.

I'm not a real overly anal, organized person...by any stretch of the imagination. However, when it comes to creatively planning something, you've never quite seen a list
of thoughts built so quickly - - with a stack of detailed sketches to accompany those lists...visually explaining them! That...is how my brain works.
I have a thought, it gets written down. To express it...I draw a picture!
One of my first thoughts with the party: a photo-op board.
I knew it was something I wanted and right away, I knew exactly how I was going to create it. I wanted to make it something that the littles would be able to walk up to and put their own faces in without help from Mom or Dad, and to have something painted around the face holes to catch their attention. I'd used the chalk sheets from Home Depot in the past to make chalk signs, so we knew the material we were using, and went ahead and cut the three holes out with a jigsaw. In my originally sketch, I had three little children on the board...then it evolved to whimsical little monsters...until I finally had the epiphany to use Levi's three best animal friends. From a very early age, Levi had the sweet sensitivity to hug and love on his stuffed animals. His Curious George, Curduroy the bear, and a horse we named "Horace", quickly became his "tribe". And the amazing inspiration for our photo-op board! Using just a simple craft paint to paint them.
The only remaining detail to the photo-op board that I knew I wanted to incorporate was a balloon swag in one of the corners. Which I had seen so many times in inspiration pictures, and always loved, but was so afraid to attempt. I read tutorial after tutorial, and finally the night before the party...there I am stringing together balloons into little bunches with fishing line. Not sure that was the complete way any of the tutorials advised me to do it, but I had fishing line in my husband's tackle box, and a sewing needle from my mother...so that's how that thing was going down! I assured myself I would adhere the balloon bunches to the board with double sided tape and all would be fine.
Sure enough...they did just fine!

One of the other major "sketched" elements of the party was the outside table. I knew I wanted a long rectangular table, with a banner strung from one end to the other and to cover that table in kraft paper, incorporating some sort of crayon display to use as the centerpieces. At first I wanted large cubes with holes drilled to place each jumbo crayon in, but we ended with the final design of two 2x4 boards (one for each rectangular table) with large holes that my husband used a drill press to create, scattered along them for the crayons to set in.
Come the day before the party...my husband was loathing me for this table design! I had it all sketched out...what was the big problem? There I am bossing him around
as to how long I wanted the reclaimed wood he had cut for the end pieces of the table to hold the banner and that I wanted them put down into a hole in the ground at each end -- receiving look after look telling me in not so many words: "is this necessary!?" He kept advising me to forget the banner...we don't even need it.
...ha! Let me repeat...HA!
Men!
My husband knew very well that that would not be the case. In no way would I ever let this go. So, he hammered those big ol long boards down into the ground at each end of the rectangular tables, and we braced them between the table and a large tree stump on each end. ...tada!! We all survived.
I had him drill a hole through the top of each board, so that I could string the jute/baker's twine through, securely hanging the banner.

I carried the kraft paper look through the decor in the house as well, covering our kitchen island/table with it and placing the food atop that. I also incorporated the plaid pattern and a splash of Christmas tree trimmings into the table centerpiece as well.

All in all...it was such a special day!
Our little man was surrounded by all of his incredible loved ones, successfully celebrating his first year of life and the wonderful little boy that he is!!
Definitely cannot ask for more than that. So blessed.

xo
CRH

Knock Knock...Who's There?

2/20/2018

Oh, ya know...it's just me! Still here; this I promise you.
Although, with my last post being over a year ago, that miiiight lead you to think differently.
Where have I been exactly?
Figuring out...the Mom-Game!

When I posted previously, we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our Baby Boy. Well...the time came at 41 weeks and 36 hours worth of an induction!
December 3, 2016 - - we welcomed our greatest blessing into this world,
Levi Miller Hicks.
8 pounds 11 ounces | 22 inches

Photography by SoultoSoul Photo

iFor all those many months, you plan...you educate yourself...you anxiously await...but nothing, and I mean nothing...can prepare you for the feeling that will come over you the moment that you become a mother. The moment that you first touch your baby, hear their first little cry, look into their eyes for the first time;
it's a love that can't be put into words.
I'm pretty sure the first week we brought Levi home, I just sat there and stared at him! In complete awe of God's amazing grace. The incredible gift that he had given us.

