…and the craziness of this behavior and the fact that, under the right conditions my maturity level can be subtracted to exactly half my age, can mean only one thing.
She’s back.
Heidi has returned from Michigan after seven weeks, and our forces have finally reunited to bring more moments like this to a street near you. And half of her age plus half of my age equals something around one whole of us, so the mature moments are bound to happen eventually. The truth of the matter is my back went out this weekend–like I bent down to get something at the exact moment something snapped in my back and I screeched and collapsed and just laid there in some chalk-drawing crime scene position in the kitchen, laughing hysterically because I seriously couldn’t move and a grown woman lying under the stove while people walk around her, pouring coffee and washing dishes completely oblivious to the scene is really, really funny..
So, the stretching in streets thing serves a purpose, really.
When we weren’t stretching in streets last night, we were catching up behind hot wings and cold beer.
Nella had a few things to say about Heidi’s absence which she reenacted in this scene I like to call Where the Hell Have You Been?
Followed by Much Love, Much Love.


Notice Nella’s enthusiastic wing-flap.
There’s something extra delicious about a jammied baby out past her bed time.
I like when she does tai chi on my face. Hai-ya!!!
And the moral of the story is something like we had a lot of fun. And we have big plans for enjoying-the-small-things this fall. Like I do believe we threw around the words “Road Trip.” Enough said.
Back to the weekend.
Ah, the weekend. Where much crafting was done. If your kids are ever bored and climbing the walls, might I suggest the handy-dandy collage. Cut poster board, a handful of buttons, beans, yarn scraps, paper and a bottle of glue…voila. A half hour of creative silence. It’s beautiful.
And then when they’re done, you have this beautiful creation to hang on your fridge. And, as we all know, in a perfect world, all fridges are covered with three-year old collages.
While other weekends have us beach-hopping and Isle-of-Capri’in it, this one had us home-basking and enjoying the randomness of our every day life.
I set out for a Mama date yesterday with my sprite, but five minutes down the road, I turned back to see this:
So, we U-ied back home for some rest and later settled for some post-nap dress-up and big-girl fun with mama’s dresser accessories.
And if they made this dress in my size, I too would parade about the house in it.
Me loves metallic polyester. And the fact that the tag on this dress not only says “Warning: Keep away from fire” but also “Do not wash. Do not dry. Do not iron. Do not dry clean.” In other words, just throw it away if it gets dirty.
I love the time-slowing phenomenon of weekends. Because life flows a little more gently and hours pass a bit more smoothly so that we focus a tad more on our family unit and how we make deposits in its account. Our account grew richer this weekend. And the interest rate is pretty high. So, that makes us gazillionaires years from now.

Well, Hello there Little Pea.
And, finally this brings me to the Dora Cupcake episode of the weekend. Lainey saw this commercial on Nick Jr. last week featuring these adorable Dora cupcakes that totally sold me with their cool chocolate shell wigs. After asking me to make them several times, I folded and made a grocery trip to gather the necessary goods.
I’m a pretty ambitious mom in that I attempt to make crazy fun memories for my girls. But ambition only gets you so far. I guess what I’m trying to say is my ambition for this project got me three cupcakes.
Three cupcakes that were carefully crafted to look just like Dora.
But after tediously piping three faces with various shades of eye-color brown and lining up chocolate chips for pupils and kitchen-shearing tiny triangles out of fruit roll-ups which, might I add, takes about fifty cursing attempts to get it right without the roll-up sticking to the scissors, and when I finally got it to land in the frosting right where a mouth should be…well, let’s just say I called Dora some not-very-nice names in the process. And, like many other shoot-for-the-moon attempts in super-momming, I got three nice cupcakes and half-assed the rest.
And Lainey pointed to them and cried.
“That’s not Dora!” And I, frustrated and frosting-stained, snapped back. “It’s Dora. Eat it.”
She only ate the good ones.
And what was left of the weekend was 21 sloppy-faced cupcakes and a whole lot more love.

Her Price-is-Right wheel is still her favorite toy.
And, finally, what’s a Monday without a giveaway?
I was thrilled when Shabby Apple contacted me about a giveaway. Thrilled because one of my very best dreams was that I had an online shopping spree to their store and I cleaned them out of their Central Park and Oh La La collections. You see, a perfect world not only has three-year-old collages on all the fridges, but one of every Shabby Apple dress in my closet.
You like? Well, a lucky random commenter will be winning the Bethesda Fountain dress (top left) like mine. I’m thinking holiday dinner with pearls. Get a load of the bow. The sumptuous bow, as the site describes. Delicious.
Winner will be announced Wednesday evening.
Have a sumptuous Monday.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive.
And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
– Howard Thurman







































I look forward to your blog posting every week. I am not a mother, but when I am I hope to be just like you. Thank you for sharing your life.
Love.
Love the kung fu moves. That makes me smile! I would love to win that dress. It’s adorable!
Great start to my day. THANK YOU!
Your photos are beautiful, as always, and your writing is amazing. Each day I look forward to reading about your gorgeous family. Oh and I adore the dress!
Oh thank goodness that Heidi is back. YAY on that! Great pics all around but the half-assed cupcakes made me laugh so hard.
Yay to gazillionaires of love. Glad you had an awesome weekend.
Love all you guys, special hugs to Lainey and Nella from their boyfriends.
I always look forward to your new posts. They cheer me up and give me ideas to do with my own little bunnies. 🙂
rbalderas at nc dot rr dot com
oooh I just love those dresses!
Those Dora cupcakes crack me up, as do the pics of Nella in her stripey pjs. So so sweet!
I am always encouraged by your posts & your awesome photography! I would also like to live in your fantasy world of a closet full of shabby apple clothing, so I guess winning 1 would be a great start. Love the blog & shabby apple (& your red boots do bring up a tad bit of envy as well!)
Good job with the cupcakes! They look yummy! 🙂
Hope your back is feeling better.
and those cupcakes……freaky! 🙂 Things with faces freak me out.
Michelle S.
I too threw my back out once while bending over to unplug the vacuum cord. After an hour of trying to get off the floor, I could only walk, move, etc. in certain positions. My husband had to help me put on socks and shoes. It only lasted about a week, but whew..I was only 26! Who knew you could have a bad back at 26! I think my newly-wed husband thought it might already be time to trade me in for a younger version.
Love these photos of your ordinary, yet extraordinary weekend! Sometimes those are the best kind of weekends to have!
I was gone for two weeks taking our son out-of-state for surgery and I’m been having a blast catching up. I love the picture of Nella sitting and playing with the dog nearby. My 23 month old daughter loves your music and is dancing around the room as I type.
I could look at little Nella all day!
I keep finding myself enjoying small things with my little bit. I have one more week til I am back to school as a teacher and this week is ALL ABOUT the small things! Thank you…
i love a baby all jammied up and out past her bedtime. so cute!
My back cinched up on me once when I bent down to pick up a shoe?? not a fun experience 🙂 Hope it’s better soon!
what a beautiful post! i love that you take time to do memorable and simple things with your girls. inspiring!
Love everything about this post, especially the “giveaway” pretty much decided that that dress needs to be in my closet 🙂
I love the stare down between Heidi and Nella! And look at little Nella sitting up like a big girl, just like shes been doing it forever!! Yayyy Nella!
i am so happy i discovered your blog. you are an inspiration. and those dresses! fuggetaboutit. totally go with my mad men vibe at the moment.
your family is sooo beautiful!
oo oo oo what a fun holiday dress! And after having a baby this October it would be so fun to have something to look forward to fitting in to! Would love to add that to my closet;)
your pictures are beautiful and your blog gives me hope that there are still wonderful people in the world! you are so inspiring and i hope that one day i can be half the super mom you are!
I was SO commenting even before the giveaway…
THANK YOU! For so many things, but specifically today: for cursing at Dora and telling Lainey to “just eat it!” I am inspired by your super-mommy-hood all the time, but I am so encouraged by your admission of frustration in the reality of our visions!
Hope your back is feeling better soon.
Beautiful, as always…
I love that quote, and I love your blog – you are definitely one of those people who has come alive.
i get so tickled seeing nella’s pictures. she’s so adorable. and good job on the cupcakes! they look delicious!
Love shabby apple. I’m going to have to give lying in the street a try.
i love all of your parenting fun 🙂 I’m storing it all up in my ‘future kid moments’ file in my mind..
and i love those dresses..
newly married-moved down south-need dresses! I’ve been looking for cuties like that.I”m heading there now to look at them!
sarah (g)
I have been reading for a few months now and wait patiently for every post! I just recently lost my job, and instead of freaking out…. I can’t wait to just be a mommy to my three little ones! You inspire something in me every time I read your words. You put things into a new prespective! Thanks! What a breath of fresh air you are!
I love the stare down that ended in happy wing flapping! So cute! I love Shabby apple dresses and have a summer dress from them and would love a winter one!!
i’m always looking forward to another post! and this time Lainey’s reaction to the cupcakes had me laughing out loud. Nella is so precious in her crib with that sock monkey. I love those shots.
Gorgeous.
What a great post. I LOVE that Nellabean is sitting!!! She is amazing!!! and he little bow and jeans, perfection!!! Happy Monday sweet family and thank you once again 🙂
love the dress! and all your beautiful pictures, of course!
I’d love that dress! You have a great blog 🙂
I love waking up and finding a new post to read! Lainey’s reaction to the cupcakes is too funny!
Lainey’s hair looks so long and cute!! I know it must be so nice to have your bff back!! And Nella is adorable, looks like she was just as excited to see Heidi. Loving the Dora cupcakes…we may try those!
love love love your blog! great giveaway too!!!
beautiful family. beautiful dress. thanks for the chance to win!
I just recently found your blog and I love it. It always puts me in a good mood and reminds me that my time with my little ones is precious.
What a great way to start my Monday morning. Had me giggling again with the Nella photos. Loved the karate chop.
Your girls are too adorable! And those dresses? Too cute!
Love the collection of everyday life photos on today’s blog post. Beautiful! Giveaway’s a nice touch to a monday morning! Thanks for the inspiration to keep doing the everyday with honesty!
Man, those Dora cupcakes looked pretty good to me! Love seeing the beautiful pics you post of your lovely girls! You are such an inspiration.
Dora cupcakes. Those people who thought that commercial would be a good idea should be made to come to your house and make them for you. I am mastering the art of playing stupid. Cupcakes? I didn’t see any cupcakes? Oh, those, well those are just for tv. THen I do some sort of silly face and turn the channel. Its working, I tell ya!
You are wondermom and it seems that I will never be able to do the awesome things you do with your girls. Your attempt at the Dora cupcakes and only getting 3 good ones makes me feel a little better about myself though 🙂 I bet I could only get a couple good ones too!
I saw the Dora cupcake recipe come on today and wondered if people actually make those things! Good try! Thanks for the laugh! I truly enjoy reading and getting inspired to make the most of my time with my little ones. Karen H.
I love the chairs in your living room! The patchwork fabric is adorable! I also love that your living room looks like my living room with two girls~toys in every nook and cranny!
That Dress!!!!!! Loooooove it…. Thank you so much for these beeeeautiful pics – and the chance to win the beeeautiful dress. 🙂
I really enjoy reading your blog! It always reminds me to slow down and make time for the small things that become big memories.
Thanks for sharing your world with me!
The “wing flapping” is hilarious and adorable!
I absolutely love your blog. Each post is a daily dose of positivity. I also like that you can share the joys of your children in a different format than the standard, “Emily is 5 months today! She reaches for her toys, knows, her name, and sleeps through the night.”
I hope to be like you when I’m a mom in the next year or two!
Great weekend! 🙂 Holiday dinner, pearls, the sumptuous bow AND a nice glass of wine sounds wonderful! 🙂 I can’t wait for the magic of that season, but throughly enjoying the last drops of the summer sun.
Sound like a perfect weekend to me! The Dora cupcakes are hilarious – you obviously have way more patience than me!
Loving the pics of Nella. She’s so beautiful!
Big love from England xx
Once again, your post is awesome! And the dress adorable, would love to win.
LOVE Your photos!!!! I Look forward to seeing your photos everyweek. This dress looks beautiful, I have nevr heard of shabby apple before, but, I will be vsiting their website now!!!
Ahewit1@kent.edu
I would love to win that dress! Your blog is so inspiring, I love reading it. 🙂
You make me desire little munchkins every day! I’m only 22, but hope that one day I will have a almost-perfect, but wouldn’t be life if it were, full of quirks life like your own!
I can only hope that I’m as ambitious and fun loving as you are when my baby is born! And I LOVE that designer’s line!
I love your posts on Monday mornings. They start my day off right! Thank you for sharing your sweet family with us.
I love reading you blog. Your littles are so beautiful.
The picture of Nella laughing is the best! The dresses are gorgeous! I have an October wedding to go to that would be perfect for this dress.
love the sleeping baby photo…
gorgeous eyelashes!
Absolutley love the dress, and I love your blog! You really have a gift for writing! I look forward to your posts everyday and get sad when I don’t see an update! What an awesome outlook you have on life! Hope to be a great mom just like you one day!
WOW You actually attempted the dora cupcakes… my 4 year old saw the commercial as well last night and of course I had hit the web and had none of the necessary items to make them so we settled for home made M&M cookies instead she was happy, but the dora cupcakes are on our list for this weekend….
Thanks for such a great blog being a mom is the best job in the world and I love reading about other moms who love it as much as I do. And I too love the dress!!!!
I noticed the chairs too! Love them. And my son and I so saw the Dora cupcake little commercial and thank God it was you making them and not me! They made the hair look so easy! We have been or should I say I have been roped in on numerous other occasions! Love the dress too! Please random number generator – choose me!
Oooooohhh I NEED one!!!
Lainey’s hair is getting so long. Love her to pieces. And we do the Nella Tae-Kwan-Do move in our house too. Good times. Have a fantastic week!
oh my goodness, that first one of Nella in her crib looks just like Lainey!
MY 3 yr old, Aiden, Was looking at the pics of this post and he said, “oooh mommy I want to go to her house!”
Me too, buddy me too. Love your blog!
nikki
Everything is scrumptious, your precious pictures of your weekend, your precious girls and the awesomeness of Shabby Apple! Love all of it. Enjoy your Monday….
That dress is adorable. And your photography and those red boots – classic.
Ummm…..the whole non-Dora meltdown and subsequent snap made me cackle. And, I must say that Miss Nella has such perfectly poised posture! I’m very impressed!
I’m glad I’m not the only freak to lay in streets. I just spent the week with my mother and if I heard once, I heard a thousand times “Beth Ann! Get up!”
“It’s Dora. Eat it.” That made me laugh so hard. That will be a fun memory when Lainey is like 23…or maybe, when Lainey has a three year old of her own. You two will pour some coffee and laugh and laugh….!
i cannot get enough of the red boots. they. are. perfect.
Great attempt at the Dora cupcakes. And that is a BEAUTIFUL dress. Pick me! Pick me! 🙂
Have a great day.
Love this post (as always)
We are so with you on your theory of:
we make deposits in its account. Our account grew richer this weekend. And the interest rate is pretty high. So, that makes us gazillionaires years from now.
Our weekend was about hanging out and being together. I love that.
The photo of L with the button on her eye is adorable- It kind of reminded me of Coroline- Have you seen it? Great kids movie with awesome animation.
Love the giveaway- Thanks!
Hi Kelle!
I love your little girls´ pictures!
Omg Nella is getting so big, she´s sitting up so neatly. Wasn´t she JUST born???
The cupcakes looked soo cool. I showed the “failed-Doras” to my daughter and she instantly pointed at them saying it´s Dora, mama! 🙂
I can’t believe Nella is now sitting up…just goes to show how fast time flies! I love your blog and look forward to it every day! (yes, I re-read the older posts just for a smile and inspiration)
haha…still laughing about you calling dora “not-very-nice names”.
especially love that last picture of you and your girls. 🙂 have a great week!
Such sweet girls you have…I love seeing what you guys have been up to. Love the Dora cupcakes too, haha!
I don’t lay on streets but I’m trying to lay in the park for the sake of my kids. When I see your photos I feel like they are missing out on it, I get a little freaked out by the bugs. Thanks for the chance at a giveaway.
I love Shabby Apple (and your blog!)
3 cupcakes seems more than sufficient. 🙂 I love Lainey’s devotion to dress-up, my daughter is the same, and it’s amazing how much mileage she can get out of a purple crushed-silk queen dress. At five it swept the floor, now at ten it barely makes it past her knees, but is still a favorite (along with the pirate costume)!
Oh, we have seen those cupcakes on TV 1000 times! They look awesome-mine probably would not though!
Wondering and hoping if Fall mini-shoots are part of your fall fun?? My walls need some updating!
I could so use a new dress. The last dress I bought was my wedding dress almost 7 years ago! It’s time. :o)
I can’t believe Nella sits up so well on her own! Your girls are growing SO FAST. I was laughing hard over your Dora cupcakes. I give you an A+ for your three Dora-cakes. Let’s just say the others are Dora’s sisters. Or cousins. (Friends?)
Thanks for sharing your weekend adventures!
Another beautiful post!!!!!
Could Tai Chi Nella be any cuter? And that smile on Laniey with the straw hat…wow! GORGEOUS!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your continual inspiration! Your blog brightens my day.
What a wonderful weekend 🙂 LOVE the Dora cupcakes 🙂 LOVE Nelly’s little arm flaps even more. Pure JOY 🙂
Love your blog. Love that dress.
I see those Nick Jr Commercials all the time..they make it look so easy! HAHA NOT! CUTE POST!
The picture of Nella sleeping is pure peace. Your blog inspires me to be a better Mom (and maybe attempt at making those Dora cupcakes!)
I’m lovin’ Nella and the karate chop…….too cute! Love the blog Kelle, my 5 year old nephew has downs or “Ups” as we call it….Jory is a joy for us. Keep enjoying Laney and Nella and thank you for sharing them with us…
Yum. I want cupcakes now. Also, your patchwork chairs! So cute…just like your little girls. Also, love the dress! Hope I win 🙂
those three photos of you with nella… “jammied baby out past bedtime”… beyond precious. she is such a sweet, sweet lovie.
the dora cupcake misadventure is an absolute riot! love that you tried, though. add 10 “great mama” points to your scorecard for the week. 🙂
This post had me cracking up…I will be sure to fast forward through any Dora cupcake commercials. The magic of DVR!
Haha! I couldn’t help but Laugh out Loud while I am at work reading this. The Dora cupcake part was so funny. I could so hear my 3 year old get disappointed like your little sprite did with the not so perfect Dora faces. And I could totally see myself just giving up after the first three, which look fabulous might I add!
Nella’s precious-peach-fuzzy hair made my day 🙂
Happy Monday!!
Best friends are truly the best.
That sounds like a most wonderful weekend!! Thank you so much for sharing your moments with us!
Blessings!
Beautiful pictures, as always. Everyone should have a friend like that. 🙂
Love the Dora attempted cupcakes! You did great! Love the last picture of you and your girls, precious!!
This was such a much-needed great post / reminder to ‘come alive’ after a truly soul-crushing Monday morning! Thanks!! Michelle S.
im loving to see miss nella sitting up so much! and with minimal support it appears! way to go! my little girl has just started feeding herself with a spoon! 100%! 🙂
I would love to have this dress!! You’re weekend looks like it was a blast!! 🙂
Love your blog! Love all the photo’s! Love the chance to win a wonderful dress!!
I LOVE the cupcakes! Mine would have looked like Picasso made them – and I don’t mean that in a good way.
Beautiful!
What a beautiful dress.
I love reading your blog because it inspires me to create lots of memories with my baby girl.
Great post, Kelle! You remind me each time I stop by your blog to slow down, take a deep breath, look around and enjoy little moments of my life. You and your family are stunning!
~Kate from Michigan
So YOU’RE the fearless one who attempted to make those damn Dora cupcakes… I give you so much credit for trying (and succeeding!). Whenever I see that eleven-minute description on how to make them by that frighteningly precise woman, I always think to myself, “I wonder how she was between takes. Like, was she screaming, ‘Brianna, STOP putting your finger in Dora’s perfectly drawn eye highlights!’ ?” Thank God Lainey had you to make them with, is all I’m saying. That woman just scares me.
All of this said, Lila and AJ have requested pink princess cupcakes and blue Spiderman cupcakes for their upcoming b-day. (I know, weird, right? I’ve never heard of such an off-the-wall request for a toddler girl and boy.) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, as I am frightened of getting directions from the TV Dora Cupcake Lady.
;o)
Reading your blog was a great start to my Monday Morning! I hope your back is feeling better 🙂
kerriekg@yahoo.com
what a great way to start the day 🙂 love the one of nella tai-chi-ing on your face!
The cupcakes are gorgeous. The dress is scrumptious.
The quote at the bottom made me suck in my breath. It’s partially quoted on the blog of a friend who is serving as a missionary in Malaysia She’s only been there ten days and is suffering from a blood clot or aneurysm in her brain. Go here to see her sweet blog and heart: http://joysmissiontotheworld.blogspot.com
Your Dora cupcakes are awesome!!!!!!! Hilarious!!
Wishing you well with your back!
I LOVE Nella’s little p.j’s! So cute! And I love the collage idea…I’m totally going to do that with my two babes! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Someday, I hope to as fabulous a Mama as you are <3 I can feel the love you have for your girls radiating through my computer! I so look forward to reading your posts 🙂
Love the dress, and love the collage project! As a second grade teacher, I know the importance if scraps and Elmer’s glue! Wonderful photos, as always. Thanks!
I love your continued positivity in all of your posts….brings joy to my day to see all the sweet pictures of your beautiful girls!
Your Dora cupcakes look just right to my littles!
I love weekends like that! My 3-yr old looked at this post with me and kept asking “What her name?” and said “I Wanna do dat” a few times, so I guess we are off to making some button collages on a Monday morning! Thanks for your fun blog and giveaways!
Beautiful post! I can completely understand your feelings with decorating those cupcakes! I always give up after the third cupcake and just frost the rest! LOve your blog!!
Sorry to hear about your back! Hopefully you feel better now! I also would do the same thing with the cupcakes! 🙂
That dress is beautiful!
I love your pictures 🙂 They always make me smile.
You inspire me to do things that used to “stress” me out. I would reach my boiling point with crafts, and letting the kids play with my stuff. Now, I just let it happen, and we are all better for it! Thanks so much!
If I could find a princess dress in my size…I would wear it around my house, too! Truth be told, I have worn my wedding dress to a princess tea party or two with my daughter!
Okay, first, if you happen to randomly draw me for the dress – keep drawing…I haven’t worn one since the junior high and have no intention of ever wearing one again. That said: Your Dora cupcakes rocked! Even the weird angry Dora ones. And your girls are just gorgeous!
Love your blog!
Ooooh! I am in the uncomfortable newly prego stage, where dresses are the most needed! Would LOVE to win this!!!!:)
Your Blog makes me Laugh Out Loud (& sometimes cry good tears)…LOVE IT!
those dresses are scrumptious!!! and can i just say you are one HOT MAMA?! always love your cute accessories 🙂
those dresses are scrumptious!!! and can i just say you are one HOT MAMA?! always love your cute accessories 🙂
LOVE the dresses! The bow dress was my fav even before you said that was the giveaway! 🙂 Also, I love your beige hat in those last few pictures! Adorable girls & family 🙂
Love that dress!! Want, want, want!!!
Think that dress would look good on a 50+ yo grandma?
Love your blog and pictures. They inspire me to get what I missed out on with my own kids. I will make those Dora cupcakes with my granddaughter soon…and they won’t look nearly as cool as yours!
You’ve made my Monday morning! Love the quote… love your blog… and REALLY love that dress!
Kelle,
Loving that you rock those red cowgirl boots! So cute! And those Dora cupcakes?? So cute, but I would have half-@ssed all of them! 😉 Great post!
~Deanna
Kelle,
Loving that you rock those red cowgirl boots! So cute! And those Dora cupcakes?? So cute, but I would have half-@ssed all of them! 😉 Great post!
~Deanna
Oh i love when you go into a story of your grand activities with your girls and just when i think it’s a bit out of touch with most of us here in mommyland, you end it with reality. I loved the pictures of the remaining “dora” cupcakes, because that’s reality, and i really did laugh out loud. But i love that you ventured out and lainey still got 3 very detailed cupcakes. Just because we can’t be perfect in our parenting or our plans on parenting, doesn’t mean we can’t be pretty darn good.
I am glad you had a wonderful weekend at home this weekend.
I laughed at the “where the hell have you been” pic
Love your hat in the pic with Nella.
Have an awesome Monday
I <3 Nella’s sweater
Well, your girls get more beautiful every day it seems 🙂 Oh, and I LOVE the dress. You have great taste 🙂
I love the dresses! And your girls are so adorable, I love reading your blog!
That is too funny! My son saw the Dora cupcakes too and has been asking me to make them. Your look just like the picture! Great job Mama! I love your blog!
Kate
katew806@hotmail.com
Well done on the Dora cupcakes… I would have thought about doing them, then talked myself right back out of it, high fives to you!!!
And, hello beautiful dresses.. *this* site i did not need to discover, seriously…
🙂
Love the giveaways, and love your pictures! Beautiful!
It might be ridiculous but, I follow Heidi’s blog as well so I’m just so excited when you two get back together! I’m also sorry about your back, but can we say HILARIOUS?! I can only imagine you on your back in the kitchen cracking up!!
My sweet little just started kung fuing me in the face in the morning to wake me up (she’s 4 months) and I love it 🙂 I’d also love to own that beautiful dress!
I really love your blog. Your writing is beautiful, I admire your sense of perspective and love the photos! That dress is pretty awesome too :).
I swear I checked your blog ten times yesterday and every hour this morning…I really needed a pick-me-up and lo and behold, here you are!!
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been on my way somewhere with my boy (he’s 5) and he’s talking away, mile-a-minute, then all of the sudden, silence. I look back and he’s so angelically sleeping. I’ve often sat in parking lots and read a magaznine or book (which is always with me) while he slept away. Nothing like a good nap to re-energize for the day!
Love all the pictures, as usual, but the last one of you and your girls is beautiful!
I love that dress! Already had my eye on it before I read it was the one for the giveaway! Thanks Kelle!
We had a perfectly slow weekend too. Daddy came home from his 1st business trip (1st time in over 6 years we had been apart) much running and flinging into Daddy’s arm at the airport Saturday morning after his flight was delayed 12 hours! then I sent my first born to school for the first time this morning. I am still crying about it. But the weekend we had was slow and perfect yet it went by much too fast.
Is Nella sitting up?! How exciting! Love the cupcakes…you did good. I would have lasted for 1, maybe 2..so way to go!
Your blog really does put a smile on my face, thank you for that.
I was so excited to see little Nella sitting up all by her big girl self! And I too injured my back about 3 months ago when my Will was 7 months old. I was ok the first day, but by the second morning, I couldn’t get up from sitting! So took myself to the chiropractor for the first time in my life, and before long I was back to normal, maybe even a little better than normal! Hope your back is getting better!
Another beautiful start to the day..thanks Kelle!!
Brassy Apple dresses are gorgeous. Would love one for my own.
You have a beautiful family and are blessed beyond measure~
Jammied babes are totally my fave!!!! Hope your back feels better:)
love, love your passion, style of writing and telling stories and the all around way you make me believe i am right there…beautiful
Lady, your Gorgeous!!! Inside and out!
You are so inspiring. I love all your posts, and your babies are ADORABLE, truly. I’ve never won a giveaway but I LOVE that dress!
Your Dora cupcakes are adorable….all three of them 😉 I know what goes into those types of things and it’s a lot of work! I make my sons birthday cakes each year and I spend days perfecting it. Kuddos to you for getting them to look so cute!
I love how much Lainey loves to craft. My little guy could care less. *sigh* Maybe it’s a boy thing. Sometimes I grabe his coloring books and color without him. lol Shhh.
Yay for BFF’s….glad your sidekick is back!
