Random Confession #1: I broke my phone this morning. Dropped it at a bad angle from the height of our bar stools and played the whole deer-in-the-headlights card when Brett walked in and saw the fate of my screen. Like I had no idea how it happened. And now I’m squinting to see between slivers of glass just to answer a call.
But it still works, so we’re gonna rock it out for awhile. It’ll be fun, right?
Random Confession #2: Sometimes I play hopscotch on random tile squares in my kitchen when no one’s looking.
Good. Glad we got that out of the way.
I don’t have a lot to say other than, after a week of overthinking everything, I am comfortably dwelling in a place of not thinking so much. Because if I think that my thinking about how I think affects my thinking, then my thinking about what I think of thinking changes how I think. I meant that to be confusing, by the way. My point is: I push myself to grow and learn and change and, in doing so, sometimes I think too much. Painfully overanalyzing.
The thing is, I have times, like every other human being, where I’m not quite sure of my place or if I’m doing things right. I have insecurities and areas where I know I can grow, and what I end up doing during times where these feelings are more prevalent is freaking out, thinking these feelings don’t belong. I’m more insecure with the feeling of insecurity itself than I am with the origin of the original insecurity. And that wasn’t meant to be confusing, but I’m sure it came out that way.
It’s a whole lot of rambling to say this…Not having everything together, not feeling like I’m on top of things, not feeling 100% confident 100% of the time is normal. And maybe even good for me. When a lack of confidence, insecurity, whatever you want to call it rears its ugly head, it doesn’t have to signal a five-alarm fire to get rid of it. Maybe it’s just a virus and needs to run its course, and maybe scrambling to prescribe something for it is a waste of concern.
I’m learning to embrace these less-confident times as purposeful and simply stepping stones to a greater assurance in the end. And maybe if I’m not the first to “raise my hand if I’m sure,” it doesn’t mean I forgot my deodorant but rather just that I’m working some things out. And when I do raise my hand? I’ll be as sure as shootin’, fresh pits and all.
This week is good. Clear and peaceful and not much thinking but rather a quiet contentment with this very moment. The right now.
~ Right now I am smiling watching the very present confidence that dwells in my little dancer who love, love, loves her ballet class.
~ Right now we are celebrating gulf temperatures slowly rising and the utopian weather that hits south Florida this time of year. Cerulean skies, pillowy clouds, and this invigorating concoction of sun plus breeze.
~ Right now we are getting reacquainted with pools and waterparks.
~ Right now I am completely moonstruck over my firstborn. Feeling very sentimental about how fast that flash of time is between she’s my first, my one, my only and now when things and time and feelings are shared and spread and blended. And yet I am so proud of her ability to ride the current and make very known that she is indeed just fine.
I had a rare opportunity the other night to sneak away with her alone. Rocked her to sleep by the light of the moon, and it was very good.
Her favorite game right now is “I’m the mama and you’re the honey” which is pretty self-explanatory.
~ Right now I am loving listening to my beach-loving husband get all excited talking about the Isle of Capri Sundays to come.
~ Right now I am happy to pencil in more playdates…
…and make necessary room for dates with my own friends whether it’s a quick coffee en route to the grocery store or a planned evening of a rousing “I am Woman, Hear me Roar” chorus. Last night I had the latter with a few girls and am happy to report it was one of those times where every single song that blasted out the restaurant speakers was the best song we’d ever heard. Like Old School good. Toto and U2 and Men at Work. Yeah, that kind ‘o good.
~ Right now I am enjoying turning our garage into our evening hang-out of choice. The modern day front porch.
~ Right now I am unsure, unfinished. And I am happy.
My favorite onesie from one of my favorite Etsy shops, Lee Marie.
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher
And right now, I’ll share a nice opportunity to score the perfect spring dress for your little…or yourself from Shabby Apple.
A commenter from this post will be randomly selected to win a free dress, your choice, provided by Shabby Apple, makers of fabulous vintage-inspired goodies. And use this code for 10% off: enjoyingthesmallthings10off.
And, I keep forgetting to share this inspiring video put together by filmmaker Erica Hill for the NDSS. It touched me so.
Happy Midweek, Friends.
I love that quote about courage. In fact, it was just what I needed to hear at the end of a long, long week. Thanks!
unsure? i’m not sure.
but i am sure i love those onesies. and shabby apple.
I love the ADORABLE outfits your kiddos wear! One day… I think I’ll dress my little ones in a similar fashion (hehe)… and I <3 your blog!
I just recently started reading your blog and I love it. It inspires me so much. great post. Thanks for that. 🙂
Your post made my bad-ish day better. Your family is so beautiful- what a great thing to cherish each day!!
I love that quote. “I will try again tomorrow”. Wednesdays are long days at our house, but we will try again tomorrow!
I so enjoy your posts. Loved the courage quote, it spoke to me today.
Thank you for the inspiration. I’m looking at everything that needs to get done before bedtime — and nope, it just ain’t gonna happen. So we’ll try again tomorrow. 🙂
Are you kidding? I love Shabby Apple so much I would fall over if I won one of their gorgeous dresses. *sigh*
Love all the colors in the photos and the gorgeous faces filling up the lenses.
Precious blog! I so enjoy it!
That courage quote is perfect, beautiful photos as always!
I did the same thing to my phone! Be careful with the glass on your fingers…I put mine in a little ziplock baggie and was still able to use it for texts, emails, etc…had to take it out to talk because people kept saying I sounded weird 🙂
Love love love your blog! Your pictures make me so excited to bring my sweet 4-year-old boy to Florida this weekend all the way from Seattle! I am taking him to Disney World 🙂
this blog makes me so happy(: ready for summer. ready for family vacations in the warm North Carolina atmosphere.
I made my phone look exactly like your phone last week. Bummer, dude!
I love that onesie!
Oh, oh, I am lusting after that dress for my little girl who is being born TOMORROW! Induction tonight! So I very much get the “unfinished” feeling. I’ve been sort of in a daze all day. That being said, I finally got myself a DSLR camera thanks to a) your website and b) little Ellie’s inspiration.
Rejuvenating, as always. Time to stop and enjoy the moment… Because right now, it’s the only thing we can control. So, why not make it something to remember?
-besides the constant uplifting I get from your blog I also get a good half hour of browsing through the websites you post.
-besides the jealousy I feel from seeing pics of your spring…I see a light at the end of our winter tunnel.
Thanks for your blog, you rock my socks.
ewwww; i need to some shabby. my first house was shabby chic. life with kids became shabby. now i need some shabby apple to right my shabby-world-axis!
Looks like Nella is sitting in a rainforest in that sweet onesie!! My 4 yr old son and I love reading your posts together, he giggles sweetly at the beautiful girls in your pictures, your Nella and your Lainey.
A girl I work with did the same thing to her iPhone – she ended up selling it to a techie guy for $100. Lovin those shabby apple dresses – headed there now cause my little would look oh too cute in one (or two)!
Such precious pictures as always. I am jealous of all the water pictures. It is not nearly warm enough here in Oklahoma. Those dresses are so precious! Thanks for the chance to win!
Love Shabby Apple…
and love your blog. Thanks for it 🙂
Those dresses are super cute!
So sorry about your phone…at least it works! Mine fell in the toilet thanks to my 2 year old and after putting it in a bowl of rice overnight, it just kept dialing my mom when I’d put the battery in…
That onesie is really cute. Gonna go shopping for my friend’s bambino.
I really enjoy reading your blog and looking at your awesome pictures. Keep it up! :o)
Love Nella’s little onesie. And thanks for the Shabby Apple giveaway!
Love those dresses!
Jo.
I found your blog not too long ago, and haven’t commented. But I love reading it. And your girls in those dresses?? Adorable.
Oh, I wish I could be in Florida – RIGHT NOW!! I live in a Chicago suburb, so we have a little more time before the warm weather arrives. Can’t wait! Beautiful pictures, as always!
you inspire me soo much, and in so many ways…. Your daughters are beautiful and i look foward to your post!
Kelle, love to read all of your words of wisdom. Even better, I love all of the great pictures of your littles that you post – adorable!
I am so jealous of your beautiful weather and bathing suit days! Makes me even more excited for Spring!!!!
I’m a little jealous of your SPRING! It’s still freezing and snowing in Utah 🙁 A little something out of my control, I guess.
This was much needed inspiration today! Thank you!
I suppose uncertainty keeps us on our toes, reminds us that we have to still treasure those confident, together moments to hold onto when we’re unsure that we’ll ever feel confident again.
That quote was perfect for this week – funny how that happens hey. Loving the cute outfits too – you can’t help but smile because of all the bright colours – like a ray of sunshine!
Nodding my head… I totally understand your “confusing talk”. It’s right on for where I’m at right about now and I just love your perspective! You’re writing is therapy for me to read. And those darling little photos are just icing on the cake. So, thank you! 🙂 Happy midweek to you as well!
Loving your Blog and your inspiration! I’m living through your pictures and wishing for warm weather and dresses in Chicago soon!
Love the different bathing suit options in each photo. Lainey shares a love of bathing suits like my girls do. We live in San Diego, however, our weather hasnt warmed up like yours has…cant wait!
Loved this post. That onsie is darling! Would love some shabby apple!
Loved this post. That onsie is darling! Would love some shabby apple!
that quote almost brought me to tears thinking, that’s me at the end of some days.
and i love, love nella’s expressions. such precious little ladies.
You’re right – everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and you don;t have to have control all the time, but, damn that’s hard to remember sometimes!
In other news, I am loving Nella’s onesie as well as the girls dresses – now we know where the dresses are from, care to share about the onesie?
in love with your blog. true love. xoxo
confession: when I read your blog I have to recite to myself, “i love where i live, i love where i live, i love where i live, right?”
(would LOVE to win!)
“Oh yes I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman”
Such an empowering song Kelle…the words resonate I’m sure with you too!
Cheers to the wisdom we’ve gained through our pain! x
I hope you sang it as loud as you could…it gives me goosebumps!
with love
Diana x
Awesome post. I love the picture of Lainey in her dance coustume. She is so stinking cute!!
Loving the shabby apple! Thanks for the chance to win!
I LOVE Shabby Apple! And I love that you have warm weather. We’re sort of freezing here in Utah. Darn this Utah weather.
We live in central Florida, and I can say that we are enjoying this time of year and these temperatures as much as ever!
It’s rainy here in sunny California today… and my little ones are all sick, but reading your tales from another coast brightened my day just bit!
The towel shots were great…
and know I’m as unsure as you are, except you have fancier camera skillz. 🙂
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” Love this quote. This one is going on my fridge. With two boys and a busy life, I find myself telling myself that tomorrow is another day to attempt again. Never thought of it as courage before! Melissa R.
I love reading your blog even though I don’t have kiddos of my own. You are so real in your writing. Its inspiring on so many levels.
~LaNaya~
Right Now is a wonderful place to be. Thanks for sharing this post; I really needed it today. 🙂
I wish I lived in Florida…we vacation there every year…and I never want to leave! Love the warm weather…and the lovely blog!
i am in the midst of one of those overthinking overanalyzing everything weeks. i do the EXACT same thing. i can’t wait until my brain shuts down!
i love your honesty, your perspective on life & love & your girls. thank you for that fresh southern FL breeze! 🙂
Pretty much the only thing I’m sure of right now is that I love dresses. And that I wish that Chicago weather would warm up so I could wear them more often 🙂
I’m so jealous of your swimsuit weather. I would love to have consistent temperatures instead of 20 degrees than 50 degrees. Your girls look so adorable!
Great post. We all struggle and it’s nice to know there is a community sometimes struggle together. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.ourcupsrunnethover.com/blog
I thinking this morning about your book– any new developments in that department????
I thinking this morning about your book– any new developments in that department????
Thanks for the chance to win!
love love love the shabby dresses… and nella’s onesie is just perfect for her bright and cherubic face… such sweetness… the picture of lainey looking introspective and content has got to be one of my favorites so far… such beautiful girls… oh… and the phone… poor you… my husband did the same thing about a year ago… and he’s STILL rocking it…
e
how cute! I’m the mama and you’re the honey! hehe
Beautiful pics as always. Love your spirit and your beautiful girls.
your pictures make me long for spring and summer–but they are coming, even to the northeast! today, i saw the first crocuses. they were growing near public housing in the middle of the city, and they were gorgeous and brilliantly orangish-yellow, like they had to reflect the sun that rarely shines in those homes. i love random acts of beauty–someone, one day, planted those little flowers, and they keep coming up, year after year, reminding us that winter never has the final word….
i hope your girls are enjoying the blooming nature all around them. 🙂
Ah…
I am so unsure. Sometimes I wake up and forget I’m in my mid-20’s with a husband and a baby… and then when I remember I just hope God’s watching out so I can do it right :).
When I finish reading your blog, I always decide I have to move some where warmer. One day my family and I are moving south, one day!
well spoken- and those outfits are too cute!
i love everything about this post! enjoy your littles! i know you will.
Love that onesie!!
Thanks for today’s post Kelle, I myself have been reevaluating my thinking. I’m loosening up, bit by bit, the change in my life and the lives of my children is evident, even in only three days! I threw away the guilt of maybe yelling a little too much and expecting more than they can give…they will love me when I’m old, I know it!
I’m not even sure how I stumbled across your blog, but I very much enjoy reading your words. Your pictures are great, but your words are better. You have a talent for writing down what I imagine a lot of us in the blog-o-sphere are thinking or feeling. Enjoy your little ones! 🙂 – lauren
{lauren_kay13 at yahoo dot com]
Oh, I have 2 little peanuts who would LOVE a dress from SA….pick me!!! I LOVE that onsie….Nella is soooo darn cute!!!! Vintage fabrics here we come baby!!
Your not the only one feeling like you are 🙂 I’m right there with you.
So sad about your phone! That is my worst nightmare! And I love that quote; exactly what I needed to read tonight. Your girls are adorable as always, and I love those dresses!
I’m so jealous over your awesome weather! Love your blog, and your girls!
Oh man, your phone looks bad 🙁 I have to say, I’m impressed that you are going to hold out on buying a new one! I think I’d have been headed to the store almost as soon as I could have picked it up off the floor!
Your pictures are so great! I especially love the one where Lainey is buried in the sand. So cute! Your weather looks wonderful! Enjoy!
That photo of confident Lainey is so beautiful. I can’t believe she will be 4 soon!
Oh how I love when my firstborn (who is now 8) let’s me snuggle him to sleep 🙂
The girls get more and more beautiful everyday. Thanks again for always speaking what your feeling with such honest! Onward and upward!!!
Another great post…your’s always get the gears in my head turning. Thanks for what u do!
I did something similar to my phone a while back…just covered the screen with packing tape to keep all the pieces together. Worked like a charm!
Argh, I HATE breaking phones! 🙁 Sorry to hear that. LOVE those vintage dresses your girlies are wearing – SOO cute!
i love love your blog and what you have to offer. it brings so much to each and every day for me. keep doing what you are doing. you are going places, BIG places, girl.
Yesss, another Kelle post! Your blog posts are the sprinkles on my ice cream of life, seriously.
Loved everything about this post
Especially loved the girls swimsuits and the dresses….ADORABLE.
you now have me fantasizing about my two best girlfriends U2, toto, men at work and michelob ultra and/or margaritas….sigh. sounds like fun!
Oh, that onesie. Could you go ahead and put that on the list of items I wish I could borrow (for myself)?
As for me? I had an insecurity freak-out today in the shower. Maybe everyone understood your “thinking” line, or maybe I’m the only one. But I assure you of this: I got it. And the idea of being slung sideways by the whole idea of insecurity vs/ the actual insecurity itself makes perfect sense to me. I’m not exactly sure when I learned that I should bury my insecurities so dang deep.
When my kiddos were little (they are now 28, 30 and 34) I received lots of criticism on how I did things. Daddy and I agreed in our approach to parenting, and now all those critics LOVE LOVE LOVE the amazing adults that have resulted.
Sometimes it’s easy to feel inferior or “not enough” or some other lie, but we give our lives for our littles and IT IS ALL THEY NEED!! So I say congrats Mama! Your family is lovely, all 4 (6?)of you.
I love looking forward to your blog every day, and you inspire me – a 6 time grandma. A very young one of course. 😉
Barb
Being unsure is probably one of my favorite feelings to experience. To me, being unsure means that I’m blessed. It means that I was put in a position where I have an endless amount of possibility. It’s awesome. I’m eighteen and in college with a special education major. But I also want to teach English in high schools, counsel families, work in an alternative school, be a singer or songwriter, a dental assistant, a marine biologist… Trust me, the list goes on.
Am I ever sure about anything? No, not really. But I think I’d take ‘unsure’ over ‘sure’ any day.
