Live Vivaciously

Mommy + me date to the Christmas stroll and parade 🎄

It has been slow going at the Crouse house lately. Feeling extra grateful to get out and do something sweet with my precious girl.

All Hallow’s Eve! 🥀

Another fun trick or treat in the books ✨

Hope you and your families had a wonderful evening 🎃

XOXO,
Belle, Gaston, Prince, Enchanted Rose and Mrs. Potts!

God does not forget our desires.
He doesn’t forsake our dreams.
He CARES about what lights us up.

His plan for us might look different than we imagined, but we’re fools to think he could ever forget.

Before I became a fitness and nutrition coach, a mom, or a wife, I set my purpose in something else entirely 🎭

I have been at peace for SO long about the change in my life, in my goals, dreams, and desires. But this opportunity a few months ago brought me to tears after we wrapped.

A glimpse back into the “old” me. A nudge from Jesus saying “hey, I didn’t forget. Don’t put pressure on yourself. Just have fun. This is my gift to you.”

And it felt just like that: a gift.
A gift to do something I’ll always love but *rarely* get to do anymore.

I know it can be scary for life to change, for YOU to change. But when I embraced the woman I wanted to be and knew that meant letting go of something I really enjoyed, I was finally at peace.

And this day, this surprise gift, made me realize that there’s no “old” or “new” me. There’s just Viva: a girl who studied acting, went on to be a wife and young mom, and became a fitness and nutrition coach… and will always say yes to an acting gig on the side 😌

And you know what? God loves all of it. He rewards all of it. He desires my joy in all things!

I’m not sure what the point in sharing all of this is except to encourage you that if you find yourself in the middle of change, follow His lead. He will surprise you, reward you, and bless you with gifts and reminders of His love.

That was this day for me, and I feel sappy & grateful.

And if you’re not looking for a fitness & nutrition coach, then hire me for all your commercial needs 😉🤍

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“Everything in parenthood feels so endless until it ceases.”

A line from our most recent book club read that put this week into perspective.

I write this after a long week. I’ve sat & sulked & yelled. Parenting two toddlers in new stages is not easy. When you’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to forget that parenthood isn’t all sleepless nights, tantrums or eating last.

I sat and looked through my phone and found these old film shots.

Snapshots of my motherhood.

People always say “just you wait….(insert negative thing here)”.

But just you wait until they hug each other.
Just you wait until they crawl into your bed because of the thunder.
Just you wait for the yogurt covered faces.

We might be in the thick of it, but in between every tantrum are a million little “I love you”s.

If no one has said it to you lately, let me remind you that being a parent is a gift. We’ll have our weeks and challenges, but every challenge will cease and a new joy will begin.

If you’ve had a tough week, go back and look at some cherished memories.
I see you & I’m praying for you, mamas.
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✨This is what dreams are made of ✨

Want to know my “why” behind everything I do? It’s right here 🫶🏼

My before and after pictures have nothing to do with the number on a scale.
Despite 15 lb and two pregnancies, weight has little to do with the 5 year difference in these photos.

So often I feel like a phony in this world of “fitness” because I don’t have some wild scrawny to brawny or weight loss transformation.
The imposter syndrome sets in and I have to pull myself out of the mud and remind myself that my transformation MATTERS, even if it’s not very visible from the outside.

Because that girl to the right, the one dripping with fear and insecurity, would be really amazed at where we are.

I ended up somewhere I never even dreamed of.
I found a confidence I didn’t know was possible.
I’m in a line of work that I love that I never thought to consider.

Sure, my body has more muscle (& boy do I love that), but this journey has brought me discipline, mental toughness, confidence in who I am as a woman, and the FREEDOM to live my life the way God has intended.

This transformation of mind, body & soul happened because..

I realized trying new things didn’t have to be scary.

I started intentionally taking care of my body.

I began strength training, which has strengthened my muscles AND my mind.

I spent more time with people I felt supported by and less with those I didn’t.

I started leaning INTO the desires God put into my heart instead of trying to push them away.

If you told that girl 5 years ago that she’d be a coach walking with people in their fitness journeys, she’d call you crazy. But I guess that’s the fun part of trusting God’s plan and not your own 😉

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Kids certainly make you think twice about how you spend your time. It’s a precious thing & too often I find myself scrolling instead of investing my time into things that can make me a better mama to my kids.

So here are some things to do instead of scroll:
- read a good book
- call a friend
- check your calendar
- check your budget
- draw with your kids
- work on a creative project
- unload the dishes
- do a 15 minute workout
- shut your eyes for 10 minutes
- listen to a prayer mediation
- have a dance party

I’ve fallen out of this practice & I’m determined to bring my screen time % down. Look at yours, I dare you, and tell me we’re not fighting for the same thing.