Love the photo of you and Nella in the grass.
xo
Kris
Those cupcakes crack me up 🙂
And I adore those colorful chairs – so unique!
I laughed out loud at the “that’s not Dora” cupcakes…..A for effort, lady! I would have stuffed like seven of the imposter-cakes into my mouth and washed it down with a gallon of wine.
Thanks for the laugh.
Gillian
Love your blog! It was really great meeting you and Nella. So glad I get to see her grow through your pictures.
Fantastic giveaway! Thanks for hosting, Kelle.
The photo of Nella in front of the play kitchen, sitting so proudly, has me wearing a HUGE smile! Go Nella!
I’m a new follower and always, always look forward to your new posts! Beautiful family!
Adore the cupcake story!!!! What an incredible mommy you are!!! Glad your Heidi is back! Nothing better than having a bestie to be to silly with! Hope your back is better!
,,,i laughed my hinney off, “that’s not dora”,,,girl knows her dora!,,,
Sounds like an amazing weekend – I love the picture of Lainey with the button…and am also in awe of the pristine cleanliness of your home!! Amber 🙂
Love that little sweet face and those bitty girl jeans! UGH! WHat a dumplin!
And OOoOooOoOoOoOoOoooo I wanna win!
I think I say this every time, but no really, THIS one is my favorite post!!! It made me laugh so much! I swear, you are like my long distance friend Kelle!! Nella is breath taking. Lainey is SO beautiful. The karate chop to the face and her seeing Heidi with that look of “where the hell have you been” is insanely cute. Thank you for brightening my otherwise not so bright monday!
Tara
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I need a sumptuous bow!
Yay for great weekends, friends coming home, fugly cupcakes, dress up and collage. x
those dresses are fantasticaly fabulous!!!!! I love your style and love reading your blog each day!!
Woot! You and Heidi together is like fairy dust gone wild.
Oh I love a good laugh!! I would be lucky to get one good cupcake! Oddly enough I’m tempted to try it!! Love it!
Nella looks so adorable in her striped jammies, she is such a beautiful baby! Lainey is such a little princess in her play clothes, I love seeing them grow up!
Love the photos as always! You always make me want to be a better mom; to suck the life out of every moment with my kids because I know the days will always go too quickly.
LOVE that dress! And love your girls!! You are one amazing Mama!
Hooray a post! I think this was my third time checking this morning : )
For the ‘Its Dora. Eat it.’ comment – I’ve so been there.
Yea a giveaway!
Love the last pic!
– from MN
We also had a stay at home Sunday for a change. Well, someone has to wash the laundry and vacuum the home for a change! The pictures of baby Nella are just gorgeous! She is such a cutie.
Love your weekend posts! And love the dress…p.s. I had to order a pair of those adorable boots. Had to.
🙂
Your girls are beyond beautiful. And if Lainey only ate 3 of the cupcakes, that means you got to eat the rest, right? Can’t go wrong there!
Your girls are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing and inspiring! Also, really cute dress.
Your girls are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing and inspiring! Also, really cute dress.
so beyond amazing, I love everything about your posts. your girls are gorgeous, and I am happy to see Heidi back with you!!
oh and the dress!! the dress is fantastic! I love love love it!!
I love your blog! You inspire me to be more patient and to really enjoy all the small things! Thank you!
Your weekend sounded wonderful! Although my weekends are usually relaxing like yours, I got a little crazy this weekend and went to a John Mayer concert, a wedding, hung out with some best friends, and then headed to a minor league baseball game. Although I had a blast, I too, appreciate the slower weekends where you just relax with family and feel the LOVE 🙂
I browsed the website and LOVE it. I want the life the woman who wears those clothes has!
And loving the red cowboy boots by the way. 😉
Love the Dora cupcakes!! I sure don’t spend a whole lot of time being creative in the kitchen, but every once in a while I get some ambition. Usually about halfway through I’m reminded of why I usually avoid it.:) Thanks again for sharing a little piece of your life, you have an adorable family!
OOoooOOooo! I want to win that dress!
OH, KELLE! As always, loved your post and again, its so nice that you have these giveaways (no matter WHO wins! ha). I LOVE the quote at the end. One of my faves and tacked to MY mirror. ANother one, I dont know who wrote, that made me think of you – “I want to live the depth and width of my Life, not just the LENGTH of it.” **OH, just being helpufl – a while back sweet Nella wore a “Over the Rainbow” onesie. Many expressed interest. If you go to the website,it shows they are out or unavail. I contacted the person there and she said she can get it in, if she knows people want to order it. Contact: lisa@giftologystore.com and tell her you are interested!
Loved the picture recap of everything. Very cute 🙂
Absolutely beautiful post! Loving all the pictures too! I’m slowly working towards getting more pictures of people, but it’s a little more difficult when your 15 and no one wants there picture taken!
Love the dress! But I was really curious to know what lens you used most of the time for your images? Maybe I missed it in your Photography FAQ, other than your 50mm lens, I got one and love it!
Thank you!
I love that dress! It would be great motivation for me to get back in shape after I have this baby boy in October! 🙂 I have been reading your blog for a few months now and LOVE the pleasure you take in every day life and soaking up those moments with your kids. It inspires me to do (or at least attempt to do) the same! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures with us!
I love your blog, and how you really do capture the joy in the everyday.
I always always look forward to new posts from you! Nella is getting so big and Lainey is a doll, as always, continue writing and being wonder mommmy! 😀
THIS is exactly what you should be doing more often – more preschooler project ideas!!!
crackin’ me up with those Dora cupcakes! I made a Dora cake for my little angel when she turned 3! Life is good! and you have your littles to prove it! sumptuous monday it is!
Perfect! Your weekend looks fab!
Great cupcakes!!
Dearest Kelle,
once again you liven my mundane day with your wonderful charming you:) ive got to say the cupcake thing so…me i would totaly only make a couple then give up:) and i have got to say that Nellas smile makes my heart want to explode and my fingers just want to squeeze her,oh what a lucky momma you are.
sincerly Siobhan:)
Those Dora cupcakes rocked!
And I’m so excited about this giveaway. Shabby Apple is one of my favorite places for dresses.
Love little Nella’s wing flapping!
I love Shabby Apple! Also, how ridiculously beautiful are your daughters? 🙂
I would LOVE to be the lucky commenter… please oh please!!!
beautiful. xo
Love the preschool projects!
Awesome dresses!
Whitney
wittdogg1@aol.com
It’s the super momming efforts that count not the final product .. at least that’s what I tell myself:) Good job momma looks like y’all made some good weekend memories!!
great pictures and love shabby apple!
Sounds and looks like you had a wonderful weekend with your girls 🙂
I really do aspire to be a wonderful mother like you. I enjoy reading your posts everyday and make mental notes of the things you do with your children so that one day I can share those moments with my children.
I really do love your blog! It is, by far, my favorite!
Happiness! Mondays just NEED posts like this. Great job on Dora cupcakes…you deserve an award for patience:)
thank you for your lovely, lovely piece of the internet where you share these beautiful pictures with us! 🙂
i’m impressed by the cupcakes, i probably would’ve given up after 3 too, they sound tedious
I’m having picture problems — none of mine are coming out the way I want! it probably doesn’t help that my almost 20 month old run TOWARDS me when she sees me get the camera so all pics of her end up with a blur of little blond curls and a close up of her nose 🙂
thanks for a good morning monday post!!
have a happy week… I know you must be thrilled Heidi is back!!!!
xoxo
-s
sorry about your back! no fun.
dora was da da da da da delicious looking…
love the last picture of the 3 of you…so sweet.
Oh yes, YES! I am a random commenter, pick me! I own 2 shabby apple dresses and LOVE them!
From someone whom gets paid to make cakes and cupcakes. I think you did amazing with Dora, I always say no to faces of well known animation I just don’t ever make it look just right. But you did AMAZING
I LOVE your boots!!!
The photos of Nella sitting in her crib are so beautiful. You have such a gift.
yum – look at those cupcakes! and the dress..love that site!
loving all the love!
What a lovely weekend! I had a dress up chest as a toddler, and spent many a day walking around the house like Lainey.
Oh how I love that dress…and your babies. Precious!
ahhh, happy Monday. Beautiful start to the week, thanks Kelle.
Love this post. Love this dress. Pick me!
I love the way you soak up the everyday life that so many of us take for granted. trying to find ways to do the same in my own life!
Great cupcakes – your always so creative!
I’d love a dress with a bow – thanks for being a breath of fresh air, all the time!
You.inspire.me.
Thanks for your blog!
I wish I had your life. Seriously.
goodness i love all of your pictures!
and that dress is great!!
I always wondered where you got all your lovely and darn cute dresses. Jackpot! I want to wear mine to tea in England while I sip Twinings and eat homemade scones. Please oh please
I look forward to your blog posts. You are such a great mama! And that dress is WONDERFUL!
Beautiful post and lovely dresses! Swooning over their collection now!
I can’t believe you made the Dora cupcakes, you are an awesome mom! I was just hoping my daughter didn’t ask for them. I have to say I think I like the one’s that don’t look like Dora better:)
The girls are getting cuter and bigger by the second. Thanks for keeping me inspired to be the best mommy I can be!
Hi!! Loved the post and specially the cupcakes..LOL
have a great week!
Adriane
Kelle,
This weekend I was at my fiance’s family’s house and there were croissants on the stove. Which, to my dismay, were not homemade like I thought they were, they were pillsbury dough boy. But, they were very very good and melt in your mouth. I bet that your dora cupcakes tasted great too. That’s a little more intense than the shaped pancakes my sister and I would ask for when we were little.
Thanks for all the smiles!
Much love,
Jessie Aragon
you rock those true religions woman!
Looked like a sumptuous weekend. Your girls are gorgeous. Nella’s eye color is out of this world. Laughed out loud about the Dora cupcakes… totally see those on Nick Jr. all the time! Love the dresses… my fingers are crossed!
This Dora cupcake fiasco sounds just like what would happen in my kitchen – 3 good ones and a binch of happy faces :p
Haha! Nella is so cute and happy 🙂
I may just go make cupcakes and hope I win the dress.
Lainey Love looks like such a young woman in that black and white hand on mirror photo. What a little lady! 🙂
And I absolutely LOVE the tai chi photo.
I saw a young 2-3 year old in the grocery store with her mama and daddy. She had down syndrome and I thought of you. She was precious, and I made sure to tell her that.
Thanks for the Monday wishes, they help 🙂
Love the Howard Thurman quote! The Dora cupcakes? Not in a million years.
I need to make those cupcakes for my wee one! He loves Dora and cuppycakes and I love your blog. 🙂
huddyma at gmail dot com
i’m new to your blog and just adore it. i also adore nella’s outfits. in my perfect world i’d take one of each of those in adult size please.
haha…awesome baby moves, Nella.
And that Shabby Apple? Oh to have an endless wallet. ha
So, Monday’s are seeming much further apart lately. How I enjoy you enjoying your small things. Your gal pal seems like exactly what all gals need!
Happy Week to you and your loves!
The Dora cupcakes are too precious. (Even the ones that don’t look like Dora–I love that you said, “It’s Dora. Eat it.”) I look forward to your weekend recap posts every Monday, and love seeing what you and the girls (and Brett!) did. How precious was Nella in her jammies at dinner!!
The Dora cupcakes are too precious. (Even the ones that don’t look like Dora–I love that you said, “It’s Dora. Eat it.”) I look forward to your weekend recap posts every Monday, and love seeing what you and the girls (and Brett!) did. How precious was Nella in her jammies at dinner!!
Kelle,
Your cupcakes look yummy — how did you get the hair to stick out like that?
Nella is so beautiful, both awake and asleep. I wish my monitor had smell-o-vision. And Lainey’s eyes! So expressive and lovely!
Mandy
My sister and I are devoted readers of your blog. Your photos and the joy you find in everyday life are so lovely. Not to mention, your girls are just edible! So imagine my amusement when today my sister sent me a text that read, “If I am ever convicted of a crime, it will be for eating Nella Hampton.”
I laughed out loud at my desk. Really loud. And for those of you that don’t understand our desire to gobble up precious littles, check out this post:
http://blog.cjanerun.com/2010/07/breakfast-is-now-served.html
Thanks for the posts!
My sister and I are devoted readers of your blog. Your photos and the joy you find in everyday life are so lovely. Not to mention, your girls are just edible! So imagine my amusement when today my sister sent me a text that read, “If I am ever convicted of a crime, it will be for eating Nella Hampton.”
I laughed out loud at my desk. Really loud. And for those of you that don’t understand our desire to gobble up precious littles, check out this post:
http://blog.cjanerun.com/2010/07/breakfast-is-now-served.html
Thanks for the posts!
Love it! The cupcakes. The snapping. The love. Love it all!
Thanks Kelle!
Tricia
Ok, first of all… those cupcakes are AWESOME even tho there were only 3 that turned out. you are the BOMB girl! second the pic of lainey after the cupcake pics in black n white and before nella sleeping pics she looks so GROWN UP! so beautiful just like her momma!
and lastly i have SO MANY 3 year old collages and art works on my fridge it’s crazy, you can’t even open the back door without something flying off of the fridge – so since we have baby #2 on the way (more future art works) i decided to make an area in the kids play room where i can hang art work as well… yay for art disply!!
My son came down from his nap at the exact second I was looking at the Dora cupcakes (the good ones). Looks like I’ll be making them later. Thanks a lot. 😉
Love your blog and those adorable cupcakes!
Wow! How is she sooo happy being up past bedtime? Mine would be grumpy-butts! Love the Hai-ya to the face 🙂 You are right, those dresses are divine 😉
Love your blog & love the dress!!
Love the quote at the end, it has been on my bulletin board for years! As always, a lovely post Kelle. I love reading about your girls and your life!
I really don’t mean to post twice, but I’m afraid my first comment didn’t go through? trying again…
love your blog, love this dress! 🙂 I was just looking online for a dress for a wedding next month…
I’m so impressed you attempted the Dora cupcakes. Ellie has been ooh’ing and ahh’ing over them for a week but I’m just not that ambitious!
BTW, your sleeping baby pictures are heavenly!
Love the dress. Love your blog. You always inspire me to make the best out of every experience.
Nice job on the cupcakes!
My 6 month old also does the arm flap… only with her right arm, and never the left. Not sure what it’s all about, but I think she enjoys to make noise. Bangs on the table, whips a handful of links around… anything she can do to make herself noticed.
I would take the Bethesda Fountain dress or the “princess polyester Blue dress” any day of the week!
Nella is growin’ some hair and it looks bee-u-ti-ful!
ANN
I loved each and every photo. But my favourite was of you kissing Nella in the cafe. So cool.
Those Dora cupcakes were incredible and I laughed so much at your “It’s Dora, eat it”. You are one talented mum.
Hope your back gets better.
take care,
Bridget
p.s. please don’t enter me in the giveaway draw
Love the dress but love your blog more!
p.p.s Nella is sitting up so well now!
Hey Kelle,
Love you, love your girls, and love your blog! Makes me :0). You’ve probably been asked this a million times, but I looked and can’t find the answer…Where did you get the beautiful colorful patterned chairs in your living room??? I LOVE THEM. Also, the very funky tan chenille hat you are wearing with flower? SOOOO COOOL….
xoxo, V
P.S. I make up a new creative name everytime I write a comment on here; how will you know it’s me? ??? I just have fun making them up…
I recently found you blog,I love it more than words can say. You are amazing writer & your girls are Breathtaking. Thnak You for a great start to my day:)
Nella is so cute. I love her expressions in the while she was out with you guys. So priceless.
I can’t get over the beauty of those two little girls. Nella’s crib pics were just wonderful! Thank you for creativity and inspiration day in and day out. I really enjoy your blog 🙂
I’m not sure why today, but it struck me…Nella is a blue-eyed Lainey! Aren’t genetics great?
the half-assed dora cupcakes are hilarious! just cracked up at my desk!
Love the collages, love the cupcakes (even the not really Dora ones) and love the dress!!!!! Ready you is so inspiring, thanks thanks thanks!!!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!! I would love to win one of these dresses:)
tk_mccord@hotmail.com
Love the post as always- the cupcakes made me laugh! I hope to create those kind of fun memories with my little girl as well.
I was watching a friends little boy on Saturday afternoon when I saw the VERY same comercial on Nick Jr. with the “Dora” cupcakes! They made it look so easy! I was excited when I realized you had made them, and laughed out loud at the second batch! They really did make it look super easy, like a 5 year old could do it.
Reminds me of a time last year when a friend and I decided to make ginger molassas cookies. We had just enough but just too little dough left over for a new sheet, so we made a “ginger molassas man”. He was cute, skinny and all decked out in a chocolate chip tuxedo. Flash forward 20 minutes when we pull him out of the oven. He EXPLODED. He remained in tact, just looked as if he had eaten 10 tubs of butter before coming out 🙂 I have pictures somewhere…
Love the dress, but even more, I LOVE the bw photos of Nella smiling up a storm and doing tai chi. They are fabulous…
I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to win a giveaway more.
Also, this blog is my desert during my little man’s naps..so thank you much.
I checked in to see if you had posted and horray! Thanks for inspiration for a rather dull Monday.
PS…would ♥♥♥ that dress…please universe make me the random draw!
my closet could use a new dress :o)
looks like a grand weekend!!
neverenoughtime at cableone dot net
Your photos and blog make me look forward to having my little girl in January! Oh the fun we’ll have!
P.S. I wouldn’t mind a beautiful new dress for post-baby!
Don’t hate me… But, your Lainey is looking so grown up in these pics. I know it’s part of the job and all, watching your kids grown up, but it just so bittersweet. I tell my girls all fist shaking to stop growing, because it seems like they are on lightning speed to grown up. I like the investment in the future analogy. So true.
I laughed out loud at your Dora Story. To make you feel better: Your “half-assed” attempts, would certainly be my “good” ones!
So— I am loving your red boots with jeans. Too cute! Your sweet girls keep getting cuter, and might I add, your stomach is sooo flat for such a young baby!! *jealous* 🙂
Another beautiful post, that I spotted on my list and brewed a cup of coffee for before reading. I can’t wait till my littles are big enough for craft projects. My 22 month old son would just cram everything in his mouth and my daughter is still ‘a cookin’ until early November…but one can dream 🙂
sumptuous indeed, Kelle 🙂
Happy Monday!
So I reading your blog here at work, bad me, I know. A Co-worker comes in and asks me what I’m smiling about, “it must be your boys” they say. Just wanted to let you know that your blog (& my kids) make me smile. Super-momming, Wear & Toss clothing, Wing-flapping, etc. It all makes me smile. Keep it coming, I love smiling, especially at work.
What a great dress!
I want to tell you, you have really inspired me with your photobooks – I have been working on putting together one for my daughter’s first year. I had no idea how amazing they could be! And, um, I totally stole some of your ideas in the beginning, to get my non-creative self creating 😉
Those clothes are amazing! I am always looking for places like that!!!
I adore that picture of just Nella’s little side face asleep. I is so much fun watching your girls grow!!!
I hope you and your lovely family have a marvelous week!
Love the dress! But not as much as I love Nella’s wing-flap 🙂 Adorable.
I’ve been asked by my son to make those Dora cupcakes on several occasions and I’ve found that I’m never ambitious enough. You’ve reinforced my stance that it’s too much work.
Also, your girls are simply beautiful.
Finally, I love those dresses. I have but one nice dress in my closet and I’m tired of it.
What an amazing weekend!
What an amazing weekend!
I have a problem. We named our Spring Spaniel Dora before we had our daughter. I think the Dora expectations in our house will be high. Very high. And I don’t look forward to attempting those cupcakes. :o( Good job on the three you completed, though!
My baby boy loves his “price is right” wheel as well! Weekend relaxation sounds wonderful. Enjoy those sweet babies.
Love love love shabby apple. and I love the way you love your girls…oh the joys and stories they will have from this blog alone!!
I love your blog and am trying to catch up from the start since I just “found you” a few months ago.
I have a question. Nella has a toy that is pictured in this post where the girls are playing on the floor. It’s a blue and orange roller type toy. I think my fosterbaby would love it, but I can’t find it, even on Ebay. Can you give me any info about it?
Love watching your life from the other side of the US,
Dixie in CA
What a great way to start out the week. Those pictures of Lainey on the vanity are ADORABLE! Great dress too!
I just have to say I love Nella in Jeans 🙂 Amazing post as always.
Not only do I enjoy reading your blog for so many reasons, but great music too! And now I can win an awesome dress??? Woo hoo! You rock, for sure.
The kung fu photo made me smile. Love it.
I love the rainbow leg warmers that Nella has, my little girl has the same ones and they are to die for! So stinkin cute!
Every posting seems to inspire me more…to be a better mama, to take more artistic pictures of my home, to love more open heartedly, etc. Words cannot express it! 🙂
I love the photos of Nella sleeping in her crib. Ahh…that sweet baby girl. I just love taking photos of my sleeping girl. So precious! Have a beautiful day:)
I was just about to attempt the Dora Cupcakes…but I thought they couldn’t be that easy! Great job! I LOVE the pics of Nella sleeping…so adorable.
Ah! Your post just made my Monday morning a little bit better. 🙂
Love reading your blog. Can’t get enough of your amazing photographs and your beautiful ladies!
I think the half-assed cupcakes look like Ramona. If you’re lucky, soon she’ll take over for Dora.
Great blog, beautiful girls!
Love the fact that you tried the DORA cupcakes… I have said NO several times to making something similar.
Oh Kel! I spy my fav nella picture EVER! The one of her sleeping (all up in her face). My boy won’t sleep around me (apparently I am too much of a riot that he doesn’t dare blink when his mama is around) and so I just drink up pictures of other peoples babes sleeping! I love it!
P.S. I LOVE laying in random places too!
Love that the shabby apple website has a body type quiz to help you discover what will work best on you from their site!
And double love Nella in that soft pink and white striped yumminess!
Love, love the dress!!
I love Nella’s pj pictures int he restaurant. She is so cute.
Your girls seriously light up my day with their beauty.
Beautiful dress!
love your blog! you’re inspiring. why not win a free dress! pick me:-)
you are so much better than i! i couldn’t have attempted the cupcakes – even though we saw the commercial too! as always – love every. single. post.
I just love love love the outfits the girls wear. They are just so cute! Nella and Lainey are just scrumptious!
Sounds like a great weekend! Holy Dora Cupcakes! Your family is precious! You so inspire me!
Love Shelley from Florida
Fabulous dress! and super fun cupcakes too. Love, love, love your blog.
Haha! Loved the cursing at Dora comments! 😀 And the clothes are GORGEOUS! I’m off to check out their site right now.
Thanks for motivating me to get off my butt and go ahead and make those cupcakes and the smoothies from Nick Jr. I also love that reading your blog gives me great ideas for arts and crafts, too. Again, thanks for being a great mommy. I want to be like you when I grow up! lol
Tracey
I swear that Lainey and I have the same exact striped tank top. Except for the fact that mine is probably several sizes bigger, and I’m guessing she doesn’t wear hers to the club.
I love your blog, it inspires me to try new fun simple things with my own daughter. Your blog makes my day happier and I loved your Dora cupcakes but I loved it even more when you posted the not so perfect one’s. Your real and I love that.
What a beautiful dress! I check your blog everyday and perk up when I see something new. Great job on the cupcakes!
I love the fact that Lainey wouldn’t eat the imperfect Dora’s. Hahaha!
All of those dresses are beautiful! Would love to have one…and if I don’t win I might just have to fork over my own dollars to get one!
I’m LOLing at the Dora cupcakes…totally sounds like something I would do! Great post, Kelle – and that dress is beautiful! 🙂
No internet for 48 hours = one grumpy mom
New post from Kelle = happy mom
Thanks!
The bow? How about the sleeve?! So grand!
Alexandra
Love Nella’s “tai chi” and arm flapping! And it cracked me up that Lainey would only eat the “good” cupcakes. 🙂 Beautiful words to go with the gorgeous photos as always. Oh- Love that dress with the ‘sensuous’ bow too…
as always, love the post, and photos…still working on my photography trying to capture that look you get in the eyes…I’ll keep trying…you keep rocking it!
I looove your sweet girls! You are such an amazing Mom! Kung fu & Dora cupcakes, gotta love it :))
I think the cupcakes turned out fantastic! would have loved to see that episode on your show! 😉
-Ali S.
Do you know how many times my girl has asked for those Dora cupcakes?? She has the entire process memorized and repeats it to me many times daily. I watched the tutorial myself and said, “No f-ing way.” Now, I’m going to have to chop me some fruit roll up. Thanks a lot Kelle. 🙂
We see that commercial every day! I’ve been contemplating trying them out…you’ve motivated me 🙂
Hayley and Baby Elly
LOVE the cupcakes! I’m impressed with the three- I’d probably have given up after decorating one.
(And that’s a pretty sweet dress, too!)
Reading your post today was a wonderful reward for finishing two writing assignments for work. I ran to your blog as soon as I was done as was so thrilled to find a new post. I so look forward to your posts. They inspire me!
haha I love, “That’s not Dora!”….”It’s Dora, eat it!” I also love Nella and her karate moves. When I grow up I want to be just like Kelle Hampton:-) I’m still trying to figure out how to get my husband to buy me a matching baby and me necklace set like your green one. We don’t have any kids:-)
My kids are asking for the Dora cupcakes also so we might be making a zucchini version this week. Love all of those dresses!!
your posts make me want to quit my job and make dora cupcakes all day long with my daughter. then i remember i’m 8 months pregnant and exhausted and not at all crafty like you and i’d probably end up buying them and calling it a day.
i’d also love to win that dress because i’m hoping to be able to squeeze into sexy things soon after my next child’s birth in october!
I am amazed by and in love with Nella’s expressive little angel face. She has entire conversations through those expressions. Just like with Heidi..it’s like she goes from “Where the hell have you been?” to “I’m not so sure I’m liking you yet” to (with giggles and squeals) “Okay, okay, I give! I’m so glad you’re back!”
Those smiles on pajama’d Nella have filled my heart for the afternoon…and then some! Absolutely gorgeous, that little girl! (And her momma too!)
Thanks for your spirit…and your words…and the beautiful photos!
Love your blog Kelly. It is inspiring and beautiful and nudges me to be a better mom everyday to my two little men. Your pictures are beautiful. I think if I could I would watch my babies sleep for every minute that they make those angel faces! Nella’s sleeping baby pics are my fav!
Love your blog Kelly. It is inspiring and beautiful and nudges me to be a better mom everyday to my two little men. Your pictures are beautiful. I think if I could I would watch my babies sleep for every minute that they make those angel faces! Nella’s sleeping baby pics are my fav!
I’m loving the red boots Kelle! Totally fun and perfect to wear out with Heidi (glad your back Heidi 🙂 Looking forward to the next post, you have a way of inspiring me to be the best mom I can be.
Happy Monday!
The dress is beautiful but Nella’s leg warmers are my favorite!
I have been admiring little snippets of your beautiful photos, inspiring words, and sweet mother-daughters adventures for a while now and I want you to know that I am glad you are sharing your world with us.
And thank you for inspiring me to love my baby boy (on the way) and in doing so, to soak up every moment as if it were the easiest thing in the world.
You bring smiles to me heart! 🙂
Gotta love when they are smart enough not to be fooled! LOVE LOVE the picture of her sitting on the dresser with your mirror! That is definitely a MUST frame!!! How do you win the dress? just leave a comment!!?? So cute!!
Love all those dresses! A-Dorable 😉 As a preschool teacher, I too, love collages for art–so simple to set up and the kids love them! Thanks (as always) for sharing your pictures & thoughts!
This post is exactly what I needed to cheer me up on a blah Monday. I don’t know what has me laughing harder. The “It’s Dora. Eat it”! second batch of cupcakes or Nella’s awesome “where the hell have you been?” face. I love it!
I love reading your blog and I love Shabby Apple! Fingers crossed 🙂
Kelle I’ve been reading your blog for about a month now and wanted to thank you for putting into words so many of the incredible feelings I have as a mom. My husband often sees my tears and I have to tell him they are happy tears as my daughter sits on my lap looking for pictures of “the baby and big girl”. It is nice to know that you and so many of the commenters are out there loving this mommy thing too! PS You inspired me to bake with my Hanna and she proudly pours the ingrediants in the bowl and stirs it up, I even dug out the breadmaker and she beams in the morning when we have our eggs and toast with the bread she made!