I think generally confident people feel a bit out of sorts when unsure about things–good for you for working to be okay with that feeling. It’s really easy to get swallowed up by it all!
This whole post makes so much since to me. And better explains how I feel than I ever could.
It’s important to not over think things. It takes away from being in the moment : ) Your girls are beautiful. I would love to win the giveaway!
Tomorrow is indeed another day so enjoy every moment! Flylady has helped ease my perfectionism – it may not look perfect but it is better than where I started!
Exactly! Even the confusing parts. I whole-heartedly agree with you and can completely relate!
Today, thankfully, I had a visiter for 1.5 hours who hung out with my kids while I put away laundry…there aren’t words to describe how wonderful that is. And another friend is dropping off warm supper tonight because our whole household is sick. I’m starting to see the light at the end of my bummed out days.
Thanks as always for the post:-)
How fun… swimming in March! 🙂
Love those dresses!
I just love your blog and all the inspiration, good laughs, and gorgeous pictures I find here! Your honesty is appreciated. I think we can all relate! 🙂
Ugh! I am totally unsure about everything this week and reading your blog made me stop over thinking it. I will live in the moment right now and be sure of that. There will be light at the end of this tunnel, xx
I have been falling in love with my firstborn all over again the last few weeks. Almost like she is my newborn baby again. I am surprised by her and I study every detail of her face, feet, hands… She is going to be a big sister not only to her 2 year old brother, but to a baby sister in July. She’s 3 and a half and FINALLY for the first time ever has been binky free the last 5 nights. I feel like her baby-ness is gone, and she’s actually growing up. Not getting a little bit older, but growing up. She wants to go to school, and she let’s us know that she’s growing up by following things with, “I’m a big girl now, Momma.” A new dress would be a lovely gift for her now. 🙂
I have a confession: Many times I have read your blog and thought to myself…I want to be just like her! Why can’t my life be just like hers! I want to live in Florida, I want to live where it’s warm, I want to be able to take gorgeous photos, I want children, I want to be able to work from home, I want to be crafty! I hate to admit it but I’m a little jealous.
And it took a good friend of mine (my best) who also reads your blog to say that, “she inspires me”. And she’s right! You are inspirational and today and Monday’s post too just goes to show that you’re human! You’re just like me! Maybe I’m a lot more like you than I thought! Anyway, thanks for being human! Thank you for sharing your insecurities! Thank you for being inspirational! Now go clean your house! 😉
So jealous of the sun…it’s hailing in Seattle today. Please Spring – come soon!
Your blog is always so uplifting and is just the right thing at the end of the day when I am not sure where my place in this world really is……
I am “borrowing” your quote, it is needed by many.
Keep smiling and keep posting your influential words and beautifully breathtaking pictures!
Janine
Great post and love the quote. Thanks for the chance to win!
OMG! I totally did that same thing to my first iPhone! I rocked it broken for awhile, too. Love those dresses!
My hand is so very raised at this moment. I am not sure that I can do this … this path that God has put me on is seeming very overwhelming at the moment. Of course, in 13 weeks I won’t have a choice but to walk that path. My little baby will be here and I will be a mom and then my hand will be too full of adorableness to be raised. Oh I pray that will be so.
Aren’t little girls the best little things??? I love dressing Addy, she’s so fun! Your girls are beautiful, love reading your posts, such a wonderful writer!
We just made our own little corner of the yard.. Complete with hammock, slide, water table, and bubble machine 🙂
The same thing happened to my iPhone. I took it to the Apple store and they replaced it for free.
Very cute dresses 🙂
I was totally thinking to myself, “Wow!!! Lainey is getting so big!”, and then the next paragraph went, “~Right now I am completely moonstruck over my firstborn…”, too cute!
The timing of this post is unreal for me! Just a few minutes I was crying at how inept I felt today, the past few days. The reminder that this feeling is okay and necessary is happily hitting the right nerve! I love how the universe works!
Everytime I see you have posted, I cross my fingers are HOPE it’s Nella’s first year book. Here’s to hoping the next post will be IT. Happy Spring to you and yours.
I think none of us knows what’s up! I love your honesty.
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Oh, those dresses, so stinkin’ cute! Enjoy the beautiful weather!
I could use a new dress. 🙂
Love the warmer temps. It’s warming up here in TX too…yay for park playdates.
I absolutely love the courage quote, I think I want to blow it up and have it smack me in the face every morning, and then tuck me in each night. Thanks Kelle
I am loving your blog right now…inspiring me and giving me the freedom to stop caring about the laundry and enjoy my littles. This morning we played candy land and baked blueberry muffins from scratch and fell asleep together reading stories. When I woke, the little tow head who owns my heart was asleep on my shoulder and I could hear the rain dripping outside and the music playing down the hall and the happy baby cooing in her crib and for that moment, I didn’t care one bit about anything else in the whole world. Thank you for helping those of us who don’t see the world the way you do, to see it the way you do…at least sometimes!
That’s one of my favorite quotes ever: it’s been particularly helpful recently, while I’m training for my first ever half marathon. Anyways, your girls are adorable and my phone looks like yours. I too am just going with it and hoping it holds together for a little longer.
The perfect post for just when I was feeling down on myself. There’s always tomorrow to make right what I thought went wrong today.
Love that little onesie on Nella.
The quote about courage spoke to me!
And my girl needs a new dress! 🙂
LOVE the quote – thank you. These last couple of posts have been great – we’re all just doing the best we can. You are doing an amazing job keeping all the balls in the air. Don’t be so hard on yourself – you rock it!
Great post today! I am jealous of your beautiful Florida weather. 🙂
“The thing is, I have times, like every other human being, where I’m not quite sure of my place or if I’m doing things right.”
Thanks for reminding me that it’s OK to feel this way, and that I don’t always have to be a perfectly poised and confident Mama!
I am raising my hand. Thanks for always being so honest & raw. It’s been a rough week & your words today reminded me not to be so hard on myself. My 3 year old won’t go off to college still refusing to potty train. Right?
Ohh, warm weather. I miss it so much I can taste it! We’ve got months to go before green grass and sprinklers in the yard, up here in New Hampshire.
Love the dresses.
Your post makes me long for the beach here in MI, but that won’t happen for a while. I will just have to enjoy your pics for now!
Unsure is definitely in our vocabulary over here! Loving seeing pictures of your warm weather and your girls enjoying it! Can’t wait til it hits here too!
oh my…that picture of Lainey with the sub behind her is amazing! You better start locking her up from those boys right now! 🙂
I love your blog. It makes me so excited to be a mom.
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my midwest mind cannot comprehend your flordia weather!
one of my favorite quotes, that I often have to tell myself especially when feeling insecure is:
comparison is the thief of joy-
I have no idea who said it first but my pastor at church says it often and I like it!
i love shabby apple, i love love nella’s onesie, and i love love love your honesty in this post. xo
My firstborn is growing up too fast too….and he’s just ten months tomorrow. Although, I’m relieved to report that he’s still an only thus far. 🙂
great post! also, love shabby apple and would love to win!
cuteness
My five-year old Baby would love something from Shabby Apple. :o)
Another fab post! Just to let you know, my Hubby smashed his screen on the front stairs, and was able to get the screen replacement kit from Ebay for $20 (that’s Aussie dollars, so around the same US I suppose). Came with instructions and everything – was easy to do and the phone worked like a dream 🙂
And that Shabby Apple gear is awesome – makes me want to whip out the VISA! lol
Love this, you inspire me to be a better mom to my 3 month old twin ladies 🙂
I love the beautiful outfits the girls are wearing..So cute esp the onesie that Nella is wearing!
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who not only despises housework, but puts it off until the very last minute! Your blog is always so inspiring, and it’s nice to know that we don’t all have to be “super-mom” in every aspect of our lives, to still be super moms! Looking forward to your next post.
love your beautiful pictures, you are truly an artist with so much to give
Such a sweet photo of you rocking Lainey to sleep 🙂
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if that’s an iPhone 4 apple will replace a broken one for FREE.
i dropped mine and went to the apple store expecting to pay $200 to fix it and they gave it to me for FREE.
something about the “first one being on them”
i was in shock.
Little jealous of your warm beaches, pools, and waterparks 🙂
I love that you are a rock star, a mommy and a honey all at the same time.
LOVE that quote about courage. Just what I needed today!
Each entry I read from you- I hang on the words b/c it sounds so much like me. Thank goodness I am not alone…is what I hear myself saying after I have read your posts… thank you Kelle, for making imperfect, normal!
I love your blog, Kelle! You inspire me and I think you are amazing.
Sorry about your phone-ouch!!! Love the pics of the little ones laughing at life!! Always a treat to sto by your blog and visit. Thank you, Kelle!
Is that how this works? You inspire me. Thanks for writing everyday.
Kelle, your blog is amazing and I LOVE the way you are REAL and your outlook on life is divine 🙂 Enjoy that warm weather down there! xo
BEAUTIFUL photos of your little ones! This is such a great post because it speaks to us all. I absolutely love the onesie and shabby apple!
Wow, your spring pictures make me so jealous. We just got about two feet of snow Monday and Tuesday so I’m thinking spring is still pretty far away for us.
Each one of your blog posts makes me smile. Thank you for your creativity, your honesty, and for keeping it real!
love shabby apple and your girls are precious! just beautiful.
I’m so impressed that you get Nella to smile in so many pics. I usually just get blank stares or speed-grabbing-for-the-camera =)
This mama could really use a new dress after a bad day! And can you send some of that weather up our way while you’re at it? Pretty please?
A to the m.e.n. Loved this post. I totally can understand that headspace. The quote on courage is a fabulous one. And can I say that when you wrote “Maybe it’s just a virus and needs to run its course, and maybe scrambling to prescribe something for it is a waste of concern,” I had to laugh because it was such a perfect analogy. As a family doc, I really appreciate that one. 🙂 Beautiful pictures. Thanks for the inspiration!
I just LOVE reading this!
But I have to tell you, you really shouldn’t use the broken iPhone, at least DONT put it to your ear! Something about the screen having toxins or something thats very bad for your skin, I read somewhere.
Anyways, “ha en fantastisk dag” as we say in norwegian. Its 1.40 at night/or morning here so I should really get some sleep. I will probably dream about smiling and having ice cream in hot Naples 🙂 At least thats what I want!
Happy midweek to you! I love dresses for my little girls:)
your pictures are breathtaking.
thank you for sharing them
Thanks for the inspiration. I LOVE looking at all your pictures. I’m also very jealous of the nice weather you guys have. Today, we had an extra inch of snow and very windy… I need some new summer dresses for my 3 princesses to bring some SUN in our home!
Thanks!
Great post! I needed to read it after the week I’ve been having. I love your choice in song too!
Glad to hear the Gulf is warming up… I’m on my way!
Love it. Love it all… the happiness… the insecurity… the pictures…. Just love it.
I share you feeling of being “unsure” each day I wake up and say to myself “today I will do my best” because really that’s all I can do is try and hope that I get some things right :o) Btw the video was great, I look forward to our first buddy walk this year.
I watched the video and my favorite part… the last lines – “they got a lot of information about doun syndrome, then they went to the pediatrician and said but we don’t know anything about raising a baby”
I remember feeling like I don’t know anything about raising a baby too, and she doesn’t have ds.
Loved the video, and loved this whole post. Nellas onesie, Laineys bathing suits and sleeping in your arms. Love it.
That quote was exactly what I needed to hear tonight. Thanks so much. 🙂 And I to can be unsure of my choices so I take my time. My changing again and again, until I reach a place of piece in my own heart and head. But once that choice is made I plan to always be extremely loyal to it. Your style by the way is inspiring. I love the mixed matchness and vintage feel.
Thank you for giving me a little push to feel more secure and sure of myself ~:)
So sorry about your phone. Thankfully mine has only been dropped a couple times, and it was on carpet (ohh now that I’ve said that I’m sure it’ll drop out on the tile or asphalt now!) 😉
Recently discovered your blog. Love it! Your girls are heart-breakingly beautiful. I have two girls myself. Thank you for reminding me to slow down,and stop worrying so much about the details, and enjoy them more!
I love your blog, and your honesty! I agree that it can sometimes be easy to over think things and sometimes more clarity actually comes when it happens naturally.
Your beach pictures and talking of “Isle of Capri” is making me want to make a Southern Florida trip! Enjoy it and embrace the great weather!
My daughter did that with hers and we bought the replacement glass for it. It came as a kit. It really wasn’t that difficult to replace but I say that because I didn’t do it, I paced back and forth while my husband did it. LOL My daughter stood guard over him watching every move he made while he was doing it too. 🙂
Now for the fun stuff: oh bathing suits, sunglasses and palm trees swaying in the afternoon breeze. ahhhh oh it all sounds so wonderful.
Oh I love that “I am Woman, Hear me Roar” super super super wonderful!
Shabby Apple = adorable little girls wearing precious clothing.
I am at 50 a total work in progress. Thank goodness for my 2.5 year old granddaughter that wakes up every morning to make me smile while giving me the best purpose in life. total love!
Oooh, please enter me in the drawing too…I’ve never actually won a contest, but it’s always fun to try!! Love your blog…so uplifting and honest. Beth
the apple store should replace your phone at no cost to you. It’s what I have found to be part of their incredible customer service!
it’s comforting to hear your unsureness mirroring my own:). i’m a new mama and am considering leaving my job- i’m unsure as hell right now, even though being a mama is the most important thing to me, there are so many uncertainties with this decision. and even though your unsure-ness blurb is ambiguous, i totally get it. and it’s refreshing to hear someone say it :). love the dresses- your girls look adorable :). yay, welcome Spring, warmth & waves :).
xoxo
Blair
Your daughter looks adorable in her ballet leotard! I love the way you dress your girls…they never seem to have as many options for boys. Luckily, my son could be naked and still be the cutest.thing.ever. 🙂 (I’m not biased…really lol)
Would love to win your giveaway!
Looks like you have a beautiful life. Your girls are adorable and your beach pictures make me very jealous. I’m in the arctic, so I think I’ll just keep looking through your photos to give myself hope of sunnier days.
-FringeGirl
I am very jealous right now:-) What I would give to be able to take my girls to the beach or pool! To get rid of this pasty white skin. To just go enjoy the warm weather. But it is March in Indiana and I’m sure the snow is not done yet. Even though we’ve had a few warm days here and there. For now, I will just enjoy your pictures!
Kelle, you seem to do more things in a few days span than I end up doing all month! You’re awesome! By the way, I love the photo your girls in the pine needles. Reminds me of home.
Love your celebration of spring! And those little dresses are adorable!
as always, such beautiful pictures.
and thats the wonderful thing about life.. the unknown. if we knew everything… ourselves, who we were destined to become… then life wouldnt be much of an adventure.
Love those little dresses! My little Elise would look so precious in one!
I loved what you wrote about insecurity and other unsettling emotions. Have you read Pema Chodron/Start Where You Are? She’s a Buddhist nun. And she talks about using the pain in our lives to create more compassion for ourselves and others. And instead of stuffing those uneasy feelings down or running away from them, she talks about holding them in a cradle of lovingkindess — unconditional kindness to ourselves. 🙂
thanks for sharing that warm weather with us 🙂 in 26 days, i’ll be heading your way for our honeymoon and your ocean pictures are getting me hyped up!
Did you read my mind???
Love the blog, love the music and LOVE the weather down in Florida! So jealous, its 50’s and 60’s here in Maryland!
I am glad to hear that you had a snuggle night with your Lainey. As the due date for our second child very near, I find myself clinging to these last moments with my firstborn trying to savor every last minute- while also wishing for this new baby to be in my arms. Lovin’on the Shabby Apple Dresses!
Is is reasonable to drool over sand and salty sea water? I say it is.
And that onesie is too cute.
Love a new spring dress.
I would love to win one of these two for my little sister! http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-107-not-your-mamas-mumu.aspx http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-345-gumballs.aspx
I wanna move to Florida! So jealous of the warmth and sunshine!! Enjoy! 🙂
loving those dresses from shabby apple, i might i have to purchase a few when warmer weather reaches us. Its March 2nd and still snowing and freezing where i live, so i have to admit a little bit jealous of your sunshine.
That weather looks luscious. All that sun, warm breezes, palm trees…much different from here in Indiana!