It’s ironic, I know, that I post this on the very platform I waste time on. But if I need the reminder, chances are you might too.

So save this post, come back to it later, & go do something that puts some pep in your step, my friend.

Also yes, this doubles as an excuse to post these pictures- I mean look how cute he is?!
🥰😘
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“I only look at the present, I forget the past, and I take good care not to forestall the future.”
St. Therese of Lisieux

In moments of overwhelm, mom guilt, stalled progress in the gym, frustration, whatever it may be, I have to remind myself that the present moment is what matters.

That’s where we meet God- right in the present moment.

I’ve been teaching my daughter to take a big breath when she’s frustrated and say “Jesus be with me” and I think it’s a good reminder for all of us. No matter what moment we’re in, He’s there too.

Take a breath, be present, and let Him guide our next steps. That’s something we can all start practicing, yeah? 🤍

Praise God for his saints and their reminders like this ✨
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Showing Up for Yourself Why are we so used to showing up for others and not for ourselves, and what can we do about it? Let's explore that answer together.

I’d like to think I do a pretty good job showing up for myself. I mean, I’m a coach who encourages other women to do so… I should be a pro by now, right?

Maybe I should be, but I’m not. Odds are, neither are you…

In case no one has shared this with you lately: you are worth showing up for.

Friends, there’s finally a new blog post up! Read more on the blog 🤍

https://www.vivavivaciously.com/post/showing-up-for-yourself

📷
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Happy Birthday to the sister Jesus knew I needed! This has been the best weekend celebrating you and your wonderful life.

You inspire me as a coach, wife, and mama and I’m so proud to have you by my side!

30 is going to be your best year yet! Stay golden ✨

Parent’s night out in Nashville ✨

The Crouse coach’s vacation schedule is as follows:
Workout, drink good drinks, eat good food 🤩

Lift heavy & eat well, but don’t forget to have some fun along the way 😘

Hope you’re having a good weekend, friends! 🤍
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Happy Baptism Day, Carlina Christine 🤍

We’ll always celebrate the day your soul was forever changed and you came into the Church. Maybe not always with a huge strawberry milkshake… but always with love & joy.

You’re forever precious and forever His. We love you!

Hey kiddos, your mama can do hard things 💪🏼

But seriously, we so often underestimate our ability to master our minds & bodies. I have such a hard time pushing myself (many of us do!) and today I am so freakin proud of myself.

Let me tell you what I’m telling myself now:
You can try new things. You can fall and get back up. You can crush it. You are stronger than you think. Hype yourself up, stop putting yourself down. Trust your partner, trust yourself, and have some fun.

When’s the last time you tried something new and felt that sense of accomplishment? I hadn’t in a while and I’m so glad I said yes to doing this with you .crouse Thanks for pushing me to believe in myself 😘
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A mid-week reminder for my mom friends out there: do something for YOU this week.

Grab your favorite coffee
Go to the gym
Read a book during nap time
Take a walk outside without the kids
Go to adoration
Take a drive & blast music
Get your nails done

Whatever it is!

I know it’s not possible to do these things every week. We have to coordinate sitters & help & time away from our spouse. It might not happen every week, but it is possible to schedule it ahead of time.
Budget for it.
Put it in your calendar.
Recruit some help.
Make a date with yourself, put some effort in, and show up.

Taking care of yourself is taking care of your family.

So what’s something you’ll make time for either this week or next?

I think I’ll go crazy and do a nail & adoration date, you? ✨
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To the little girl who made me a mama,

Happy Birthday, Lina bear! 🤍

3 years old is already off to a feisty, wild and spunky start.

You’re full of life my sweet girl and I’m so grateful for every second I spend with you. I can’t wait to see how you grow and shine this year 🤍✨

Today it’s tea time & giggles .
Tomorrow will be wine & laughter.

Today is hair bows & dresses.
Tomorrow is a graduation cap & gown.

Today is play time at the park.
Tomorrow will be a job interview.

Today is fits & cuddles.
Tomorrow will be an important conversation.

Today is dress-up.
Tomorrow could be shopping for *the dress*.

Today is teaching you prayers.
Tomorrow will be praying together.

Today you show me my faults, failings, accomplishments & desires as a mother.
Tomorrow, I hope I make you proud.

We get lost in our to-do lists & bury our heads in expectations. We say “maybe later” or “next time” way too much.

Let’s not forget that God is in the present moment. That’s where He wants to find us, and where our kids want to, too.