That dress is so cute! I’m heading over to Shabby Apple now to see what other goodies they have.
Also, your posts seriously make me happy. Your honesty about life and love and everything is amazing and makes me want to be more open about how I feel about things in my life that I love.
Beautiful post, as usual. I would love to win the dress. I have to find a dress to wear to my brother’s wedding, and that would be perfect!
I love the dress.
niico9 at y a h o o . c o m
-Erika
I would love to have that delicious dress 🙂
Where did you get all those buttons? That’s a super idea!
Julia
Absolutely love the dress. Thanks for the opportunity.
My daughter has been bothering me to make those darn cupcakes too! It is time for me to break down and make them as well. Sigh….thanks for the encouragement! Oh, I hope to win that beautiful dress here in Hawaii! I am tired of wearing underwhelming shorts and t-shirts all the time.
Pictures are sooo cute! I love the sleeping baby picture of Nella…
And I love those dresses! Not that I’m expecting to get chosen…
Bridget
I’m thinking I need to start collecting tons of buttons, beans, yarn, etc. for craft projects when my kids are at that age. Unfortunately, my son will just eat everything right now!!!
Love the dress!!!
My heart just melts every time I see pictures of your girls. It reminds me how sweet and innocent my girls were, now they play soccer and once in a while you see the ruthless face they have trying to get the ball back from the opposite team and they’re only 8 and 9 🙂
Beautiful words as always- thanks for sharing with the world. Oh, and I’ve decided to use the word sumptuous in conversation at least once today because I really like it. 🙂
oh girl…i am feeling the dress! love.it. and you are one brave momma, faring those cute dora cupcakes, and you even pulled out a line like i would use…oh honey, just eat em okay? 🙂 love it. happy monday. missy.
yum! those cupcakes look awesome! i think i’ll make them for myself!
Love your “post-weekend” blogging. Life at your house is just a whole barrel of fun! 🙂 I would LOVE to win the dress, but either way, I’m think I’ll have to buy one! 🙂
~Andrea
love the arm flaps!! shows so much love!! my 8 month old has that same move !! 🙂
What a wonderful post 🙂 I love coming here to see what you and your beautiful girls have been up to. I know all about the Dora love, my daughter insists on Dora every day, many times a day! Love Nella’s rainbow striped Baby Legs, my daughter had the same pair when she was a baby! Thanks for making me smile 🙂
Kelly,
I am a mother of two also (5 and 1) and I have to tell you that I only wish I could be 1/2 the mom that you are. I love how you find time to do the smallest of things and turn them into grand moments. You are an inspiration to me and other moms.
Thanks for sharing your weekend and inspiring me to take more pics of the everyday!
I needed that post on this Monday afternoon. I’ve been thinking about attempting the Dora cupcakes, they make it seem so easy on TV. Still loving the red boots!
You capture beauty in every single picture. Lovely.
THanks again for a down to earth post. There is glamour to be had all around, even in our jammied babies. would so enjoy a chance at a beauty of a dress.
hi there.
i’ve never commented before but i just wanted to say that as an aspiring writer and fellow blogger there is something so refreshing about your style. i look forward to every post and love reading about how much you love your very precious girls. i am such a fan of the ‘slow down and enjoy the small things’ lifestyle. keep doing what you’re doing and showing the rest of the world how beautiful motherhood is through your lovely words and photos!
We are enjoying some not so small things right now. Our little magic chromosome beauty with a congenital heart defect that we were told would need an operation very soon after we found out, just got a great report. Every month, the pressure in her heart has gotten better. So they are going to monitor her until she is a year old. If the pressure isn’t normal by then, she’ll need surgery. But what an answer to prayer already. She’s thriving, growing, and doing wonderful.
http://teal915.blogspot.com/
Collages are a beautiful, messy thing. 🙂 And I adore the fact that Lainey only ate the “good” Dora cupcakes and not the Mommy-cursin’ imitations!
I had a similar moment but mine were easter egg chocolates :/ and I only made it to two and the rest were easter balls. Love love love the dress…crossing my fingers!
I am TOTALLY going to do that craft today. My 8 month old is teething so that means upchucking and tears and not letting me put her down…so this MAY just be the perfect thing for an overly-energenic 3 yr old to do so Mommy can cuddle a hurting baby.
PERFECT! I knew there was a reason why I check your blog for updates daily 🙂
-Amanda
Oh my… I’m impressed you even tried the Dora cupcakes, but even more impressed that Lainey didn’t put up more of a fuss about only having 3 that looked perfect. You’re a superstar mommy in my book, twice over!
And love the jammied baby out past bedtime. I like doing that with my little one, too.
I have been in love with that dress since they first debuted it…have been trying to wait to purchase it until i finish losing the baby pounds (10 to go!) but if this giveaway fates it, i will ever so gladly accept it in a larger size! thanks for sharing all the joy in your life – i definitely turn to it when i’m getting too bogged down in the details of chasing after my 11-month-old to and need a reminder to ENJOY.
Your blog is the whole package! Your words say things I think and cannot articulate, your photos are shots that I only try to get and never look as good, and your music always give the right emotion to create a perfect tri-fecta 😉 I look forward to new posts to add 5 minutes of distraction to my day, like a chapter in a really good book! My son is one month older than Nella and I love to see her grow along with my boy. She is simply gorgeous! And Lainey love is beautiful! How fun to have your girlfriend in town for 7 whole weeks… I can only imagine the fun that will be had by all. And the dresses are to. die. for. I sure do need a new dress……
awesome as always. I had to laugh at your “half ass” attempt at the dora cup cakes. I couldn’t even come close to the head so kudos to you on a remarkable job!
Those dresses are gorgeous! Hope I win! 🙂
Thanks for everything you share with us, Kelle.
I look so forward to your updates and your pictures. You inspire me!
Lovely post. Sweet photos of sleeping baby Nella.
Thank you for sharing all the little things in the nicest, most uplifting way.
I love this blog. I love your sweet little family. I love that dress. Oooh! Pick me! Pick me!
oh, my! i love that dress.
You make me want to be a better mom. 🙂 (And I actually think I’m a pretty good one already! Ha ha)
The cupcakes make me laugh…sounds way too familiar. Always easier said than done!
Your blog inspires me! And about 60% of the pictures I try to take with my little one are of me getting karate chopped! I appreciate that I’m not the only one!
What a beautiful start for a Monday morning. Hope your back is feeling better soon!
😀
Your girls are precious! Your blog always makes me smile and reminds me to enjoy every moment with my little one. Thank you!
1. Every single week I see that damn commercial at least once on Nick Jr. and my 3 year old begs to make those cupcakes…i’ve yet to try. They make it look SO simple.
2. Do I spy a Matilda Jane dress on Lainey?? me LOVES!!!
3. Nella is pure perfection. Love that she joined you and Heidi out all “jammied” up for beer and wings.
4. How awesome of a mommy are you for turning that car around when you saw a sleepy Lainey.
and 5. You have inspired me to start collecting buttons, beans, and other crafty items for indoor fun days. We need some new indoor activiites until we can get back to the park without burning our butts on the slides in this Florida heat!
Thanks for another great post and sharing your beautiful girls!
I’m having a cupcake themed birthday party for my daughter and have been practicing my cupcake skills – so impressed by yours! 🙂 Your posts always brighten my day and inspire me. Thank you!
Your girls make my heart smile.
I probably would’ve made one “good” cupcake and called the rest Dora’s cousins, so kudos to you for your perseverance!
Love those dresses. Love love love.
My son is 9 months and still does the kung fu to my face. I’ve never been so happy to be beaten up by someone in me life 🙂
I’m not a mom, a photographer, or a Maker of Outrageously Beautiful Baked Goods, but I shamelessly check your blog every single day. I do have a niece about Lainey’s age, and a good friend whose 5-year-old daughter has Down’s, and I can’t get enough of either of them. Thank you for sharing yourself and your lovelies as well!
That dress is truly delicious! Your attempt at the Dora cupcakes was light years better than mine..haha!
You would look stunning in all of those dresses…like a model.
That little Nella Bean is sitting up perfectly on her own! Your girls are awesome! Just like your Dora cupcakes!
Love your blog and your sweat little ones!
Man. If there were a Strawberry Shortcake version of those cupcakes, I would be right in yours shoes (preferably your fabulous red cowboy boots). Love your blog and loved this post!
oh, man, Nella just gets cuter every day- my little boy was born in january, and he does all the same things- crazy wing flaps, karate to the face. and Lainey and the cupcakes. hilarious.
i love shabby apple dresses. i stalk their site… sigh
Well I’m not sure I could squeeze myself into that dress right NOW… because I’m 23 weeks pregnant.. but I would LOVE it for the future! =D
I am in love with the quote at the end of the post as well! Whew.. that hit home!
God bless XOXO
Dear Kelle, I love to see how much fun you have with your two beautiful daughters!! And I am really happy about your positive influence on all the Mommas that read your blog (and all the lucky children who get to have a Mom inspired by you to have fun with them)! Personally, I will never regret all the times I just let the “stuff” go by the wayside so I could have fun with my children. And we still have lots of fun together now that they are adults. And now I’m lucky enough to do the same fun things with my grandson!! Life sure is special living it through the eyes of a child (and apparently having a 60 year old body with a 2 year old’s capacity for fun)!
And last but not least, thank you for your honesty and your positive attitude which can inspire Moms who also have a precious child with DS!! My Mom and Dad were the same way raising my brother and sister and I. My sister has DS but was never treated differently than the rest of us. She grew up to be a good hearted woman with quite a sense of humor and capacity for fun and spontaneous dancing just like the rest of us!
Thanks again for sharing so many lovely and fun thoughts and photos of your amazing family!
With love, Diane
You know, when i saw the Dora cupcake commercial I thought to myself “There is no way in HELL I would ever do that much work for a stinking Dora cupcake.” Now I just made a huge tiered cake for my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary, but that does not mean I’m going to outline Dora’s hair with chocolate frosting. No. way.
And I <3 shabby apple! Fantastic giveaway!
so cute
I do the same thing with cupcakes/crafty kids project 2 or 3really nice and the rest not so much. Its funny that Lainey only ate the good ones!!
What a champ little nella is sittin up! and, i’m sad to say, i only recently discovered shabby apple and would LOVE that dress. fun fun.
I love your pictures, of course the subjects are what make them so incredible!
i could just gobble up Nella! I LOVE the great big eye closed laugh pic!
I love each and every one of your posts. They always brighten my day, and I am ridiculously excited to read them and share them with my friends. You and your daughters remind me so much of the gilmore girls 🙂 I hope to be a mom just like you one day.
You, my friend, are fabulous.
<3
Beautiful cupcakes… I LOVE Lainey’s comment: “That’s not Dora”! Thanks so much for your blog… It’s my favourite!
Love that dress. Have to enter. =)
Beautiful cupcakes… I LOVE Lainey’s comment: “That’s not Dora”! Thanks so much for your blog… It’s my favourite!
What a fun weekend! Love your little Nella in her PJs. And your Dora cupcakes are far better than I could ever hope to make! You never write a bad post, Kelle!
Hey Kelle! I loved your cupcake story, it made me laugh out loud (and I was in my office!!!)… thanks for cheering me up and by the way, I love your cowboy boots! so cute 🙂
Hi Kelle:
I would love to win that gorgeous dress!!!
Debbie
trixie246@sasktel.net
HOORAY for friends back in town, as a college student myself, I am feeling the same joy of the friend who comes back from their awesome adventure.
3 good Dora’s out of 24 cupcakes is not too bad! Way better than I could have accomplished.
And, this is the very first give away I’ve ever entered. But I LOVE me some Shabby Apple! What a great give away!!!
LOVE the dora cupcakes 🙂 Nella always brings a smile to my face…she is just a doll!
Wow, one of these dresses could make me feel great for the holidays, since I will have just given birth to twins in October. A cute new dress could do wonders for a tired mommy of three!
Oh if I could have that dress I will promise to do it justice!!:)
I am never disappointed by your posts (only when I look and there’s not a new one yet ;))People think I’m strange that I’ms a 20-year-old college student that religiously reads your blo, but I don’t care. You remind me much more of the hot babysitter than the mom (not that I don’t admire your mom skills, everyone likes someone with skills.)
Keep rocking on 🙂
Reminds me of when I tried to make Cookie Monster cupcakes…. They looked more like a blue alien. I’m sure they still tasted great.
The dress is gorgeous!
The Dora cupcakes made me laugh. Beautiful blog.
i love shabby apple! oh how i would love to win that dress. and your dora cupcake story had me literally laughing out loud! i could totally see myself saying, “it’s dora….just eat it.” hahaha!
btw, LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing pics of your house – it’s beautiful!
Sounds like a great giveaway!
Nella is growing so fast,and sitting so nicely! Love the DORA cupcakes, I made brownies on Sunday with my girls, same age like yours, and threw them in a muffin tin with sprinkles to make them special. Guess we all try to make it special! Love you, love your girls, love your blog!
Just had my 2 year old’s Eeyore themed birthday party while camping in the woods up here in the Nort’ 🙂 Love your girls, such a contrast between my two rough and tough boys.
Good for you for attempting the Dora cupcakes! I think they were adorable! And hey, if Lainey only ate the 3 good ones, the rest were for you, right?
Love that dress!!!
Leah
http://www.lovelifeandmommyhood.blogspot.com
Totally laughed w/ the Dora cupcakes. A Diego b’day cake was the recipient of my swearing early this year! LOL!
Oh, I could so use a night where I put a dress on!!! I too saw those Dora cupcake commercials and thought…way too much work…I guess having two boys does have its perks! Yours turned out fabulous!
There is just something that is so delicious about a little baby in jeans! I love it! Can’t wait til it cools down in TX and we can get the jeans back out and on those cute girls.
I’m impressed you made 3 of the cupcakes…I usually quit after the first one! ; )
BEAutiful dress! Love this little community you have created on here! When is that book due out?!? Keep up the great Mommy work!
Beautiful dress!!!! And beautiful pictures of your girls!!!!
Kelle Where did you get those FABULOUS chairs? Did you make them? Love the collage idea.
I am new to your blog and cannot get enough of it. You are an inspiration to me and have helped me get through some hard times with my own 14-month-old and to accept what life gives us – and it is beautiful! thank you for the opportunity – LOVE shabby apple – classic dresses.
So I think you should have a whole section of your site dedicated to your favorite fashion websites. I love them all!
Your girls and so amazing. Nella is getting so big!
Kelle- Your blog is wonderful. Your style is just prefect!
You make me smile with your pretty girls and great blog! Glad to see Heidi is back!
I am such a sucker for things with bows! Yay bows!
Nella is beautiful! When I look to my one year old, I like to search for Nella-traits. Your daughters and your life has captured my heart.
Thank you!
We had our first day of first grade today in the Bryant house. It was exciting and sad all at the same time. I’m counting down minutes until I can pick my little pixie up. 🙂
Don’t need to be entered in the drawing, just HAVE to say that I saw that same crazy cupcake commercial and thought to myself “there is no way I would even attempt that” so I am laughing out loud in the car line (first day of school) that YOU did. You are a good egg and I love how real you are about how it all turned out. Too funny!!!!
Am I seeing things or do I see Nella sitting in one of your pictures?? How cute, I can’t believe how time flies! Lainey and Nella are both beauties.
Nella has got to be one of the cutest babies I have seen in a long time. I just love her smile!!
I love that you got your BFF back 🙂 all is now well with the world! Love the new pictures of you and the baby, so so so sweet.
Once again, you’ve found the joy in the journey. keep it up mama and i hope your back is feeling better:)!
Yes, I LOVE and NEED the dress! I always leave your blog with a case of the warm fuzzies! You have a sumptuous Monday yourself!
Ah, I love a toddler with a good button eye. 🙂
p.s: You should see my elmo pizzas. Artistic masterpieces. Not. LOL.
i would love to win that dress! so pretty!
My niece begged for those same Dora cupcakes… ours came out looking like piglets with chocolate wigs, but they were delicious and no one complained. <3
I find myself so anxious for my Little Lilah to be Lainey’s age to go to ballet, play dress up, and bake with and then I think…STOP, STOP, STOP… why would I wish her bigger? The past 8 months with her has gone way too quickly already and I need to just savor every second with her right here, right now! Thank you as always for a fantastic post!
I adore the Tai Chi picture even more than the adorable dress. And I love the dress … so that’s sayin something!
Love the dress, Love the bow, Love the blog! Beautiful! 🙂
Love the crafting pictures!
As always another wonderful post that makes me want to run out my office screaming “I quit!!!” and drive as fast as I can home to make memories with my precious boys!!!
Thanks for inspiring me to capture the everyday small moments of life… The ones that will really matter when I look back!
~Bri~
Mommy to Ashley (age 2) and Dillon (10 months)
I too take on baking things that do not always come out the way I intended. Have you ever seen the blog “Bakerella” …..i have tried to make so many cake pops… but they never look like the photos. Oh well…..at least we try. I thought Dora looked pretty FAB!
Love the Dora cupcakes, that you tried and then gave up after 3 and then Lainey wouldn’t eat the others…that’s so how it goes. And the dress! And most of all the precious little faces you capture so sweetly.
-Bethany
Love the cupcakes! You did a great job…mine would have looked more like boots!
Nella has some rocking tai chi moves! lol
Glad Heid is back!
The pictures of Nella with Heidi . . . so adorable. I literally laughed when I saw them. I love that you brought Nella with you on your “catch-up” time. It’s because of you that I include my Abby (6 months) in a lot of things where I would have normally left her at home with Daddy. (Poor guy!) In fact, this past weekend, we took her with us to the movies (it was our 3 year olds first time) and I remembered how you took Nella when you went to see Sex and the City. I kept saying to myself – it will be ok – it will work out – Kelle did it, I can do it! Sure enough, she slept through the whole thing and we did not have to pay for a babysitter!
Thanks for another lovely post!
That has got to be one of the cutest dresses i have ever seen! Now I have a new place to buy gorgoues dresses!! And beautiful post as always, you make everybody want to enjoy the small things =)
you inspire me to be and do more & i love, love, love shabby apple!
Love this dress. Love your style. Would love to see me in this dress. 🙂 Thanks again for sharing your amazing family.
I confess: I come to your blog for the photos, stay for the music, and love reading your stories. You have set the bar high for living a good life, and I’m enjoying trying to reach for it.
{Me loves metallic polyester. And the fact that the tag on this dress not only says “Warning: Keep away from fire” but also “Do not wash. Do not dry. Do not iron. Do not dry clean.” In other words, just throw it away if it gets dirty.}
….that cracked me up! it’s sooo true.
More inspiring, lovely photos from you! Even the Dora cupcakes! You should be totally over-the-moon proud of yourself. There was a Food Network Challenge recently with Dora cakes and some guy really missed the mark with the face. He should have known the fruit roll-up trick! 🙂
Thanks again for being an inspiring momma!
I love your honesty! I love to know that you let us know exactly what you were thinking when you had put so much into those cupcakes and they didn’t turn out. its nice to know that other mothers have those moments! thanks for sharing!
those Dora cupcakes made me laugh! I believe my son mentioned something about a Blue’s Clues cake for his third birthday coming up this fall – yikes!
Kelle,
This post had me giggling so much, I must have seen that “Dora cupcake” commercial a million times over the past week and every time it would come on, my son would yell, “I want Dora cupcake.” I literally thought, “man, how many times are they gonna roll that?” I loved your, “It’s Dora, now eat it.” So can relate! So funny! Love your blog! Have a great week! 🙂
Love the cupcakes and the collage. Thanks for the inspiration!
I have a 8 month old little boy and I started reading your blog when Nella was born! I LOVE it!!!
~Tiffany
it’s tough competing for this dress among your hundreds of fans…..but i. want. it. and our anniversary is tomorrow…..hoping to win.
and btw, i think your kiddos hit the jackpot with you as their momma. but you should have put a warning before you posted those cupcake pictures….my 5 year old is now tugging at my sleeves to make those “cute cupcakes” 🙂
great post:). i hope i win- i LOVE the dress!!!!! perfect!
xoxo,
blair
You are one patient mama to make those Dora cupcakes!! Three cheers to you!
I have several events this fall/winter where this dress would be perfect!!
Your blog makes my Monday so much better!
You have come alive, baby. And I think that I would seriously come alive if I was wearing that dress. Love your picture in the hat- gorgeous!
Reading of the joy in your life always helps me to see the joy in mine as well… thank you for that!
such a fun post … makes me what to jump up and do something crafty with my kiddos … and knowing that it doesn’t have to be done perfectly! PERFECT … takes the fun out of things!
You seem to have the same relationship with Dora as I! Love it! Me likey the dress! Happy Monday!
Nella looks just like her big sister!
The cupcakes are aDORAble! And so is that dress. Sign me up. I thought about telling you’d I’d FOREVER follow your blog if you picked me for this giveaway, but decided against it. You already have me for life. And besides, every good bribe should include clothing or make up. Oh, or money.
I found your blog a few weeks ago and I just cant stop coming back to see your PRECIOUS children! I have a son who is turning three next month and the collage idea is FABULOUS. That is going to save my sanity sometime in the near future! Thanks! 🙂
I read your blog to keep myself happy, hopeful and excited when I get a little freaked out and overwhelmed about this little life growing inside my womb right now! THANK YOU.
Lovin the “It’s Dora. Eat It.” comment! Your blog always makes me smile. I love the pictures of Nella having a great time with you and Heidi 🙂
LOVE your blog! And those dresses! 😉
ha. “She only ate the good ones.” Duuuuude, I’ve been there. 😉
Kelle, I really love your blog. You are such a great mother & you inspire me in my own motherhood! Thank you.
Wonderful post! Looks like a great weekend! Very ambitious taking on those cupcakes….although I always make my kids birthday cakes, dora is not something I am going to attempt…haha! Love the giveaway, I could always use a beautiful dress!
Love that you said “just eat it!” Can’t believe how big Nella looks sitting up in that crib – she is such a beauty. Lainey looks a lot older after this summer too – glad you’re concentrating on squeezing out every minute – it goes so fast!
You always take such amazing photos! And I love the dress…
You are the best, and living good! Keep blogging
Hey Kelle, I’ve just recently come across your blog-and I am loving it! You have such a beautiful story to tell, and you do such a great job at all the light hearted stuff in between. I’m feeling a little intimidated by your cupcake skills, but I know my 3 year old would LOVE it if I gave it a try. 🙂 Looking forward to your next post!
Love your blog! Thanks for the chance to win too! Hugs!
Love the cupcake experiment! Sounds like my house…
Your little girls are pure sunshine.
Love, love this post — we kind of had the same weekend. Chillin around the house and preparing for our oldest little’s birthday party. Which we cancelled until tomorrow fearing the rain.. Well, the rain did not come, but we have a super day to to look forward to tomorrow! Pool party here we come. Reading and looking at your photos, as always, inspires…
Karen
I have yet to brave the Dora cupcakes. I just may have to give it a go!
Count me in! I love that dress!
I need to meet Nella. Nuff said.
This is the first comment I have EVER made on a blog site. I love your blog…it gives me so much inspiration as a Mommy to my little. I love seeing pictures of your girls…they are beautiful…I just want to give them big hugs. Nella is the sweetest, most precious baby…I am constantly showing my husband your blog and pictures. Thank you for taking the time to share.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Love the update!
Loved Nella’s tai chi on you… & I have always wondered how to spell that wonderful shout – Hai-ya!!! 🙂
Thank you for another lovely, colorful and special post.
omg, laughed my ass off at the Dora cupcake story b/c we saw that same commercial last week and my husband and I laughed in unison when we saw the hair on them…and I laughed knowing how mine would look if we attempted it. Yours were pretty darn good!! Now I really want to try them 🙂
Oh, how I love that from your wonderful posts I always learn things I never knew I never knew, and things I didn’t know I wanted to know! And also, you either make me smile or wipe a tear, sometimes both, and I thank you for that.
Wow!! Love the cupcakes!!! You sound just like me trying to make “nick jr.” crafts and cupcakes!! But..yours actually look like what the cupcakes are supposed to be!! My cupcakes unfortunately do not look like the real characters! You are beyond gifted! I love the dress, I see a real fifty pin-up look happening in the dress! You rock!
I checked 3 times today for a new post, but of course, Swedish time is ahead of Naples time! Thank you for another fab post.
My deposit account has been filled today too. My little sis and nephew are here, I haven’t seen them for 2 years, and we have had the most wonderful day. A visit to a local castle, impulsive skinnydipping in the lake Swedish style by the 4 cousins aged 5,4,3,2, fish feeding, followed off by blueberry picking for today’s blueberry pie.
Thanks for reminding us all to enjoy the small things….they aren’t small for very long.
Anne-Louise
thanks
Thanks for sharing more glimpses of your life Kelle. I look forward to your beautiful writing and beautiful pictures every few days.
I thought my Lexi was the prettiest baby alive, but your Nella gives her a run for her money. And don’t get me started on Lainey. Also? The Price is Right wheel is Lexi’s fav too. 🙂
OO! I would love to have that dress. My anniversary is coming up in a couple of months. It sure would be nice to have my outfit all picked out for the special day. :0)
So, I am sitting at my desk at work laughing my ass off at your post right now. Everyone is staring at me like I have lost my mind. See I had about five too many cups of coffee this morning, after waking up at 4:45am to look for my husband’s “lost” wallet which was actually laying on the kitchen counter underneath a piece of paper. After which I decided to play with my now screaming puppies for awhile before taking a shower and heading off to work.
By the time I rolled into my office around 7:30am I was so high on sugar that upon seeing the head of my division I announced, “Mornin, Dude, and slapped him a high five.” The best part is that the middle aged, suit wearing, perfect hair, distinguished professor of Cardiovascular medicine slapped me that high five and met my hand around back for the underhanded low five and smiled, “Nice attitude McPherson, have a great day!”
The rest of my day has been a highflying, crazy busy day, where I did not get to take lunch until 2pm but I did it all with a huge smile on my face and now as I sit here reading your blog post I just cannot help laughing so hard out load that everyone just keeps staring. I can totally hear their thoughts, “what the heck did that bitch smoke before she came in today??, I hate happy people!” And all I can do is keep on laughing because I am high on happiness… and coffee but that’s beside the point…
Thank you for another GREAT post, Kelle!
Lo Mc
I applaud you for the Dora cupcakes. Seriously, I do. I can’t color in the lines, on a coloring book – let alne a freaking muffin top. (teehee)
Also, my ass is coming to Marco Island in November. Do you take family photos in Naples? I may just have to schedule something.
I admire your ability to just let go and embrace the moments life throws us. Whether it be enjoying the day from the kitchen floor because your back decided it wasn’t going anywhere or using your make shifting some Dora faces because things didn’t go as planned. These are things I know I need to work on and try to remind myself if these daily.
I love the dress! Always love your blog!
PS. Took our 3 yr old to Chuck E Cheese this morning…I thought of your trip there you posted here not too long ago when we were trying to decide what to do today. Daddy was off and since it was a Monday we thought, hey, I bet Chuck E Cheese isn’t too crowded. We had sooooooooooooooooo much fun and so many priceless pics taken. Chuck E Cheese Mondays are not too shabby 😉
I recently found your blog and I LOVE every bit of it. You have helped me to remember to savor the simple things with my own family
Life is better with a pair of beautiful red boots… that is something my 2 year old daughter and I agree on. Your thoughtfulness and tender approach inspires me to be the best mother I can be. Thank you for being your best!
Lori and 2 y/o Mary Grace
Picture 7 of this post is my all time favorite! Nothing like a partying baby up past her bedtime! Beautiful!
And I wanna rock that dress.
That dress is lovely!!
Lovely photos, as always! I can’t believe little Nella is sitting on her own already. 🙂
It looks like you had a wonderful weekend! Nella is growing up so much! Love the dresses!
girls are just too precious!!