LOVE Nella’s little stuffed camera! I noticed it on her exersaucer. 🙂
Swimming at the Port Royal Club! 23 days and we will be doing the same! Can’t wait!
i raise my hand !!! i have those days maybe too many , but am slowly learning that there is another tommorrow)))))Maybe it’s just a virus and needs to run its course)))))))
and I love that quote , it seems fitting.
your girls are so beautiful like their momma
love and blessings the doughtys
I have a confession: I’ve been going through a very rough time lately. I’m in a place where I am constantly questioning myself and feeling very insecure. I feel as though no matter how hard I try, it is not good enough. The one thing that always puts me in a better mood is your blog. I can’t tell you how much your positive attitude and beautiful pictures inspire me! Reading your blog puts things in perspective and I feel so thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life. You have no idea how much you have helped me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Kelle- I love your words of encouragement about insecurity. It hits home as I read your blog tonight. My newest little one arrived last week as an unexpected gift of being 3 and a half weeks early! As I deal with post partum and all of it’s ups and downs and everything in between I read your words after putting my first born (only 16 months of age- yes, we planned this) to sleep. I sigh and wonder if I am doing my best. Thank for helping me remember that tomorrow is a new day and that my slip ups are only human. And that loving my children more then anything in this world is truly all that matters. Oh I must go before I start to cry, gotta love the first week after giving birth 🙂
I’m loving these pictures of Nella and Lainey! I’m sitting here, pregnant with two beautiful fraternal twin girls of my own, and pray to have all of the mother-daughter moments you share with your littles! <3
I agree that it is okay to be unsure sometimes. It keeps you growing, moving and pushing forward.
Is it super creepy that I want to plan a Sunday trip to Isle of Capri in hopes of seeing you and meeting you? Probably so, huh? <3 I love, love those cute vintage inspired dresses! They wouldn’t look that great on my little, who’s a boy, but I could wear one and not look like a crazy cake.
One of these days, I’m gonna win one of the giveaways and look as well dressed as your kids. Love reading your posts and viewing your photogs. Always inspiring–and frankly, we could use a little sunshine up here. So ready for spring….
–Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher–
Thank you for reminding me of that quote….I need to put it on my wall!
I love your picture of you rocking Lainey to sleep. Did your husband take it or did you set the camera up yourself?
My 3 year old is sick (and calm) today. I’m planning to rock him to sleep tonight too. I think he’ll let me, for a change. Can’t wait.
Totally going to buy some of those cute onesies for baby shower gifts!
thanks for the reminder of the need for playdates for ME, too 🙂
I think I’ll go fire up the phone right now and get to plannin’
What sweet girls!
Love love love the ones and dresses, and your sweet girls
I look forward all week to your posts. Your girls are darling and so are all of their sweet clothes. You are so blessed to have all of these sweet photos for memories. Love it!
the dresses are so cute!
Thanks for this post. It was just what I needed to hear.
I LOVE Shabby Apple and I’m hoping for once I may be the lucky one. Thanks for once again inspiring me and reminding me that it’s ok to not have everything planned out. Sometime we need creative lulls to recharge.
The courage quote is oh so needed at the end of this day. I may have to say it over and over to myself over the course of the next several days, but here’s hoping it will take and so will the courage. Thanks for the nudge!
I am pregnant with a little girl due in June. She simply must have a gorgeous little summer dress, right? Have a great day Kelle! 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE!! All of it! My hands are BOTH in the air 😉
I cannot get over how gorgeous Lainey is! Ya’ll are gonna have to lock her up in 10 or so years! (Really, both your girls are so beautiful.) My husband and I are trying to get pregnant right now, and having the opportunity to peek into your world and drool over your littles makes the waiting a little easier.
oh, that Naples sky scene makes me miss it so! Nella in that hooded towel and hanging on to the edge of the float=scrumptious!!
I love coming here and reading ramblings or not…I love it all…and I love Shabby Apple 🙂
I so needed this post tonight. I have been thinking about my thinking lately which has left me so very unsure.
Thank you for another beautiful post reminding me to stop thinking about life and start living it!
Once again, your pictures and children are absolutely breathtaking.
so wonderful to get a reminder that life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans (thank you john lennon)! my hubs and i are both finshing grad school and spend so much time looking towards the future … i have to remind myself to live life right nowtoo!
I loved the quote about courage! Your blog is always one of the first pages I visit when I get on the computer. I love reading your updates! Thank you so much for sharing your life and your beautiful children with all of us!!
Reading that quote is just what I needed the day I had with my own two little ones. It’s definitely going to be a craft project in the near future and going up in my kitchen. Thank you for the glimpses into your life, I always enjoy reading them.
Your pictures are putting me in the mood for summertime!
I love reading your blog! And watching your girls grow 🙂
Perfect as always. I love reading your blog.
Love the shadow picture and am very jealous of your warm weather. Spring is teasing us up here in North Carolina with a few nice days and then several cold ones. I can’t wait to be outside in the sun with my littles too…..
That onesie is incredible cute, on a very cute girl. I think there are about ten spring dress on Shabby Apple that I would love to add to my wardrobe this spring, but one would make me a very happy and hot mama.
I would loveeee to be dipping my toes in the Florida ocean. Soak up some rays for me in coudy Pa. 🙂
Happy Hump Day!
Melissa 🙂
your pictures melt my heart.. what a beautiful family!
this entry’s for my niece! (fingers crossed) and longing for the midwest weather to warm up enough for no sweaters. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. You always put things into perspective for me. Your girls are getting more beautiful by the day! My daughter is 2 weeks older than Nella and my husband and I still think she grows more beautiful by the day…not sure how that happens, but it does!
what a beautiful video. i definatly see nella doing great things and lainey pushing her to do those things.
what a beautiful video. i definatly see nella doing great things and lainey pushing her to do those things.
I love shabby apple! They’re clothes are perfect!
Can i have your weather please?!
I am slowly learning the same lesson you are… it’s OK to not have it all together. There’s something wonderful about a hectic day or week to remind you how human you are.
I so wish we could go to a beach like we go to the park. Maybe someday.
Thanks for posting about being unsure some of the time. I have had the same feelings lately and have had to tell myself, “You’re okay, stop over-analyzing things.” Sometimes it really is best to choose to quiet your thoughts and remember that being unsure isn’t the end of the world.
Your girls are so adorable! I’m so happy to have found your blog. Love your inspiration. Would love to win anything from Shappy Apple. Love.
I loved reading this post and I’d also love to win a new dress 🙂
You always have so many comments that I sometimes feel that I would get lost in the crowd but I decided that I would comment today because I too am having one of those I’ve been thinking too much weeks so its time to stop and just be. Thank you for reminding me that this is OK.
I love the dresses. I really love the onesies!
Love the little clothes you pick out for your girls! So cute. I think it’s healthy for us all to be ok with not being totally ok sometimes.
Joanne
Love the little clothes you pick out for your girls! So cute. I think it’s healthy for us all to be ok with not being totally ok sometimes.
Joanne
That warm weather looks divine.
I love how free spirited you are. The weather here has been nice also but not quite that nice.
I’m pretty much always unsure but the things (or rather the people) I’m sure about are total guideposts for me.
Shabby Apple? I’m pretty sure about it!
Jealous that you’re at the beach/pool in march 🙂 and I love Nellas onesie 🙂 happy Wednesday!
I love this post. So real. So many times I come to your blog to be inspired, to be reminded that life is good even when it’s hard. It was a bit surprising but then comforting to see that you struggle with the same thoughts we all do from time to time. Thank you for writing it all–the good and the bad.
I have been watching the Shabby Apple maternity dresses for a few weeks now. My sister is getting married this summer and I will be eight(!) months pregnant. I’m hoping to find a cute and flattering dress for the wedding.
I just had one of those “viruses” last week- the thinking and over thinking and trying to figure out my place in the family and in the whole wide great big world. My post about it below:
http://threeoclockcrazy.blogspot.com/2011/02/both-sides.html
Oh that beach looks amazing! I wish I was enjoying warm Florida weather instead I am sitting by a fire with a cup of coffee in cold New England weather! I can’t wait for my girl to be old enough for dance school….I got a ways to go she is 11 weeks!
Being unsure is a good thing. Sometimes you don’t know what you want or need until it is right there in front of you:)
You mentioned being unsure of things, and then you mentioned U2. “Stuck in a Moment” is my go-to OMG-what-am-I-doing-with-my-life? song:
And if the night runs over
And if the day won’t last
And if your way should falter
Along this stony pass
It’s just a moment
This time will pass
Good stuff. God bless!
love the pictures of your little dancer! i can remember days of loving dance class and begging mom to let me practice 🙂
I’ve been riding high on my own wave of insecurities lately. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one.
I think as moms we are all unsure of our decisions daily. That’s what makes us good mothers 🙂 We have the ability to question ourselves and take a look within.
kelle I love reading your blog. It makes my heart happy :o)
On the telephone note—they are so expensive to replace! I’ve been rockin’ my broken one for 5 months now. It hurts to think of paying “out of contract” for a new one!!
Is it terrible that…
when I’m unsure I throw myself into reading blogs because it makes me feel normal…
or that I get occupied online shopping from so many of the wonderful sponsers you have…
or that instead of studying for an exam I am posting a comment on here because those dresses truely are beautiful?
Just curius 😉 Thanks for making me feel normal about my uncertainties.
Right now I’m finding balance in my life!
Great post!
Ash
shoot *curious! I really do need to study 😉
Sorry ’bout your phone. That is the suck.
I’m in awe that your quiet contentment still says so much. Xoxo
Both hands raised supahigh on this one.
Also, thank you for that quote. I just got done with my yoga class, and that quote is the cherry on top of the peaceful feeling I am currently feeling that will probably only last about ten more minutes.
Still lovin’ your blog.
Absolutely love your posts.
your weather makes me green w/ envy ugh I can’t wait to go outside!!
awww, love your new header! It makes me excited for summer:)
Beautifully written as always!! I agree that its in the times of questioning that you are truly stretched. And this Pennsylvanian is jealous of all those lovely beach photos!!
I am having a baby girl in April, and I sure she would love one of those cute little dresses 🙂
I love Shabby Apple but haven’t bought a dress from them yet so it would be amazing to win one!
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You’re an inspiration to us bloggers to keep on keepin’ on…I need to get my priorities straight and put my feelings down on my blog.
Very jealous of your beautiful weather and the Isle of Capri you speak of. Nebraska doesn’t have any of that :-/
http://www.papillionmom.com is my blog. I hope to post regularly here soon.
I love Nella’s onesie! I am also jealous of your warm-weather…please send some to Ohio!
Your children are beautiful. And your stories inspire me to dream about my own family to be.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us!
I was just so unsure today when I was waiting in the doctors office and my newly potty trained 3 yr old said he needed to go 3 times while we waited. And while in the tiny bathroom my 18 month old was pulling the toilet paper by the mile and laughing and there was poop and pee and too much paper. I wanted to run. Being unsure is so human. I love Lainey’s sweet smile. My son has the same adorable space in his teeth. Makes their smile extra sweet. Happy mid week!
Your girls are as beautiful as your words.
I am 13 years old, loving photography! your blog is a great inspiration, and i love all the things you can win! i love shabby apple, and would love a new dress!!! 🙂
I have a little girl with another one on the way. I often wonder if I will miss just being us. I worry if the transition will be hard. Your big girl seems to hanle it like a pro.
A girl can never have too many dresses. Or too much courage!
Don’t let the babies play with your phone – it’ll keep working without any problems, but you’ll lose shards of glass every now and then. If you or your husband are at all mechanically inclined, you can purchase an aftermarket glass screen and easily replace it yourself (and there’s YouTube videos if you need guidance). Amazon, Ebay, etc. There’s also places springing up (at least around here, I’m in Dallas, TX) that’ll do the work for you for way cheaper than the Apple Store would.
My husband broke his at the Coldplay concert almost two years ago, it fell out of his shirt pocket. Talk about a potentially expensive concert…
Kelle,
I found your blog and have been so touched by your words! I love your pictures and your writing. Thanks for the post!
-Kylee
Sometimes I think it’s better not to say ANYTHING but then there’s days like today… when I confide in someone because someone was awful to me and they make me see the light… much like you… that we are alike, good natured… all striving to be sure, be unsure together and that there is love, cohesiveness in that… enough said. Much love. xo
Thank you – God bless your beautiful family!
I’m wishing that Ohio was as spring-like as Florida right now. We’ll get there eventually. And we do get Fall, so there’s that.
After a crazy, not so great day, this was just what I needed to hear. Thank you for being honest and vulnerable. Blessings.
Loved that quote on courage. Randomly found your blog and absolutely love it! Thanks 🙂
First time posting on a blog…ever! You are a brilliant writer and an amazing photographer. I’ve never “known” anyone with a child with down’s syndrome. Thanks for opening your world to others.
I stumbled across your blog a little over a year ago. My mother died shortly after and she left me a little money. I had always wanted a really great camera because I have always taken what I thought were pretty good pictures of my kids and I thought a better camera would make them…better. I never felt like I could really do it, really take those photo’s with a “real” camera. Well, you inspired me as you have so many others, to just find my art and if I like the photo’s who cares if anyone else does or not 😉
So, I bought the good camera with my mom’s money and I want to thank you and her for it. I actually have a real bona-fide hobby now and I am lovin’ it!
You always include the BEST quotes! I needed the courage one today. Can’t wait to soak up some of that FL sun with my little man.
Kellie, As a Mom and a on the go woman, I totally recommend the Otter Box cases for your Iphone. (No I dont have stock or a hidden financial income off of the company)
I am a momma of two boys and SWEAR by the cases. I drop my phone ALL the time to the point that I even had my phone fly of the back of a pickup truck onto the road and still never broke my phone. My case got banged up but my phone was brand spankin new. It was amazing. My hubby laughed b.c I would tape up my case and keep going. Till one day he was embarrased at how it was taped up. I had a great phone and a great case that was working that I didnt want to jink it by getting another one. Although I finally did give in and got the waterproof otterbox case. Same great quality. The cases are pricy but well worth it.
I also want to say how it is so welcoming to see you blog so honestly and forthcoming. That is needed in today’s world. It shows that it is perfectly normal, esp for those of us on the other end reading of all you do. We are women, Mothers and we all have our ups and downs. I look forward to your posts and it gives me confidence every day to go that much farther as a person. In the simple things with my family that counts so much!
always love peeking into your world to see what you’re up to – you’re one inspiring mama.
i hope to win this drawing….one day….i will. win. something. 🙂
So fantastic. I am so in love with the number of pictures you take in the course of a few days! It makes me want to capture even more of our everyday and what makes us US! Thanks for the continued inspiration and the reminder that life is LIFE and looks different for everyone and at different times. In our own transition time now. Relishing the things to come! HOPE!
Your pictures are always so gorgeous, & I love the way you & your girls dress!! So beautiful & creative 🙂
Beautiful photos. I am always so inspired when I come here. You have an amazingly beautiful soul. xoxo
Thank you. I really needed this post today. Yesterday was such a frustrating day for me. I felt like such a bad mommy all day, but after reading this, I feel a lot better. I, too, tend to overanalyze and over think things. I find myself dwelling on my imperfections and worrying about how we’ll make it through. Thank you for reminding me that I should be focusing on right now 🙂
i love everything about your blog and am so excited when i see a new post of yours in my reader – keep em coming!
my hand is up and waving back and forth. And I’m much further along this journey.
Living in south Florida is looking good right now. The temp was 0 when I got out of bed this morning in our little corner of northwest Iowa. Attended my daughter’s IEP yesterday and it went better than I expected. A new dress to celebrate her progress would be fun.
wow…beaches and splashparks…it’s -35 celcius where I live…and it was blowing snow on my way home from work…
This post is like a ray of sunshine for this very cold mama who lives all the way up in the blustry cold Yukon!
The pic of you and Lainey rocking about made me cry. And the pic of your shadows is almost identical to one my husband and I took outside the coliseum in Rome! Wonderful memories.
I wish it would warm up here. We are so ready for spring! Loved the post like always!
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I love the cute clothes on your princesses….and your quote about not being confident all the time…right there with you…
I am so one of those people who think about how I think and why I am thinking about the things I am thinking and end up over thinking…well…everything! Love the quote and, as always, the pictures that are gorgeous in their everyday simplicity. Not over thought!
I just love your blog. I wish I could talk to you because I love what you have to say. The whole thinking too much concept is totally true for me right now. After having my second baby and learning to juggle life with her and a incredibly busy 2 year old boy, I realized that I’ve been too busy/tired to think about how I’m doing, I just do it. And, I think I’m doing alright. Maybe even better because my self doubt and guilt don’t get in the way.
Love all the new “spring-ness” thats all over your blog!! the dresses are adorable!! crossing my fingers for a chance to win 🙂
Beautiful clothes!!
Jealous of your Florida weather! I am ready for spring.
Thanks! Just the bit of inspiration I needed at the end of a rough day.
This post gave me the courage to say I will try again tomorrow.
x
oh my….am i ever feeling unsure right now. *anxiety* creeping in at every turn it seems….but now i feel bits of inspiration and happiness creeping in.
