Jesse and I recently had the chance to sneak away for a quick 20-hour overnight trip, and it ended up being exactly what we needed. With our busy schedules and the constant demands of parenting six kids, it's rare that we get uninterrupted time to truly connect and plan for the future, and this short getaway allowed us to do just that!

Before we even left, we sat down and made a list of the key things that we wanted to accomplish - reviewing our goals, talking through some challenges we've been facing, and trying to map out what the next nine months might look like for our family (a time frame that, for the record, has nothing to do with pregnancy). Having that plan in place helped us make the most of our limited time away, having begun the trip by enjoying a nice dinner out, which gave us the space to have those important conversations.

Listen in as we share the story, including how, the following morning, we headed to a local coffee shop (where we ran into several friends, much to my embarrassment since I hadn't even brushed my hair!), and over coffee, we were able to dive deeper into the practical steps we want to take to build our business around our family life and not the other way around. It was truly amazing how much we were able to accomplish in just 20 hours. We came back feeling refreshed, reconnected, and motivated.

I feel so grateful that we didn't allow the short timeframe to hold us back, and this episode of the show will hopefully help remind you that sometimes you have to get creative to nurture your marriage, even if you can't take a full weekend away. I would, as always, love to hear from you! Reach out to let me know about how you have found ways to prioritize your relationship, even in the midst of busy seasons. What tips do you have for making the most of limited time together? I'm always looking for new ideas!

 

In This Episode

[00:35] - We have some exciting news to share - Silas now has a driver’s license!

[03:13] - Getting his license helps simplify managing Silas’s jam-packed schedule of sports, friends, and constant movement.

[05:32] - We discuss how, after a delay for insurance, Silas safely drove alone and proved himself a careful driver.

[07:23] - Hear how I researched DMV strategies and chose the best day and time to avoid long waits.

[10:22] - I reveal that arriving early on Tuesday paid off, with fast DMV service and successful ID and license processing!

[13:33] - I talk about having to adhere to strict photo rules to renew my passport and hope to be fully licensed soon.

[14:54] - We talk about our recent short getaway which offered meaningful reconnection and some much-needed rest.

[16:15] - Hear how we created a written plan to stay focused without letting the time feel like work.

[18:33] - Planning an ABC date night brought structure, clarity, and joy to our short getaway!

[21:03] - We discussed nine-month goals which will help us prioritize needs and communicate more clearly as a couple.

[23:27] - Jesse and I discuss how people so often prioritize work over life, sacrificing needs and identity in a work-centered society.

[25:50] - I am aiming to shift from overworking toward building business around life, not the other way around.

[28:13] - With all six kids in school soon, we discussed how to use our new free time.

[30:39] - We reflect on how caretaking responsibilities for David lingered on our trip, but we did finally get some restful sleep.

[33:22] - Even though our time away was limited, we set goals, made a plan, and truly reconnected.

[35:59] - I strongly encourage intentional living, not “balance,” and I invite listeners to share marriage and work-life strategies!

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

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