-Hannah
It looks like you had a wonderful weekend! Nella is growing up so much! Love the dresses!
love the dress and the blog. kudos to you.
Love your post, beautiful pics as always.
Fun, fun, fun! I’m getting out the poster board, buttons, and beans for my girl! Love the dress, too! Retro styles rock!
I love how Lainey only ate the “real” Dora cupcakes- too funny!
I feel a little silly and stalkerish checking each day to see if you have updated your blog. But you make me laugh and you make me remember that my simple life does have extraordinary moments that I need to embrace. Thank you for allowing me to invade your life! 🙂
Kelli W.
SO much good stuff in this post! Girl time with the jammied baby, faux Dora cupcakes, and tons of adorable outfits on your littles. Oh, and I wouldn’t mind to win the giveaway either 🙂 I can see it on a fall date night with tights and killer heels!
oh my gosh. such a cute post! I’m totally hooked on this blog and pass it on to any and every mom I know! the Dora cupcake section was exactly what I needed!
I love the way you put joy in everyday things.. your blog is a highlight of my week!! Would LOVE to win the dress!!
I love your taste in clothes! You look so good so soon after having Nella. What is your secret?
imagine if you HAD made all the dora cupcakes perfectly – she would have eaten them all and promptly thrown up, i think 3 perfect dora’s was the perfect super mom number.
if i win the dress then i have to loose 30 lbs. stat. watch it will be the give away i win. but then hey – that would be my incentive to loose weight! 🙂 ok, now i hope i win. it is a FAB dress!
lainey and bailey need a pile of suitcases and a stack of pictures to plan their families. 😉
xoxo!
your post about the weekend did not disappoint! Beautiful pics as always! LOVE that bow dress!! Thanks for the opportunity for a freebee beautiful piece of clothing!
Totally cracking up at the Dora Cupcakes!! My soon to be 4 year old boy wants a Dora Themed Birthday Party and he wants me to make a cake with Dora riding in a motorcyle AND a firetruck!! Not sure how I am going to pull that one off?!?!
that pic of nella sleeping is delicious. d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s!!!!
🙂
Love all your posts! Beautiful girls and beautiful Mama!! What an inspiration.
What a beautiful family. Great job on those Dora cupcakes. Three is more than I would have accomplished. Love that dress from Shabby apple!All of there stuff is pretty amazing! Happy Mothering!
http://motherhoodthetruth.blogspot.com/
Weekends are such a great blessing!
Love it, love it, love it, gotta have it!!
-melyssa
Nella is gorgeous…I love the sleeping in the crib photos!! You are such a fun ambitious mom…I am jealous!!
Love that dress and love your blog!
missing my girl right now while she is at her dad’s….so i ran right to your blog to cheer myself up with some good ole girly love. thanks kelle!
Love your blog, the music, writing, etc.
And I must have that dress! It’s gorgeous.
EAT IT…It’s Dora!
That made my day
Awww look at Nella sitting up! Such a big girl!
I love your Monday posts, they cheer me up no end! 🙂
Great post – Nella is so yummy in her jammies!
And I have a holiday wedding to go to! Wouldn’t that be the perfect dress? Love your blog, reminding me to also put extra emphasis on enjoying the small things!
loves
the dora cupcakes are a crack-up. i felt the same way when i was making shark cupcakes. it’s a lot harder than it looks! your girls are beautiful!
The Dora cupcake story was the best! LOL. I love that she would only eat the pretty ones. 🙂
Katy
primitivehouse@aol.com
Love the Dora cupcakes and the Kung Fu baby – so adorable!
I am glad I am not the only mother that ambitously takes on fun projects, to only realize later that I bit off a little more than i could chew….However, the 3 Dora cupcakes where AMAZING! And your littles are ADORABLE as always:)
I am glad I am not the only mother that ambitously takes on fun projects, to only realize later that I bit off a little more than i could chew….However, the 3 Dora cupcakes where AMAZING! And your littles are ADORABLE as always:)
“It’s Dora. Eat it.” Hahaha, thanks so much for the laugh today!!
Love the dress… 🙂
Nella is really starting to look like Lainey! Beautiful little ladies! I love those red boots and would totally wear them all over too. Oh and the Dora cupcakes, Something I’d totally do too.. Its fun to try those things though..
Love your blog! Thank you for the giveaway!
Kelle,
What an fun filled weekend it looks like you had! I really wanted one of those delectable cupcakes.
Nella looks like she is sitting up so well on her own! She gets cuter with every picture that you post!
As always I thoroughly enjoy your posts. I only hope that I will be able to do half the fun stuff that you do with your girls when my baby comes!!!
Ug. I am being asked to make Dora cupcakes too. I cannot even draw a stick figure. Not looking forward to it!!
I love your blog. It is my daily inspiration! Thank you.
Stephanie
Your blog is so inspiring. I absolutely love it. Glad you had a good weekends, and the cupcakes look great, all of them!
Sumptuous indeed! Loving the pics of Nella laughing – she looks like a naughty girl who knows she’s out past her bedtime and can’t believe her luck! So happy for you that your bestie is back…and you know I cant wait to see the pics from your proposed road trip!!
wow. amazing. your weekends make me want to be part of your family. 🙂
How exciting! I love shabby apple. You have the best blog. It always makes me smile and want to take more pictures of my little guy. You are so great about it.
Your blog takes my breath away. Much inspiration and love bursting through. The dress is GORGEOUS!
Lynette
Oh, how I would love to be the lucky, random winner of a Shabby Apple dress! I only have one in my closet, so doubling my stash would immediately cause an exceeding amount of joy and jubilation! Thanks for the chance to win! And your pics are gorgeous, as always!
I love that Lainey just ate the good ones. My daughter would do the exact same thing and I would have said the same exact thing. HAHAHAHA. Love it! Great adventures you have. LOVE the dress!!! crossing my fingers!
oh this is terrific! bravo on the cupcakes!! so cute!
all the pics in this post –
a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e!
i’m so happy you and heidi are back together too!!!
and i esp love the quote at the end.. beautiful!
Ah, now I’m gonna have to run back to the grocery store cause I’ve gotta try those cupcakes!
My 16 month old daughter loves looking at pictures of Nella and Lainey! And dancing to your playlist 🙂
Thank you.
alea215@yahoo.com
Love your blog! I am cracking up at the Dora cupcake frustration. I saw that on Nick Jr and wondered who might be crafty enough to make them. I should have known that you would try!
Pretty amazing cupcakes. Thanks for the smiles this morning.
you’re much more ambitious than me! i definitely am not coordinated enough to produce anything even remotely like the reject doras!
Love it! We are planning on doing a collage this afternoon too! They are wonderful!
that little nella of yours is a charmer, even in photos! 🙂 Those smiles get me every time! thank you for sharing!
so.awesome. that you are offering the shabby apple giveaway. two days ago I was on their website drooling over the dresses! i am with you on the shopping spree!
Thanks for your blog! It is such a happy place to visit!
Love you …love Shabby Apple!!
Good Luck to me!!
Lisa
Love your last picture of you and the girls…beautiful. Your closing quote is so true, love it. Wishing you a fabulous week.
LOVE the cowboy boots! Nella is getting so pretty! katie
I am a random commenter who can not live without that dress. Just wanted to let you know. Love your girls. They’re beautiful.
Laughing so hard about the cupcakes. I too tried to make the Dora cupcakes after my 3 yr old saw them on Nick Jr. I tried REALLY hard and the final result was not so good. My daughter told me they looked like hamsters 🙂 They tasted much better than a hamster would! Thanks for always making me smile as I read your blog!
What a lil karate kicker Nella is becoming! I love it!
I love the quote at the bottom by Howard Thurman 🙂
I laughed so hard reading about the Dora cupcakes because, after seeing the commercial this weekend, my daughter asked me to make them too. So, being a good mom, I bought the supplies at the grocery store this weekend. We didn’t have a chance to acutally make the cupcakes yet, but I have a feeling my attempt will turn out like yours. 🙂
Your posts make me want to cram my days full of goodness. I am just in awe how you seem to balance the fullness of life with the need to slow down and just savor the minutes. I feel like I’m always trying to do both and never getting either quite right! Thanks for sharing your passion for life with us, it definitely inspires!
Thanx again for sharing…can’t wait for tonite to go home and make my own small things with my little one. that’s why i love reading you, sometimes I need a little inspiration, thanx… love.
Love the Dora cupcakes! and I seriously not even 15 minutes ago was doing a collage-like craft with my kids.
Those activites always seem like so much fun! But in all reality it takes a freaking genius to actually do them! I think they tweek their photos just like they tweek models for photo spreads!!
Ooooh, I adore Shabby Apple. Count me in. 🙂
I enjoy gazing upon all of you pictures and happiness!
I love your blog and enjoy reading your entries and seeing all the pictures. Life is such a blessing. It is fun to share in someone else’s too.
ps. love the red cowboy boots. And that dress is awesome too 🙂
Bwahahha those cupcakes are fantastic. And I mean the half-ass ones! I would have taken one look at the instructions, said “screw it”, and eaten the batter 🙂
I am a new mommy to a 5 month old baby girl. I found your blog about a month or so ago. It has been very inspirational for me. Motherhood was tough in the beginning months and reading your blog really helped me come out out of a funk. So thank you. Ooh, and I love that dress.
Love your necklace in the last picture… is it from becomingjewelry.com? If it is I have the same one except with my family’s initials and if it isn’t you absolutely need one! I look forward to reading your blog and I often leave it up and listen to the music for a while as I go on with my day 🙂
~ Jenn
Aaah, the kiddos are so adorable! I’m new to your blog, and the way you chronicle the lives of your little ones is so refreshing 🙂
I just ADORE the dress, too!
The tai chi moves are amazing 🙂 And nice effort on the cupcakes… can’t believe you even tried to cut out the fruit roll ups in the first place! What kind of crazy super mom does a whole batch of those!? (Oh, and I’d love to win the dress… if I’m lucky enough to get chosen, I will rock that thing all around Texas!)
Love, love, love the sweet picture of Nella sleeping. Great job on the Dora cupcakes. I won’t be showing my daughters those pictures because there is no way I will ever be attempting to make those after your adventure!
Girl, I LOVE that dress…too bad my big-old-Lane-Bryant-clothes-wearing self could never fit into their biggest size on the Shabby Apple website (a large). But, I can at least enter the contest in hopes of winning it and giving it to a fabulous (and skinny) friend for Christmas. Thank you so much for your fun posts and giveaways!
your little nella is looking so big. i love her cotton candy wisps of blonde baby hair. my almost 2 year old has outgrown all the babyness (except for the thrice daily nursings), and i have to admit i’m a little bit in mourning. and as my just turned 11 year old going on 21 year old daughter proves- the next 9 years will fly by like nothing. so i know we gotta enjoy it while it lasts. sigh.
shenais
divertida(at)fastmail(dot)fm
Your blog is so amazing in so many ways! You make motherhood seem so fun and rewarding, while you are able to maintain a sense of your non-motherly fun side!! (This is inspiring to me – a work-a-holic who is getting married soon and wants kids but is so freaked out losing the few spare momemnts of me-time that I presently can manage to find.) I also love watching you adore little Nella. My fiance and my sister are both special education teachers (high school and kindergarten, respectively). So based on my limited experience with Downs Syndrome, your love for your girl just melts my heart. Lastly, your music is amazing! I have your blog running on my computer everyday with your music softly calming my nerves. Thanks for sharing!!
I WANT that dress!
You and your daughters are simply darling! I love to read your posts – thank you for your faithful writing and awesome pictures. I love that dress – perhaps on one of my daughters for Christmas?!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Cute dress! Good job on the Dora cupcakes…I have thought about making those a time or two for my son.
kristylyn07@hotmail.com
Smiling Nella is the best!! I wish that baby joy was sold by the bottle.
haha, those cupcakes probably would have driven me nuts too! =)
love all the great pictures!
I love that dress almost as much as I love your blog!!!
I get just a little giddy when I see an update from you.
Pick me please!! It would make
a lovely “welcome to spring” dress!
I love, love, love weekends like these! What is better then collages, cupcakes and dress up? Nothing! Thanks for sharing! Happy Monday!
I waited all weekend for a blog post. you have a tough job- we long to get lost in your world. no pressure, right? did you check out the headbands at “Gracylu Originals”?
New reader, first comment!
Wow Kelle I’ve just noticed how much Lainey is like you ~ the first photo of you and Heidi, it’s just a photo of a grown up Lainey Love! And I sure hope that she grows up with as much goodness in her heart and spirit that you have xxx
Love the dress! Love the blog! I always smile when I see a new entry!
Loved this post, your photos and the Howard Thurman quote too! One of my favorite quotes reminded me of you today (especially with those Dora cupcakes)… 🙂 “Nothing great has been and nothing great can be accomplished without passion.” — G.W.F. Hegel. Wishing you a wonderful week!
You are a wonderful mom and I can see your love for the small things in everyone of your posts!
I just love ALL the pics! But I have to say my favorite is of Nella laughing/smiling:)**ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS**
Your girls are darling!! Happy Monday!! 🙂
Okay, so I would so come alive wearing a dress with a sumptuous bow like that!
I was just on their website today!! Awesome dresses!
And I see Nella is quite the sitting pro these days?! Nice work little bean!
i have to comment now as my 17 yo dd jsut LOVES shabby apple!
trot on over to eshakti.com
i bet you’ll find some stuff you love over there.
your posts always put a smile on my face!!
Oh gosh – I check and check and check for a new entry, go out for groceries, and come back to find over 600 comments posted already??? Great entry – and Nella is sitting so nicely now!! Your comments about the Dora cupckes made me laugh…yer the coolest!!
the best things with three years olds is how they make you forget about your agenda. When you say lets go for a bike ride and they go up to their room and forget we are trying to get shorts, shoes and socks. They say to you, “want to see my tutu? which color pink or black?” And then asked to have music on so we can dance. At times like that you realize how truly blessed you are and how utterly blissful life is with a three year old!
Your family is absoulty adorable!
love all your posts!!
dreamerklc@gmail.com
I would love to win that dress!
So Glad that your BFF is back in town! 🙂 I loved the “karate chop” picture.
Beautiful pictures as always!
Oh this giveaway just made my Monday!
Yowie! don’t know if you’ll get to read this with all those comments but WHERE did you get those leg warmers! I’d love some for my little! Tx!
Desperately want those red boots. And memories like yours! Working on both.
Beautiful!
Nella’s little face is so expressive, I love it 🙂
This is the first time I have seen a picture of Nella smiling. So so cute!
6 days into life with 4 kids and I could most certainly use a new dress!
I love it. I had a similar experience with my 6 year old niece and sushi made of fruit roll ups and rice crispy treats. Only you did better than us I think we ended up with one normal one and a bunch of wrapped balls. Good times for sure.
I would love to have that dress!!!
Love Nella’s wing flap- so cute!
Great job on your 3 cupcakes- hey 3 is better than none!
Nella is so incredibly adorable!! She seems like the happiest baby! And Lainey did an amazing job on the cupcakes, she’s quite the crafty girl!
My mom still has decade old collages fastened to her fridge! I can’t wait to one day enjoy the collages that will be scattered upon my fridge. As for the cupcakes your Dora’s look amazing! Crafting with cupcakes can be such a pain!
🙂
Ha! I saw the exact same Dora commercial and it captivated both me AND my husband. Our little 2 year old princess LOVES her some Dora, and I had all these grand plans of trying to make those cupcakes. After all, it looked super easy on the commercial. So glad you were the guinea pig for all of us “aiming for the moon” mommas — maybe I’ll stick with cookies! ~Tina from Houston
I literally laughed out loud about the Dora cupcakes!! That is definitely something I would do. Hilarious!
I particularly love the pictures of Nella out past her bedtime. Ever a lovely little lady.
I hope your back is feeling better!
oh Kelle, I love Nella’s rainbow legwarmers. Every time I see them, I grin.
and her faces – girlfriend has a million expressions already!
I love the shots of Lainey playing dress-up in her ballgown.
Much love to you and yours <3
SWOOOOOOON! That dress is dreamy! What a lovely weekend post…Can’t get enough of the lovely sleepy peas- little angels!
Your little sprite looking like a little lady. They are both so cute.
The cupcake story made me laugh out loud and I had to share it with my boyfriend. Too funny.
I love seeing sweet Nella sitting up all on her own – precious!! And Miss Lainey would get along wonderfully with my little “princess” Bella 🙂 Have an amazing week with your family!
Those cupcakes are great. I totally would’ve stopped at 3 too. And I have laid in many a street in my day.
I always enjo catching up on your blog. A smile to my face is always brought. A warmth in my heart is always felt!
I especially love reading, while nursing my own little “almond eyed” Little Miss Macy….she’s 7 months old too! And also has a 3 year young big sister.
BTW – is Nella sitting up?? It appears so in a couple of these pics, if so, WOW! Go Nella Go! You rock. 🙂
Love, your friend from Nebraska. (aka – The Good Life)
Sherri Harnisch
Lovin’ this. Looks like a great weekend.
Loving Nella’s sweet smiles!
I am so excited when is see a new post from you! You’re an inspiration to all of us mommas who are having ‘one of those days.’ Thank you for sharing your lives!
Thank you for your beautiful writing and the pictures beyond words.
When I read you blog I laugh, I smile and sometimes cry. All very moving.
Julia
Just wanted to say I love your site, the pictures of your daughters are just adorable, and I cried when I read Nella’s birth story.
Thank you!
And yes, the Shabby Apple dresses are just gorgeous!
Never heard of Shabby Apple before but I just checked out their site and LOVE IT! I love that they make dresses for ALL body types! I would love to win a dress but even if I don’t I might just have to order one that will fit me perfectly. 🙂
I love Shabby Apple!
I am very impressed you gave those cupcakes a try! I have watched that commerical a couple of times and each time I say to myself – she makes it seem way too easy. so far my daughter has not yet asked for them – maybe because she knows I am not going to make them.
Your posts brighten my day so much Kelli, thank you for being an amazing blogger.
I look forward to reading your blog. I get so excited when i see you’ve updated. Im not a mommy yet but you make me want it that much more.
Vanessa R. Ca.
Oh, wow, my five-year-old has been bugging me to make those cupcakes too. So far I’ve been strong and weaseled out of it, but you might have just guilted me into it. And I’m certain your half-assed versions will outshine my best. (But he’ll be fine with that, and will eat them all…)
The tai chi move to the face is a new favorite. Thanks for another fun weekend out with the boots and the girls. Oh … and LOVE the dress. Really, really, love the dress.
Your blog is inspiring, hilarious, and sweet all rolled up into one… .Love it! Thanks for the smiles!
~Monica
oh my goodness, what a beautiful dress! what fun!
Love your deposits in the family love-bank… and how you share them so hilariously and eloquently and honestly!
Love the Shabby Apple, too- that dress caught my eye as I scrolled down, and when I read that it’s “the one”, well, I might have shrieked. A little.
Thank you!!!
I accidentally let my four year old see the collage picture, and he’s dying for us to buy new glue and to the same project tomorrow! i’m glad for the activity and excitement in the meantime! 🙂
I come to this blog daily to get my daily dose of “feel good”… it never fails.
LOVE that cute little dress!!!
I laughed right out loud over the, “It’s Dora! Eat it!”. I could hear myself (and any other mother) saying that same thing!! Isn’t being a mom the BEST!!!
The part about making deposits into the family account, it having high interest rates so we’ll be rich in the future… the BEST!
I love to take my jammied girl out way past her bedtime as well!! Just baby and mama…YUM!
My daughter is exactly one month older than Nella and that is also her fav toy. I can’t wait to start calling it the Price is Right wheel. I love the inchworm best.
Where do you get all of the cute clothes for your girls? I always love looking through the photo’s to see the cute outfits. One more full day until school starts. Happiness & Sadness all wrapped up in one!
Loooove your posts. (:
peace, love, &&& b e a u t y!!!
Hope to win the dress!! 🙂
I would love to be the lucky winner!
Kelle,
With your wonderful words and beautiful pictures, you make my day. I started ballet at 3 yrs old as well, and your previous blog about Lainey’s first ballet class brought me to tears. I love being able to read and look at all of your posts! Keep it going 🙂
Brooke Aho
Seriously, how do you find the time to read all these comments – and they are amazing in their own right!
Thank you for all the love and energy you pour into your blog, I love to read it and each time I do it challenges me to become more ‘alive’
Sarah
I still love the red boots. Love the Dora cupcake story. So funny. I have been on vacation for the last week and a half and I missed your blog. Love those dresses.
Delish is right! Love the pictures and you capture the emotions so well.
Mmmm cupcakes! Might get my little girl in the kitchen with me and make some too 🙂
Checked out the web page, beautiful clothing. How much fun to win.
Love you blog, check daily to see if there are any updates and feel a sense of “ahhh” when there is.
You have a beautiful family that inspires me to be a better mom.
Leslie from CT.
i laughed heartily at the “half-assed” dora cupcakes! ha! love it.
Beautiful pics… Sweet Nella is a rockstar sitting up by herself. Very cool.
This blog is a guilty pleasure for me. Always read in the silence of sleeping children or children playing contentedly with daddy while I enjoy a moment of mommy time complete with flavored coffee in the big mug – the one that fits perfectly in cupped hands. And I am reminded again and again how very beautiful the little things are. Thanks for being you, and for sharing you with the world.
Oh, how I love your blog. I laughed about your cupcake-making. We have the same fun memory philosophy, and so I recently attempted the princess crown cupcakes from Family Fun, at my darling’s request. Laffy Taffy. Warmed in a glass of water, rolled out, cut into crown shapes. We got 2 good ones, 3 lopsided ones, and then i quit. They were delicious, however!
I have said it once, and I will say it again. I look forward to your posts. You make me want to be funner and better in life and especially you make me want to be an even better mother! Thanks
Dycie
you are inspiring and real…i love how i it feels like i know you, like a friend, a really great friend! 🙂
Love it. Beautiful pictures again.
Thank you so much for giving me something to look forward to it the blogging world and reminding me to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Oh the Dora wannabe cupcakes CRACKED me up! I love your personality!
The dress is lovely!!
THanks for hosting the giveaway!
Shelby
shelliz2000@Yahoo.com
Oh the Dora wannabe cupcakes CRACKED me up! I love your personality!
The dress is lovely!!
THanks for hosting the giveaway!
Shelby
shelliz2000@Yahoo.com
I LOVE Nella Bean’s giggle face!! too precious!!
I’m so obsessed with pics of your girls. Nella is about the same age as my Colin, so love seeing them hit the same milestones together 🙂
(And I’d love to win that dress of course – to die for!)
delorap@yahoo.com
What a delightful giveaway! Wish I could win!
The black and white photo of Lainey in the striped shirt with her hair down makes her look so grown up and beautiful! It’s a gorgeous casual shot!
PS- Your Dora the Explorer cupcakes were lovely, even the half-assed ones. 😉
You inspire me! I guess that about sums it up!
Candice H.
lol, I love the cupcakes…. or rather, the ones that are not Dora. That sounds just like something I would do and it made me crack up. Go Kelle!
okie doke. here’s my confession. i, like a zillion others it seems, look to your posts for inspiration in “enjoying the small things.” and more often than not, your “inspiration” becomes my theme for yoga classes that i teach. 🙂 yay! today, i think we shall see what the deposits-and-gazillionaires theme shall bring. thank you for sharing your life with us. kinda makes me want to move to where the palm trees sway and the air smells a little salty…
Your cupcakes story is hilarious!
Happy Monday to you too!
Daniegirl
My Cooks Illustrated tip for cutting fruit roll-ups (and other sticky things) is to spray the scissors with non-stick spray first…although it sounds like it will be a long time before you make these cupcakes again!!
Just might be the motivation that I need to keep going with the family weight-loss challenge…that dress is lovely. Completely cracked up re: the cupcakes…my 3 1/2 year old is happily parked in front of the laptop watching Dora Saves the Mermaid that arrived via the video kings at Netflix earlier today. I will not be showing her your cupcakes…I would have been cursing way before 3 perfect Doras! Cheers, Mary
Dora cupcakes, hysterical! Nella’s smile? Makes me smile.
Kelle, I have been following your blog since January. I absolutely love it and look forward to your next post. I am a new mommy, my LO will be 4 months tomorrow and I cannot tell you what an inspiration you have been for me. Thank you for your awesome words, and your great lectures. I don’t know you but I have learned so much from you in the last few months. Simply Thank you! 🙂
FYI….. Dora turned 10.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORA! The dress does look very fun! Any pictures of you in yours?
FYI….. Dora turned 10.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORA! The dress does look very fun! Any pictures of you in yours?
The only thing that would’ve been better about the Dora cupcakes if if you would’ve cursed at her in Spanish. That would have just brought it all together. 🙂
Probably one of my favorite posts of yours! Nella’s adorable faces on you night out were priceless! Even though I couldn’t hear her laughter, I still laughed because baby laughter is just contagious!
Good thing my girls haven’t seen the Dora cupcakes…that would not have been pretty at my house!
oh i KNOW those dora cupcakes (but not as brave to make them for my 4 little girls yet). The dress is hot. Me, probably not half hot enough to wear it, but im throwing my raggedy hat in the ring regardless:)
I’ve always wondered if anyone actually tries those tedious crafts! Now I feel like a real slacker mom because I think even your “half assed” ones are better than any that will ever grace my kitchen. 🙂
love the dress! Something fancy in my closet would be so much fun!
I am not sure if this was already written, because I don’t have time to scroll through 700 comments. But the title should read “lie” not lay. Lay must always have a direct object. I also saw the Dora cupcake thing on Nick Jr. and I wondered if anyone would actually do it! Now I know.
My little Marlee has a sock monkey…I only hope that she ends up loving it as much as Nella appears to! (Marlee is leaning more towards my childhood monkey though…drat!)
I laughed at your Dora exclamation toward Lainey! At least she got her 3 right?! I probably would have stopped at 1…
My little Marlee has a sock monkey…I only hope that she ends up loving it as much as Nella appears to! (Marlee is leaning more towards my childhood monkey though…drat!)
I laughed at your Dora exclamation toward Lainey! At least she got her 3 right?! I probably would have stopped at 1…
Great post! Love the Matilda Jane clothing on Lainey!I want to win that dress!!
love the dress! Now the question is: could it be worn with those fab red boots?! 🙂
Beautiful pictures of your even more beautiful daughters! Thanks for sharing!
We are enjoying a sumptuous Monday…hung out at a favorite friends’ pool for the day. Loved it even though the temp and the breeze gave us goose bumps upon our goose bumps! Despite the cool air, still came home with pink cheeks and shoulders. Time for a relaxing evening playing games on the living room floor. So nice when Monday is not something to dread!
Yes! I love the baby chop to momma’s neck! Your blog makes me so excited for motherhood one day. 🙂
Holy Moly you are so fun! Thx for the inspiration!
Peace, Jen
Holy Moly you are so fun! Thx for the inspiration!
Peace, Jen
Adorable!!!
aah i wanna win hahaha. i love to read about your life. you make things be so beautiful and by reading it i start wondering if i ever looked at mine that way.. and i should do it for now on. God bless you and your family.
your pictures are pure love.
Once again, beautiful memories! You inspire me to take more pictures.
You have a beautiful life! Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us.
lloyd_am(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love your writing, the beautiful pictures, and ESPECIALLY all of the little crocheted/knitted things Nella wears!
I love Nella wing-flapping. She is absolutely beautiful!! Same with lainey, I love that you let her wear your jewelry. You are such a fun mom!!! I love Shabby Apple dresses, please bless I win!
awww…love that you and Heidi are together again…so much fun already!!
Love your Dora cupcakes and the way you tell Lainey to just eat them..hehe..totally hear myself there!
Beautiful wispy haired, Lainey, and sweet sleeping Nella….Beautiful Photos as always!!
OOOOO I would love that dress. so freaking pretty.
And you’re an AMAZING Mom to make those Dora Cupcakes!!! Good job!! 🙂
I decided today that we’re throwing a holiday party so I guess I need that dress. Thank you!