So let’s do that. Let’s live a little more for today. We did just that with a tea party this afternoon. Our first one of many, I’m sure. Thanks for pulling me back to the present, Lina. 🤍
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Hallelujah, hallelujah! Happy Easter!

Today is filled with the joy, hope and peace of the Resurrection. Thank you, Jesus.

Praying His joy is with you and your family today!

XO,
The Crouses

My most recent feature on She Might has been published! It's simple, concise, and helps us answer the age-old question "do you need anything?"
So often we say "yes" in our heads but ultimately respond with something like "oh, don't worry about it!!" because we don't want to feel like a burden. So I hope that these suggestions give you the confidence to say "yes, I need help" the next time someone asks!



https://shemight.org/relationships/do-you-need-anything

She Might - 8 Ways to Answer the Question: Do You Need Anything? Have trouble answering the question “Do you need anything?” It’s OK to ask for help! Here are 8 ways to say “yes” without the guilt.

Live Vivaciously updated their business hours.

This is what Sunday’s are for 🤍

I hope you’re all enjoying a day of rest.

Tomorrow is a new day & for most of us, the start of a new week. Let’s dive into it with joy & excitement for the things to come!
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I don’t know who needs this, but if your day is going anything like mine then here’s your reminder:

You are more than your PMS & mood swings.

You can choose to sulk or turn your day around. Or both- I did both.

Chase always likes to quote this old video “if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, get back in and roll out the other side”. I don’t love when he says that, and today he didn’t, but I heard it anyway. I’m glad I did.

I like to sulk sometimes. It feels good to give into that self pity. So i did for a little bit, then I *chose* to have a better mood
& a better day.

We can’t control our hormones, but we can notice, respect & move on. Here’s what I did & hopefully it sparks ideas for you when you have these days:

• cry about it for 20 min. Sometimes you just gotta.🤷🏻‍♀️

• look at a picture/video that makes you happy. If you’re a mom, choose one that reminds you you’re amazing (hence this photo) 💪🏼

•re heat your coffee ☕️

• throw on a movie or let them wreck the playroom while you get back to work/do something you love. ✨

The baby monitor is on scan & I’m going to go write a blog and prep for some check-in’s now. 🙌🏼

So if you’re having a hard day, I hope this encourages you to do something & make it a little better. If anything, know that I’m praying for you!

If you’re having a good day, can you leave a little encouragement in the comments for anyone reading that is struggling today? You’re appreciated 🤍
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On a recent podcast I spoke a little about making time for a fitness routine. Whether it’s prayer, exercise or finishing that embroidery kit you started 2 years ago (🙋🏻‍♀️), we all struggle with “finding time”.

And the thing is, we HAVE the time, we’re just filling it with other things. So, my challenge for you this week is to examine your current routine:
What do you *really* fill your time with? Honesty is the best policy, folks.
What gives you LIFE?
What doesn’t?
Is your screen time 4 hrs and your prayer time 0?
Did you scroll in bed instead of move for 15 minutes?

And yes, those examples are from my own experience. I’m working through these things too. Growing in virtue never stops. But the fact of the matter is, most of us have the time- it’s the discipline to use it wisely that’s missing.

Lent is a great season to depart from what drains us, and instead lean into what will give us LIFE and give glory to God.

For me, that’s a disciplined prayer time and exercise routine. And maybe, just maybe finishing that embroidery. Stay tuned.

Today is the perfect day to fill your time with something that
1) boosts your mood
2) increases your energy
3) gives you confidence

What will it be for you?
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These post-library pictures needed a permanent place on here.

She’s spunky, spontaneous, has a wild imagination and serves looks for days (check out that last picture)

Being your mom is exhausting and so, so much fun. 🤍
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This is my “why”.

Taking care of myself means I make time to
…get stronger
…get enough sleep
…eat balanced meals
…pray every day
…set goals
…set boundaries
…work in 2hr time slots
…play

It’s to serve them, to live out my vocation the best possible way. It’s not perfect. Most days don’t go as planned. But by God’s grace we adjust and get 1% better at it each day.

Whether we’re in the middle of a health journey, new life transition, or just in the throws of it, we all need our “why”.

What’s yours?

PC: Thanks for capturing my “why” so perfectly.

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“How do you do it all?”

This question makes me laugh out loud sometimes for a few reasons
1. I’m baffled people think I *actually* have myself together

2. I don’t feel like I do very much, honestly

3. I want to ask them the same question! Me do it all?? What about YOU?! Give me YOUR secrets!!

I usually verbalize these points into my answer. Then they don’t think I’m serious and actually want a real answer on “how” do I really manage a home, two kids, a business and take care of myself. On social media we often see the or who works (no doubt she does!) but I’ll give you an honest answer on how *Viva* does it all:

I don’t- at least not by myself.

