Chelsea Renee - BLOG

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 wrote 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

"Can" Starts with A Plan

3/21/2016

Something I have struggled with my entire life: planning.
Each new year I buy a planner thinking "...this is the year!" - "I'm going to use my planner...I'm going to be so organized...it's gonna be great!" The catch? Even if I am on top of my game and write in the planner to stay organized...I don't open it and read it!! Ever. Therefore, defeating the purpose of it's general existence in my life. The problem is that I'm one of those people that keeps every single little detail in my mind rather than on a sheet of paper to reference. Grocery lists? I write them...never read them. Half the time I forget to even bring them into the store. Apparently, I like to think that my mental capacity holds my grocery lists and weekly tasks better than any written reminder in ink!? Call it stubborn, call it stupid...they are lists and planners for a reason. I remind myself of this fun fact each time I get home from the grocery store and discover all of the items that I've forgotten, or when I realize an important task set for the week that was never achieved or even thought about.
Planning. It's key!

With a life in continual motion - planning is necessary. Planning with a man?...not always easy! I always tease my husband about our lack of planning. But in some miraculous way, we always tend to pull it together. Needless to say, usually at the last minute. Planning ahead is key: the sole purpose of a planner. It gives you that sense of efficiency that you don't have otherwise. You're better able to allot your time, travel at a better price, to anticipate. That might just be the keyword in it all: anticipate!

Around the time of my wedding, I was given a gift by my Maid of Honor. At a time when you have eighty-million different tasks and decisions going on, this is the gift to receive! Breaking down each day with "Today's Top Three"; increments by each hour for tasks, with a to do column beside it; and even areas to include details such as dollars for the day, time for dinner, and a "don't forget" box -- The Day Designer is a planner to the max, wrapped up in complete style with a gorgeous and durable exterior.

Covering all the bases you would ever need to reference, and even with a quote at the top of each day to kick it off; it truly is more than you could ever ask for in a planner. The real deal.

All in all...just be sure and open your planner to read what you record! That is definitely Step One. And if you're not a planner, strive to be one. Set it on your desk or your bedside table; carry it with you in your purse. Set a time to maybe check over it each morning over breakfast and coffee. It's the perfect way to anticipate your week and alleviate any unwanted stress to go with it!

xo
CRH

Sundays are for Splendor

3/20/2016

Ohh, the Splendor of a Sunday! Downside: tomorrow is Monday and that means the start of a new work week for most. The upside: Sundays are special; a day intended for rest and a day that carries different importance to each person. Whether it's spending your mornings going to church and enjoying a nice lunch with family following, or attending a Sunday family dinner that night to soak up that quality time you've missed all week. Sunday's to me bring peace. The kind experienced from family and enjoying the things you love and worship. My favorite kind of Sunday is spent at home; sleeping in with my husband, cooking a big ol breakfast, relaxing or working on our home the rest of the day, and then attending the evening service at our church, The Summit [in Orlando].

A splendid little detail that I cherish? Fresh flowers; a love engrained into me by my mother. She has always had a knack for fresh flowers; growing them and arranging them. They were always a part of our home growing up and a trait I love so dearly about her: the passion she has for them. Now, my green thumb is more of a chartreuse green. In other words...unlike my mother, I have never had the natural ability to grow things! I do try; the effort is there. At our house, we have an amazing garden area that was installed by the previous owners. So, naturally...my garden pants are on and I'm on a mission to get that puppy up and running. Prior to the wedding festivities, my husband even brought home a rose bush to really kick things off! Roses were my grandmother's favorite flower and one of the first blossoms I wanted to incorporate. Aside from our garden, we have two mature camellia trees in the yard that bloom...like...crazy! Those have become the staple live flowers in our home. They are continually found on the windowsill in our kitchen and as shown below, I arranged them with a few of the leftover flowers that I brought home from our wedding. [I think I repurposed our wedding flowers for the entire week following]! These were set in our bathroom and really brought that bit of "splendor" to the space. Amazing what fresh flowers can achieve with their natural beauty.

Have a beautiful Sunday; however you spend it! Appreciate the splendor of it.
xo
CRH

Tastebud Alert

3/19/2016

Yesterday was a Scottsdale Day. Knowing that we would be over in the Salt River | Scottsdale area for most of the afternoon and into the evening; we researched places to make a dinner reservation, taking into consideration it was a much-anticipated Friday night. Primarily basing the decision off of location and ease of access, The Twisted Grove turned out to be a very satisfied surprise! Typically I base my Yelp decisions for restaurants on two things: the style & ambiance of the photos shown from the restaurant, and the design of their website. I know that they say "Don't Judge a Book by it's Cover" - and I don't...but it's often times in my nature when making a decision about certain things.
'Aesthetically-pleasing' is the key term to reeling me in!

The Twisted Grove lived up to everything it's 'aesthetically- pleasing' marketing entailed. The restaurant itself had a beautiful and classy, yet, youthful and vibrant ambiance; the staff was friendly and very well educated on absolutely every detail - from the breakdown of the to-die-for brussel sprout, canadian bacon and balsamic small plate starter, to how the immaculate Tres Leche dessert was made; and the food?...the food was out of this world. Each and every person attending dinner was pleased with their meal, and for good reason. I'm no food critic by any means, so please take my recommendations [always] with a grain of salt - but, everything was perfect. Absolutely delicious and very highly recommended. So...add it to the Scottsdale, Arizona stops. The newest little gem added to the bag!

www.twistedgrove.com

Hope everyone has a fabulous Saturday and weekend!
xo
CRH