Lindsey
It’s great to be with your friends who just get you and you can be your true self. Have fun!
1) Nella and your friend Heidi, ADORABLE! All of those pics are so precious!
2) Precioius ‘throw away dress’. But so glad I do not have to invest in them as I only have boys.
3) Nella in the green and white strip shirt with white flower headbeand and precious blue booties… OMG!!!! Love!
4) Dora cupcakes and Lainey only eating the pretty ones- so stinkin’ funny!
Great weekend!
how I love your blog! The three good cupcakes turned out fabulously by the way! Also uber cute dress, could definately love having that in my closet
Love the cupcakes. I like to work on cakes because you only have one to do.
I have been drooling over Shabby Apple for a while now… Id love a dress like that! 🙂
Kelle…from a 30 year-old wanna-be-mommy, I can tell you that my sister-who-is-already-a-momma and I refer to each other as “Kelle” every time one of us wears a headband with a bow or flower on it. It’s called “The Kelle” look. There’s a feather for your cap today! And who doesn’t like feathers in their cap? Also, if you’ve not yet read Cold Tangerines, you must…today…don’t delay. You two are cut from the same cloth.
You three get more beautiful every day. Love the photos of Nella giggling at the wing joint. Love everything, and crave your Monday posts about the wkend. Thank you thank you for sharing your wonderful world that you have created.
I have a ton of extra buttons laying around. They are the kind you get with a new shirt and you pull them off and toss them in the top dresser drawer never to pull them out again. I am going to let my girls make a collage with them on the next rainy day! Thanks for the great Idea!
I love the quote at the bottom, and I love this blog and I WOULD LOVE THAT DRESS!!!
I love the quote at the bottom, and I love this blog and I WOULD LOVE THAT DRESS!!!
dreaming the impossible dream for that bow!!! being a mama of 4 i’d have absolutely NO opportunity to actually wear it to it’s potential though…but i’m sure the checkout ladies at the supermarket could appreciate a bow like that. couldn’t they? surely…
Thanks! Dee
Love the pic of you and Nella laughing! Priceless!
LOVE the dress…. Hope I win something for a change!!
LOVE the dress…. Hope I win something for a change!!
I love how Lainey’s hair has grown!
Ever since I’ve been reading your blog (which was way back when we were both pregnant).. I’ve been wanting to get into photography and today was the day I decided to do just that!
Camera : Check!
Lens: Check!
The perfect subject: Check!
.. I can’t wait to start snapping some pictures of my daughter.
You are the one that pushed me to make my dream come true, thank you.
Kelle, your posts make me feel better about life. They make me remember all the beautiful things in my life I have to be grateful for.
My goodness. I love Lainey’s little toes in the photo where she’s sitting on your dresser. So cute!
i LOVE wheni see you made a post your blogs are amazing!! your little girls are ADORABLE!! and you are such a fun mom i wish i was more like you!!! and by the way i LOVE your red boots where did you get them i want a pair!! Can’t wait for the next blog 🙂 those dresses are adorable never heard of that company before..
I love the pic of you and Nella out to dinner, her smile is so beautiful! A tip on the fruit roll up- refridgerate it first. That is, if you ever attempt Dora cupcakes again. =)
Thanks for another great post! You just made my Monday. I would love to win that fabulously delicious dress!
Kelle that quote you ended your post with made me smile. I remember once a friend of mine was nearly finished his university degree when he realized he didn’t want to go into his field of study. I was nearly devastated for him, but with great joy he quoted those same words to me and told me he was going to go and discover what made him come alive. What an inspiration that was- as are you. Thank you for this post!
good work on the cupcakes! & great give-away!
Look at Nella sitting up on her own!
Just found your blog last week and I’m hooked. Love reading it all and love the dress too.
Thanks for always reminding me what’s important! 😉
I find you so inspiring. I am trying hard to reach mommy awesome nice! Love the dress, too cute!
Oh that sweet Nella! She is growing up so quickly.
Love those shabby apple dresses…
Enjoying the Small Things reminds me to “suck the marrow out of life” – and I am oh so grateful for that!!
I loooooove your beautiful blog…it inspires me to be a better mother and person. My youngest son began having seizures a year ago and our world was turned upside down. I appreciate your perspective and uplifting attitude about life and our challenges and blessings!! I am happy to say that we have pushed through the shock and sadness and life is so very good.
great cupcakes
Oh I’ve done the good cupcake “thing” and the “NOT so good” cupcake creation….we hosted a back to school neighborhood party for when our oldest daughter started Kindergarten (she is now entering 9th grade 🙁 . For the party i made a valiant effort at bus cupcake/cookie treats that looked oh so good and easy in the magazine, but no so good on my platter. Oh well….they were all eaten regardless. Love what you are doing here!!
Lori H
Amazing. The Dora cupcakes rocked.
love the dora cupcakes! that really made me laugh!
I just love that where the hell-flapping arms sequence! Good on Nella for ignoring Heidi after such a lengthy absence. I understand I did something similar to my father when I met him downtown during a few days that I had been ‘farmed out’ while my mother was in the maternity home with my next sister.. Such disdain should be expressed by the young’uns!
Your pictures are always so stunning.
if lainey thinks those dora’s look off she needs to get a load of the lamb cake my mom and i made! lol!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/81927671@N00/3434773586/
LOVE nella’s bird wings, she just gets more and more beautiful every post!! magic.
Your post always makes me smile! As a mother of 3 boys I love to read about your girls! Nella’s precious laugh takes my breath away. What a sweet little spirit she has!
Every Picture is amazing! Thank YOU for sharing your love. Hai Ya~ :)LOVE the Dora story!
today we pulled out the glue, scissors and paper, but WHY didn’t I think of the bag of buttons, the beans and pasta??? Thanks! I’m SO prepared for our next craft session!
I just discovered your blog! Your daughters are beautiful. It is wonderful to see a family so much in love with each other. Great work!
Looks like you had a fabulous weekend Kelle!
I love the pictures of Nella with Heidi. Nella sure looks happy to see her!
The pictures of Lainey dressed up as a princess are just gorgeous and the Dora cup cakes are very impressive!
Kelle, you are such an ambitious super mom! I love how you aren’t afraid of messes (glue?!? That’s brave!)…it’s helping me get there with my little ones 🙂
right now, i am eating sesame noodles and eggrolls while reading your blog, which are three of my favorite things in life. thank you for your words. you are: inspiration.
I love me some Shabby Apple!!! And I love reading about your memory-makings. You inspire me to be a better mama girlie. You rock.
Oh my, beautiful pictures of your girls. Great Dora cupcakes…I am attempting monkey cupcakes for my kiddos’ birthday :). The dress is lovely….bows make everything brighter ;).
I loved the cupcakes, both types! I laughed that she ate only the Dora ones, kids make me laugh. I love it. Thanks for a fantastic blog, I look forward to it every time I see that you’ve posted!! Keep enjoying!
I love reading your blog and the photos you take are beautiful.
I love the chairs in your living room! Where did you get those? The girls are getting so big and continue to grow more beautiful every day! I saw the Dora cupcakes, too, but luckily my little ones aren’t big enough to ask for them yet. I don’t know if I could manage it!
I love the chairs in your living room! Where did you get those? The girls are getting so big and continue to grow more beautiful every day! I saw the Dora cupcakes, too, but luckily my little ones aren’t big enough to ask for them yet. I don’t know if I could manage it!
Yeah so I have seen those cupcakes too.. Too bad that lady makes it looks oh so easy to make.. Happy monday 🙂
The pictures of Nella were priceless! She’s getting big so fast…I love all the new expressions…thanks for sharing!
The pictures of Nella were priceless! She’s getting big so fast…I love all the new expressions…thanks for sharing!
So who ate the rest of those fabulous cupcakes? I love that a visit to your blog always assures a smile or two 🙂
Your blog is amazing! I love your photography and your “sucking the marrow from life” adventures. It inspires me to do more “marrow sucking” of my own with my 3 littles. What’s life without fun and family? 🙂
love the tai chi shot of Nella- classic! Another lovely post Kelle.
You make life better just living and writing about it 🙂 Thanks!
you made my monday with that close up, slightly fuzzy photo of nella sleeping. i am going to try and capture my little girl in a photo like that. love it!! i was praying my son didnt ask me to make the cupcakes the whole time the commercial was on. so far so good.you did a great job! okay random number – pick me please! i need to start dressing better.
gah! i love shabby apple! unfortunately, being a student, i am way too poor to afford much. i would love to win. and. i love your blog!
Beautiful pictures and stories. Thank you for making me smile!
Love your posts pics and music pics…
Scrumptious cupcakes, yummy!!
i sat at the doctors waiting room today for an hour and fourty minutes after my appointment was supposed to start. it was so frustrating. then i pulled out my phone and checked in on the blog and yay! yay! yay!, there was a new one.. which turned me from Frustrated Franny into Happy Holly!
thanks for the post… and that dress would be great on me in my new state of Kentucky… imagine it with a hat 🙂
Reading your blog makes me stop and think about all of the blessings we have as moms — you are so very eloquent. You have beautiful girls! thanks for sharing them!
two loves in this post… All of Nella’s adorable facial expressions… this is the age!
and second that you are a crafty mom. My mom was also one of those that nurtured creativity in every way. There was always paint and glue and markers, etc. and even though it left little messes… it was amazing to grow up with a mom like that! Feed that creative side baby because mommies who don’t let their littles get a little dirty are not near as much fun!
When i see you with your friend, it reminds me of me and my best friend. Just the laughter and sparkle that comes with them is in that picture. I don’t know if I could go 7 weeks without my bestie, honestly, I think I’d go insane.
Nella’s “where the hell have you been” face made me laugh. And her wing flap? ADORABLE. I love the picture of you and her together, you look so youthful. The very last picture of you three reminds me of a picture with my aunt and my sister that was taken years ago. We’re laughing and smiling and it just brings back those memories. You will have so many memories to share and be reminded off when your kids get older. That’s beautiful.
Also, I made a huge Cake Boss-esque cake last week with my friend so I understand the 3 dora cupcakes and then half assing it. baking seems so much easier when it’s a simple “add water and stir”. Although not any less fun, no matter how challenging.
Okay, I died laughing when I saw you made those Dora Cupcakes…me and my 3 yr. old girl were watching Nick Jr. yesterday when that commercial came on and the whole time I was praying she wouldnt ask me to make them. 🙂 You get major props for undertaking them. And as always, your girls are sumptuous!
I heart that dress. Also because I’ve lost some weight and need to find some clothes that actually fit me. LOL
love your blog;) and your sweet sweet girls
Love it !!! your post crack’s me up !!!
Happy Monday !
Love this blog, the stories, and pictures. You are an inspiration and I wish I could have pictures of our daily life like you do! My favorite of this post is the wing-flapping arm. 😉
Kung-fu Nella how adorable!! Yay Heidi is back!! (also love her blog!!)
Hope your back feels better!!
Thanks for such a lovely blog Kelle!
xx
My goodness….798 comments before mine!!!
I love the pictures of Heidi and Nella….the look totally says “where the hell have you been?” and then the next is “oh ya, of course I remember you and you’re pretty cool :)” I am totally in love with the one of both of you cracking up laughing. I can just hear the baby laugh in my head!
I also love the picture of Lainey with the button….her hair is getting so long and more and more beautiful! I love that she is growing up right before our eyes:D
Love the idea of the Dora cupcakes…totally feel for you that Lainey refused to eat the quick version though….
Thanks for sharing once again!!
Laurie
Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada
PS – Is Nella sleeping in her crib all the time? I was just curious if you are still doing the family bed or not when I saw those pics…..
PPS I didn’t get a chance to comment on your last post about your grandmother, but it was absolutely breathtaking and very touching.
that is one of my all-time favorite quotes.
love the collage time for our girls, too….and can relate to only making 3 “good” cupcakes. =) your family is precious!!
Today was my first day back to work…School teacher!!! and your blog made my day….i love it and look forward to it each and everyday. It brings so much joy and love. Thanks so much! your babies are beautiful. Thanks, can’t wait til the next.
Thank you for sharing about your lovely at home weekend.
And, YES! I could use a new dress-I only have 2 YIKES!
If sweet little Nella loves the price is right ball, you should try the Lamaze Flower Garden. My little Scout-y Bird is a little younger than your Miss and she adores these…..
http://www.amazon.com/Lamaze-LC27205-Chime-Garden/dp/B000I2Q0DG/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i
LOVE that dress! I think every closet does need a shabby apple dress. especially mine 😉
Nella out in her pj’s is scrumptious!
I love the description of the cupcakes, I thought I was the only Mum who got cranky when baking.
Those red boots are really working for you.
Loving your sense of humor today Kelle!! Thanks for yet another fantastic post – I always enjoy your blog 🙂
I look forward to your blog and get so excited to see a new post. Your girls are gorgeous and make me so excited to one day be a mom. I’m so excited to see little Nella sitting up! Such a big girl already. Also the pictures of you holding her as she smiles and laughs is just heartwarming. Thank you for your beautiful blog.
Weekends are the BEST!!!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful life with me.
Yay for Shabby Apple…and for your blog.
Kelle, your blog is so inspiring. I look forward to your posts and seeing what kind of great things you do with your kids.
~Yummy~ I only wear dresses and skirts and I adore these! I will be shopping here I think!
i would totally eat the non-perfect dora cupcakes. then again, i’d eat them no matter what they looked like. 🙂 beautiful pics as always!
My favourite part is that Lainey would only eat the “good” Dora cupcakes. I love three year olds. Such a fun age!!
I love the sleeping Nella pictures. I wold love that dress. we’re on a tight budget, but I hate to budget my sense of style 🙂
I love the sleeping Nella pictures. I wold love that dress. we’re on a tight budget, but I hate to budget my sense of style 🙂
love that dress! I make cupcakes in some animal form each year for my kids’ b-days and the pictures always make it look easier than it really is!
LOVED Nella’s Tai Chi to the face move =)
I always tell myself to remember the pictures you take for when I have my own little bunnies..thanks for the laughs…
Just beautiful! Your girls and the dress!
Just beautiful! Your girls and the dress!
I love reading your posts. Your life and your family are truly inspiring. Please keep on blogging and taking splendid photos. Greetings from Manila, Philippines!
What a gorgeous dress! Ooh, la la!
so cute <3
Loved the pictures (and those stripey baby PJs!). And I would certainly love a new dress 😉
Loved the pictures (and those stripey baby PJs!). And I would certainly love a new dress 😉
Loved the pictures (and those stripey baby PJs!). And I would certainly love a new dress 😉
Loved today’s post- your weekend looked like perfection- just like a weekend was meant to be done!
Darling! All of you! Love the dress too! Oh my gosh…cuteness!!!
Hi kelle, sorry to hear your back went out on strike. Backs can be a pain. I am going to send you a picture of my button jar. I am 52 yrs young and can remember having a lot of fun playing in my nana’s button jar. She sadly died when I was only 7. And I have her buttons plus a million more. I still tip them out on the floor and scrounge through them with much joy and it takes me way back, one of my simple pleasures in life. Oh and I would love a new dress or maybe I will send it to my daughter who is expecting her first little bub and my first grandchild. Woo hoo I cant wait. She might like a new dress to party in after the bub is born. lots of love xxxxxxxx
Love this dress!!!
My favorite part of this post was Lainey asleep in the back seat. Kids are excellent teachers of the important lesson that all does not go according to our plans. 🙂
I just made that same Tai Chi comment to my husband about my Brie. I just love when she does that!!
I am not intersted in the giveaway, not that it wouldn’t be wonderful.. I just wanted to point out the pictures of you with the Nella wing-in it up were so absolutley and perfectly filled with bliss that I nearly melted on the spot. her perfect smile, all of it. Infectious:)
Your blog makes me dream of being a mother. Which sometimes is such a tender wish.
LOL “It’s Dora. Eat it.” Love it. And I love the photos of Nella with Heidi. Her smile is infectious!
Your attempt at the Dora cupcakes (though half-assed) has inspired me to attempt a homemade birthday cake for my son’s first birthday instead of buying one.
Love the pictures of Lainey in front of the mirror.
That dress is the perfect dress for you! I bet Lainey loves it too:)
Is this how I win the dress?!
I love your blog and your obvious love for your family and the beauty you surround yourself with inspires me. Thank you!
Julie
wamjet4@gmail.com
For you, I am so glad that Heidi is back. And the pictures of Nella are precious, She is getting so big. I miss you both and am having Kelle withdrawls. xoxo
Your blog is absolutely inspirational! And your daughters are beautiful! As a mommy myself I look forward to reading your blog-it’s a reminder to truly enjoy the small things and to take in every moment I get to spend with my precious little boys! And as for the red boots-love love love them! Footloose is my all time favorite movie and you have me on the search for a pair! Thank you for your blog and sharing your life stories they make me laugh and they make me cry but most importantly it makes me give my boys extra snuggles and kisses at night cause babies are lifes miracles!
You are one of a kind. Thanks for sharing.
That collage looks fun – and Dora looks delicious! That’s talent, even if it only lasted for 3 cupcakes.
i would love to win it to give someone special!
You are a great mom for attempting those cupcakes! I would have probably just ate them all myself out of sheer frustration towards Dora!
Those dresses are simply…adorable! Love ’em!
thank you again for your cool posts, they just relax me and chill me out ! My daughter would adore that dress, i think today is my lucky day and that I am going to win and then my daughter will be one happy chick !!! love ya ms kelly ! blessings to your precious family, robin
The Curse the Dora cupcake moment has me cracking up. I wish that I could have seen the threatening frosting covered crazed mama moment “eat the cupcake!” Ah, so good to be human. Nella’s expressions at the bar are making me smile. Have a wonderful week Kelle.
-Jennifer from Annapolis
The Curse the Dora cupcake moment has me cracking up. I wish that I could have seen the threatening frosting covered crazed mama moment “eat the cupcake!” Ah, so good to be human. Nella’s expressions at the bar are making me smile. Have a wonderful week Kelle.
-Jennifer from Annapolis
I really need a let loose evening like you and Heidi! The dress is super cute but I don’t know if my 5’1″ frame can pull it off? Happy Monday!
Awesome weekend. Thanks for sharing! How did I forget about collages?? My girls (and boy) would love that!
AWESOME DRESS!!!!!
I hope I win. 🙂
I love all the pictures and thoughts you so beautifully share. It’s a piece of happiness in my day, and makes me smile about all the wonderful things life holds. Can really relate with your recent posts about Lainey separating at dance class. My son’s first day of preschool was today… tough day for mom and 4 year old little boy. Your blog brought a smile again to my face today.
Did I see a picture of Miss Nella sitting up by herself? What a little stud-muffin:) I can’t even imagine how much your girls are going to love looking back at all of your beautiful pictures when they get older. Those lucky girls.
You have waaaay more canoogies then I with those Dora cupcakes…I would have just sat down and ate the raw batter and said “I quit!” lol Love the blog as always!
Alright, first time to your blog. And it’s adorable!
Also…i might be head over heels in love with those cutesy patchwork-ish chairs. Love them.
My daughter has been bugging me to make those DOra cupcakes for weeks- I haven’t caved yet- but I’m closer after seeing how cute yours turned out!
LOVE the dress!
Camp is over on Friday, school starts 2 weeks after that. So while we will be baking, and jumping, and singing, and swimming, laughing and swinging – I know we will have the backpacks packed 4 days in advance and looking for activities. Thanks to Lainey we will now be collage making! Great idea and perfect for my 7 and 4 yr olds. My 1 yr old and Nella seem to have taken karate lessons together, she spends 30 mins karate chopping my face, the other 30 mins kissing it. Love this age!
Pick me. Please!!
Mmmmm…wings and beer sound so good after a monday at work!
Mmmmm…wings and beer sound so good after a monday at work!
Hi Kelle, I am Heidi’s friend from Michigan. I feel like I know you even though we have never met…but hopefully that will change this winter 🙂
I am in love with your blog! Thank you for reminding me what life is really about: love, family, and laughter.
Love the Dora Cupcakes…I would have been the exact same way. Three’s good….let’s move on.
Thanks for the inspiration Kelle!
I had never noticed how much Lainey looks like you until the pictures today. She has your mouth!
love your blog! and the “do not wash/dry/otherwise attempt to clean” princess dress made me smile. My girls aren’t quite old enough for the princess dress stage yet – but it is coming!
OMG! I’ve loved that dress since it first came out. Would totally make my year.
Oh that Price of Right wheel is pretty good, its my daughter Portia’s favorite of the moment as well.
Hi there…
I always feel a little sad at bedtime cause you are right, there is nothing more delicious than a gorgeous little in their jammies all ready for bed…just makes me crave more cuddles.
Am loving your red boots…wish I was funky enough to pull off the whole cowboy boot thing..nevermind, I will enjoy watching you love your boots and looking so fab in them.
Megan, (NZ)
What a cute name for a dress! I was married at Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, NYC!!! I walk by there a couple times a week with my husband, 8 month old son and our dog! Love your blog!
I love your blog it always makes me smile – and I so look forward to having kids some day. But in the mean time I would love that dress!
Bring the dress on!
I would have been lucky to produce one Dora cupcake before I lost my mind! You are awesome and your girls are so precious! xxx
i feel all glamorous just lookin’ at that dress. oh la la
your dora cupcakes rock.
I have the Dora birthday episode waiting for my 3 year old on DVR. I thought of attempting the cupcakes, but then again they sound like so much work with my “helpers” Love the way you write and your photos!
I have the Dora birthday episode waiting for my 3 year old on DVR. I thought of attempting the cupcakes, but then again they sound like so much work with my “helpers” Love the way you write and your photos!
Love your blog. Love how you rock being a mother and a wife. Love how you find new ways to spend quality time with your loved ones.
love the BOW!
bridget
dwyer.bridget@gmail.com
Oh <3, love this post. I was so impressed that you went over and above for your kids to make Dora Cupcakes, and then I read that after three you snapped a little, and I breathed a little sigh of relief. You’re just as wonderfully ordinary as the rest of us 🙂
It’s a pretty good thing that you’re a photographer, cause your subjects are lovely:)
Love it! Love all of it!!
Shabby Apple dresses are so chic. By the way, I think your Dora cupcakes were fabulous:)
After a really bad week, I opened up your blog to see weekend love. I absolutely love reading your post and they make me smile. Keep posting, I’ll keep reading 🙂
We went to the beach in NC this past Thursday and fondly thought of you and your family. Got some great pics of my sandy kids and dad playing in the waves. Soaked up some rays and lots of family fun!
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Love your blog! First time commenter, long time reader. It makes my lunch break every day at work 🙂
LOVE.
The Dora cupcakes are too cute, even the ones with the funny faces. 😉
Nella’s pictures make me smile every.time. Love that extra chromosome!!!
you are so creative! and i thought i was ok with only having a little boy, but this post especially makes me want a little girl!
and i love shabby apple!
Thanks for the update. Your writing and pictures are so inspiring. I got hooked on it when you posted about Nella’s birth. (I sat there crying and totally relating to all the same crazy emotions that I had when my son was born.) Now I just check in for inspiration and a brief respite. Keep’em coming and LOVE the red boots!
Your blog makes me laugh, makes me cry and makes me want to be the best mama to my baby that I can be. I love how you enjoy all the small moments of life and laugh at the things that don’t matter like half-assed Dora cupcakes.
Because of your blog I let my daughter eat watermelon (or as she calls it Pastec in French) until it drips down her elbows, chin and chubby toddler belly into her diaper. Then we laugh and say that’s what washing machines for!
Your blog reminds me to let her go to sleep with her play earrings snapped on her ears and one dress up Cinderella shoe on her foot.
Your blog reminds me to say yes more often and just have fun with my little girl!
I bought a dress from Shabby Apple that didn’t fit quite right and was non-refundable, so I’m hoping to give it away to a friend and would love to replace it with another one. Their dresses are just too cute/gorgeous!
i would love to win that dress! i have an event in november that it would be perfect for! so cute!
i would love to win that dress! i have an event in november that it would be perfect for! so cute!
I think the pictures of Nella smiling are the cutest things I have ever seen – such real emotion! You are fortunate to have two beautiful girls!!!
Also, as a mommy with big ambitions for cupcakes and such, bravo for attempting a DORA CUPCAKE!!!! Wow – I’m impressed.
Hope your back is better, ouch! Too funny how Lainey would only eat the good dora cupcakes, that is so my older daughter. lol
Cheryl in MI
Actually laughed out loud about the princess dress washing instructions. And loving all of the Shabby Apple dresses. So cute!
I’m still amazed by all that you do. Amazing pictures. Creative, inspiring blog posts every few days. Digital picture books for your kids. Photography business. Writing a book. And time left over to get yourself and your kids all fixed up cute (every. single. day.) and making the most out of everyday for yourself and your family. I wanna be you!
gorgeous dress!
I love how much your comment count goes up when you have a give-away!! Ha. Love the dress, love the pics…love the Nella-bean and Lainey Love!!
I’m glad Heidi’s back. You guys seem to havefun together and no one should be away from their best friend for 7 weeks! I, for one, would never be able to handle that.
Love the pictures!
oh goodness gracious the smile faces on that baby, she just oozes pure pure joy.
Love it love love it love it!
Plus the “Not Dora” cupcakes are ten times better, unique smiles and eyes all the way around.
Lovely blog as always.
I look forward to your blog posts each week. Can’t wait for my little girl to get just a bit bigger so we can bake and craft together. And I would totally wear that dress with pearls, but no need to wait for the holidays!
You always manage to make me laugh with your writing style. Me loves me some polyester throw-away dress too -Hahahaha!!!!
nella is getting big!
gorgeous photos as always…. i’m glad we didn’t try to make those dora cupcakes for my son’s dora b-day party. i settled for dora cupcake liners instead!
Dude, Kelle…your cupcakes are so much more appetizing than the more Dora-accurate version!
Lovin’ that dress…
Love. Love it all. You inspire me with every post. Thank you. Thank you for your words, your pictures, everything. You write what so many feel, but don’t have the words to put it like you do. LOVE!
The picture of Nella in the restaurant laughing totally cracked me up. She is just too darn cute!!
And I love that Lainey’s hair is getting longer. She’s looking like such a big girl now. 🙂
LOVING that dress. . .my fingers are crossed!!
LOVE your blog! Always looking forward to your next entry 🙂
Kelle, You are truly an inspiration to me, thank-you for blessing us with your everyday moments. I hope that we can bless you back with our words of encouragement!
Love the dress that you throw away when it gets dirty…hilarious! Your blog brightens my day- thank you!
I love reading your blog and looking at all your beautiful pictures. You are an awesome mom.
Love the dress! Thanks for brightening another Monday with your beautiful stories.
(Pick Me!!! 🙂 )
Oh my gosh, the “Where the hell have you been” made me literally laugh out loud!!! Then the “hai-ya” and the giggle was priceless!!! I love Lainey looking in your mirror with puckered lips and pearls…that is priceless!!!
love this post and love the dress!
Great giveaway!
Nella’s sitting so well!! That is so great 🙂 And I would have cried at the non-Dora cupcakes too, however, I would have eaten them! 🙂
Your blog is so inspiring. You have a beautiful family!!
This is off topic but I wanted to share something with you … I found your blog during a very sad time in my life- reading your blog does help me remember to enjoy “the small things”. I especially enjoy the comments from your Poppa who reminds me of my own Dad who I lost in June. Anyway- last week we were in Ft. Lauderdale getting ready to leave for our much needed cruise. I was very sad and missing my Dad but trying to put on a happy face for my girls. We were walking home from dinner on Las Olas and I came upon a street named Isle of Capri- at that moment I felt like my Dad was sending me a message and I realized he would want me to not take a moment for granted and I thought of what your blog has taught me- not to take a day for granted so Thank you for helping me to enjoy the small things!
yay for you and the dress… awesome…and how I had to laugh my ass off of you in the street… people think I’m crazy when my back is out too- but a girl has to do what a girl as to do!
and I LOVE that dress…yes, do it w pearls… not sure about the red boots lol…
AND I LOVE THAT NELLA HAD HER HAIR BAND ON!!! Awwwwwwwwwwwww thanks… !