Now why you may ask...haven't I had a second to keep up my posting rhythm, when I was sitting there simply staring at my child?
Let me break it down to you this way...
the first month of being a Mom, I would look at the clock which read 2:00 and go "Oh, I still have yet to wash my face today!"
Thoughts to follow in the next few months included:
"Yes, yes indeed...I did only sleep a total of 2 1/2 hours last night!"
"Is it good to sleep upright in a rocking chair all night!?"
From the get-go, our son was never a good sleeper. We tried any and every thing we could. If there were some sort of award for tightest tucked-not coming undone-swaddling...I'm 99.9% sure I would wear that badge on my shirt!
Probably about four or five months into parenthood, my husband and I think we're sitting real pretty. We've got little routines going...our little man is healthy, he's growing...we're seeing little 5-6 hour stretches of sleep at night...we've got it going on! Then our pediatrician tells us to lose the swaddle, it's time for the little man to be mobile in the crib. She might as well of just plucked the swaddling badge right off my shirt, along with my well-rested spirit, and thrown them right into my disarrayed diaper bag!
About the time he was able to roll over well on his own from both directions, he began getting himself into comfortable positions and the sleep took a turn for the better.
However, like his parents...our strong-willed little man was running the show on when and how he was going to sleep.
At nine months, we officially heeded the advice of our pediatrician and read the book she had been recommending for months to us on sleep training.
I was completely against this from the beginning - - my husband: all about it.
But, after nine months of horrible sleep...you better believe I was desperately laminating the pages of this darn book!
(It was actually my reading material through Hurricane Irma).
Three nights into applying the book...our little man was sleeping through the night!! Thank you, Jesus!

The moral of that drawn out story: my partial lack of posting: sleep deprivation.
So now you might be thinking, "okay, post-sleep training you're sleeping now...you're starting to get in a groove...still no time to write?"

Come the moment in raising a child that you figure out how to somewhat master sleep...there's still the daily movement.
And by that I mean: they begin to crawl, they're on the loose and into...everything. Pulling stuff down, pulling up on things,
begging for you to help them up, pick them up...you name it!
They begin to walk...you're in trouble.
You've never seen all of the objects in your house strewn all over your floor quite as fast as having a toddler!
They've got the wheels to move efficiently, enhancing their speed to quickly get into everything.
All in all: getting anything done is...next to impossible. Or so that's how I've felt.

Call it dramatically overwhelmed...call it a first time Mom...call it all excuses; but organizing my everyday plans, doing any work, prioritizing my thoughts, everything outside of
monitoring my child's next move...is a lot to handle. In order to have my two hands to artistically to do any of my work...I need my two hands! Often impossible to call my own.
I am incredibly thankful to have the support and help of my husband, and beyond grateful for the time and the sweet moments that I am given the opportunity to enjoy with my son every single day. To watch and help him grow; to teach him, laugh with him, play with him; and to cherish every hug, every kiss, every look.
Moments that I will never forget, never take for granted.

All in all...I've completely neglected communicating, and for that...I am sincerely sorry. There is so much that has happened and quite a bit to share.
I can promise that updates will come -- updates on life, updates on design, updates on it all.

xo
CRH

There is No Other Figure, Like a Father

6/19/2016

Today is typically a bittersweet day - honoring my Father who provides, sacrifices, loves and cares for our family each and every day, and has since day one. He is a true leader, our family's strength, and truly one of a kind. He always said "I Loved Her First" was our song, and that he truly did. I remember him looking at me the night that my husband supposedly asked him for my hand in marriage; it was a look I can't really explain. I had no clue about their speaking, but remember him looking at me that night with just a gaze of admiration - thinking to myself..."Dad!?" I imagine it's the look any father would give his baby girl; but I truly felt his love in that moment and am thankful for the love he's given me my entire life. He has always set an example when it comes to marriage and friendship within a relationship for our family; loving my mother with a true sincerity that you often times don't find anymore. In my single years, I always joked and told him "you've raised the bar too high". It sort of became our thing. He continues to raise that bar with each passing day and year - however, I am truly blessed to of found love in a man that he truly respects and cares for - and I can assure you, there is no better gift than that.