Loved the photo of you rocking Lainey. My first born will be three in June and I still rock him every night and I don’t regret it one bit.
The photos in this blog post are beyond beautiful. The ocean pictures make me long to be somewhere like that. Yet another wonderful blog entry!
JEALOUS…is the only word that comes to mindd right now! I love love love your blog…I get so much inspiration from you but the beach pictures are killing me. While i sit here in northern PA with no hopes of warm weather in the near future:) LOL… Love the dresses and would love to have one for my little girl!
So jealous that it is warm enough to go to the beach there! We had a glimpse of spring today and it was blissful!
Beautiful pictures as usual!
Great post! I always leave reading these feeling so encouraged!
Waterparks in winter..love it! I love seeing how comfy Lainey is in ballet class. I remember your first post when she started out and how different it was then! LOVE your quote on courage. Yes, especially in hard times, sometimes true courage is just getting up each day and doing what must be done. So glad to see you writing about being UNSURE. I don’t think we are meant to always be sure. Love to you and yours from the Blog Mama ~
“right now, i am unsure, unfinished. and i am happy.” that sentence is so powerful – thank you for sharing it. thank you for showing me the courage to admit that “i’m unsure” but that being uncertain does not mean that i cannot be happy.
you inspire me! and i so wish i was in florida this time of year!
Your girls are beautiful (your photography isn’t bad either!). God bless you and your family.
This post gets me so excited to greet the ocean, it can’t come soon enough!
The girls look darling in their dresses and my how they are growing.
Wishing we had some of your warm sunny days. I know they are coming to mid-America soon but they look so great in your pictures I can’t help but hope they hurry. Love those little dresses.
love that onesie on nella, thanks for the link to find more goodies!
Love the quite, so true!
Oh my GOODNESS, those Shabby Apple dresses are cute! Normally I spend all my spare pennies on clothes for my daughter, but this time I may have to snag one for myself 🙂
“My house is a mess. But my home is just fine”
Crossing my fingers to win that dress! 🙂
I totally get feeling unsure, unsettled and insecure! I was there just a few weeks ago and then I got the urge to start planning my one and only baby girls 5th birthday. It snaped me outta that funk and right into seeing that perfect happy smile on her face at her fifth birthday luau….. and mommy will cry all day because she is turning 5.
Enjoy your babies I wish I could have had more so my sweet girl could be a big sister but I am so very content and more in love with my girl that I ever imagined I could be!
As a Mom of 2 1/2 yr old twin girls it is rare that I get to rock one of my girls to sleep. Enjoy every precious moment of it!
Beautiful as always.
your blog is a breath of fresh air. thanks for sharing your insightful and inspiring thoughts.
oh your poor phone! and now i have to buy a onesie for my little. 🙂
My four year old’s favorite game is “I’m the mommy, you’re the sweetie!”
I can’t believe you guys are hitting up the water parks already…. Makes me want to move to Florida. I freakin LOVE those dresses, and I’m feeling lucky!
You’re making me So very hungry for summer!
I love Shabby apple, but sadly my bank account doesn’t. I would love to win one!
Okay, seriously? shabby apple… awesome. and the quote about courage… perfect. just what we need. all of us. thank you.
beee-you-teeee-ful post! enjoying the small things, indeed.
nella gets cuter by the second and i can’t believe how much lainey has grown and changed in the year i’ve been reading this blog.
Thanks for the quote about courage. It was one of those days. “I will try again tomorrow.”
Raise your hand if you’re unsure? Far out! I bet you could see my hand raised all the way here in Brisbane, Australia!
As always, love to read your blog Kelle.
Thank you for the mid week pick-me-up! I love, love, love that shadow picture!!
This is making me so excited for spring and summer.
Ah, what a refreshing post. Love that onesie, love that dress, and love the fact that I’m not the only one with those moments of overthinking and insecurities.
My now 9 year old used to say, “You be the sweetie and I’ll be the mommy.” 🙂
Loved this post Kelle – you have given me a craving for a visit to the beach, just a pity there’s is not one around for MILES! And never mind the fact that we are heading into winter over here in Australia. Enjoy!
whether you think so or not, you do “have it together” my friend…your undying dedication to your family and your ability to “enjoy the small things” is proof positive of that. 🙂
Your kids are the cutest! Loving the dresses!
Place called iresq.com can fix your screen! But getting a new one would also be fun:) And sometimes it cheaper (side note: I don’t work for them but they fixed my husband’s laptop after my daughter at a while 6 months chucked a block at it 🙂
Try taking your phone to the genius bar. I used mine broken for months until it finally conked out. They replaced it for free (a one-time thing) and actually apologized that I’d been using it for so long in that condition. Worth a shot!
Love, love your blog. 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I needed this post tonight! I am in a new school district and it’s not going so well. I went from being a great teacher to people thinking I have a lot to prove and I’ve been feeling uncomfortable, insecure, and pretty depressed. You helped me see that sometimes this is okay. I know this in my head but sometimes it takes seeing it in black and white on the blog of someone I have a lot of respect for in order for it to hit home. Again, I can’t thank you enough.
Everything about this post is totally gorgeous. Even being unsure….And a dress from Shabby Apple? Icing on the cake!
I’m right there with ya on the insecurity part. What is up with that?? As I near the end of my
30’s (gulp) I keep waiting for some sense of clarity to come…but I’m not sure if it ever will. In the meantime, it’s fun doing the best I can.
The kids are looking suddenly bigger! Very cute little outfits. I love your blog, I’m a new follower and every time a new entry pop’s up I get excited-like I KNOW someone else is out there who “gets it”! Thanks a million!
I think we all have those moments when we are humbled and think do I really know what I am doing? And I am always reminded that although I am part of my childrens growth, I am certainly not the biggest part. And that is when I rest knowing I am exactly the mother that God chose for my children. And so are you. 🙂
Tricia
A new dress would make me a happy girl!
This comment has been removed by the author.
this is the second time in ONE day that I have hard about this Shabby Apple, I think that means I am destined to win :). You are inspiring!
yeah i think we can all agree and say “amen sista friend!” sometimes i just want babies to dress them in cute little onsies like that. omg!
Your posts and photos always make me smile. I say do not hide the hopscotching – do it loud and do it proud! Encourage everyone to join you!!!!
Your children are breathtaking.
Sorry about your phone!
I love all your pictures! And I too have been unsure, it is okay I think…makes us re-evaluate and take a step back. I had to laugh at the start of your post today…I did the exact same thing to my iPhone a few months back 🙂 And the shabby apple dresses are darling!
I haven’t missed a post in a year, and you never fail to disappoint. 🙂
Ah sunshine and warm sand….the days in KS bounce back & forth between spring and winter several times a week right now. I loved looking at your “warm” pictures!
I have broke my phone just like that not once but 2 times !!! .. great place fixed my (iphix.ca) it is pretty far but might be an option that is cheaper then a new phone … also we stayed at one of your dad’s rentals in the fall and every time i see a pic of baby’s in the water or palm trees i can remember the warmth on my face and it makes me happy in the long cold Canadian winter ! .. THANK YOU!
Nothing is ever for sure. I think we will try ou entire life to be “sure”. Jealous of the Florida weather- we will be in Key West in 2 days! Can’t wait.
I very much appreciate the human”ness” in this post. So many times I read your posts and think… She does it right, she enjoys her littles, and her friends and the special moments in life and I ask why I can’t manage to be more like that.
The reality is that there’s a lot I don’t see. A lot of insecurities that are much like my own. And that’s ok. Thank you for being you. And reminding me to be happier with myself not inspite of my downfalls but including them.
I was able to rock my 3 year old last night after she woke up crying. I loved every minute of it! She is always the mommy and I’m the sister-all day. She won’t break character and won’t let me either! Cute dresses and gorgeous pics of your girls!!
Karen H.
Love your blog! Just wanted to let you know, you can get screen repair kits for your phone. Check out ebay 🙂
thank you for your honesty! love that quote alot! the picture of lainey with the sun shining behind her and the cute headband on is STUNNING! love!
one of my favorite things about your blog is how perfect the music always goes along with the blog and the pictures. I couldn’t get the link for the NDSS video to work, I am going to cut and paste to a different browser to see if that works for me. I would love to watch!
Your days always look so fresh and refreshing. I continue to enjoy your thoughts and pictures. Thanks for sharing!
I am so jealous of the swimsuit weather and the hanging out in the garage at night, it is cold and rainy and dreary here, I cannot wait for the nice sunny weather! I have two little girls about the same age gap as your darlings and your blog is so inspiring, I love it! My girlies (esp my lil one) would just love a new dress!
These are the things I hang on to as a SAHM of an 18 mo who’s about to burst with her second baby:
Around here, almost is good enough.
(and)
The idea that if the house looks as bad (or good) when my husband comes home as it did when he left, he can assume I cleaned up multiple messes throughout the day.
Thanks for sharing that you 1) aren’t perfect and 2) also over think things. We’re all the same, really. We just try to hide it. 🙂
Oh my what a great video. Thank you for sharing that. I love the dresses your girls are wearing. If I won, I would get one for my sweet Emma and I love the BoHo or gumball.
I am secretly wishing I lived in warmer climates. We still have lots of snow and will be getting more yet here in Minnesota. YUCK!!!! So thanks for sharing your wonderful weather!!
Amy
I am so jealous of your warm weather! We live in upstate NY and right now it’s barely 20 degrees, the wind is blowing and it’s making our house unbearably cold… Loved the picture of you rocking your daughter to bed; it’s so nice to have the opportunity to do that sometimes with the older ones 🙂
Dont feel too bad about the phone ~ I just got my new one today from the insurance company. I dropped my other one in a boiling hot pot of delicious winter squash soup! Took a few moments to fish it out 🙂 Oh well…
Blessings,
Olivia
Thanks for sharing your little dirty secrets…the story of your bedroom dumping ground cracked me up. I always try to have it all together all the time, but never seem to succeed. I think if I can have 75% of my life 100% together than that’s fantastic. I guess that’s my goal. I just make sure the 25% that slacks off isn’t anything to deal with my relationships with those I love.
Glad we’re overthinkers together. 🙂
hand raised high, pit stain and all. cause if there’s anything i’m sure about it’s that i’m unsure.
and i Really like that Mary Ann Radmacher quote. treasuring it.
Lovin’ those dresses! And the blog 🙂
we used that quote last year to encourage my mom as she battled cancer, she won.
also unsure about a very great many things…but not my love of shabby apple!
I just recently had my second baby girl and, I too, can relate on becoming very sentimental over my firstborn..my sweet BIG girl. Thank you so much for sharing!
You always bring calm to my crazy day. Your words are inspiring!
um kelle…i love those dresses and so will ava. hope i win. xo
I’m more uncomfortable with the insecurity itself as well, not so much what I’m insecure about. I totally get you. But like you said, sometimes it can be just a passing virus, so I just have to keep reminding myself to let it run it’s course without giving in to the whole “I suck at everything” feeling.
I’m working hard on being content where I am – but all this snow on the North East is really weighing me down.
A new spring dress for my sweet daughter, would definitely lift my spritis!
Love your posts…love shabby apple!
Everytime I see Nella i say:”look at that sweet baabby
I too, loved the quote about courage. It spoke to me in this difficult day I’ve had!
Thank you for being so inspiring, so courageous, so fantastic!
I love that onesie and I love Shabby Apple. Your girls are beautiful.
The bit about your first little blonde pixie is so beautiful 🙂 I’m definitely not a momma yet, but you inspire me for when I am.
I love to read your writing and swoon over your beautiful photography! I too live in FL and yes, the weather is amazing right now!
Look at the courage and confidence Lainey has with dance class now, simply wonderful!
Nella, come on kiddo, your killing me with that smile, and just so you know, I always smile back 🙂
You are torturing me with pictures of swimsuits and beach. We are buried in snow here in MN and I’m oh so ready for sun! Thanks for the post. 🙂
Your girls make me smile every time I see them and I LOVE your outlook on life. Keep it coming. :o)
I LOVE shabby apple….and you and the way you always make me SMILE:)
Why is it so hard to just “be” and not think about being…..? I’m an over-thinker too and it drives me bonkers. Love the pic of Lainey sitting in the water. Lovely. xo
YIKES! That phone looks dangerous, like sliding your finger over it to unlock it could result in gushing blood. Please be careful! And (I know you will but I still have to say it) keep it away from the littles. 🙂
As the oldest of 3 who has always felt that the oldest child gets kinda screwed, I am SOOOOOO happy to hear that you made some time just for Lainey. She’ll cherish those times!!!
I wish my big girl would fall asleep in my arms like that! Very sweet.
I have to sneak away with my oldest too sometimes for a little one on one time. I get so busy with the my youngest that I forget that he needs some time to be my baby again too! I love this blog and the music, haven’t heard a bad song yet!
Love the dresses… hope I can win one for my little girl! Your girls are getting so big!
Nothing better than rocking your little to sleep!
And I’m jealous you guys are rocking the swim suits and going to the beach and water parks, while there is still snow on the ground here in Ontario!
Always love all the photos! I think we all go through unsure times…it’s good to be ok and embrace!
Hugs!
Oh, I’ve been dreaming of clear blue skies, little swimmy suits, and sand stuck all over bodies…how I would love to hang with your fam. In a cute new dress of course!
I am sure I love your blog and I am now in love with Shabby Apple!
i. love. your. blog.
every day i stop by to read it and every day it brings a smile to my face no matter my mood. so thank you. thank you for sharing everything. stories, pictures, etc.
pretty babes you have 🙂
So wishing we had warmer weather I am looking forward to some fun in the sun and a summer vacation to the beach!!!
Kelle,
Is Nella ever not smiling?! She is amazing! What an empowering post! You are just amazing!!!! LOVE the dress Lainey is wearing!! Gorgeous!!!
Love the Shabby Apple stuff– I’ve been eyeing that site for months after you posted about it once before!
I am enjoying the tone of your posts this week. its made me feel more okay about the 6 unfolded baskets of laundry in my living room! (among other things!)
And you beach pics- ooohhh do they make me more hopeful for spring here.
I am so jealous of your weather! When I close my eyes I pretend I am in florida though. 🙂
As I was reading this post I was nodding my head over and over. Right now I am doing to much thinking and not even doing!!!
Cant wait for posts about the isle of capri!!! I have never been there but feel like I am missing the place. lol
Love the courage quote!
Love the courage quote!
Nella looks so adorable in bright colors. And thanks for the word on soaking up the oldest….mine has had a bit of some life changes lately and I need to spend some more time with just her, Thanks for the reminder…..Marissa
love the dresses…but love the heart behind your words even more. thanks for sharing your journey.
I relate very well to this post and agree. Sometimes you need those times of insecurity and uncertainty to help thrust you forward to certainty and security. Nothing wrong with that. It all makes you a stronger person, confident in yourself and who you are and what you are meant to be…
Oh and on a random note: I love to hopscotch in our driveway..Get some rocks, use sidewalk chalk to draw the hopscotch board & play with my kids.
love the onesie nella is wearing. and the girls dresses are so cute!
LOVE the picture of Nella in the sand.
I’ve been eyeing a Shabby Apple dress for a while now! =)
Ahh…the quest of thinking about thinking of not thinking will never end as our mind wanders eternally. Confidence comes with knowing and knowing comes with awakening that, which you have been searching for that has always been and will always be within yourself-it’s a journey that sometimes we make longer than it really has to be.
Love your writing! Karolina 🙂
Loving our Spring in Florida, also. Can’t imagine better weather anywhere.
i love.love.love your weather. i can’t wait, here in PA, that is. i also love shabby apple and that onesie is very, very cute. just might work on my expected 4th daughter, 5th child, come july. party on! missy.
I live in Minnesota, and can I just say I would like just a TINY bit of the weather in your pictures! Beautiful! (:
Gorgeous girls! Thank you for another inspiring post!
Another beautiful post. I love how you gave special recognition to your first born. That beautiful girl. Love, LOVE the photo of you two when you rocked her to sleep. Just beautiful!
My college roommate dropped her iphone last year and her screen looked the exact same way. I could never understand why she didnt just get another phone. She rocked it for a good 8 months, and we know you will rock the cracked screen too. We now like to laugh when we see people with cracked iphone’s and imagine how they get them.
I love your blog! It inspires me so much! I hope one day I can be an amazing mom like you!
Oh how I long to be at the beach with my little girl! Can’t wait for summer! Love Shabby Apple!
Kelle, I meant to comment on your last post too–and tell you that my house looks like your house. Only, I don’t own the chaos so well. And I don’t have littles (yet) to blame the mess on. I too have resolved to be a bit neater–not for the outside judgy world but for my own sense of calm. And at the same time I’ve resolved to accept that my own creative chaos is just that. And it works for me.
p.s. your girls are adorable as always–I’m jealous of the southern florida warm weather that’s got you all out in swim suits.