Your posts always make me smile. Thank you for that.
I love love love your pictures! Lainey and Nella are absolutely adorable 🙂
This is a lil late but the dance pics took me back 24 yr ago when my little first put on her tap shoes and ballet shoes. I only have about 3 pics of it and they aren’t as good as yours! But I sure enjoyed those times.
My kiddo wants to make the cupcakes too, I bought the stuff but we have yet to make them. Now I am scared. That might be a “mama only” project. haha.
xo
-K
you make me want to be a Fun, exciting, dora cupcake making mommy! 🙂 thank you!
Much more ambitious with your crafting than myself. Love your blog!
I am totally addicted to your blog. Nella is so beautiful and I don’t know how you do it all, but I am going to try my hardest to make some of those Dora cupcakes. Far too cute for words. Lainey reminds me so much of my 3 year old and she loves to view the blog and pictures as much as I do!
gosh, your blog is amazing. I get thrilled every time I see a new post from you; truly.
Also, this giveaway is delightful. I hope I win this one… more than I’ve ever wanted to win others.
Also, how do you get so trim and fit right after babies?? I figured it was just natural, but thought I’d ask.
Please.
Your photos are absolutely stunning. Your daughters are beautiful. Loved the Dora story. They turned out better than mine would have. LOVE the dress giveaway!!
I love your response to her saying they didn’t look like Dora… been there, said that.
Holy cannoli! Your Dora cupcakes look a-ma-zing~ even the second string ones! Well done.
Just wow… it’s inspiring that you make your love so visible.
The Dora cupcakes look AMAZING! They look pretty tedious! You did a beautiful job!
oh that dress!! I need it bad!
Your words are always so well crafted and placed onto every page, which I love, love, love! The pics in this blog in particular seem to jump out at me with such life-telling-a-story magnitude, and with a multitude of dimensions! Although the words flow like water, the pics could tell the story all by themselves. Love!!
Beautiful quote! I have written down many of the quotes you share in my quote book for safekeeping 🙂
Your blog continues to amaze me – gorgeous photos of your beautiful life! Love 🙂
LOVE the dress, and love reading your blog. You have inspired me in so, so many ways!
I love reading your blog! It always brings a happy to my day.
Your photos inspire me!
A-a-a-a-a!!! I really NEED that dress!!! In all seriousness, though, as usual, a wonderful post. Loved the pictures of little Nella sleeping. So precious. :)))
Your daughters are beautiful! And the Dora cupcakes? AMAZING!! I don’t have any children, but I may just have to make some with my young cousin.
Oh, and the dress is super cute! I always look forward to reading your posts; they really make my day!
I love the dress but I think my taller friend would like it even more so it might be wrapped up for her birthday!
~skylar meinhardt
the quote at the end is perfect and i desperately need to come alive. thank you Kelle.
Nella is growing and changing so much. I love the dora cupcakes, the mouths are hilarious. You are an amazing mother. I so look forward to reading your story each day. You keep me inspired
Your blog equals a smile on a bad day…thank you!
Your blog makes me so happy 🙂 You are so full of life, and listening to the music on your blog while reading your words are so inspiring!
Love it!
Liz 🙂
your blog is delightful and inspiring. reading it has become one of the highlights of my week. thank you.
That Howard Thurman quote is one of my favorites. I hope to live me life “alive”
Thanks for being someone who makes this big ole job of mommyhood come alive!
I swear I was going o comment before I saw the giveaway!
I cannot believe how fast Nella is growing – can you make her slow down? And you, Miss Kelle, you look PHENOMENAL. As in, better than I looked PRE-BABY. 😉
How can I be proud of Nella for sitting like such a big girl when I don’t even know her? (But I am!)
Your header is gorgeous!
I guess somewhere between 2 and 3 kids learn what a good Dora cupcake looks like. My 2 year old Dora lover would have been handily fooled by the half-assed ones. I guess I better make them before that window closes and she’s as smart as Lainey!
Love your blog. It is my first read of the day over a cup of coffee or a late night read with a cup of tea- like tonight. I have 3 lovely littles- the oldest has Down syndrome, the second is a boy and the third is my mini-me.
Love all your links to cute finds, too!
Nicki, mom to Audrey, Will and Eloise
Kelle your blog is truly an inspiration. Although I stumbled upon it randomly, I have become a dedicated follower. After reading your blog and being 7 months pregnant myself I am anxious and excited to enter the fabulous world of motherhood. Thank you for your beautiful and poetic outlook on life, love and family.
I look forward to seeing what new adventures you’ve been on, and the Dora cupcakes totally cracked me up!
Yeah for dresses, sweets and smiles!
Can’t wait to wake up tomorrow a.m. and start a collage with the kids! Thanks for sharing so much beauty with us!!!—Luv, Megan Rae
Kelle your blog is truly an inspiration. Although I stumbled upon it randomly, I have become a dedicated follower. After reading your blog and being 7 months pregnant myself I am anxious and excited to enter the fabulous world of motherhood. Thank you for your beautiful and poetic outlook on life, love and family.
LOVE LOVE LOVE your Blog! Thanks for sharing, your beautiful life adventures with us!
I am addicted to your blog. The way you look at the world really does invite us to gaze at lightness and beauty. Been lurking for a long time…
Oh what a lovely dress!! I adore your blog and check it weekly. Reading your blog inspires me to enjoy and soak in life.
Nella looks like her sister — I saw a glimpse of Lainey in a couple of those photos. Precious!
We’ll take sloppy-faced Dora at our house… and a beautiful dress (or two or three!).
That little Nella is growing so fast! I love her expressions. I also love that dress too. And goodness knows, I could use it. Crossing my fingers.
Sounds like you had a delicious weekend indeed. I’m the same way around my friends. We definitely don’t act our age and have the times of our life. It’s funny, because when I have a girls’ night out and call my husband, he always ask me if I’m drunk. My response? “Yes, I’m drunk on life.” 🙂
Those cupcakes I’m sure will be the death of me too! We’re making them in the next day or so…..
Kelle, I have been reading your blog since the week Nella was born. I just have to tell you how inspiring it is! I love the live life to the fullest posts & reminder that life as a stay at home mom doesn’t have to be just cleaning, cooking, and bottom wiping. It can be so much more! 🙂
3 things I LOVE about today’s post …
1. Heidi is back in your everyday life … how wonderful!
2. Your Dora cupcakes .. super adorable, even those with the sloppy faces 🙂
3. All the beautiful pictures from your weekend close to home.
Ohhhh … and 4th … that dress it sure would look good at a holiday party!!!
YIPPEE! I love giveaways. I will never look as good as you in that dress though:)
Every. S I N G L E. Time. I check your blog (which is multiple times daily-a little obsessive? Nah.), I can not help but be in awe over just how beautiful sweet Nella is. And oh how lucky she is to have a loving momma like you- everyone has the ability to build up or tear down the children they interact with-I know you are doing nothing but building up those sweet girls’ confidence and self-worth. Kudos.
You have an absolutely beautiful family.. I love following your blogs, its a highlight of mine.. 🙂
I totally need a Christmas party dress! Last Christmas I was great with child, for the company picnic I was 4 months postpartum (and looked four months prego!) and so for Christmas this year I kinda want to knock ’em all dead!
My nieces LOVE Dora… and those look awesome- I am impressed because I completely understand the complications frosting can present (my two sisters and I always have high hopes for the baking and frosting we do together, but in the end the loser always has to finish frosting!) : )
I busted out laughing at your Dora cupcakes and Lainey not eating them. Fun-fun!
Love it!!! If only my girls were as lucky as Lainey to have such a crafty mom to make them such fab cupcakes 🙂 My Claire is always intrigued by Noggin/Nick Jr.’s crafts… thanks!!! Love the polyester costume comment, as well!
i was extremely moved by your grandmother story. Your girls get cuter with each pictures. Keep the fun times rolling 🙂
Thanks for another fabulous post! I’ve been having a tough time with my 2year old daughter. She’s in her TERRIBLE 2s and have been driving me NUTZ! I started finding myself lacking patience and becoming more irritable. Of course coupled with the feelings of guilt…just haven’t been a good week for me. Your blog is a little dose of medicine for a tired mommy! Now I want make a collage with my daughter, bake cupcakes (I’ll settle for smily faces…need to build up my baking skills before attempting DORA), dress her up in her tutu and take pictures, put a butterfly wing and paint her toenails…Thanks for sharing simple things to enjoy!
Awesome – I have been reading your blog for almost a year now and am constantly checking for new posts 🙂 I have 2 boys not much younger than your 2 girls and it is always fun to read about the antics!!
You are much braver than I am! I saw that Dora commercial too but there was no way I was evern going to try and attempt it! Good job!
I think I could look good in that dress! I could definitely eat the wanna-be Dora cupcakes. I think I’ll go make some lil’ cakes right now. 🙂
I love how you take an “ordinary” weekend and tell a beautiful story. We have many ordinary weekends around here (and we don’t have kiddos yet!), but I was inspired to snap some pics on our walk to the local Farmers’ Market this weekend. I love the Camera+ app for the iPhone (although the Hipstamatic you use is super cool too!), and actually was impressed with some of the images I captured myself. You truly inspire me thru your blog to OPEN my eyes to the simple, yet extraordinary people and things around me in my every day life. I love reading your words and viewing your pictures…you’ve encouraged me to capture more of that goodness. Plus, all these great websites and products you mention are wonderful…there are going to be a lot of “Kelle wanna-be’s” out there in the world pretty soon looking at the number of comments you get these days! 😉 I would be proud to be one.
Great post (they always are!) and such wonderful pictures. I’m happy for you that Heidi is home. I’m loving the giveaways, they force me to comment. Very, very cute dresses, I must have one!!! Have a terrific week.
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I enjoy your blog so much!!Keep up the great work!
From one Kelly to another, Kelle 🙂
love your blog! Love the dora cupcakes.
You are my inspiration to catch all of the sweet moments (and cherish and enjoy them) as my little one grows up.
loveeeeeee this. makes me smile everyday. heck– im on vacation (swearing off all computer things– except this lovely blog) love & peace
I love, love, LOVE your blog!! I look foward to reading every evening after my little buddy goes to bed.
sounds like a great weekend! love the dresses!!
Love the dress warning. I laughed for a long time about that one. It reminds me of the dress we used to wear for dress up that looked a lot like that one… a goodwill special with the original $99 price tag.
my kids both love that animal wheel thing too: that “the animals have something to SAY” song haunts me.
and you and your girls are stunning, as always. =]
That dress is just great! I love reading your blog; can’t wait to use your ideas on our little one who is expected in about 3 weeks. Seeing you love your kids the way you do makes me so excited to be a mom.
I attempted to make 3D panda bear cakes for my daughters first birthday… “I can so do this!!!’ Instead of the 12 I set out to make, only 3 came out of the pan with their head intact. So we had three panda bears. And store bought cupcakes. 🙂 I feel your pain.
I can’t believe how big Nella is getting!! I look forward to you pictures and words every week … and part of me was just a little happy to hear you admit to the frustration of a 3yr old who would only eat the “perfect” cupcakes 🙂
so gorgeous! your girls wear THE cutest clothes i’ve ever seen. where do you typically shop?! adorable.
i’m obsessed with your blog!! just can’t get enough!!!!!
reading your blog is the perfect end to my day. i love the dresses :)but love the pictures of you and your sweet girls even more!!! happy week! Heather
Love your pics!!
One day I will get a cool camera and take pictures like you Kelle, one day!
Thank you so much for the inspiration! My 6yr old, husband and I made the bbq cupcakes from your fathers day…they were adorable!
Did Lainey want to celebrate Dora’s birthday the other night? We did so with my 2 year old niece. Love the cupcakes!!
Can’t beat a smile past the bed time! Nella stretches her arms the same way Kenely does. It is great to see them reach for the wonder of the world! Jenny
You were much braver than I was- when my kids saw the commercial I spent 20 minutes convincing them brownies would be better.
Again your pictures inspire and I love the chairs behind Lainey in your house. So pretty.
Looking forward to your next post.
Kathy
love, love, love, love the shots of nella at the restaurant…..she is soooo stinking cute. then i equally loved the shots of lainey hard at work on her collages!! and i have a 3 yr old and my fridge is covered in her artwork! and LOL!! at the dora cupcakes…good for you trying to make them….we’ve watched that tidbit on nick several times and never once thought hey…i could do that!!
love your blog, your story, and the effortless way you seem to tell your story!!
I have GOT to get my hands on those adorable chairs in your living room. Thank you for another wonderful post. Cheers!
Wow. First off…holy comments batman! I guess that gorg navy bow dress will do that to a blog 🙂 (count me in that random drawing btw!!) So what else…your Grandma Cordelia post brought me tears the other day….so glad Heidi is back…Lainey is looking more big-girl than ever in that last black and white–oh her sweet little blonde bob! And Miss Nella’s wide gummy smiles melt my heart. Oh! And I hope your back is feeling better–totally commiserate with rotten nasty back pain, it is not a party fo’ sho’. Mmmm, and I have pumpkin fever myself…can start to smell it in the air at night…so ready!!!
hugs and love!!
I think the no washing, no drying, no dry cleaning concept should be widely accepted, cutting down on cost of dry cleaning, water usage, and the allows for the ability to update my wardrobe more frequently, plus that fabulous dress would pick my wardrobe up a few notches.
PS thanks for your posts, makes me appreciate the small things and laugh at the ones that I should cry over.
Love the pics of Nella. So cute.
I want to come play at your house for a weekend!
I don’t think Nella could possibly smile any bigger. Love it. I also love Lainey and the Dora cupcakes. So sweet. I also love the dress…you will look fabulous.
That cupcake story sounds identical to a story of mine. The things we do to please our kids.
http://texasmacks.blogspot.com/2010/02/hard-lesson-learned.html
Hey Kelle,
Love you, love your girls, and love your blog! Makes me :0). You’ve probably been asked this a million times, but I looked and can’t find the answer…Where did you get the beautiful colorful patterned chairs in your living room??? I LOVE THEM. Also, the very funky tan chenille hat you are wearing with flower? SOOOO COOOL….
xoxo, V
P.S. I make up a new creative name everytime I write a comment on here; how will you know it’s me? ??? I just have fun making them up…
Hahahahahahaha…My husband I and I were just talking about those Dora cupcakes this weekend after that little part came on Nick Jr. Who in their right mind…no offense…does that with littles helping or even on their own. I read a book to my son once that had a recipe for homeade cherry pie. I made it…all the way down to pitting the darn cherries by hand! Crazy woman. I totally understand the desire to make the “everyday” special. The pie was good and it’s definately a memory. Love Shabby Apple. Cheers to the everyday!
My daughter and I have the matching set of aprons like Lainey’s… we often fancy ourselves baketresses and do our best to create confectionary delights. We’ve got quite a few Dora cupcake episodes of our own and I wouldn’t have it any other way… no lovingly applied frosting is wasted frosting. Love this post.
Lovely! Wonderful pics.
That dress is too fun!
love the cupcakes! and the dress rocks.
Emily
I love how your writing. Thanks for sharing the little intimate moments with your family. I can’t get enough!
LOVE reading your blog.
ive never commented but i cant help but read this all day, every day.
and is it just me or are nella’s eyes starting to change?
i feel like i keep catching a hint of some brownish hazel in there.
cant wait to watch your babes continue to grow into beauties =]
Actually LOLed at the tag on the dress… classic! Thanks for always brightening my day.
Nothing beats weekends at home!
Love Love Love the Dora cupcakes!
I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing your beautiful pictures, but my favorites are the ones of Nella. She is so precious. The one of her sleeping in her crib just tugs at my heart.
I had to laugh that Lainey only ate the good cupcakes. She knows what she deserves.
What a great post!! The cupcakes looked great ~ very talented. As always, beautiful pictures. Hope I get the dress! It’s “beau-fi-tul” ha ha!
Kelle,
I loved this post. I loved the pictures of Nella sitting up. I swear she looks so much older than in recent posts. I used words I shouldn’t have just thinking about attempting Dora cupcakes. My biggest little has a pretty big Dora obsession and there is no way I could get any of them to look good enough to eat in her eyes. However the pictures of you and Heidi got me the most. I recently moved away from home and just returned for a quick visit. It’s amazing how much you can appreciate QT with a great friend when you haven’t had it for a while. I can’t wait to go back again!
Oh and of course…I stress every year over the perfect holiday outfit for my hubbies christmas party and that dress has my name all over it!!
I finally managed to “catch up with you” even on our family vacation :D! For a few days I couldn’t find an internet connection, and as soon as I did, I HAD to come and see what you and your family has been doing recently :D! Love the cupcake update! I had exactly the same episode at my twin daughters’ birthday. Not Doras, but dogs that did not look anything like dogs :D! Next time I WILL practice before a party…
I’m so sorry to hear of your back.
You may have a bulging disc. Seriously, try a chiropractor…they were my saving grace. I’m a runner and using them I am still able to run.
If you ever have a “fall to the kitchen floor” episode again use ice or better yet lay on a bag of frozen peas. Your muscles are fired up after this, so you need ice for the inflammation, never heat. Chiropractors are holistic and actually work at the root of the problem. Plus it’s preventative. The kiddos would benefit too!
Take care and love your beautiful photographs and your writing!
I just adore the smiles and giggles from Nella. Lainey’s dress up pics remind me so much of my 3 y/o daughter Emerson. If she isn’t taking care of her babies and playing mama, she is finding some crazy outfit to get dressed up in to parade around the house!
Hilarious! Love the dress 🙂
not only are the cupcakes fabulous, i am still loving those red boots!!!!
I love watching your babies grow. Enjoying the Small Things is apart of my life and it is a joy to follow your it and comings and goings of everyday. Thanks for sharing your heart with all of us. A true inspiration. -Jenny C
Oh….that little baby of yours!! F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!! She’s adorable….I heart all the pictures you share with us. Makes me want to be a better mom, daughter, wife and friend. THANK YOU!
Jennifer M.
Love the photos of Nella in her pjs. Adorable!
This post put a smile on my face 🙂 loved the 3 cupcakes!
I am not just commenting to get free stuff, it just so happened that the time I have chosen to comment on your amazing blog, happened to be when you were hosting a giveaway.
I just want you to know how much hope your blog has given me. I don’t know if you will ever read this, but I still feel the need to thank you. Your story on Nella’s birth, made me not only feel like it was ok to feel the way I did when my daughter was born, but also that I wasn’t alone in the way I felt.
You see my daughter was misdiagnosed with Down’s Syndrome. It was later that we discovered her true diagnosis, which was extremely rare, but still a chromosome abnormality, and I still feel linked to any parent of a child with a chromosome abnormality. Both of your girls are just beautiful beyond words, and I love to see pictures you have taken of them. Literally, a lot of them have taken my breath away. Thank you for sharing them and your stories with those of us out here that really need to see and hear it.
kelle, our world needs more women like you. thank you for sharing your family and your gift for capturing your life in words and pictures. reading your blog gives my life an extra sprinkle of joy!
love love love the dress. I die.
I would love the dress…although, it is not throw way like the “do not wash, do not dry clean…just throw away” princess dress! After all, no one would expect a princess to do laundry or be caught in the same outfit twice!?!
Love the dress! Love this blog!
the carseat does it everytime. love the quote. i try to teach my daughter and son to live their lives this way!
the carseat does it everytime. love the quote. i try to teach my daughter and son to live their lives this way!
I loved seeing the pics of Nella sitting up like a big kid! I had no idea she was sitting already – what a rock star!
I think Lainey has a kindred spirit in my 7-year old son. He would have protested the “imperfect” cupcakes – and I would have yelled at him to eat them just the same! 🙂
super cute and thanks for sharing 🙂
Loved the cupcakes! And all the pictures were just beautiful.
I am so ready for fall. Too hot in Texas to even think!
:o)
Cute dress!!! Love it!
at least they had faces … i probably would have given up after the first and smeared the brown frosting all over the rest.
and then we would have eaten poo-ish cupcakes for the next week.
meh.
promise me, though? you will never ever ever tell cora about dora cupcakes. k?
thanks.
bye.
Love the photos again, as always. I could just eat Nella up! I love how you document so many small moments (the photo of Lainey sleeping in the rearview). I have to say your girls’ outfits and the glimpses you show of your home are beautiful! Love those chairs!
Thank you for sharing again. Oh – and this mama of 4 could use a new dress. And maybe some red boots. 😉
I saw that commercial for the Dora cupcakes, too! Nice job on the three good ones, and the others probably still tasted just as yummy!
Loved this post – the pictures were wonderful and agree with an earlier comment to post more of your super crafty ideas! Nella Bean is sooooooo adorable – she melts my heart. And so does Lainey.
Another great post! Hope your back feels better!
I <3 the Bethesda Fountain dress, but it does not come in chubbalicious. What’s up with that? Hand me those jacked up Dora cupcakes, I’ll take care of ’em for ya…
;o)
xo
c
Love Nella’s tai chi! Hooray for Heidi’s return. Lovely post!
Rebecca
A sumptious bow!
That made me smile. And so did the Dora smiles.
This is my favorite place in all of blogland. My favorite, favorite place.
Once again, love this little place on the world wide web.
I cannot believe how much Nella is beginning to look like Lainey in some of these pics!
glad you have your bestie back in tow.
You inspire me every time I read your blog! Thank you for sharing your amazing life with us!
You inspire me every time I read your blog! Thank you for sharing your amazing life with us!
You inspire me every time I read your blog! Thank you for sharing your amazing life with us!
You inspire me every time I read your blog! Thank you for sharing your amazing life with us!
You inspire me every time I read your blog! Thank you for sharing your amazing life with us!
You inspire me every time I read your blog! Thank you for sharing your amazing life with us!
LOVING the picture of Nella next to her wheel, hair going crazy everywhere. If only she could talk, I know she would be saying “rock on dude”. What a cutie-pie!
Hugs from Iowa,
-Jenny
Your girls wear the cutest freakin’ clothes! I’d love to hear sometime what some of your favorite brands/stores are. They dress better than I do! 🙂
Kelle,
Me likes the cupcakes… the crappy ones are best. I think they look like me at the end of a long Friday. Me likes the giveaway too. Lovely dresses.
In the picture of three of the half-assed cupcakes, the one on the left is totally RAMONA QUIMBY!! Nice job, Kelle!!
I want that dress. Pretty please?
Is Nella sitting up by herself now? We are working on it with Max right now as well. He does well when we put him in the corner of the couch, crib, etc but still isn’t ready to sit by himself yet. He is a month and a half older than Nella. Love the pictures. They are absolutely beautiful as always!
Totally time for a new dress at my house:) And I just wanted to thank you for your honest insights. As an RN I have referred families to your blog who have welcomed sweet squinty-eyed babies into their world… and I hope they love your blog like I do!
Thank you for once again putting a smile on my face with another one of your awesome posts!
Emma
I needed a mama boost today, and you gave it to me. Hold on little bugs, mama’s ready for a new day. Thanks, Kelli.
Love the dress, love the blog!
Love the Dora cupcakes TFS
Love the dora cupcakes! Such a cute idea!
You inspire me every time I read your blog! Thank you for sharing your amazing life with us!
I cant find the right words to say how much i enjoy reading your blog. My little man is 5 1/2 months old and brings soo much joy to our life… but on the days when i still cant get in to that one pair of jeans and he is cranky it is hard to focus on the positve. Thank you for your positive additude and for sharing your beautiful daughters with us all!
“She only ate the good ones.” BAH haha!! Loves it.
I would love to win that dress! Perfect for an “I feel pretty!” day.
Wow, good for Nella sitting up!! Thanks for another giveaway chance:)
You make life so simple and beautiful! And I love the fact that you only made three nice looking Dora cupcakes and hurried with the rest. ;P Makes you kinda normal. Love love the Shabby Apple dresses! Don’t have one (yet, – harr harr). 🙂
You are an inspiration. I hope to be half the mother you are (and your looks wouldn’t hurt either). Your girls are beautiful and I treasure my time set aside each time you update your post.
So pretty!! Thanks for this great giveaway!!!
Your weekend looks like so much fun!!! I love the pictures of Lainey on your dresser…a little girls dream! 🙂 I’m also drooling over Nella’s sweet face all smooshed up in her sleep…nothing better than watching your sweet little ones sleep! 🙂
So pretty!! Thanks for this great giveaway!!!
Your weekend looks like so much fun!!! I love the pictures of Lainey on your dresser…a little girls dream! 🙂 I’m also drooling over Nella’s sweet face all smooshed up in her sleep…nothing better than watching your sweet little ones sleep! 🙂
Oh how I love a sleeping baby picture, and Nella did not disappoint!! And is it me, or is Lainey looking like SUCH a big girl these days!! Your girls are edible!
What a fabulous dress and website! I had never heard of the site before, but tonight after reading your blog I went shopping and I am the proud owner of a new red dress.
Gorgeous photos as always.
I think you sort of took one for the mom team on the Dora cupcake front- I’ll go ahead and skip that baking challenge.
love the wing flapping! I always feel so greedy commenting on the days there is a prize! Oh well…us stay at home moms do what we can do have cute clothes 😉 I comment on other days too so whatever! haha
Oh my goodness, I cracked up so hard over the Dora cupcakes!
Has Lainey read the Pinkalicious books? If not, she definitely needs to! My niece and I slaved one afternoon over making pink cupcakes with pink frosting (and one blue cupcake with blue frosting for my nephew!). 😀
HI!!!
As a MIMI who has tried with great joy to make cupcakes in what ever design she wants that particular day, I LOVE the DORA cupcakes!!!
I understand how difficult that is to do!!I have made ducks, snowmen, minnie mouse and a fairy one complete with pixie dust!!
SO I LOVE LOVE that dress!!!!I will run over and check out the web site!!
hugs to you and your 2 darlings
jamie
I love that dress!
And I love all your pictures of Nella in her jammies. My oldest has just gotten too old for footie pajamas, and I’m so sad. But I still have two more. And I will milk it. 🙂
I adore the clothes you find for your girls-always so sweet-especially the lil pink&white striped sweater nella is wearing here. oh and. that dress is just perfect-the color is getting me excited for fall.
Hey Kelle! ^^ I’ve been following your blog since god-knows-when. And same as you are, same as what I’ve been telling before, it’s hard not to love nellabean. She is the most wonderful thingin this world. Believe me, you’re luky to have her. ^^
This post makes me want to leave a comment because eventhough I don’t have my own family yet, I know what I want. I know what kind of family I-would-kill-to-try-building. I have it all planned out in my head. And thanks to you, you’re making me realize it’s all possible. You’re making it all more realistic and reachable for us all (your readers and friends).
I love that you still spare time to have a fun time with Heidi. Even if I don’t personallt know you two, you two got my heart.And I a line I got from you always plays on my mind: “They sure know how to have fun.”. ‘coz that’s what I want too.
It made me laugh with the polyester gown Lainey have. And the cupcakes, I can’t stop laughing. I love Nellabean’s crib, I would also want that when the day comes that I will be having my own Nella.
Please send sweet Lainey and amiable Nella kisses and hugs from a stanger all the way from Philippines who truly love them! ^^
~ Christine
Valiant effort on the cupcakes! I am especially impressed with the hair. Your girls are blessed to have you as their mommy.
PS I LOVE the bow dress!
Valiant effort on the cupcakes! I am especially impressed with the hair. Your girls are blessed to have you as their mommy.
PS I LOVE the bow dress!
Love the dress! Like the cupcakes… way better than I could make them! 🙂
Love. Love. Love. Your blog always makes me smile! & i love that other people love Shabby Apple too!
Kelle, you’re amazing! You inspire me with your words and beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing!!
I am in a completely different time zone to you and keep checking to see if you’ve loaded a new post. Every time I find it and there are always a ka-jillion comments already, so I am pretty sure you don’t ever get to mine. Anyway, love the blog. Love the LOVE. Your girls, as always, are gorgeous.
Ahhh!! Your blog makes me smile. It’s the last thing I look at before I head to bed each night (well, the last thing before I check on my own munchkins) then slip off to dream land a little giddy.