This year holds an extra level of sweetness, in that I am honoring my husband as a father; a love and pride that I can't describe in words. He is a true blessing to our baby boy and to our family. A man who will teach love, respect, laughter, strength and so much more, simply through the example that he sets for our children. For these things, for him...I am forever grateful.

A Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's out there - enjoy your special day!

xo
CRH

Oh Boy!

6/18/2016

At about our 13 week mark, my husband and I went to the doctor for our First Trimester screening and while there, we opted to do the Harmony testing for our baby. It was two weeks later that we were told we would receive the results - the level of health risks, as well as, yes...the gender of our sweet baby! I wouldn't typically describe myself as a very patient person. Those two weeks?...were torture!

Brandon and I knew that we wanted to hear the news of the gender together, but with our families living in two different locations than us, we wanted to do something special to reveal it to them. Our schedule placed us in Round Rock, Texas 4 days after we were to find out the gender, and therefore...that laid the groundwork for our plan! My parents booked their flights to fly in for the weekend, and his family was driving up from Houston; all planning to meet in Round Rock. I went through every idea in the book - blue or pink cotton candy, confetti poppers, filling their hotel rooms with balloons - you name it, everything. No rock was left unturned!

The two week mark arrived and Brandon had actually been traveling that week, but was scheduled to arrive home that very day...talk about perfect timing! About midmorning I received the "unknown" labeled phone call which is typically how calls from our doctor's office came through. I was so excited!! I answered and the nurse politely began to tell me the results, starting with the health risks in which I quickly cut her off to say "whoa whoa whoa, are you about to tell me the gender!?" She went on to say yes and I preceded to tell her about my husband traveling and that we wanted to hear the results together; asking if she would mind calling back and just leaving a message for us to both listen to later that day. She said yes with no problem, and I went on to ask her to please repeat the heath results since I'm pretty sure I blanked out on the whole beginning of our conversation! I hung up the phone from speaking with her and just busted into tears!! Tears for a healthy baby, tears for the fact that in a matter of hours we would know the gender...tears and tears for every bit of happiness this blessing brings. [These little outbursts of tears happen more times than not lately. My mind wanders to the baby, to my husband...and it's complete waterworks! I'm sure any expecting momma can empathize with me on this].

From the time that the nurse called, to the time that Brandon's flight arrived home, was only about a few hours. Again...torture; just knowing that little voicemail was sitting on my phone! I picked Brandon up from the airport and he wanted to wait until we arrived back home and we were settled to listen to the voicemail. [Did he not realize the level of torture and anticipation I had already reached this day!?] I hooked up my phone to our Bose bluetooth speaker so that we could loudly hear the results from the nurse on the message. I tested the sound on an old message from a friend, just to be sure we wouldn't run into any snafus with the real deal. I'm pretty sure when the nurse said "It's a boyyyy!" we both just surprisingly-happily-completely shocked looked at each other like..."what!!?" After kissing and hugging, asking each other if this was for real and me of course, crying...we then listened to the message probably another good four or five times! The best part of that moment in time: the pure bliss that my husband carried on his face; I'm not sure it was possible for him to not show it. A complete and perfect smirk that he didn't even realize he had on!

The next realization: there was no way we could wait four days to tell our families over the weekend! That plan quickly flew right on out the window. With about an hour to spare before Brandon had to leave for work that day, we ran across every cute idea we could possibly think of to tell our parents, brothers and sisters. The only idea I could truly think of in our home setting was an idea I had come across on Pinterest when looking at gender reveal ideas for our other plan. The idea was to use paint and take a picture with both of your hands on your stomach, and in the next picture...taking them off to reveal the gender color in paint. Ironically, I had worn a white tank top to pick up Brandon that day, and being the traveling artist that I am...had paint on hand in the apartment! I told him the idea and we quickly sprung into action. I had become a pro in the passing weeks at taking my bump pictures with a timer setup involving a chair, a yeti cooler, an empty box from our kitchen dishes, and the bluetooth speaker to prop the phone up on. We put together this lovely contraption, painted Brandon's hands, and got into position!

And this...

...was what we ended with! I'd say for a completely spastic, thrown together mission...we were pretty successful! So, a big Thank You to the original artists of this lovely idea that you see on Pinterest. We appreciate it!!