That quote about courage is amazing. I love all the ‘summery’ pictures. I am longing for any warm breeze up here in our snow filled world.
Love that quote about courage. Your pics secretly make me jealous of Florida! I can’t tell my husband that because he’d pack up and head south today if it were totally up to him.
thanks for your realness. all mommas need to admit to being unsure some of the time, and to own their confidence when they’re confident.
oh the unknown insecurities that surround us daily. I face them every day, and look forward to the challenge they bring. It’s what is molding me to be the person I am supposed to be one day…and I can comfortably say, I’m okay with the unknown, and look forward to figuring it out as I go.
As always, your pictures are beautiful, but then again, you have two gorgeous models to capture!
Oh Shabby Apple… How I LOVE thee so…
Those onesie’s are ADORABLE!!!
I was never a dress person until my first came along (now 5 months). I am sure there are plenty of little bundles out there (including yours) who would make those dresses look even more awesome then they already look, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want one for mine!!
Love how real your blog is. Your girls are adorable!
I have been feeling a little unsure lately, and this post reminded me that that’s ok. I love the idea of just being totally present in the ‘here and now’. Beautiful photos, as usual – totally vibrant!
oh, i could use a new dress. it’s been a long winter. a good winter, but oh so long. 🙂
love that onesie she’s wearing. gonna check out the shop now!
your girls are beautiful.
i remember a few weeks back when you mentioned that your girls sometimes sleep with you because time is short & precious. I’ve been thinking about that for weeks and it’s so true! any extra snuggles, hugs and kisses i can get in my day with my girl, I will take it even if it means sleeping in my bed.
I feel encouraged that sometimes as parents we get to re write the rules and make our own when it comes to our kids, even if it is taboo! 🙂
thank you.
Sweet weather y’all been having…care to share!!?? I am hoping to win a sweet dress for my little’s 1 year in a few months..
Oh how I needed you tonight! Returning home after a late, unproductive meeting where my feathers got ruffled, I needed your calm to calm me. Thank you!
Your photos made me long for a sunny beach and a salty sea breeze. I never feel as perfectly okay with being unsure as I do soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach.
I needed this posted tonight. Love the quote at the end and as always, the pics.
Tonight I am unsure myself….and that’s ok.
i am IN LOVE w/ the lee marie onesie’s.. thanks for sharing!!
Love, Love, Love it! I love your heart, the pictures, and the dresses. So beautiful!
Oh, how I need to sneak away for some alone time with my fist who keeps getting less little!
I am so jealous of all your beach shots. We are experiencing cold temps with a long range forecast not looking all that promising. Maybe I need to move from the cold north to the sunny south!!
Your words so brilliantly match your photos. Does that always happen on purpose? 🙂
p.s. sorry about your iphone. I think I would cry. Like a lot.
love the adorable outfits and of course the kids 🙂
Amazing! Jealous of your warm weather (here in Southern Cali it’s in the 60s…) and can’t wait for ours.
Those dresses are so sweet! I am expecting a little girl this summer and would love one! (will probably go buy one, or two even if I don’t win 😉
Your pictures make me so ready for spring and summer! We still have a couple of months here in the Midwest but I cannot wait!
I love reading your blog! The warm weather looks amazing, your girls are Adorable, and your words inspiring. Thanks for sharing with all of us readers 🙂
I am jealous of your beautiful weather and beach time!!
This is my first time to be a COMMENTER:) I was born and raised in Naples. I started reading your blog a year ago and had no idea you were from Naples. Now I smile whne I see all my favorite spots, like Dairy Queen, and I yearn to feel the warm sun. I Have 3 boys and last but not least little Isabella. I have had so much fun dressing her and get loads of inspiration from you! ReaDING your blog is my short few mommy moments I get every couple days! Thanks:)
Mary Lykins Hummer
Richmond VA
Love confessions! Try this cell phone confession out for size 🙂 My phone slid out of my pocket in the parking lot at work and I didn’t notice of course and after work I proceeded to run it over as I was backing out… 😛 Major OOPS!
Love Shabby Apple! I’m actually looking at one of their dresses to buy for a wedding I have coming up 🙂
I love reading your blog! The weather looks Amazing, your girls are Adorable, and your words Inspiring. Thank you for sharing with all of us readers 🙂
We have the same walker! 🙂
Love the “right here, right now” I have to remember that when my 4 year old is driving me crazy, there will come a day when she will no longer want to be with me all the time. and I will cry about it.
This Miami girl is missing home all the way out here on the west coast. Nothing quite like Florida waters…
Well some say life will beat you down
Break your heart, steal your crown
So I’ve started out, for God knows where
I guess I’ll know when I get there.
“Learning to Fly” by Tom Petty
This song keeps me going when I have no clue and I just have to have faith that it’s all going to be ok.
Here’s to thinking less. 🙂
-Jennifer from Annapolis
WOW. What a giveaway! I loved this post..it’s speaks the truth. Some days I’m CERTAIN I’m SURE and I’m PROUD of what I’m doing..others I feel like I just can’t keep up with a single thing life throws my way. Thanks for the reminder we are all normal. Love your pictures of this week!! Gorgeous weather!
I admire your photography and your honesty nearly equally.
Really really love that quote. Just what I didn’t know I needed, but so did. Thank-you.
Your kids have the cutest clothes!
That quote about courage was good. Also, LOVE the Shabby Apple big girl dresses!
Ok weird, I was literally JUST drooling over the Shabby Apple Ooh La La dresses before hopping on over to your blog. I’m headed to Paris in the spring and I just need a Paris-worthy dress… right?
Let’s hope it’s a sign. 😉
Thanks for the beautiful words, as always.
I’m stuck in the same limbo state that you are right now! I envy your beach days too! I wish our weather here in Northern Kentucky was a little warmer. Happy rest of the week to you and your’s.
Love the photos; your girls are so adorable. Thanks for keeping it real and for opportunity to win a dress 😉
Love Shabby Apple and I loves your blog. Thank you
My phone’s been cracked in half just like yours for the last year, but it still does it’s job:)
You are great!
This post is great!
Your kids are great
your photos are great!
I have been amassing spring dresses, in hopes that someday soon Ohio will permit my girls to wear them.
Love the blog. Love the babies! Love the dresses!
lesliervt{at}yahoo{dot}com
Love your blog! And those have to be the most precious little dresses EVER! xo
Love those Dresses!
Overthinking= bane of my existence!
: )
I loooove those dresses! Sorry about your phone!
-Melody
my first born 21 month old daughter’s one and only time is ending shortly and i am starting to get so sentimental about it and trying to just soak up the days of this precious time where it’s just her and i. i absolutely love that picture of you rocking lainey.
Its March 2nd here in TN. would you stop with the swimming pool and beach trips?!!
Love this post! Hit it right on! Would love to browse through some Spring dresses and we’re almost beating previous records for the amount of snowfall in the Twin Cities, MN!
Love seeing your sunny photos! I am so ready for spring.
Loved the courage quote – that was just what I needed to hear after falling off the weight watchers wagon today trying to deal with sleep deprivation and sick kids. Tomorrow is a new day and I will try again tomorrow!
Over thinking is the fault of all mothers…we all have a little bit of worry wart in us.
I need a new baby dress 🙂
Your photos – and your life – just get more and more beautiful.
Love the shots of your girls on the beach – so precious! (Sorry about your iPhone!)
Right now…I can barely keep my eyes open, but I’m going to check out those dresses before I close the laptop for the night…
I have to know where Laineys brown polks dot swimsuit is from. I love it! I hope you say Target… I’ve been on a shopping hiatus and am ready for a few new spring things for my little.
A Shabby Apple dress for me on the first day of my new job (the 14th, YAY) would be awesome too!
I’m pretty sure that I NEEEED a Shabby Apple dress! 🙂
Those dresses are adorable! It helps such pretty little pixies are modeling them!
Love your posts . . . thanks.
“Cerulean” was my favorite crayon color! You’re so lucky your skies are turning such a color.
Love the dresses and can’t wait for a warm up here in Ohio!
I over think and rethink and not think all at once. It’s one of those weeks for me. Hearing you out of it gives me hope that next week will be a little more reassuring.
Maybe ill be sporting a new dress too 🙂
the rocking in the moonlight sounds divine
The weather in Florida looks beautiful. Can’t wait until we have some of that in Boston!
WOW Kelle I must say I am sooooo jealous of your weather, and the fact that you live in the beautiful state called FLORIDA!! I have been telling my husband that I want to move there, for no telling how many years now. But, know that one day I will be living there……lol!!
Once again, I have to say I LOVE the pictures of your girls. They are both so pretty and girlie!! The picture of sweet Nella in her hooded towel is priceless!! I love the sweet look on her face! And Miss Lainey is growing into a beautiful young lady!! Enjoy that sweet Florida weather girl!!
Heather ;o)
Dude, we got another 4 inches on snow today in New England. Must. Have. New. Dress. Would LOVE to be in sunny FL right now. On our bi-annual trip to FL last Nov my oldest daughter (8) said “we’re leaving pine tree’s for palm tree’s”. So cute!
Now I am feeling a little better about being “unsure” about teaching my son to read. He loves books, I love books; we’ll work it out 🙂
I love the girls’ dresses! So cute!
Love your pictures, love your adorable girls, love those dresses!! Pick me, pick me!!
Thought I would let you know that my BFF and I refer to you as “our friend, Kelle.” We often talk about your sweet girls as if we live next door. So many times our morning conversation starts out with “did you read what Kelle wrote last night?” We love you, love what you are about, and love that you showed pics of your house:)
I am so glad you posted today and I could have a few minutes of dreaming of sunshine, sandy beaches and palm trees with my family. My “right now” is waiting for a call from my husband from the hospital where he sits with his precious mom as she struggles with her last few hours of life due to a very ugly disease. Our hearts are breaking and I am longing for some “normal” time again. So thank you for the lovely time out I really needed tonight. Your blog never fails to cheer me. xo
I raise my hand to being unsure…and I like it very much too!!!
Great post and love love love your quote thank you.
what a cute onesie! too bad the new baby is a boy!
The Shabby Apple dress that Nella is wearing is the very one I have been day dreaming about for my daughter!
Jaimee
jetyson747@yahoo.com
Rocking that first born is so sweet.
I’m swooning over your cerulean skies and breezy beach dates.
I love that onesie. it’s so super cute. And those dresses are absolutely adorable.
what adorable dresses on 2 adorable girls. XOXOOX
Adorable dresses- would love one for my little munchkin!
I too am a notorious overthinker/analyzer of myself so much that many times I’ve wished that God had created a hidden Off switch or Reset button to my brain. It is good and necassary to want to grow and learn and change but sometimes our thinking process can fog up the journey to these potential and very possible accomplishments so much that we wind up forgetting why we originally wanted to do them or just stop before we give ourselves a chance to at least try. SO those times when I catch myself thinking that it’s weird for me to be thinking what I’m thinking…I just remind myself to just stop and just do. And it’ll turn it out just fine, like it always does. Phew..now I’m going to go sit and not think about thinking 🙂
Have Faith always.. we are each blessed so much. 🙂 happy (almost) spring.
The dress Nella is wearing is of one of my all-time favourite fabrics – I have 3 yards of it stashed in my cupboard, and I go visit it all the time. Love the eyelashes, love the dresses!
can’t wait for more pics from isle of capri. i’ll live vicariously through you since i’m in the middle of a million corn fields in ohio. our pretty is on it’s way… i love spring!
“Tomorrow is a brand new day.” That is my favorite quote. My girls could def. rock one of those dresses! xoxo
I love Shabby Apple! Hooray!
Moira
Love your blog. You keep me sane and help me put everything in perspective.
Those dresses are so cute! I make tote bags and have used those same fabrics, they are darling!!
I am so jealous you guys already have beach weather! (I’m in Charleston, SC) I’m ready for beach time…not so sure about muggy summer time though…the pits might not be so sure 😉
Loving to hear that confidence isn’t always easy. Working on that myself. I also really appreciate your honesty and the sage words of Mary Anne Radmacher.
You and your babies are always an inspiration. Hope you have a good week.
ohmygoodness how awesome are those precious sneak away moments with your kids…one on one time is priceless!!
Nothing could explain more the love and beauty you have for those little ladies 🙂
Planning a trip to Florida right this second… and I remember playing “You’re the honey” with my son! So sweet.
I absolutely loved this post because you are right, there are some days that are harder than others but that is normal. And I think too many of us try too hard to be perfect that it hurts us more in the long run than helps us. So thank you for your inspiring words!!
oh and I LOVE Shabby Apple!!
So does this mean yesterdays post was all overthinking? Because I was so on board, at least your house is cute under the mess my house is a mess under the mess.
This blog makes me happy 🙂
Ooh ooh pick me! Those dresses are TOO cute!
Gorgeous photos! Your girls are so beautiful and you just have a way of capturing their spirit and the light in such magnificence!!
A quote from Rainer Maria Rilke for you:
Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms or like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.
I also think it is much better to go through those uncomfortable, over-analytical times as we do truly grow at those times. When we are content and complacent, not much changes…those times are important too, but I think some of each is truly the balance we all require.
The sun and sand make me yearn for summer to hit the west coast…
I’m so jealous of that beautiful weather. It hit 42 today and I of course took my two boys out to enjoy the weather! Of course we had our winter coats and hats and I was shaking at one point from the wind. But hey…the fresh air and playing t-ball was still fantastic!
You live in a beautiful place! ;)I’m living vicariously through you and your trips to the beach! 🙂
Here’s my random comment: peaches and cream!
Beautiful pictures as always! Love the dresses!
Loved this post and would love to win a dress!
Those smiles just light up the whole world, don’t they?
Thank you for spreading the cheer!
i needed to read this post. thank you!
Ugh. My heart fell to my stomach when I saw your phone :(. So sorry. The other pictures on the post kindof made up for it though. And that video was so sweet:)
While outside my window the wind blows, and hail falls, your blog is a warm breeze to read!
You inspire me–your photography, your wit, your writing! And that, I am sure of!!!
I “Heart” that onesie too! So super cute!
Kelle- I’m having an unsure week, and your post just brightened my day!
I always love seeing the pictures of the girls!
When my cousin shattered his iphone he left it like that and said it was a good conversation starter! Love those shabby apple dresses!
that’s what we all love so much about reading your blog- you have the gorgeous photography to show your amazing life, and yet, you are still human and unsure. I love how normal you are and how well you relate to the rest of us!!
I love love love the ballet pictures, it just melts my heart! I hope I’ll be fortunate enough one day to see my own little girl in ballet lessons!
Your girls are beautiful!
The idea that it’s warm and sunny there baffles me and makes me insanely jealous all at the same time! I live in Minnesota, where it was -2 this morning and we’re supposed to get a foot of snow next week. Oh how I miss warmth…
Days of being unsure. yep. We all have ’em. …and today, when I was in a slump…I read the funniest thing and started snickering (trying not to wake the napping little ones), then couldn’t hold it in and laughed until I was shaking. My, what good medicine!
Then, I called my mom to share it with her and couldn’t even get through it without breaking down and laughing so hard she couldn’t understand me.
I don’t even remember what the difficult part of my day was now. Even tonight, I still break out into a laugh every time I think about it. 🙂
Laughter. It changed my day. Really.
Wow Kelle! I know one of the kids in the video! Kimberly lives near me and works at a Starbucks that I frequent! What are the odds I would have known someone in that video??
Best wishes to you, Brett, Lainie & Nella. Enjoy that South Florida weather! Its still 40 degrees here in NY!
Thank you for the reminder that the ”figuring out stuff” part of life does not have to be scary. It can be exciting, new, and provide a great sense of accomplishment after the fact.
i am in love love love with your blog. its climbed to the top of my favorites in google reader in only a matter of months. cheers to you and your family- who make the most of life no matter what.
Love that quote about courage- it’s just what I needed after a long, LONG day of teaching 4th grade. 🙂
Love the quote. This is what I feel at the end of each day of being a mommy to a 2 year old and a 6 month old. Every day is a new start to be a better mother.
I love those adorable baby legs covered in sand! I love how Shabby Apple includes every woman and her own style with their dresses 🙂
Please tell me where you got that bikini for Lainey. I’ve been looking everywhere for it. It was on Zulilly and I missed it. I’m curious what the brand is. Love your blog and love those beautiful girls!
Unsure. Insecure. That is me as a momma more than not. I want to do everything right. Make no mistakes. As long as my children know that I do the very best I know how, the very best I can for them. You seem to have a wonderful balance of time with your babies!