Ouch! I can totally relate to a back that snaps out whenever it feels like it. However, I don’t seem to look as fun and classy as you laying there on the floor in your rockin’ red boots! ; D
Great cupcakes by the way! Seriously. I’m drooling.
P.S. Love me a big bow dress! I have proof of that in my wedding photos. I truly do love bows.
Nella is SO beautiful, I love her smiles!! And what a fun giveaway – please pick me!!
Love reading your stories and looking at your pictures. Our children are about the same age plus I have twins that are one and a half. I am inspired by you; your love for life is contagious.
I can’t believe how grown up Nella looks in those pictures! Your girls are adorable. I love those Shabby APples dresses so cute!
Oh wow, I love those jammie pics of Nella, how much personality!
Your girls are beautiful. Just like your blog posts, thanks!
And I love that dress!
You must have some great metabolism! You’re killing me with your skinny lying in the street pictures!
I love seeing Nella getting bigger and sitting up. She’s such a cutie and I already miss that baby stage, even though it is just months behind me!
fabulous blog. fabulous dresses. fabulous girls.
Yes, your soul sister has arrived! You two are like those comic icons who, when they touch their rings, lightning bolts ignite! The public should be warned! I swear seeing photos of the girls are like vitamins to me…and I cannot wait to be Nella’s “nanny” next week…or maybe au pair or however it’s spelled. Love ya muchly! I will pass my chance on the dress to the next commenter, if I am chosen…that neckline doesn’t work for me.
must have a new dress
meme, please!
snd i simply love nella laughing…
she reminds me so, so much of lindy, my south african beauty whom i was lucky to take care of years ago..
Hot pose, kick butt boots, soul sisters reunited — let’s go K!! (to my SS BFF<=10 K, not you), dirty princess dresses cause that’s not ever getting thrown away, start thinking pillows of ruined cloth or where to stitch it into her prom dress, ya know: if the easy design came first, shed eat them all; hire helpers to try to replicate you– moms in the area would pay to come hang out and your playhouse. Really
the dresses are sweet too, cool and hip. Hopefully you will get that dream cause your a walking billboard sister
still in love with your thoughts under special needs, you go but you really don’t have to explain yourself. Not until your kids are at least six yrs old. Then we might have our philosphy of parenting figured out a bit.
But thanks tons for TRYING to cater to all viewpoints by explaining what yours is today.
I love that you told her “It’s Dora ..Eat it!” It made me think, ok maybe she is a little bit like the rest of us! I love your blog and I love your photos and I would love to win the dress!
I love reading your blog. It makes me laugh all at the same time. Love the Shabby Apple dress too!
Loving the dress, teh bow, and your beautiful girls!
that dora cupcake story had me cracking up…
a few years ago my daughter’s best friends grandmother ‘attempted’ to make her a ‘kim possible’ cake for her birthday…is kim possible still on tv?? she was like a red haired kid that saved the world – or something…i never paid too much attention…
but the birthday cake….it was hilarious – it was just the plainest round cake with funny orange hair with the same face that were on your dora cupcakes (that lainey didn’t eat!)..the grandma was so proud about that cake – we all CRACKED UP..but the girls were so polite and acted like they thought she had done a great job…all the while looking at us mom’s out of the corners of their eyes…wanting to say ‘what the ???’ anyway…made me laugh on a tuesday morning!!!
love all the pictures too!!! nella’s smile is the greatest!!!
nancie
OMG!! We had the same thing happen at our house with those darn Dora cupcakes…and my question is “How do they make it look sooooo easy on the tv and get our kids excited to make them? Then when we do “half-ass” them, our kids won’t eat them!! I was laughing hysterically as I read this because I could totally relate to it! And my, oh my, was that little Nella Bean SITTING UP??!! It has been such joy to wake up in the morning and read your blog!!
Your posts are a perfect way to start my day… Makes me cherish my two little girls even more! 🙂
Fabulous, as always! And I give you credit … you’re really getting some use out of those red cowboy boots!
You have just inspired me to blew off cleaning the house at go to an infant playgroup this morning. 1/2way done with maternity leave and me and the wee one need to live it up! Thanks for your wonderfully crafted blog that makes me so happy to read everyday!
I can see why you would want every Shabby Apple dress in your closet! I agree!
As always, your writing and honesty makes my heart happy. I hope you are having a blessed week.
Those Baby Blue eyes get me everytime. Thanks for the post. (ps I love those red boots).
Those Baby Blue eyes get me everytime. Thanks for the post. (ps I love those red boots).
Dude let me just say I am so glad I was not drinking my coffee when reading about the cupcakes. Because I would be heading to Apple store for some liquid repair, as I know I would have spit it ALL over my laptop in the fits of laughter I was having. “Eat it.” CLASSIC…
The dress=perfection that I want to wear!!
Baking cupcakes with my little girl is one of my favorite things to do. Some turn out, some do not, but the time spent together is worth every little mistake!
LOVE!! 🙂
Love your blog, your family and your sweetness that just oozes from your posts. I check often for new posts and they always make my day! Thanks for your efforts!
me me, pick me! what a lovely dress!
This blog always brings me tears of joy. Thanks for sharing your stories.
I cannot believe how big your girls have gotten lately…i read every post but the pics in this last one really seemed to show some serious growth spurts! And Nella sitting up!?!?! love it! i love how your blog brings a little sparkle to my day, thank you!
The dora cupcakes look awesome. Good job!
Love those sweet little girls!! They remind me of mone when they were that age (now 9 and 11). Your Dora cupcakes made me laugh. I remember many a project that turned out that way!
I LOVE those dresses!! Super cute. And of course, Nella is adorable, as always
Aw always, loving this post. I think your Dora cupcakes looked amazing, and once in while- Dora needs to be called some not-very-nice names 🙂
My 2.5 year old saw Nella’s picture and said, “LEAH!”, which is our baby’s name. Too cute. In my perfect world I’d have a neighbor like you, and we’d let the kids ride bikes on the hot chalk covered sidewalks while snuggling our littlest ones and sipping a nice cold beer.
Oh, and I saw those Dora cupcakes on TV and was sooooooo glad my son glossed right over them.
OOOHHHH! A beautiful dress! I’ve been looking for one, but around here they seem hard to come by.
Thanks for the opportunity!
Blessings to you and your beautiful little ones!
I love following the story of your love for your girls. It’s inspiring to some-day moms like me.
Kristel
Love the dress and of course love your blog! Always anxious to read your new posts and see the awesome pictures of your little beauties! Keep it up!
Love the post…..love the dress.
Laura
Loving the Dora Cupcakes adventure… you so perfectly capture how most of us feel when undertaking such a baking challenge 🙂 Thanks for making us smile!
My 2 year old was sitting on my lap when I read your blog today. She saw the cupcakes. Now I have a new project lol 🙂 She wants to make them after breakfast today 😛
When I asked her who the pictures were, she said, “my friends” <3
I love Nella sleeping in her crib. There is something I love about a baby sleeping in their crib. It took mine 6 months to get there 🙂
My little bambino is due any day now & I know I can come here for constant inspiration. Thank you!
those dora cupcakes, your girls, that dress.. just too much– love it all!
oh my goodness kelle- check out all your traffic!!!! i love that you had a delicious weekend at home and got to bask in some friend love! i love the pic of heidi and nella eyeballing each other and then the excited laugh with arm flapping! ans as for lainey love- when did she beome such a grown up girl channelling audrey hepbourne??? little sprite. 🙂 and im loving seeing nella sitting p so tall and strong. i lve catching up with your blog- its like visiting a dear friend 🙂 any chance you could do another photo q&a soon? or the story of how you and brett fell in love???…
we’re enjoying the small things over our way too, including one handed typing while nursing! and getting exciting about the hot and sticky summer ahead! lots of love to you and yours xoxo
Cute, cute, cute cupcakes… even the bad ones. 🙂
I just scrolled through a thousand comments looking for Poppas! Just when I thought he must not want a chance at the dress, there he was! Come on Poppa the dress would totally work for you! J/k….
Pile-o-Kids
YOU NEVER DISSAPOINT!!!!
So I have to tell you that we were out shopping SAturday and my five-year-old saw a little girl’s photo in a picture frame and SWORE it was Nella. It took me five minutes to convince her otherwise.
I need a dress to wear to a party….pick me, pick me!
How do you stand all that Nella cuteness?!?!? She’s so sweet!!! Her smile is contagious!
I love to read your blog in the morning… it’s a great start to my day!
I love the Of Montreal song- they are GREAT! Just Like you!
Kelle:
I love your blog. You inspire me to be a better mom. Thank you, my friend.
It is amazing on how fast the girls are growing.
love your blog!
Thank you for allowing us to peek into your family regularly… you have a beutiful family and love readying about all your adventours even if some(Dora cupcakes) don’t turn out perfect.
You are such an incredible human being, Kelle. I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I can’t help but feel like your family or something. ha! Like everyone else, I have been so touched, moved…more like changed by Nella’s story. You are so blessed! I’ve already told my husband if we have another girl, she will be named Nella for sure. 🙂
Nella’s getting so big!
I also saw those cupcakes on Nick Jr… major props to you for making them!
My best friend and I are currently living hundreds of miles apart for the first time ever so I can totally relate to the “laying in the street” joy of being reunited…and clearly Nella can too!
You are such a fabulous mama and, while I know all families are different, I hope I’m making memories for my littles that are as wonderful as those for yours. And, Nella, oh I love her. She’s so beautiful.
that dress is scrumdiddlyumptious !!
!
that dress is scrumdiddlyumptious !!
!
Excellent post. Look at that girl sittin up all strong now! Way to go Nella! I can’t believe how much personality she already has—loved the expression shots!
Thanks for trying those cupcakes first…I will show my kids the pictures and call it good:)
love your accent chairs! you are the best mom for making those Dora cupcakes! and I LOL’d when you told her “They are Dora, just eat them!” Pretty sure I would’ve said the same thing… and my kids would’ve only eaten the perfect ones too. Hahaha!
Your blog always makes me smile. I am absolutely in love with the bold chairs in your photos!
and the winner is…….Shaune from WI!! hee hee. I love your blog, it’s my morning go to ray of sunshine. Thank you for letting me bask
I look forward to reading your new blogs each and every day! You are an inspiration!
I bookmark blogs that I like and then I often forget about them. As I was cleaning out my favorites this week, I re-stumbled upon your blog and thought to myself, “Oh, my, how I have I NOT been following this?” I was sucked back in by the inspiration that oozes from your words and photographs. So, thank you for sharing your life in such a beautiful and eloquent way.
I want to wear all of those dresses when I go to France at the end of September – including the one that you can’t wash, dry clean, get near fire etc.! 🙂
Oh, I just love reading about your adventures in your life. You really inspire so much in me. I recently found out I am expecting, and I can only hope that I am able to celebrate this journey in that way that you do.
Thanks for giving us a sneak peak at your walls! I have wondered how you would display your beautiful pictures! Once again, you have inspired me! Thanks for taking the time to write!
Thank you so much for putting a smile on my face! I look so forward to your post! Even my 12 y/o girl can’t wait to read…And look at your Beautiful family photos! you have taught me so much! You Rock Kelly!!!
Your Dora cupcake escapade was delightfully hysterical. I think it’s because we’ve all been there, with these big ideas, which turn into nice efforts, and then a child comes along to point out the truth.
I have been coveting a Shabby Apple dress! Thanks for sharing this giveaway with your readers.
sometimes you have to act half your age to feel like you again. love your blog, keep up the good work!
I Love your blog. Its got amazing moments and music that makes a heart smile.
Haha, love how you handled the cupcakes..I’d do the exact same thing.
Who needs more than 3 cupcakes, anyways? 😉 Love the pics, always!
JUST ordered a shabby apple dress.
your blog is fabulous 🙂
Loved this post, especially Nella’s happy “waving hands”. I only found your blog by accident about a month ago, but I’ve been catching up ever since. You are a beautiful writer and have inspired me to become a better photographer.
I want my weekends to be that magical. Perhaps I should work on changing my perspective.
Hi Kelle,
You are my go-to place when the exhaustion of work/2yr old/10month old gets in. Thanks for spreading love and hope.
And everyone needs an Heidi!
I love your comment, “There’s something extra delicious about a jammied baby out past her bed time” because it’s so true! Sometimes I want to bathe and put my little Munchie in his jammies in the middle of day just to drink in his cuteness! What is it about jammies? 🙂
Love your site. I know I say that everytime but truly do. I most loved your “honesty” with the Dora cupcakes. I would have been right there with you. Happy week ahead!!!
Those Dora cupcakes are brilliant, although I’m terrified of my three year old finding out that they exist. 🙂
Those Dora cupcakes are brilliant, although I’m terrified of my three year old finding out that they exist. 🙂
Kelle…you are an amazing inspiration! Every morning when I’m waiting for my coffee I check your page to see if you’ve updated it. My husband thinks I’m a nut when I get all excited and my eyes light up because of a new post. Thank you so much for sharing your life!!!
We are so alike it’s funny….I am a special needs mom, love my grandmother and talk to her in heaven constantly about my son, and laugh at life (even the bad stuff!) Thanks for sharing your family!
….and I would loovvvveeee that dress! Gorgeous!
Reading your blog is one of the bright spots in my week! Although I don’t have your talent or equipment, all the beautiful pictures you take have inspired me to capture every single memory I can of my family with my own camera. 🙂
Love those chairs! And look at Nella sitting up!!! YAY!!! We are still working with my lil guy to get him to do it, he just does not like it one bit.
I love that dress! Nearly as much as I love your blog!
,,,love Nella’s helicopter wings flapping with excitement to see Heidi,,,
I love how the jeans look on Nella, so sweet. I don’t think I had ever seen Nella’s crib, I really like it.
Lainey is so like my niece she would’ve said that’s not Dora too and only ate the good ones.
Susana Cardenas
susanacardenas13@yahoo.com
Such a sweet post, my daughter always strives to make fun time with her daughter and let me tell you sometimes the process does not look fun but as the grandma it’s fun to watch. Hoping I win, my daughter deserves a beautiful dress like that without the guilt of spending.
Martha Cardenas
mycardenas10@gmail.com
The dress is gorgeous! And cheers to you for even attempting those cupcakes. I can’t wait to start baking with my 20 month old…all previous attempts have resulted in her just trying to eat the batter:)
gorgeous post… as always!!!
I just saw the Dora cupcakes on Nick Jr last week as well… thanks for the heads up!! Ethan would totally say “that’s not Dora!” as well. Thanks for bringing a smile, over and over!
your posts never fail to amaze me! i love the pictures of heidi and nella looking at each other. priceless!
Darling!! The dress, the pictures, you, your daughters, the cupcakes… all just DARLING! Thanks for sharing your weekend with us and bravo on the three successful Dora cupcakes. I don’t know if I’d be able to get even one to look that great! 🙂
We bow to you, oh queen of bows!
ooooh pick me me me me me.
Also: Your Dora cupcakes are SUPER great and you are a total rockstar for even managing to make 3. 😀
I think your cupcakes looked JUST like Dora. All of them. Really.
I love your blog. You are the kind of mother I want to be some day and you give me hope that it is possible. =) Thank you for sharing you beautiful family and your contagious joy!
Absolutely LOVE the last picture of your littlest girl!!! It makes me feel good that you cursed the remaining cupcakes lol!
OMG – I want that dress! And those cupcakes look YUMMY!
Kelle, I just have to say that your blog is oe of the most inspiring things that I have ever read. You embody all of the dreams that I had when I first found out I was pregnant and maybe even before that and you show me how I can achieve them in real life. When I get stressed I slow down and think about you and your girls, take a deep breath, and turn our day into a positive moment, learning experience, or even better a cherished memory that will last a lifetime! Thank you for your blog and, most of all, being you! you truly have a purpose and I think that you are fulfilling it 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
haha, i love the commentary of Nella at the restaurant & the Dora cupcakes. I wouldn’t have had the patience either. 😛
Inspiring!
love the cupcakes….priceless memory. And the shabby apple dress….just gorgeous…although I do not know if it completely stacks up against Lainey’s beautiful blue “disposable” dress! Just love your blog Kelle. Pure happiness!
I look forward to your blog each day. You inspire me to be a better mom. I have four wonderful children – one of whom happens to have that little something extra! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
That fly away blond hair on Nella! Love it!
While watching Nick Jr. with my nephews last week, I saw these Dora cupcakes!! The little blip about them of course made it look like the easiest project in the world to do with your toddler/preschooler (which I knew instantly was a total lie!:) But I do remember thinking “The only mom I know that might want to try tackling that is Kelle!!” Bravo on the three!! But I’m guessing the other 21 tasted just as good!!
What’s better than good times with friends and your girls?
And, if you can’t cuss at a Dora cupcake, then I don’t know who you can cuss at!
Absolutely love the sequence of expressions from Nella – so dang cute!
What a great giveaway!
You are such a fun mom and can your girls possibly get any cuter?? Don’t think so 🙂
Totally crackin’ up with the Dora cupcakes. My daughter has seen that Nick Jr. commercial a million times and always askes to make them. I however am not ambitious in the baking department. I just know that Dora would be ruined for my daughter with the many inapproriate names I may be shouting at her while we would be “attempting” to bake them! You did a good job. They came out cute, kuddos to you Kell! I love reading your blog, your girls are just beautiful. I swear Nella gets more and more beautiful with each picture you post. They both are little darlings. 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh boy. My son just saw this commercial and said, “Mommy, can we make these cupcakes when you buy the ingredients?” Now that I know what I’m in for, I’m not so sure! Yours looked great, though. You’re way more ambitious than I am!
Lainey reminds me of myself when I was her age. The dress up, the high heels..I did it all. The dora cupcakes look great by the way. 3 vs. 21 you still win 🙂
You are awesome, I read your blog everyday even if there is no new post, I read the old ones again 🙂 it just makes me happy and I should add I learn a lot from you and your happy sprite
Zoe
You are awesome, I read your blog everyday even if there is no new post, I read the old ones again 🙂 it just makes me happy and I should add I learn a lot from you and your happy sprite
Zoe (Zohreh)
This is another website I so did not need to know about. The 1943 collection makes me drool.
Lovin’ the dress! Maybe just maybe I’ll win!
Loved your Dora cupcakes!
Nella’s karate face is so stinking cute!
Thank you for a dose of reality about the cupcakes. I too had been checking them out as my daughter saw them and demanded cupcakes. I now know to steer her to sprinkles instead of fruit leather mouths. But I am inspired to go get some beads. We are going to do a sea collage with sandpaper shores and tissue paper sea weed (and sparkly fish and turtles). I bet I might find some cool shells or buttons to go with it!
my son’s girlfriend works for ritzybaby.com…it’s got cool stuff that reminds me of your girls
I love how you can totally see Nella’s personality in these photos!
Oh that Nella looks good in pink!
You’re a brave woman making the Dora cupcakes! Enjoy eating the rest of them!! 🙂
I am so gonna have a fabulous girlie weekend soon…and by soon I mean sometime in the next 20 years. Right now I just may continue to live vicariously, read your blog and pretend that my husband is not doing the lions share of the childcare during this Barnes and Nobles trip.
love this blog, and i love that dress. but nella in her jammies- that’s the sweetest part of this whole post!
Oh… the Dora cupcakes! I do not know how many times I have been asked for those or something like them! We as moms try to accomodate, don’t we! 🙂 Your 21 “leftovers” made me laugh out loud as my three littles are running around my messed up house on this rainy Chicago day. Thanks for your blog and its honesty!!
Krissy Hunecke
Looks like you had a wonderful weekend and monday :- )
Your blog is really an inspiration for me! I just love it ^^
Have a nice tuesday :- )
My three year old would LOVE those Dora cupcakes! I love baking festive holiday treats but don’t know if I could manage the Dora cupcakes. Thank goodness she hasn’t seen that commercial yet!
Kelle,
You are the best part of my lunch break!
First of all, Kelle, you’re hilarious. Totally the kind of friend you wanna have for life. 🙂 Also, I seriously hope and pray I have a daughter one day who loves to play dress-up and wear my pearls and put on lip gloss just like Lainey. I will be in HEAVEN!
Dear Kelle,
I’m not a mom (though several different psychics predict I shall become one of between 1 – 4 children in this lifetime). The next best thing to family is friends and reading/seeing you have fun with your friends brings a big smile to my face including many fabulous ideas of what I need to do with my favorite girlfriends. Love it!
Can I ask who makes Nella’s favorite toy- the price is right wheel?! Looks so fun that i want to get it for my 8 month old. Your site is so fun to read and the pictures are just lovely!
love the cupcakes- my son has mentioned making them too, and I doubt we will even get 3 dora-esque ones out of the bunch! love the giveaway this week!
Your posts are inspirational! I really love reading your blog and am totally inspired to “enjoy the small things”…thank you!
Love the story about the Dora cupcakes. Even 3 perfect cupcakes is impressive. I read the directions and there was some major work involved!
My kids were so excited for Dora’s birthday celebration at our local Wal-Mart store. Turns out it was just an older man passing out plain ol’ cupcakes along with a Dora sticker in the toy department. Oh, the disappointment! They kept asking all day when they were going to the party!! They would have loved your Dora party!
Jill B (Overland Park, KS)
This blog gets me so excited to be a mother one day! I get excited each morning as I check if there are any new posts. It’s such a lovely blog!
-LindseyG
You and your girls are beautiful, but I am seriously trying not to covet the chairs in your pics (especially the one with orange in the middle)….
What a lovley giveaway….If I win, I will suprise my daughter with it.
OOh, this dress is perfect! SOmething my gorgeous sisters might wear but not me, since now I have kids they are the ones in beautiful clothes and I buy my clothes from Old Navy and hope that one day I find the time to go shopping and find, purchase and where a dress just like this!
I can’t believed you even attempted the Dora cupcakes. I keep hoping my 2 year old won’t ask for them as there is no way I could even get started on them… cutting fruit roll-ups – no thank you.
Love the blog. It helps me slow down and enjoy my babies (and the messes they create!)
I love Shabby Apple!! Pick me 🙂
beautiful! thanks!
Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! I love shabby apple! This would make my week!
Actually it would make my month!
Love.love.love. Oh please, oh please, oh please!
I am just now able to comment, as yesterday was my little’s 3rd birthday. I was too busy enjoying our small things–a day of beauty with my girl (because every little fashionista needs her toes and fingers done, her hair in an updo and glitter make-up covering every inch of skin on her face for her 3rd birthday!) and a night of fun with the family.
Those photos of Nella with your friend are priceless!
Oh my that is some talent! It’s funny how kids know that the nicely decorated cupcakes will definitely taste better 🙂
Your “It’s Dora. Eat it.” line had me lol-ing. LOVE your words!
is it even legal for your girls to be so cute?
You are way more brave than me!!! I could never do the Dora cupcakes. We have tried the smoothies from Nick Jr though. Yummy.
Adorable pics of everyone!!!
I am inspired by your life. Your smiles, sweet baby faces, and upbeat words give me hope. Thanks for sharing.
I always enjoy visiting your site. Love the Shabby Apple dresses!
Julie J.
your blog+ coffee= LOVE
my boyfriend is getting kind of jealous…not going to lie 🙂
Wow. I am always awe-struck by the beauty of your photos, but the black and whites in the jammies with the smiles truly melted my heart. Bless you and your little angels.
You have more patience then me to even make 3 of those Dora cupcakes. They look great!
The relationship you have with your girlfriend reminds me a lot of my own! Immaturity to it’s finest!!
Love the boots!
So cute!
Yes, please! J’adore Shabby Apple! And win or not, thanks for the fun giveaway.
I just love the picture of Nella sitting up…. she is beautiful!
Love love love your blog!! Your girls are the cutest!
Linda
WOW- How does it feel to inspire so many? You are so inspirational in word and photo. My favorite is the cupcake post- I tried that once with Elmo and I got to one cupcake. ONE. Good for you for swearing with three for your tiny tot.
So you also inspired me to post a short filmstrip on our little life in Canada. Here is the link http://acquiringbalance.blogspot.com/
Under the Oh Canada post:) Guess that’s a little obvious.
My next goal- get a better camera and document more of this precious time. Picture quality may not be great but the memories will last forever.
Thanks Kelle for being You. To just BE is beauty.
*sigh* Once again I got lost in your post… I just love these little escapes :O) Nella is sitting so beautifully! As far as Dora… well – she looks quite delicious, really!
I love love your blog. Have been quietly enjoying (without comment) since Nella was born. I have to concur after your cleaning fest a few entries back….having spent the last couple days doing the purge/cleaning fest of many a junk drawer. I concur… it’s good for your soul! Thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Kelle! Thanks for the smiles. Another great read with beautiful pics as a bonus. I especially like Nella’s Tai Chi and the soft pictures of pink-n-white strips with the sock monkey. Gorgeous!
p.s your Dora cupcakes made me laugh out loud … glad I’m not the only one who wants ever so badly to please my 3 year old only to find there’s just too many steps for too little patience (on both of our parts)!
i neeeedd a sumptious dress!
Your girls are delicious. Your red boots are mouth-watering. And that bow IS sumptuous. Want.
i cannot believe how big nella is getting – she’s starting to look more grown up!
If I could be HALF as cool as Nella, and HALF as lady-like as Lainey (what a beautiful Princess), I would never have a low-confidence day again!!!! Nella’s rainbow leg warmers are the BEST! I’m gonna find me some of those! Thank you for sharing your beautiful weekend.
coyjenna@gmail.com
Kelle! Love your blog, and all that you share!!
Where did you get/come across the awesome fabric collaged chairs in today’s pictures? Where the girls are on the floor playing in front of.
Curses Kelle! My two year old is by my side as I read your blog and is yelling “Dora Dora!” Those look great so I might have to follow your lead and just get them done. I’m sure the look on Lainey’s face was totally worth it! I love the picture of Nella doing kung fu. Adorable! Hope the Hampton Family has a fabulous week!
I would love a new fancy dress!!!!
My daughter has the wheel of animals too – and loves it! She is 3 now – and I can’t put it away. She loves all the animal noises…and alphabet too. We have even made a game to see if I can name the animal, just from the silly noise!
I love to read your blog, not only are your pictures awesome (I covet your talent! :-), but your words are inspirational. My daughter sent me your first blog writing and I have been a fan ever since. You are amazing!
What a fabulous idea for bored little kiddo’s. So when is someone going to give you a fabulous show of your own?!
Kelle – three good cupcakes….that’s probably more than I would have ended up with 😀
Beautiful post as usual, keep stretching in the streets 😉
Oh this is awesome! pick me!
PS> Your blog is beyond darling.
I just can’t get enough of Nella’s displays of baby love to all of the key players in her life. And I laughed out loud about the Dora cupcakes! I’m sure I would have had some choice words for her too!
Beautiful! You inspire me to be the best Mommy that I can be!
loving nella’s tai chi 🙂 love me some feisty babies!
Also loving the possible dress I could be wearing on my honeymoon next week – yes Im getting married on saturday and going to party all night long with my man and my best girl who is a big 7 months..
loving life today kelle youve made me smile again
Your blog never ceases to put a smile on my face!
those pictures of nella laughing might be the cutest thing ive ever seen
love your blog!!
I feel your pain on the Dora cupcakes. LOL My baked creations are never pretty.
More gorgeous photos of your gorgeous girls…. love them!
I feel your pain on the Dora cupcakes. LOL My baked creations are never pretty.
More gorgeous photos of your gorgeous girls…. love them!
Gorgeous gorgeous photos!
Love the dresses. i may have to buy one if I don’t win.
Price is right toy is the best toy ever…Spin Spin a letter, what letter did you fine? Spin Spin a letter, search high and low
god I have been singing those songs for months now. I hope when I return to school I don’t unknowingly sing that in front of my fourth graders…they would think that lame
Hi from Connecticut
-Lisa
You have such a beautiful family! Your blogs make me laugh! Thanks for sharing your life!
Love reading your blog! especially love seeing the pictures of sweet little Nella…loved the picture of her holding a photo of your Grandma- how precious!!