As to our news and welcoming a little man into our family - we could not be any more happy and thankful!
Prayers for healthy growth for our baby boy.

xo
CRH

The "Sweetest" Memory of them All

5/22/2016

Now, I think any and every woman can agree with me when I say: anytime we can do something clever and sweet for our men...it's full-on plan mode! Following our wedding, we immediately headed off to Arizona. The month of March in general is often a whirlwind; the early mornings are reality, we're getting back on and figuring out a new schedule, and family is in town to visit. Brandon's Mom came into town for a week, and following that, my family was in town to visit and to celebrate my birthday. With all of the craziness...I didn't think too far into the fact that my cycle was delayed by a week. My family flew out Easter morning and taking the time to sit back and realize the week-lateness and the fact that I had strangely obtained an obsession for BBQ potato chips [...HUGE sign] within the weeks prior - I got to really thinking...could it be!?

At first I thought I'd hold off for a little on buying a test. Figuring it was just my body adapting to all of the change and craziness. And then I had a thought: "well, it's Easter...I could and should do something really cute in the chance that it is positive!" So, the wheels started turning and I had the thought to get him Easter candy and incorporate the hidden results into that. My husband is not a Three Musketeers fan by any means, but I thought...how cute would that be to use if we really were pregnant!? That became my basis for the surprise...The Three Musketeers. With no expectations for what was to come, and a quick prayer up to the Big Man, I was in utter disbelief and overcome by joy and emotion to see the words "Pregnant" flash onto the little screen!! After composing myself, and thinking I had surely done something wrong in performing the test...I went about the results another way, one more time, and it was indeed true...we were pregnant!!!

In the midst of my happy-crying, knees shaking, "can this really be true!?"-excitement...it was time to put the surprise into full speed ahead! I was waiting to hear from Brandon to pick him up for the day, and knew that call would be coming in at any minute. To really paint this picture, I have to sort of give you the visual of how the living room at our rental home for the month was set up. There were two recliners facing the TV and a small sofa set closest to the recliner where Brandon sat each night when he got home. [If those couple of lines don't make us seem like old folks...I'm not sure what will!] I quickly scrounged up all of the candy that we had in the house and set it on the table next to his recliner. I figured this would look a little less obvious than just setting a Three Musketeers bar next to his recliner. I threw together a card real quick and simply told him Happy Easter, how much I love him, and how truly blessed I am because of him. I propped the card up against the table lamp, surrounded by the pile of candy. At the top of this pile was the Three Musketeers bar with the positive pregnancy test tied to the back of it, so that the test was hidden from his sight.

When we got home, sure enough...he gravitated right toward the recliner! I walked over and sat by him on the little sofa and sort of just talked to him about his day. He didn't even glance over toward the candy or even notice it's existence on the table next to him. I real discreetly propped my phone up on the arm of the sofa and began to videotape, knowing I couldn't wait another second for him to know the news!! I told him I had put the candy there for us to munch on a little later when we were watching a movie and told him that I had written him an Easter card. He picked up the card and started to read...a bit confused at the whole thing! I then proceeded to say "you like Three Musketeers, don't you!?" His response: a shoulder shrug and pursed bottom lip to sort of hint "they're alright!" [I knew very well that he had no particular sentimental attachment to them]. I then told him to look at the one under the Three Musketeers. He picked up the candy bar, as the test slipped out from the ribbon and into his lap. Picking up the test and in a complete state of confusion, he asked what it was - quickly noticing on his own the little screen and the word it held!!

An incredible blessing in our life and the perfect moment to celebrate it...more than we could ever ask for.

Xo
CRH

One plus Two = Three

5/19/2016

This is an incredibly special post for me. A week ago, Brandon and I were finally able to share the long awaited and hard-to-keep secret that...
WE'RE EXPECTING!!

After we were married in February, we both agreed that our getting pregnant was in God's hands. We were both ready and in a place to begin having children, however, we both knew that He had the plan for us! I'm not sure I completely have the words to express how blessed we feel in that our prayers were answered that very next month. Going on 13 weeks this Friday, and not completely having a baby bump just yet - each day I find myself stopping and having to pinch myself, realizing the magnitude of this grace. To be growing and to be carrying, so close to my heart...a piece of my husband and I; our child.