Jesus:
He gives me the grace to do everything. I literally don’t want to know what life would look like if He wasn’t at the center of it all.

My Husband:
We’re a freakin team, he and I. From our business to our kids, he pushes me, holds me accountable, and is the place where I can rest my head and recharge when I’m weary.

Nanny:
We have HELP. An incredible friend of ours lives with us and watches the kids while I work, clean the house or eat in peace. Love you Nanny G.

Family:
None of our family lives close by but when they’re in town I take advantage! For example, my mom has been organizing our closets (something I’ve planned to do for months) while I’m at the gym, studying, taking client calls or just resting alone in our room. God bless her.

Friends:
I’m surrounded by really encouraging people, y’all. From near and far I feel supported. Let this be a reminder to send your friend a text and say they’re doing a great job.

All of this helps me to prioritize my daily, weekly and monthly tasks. That’s how I get it done. With help.

Everyone needs support, so don’t fall into that comparison game that says she can do it all while you can’t. Ask for help. We work better when we work together. 🤍

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I know life as a parent isn’t easy. Sometimes I wish I could say my 5th tip is to become a millionaire who has on-call help and a dope home gym. But alas.

We all know that exercise helps us maintain the energy we need & can boost our mood, but sometimes it’s so dang hard to fit it in when you have kids pulling your attention every which way!

I hope these 4 tips give you the boost of confidence you need to say “yeah, I CAN do this, millionaire or not” 😉

If you’re a parent, what’s something that helps you keep your exercise routine up?
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"Even if it is lofty, anything that's grandiose can be turned into small steps. After all, it's the pieces that make a whole, right? So, that's exactly what I did and I want to share my process with YOU in the hopes that you can turn any lofty goal into action items that make those goals manageable and attainable." I hope you enjoy the newest piece on the blog!

Turning Lofty Goals into Action Items Even if it is lofty, anything that's grandiose can be turned into small steps. After all, it's the pieces that make a whole, right? So, that's exactly what I did and I want to share my process with YOU in the hopes that you can turn any lofty goal into action items that make those goals manageable a...

Happy Valentine’s Day, ya goof 🤍

“Lord, fill in my gaps.”

The principal of the school we toured the other day shared with us that this has been her prayer throughout her entire motherhood and I just… 🥺

Sometimes things just hit me hard. I know you know the feeling. Honestly, I had never thought about praying something like that, saying those words. “Fill in my gaps” who, me? My gaps? *gasp*
Yeah. I have lots of them. We all do. Deep down, more often than not it feels like I’m not allowed to have them.
But we won’t be made perfect til Heaven. If that’s the case, why do we expect that of ourselves?
Lucky for us, I think that’s why he’s called us into community & to surrender.

I’ve always wanted close-knit family friends: men & women who would call Chase and I to greater holiness. In an unknown way, I suppose this has been my prayer for a long time.

“Lord, fill in my gaps.”
Bring a community of people into our lives so that when I fall short as a mother, which I certainly will, they’ll always have another figure to turn to. They’ll be free to seek counsel, to be held in a hug, to listen to right from wrong even if the words aren’t from my lips.

🤍So if you’re a mother, a parent who feels the need to carry the entire load, ask to not have to. I mean it. Ask the Lord to bring people into your children’s lives to fill in the gaps.

🤍And in the meantime ask Him to refine you, too. We may not be perfect here on this earth, but we can strive to be 1% better the next day than we were the last. Surrender the idea of perfection, and let Him help you do the work.

This prayer has lightened my load just by
1. Being grateful for our community.
2. Trusting that he WILL refine me.

I hope it lightens yours, too. I hope it blesses you. I hope you find joy in your parenthood today. I hope you know you will never carry it alone.