Love the dresses!
Beautiful post, as always. I am pregnant and could totally use a new, flirty spring dress!
We are inching closer and closer to pool weather here and I just can’t wait!
“Sure! Unsure! Sure! Unsure!” ha ha-can I just say right now how jealous I am of your southern Florida lifestyle!?!? Although I rejoiced today when the sun broke free and the winds were calm enough to open the windows for a while. I threw on “Wicked” and rocked out! I know the neighbors were probably like “What the heck!?!” but it’s Wednesday and it was time to rejoice in the small things! Thanks again for another inspiring post!
EXTREMELY jealous of your weather – but perhaps winning a Shabby Apple dress would be a nice consolation prize…? 😉
I love, love, love your blog!! You’re an AMAZING writer, not too mention super stylish!
I LOVE shabby apple, and I never win anything. Oh well, here’s my comment anyway. P.S. I’m totally jealous of your sunshine, still winter here in Utah.
How could a momma not want one of those precious dresses!
How sweet is that little onesie? I have just decided that your blog is my spring! Reading it and taking in the pictures makes me long for the sun, longer days and water! Ah. It’s like a warm breeze blowing by and the windows open to let it in the house. Okay moving on – Lainey’s goggle picture is hilarious!!! Reminds me of my own goggle pictures:0)
Kelli, it is SO Ok to be unsure, we NEED those times to replenish our confidence.. Noone is 100% all the time…relax, enjoy & be unsure of it ALL!
cathy
xoxo
Sometimes when I look at the comments and I see numbers like 562…I think to myself…is it even worth commenting on. But then I battled with my own head and heart because I just absolutely loved what you had to say…and I feel as though you need to hear from just one more person how lovely your write, how wonderful your pictures are, and how beautiful your two girls can be. I hope you get to read this comment because I really think you should know 🙂
Just as you are soaking up the Florida rays, I am soaking up the spirit of your words. You are a gifted writer, and I look forward to your blog each day! Thanks for the great giveaway! :oD
Beautiful photographs. 🙂
I like what you said about being unfinished … I feel the same.
The video was very touching. It definitley gives alot of HOPE which is what NDSS is all about, right?
Thanks for sharing! Love those cute dresses 😉
great quote on courage and I needed it today as I fill out reams of paperwork to do with my sons recent ASD dx. Getting my mama tiger roar ready to do battle for my son through the next 13 year of schooling and beyond in the big wide not always ASD friendly world. Let the battle begin! Thanks for the leg up and pickmeup I needed to hear this and see these gorgeous pics today
Catching up on a couple of blog entries and I’m still giggling over the neighbor stumbling on your hidden mess…I can SO relate and often do the “stash and dash” moments before the company is walking through the door, and then praying that they don’t open that particular door….Inspired to clean and to also “just be” and treasure my kids more every day.
i love that quote, “I will try again tomorrow.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher
i am currently trying to mass produce enough banners to open an etsy store, but with my two kids always underfoot, sometimes i am just too tired to make yet another one.
thanks for the encouragement.
<3 your blog.
Thank you for giving my day a little refreshment after a 12 hours shift:)
Amazing quote. Also, I’m loving all your darlings outfits!
I love that my girl recognizes your girls since I look at this blog all the time.
That quote really means a lot to me right now as I feel that I need to start again all the time.
God, those pictures of Lainey were amazing…Your girls are beautiful.
With -29 degrees here in Calgary your pictures bring me sunshine when I am in DESPERATE need. I was wanting to order my little ones Easter dress from Shabby Apple so to be the winner would really help my budget, oh and would make my husband happy too!
Sometimes I read something here that is just what I need. I am dropping out of grad school and I am feeling so very depressed. But I am not happy in this program and need to remember that there is much happiness and confidence and bloomin’ to come. The hardest journeys have to start somewhere, right?
Oh, and, confession, I sometimes do this crazy twirly dance thing through my apartment when no one is home. Just ‘cuz.
Love those sweet girls of yours. I’m so glad I have a little girl.
I totally hear you on the deep thought moments. I go on that ride from time to time and I always, always come out happy with where I sit in life.
A Shabby Apple dress would be lovely. I’ve been dream shopping that store ever since I saw a fashion spread with one of their dresses. Dreamy.
Happy Hump Day,
Lisa
love, love your blog. i’m counting down the days until spring and summer!
Feeling so encouraged!! Thank you!!
your words ring true to my life right now. i couldn’t have said it better myself!
Can I just say how JeAlOuS I am of your family enjoying the SUN? We just got done with a huge snowstorm in Washington and are now bracing for weeks of rain and wind. But this I know for sure, I’m a happy and blessed person! Thanks for your post!
Love the stash and dash! Exactly how we clean around here. Thanks for the courage quote! Loved it!
From one overthinkier to another ~ Love your blog! 🙂
I love all the adorable outfits you find!!
love the quote about courage!! one foot in front of the other!
Loved your quotes today. And that dress is adorable. My budget and etsy do not get along 🙂
It’s about ten degrees here, but hopefully, spring will come soon. Right now, I’m watching Survivor with my mom and sister, with a wrap on my foot from ballet, after just finishing my homemade sandwich. And I’m happy. And feeling blessed. It’s March — a new month. And I am ready for it.
Thank you. Thank you for being such an inspiring person and reminding us that even the most inspiring people are unsure of thereselves at times. It’s refreshing to read that!
do you know just how fitting that quote was for me … like right this very second?
i just sent a mama bear email to stella’s teacher and principal about something and then it didn’t go through (damnfreaking email).
but i think rather than that whole roaring mama bear voice that was in the email … they might just get a quiet voice (with a whole shitload of courage) tomorrow morning.
thanks for the reminder friend.
with you (in unsureness.)
xoxo.
I just got hooked on your blog. I’ve laughed and cried…sometimes together. 🙂 Thanks!
“i will try again tomorrow” that is an awesome quote and exactly what i plan on doing 😉
Love Shabby apple, love the warm and sunny pictures you shared tonight. thanks
Lovely post as usual and I must say that your confession #2 encouraged me because I was convinced that I was the only mom in the world that did silly kid-like things when no one was looking!
I desperately need a glimpse of spring, it has been a long winter at my house!
You rock.
Every now and then I too take a little step back into feeling unsure. That it how I’ve been for the last couple weeks actually. Although I don’t have it all figured out, taking that step back every once and a while brings me forward in simple realizations on what is really important in my life… My boys and enjoying the simple things. I love to read your blog, because it reinforces those same things… with passion! Thank you.
Oh that quote about courage!! Love it 🙂
…you “live” your blog so well. Even in uncertainly to live for the now boldly. Waterparks and walks with your girls. The little things, and moments made special. thanks for the encouagment.
I would love to twirl around in one of those dresses! Good stuff! Love this post– you do such a great job taking photos of your girls- I am in awe…
Wishing I was in Florida right now. You take the most beautiful pictures. Would love a little girl to dress up after 4 little men. Nella is the sweetest!
Oh please pick me! I was just looking through their lovely dresses for an upcoming wedding in which I’m going to be in lots of photos and need to look fabulous. 🙂 Thanks in advance!
I LOVE that onesie!! eep!
We are vacationing in Cape Coral this summer and can’t wait to feel that gulf sun!
Heard that quote about courage years ago when I was a middle school counselor…now a mama of two it has a brand new meaning.
Thanks.
So often your posts are so similar to the way my day has panned out…it’s nice to know that somewhere out in the vastness of the Internet, there are mums all around the world feeling the same way 🙂 thank you for sharing! X
Whoa, did you just say Shabby Apple?
Somewhere in there I also smiled thinking about you playing hopscotch in your kitchen. Play on playa’.
I LOVE Shabby Apple! I have had my eye on a few adorable little dresses for my Evers. Possibly for her bday in 3 weeks?
Your blog always makes me smile & reminds me to take it a little bit slower with my own littles. Thanks for the burst of sunshine & the reminder!
Your daughters are beautiful. Seeing Nella’s precious face makes me smile every time I see it.
AH I am so jealous of your amazing weather! I’m so over the snow here!
Beautiful photos! I love the quote. It has gotten me through some difficult times.
I have a confession too.
My late husband gave me his old PDA (back when those things were cool and smartphones didn’t exist) after he got a new one. He gave it to me while we were still dating, and it was super cool to me because I didn’t have any fun gadgets.
One day, I put it in the case backwards… and the screen broke.
I was too ashamed to ever confess!
Silly thing is, he would have forgiven me in a heartbeat, cuz he was just like that.
I LOVE that last pic… 100% happiness.
I just love your blog. Beautiful girls, beautiful pictures. You are very inspiring!
Love the onesie and the spring dresses. You and your kids are always what my Nana would call ‘so well turned out’ which means beautifully presented!
Its nice to have that special time with your first born. I fall asleep with my son in his twin bed everynight after a marathon of book reading (with his baby sister sleeping in the crib nearby) so that, at least that one thing, doesn’t change.
On a day full of sub-zero temps and blowing snow, your pictures were amazing! Thank you for the reminder of warmth and green to come!
Sigh. It hit 40 today and we all thought it was warm here in Boston. I love seeing the beach pictures!
Thank you for putting yourself out there and saying this. Right now, I needed to know I’m not the only one that feels this way.
After a shocking return to the cold of our northern home this year, I find it uplifting to read your light and refreshing Blog. We spent 3 warm years in the wonderful south. Your photos are not just beautiful but take me on a visual journey of your life. Thank you for sharing with us. I swear I can feel the sun’s warmth leap through your beautiful photos. I always look forward to reading your blog.
As always…I LOVE your pictures. They leave me wishing for spring.
Denise WI
Your girls are adorable in their dresses. So cute and fresh for spring!
it was minus thirty-fricking-eight here yesterday morning, the first day of march, when i woke up.
crap.
i could use a pretty little spring dress for my pretty little thing! 🙂
anything other than white and snow and cold!! and the reminder that color will soon reappear….
thank you for the honest post!
Oh… to have time with just my girls.. or just my boys…to rock my oldest littles to sleep.
that picture of lainey with the sun flare is just gorgeous. can’t believe how early summer comes in florida! love the quote, too. oh, and the dresses – love those 🙂
Sometimes “Oh the thinks you can think” are a bad thing!! I’m with ya there and it is refreshing to hear you say that. If you can have a bad day, than I can to! Did that make sense???
Suran Wrap the phone it works great, I did the same thing!!
you give me such inspiration. you make me want to be a better writer, photographer, and an all around better person! you are amazing!
Kelle I love reading your blog! The adventures you have with your daughters, insecure or awesomely crafty, make me excited for the I have my own family. PS Today is my birthday. It has been amazing! 🙂
Just a random….I don’t think I’ve seen the girls ever wear the same outfit twice! LOL. Lainey must own 100 bathing suits 🙂
Oh….can’t wait for Spring to arrive here in MI!! We had a tease of warm weather and a thaw a few weeks ago, but Winter has returned — you know how MI is!! Soak up some ocean and sunshine for me. Love, love, LOVE the dresses at Shabby Apple!!!
i’m only posting twice because i just saw this and couldn’t believe it came from someone other than you! check it out: http://vol25.typepad.com/vol25/2011/03/new-art-bloom-where-you-are-planted.html
you have to own this 🙂
I have those times of uncertainty, alot.
And I was so looking forward to a Friday night I am Woman, Hear me Roar fest with the girls, but instead I will be keeping my oldest son company in the hospital following ankle surgery. It’s okay though, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! Of that I am sure!
Sorry about your phone. That is a bummer! I love the pictures that you share on your blog. You have a beautiful family/life and you are a fabulous photographer. Thanks for sharing.
Your photos make me look forward to summer here! Love them.
Those dresses are adorable.
I have been struggling with confidence lately. When I hear that other friends are doing things and it’s not because I am not invited but because I have been too busy. It hurts. Thank you for your words today Kelle. They helped inspire. Much love!
I am more unsure than ever at this point in my life….not exactly what I had pictured in my mind when I was young dreaming about my future life. But I like to think of the song from Annie when I feel this way..”the sun will come out tomorrow” and I really hope that it does.
I loved the quote about courage! Thank you for that!
Dude, I am so feeling the same way this week….alas, not every week can be a week of perfection and all knowing. Glad you can find peace in being unsure. Love that pic of Lainey with the soft light (the one with the Uber cut polka dot collar dress). Love the quote too. Great post Kelle and those girls’ dresses are too cute!
random confession of my own: sometimes i’m still scared of the dark and under my bed.
but that’s probably because my room is so messy, a monster COULD live in there.
You are so inspiring!! Love reading your blog. thank you for sharing!!
Thank you so much for sharing the video! I am passing it on to my freinds!
Beautiful, unsure post, Kelle! Bummer about the phone:( Your girls, they just make me smile!!xo
Love the courage quote — perfect for this homeschool mother with littles.
Love you, Kelle!
Jealous of your warmer temps, spring has been a horrible flirt here in DC.
Thank you for the great post and beautiful pictures!
Ah, spring dresses! I love that gold lining on Nella’s onesie.
I’ve loved Shabby Apple ever since you FIRST posted about it! I would love to win!
The picture of Lainey right after you explain that she is indeed fine really is beautiful. I have an almost 3 year old daughter and she is my world. I am at a place where I think I am ready for another but then I am not. I always wonder how my Kallie will feel. Hearing you say that she is indeed fine has me thinking. The video for NDSS was inspirational. All that I can say is Wow!!! I loved it:) Nella is such a precious gift and it is obvious that your girls love each other dearly. You are one lucky mama!!!
Overthinking and overanalyzing is exhausting…glad you’re taking a break and reminding yourself that it’s ok!
Favorite part…the night you snuck away with Lainey!
Is it just me or is your photography getting even BETTER? Your girls have the greatest style!
Love the pic of Lainey buried in sand! It literally made me laugh. So cute!
And I love that the giveaway is from Shabby Apple! You’ve posted about them before and just this week I was trying to remember the name of their site. I love their dresses! Yay! So now I’m really excited to shop there and I’d love it if one of the dresses were free! 🙂
I’m so thankful that you use these moments of “unsure-ness” to inspire others. We are are blessed by your willingness to be vulnerable. xxo
Goodness, thank you for all you share!
Oh, I can’t wait for Spring! Up here in MI we had a tease of Spring with some warm temps and a thaw. Soak up some ocean and sunshine for me. And I love, love, LOVE the dresses at Shabby Apple!!
I will always treasure your honesty. It is so refreshing. Also, I totally spilled a big glass of water right on my iPhone earlier, I don’t know if mine will fare as well as yours. I have had my eye on a few Shabby Apple dresses for my baby girl, they are so cute!
Um, can you please send some of your warmth to Chi-town? And maybe some of those beautiful dresses? =)
Can’t wait for weather like that in your pictures!!! Love the pictures of your girls, they are ADORABLE!
Lainey seems to have come into her own and know who she is even more than i do right now!
That quote was so what I needed to hear today! I am so envying your beautiful weather there. The pictures just radiate warmth. Your girls are beautiful!
I absolutely love your blog. Your pictures are beautiful and it inspires me to go take some of my babies! 🙂
I did that to my phone too. A trip to the apple store and $80 later I had a brand new screen. =]
I love your blog btw
I feel what you are saying. I love following your blog.
PS I LOVE shabby apple.
That quote..The one about courage..Just inspired me tonight. I have been on a weight loss journey for almost a year now and the past few months I have struggled…And I know I will be okay because at the end of the day..I have the courage to say I will try again tomorrow! Thank you so much! And I have to say..I can’t WAIT for warmer temps here in Michigan…OY!
I’m getting a little jealous of your nice Florida weather! I wish Minnesota winters didn’t last so long.
And too bad about your phone, the same thing happened to me awhile ago. Just be careful, you’ll be getting some calluses/cuts on your fingers from the cracked glass!
that is the kind of courage i need! to face another day! to feel like i did what i could do today, and tomorrow is a fresh start. the courage to continue…
shen
Cute dresses!
Right now…I am loving that one of my favorite clothing sites, Shabby Apple, operated by some really fabulous women, is your newest sponsor!
I feel your iphone pain! My husband dropped a cutting board on mine, when I’d only had it for two months. I tried using mine through all the shards of glass….and then he went and got me a new one the next day. 🙂
Isn’t it great to have those snuggles with your first born? My oldest daughter is turning six in a week, and I’m always trying to sneak in more snuggle time! I hope she stays a cuddly bug for a long time.
LOVE those dresses! 🙂
Courage reminds me of the cowardly lion, bless his heart!