People always say "it's a love you'll never know" (having a child). And I have to say, even just seeing the ultrasound pictures; hearing the heartbeat; simply knowing every second of each day, that you are responsible for this little soul...a part of yours - it truly is like no other. It's a love that you experience upon seeing that very first "positive" only 4 or 5 weeks in. A love that you truly can't even describe.

xo
CRH

A Love-ly Start to the Morning

4/14/2016

You're not seeing things...Easter was, in fact, the last time I had my act together and published a post.
It has been a whirlwind of craziness! Over the past two weeks, we have successfully packed up and migrated from beautiful Phoenix, Arizona to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; making just one quick two night pit stop to visit friends right outside of Amarillo, Texas along the way. Settling in and getting acquainted with the city over the past couple of weeks, I've come to find that it's quite wonderful! Aside from the lovely looming fact of it being in Tornado Alley and for being on somewhat of a small scale, size wise...it's a flourishing city. The restaurants are never ending and all of truly great quality, the city in itself is clean, and the people are friendly. What more could you ask for?

After getting settled into our surroundings...it's all about establishing routine. Every step we take and new adventure we encounter, we always have to find that balance. Especially in a new city and with a new schedule. [I definitely thrive on routine, as terrible as some might find that]. I know that I mentioned my eating habits once before, but that is where a lot of my routine comes in! First thing I focus on when I wake up: food. In true stride, I find something I love to eat, and that becomes my routine; my every morning. I'm not sure what the point is, it's just the way my brain works. I love that little bit of order. If I find something I truly love, why change it? THIS morning, however, I really stepped outside of my box and made pancakes...for myself! [Granted, I made them with my routine Greek Yogurt, fruit and half of a Clif bar, but still...]. Not just any pancakes, either. Heart shaped pancakes. The occasion? My husband arrives home today! Part of our routine, part of our schedule: travel. Just comes with the territory of some careers. But, there is truly nothing better than being back together after being apart! All is right in the world.

Find a reason to make some shaped pancakes! Mix up that morning routine just a little bit.

xo
CRH

Easter Wishes

3/27/2016

Wishing everyone a Blessed and beautiful Easter! An incredible day of Praise, to enjoy surrounded by family and friends.
Hope it's wonderful!

xo
CRH

Beautiful blossoms from our wedding day done by the ever so talented Velvet and Twine of Orlando

Orange You glad I told You?

3/22/2016

I'm going to view myself as an Educator this morning. Really bringing fun facts to you on this beautiful Tuesday that you might [...or might not!] want to learn.

Arizona is filled with citrus trees with white painted trunks. Now, born and raised in Florida, I've seen an orange tree or two in my time; but had never seen a painted tree until my first trip to Arizona last year. It's not just the occasional tree that you see painted -- it's all of them! Which is very pretty, but a foreign sight to see. Several years back, Florida had an outbreak of canker in our citrus trees. This caused many people to have to uproot the citrus trees on their property. So, being the know-it-all that I often love to think I am, I assumed [and you know what they say about assuming] Arizona-ites had beat us to the punch and discovered a way to avoid canker with a painted-vaccine method that we Floridians apparently weren't aware of. And that was that. This time around...they're still painted! So, why not ask the smarty pants Arizonians about their thought process. Come to find out, my mother in law asked a local family member and the answer, [drumroll, please...]: sunburn. "Sun scald" as it is referred to. I've also heard from a local that bug prevention has a large part in it as well, but with the heat of the summer...sun scald makes a ton of sense. Apparently the bark of citrus trees is very thin and therefore, especially in the younger trees, if there is not a lot of coverage from the leaves, the bark can be burned by the power of the sun. ...who knew!

What I do know? They're worth putting that white latex paint layer of sunscreen on! When we first arrived, the bees were buzzing throughout them and the fruit that they produce is just perfect. Interesting to learn what different parts of the country do to protect the beautiful landscape and how truly versatile it can be from where you live.

Some of favorite citrus inspiration:
[from left to right]
Orange Welcome tags made for the bags at the hotel, welcoming guests to a Florida wedding | A little inspiration from my favorite, Yogi Tea, set atop a beautiful orange | Lastly, my brother and his wife's beautiful rings displayed and beautifully captured by Earthmuse Photography on a gorgeous orange platter; they incorporated orange detail into their Old Florida themed wedding.

May your day be a little brighter and may you feel just a tad bit smarter!
xo
CRH