Love your blog, Kelle. It’s so inspiring and therapeutic. I’ve been reading since shortly after Nella’s birth and have wanted to comment so many times. Funny that I finally decide to comment on the Dora cupcakes! I saw that commercial, too, and thought my goodness those look complicated. Who actually tries to make them? Answer-you! Thanks for showing me that in order to really ‘enjoy the small things’ you got to take risks, push yourself and rise to the occasion! Cheers!
Finally figured out how to leave a comment….stop laughing!
I hope my kids NEVER see the Dora commercial!
Thank you for sharing all you do with us. It’s fun to see life from another grateful perspective!
I’ve never commented before. I check your blog on a daily basis. I love the pictures, I love the words, I love the music and I love the heart behind it all. being a mom is remarkably hard but remarkably beautiful. I have 3 little ones- my oldest is also a beautiful blond 3 year old. Thank you for letting me into your world if for nothing else, for the encouragement you give to make each day beautiful for my beautiful ones.
I would suggest that I am not your typical follower. I am 46 Years Old and a Vice President of a very large International bank. But your spirit and devotion to your babies inspires me each time I read your blog and keeps me wanting more. I love to see how your cherubs change each day. I have been a dedicated follower since I first read your Nella Birth Story. She is so very blessed to have a Mommy that loves her for who she is ! I believe that you have a gift that we are all lucky to have discovered. I so admire your charm ! You go Girl ! Have fun in those red dancing boots !
Reading your blog, is like biting into a big juicy caramel apple. Its delicious and soothing and you can’t help but go back for more. Love your outlook on life and the way you tackle the challenges that are thrown your direction.
Love the Dora cupcakes! I might try them with my daughter!
Reading your blog, is like biting into a big juicy caramel apple. Its delicious and soothing and you can’t help but go back for more. Love your outlook on life and the way you tackle the challenges that are thrown your direction.
Love your blog so much, I’m sure that goes without saying for most of us readers!!
You are such an inspiration and your girls are too cute for words!!
Your enjoyment of the small things inspires me to do the same, so thank you 🙂
Your blog never fails to make me smile! I especially adore Nella’s bright smiles! And Lainey, just seems like she is such fun! You are so lucky to have those beautiful girls all to yourself! For what it’s worth, I thought your Dora cupcakes looked pretty darn good. =)
I made a hello kitty cake with too thin frosting. She lost most of her face before we got the candles into the cake. My five year old daughter still loved it, but asked why 1/2 her face had fallen off the cake. It happens to all moms!
Seriously laughed out loud at, “It’s Dora. Eat it.” LOL!
Another beautiful post and the Dora cupcakes look better than the Martha Stewart Easter eggs we attempted. $50 worth of supplies and they were all awful!! At least you got 3 good ones out of it!!! :0)
Love the imperfect dora cupcakes- they are awesome just like you!
Loved, loved, loved the story of the cupcakes!! Very refreshing.
Love your boots!!
Can’t decide which one I love more; the kung fu move or the blue t-shirt and red boots or the song playing while I read this blog. The choices.
A friend introduced me to your blog via Facebook and I will be sharing you with the rest of my friends. What a lovely family you have and what a beautiful reminder you make to all of us about what is really important. I wish you could photograph my family…want to come to Ottawa, Ontario? Thanks!!!
oops forgot my email address…the post about you traveling to Ottawa for a vacation and photo shoot of my family 🙂
henrysdoc@hotmail.com
IT’S SO GOOD TO BE BACK (FROM OUR END-OF-THE-SUMMER GETAWAY UP NORTH)!! I’VE MISSED YOU AND ENJOYING THE SMALL THINGS …
Happy, happy week, friend!!
Beautiful family, Kelle. Beautiful photos, beautiful dress!!! I love finding new fabulous links of goodies on your blog. Keep posting!
Love those Dora cupcakes. My daughter would love them too.
I always enjoy reading your blog. The music, the words and the photos are wonderful.
Have a great day.
Lisa
I just love your site. I go to it almost everyday, especially the nights I work. I am a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive care at UNC-Chapel Hill. I love reading about your girls and especially Nella. With my type of work, I have a special place in my heart for her.
I am also really working hard on building a career in photography too. I absolutely love taking pics and feel that with each day and each shoot I keep getting better and better. You have been such and inspiration to me. Those days I get in a rut, I just read about your day and I feel better. Thank you.
Tracey
I’m going to win, I’m going to win. I’m going to win, I’m going to win. I’m going to win! I’m going to win!! I’m gonna win!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve attempted the “Diego” cupcakes! And needless to say…we’re super moms, not gourmet pastry chefs!
thanks, kellie
I love reading this blog. Your photography, story, and family is beautiful!!
Those Dora cupcakes were fab!! Abbies 4th b-day is in October and she is obsessed w/ Dora! This may be worth a try 🙂
nd…How do you read all these comments? 🙂 love your blog!!! I especially like the long ones with lots of photos! I have a four month old and can’t wait to start his photo book!! AND…I would love to win that dress for a hot date with the hubby soon!!!
nd…How do you read all these comments? 🙂 love your blog!!! I especially like the long ones with lots of photos! I have a four month old and can’t wait to start his photo book!! AND…I would love to win that dress for a hot date with the hubby soon!!!
Those dresses are beautiful, as are the pictures and words you share on your blog! Hope to be the winner.
I had 3 very big baby boys and my back went out once with each one. I feel your pain! I appreciate your ability to laugh through it.
I love those dresses! As a mom of 4, I have no time…or money to shop. I would be thrilled to win this!
I actually laughed out loud at the tag on that dress. We have many of those dresses around here. They mean it – don’t put it in the washer. It’s just not worth it! :p
I absolutely LOVE Shabby Apple!! Pick me!!! Pick me!!!
Your girls are perfect and your writing is so inspiring!!
Oh how happy I was to find a new post on Monday. I knew it would make me laugh and feel happiness as always! A baby out past bedtime is certainly a lovely sight to see! … And I agree – if there was a princess dress in my size I would wear it too – tiara included! It’s what being a little girl is all about!
The cupcakes are adorable! I’m like Lainey, and would only eat the “good” ones!! Have a fabulous week enjoying the small things with your girls.
The cupcakes are adorable! I’m like Lainey, and would only eat the “good” ones!! Have a fabulous week enjoying the small things with your girls.
The cupcakes are adorable! I’m like Lainey, and would only eat the “good” ones!! Have a fabulous week enjoying the small things with your girls.
Look at Nella…sitting up so pretty!!! Big girl!
I play catch-up every so often on your blog and love your humor and bluntness. Now if I could get my figure back like you and have my house as clean/cute as yours!
I love, love your blog. Nella and Lainey get more beautiful everyday..
KELLE or anyone- the toy that you call “Price is right” wheel, that Nella is seen with here? Is that the actual name of toy? I cant find it online? Where do I look for it? Thanks!!
I love Shabby Apple, and I love your blog!!!
I love Shabby Apple, can’t ever have enough of them!
Jammied babies up past their bedtime ARE delicious 🙂 Love reading your blog.
I am just about to send you some pics of my boy – 2 days younger than Nella, he is checkin out his wee gf from round the other side of the world 😉
just thought i’d give it a shot…
holy moses, the folks come out for the free stuff! seeing a new post from you in my reader completes my day! always, always a bright spot. i have your concluding quote on an index card, good one! enjoying your blog, always! thank you!
Hi Kelle.
I’ve been a reader for a while now. I am a weddings and portraits photographer and the proud mama of a sweet, sweet 8-month-old little girl. I was on vacation to visit my husband’s family in Montana and attend their annual reunion in the Canadian Rocky Mountains for two weeks. When I got home, I had so much work to get caught up on and then dove right back into weddings. So I hadn’t gotten a chance to read your blog for a few weeks. But today, I had a miserable, miserable day with my girl. She cried and cried, for no discernible reason and yakked all over me and I discovered that we had only two diapers left in the whole house and had to run out with a cranky baby and drive my husband back and forth to work since his car died just before we left for Montana. So to treat myself after my rough day after my husband got her to bed and I got a wee bit of work done, I poured a vodka lemonade and caught up on your blog. As always, your playlist and beautiful writings about your adventures made me smile. So I just wanted to say thank you. : )
Your blog is my new favorite website and I’ve posted it on my facebook! Oh, and the day after I discovered it, I went out and bought a canon t1i.
great job on the cupcakes – funny! Glad you had a great weekend…enjoy these last few days/weeks of summer!
Could that baby be any happier?
Wondering if you’ve ever heard of Jann Arden. She has a song called Good Mother that makes me want to cry no matter how often I hear it.
Gawd – just LOVE the dress! (and your photos)
OMG – totally have tears in my eyes from laughter with those Dora cupcakes! My daughter Addy has seen those commercials and asks everytime “we make those mom?” And I tell her maybe some day . . . thinking to myself of how “un-crafty” I am. I seriously doubt I could even get one good one!
I have been down-in-the-back for over a month . . . totally feel your pain girl. Not fun!
I laughed out loud about calling Dora some not-so-nice names. The cupcakes turned out great!
I am always so inspired by your pictures. I wish you could photograph my upcoming wedding!! It’s hard to find photographers with a portfolio as diverse and beautiful as yours! Keep them coming! 🙂
So glad you updated! I needed a laugh and cheer me up:) Your pictures make my heart melt!
I swear, I recognize your friend from MI…I’m also a native Michigan girl.
I am not kidding… I’m sure I had a prom or homecoming dress like Lainey’s at some point in my four years of high school (way back when).
Glad that your friend Heidi is back! And very glad the fun has already begun with you two!
Have a great week!
Love,
Angela
Love the Dora Cupcakes! You are one nice Momma!
Oh, the lazy days of weekends. Ours are over for a while due to cross country, archery, and then basketball. I really did like the summer. I need that dress and I just might have to wear it to a aports banquet.
I love checking in with you and your girls while my own little takes a snooze….your beautiful photography and words always get me fired up to have a new adventure with her once she wakes up! Thanks for inspiring us with the little things!
Back from vacation to find this adorable post. So glad your Heidi is back… I sure with my bestie lived closer. Loving those Shabby Apple dresses… much nicer than the yoga pants I seem to live in these days. Adventures in Dora cupcakes was a crackup… A+ for effort!
xo
Kate
I just had to come back and say THANK YOU for the Shabby Apple recommendation. They have a body shape categorisation system on their site – love!
Love the post, love the pics, love the music you choose, love the dress! At the risk of sounding like a stalker, I must tell you that since discovering your blog, I’ve gone back and read all the archives. For me, “enjoying the small things” includes this site and a nice glass of wine at the end of the day. Thank you Kelle!
Nella is so adorable – looks like she is getting more independent by the day.
And Princess Lainey – so sweet. What a good idea – a disposable dress!
I laughed reading the story of your Dora cupcakes. I once made a cake for my friend at work – an elephant. It was a disaster – but she begged me to decorate it for her birthday, so I took it into work. It was more of a koala than an elephant. A green koala as I used the wrong coloured food dye.
I decided not to put the photos of the koala-elephant cake on my blog. Would rather display my absolute best to the world!
Great giveaway too.
I love your pictures and your posts. I don’t know how you find the time to do it all.
I just wanted to say that your blog is inspiration to us all! I am a mom of 3 excitement-filled boys and I always come to your blog on good days and not-so-good days to get inspiration for the next day. Love, love is what I have to say! ~Katie
in case you need it… klott10@gmail.com
I am so glad I found your blog. You inspired me to start my own! I have my own little almond joy, too. My Mary was born on Feb.12, just after your Nella. Your blog helped me to realize that having a baby with Down Syndrome was … just as great as all my other babies. Thank you for what you have done for me! Now where is my dress?
This comment has been removed by the author.
I just promoted your blog on a blog entry of mine.
http://carlyfindlay.blogspot.com/2010/08/blogs-you-might-like-to-check-out.html
Carly
I am not sure if I have ever commented before, but I love your blog so much! I always leave here inspired to be a better mama. Thank you for sharing your heart with us!
xo
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog. I found it a while back, and I find I log on now every morning just to see if there is anything new up. You have been a BIG inspiration to me too, I studied photography in high school and I went out on the weekend and brought a new Canon 550D and I am trying like hell to get photos half as good as yours. Thank you so much for your inspiration and for making me smile daily.
P.S. your girls are both adorable, as I’m sure you already know
LOVE everything about your blog!
That close up face photo of Nella sleeping in this post is MAGICAL! xo
Absolutely love your bloggity blog 🙂 I hope I win that sumptuous dress 🙂
Thank you for another wonderful blog entry!
Love the Dora cupcakes – my 3 year old saw that commercial too – but we made regular cupcakes and decorated them with candy etc. – he still called them “Dora cupcakes.” You confirmed what I thought – those cupcakes looked way too hard …..
Dear Kelle
I absolutely love your blog – I follow it from Switzerland! I am not a mother (yet) but I’m inspired by your ideas, your pictures, your posts!
Keep up the good work and all the best to you and your beautiful family!
love love LOVE miss nella’s headband and her angelic sleeping face. too sweet!
What beautiful dresses! And just look at your little Nella sitting up all by herself?! Fabulous!
My girls love making collages, too, and my walls are covered in home-made art. What could be better 😉
there is nothing better than hanging out at home and making art, cupcakes, and a big mess!!! Everytime I look around and see the mess, I remember that they’ll be gone someday, but their artwork will stay on my walls!
Jacqui
I’m not a mom, but a photo enthusiast. That said, your blog about your experiences as a mother is just beautiful. Thanks for continuing to share! And, please, random generator, pick me.
love to follow you… and I love your cowboy boots… I do collage with mys son and yes… it is a great 1/2 hour to myself… but a sticky mess sometimes to clean..
The Bethesda dress is amazing…
My son also asked me to make Dora cupcakes… and I also wanted to shoot for the moon.. but I have not pulled the rip cord yet..
love to follow you… and I love your cowboy boots… I do collage with mys son and yes… it is a great 1/2 hour to myself… but a sticky mess sometimes to clean..
The Bethesda dress is amazing…
My son also asked me to make Dora cupcakes… and I also wanted to shoot for the moon.. but I have not pulled the rip cord yet..
The Dora cupcakes were too funny. I too have a three year old, I know the drama (although mine is boy drama)-but I also have a nine month old girl, so I’ll be familiar with the little princess drama soon enough…
How dare you only make three good ones….
🙂
I love that people walked around you in the kitchen! Totally what would happen in my world! Great photos as always1
aww the side view sleeping pic!! love.
and yes LOVE the dress too!
off to check out the whole site.
Here’s to cupcakes, art projects, laying in streets, welcome home of friends, acting half your age, ROAD trips, beautiful~happy kids AND a “feel better” back!
xo Bug & Ruby’s Gram
ps….Nella is so darn cute! Love the photo of her sleeping….
My favorite thing about this post is the picture of Nella sleeping. There is just something magical about her eyelashes…sweet dreams always baby girl. Your mama is a special, beautiful, talented lady!
I love the Dora cupcakes…even the half assed ones!
I always love looking at your pictures and Nella is getting so big! I love the kung fu picture!! I cannot wait to have little girls of my own to make Dora cupcakes for 🙂 Thank you for sharing your family with the world!
Woah! Lainey’s hair is getting so long. She’s going up on me too fast and I’ve only “known” her for 7 months. lol. You’re sweethearts are adorable.
I love love love Nella’s armflap! Grady does this all the time when he is excited and it cracks me up.
I am also very happy to see that I’m not the only Momma who does an awesome job decorating a few of the cupcakes and then half-a$$es the rest. 🙂 I have so much enthusiasm at first and then lose steam. Your Dora cupcakes are adorable though!
I don’t have any children yet, but your blog inspires me to want to be such a good mum, with many Dora-disaster-cupcake-success stories! I hope you spy this comment in amongst the thousands, because I thought you’d really enjoy this youtube clip (here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNVPalNZD_I), about moments. It encapsulates a lot of the amazing ‘enjoying the small things’ philosophy.
Thank you for letting us share in your small things!
Even the craftiest of crafty gals can’t master everything, and if that means the Dora cupcake, so be it! I love your blog…and that dress. *fingers crossed*
Great post! So glad you & Heidi are reunited 🙂 Loved all the pictures…sleeping Nella is precious and Lainey’s too cute sittin’ on your dresser. On a side note, how the heck are you so skinny? Seriously, I’m reading this as I eat my oatmeal and egg whites after finishing my 6 mile run & weight workout! But I do think the wings and cold beers sound like A LOT more fun…maybe that’s your secret…enjoying it with good friends. That and defending yourself from Kung Fu’n Nellabean…or breakin’ out in a back bend whenever the mood strikes, oh, or maybe it’s the ballet… Well, whatever it is it’s workin’ for ya! Okay, maybe it has more to do with my cereal obsession…darn those Coco Puffs/Fruit Loops/Lucky Charms.
Have a great day, I know you will 🙂
Beautiful! And I can’t believe you made it through three of those cupcakes. I would have opened a bottle of wine after one.
I laughed so hard at this post! You are so funny. Also Nella in the crib…there are no words. She is just so darn sweet.
Love.Love.Love your blog.
awesome.
My 3 year old son and I have spent the past hour on a collage hunt and glue extravaganza! So much sticky fun on a rainy day! What a great inspiration you are!
Oh oh! Shabby Apple you are so lovely and amazing.
Love the crafts with buttons. I had a lot of that growing up. Fond memories.
Still loving the red boots! Kuddos for trying the fbv Dora cupcakes. I would have done the same thing. Thanks for the giveaway!
debra
that’s not Dora! LOLOLOLOL!!!!!
Love those dresses! And I love that you’re okay with taking your jammied girls out past their bedtime. I am usually so uptight about schedules, but I love to just stop and think about “enjoying the small things.” I’d miss so much if I kept my uptight schedules all the time. So, thank you. 🙂
Love reading your blog, very inspirational!
What a nice blog. Love it!
Adoreable cupcakes!
Beautiful children!
Hugs, Tove
I loved the photos of Jammied-Baby-Out-Past-Her-Bedtime so much, I had to call my baby-enthusiast husband over to look at them. You take some of the best photos, honey. You make me smile and feel one part family, two parts voyeur. *L*
I love the “Where the hell have you been” shot. Seriously laughed out loud.
Gorgeous dresses. Just gorgeous.
We just returned from camping and your blog was one of the first things I was excited to check when I got a moment alone with the computer! LOVE the dress!! Also, aren’t friends who make us act silly the best? Love it.
Have a great week!
Charity
Kelle I love your blog, and always look forward to your next post!! I actually have your blog up all the time because I absolutly love your playlist, so I listen to it at work all day!!
Thanks Kelle and happy Wednesday 🙂
Jenn
How wonderful that Heidi is back!! And I would LOVE to win the dress. I have the perfect place to wear it–a family wedding in October. My “little” is the flower girl, so she’ll be looking like a princess…and her Momma’s gotta look good too, right?!
I love your blog! And Nella’s smile just melts my heart 🙂
I love your blog! And Nella’s smile just melts my heart 🙂
I’ve been wanting a Shabby Apple dress for a while now!
Sounds like you had a great weekend. Love your blog.
I am seriously impressed by those cupcakes!
Your girls are GORGEOUS.
reading the stories of how you spend your days makes me excited to be a mother some day.
Hey Kelle,
Love you, love your girls, and love your blog! Makes me :0). You’ve probably been asked this a million times, but I looked and can’t find the answer…Where did you get the beautiful colorful patterned chairs in your living room??? I LOVE THEM. Also, the very funky tan chenille hat you are wearing with flower? SOOOO COOOL….
xoxo, V
P.S. I make up a new creative name everytime I write a comment on here; how will you know it’s me? ??? I just have fun making them up…
Hey, at least you got Dora’s hair right!!! Ha! You certainly get points for trying the cupcakes. I wouldn’t have attempted….and made a run for the local bakery!
LOVE the tai chi face. Love it.
LOVE your blog & beautiful pictures. Brings happiness to my days :0) Also love that dress!
That dress is amazing I want one!!!
Nella is getting so big! She is adorable!!
Loved this post! Nella is getting SO BIG!!
Love the collage idea!
I only happened accross your blog, but am so glad that I did. Your photography, stories and family are beautiful, and I can not get enough of them. Thank you for posting and sharing with all of us, the world is that much richer and blessed because of people like you.
From Canada
Carlee
Those cupcakes look like a major PITA–kudos to you for trying.
Pick me Pick me…. 🙂
oh la la indeed…if I don’t get the dress can I at least get a moment on that bridge…in Paris please?!? dreams…thank you for all you share!
Woot! Best date dress ever~! Nella’s excited arm flap? Cutest freakin’ thing ever!!
when my 3 year old wanted me to make those dora cupcakes i must admit i couldn’t even say to her maybe one day… that nick jr has a lot of fun craft ideas /games … but not very easy to do. i will stick with the bucket of odds and ends, glue stick, scissors and paper for collages:)
btw, your nella cordelia is getting cuter every day. thank God for you and her and for opening our hearts to things we would never choose but find ourselves not being able to live without!!!
Ok… Yes Please!
Ok… Yes Please!
This blog gives me baby fever. Absolutely beautiful family. And I’m loving your red boots!
My daughter is obsessed with Dora. She, too, squealed with delight when she saw the Dora Cupcakes on Noggin. She said “Those so pretty, mama!” I immediately hoped she’d forget about them because I KNEW the promo made it look waaaaay easier than it’d be in real life! I LAUGHED OUT LOUD at your description of the preparation process, because it’s 100%, exactly how I envisioned mine going. Should I ever be so brave as to attempt the Dora cupcake, that is! THANK YOU for sharing your bold mommy of the year stories, but also thank you for sharing the funny parts (3 cupcakes out of a dozen, then half-a**ing the rest.) It’s those details that truly inspire mom’s to not be afraid to try Super Mommy tasks like baking cupcakes that are exact replicas of cartoon characters! Oh, and by the way, I love Shabby Apple too! I actually used to work with one of the fabulous women who launched the site!
Something about cupcakes must have been in the air!!! I made “Old Swampy” which was a 24 cupcake creation in which I turned lovely white frosting into some horrible, sick shade of green and spent about 12 hours finalizing the whole project! Required tools included marshmallows (for teeth), banana Runt candies for claws, Jr. Mints for eyes, and jelly beans for the nose. Yikes! Totally worth it though- my 2 year old loved it. I think being 36 weeks pregnant is making me do crazy things! Love this blog- visit every day! Makes my heart smile!
Hello Kelle-
I have been following your blog for a few months now, and your words are incredibly heartwarming and inspiring. I have recently started a blog myself after reading yours!
It is wonderful to read about all of your creative projects and see how engaged your children are in all that your family does. I am a second grade teacher in NYC, and I try to provide creative and inspiring experiences for my children every day as well. Recently, I learned about a charity that strives to give children these things as well: Life is Good Kids Foundation. I thought you and many of your readers would be interested in it. I am currently fundraising for them, and thought I would attach a link in case you wanted to see it. It is definitely worth checking out! Thanks again for all that you do!
http://lifeisgoodfestival.donordrive.com/participant/daina
-Daina
LOVE shabby apple, they are the greatest dresses. your baby is adorable 🙂
Oh please count me in! I know just where I would wear it!
This update gave me quite the giggles. All the smiles out for wings and beer….amazing. And the Dora cupcakes, something like that would happen to me and it’d be the end of the world to my 2 1/2 year old. Way to go though. As always, thank you for the smiles your updates and family put on my face.
Oh those pupcakes! How silly and frustrating, but the three that turned out LOOK fantastic!! The rest were just very yummy to eat, I’m sure…It’s like the Many Moods Of Dora, eh?
Tai Chi straight to the face is by far my favorite.
The cupcakes were amazing! 🙂
The cup cakes are fab.
Me thinks that sore back could be from lifting Baba in a sling. The exact thing happened to me after each of my little doties were about 6 months. Sounds like a sacro-iliac problem. My advice is rush to the physical therapist to nip it in the bud and no heels (sorry) for a while.
xx
Aww! Arm flappin’! And, I still randomly glue buttons and yarn to paper! 🙂
Love your attempt at Dora Cupcakes! Also love the pics of your girls, you always seem like you have the best time no matter where you are or what the day has in store!
:o( Don’t understand why my comment was deleted?
The dress is adorable! I love this and your blog! Look forward to them everyday!!
what a great post pregnancy outfit for me! (due in 12 days!) and I love the cupcakes or attempts!
Love the cupcakes!!
what a great post pregnancy outfit for me! (due in 12 days!)
what a great post pregnancy outfit for me! (due in 12 days!)
what a great post pregnancy outfit for me! (due in 12 days!)
Love the cameo by sock monkey. Ever since my son and I laughed our heads off over the Sock Monkey books (Sock monkey rides again, etc…) I have a super soft spot for them.
haha love the cupcake attempt. I think even the fake ones look really good!
I absolutely love your blog. You bring such light into everything you do. You make my world happier! Thank you!
Nella is a doll. And I am obsessed with her name. And I could always use a new dress!
I would love a chance to win! I love Shabby Apple.
I adore your blog – your photos and your writing. You make me want to create Dora cupcakes too! Keep it up!
I heart that dress! And your blog…
Oh Kelle,
You are so inspiring and your girls are so lovely. Thank you for your openess with all you readers, it makes for a most wonderful blog.
I like Nella’s outfit, the one pink and white, where did you buy it? She looks amazing!
Veronica L
Kelle,
Your blog is beautiful!
Before I started reading it, when I came in contact with families with down syndrome children I didn’t know how to act or respond or what to say.
Now I do. I can say, “what a beautiful child”. And mean it. Your blog has changed the way I view DS.
Thank you!
Dresses are my new “thing”, which probably only goes to show how fashionista-ish I am not.
Thanks!!
I hope it’s not too late for the give away. I have been preparing my only little one for kindergarten. anyhow, I love your blog and love the Bethesda Fountain dress!
Am I too late to post a comment? Well, even if I am I just wanted to say that wheel is one of my daughter’s favorite toys too. Spins it all the time.
As always, lovely blog.
Jaime
http://georgia365.blogspot.com/
Love all the super fun memories you create for your girlies!
love love!
SUCH sweet memories and I salute your attempts at Dora. Love the dress!
Love the cupcakes! You are so ambitious!
Look at Miss Nella sitting up so well! And love Lainey’s dress up dress. My 4 y/o would be in heaven with a pink dress like that.
LOVE love LOVE your blog…photos…and that dress 🙂
I don’t know if it’s too late to comment for the giveaway….but what mom doesn’t love a fabulous dress?! I will need it to motivate me to lose the weight from my current pregnancy. you are so inspiring to be the BEST mom ever!!!!! (had to add a few extra exclamations!)
those pictures of nella in the beginning of the blog at the restaurant made me laugh out loug – they are a perfect story line and remind me so much of zachary. may i ask – is nella sitting up on her own now?? that is wonderful! zachary is still a weeble wobble but his therapist is helping a lot, hopefully we will get there soon. i can’t wait to take pics of that day! your girls are adorable as always and they make me smile at the end of a long day – thank you as always for sharing :o)
Sumptuous is right! I think even if I don’t win I may have to splurge for a little post-baby indulgence!
I love the quote at the end. The world def needs people who have come alive because I honestly believe that more than half of the people out there are dead…even me sometimes 🙁 That’s why I love your blog because it reminds me of the things that make me come alive and makes me want to go out and do them!!! 🙂
awwwhhhh…the world is right again…you and heidi are back together! makes me smile!!!! and talk about smiling…your girls never fail to put a smile on my face and i just love that! ♥
I recently started following your blog and I like to read it before bed…there is something just so warm and soothing about it.
I just love the friendship between you and Heidi- sharing in eachothers lives… I hope when I am a mama I got my friends so close I can just spit on em!
The half assed cupcake on the left looks like Ramona Quimby from the Beverly Cleary books! Good job, momma!
I love those dresses! How fun 🙂 How fun that you are going to New York, enjoy!
Had to stop and show my mom the Dora cupcakes. We cracked up after a similar spell with a Martha Stewart 2-page cake for Christmas last year. ARGH! Thanks for the memories. We’ll giggle everytime we see Dora now.
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