Great post! I find that every state of mind has it’s own type of ‘awesomeness’ whether it’s insecurity or fully in control 🙂 Great summer dresses… would love one for my little girl!
as one of your older readers…MUCH older (sigh) I’ve raised 3 kids and I used to do the, “woulda, shoulda, coulda” talk with myself. Kelle, ride the wave. Go with it, don’t second guess yourself because you’re doing an awesome job. The one thing I know for sure after all these years is that I wish I hadn’t worried so much and just enjoyed the ride. Messy house from time to time? Who cares…it’s a home, not a museum. You’re making memories for your girls and that is what my kids remember, not the Mt. Everest of laundry that I never seemed to conquer. I work in genetic research and I’ve learned so much from my families…mostly not sweating the small stuff. Ruth
I wish I had your weather. We have SNOW and lots of it. I got a work-out in yesterday by shoveling our walk and driveway. Thanks for sharing what you ENJOY. I think too much too, and don’t sleep. I am working on that.
thank you for sharing your beauty, for Nella’s giggles and looonnnggg eyelashes, for Lainey’s gentle yet free spirit and your warm beaches (we live in a frozen ice box up here in Canada)…
lacking confidence and having insecurities are sometimes just check points encouraging us to reach deeper and embrace the here and now and to welcome these feelings as purposeful moments to grow from. we find comfort and peace in self growth…don’t know if any of this makes sense…but there u have it…my simple thoughts…
love the quote…it’s going on my fridge…i seem to be living this every day lately…
thanks for your inspiration to always be on the look-out for beauty in our “right nows”
happy days to you
Monique
Love the dresses and love your blog!
Your photos are always breathtaking, but that Nella just grabs me by the heart every single time. Is she always so smiley? Or does she just love the camera? LOL – she’s beautiful.
Your babes are so sweet! My grandmother lives in Naples, and while I’ve only made it to the Isle of Capri once, I was very young and don’t remember it well. The next time I am in town if the weather permits, hell even if it doesn’t, I plan on heading over to your beautiful sanctuary to soak up all of its goodness. It must truly be a magical place for you to long for it through all of the cold months and love on it through the warm ones. As always, your blog is positively lovely and inspiring. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I, along with others it looks like, am also summed up with that quote. Totally fit at the end of this day.
those kids are too adorable for words!
Love your blog, love your voice, love your photos! Your girls are simply precious!
Your photos make me ache for spring! Just a little longer up here in Maryland. I can’t wait for our daughter to soak up her first spring!
Your daughters and your words are both so precious and amazing. 🙂
LOVE that quote! And you of course. 🙂 Is that weird? I hope not. You just inspire me, that’s all.
Oh so sorry about your iphone!!! That’s awful! I’m glad you’re still rockin’ it! 🙂
I’ve officially planned a trip to the beach for my family… my daughter asks me every day if we are going to the beach yet. I so hope I can get pictures somewhat like yours to capture this exciting trip! Your photography is amazing!!!
Love love love those dresses! Your girls are beautiful. 🙂
That picture of Lainey that is all washed with sunlight where she looks so serious is just mesmerizing. She looks so much like you in that photo. Beautiful!
I know what you mean about feeling like the time alone with your first born is fleeting. I try to cherish those rare alone moments too!
one of the best (and toughest) lessons I have learned is to sit with those uncomfortable feelings. You know, hang with them, get to know them, allow yourself to feel them. And you’re right, you stretch and grow. Not that I’ve mastered getting acquainted with the ickies but perhaps with time? and practice? Also, have to say that the messy house blog was awesome because I confess I am one of those mamas who wonders how crafty, blogging, beautiful women do it all when all I have to show is a clean house and cranky kiddos who I guiltily wish I had put down the dust rag for. I might be the opposite side of the spectrum but from where I sit it looks good over there 🙂
Your choice of music with your topic is spot on EVERY stinkin time!!!! I have no idea how you do it, but I’m amazed! Oh, I love the Cortez dress!
Sometimes I wonder if you’re inside my brain… like a tiny little lightbulb stuck between the areas of “this is what I am thinking” and “this is what I want to say”
And yes please, I’d love me a Shabby Apple dress for my girl!
I’m also loving my east coast FL weather right now!
And I agree, unsurity is the place that lets you pick a new path.
i love Nella’s smile in the first two pictures, it reaches right to my heart!
Your posts comfort me. Thank-you 🙂 🙂
Beautiful… the girls, the clothes, and the video! I live a crazy life right now with a job, full-time classes for teaching, my home, and my fiance and kids… your blog always makes me smile. The shots you capture of your children are so perfect… I wish I could capture half the qualities of my kids that you manage to get!
Love, love your blog! Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Oh my. Put my name in the hat please!
The favorite onsie is ADORABLE!!!
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love the shabby apple dresses…and all the clothes you dress your sweet girls in!
If I won, I would choose the Ruffle My Feathers dress for my daughter – it’s adorable!
The favorite onesie is ADORABLE!!!
Adorable post as usual! 🙂 Totally jealous of your pool weather – it’s still a little too chilly here for that, although hopefully not for long!
confession: would never think about eating a spoon full of white sugar, but brown? well, that’s a whole ‘nother story, and it tastes good 🙂
shabby apple? i could use a little of that. 🙂
Being unsure is usually what pushes me forward in life. Its like I need it. Makes me search for answers, etc. And GOTTA LOVE Shabby Apple~ it is so fun to dress a little girl.
Kelle, thank you that quote. If you had read every quote or proverb ever spoken today, you could not have given me a better one for our situation. I hope you don’t mind but I’ve used it for a post I’ve dedicated to my sister today. I know you’re a busy mumma and a very popular blogger, so I don’t expect you to read it, but I’ll give you the link anyway just in case you want to see what I wrote about you and that quote.
http://smallblessingsandsuch.blogspot.com/2011/03/quiet-courage.html
*definitely unsure*
Love Shabby Apple! Love!
Love your blog–love your photos–love your beautiful girls and family!
I needed to read that quote about courage today. It was a hard day in Mommyville. Thanks!
love to you and yours!
That Jeffery comment^^^ was actually from a Nicole… who forgot to sign out of her husband’s gmail account!
I have to live vicariously through your photos of sunshine and waters and swimsuits and beaches… our days don’t get that forgiving until May or June – nothing a beautiful vintage-inspired dress wouldn’t fix!
Oh, and if you look closely, you’ll notice I also have my hand raised. See? Yes, there it is – I’m also unsure. And I’m also okay. Most days, anyway.
lauraluyt.blogspot.com
little feet in my house
Doh! I *just* made a quilt out of the exact fabric in Lainey’s Shabby Apple dress! I gave the quilt to a new baby, but would love a dress! So cool. And so jealous of your weather right now. But…Love Where You Live, right?
HaHaHa Kelle…I totally play kitchen-tile-hopscotch ALL the time! Only in secret though 🙂
Being unsure is what makes us look at things differently. If we were certain about everything we would never question what is.
Love the dresses!
Thank you for reminding me that I don’t have to be 100% confident 100% of the time. We mamas need to give ourselves a break!!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH the eyelashes on that beautiful litte Nella…and her sweet big sister rockin’ the shades! You are blessed with two amazing gals! Thanks for sharing the everydayness of life with us.
Kimberly-Canada
(its minus 30 today with the windchill and 10 feet of snowbanks in my front yard, grrr)
you’re pictures make a midwestern girl like myself LONG for sweet summer days! 🙂
Nella is just the cutest little thing. And Lainey…beautiful!
I can so relate to this. I have a tin sign in my kitchen that my best friend gave me that reads, “I understand the concept of cooking and cleaning…just not as it applies to me.” BUT, I am READY to get BETTER at keeping house. And teaching my boys better habbits. The balance is really important to me…and I’m aiming to get better at incorporating my boys into the house work…trying to make it fun and let them help and then everyone get rewards in the form of cupcakes, and picnics and going to the park and candy treats, etc. I’m drowing in laundry and clutter, though….and needing some order. 🙂 This post came at the perfect time for me and was a great source of encouragement and inspiration as usual. THANK YOU for sharing so openly with us. You rock. And those girls just keep getting prettier and prettier.
Your blog is still so inspiring! I would love to win a dress for my daughter!!!
Ahh, your girls are always so stylish!! 🙂
I am on my way to Southwest Florida tomorrow to join my family for “Spring Break.” I am dreaming of the beach and sunny days and I plan on soaking up for Vitamin D than I ever knew possible! This post just made me more excited for my vacation that starts in less than 12 hours! 🙂
lovely girls, lovely post, lovely onesies. And since we just found out we’re expecting our first- I thought I’d just try for one(sies) 🙂
I look forward to reading your blog and looking at your pictures ever day. Thanks for being who you are. 🙂
Your girls and your words are beautiful as always. I have three girls that love their dresses, about to make a purchase from that shop right now!
Kelle – I am so inspired by your words, your photography, your general outlook on life!
I’ve just finally caught up on reading your blog from the very beginning, and now I’m really not sure what to do – how on earth can I go an entire day or two without reading about your beautiful littles!!!
Oh, and by the way – loving these dresses!!!!
Four years ago we spent a few days in Florida, on either end of a trip to South America. It was heavenly! We drove through the Keys and enjoyed those beautiful skies and great beaches – and would totally come to visit again. Someday!! I love your ‘right now’ post today.
Would love a new dress for my first born who also is growing up WAY too fast!!
love love that photo of you snuggling Lainey. Love those mama moments.
…”Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”
gulp. in the face of some pretty darn big uncertainties in our life right now i needed that!
only dreaming of swimsuits and sunshine from our still snowy canadian front~ but seeing your pics spreads a little of the warmth.
i like that. and you. 🙂
Just checked out the Shabby Apple website…How Fun!
Thanks for your words today and every day.
Your girls look so sweet in those dresses, as they always do in anything you put on them! I would love a dress for one of my little girls! I also love that onsie Nella is sporting! So cute!
Loved this post. Loved Lainey buried in the sand- such a cute smile!
loved this post, Kelle!
My husband said there are places you can buy kits to fix your iphone screen for about $20 (someone has probably already told you that by now… I just don’t have time to read ALL 722 comments)
aaahhh…
I always LOVE the way your girls are dressed! And it’d be nice to score a cute little dress because my husband is going to divorce me if I BUY one more thing 😉
love the dresses! i have too much fun dressing my one year old daughter…..your blog inspires me on a continual basis 🙂
I’d love a chance to win a dress for my niece. She’s such a little girly girl and simply adores “fancy clothes” (her term for dresses and skirts).
Have a great week of not over-thinking. I know I could use a refresher on the need for those every now and then. (-:
Thank You for being such a great inspiration! Your pictures are soo beautiful, I love to look at them over and over again 🙂 🙂
LOVE YOUR BLOG! I wish I lived in Florida..In Norway where I live, it`s still SNOW and minus degrees… Looking forward to jump into my favourite summerdress and dance in the sun! (in about 3 months…)
Have a nice day Kelle!
Ive spent the last three “work” days reading your blog…im almost done!! SUper cute dresses for the BeBEs!!!
I absolutely love that quote…very inspiring!
I’m loving the pic of your firstborn in the sand! Especially the bow sticking out–so cute!
Sometimes- right now is right where we need to be:)
Another great blog that makes me think!
Thank you for getting me in the mood for spring! I can’t believe you are sitting in sand and water. I love how you capture such sweet moments.
also love cuddling my little to sleep.. some of the best moments.
Here’s a confession… I’m on my SIXTH iphone. Yep. 6th. I’ve dropped some and ended up with a screen like yours, one landed in the toilet, and the last one… I answered in the shower when it rang. Why? Because he was THAT cute. Totally worth it. I know I’m crazy. And addicted to my phone. This post makes me want to be near a beach so badly!! Come on summer!
I loved the NDSS video too! So so good! Found it earlier this week as well.
Big virtual hugs Kelle…thanks for keeping it real! xo
Nice post!
Shabby Apple dresses make me swoon!
I feel so hopeless every time I comment and hope to win… But one of these days… One of these days!
I have 2 daughters who are about the same ages as Lainey and Nella. 🙂 Love your blog and your pictures…and this mama could use a new dress!
that video….amazing! i am so touched….what a great way to reach out to the people! and what a perfect way to show how much things have already changed….and what a long way we still have ahead of us!
love it!
and my favourite quote: the mother in the video saying that you focus on having a baby, not the down syndrome….wow!
leslie
p.s.: i’m not here to win. i’m from europe, so i guess there’s no way to enter the competition anyway…
I also cracked my screen on my iPhone. I lasted 5 months with it and then bad to buy a new one last month! x
Oh my hand is raised.
My Random Confession: You may think I am supermom and can do everything, but boy I am faking it almost the whole time.
I love your pictures of the girls in the pool. They look so happy. I am sooo waiting for it to warm up here in Cali to be able to hit the pool.
thank you for sharing your lives with us.
There’s something exciting about the unfinished, isn’t there? So much potential for that unknown to become something marvelous and known. Keep smiling!
Lainey looks like she is a natural at ballet. I love seeing her ballet pictures!
as always, thanks for sharing your heart. for keeping it real. for sharing those sweet little girls. love the courage quote…just what i needed after a long day at work!
How cute is that onesie!! Love it.
I have a princess who will look great in one of those dresses!
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year, and you’ve been a constant inspiration to me. As a single mom, I struggle with how to be a good parent and both mom & dad to my little girl when things are SO not how I had them planned out to be. Thank you for your honesty about your life, thoughts, ideas – they help me so much more than you could ever know.
PS – The quote about courage & trying again tomorrow was exactly what I needed to hear tonight, after a rough day filled with a lot of crying (by both me & my toddler).
i heart shabby apple!
I will raise my hand as high as it can go. Especially right now. But today I’m celebrating my anniversary with my hub and we have a lot of love in our home so life is good.
Yay nicer weather, finding your place and sunny days to come!
again.. thanks for the refreshing, even “off days” are normal… I enjoy reading your posts so… and cute sundresses are welcomed up here in MN!
Seeing your fabulous girls in your fabulous beach photos makes me fabulously jealous!!
I am an aussie living in Ireland (I hope Land Down Under was one of your girls nights anthems from Men At Work??!!) and I miss home so very much. But I need blogs like yours to help me focus on the good. So here’s to a day of perfect focus. Cheers! x
I love the photo of Nella on the beach! Too cute!
Bath time Nella is so adorable. and the quote on courage is so fitting to my situation right now. Thank you for that.
Have a happy tomorrow!
It’s a great sense of comfort when your first born lets you know in their own ways that they are doing ok.
Wishing we could be meeting up at swimming pools and splashpads rather than ice rinks and toboggan hills. Spring can not come fast enough!
I live in Miami and your pics make me want to load up the kids in the car and drive straight to the beach, and I too can not wait for beach Sundays!!! Love your blog!
Would love a new dress! Enjoy your lovely weather!
Love the quote about courage. 🙂
Take your phone to the Apple store… A girlfriend of mine did the same thing and they replaced it for her, no charge. Apparently they’ll do that once?? Worth a shot!!!
My husband did the same with his iphone and took it to the genius bar thing in the apple store– they did him a really good deal on a replacement one which ended up cheaper than replacing the screen. (Someone might have said that, I now realise, but it might be worth a try if you get sick of the cracks– personally I’m the same and would be using it for as long as possible!)
Feeling really jealous, too, of your spring… it’s miserable and cold here and just looking at the sunshine in your photos gives me a little bit of hope.
I think having times of feeling unsure makes the times we get to SURE just that. Completely SURE.
My little lady NEEDS…I mean WANTS one of those adorable dresses….Your blog post- as inspiring as they get, thank you!
Wow, those are some adorable onesies and dresses! So cute 🙂
LOVE how you treat your girls! Rocking Lainey to sleep must have been precious:) I often think of you when I am laying with my two year old while she drifts off to sleep worrying what other people think and telling me she is manipulating me by not going to sleep by herself. THANK YOU for always pulling me back to what is important!
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I’m always unsure, the one thing that I’m always sure about are my kids and hubby
Your blogs are so uplifting and beautiful! My daughters would love to fight over one of those adorable dresses. Love!
Shabby Apple dresses are perfect! Thanks for the introduction.
Your words were just the pep talk I needed today. Thank you.
I love Nella’s onesie, I will have to check her store out and see if she has anything boy 🙂
I am envious of your weather…we are freezing here…sigh……
I just love the quote you stated in this post. I needed it especially today.
The onesies are adorable! clothes at the Shabby Apples are cute too.
Loving the pics! I wish I was there today instead of the Childrens hospital with my son…
Take care.
I am crazy~jealous of your sun filled days and swimsuits! I’m trying to rock this winter out here in Michigan and I am SO *over* it!
LOVE the sweet little frocks and can’t wait for the season!
Those dresses are GORGEOUS!!!