And to our community, thank you. Jesus, you are good.
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Let’s play a BDAY version of “get to know me”

✨25 FUN FACTS/THINGS I’VE LEARNED IN 25 YEARS✨

1. Today is my BIRTHDAAYYYY🎂

2. If you couldn’t tell, I actually like my birthday. Please tell the staff at Chili’s to sing & dance🌶

3. I LOVE surprises. It’s fun, thoughtful, & I’m not a very spontaneous person so I like when others do that for me 😜

4. My favorite show is The Office. 📝

5. It took me way too long to admit my favorite color was pink 💕

6. Speaking of, I always thought I had to do something else or try & be like someone else in order to be special. Isn’t that backward? I’m halfway through my twenties & now know that God created me to be exactly who I am. That alone is special 🌟

7. I take my cream with some coffee 😉☕️

8. A mosquito once flew into my eye & got stuck in my contact. A trusty friend got him out. No harm, no foul 🦟

9. When I was 5 I wanted to be a McDonald’s worker. 🍔

10. 20 years later I’m a personal trainer. If you’re about those physical and mental gains, hit a girl up 😉🏋️‍♀️

11. Thai food is the best 🍜

12. This is my favorite number. It’s perfect. 1️⃣2️⃣

13. I’m proud to be a Catholic. I really, really want to be a Saint. ✝️

14. I’m a huge people pleaser, & I’ve never been ok with the thought of making someone upset or not being liked. Jesus has been doing a lot of healing here the past year ❤️‍🩹

15. I love people. Even those I don’t talk to anymore, I’ll always have love for. 🤍

16. I have the cutest kids and want MORE. That’s right. Gimme da babiesss 👩🏻‍🍼

17. My dream house is a Spanish villa. 🏠

18. I’m obsessed with my husband. I could be around him 24/7. He is truly the BEST (& handsomest) 🤤

19. It took 25 years but I actually like to read! Like, a LOT. Thank you, Bookclub. You know who you are 🍷 📚

20. I’ve learned that not only *can’t* I do it all, I don’t *want* to do it all. Learning to be content is HARD for me. It’s been my prayer all year long. Thank you for bringing me peace, Holy Spirit 🕊

21. I love a good soup & sandwich combo 🍲
22. I went to school for acting! I use that creativity every day with my babies 🎭

23. 90’s Country is superior🤠🎵

24. I’m a shy extrovert AKA I have a hard time introducing myself but once it’s done we can chat for eva 💃🏻

25. I am GRATEFUL. If anything, I am grateful. For my family, my friends, and everyone who has lifted me up to this point in my life. Big thanks to Jesus who keeps me on the right track, even if that track isn’t one I originally had in mind. He knows what’s best. And at 25, I am SO grateful for that. 🎉
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We are, yet again, in another season of transition over here at the Crouse house. The other day I posted on my stories that sometimes we ask the Lord to bring us clarity and trust for our next steps forward, and He delivers in the blink of an eye. As wonderful as that is, these quick decisions haven’t given me a lot of time to process.

But as I sit to work from home at our countertop and this chick sits next to me so she can “work” too, it all clicks.

I’ve spent a lot of time in discernment recently, trying to figure out where my priorities are. As much of a superwoman I want to be, I can’t do it all. More importantly, I don’t need to do it all. And that’s okay!!

I’ve been feeling scattered, so Idecided to zone in on ✨one thing ✨
The thing I’m choosing to prioritize is time with my family. If that means changing things up, lightening my load, and setting new boundaries and goals, then I’m going to do what needs to be done. Because this? This is worth it. And this is what it’s all about.

Even though my brain feels scrambled and new moving pieces are coming into play, I’m choosing to focus on one priority that ties it all together: time together.

When change happens and life feels overwhelming, do you scale back to focus on one priority? If you have one at the moment, share it with me below!
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Postpartum Round 2 Hey friends. It's me again, talking about babies and postpartum life once more! What else would I be writing about? It's no secret I love talking about these experiences. Elijah is 6 months old today (I KNOW-- where did the time go!?) so I figured this was the perfect time to finally share this post...

A Catholic Father's Day Gift Guide 2021 Your perfect, consolidated guide to great Father's Day Gifts!

A Catholic Mother's Day Gift Guide 2021 Mother's Day Gift Guide, helping you find the perfect gift from Catholic shops and artists.

Elijah's Birth Story I knew it was in God's hands and that I had to focus on what was to come.

Vivacious Guest: Dr. Chelsea Harkins We're talking pelvic floor, labor, delivery, and so much more! Read this guest blog on Dr. Chelsea Harkins to find out what being a pelvic floor therapist at Dallas Pelvic Health is all about!

10 Ideas for a Successful Date Night + How to Budget for It I've comprised a list of 10 ideas that will help you & yours have a successful date night and keep the flame alive!

Litany of Saints: Crouse Family Edition this is about the little "reel" I made on my instagram a few weeks ago titled The Crouse Family "Litany of Saints". Quite a few people reached out asking me to share how & why those particular Saints have come to be a part of our family's litany, and I figured this was the perfect time & place to sh...

Vivacious Guest: Kathleen West Featuring our first guest, Kathleen West from Meadowcress Boutique. Hand-made, Catholic-inspired items for your littles and your home.