Thank you for the quote about courage. Also thank you for being honest in your blog about insecurities, messy home, the works. I absolutely love it!
Jealous that it is already pool and waterpark time for you…but happy that spring looks to be around the corner here.
Would love a Shabby Apple dress for our little girl.
Love your blog. You’re an amazing mommy!
I love how happy Nella always looks 🙂 she’s a definate blessing to your family.
That quote totally made my day. My toddler and I have been soooo sick and yesterday I was completely overwhelmed. For some reason that qoute made me relax knowing we can start over tomorrow.
I am craving the beach and the perfect weather, here in the North of South America we are having a constant never stop rain… I don’t hate it but sure could use a little bit of sun!
Lainey looks so grown, so mature, so cute, I looove her ballet pics!
And finally, I totally raise my hand, but you know what? let’s rock the uncertainty!
Random Confession #1- We have a very long upstairs hallway and when no one is looking i pretend its a catwalk no matter what I’m wearing and it always makes me giggle!
As a busy mom, it’s super important to find peace amongst all the chaos. Your blog is a fun place to pop in and be reminded of loving our moments.
Thanks for the opportunity! Of course if I win, I will have to get something for BOTH of my girls. :o)
As a fellow FL gulf coast momma, I must say this is my favorite time of year. Beach season is apporaching us while it’s winter everywhere else. I’m taking my son to the beach for his first time this weekend. I hope my family can create our own “Isle of Capri”-like Sundays as yours has done. Such a wonderful tradition that our children will fondly remember in the years to come.
ok lady- three things
1) My mom met and Loved George and your mama together
2) you must pencil us in for a playdate sometime!!
3) nella’s bubble romper??? where???love it.
What gorgeous spring weather you are having… Thanks for sharing.
The dance class pictures always make me SO happy!
I see your pictures of your girls at the beach and I pretend I am on vacation somewhere warm and sunny. In a few months our snow will be gone and we’ll be able to enjoy warm beach days too.
I love your blog and the adorable little outfits your girls wear. PS. Sorry about your phone – major bummer!
I’m so jealous of your beach weather…we are just beginning to thaw out here in Northeastern PA!
Love the dresses (and PS, my house is messy too!)…
Love your blog, always inspiring, your babies are just beautiful and love Shabby Apple too 🙂
Love, Shelley from FL
would love to see pics of the garage when you are done!
“I will try again tomorrow”…I like this!
you remind me that it is okay to be vulnerable. thanks for opening your heart to so many!
You rock
The only thing better than babies in pyjamas is babies in hooded towels right after a bath – love those pics of Nella!
The description of Florida and the weather weighs heavy on my heart. We live near a beach…only it’s in New Jersey and we are soon relocating to Illinois. I will miss our days at the beach and live vicariously through your post.
Love, love the dresses and onsie! Enjoy your beach days, we never get those here in Utah. Although being from Cali it is a must that I introduce my children to the ocean very soon! Have a great weekend! As always I enjoyed your pics and post!
You are an amazing woman and have the ability to bring back so many memories. Memories of when I was mama to my littles…who are now 15 and 17. Miss those nights of cuddling! Thanks for bringing back such great feelings and for reminding me that I WILL try again tomorrow!
Shabby Apple….get out! LOVE them!! Your girls are to stinking cute for words. I feel the same way about my #1. She will be 5 this fall, and daily I am amazed by her…frustrated by her too, but amazed at her confidence and intelligence and love. Kids are the best!
One: Thank you for the reminder that I don’t have to be %100 on top of things all the time.
Two: I’m completely jealous of that weather!
Three: I did that same thing to my phone on New Year’s Eve! I wound up putting a piece of clear packaging tape over the screen so that I could use it without worrying about the slivers of glass 🙂
Happy mid week to you too!
awsome awesome pictures!
I love Shabby Apple!
megangaughan at yahoo dot com
I am putting that quote on my bathroom mirror! just love it! thank for sharing. Also, Lainey in her ballet shoes makes me so excited for when my baby is in dance! Happy Thursday!
Here is what I find wonderful: the Mary Anne Radmacher quotation is one I stumbled upon last week–and now I read it one your blog–guess I need the reminder of what courage is! Second wonderful thing–the first song that popped up on your blog is one of my favorite songs on the planet (Grace by U2) I even have my 3 1/2 year old singing along to the words :)Those two favorite things coupled with your blog makes for a wonderful start to my day! Thanks!
Please, please, please send some of your lovely sun and wind and waves to VT. It’s 2 degrees outside as I type this. A couple of years back, my cousin, whose grandparents lived for years on the Isles of Capri, invited me to go with her to Florida for a vacation in March. It was, just as you described it, idyllic, perfect… I go back there in my mind whenever I need a winter pick-me-up 🙂 We kayaked in the mangrove swamps, and I saw dolphins for the first time.
I love your blog, Kelle. It really makes me smile and you totally inspire me 🙂
ugh, the transition from “she is my one, my only” and my world to your new status in life as a mom of 2. I am almost there, 5 weeks left and i too will make that shift.
my first born let me rock her to sleep twice last month and it was heaven. i just kept rocking and rocking and kissing her little head. soaking up all the memories of when she was littlier that was the norm.
ps. i forgot my deoderant about once a week. so i keep an extra stick in the car. : )
Such cute dresses! So bright and cheerful!
I’m always unsure 🙁 Sometimes, things get the best of me! I hate decisions…bleh
If I wore a dress like that I think I may need a private plane as well. Do you have a giveaway for that?
I just love your blog you are so inspirational. One day i hope to be a mama just like you…hopscotch in the kitchen and all.
There are businesses that will replace/ repair cracked screens of iPhones. I see them on craigslist sometimes.
I love how relatable you are, I feel better knowing somebody as cool as you seem experiences some of the same things I do.
Thanks for blogging and being so eloquent about it! 😉
LOVE Shabby Apple
I just love those dresses! You constantly open my eyes to adorable clothing for little girls. Now if my little baby girl would just hurry up and get here (4 days until the due date!)
I’m always unsure 🙁 Making decisions aren’t always fun…bleh
If I wore a spring dress like that I would need a private plane to go with it….do you have a giveaway for that?
Your post was just what I needed after a less-than-spectacular day. And the pics of your darlins didn’t hurt either.
Exactly the words I needed to hear this morning. Awesome.
Rock On Girl!
You inspire me every time I stop by….and then your music screams from my puter the rest of the day♥
Thanks for talking, sharing….keeping it real! Some days just do stink huh!
Lainey has inspired Madigan to try to swim this year…..she loves the water but has to plug her ears and nose all at the same time…..I hear “Lainey doesn’t mommy, I’m not”….
We adore you from up here in the snow ridden hills of PA
Valerie and Madigan
I would so love to live as close to the beach as you do! The closest one to me is Myrtle Beach, about 2 hours from where I live.
I love, love the dress Nella is wearing! I would love to have one for my baby girl (who is due in less than TWO weeks!!)
I have to say I am dreaming of the beach all the way over here in Minnesota! Love the Pictures!
I so enjoy seeing all the brightness and sunshine in your blog. I think I am packing up and moving to Florida – NOW!
I hope I win the dress! My daughter’s wardrobe needs a pick me up, and a change from the winter garb!
shabby apple?? how did i not know about this?!?
so cute!!!!!
love shabby apple. love spring. and love this blog. oh and that courage quote…LOVE!
It’s so good to be unsure sometimes… to just stop thinking about thinking and stop trying to figure it out and just be there… all those things you need to figure out will still be there to be figured out some other day. Thanks for the reminder, and for another post full of beauty!
I feel that way alot…unsure, like I definately don’t have it all together and I’m maybe even doing every single thing wrong. But luckily, it passes quickly and I look at my girls and I see the glow on their faces, and their smiles, and I know that that is not true.
That onsie is just adorable. That video was very touching, thanks for sharing. I think it is wonderful that you are using your ‘powers’ to do something positive in this world. Too many people let those opportunities slip by! Happy Thursday 🙂
The NDSS video was wonderful!!! At the very end when the one mom told the story about the parents asking the pediatrician for help not because their baby had Ds, but because they were first time parents really made my day.
In the light of uncertainty, where shadows make me question myself, the constant reassurance is that my son is my beautiful son first and foremost.♥
I am so in love with the beach photos you posted. My favorite place in the whole world is the ocean. Somehow I ended up in Tucson, Arizona….I haven’t been to the beach in 3 years. Maybe this will inspire me to pack up the family for a road trip:)
Thanks!
I would love a new spring dress! Love the post; glad you’re feeling more sure of your unsureness. 🙂
eeek! sorry about your phone 🙁
beautiful photos of the girls, as always! i love love their spring dresses!
Love the dresses!
Love your blog Kelle 🙂
Love living in the right now and being unsure.
The courage quote is one of the best I’ve read in a long time… Love the onesie that Nella is wearing!
You couldn’t have written more powerful words for me today. I’ve been feeling so unsure. Thanks for reminding me that it is okay to embrace those feeling, own them, and then move on…one step in front of the other.
Adorable pics as always. Wow, Lainey is getting so big!
Love your sweet girls and love shabby apple!
Motherhood is amazing on you! Your girls are so lucky to have you as their mama!!
Oh all those wonderful pictures of you guys in bathing suits and on the beach….pure jealousy from lots of white Wyoming.
Love the onsie by the way!
Blessings Kelle!
Kelle,
sorry to hear about your phone. My great hope for all moms, is to laugh as much as we cry and worry.
Mark Twain said,” Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.”
Love Nella’s onsie.. never seen one that fashionable.
Love shabby apple… rock that dress!
Lisa
1 Wasabi Mommy
I am so longing to live in Florida these days. I have been to Naples and it was awesome! I am a Cali girl stuck in Texas and it is killing me! Your beach pictures always bring a smile to my face, a recollection of great memories
I close my eyes and for just a moment I am on the beach with the hot sun beating down on my face! Thanks!
Shabby apple is soooo adorable!
I started reading your blog because of the photography. I now read your blog because it gives me hope. You say what I feel so often and don’t know how to say myself out loud. I’m 26, fresh out of my 3rd over 3 year relationship and feeling lost and unconfident, which isn’t a word but I’m using it because deep inside I know I really am cool enough to use made up words. I can push myself, I can use this to become more. Its so helpful to know that I’m not the only one that feels insecure and like I think way to much. You remind me things can be beautiful again, there is hope, there is beauty, and there is love. I am woman hear me roar….
Love the onesie and where or where did you find that brown flowered swim-suit? Love it!
Love the beach pictures! It almost makes me want to trade our 16 degree weather this morning for some warmth. Almost. I’m a sucker for cold weather and something baking in the oven though. 🙂
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Love reading your blog!! Your family is adorable!!!
I must say I am extremely jealous that you are hanging out at the beach and water parks because It is FREEZING here today in Philadelphia. I can NOT wait to put my feet into the warm sand.
LOVE Shabby Apple! Thanks for the giveaway…and once again, thanks for sharing your life with us. 🙂
I appreciate how candid you are..and can I just say – the last post about your house? Totally made my shoulders relax a little, so from one not so great housekeeper to another -thanks:-)
And, I LOVE the picture of you rocking Laney – and the last one of Nella makes me smile.
Dreaming of the beach right now!!
Toto…dude that is the band my hubby and I fell in love to. That is our band…Hold the line, love isn’t isn’t always on time..I am rocking it out as I type! Oh those days of our youth..cruising town in his van, listening to Toto..cracks me up my straight laced, follow all the rules hubby had a VAN..a jacked up, pimped out VAN!!! Seems soooo long ago! I almost can’t remember who we were then but every now and again a mention of a song or person reminds me of that time.
I know what you mean about the less confident times and sometimes I let people rattle my confidence when I should not. I have not figured out how to not allow it to happen but I sure as hell am figuring out how not to let it shake me for long…I will not allow them to own me or define me…they do not have that power. I think this is my year for growing in that area, I am becoming stronger and rebounding much faster. I am who I am and I am perfectly flawed…but I love with all my heart, I am loyal as all get out and I am loved by many. Sometimes I have to borrow confidence..by remembering a compliment or telling a friend who pumps me up and strokes me..we need that every now and again.
“I am strong because I know my weaknesses. I’m alive because I’m a fighter.I am wise because I’ve been foolish. I laugh because I’ve known sadness.”
I would add to that wickedly fabulous quote..I am confident because of the times I have been uncertain.♥
ps..my cell phone fell in the toilet at a movie in a PUBLIC bathroom..ick…totally replaced that baby!
March 3, 2011 6:03 AM
How lucky you guys are to be swimming in March! I love our 4 seasons but I’ll admit, a tad bit jealous!
I thought I was the only one who was overthinking… Apparently, I was overthinking that too. Thanks for being all of yourself this week. It’s made me appreciate your other posts even more. 🙂
Those dresses are GORGEOUS!
oh I needed this today. I’m caught somewhere in the middle of feeling confident in my abilities as a “working gal” and confident in my abilities as a new mommy. That leads me to feeling extremely unsure about doing them both. Lately paralyzed with fear when it comes to making the most simple choices in my career and in my most important role as Mommy. Unsure about how to balance both. I’m working it out, though. Figuring out how to make it work for us – for my little family. Because I’m learning that no one has the perfect solution – and what works for one might not work for us.
Thanks again for your post. Inspiring as always.
I’m not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but you should be able to take your phone into an apple store and they can replace your shattered screen. It’s much cheaper than replacing the whole phone!
And as always the girls are adorable! I’m also dreaming of warm summer days…
Thank you for this post! I needed to read something like that this morning. It’s totally been one of those weeks and your words lightened my load a little. They gave me perspective and reinforced that it’s ok not to know 100% of the time. You are wonderful!
PS- LOVE, LOVE the Shabby Apple! Fantastic style 🙂
I have been following your blog for only a short time now and am truly inspired by your everyday ordinary life, from an extraordinary perspective. One sentence of today’s post hit me between the eyes. “Right now I am unsure, unfinished. And I am happy.” That resonates with me in such a powerful way. Thank you for sharing your life!
I really enjoyed the NDSS video! How inspiring to see those two lovely grown young ladies leading such wonderful lives! I know a young man (well, he is my age now, 40 LOL) with DS and he has a great life. He was the cousin to my high school boyfriend. To this day he still remembers me as Randy’s ex-girlfriend lol
As always, the pictures are beautiful!
love your blog.
and sometimes I struggle with the same issues.
and of course, I wanna win!!!
That Mary Anne Radmacher quote is one of my faves!
That video is incredible, as are all your pictures!
Happy Mid-week!
oooh i love shabby apple! i’ve drooled over their adult clothes before, but i never realized they had kid clothes as well. too cute!
Unsure has been my moto of 2010 so far. Not “sure” that is a good thing, but I am rolling with it and trying my best to accept it for now. Love that onseie Nella is wearing…and those dresses!!!
A free dress? Yes, please! I have three girls, but if I win, this dress is going to MAMA . . . ( I made a goal to wear them more in the summer – they are so much cuter than sweat-shorts and an old tee . . . and they make me feel pretty).
I adore your blog….it inspires me to appreciate the small things. Beautiful! 🙂
So jealous about the pools and water parks…we are a couple short months away from that. The girls are adorable as ever and what gorgeous dresses. Love that shabby apple.
The NDSS video is perfect. It provides amazing hope and insight towards a bright future for Nella, exemplifies the mission of the NDSS to help facilitate understanding and acceptance and reminds all of us that what’s most important isn’t the down syndrome, but that each day, babies are born and they need love, patience, understanding and support. Thanks for sharing it. My soul is happy.
Shabby Apple’s stuff is so cute. And if I don’t win soon off of one of my favorite blogs, I might just have to go out and buy me something from there!
This makes me hopeful that our deceptively sunny Michigan days will eventually melt the snow to fade into spring! Eventually some of that warmth migrates north, right?
This makes me hopeful that our deceptively sunny Michigan days will eventually melt the snow to fade into spring! Eventually some of that warmth migrates north, right?
Thanks for being so open about your feelings! I think it helps us all to see that we are not alone in feeling the way we do, always overanalyzing EVERYTHING! You rock!!
Love all the parts that makeup your blog. Its inspiring, hopefull, colorful, funny, witty, real,compelling,intreging, and I could go on and on. I find comfort in reading your words and allowing my into your world as our common denominator is we are mamas of a sweet child with DS. I hope you write books one day because i would be the first in line at your book signing!
Your posts are always oh so pretty! I love reading them. I’m jealous of your gorgeous weather, the weather in Utah is still bouncing between Spring and Winter and it’s driving me bonkers!
LOVE LOVE LOVE the pic of Lainey with the sun behind her head. and love the quote about trying again tomorrow.
Lainey is growing into such a beautiful little girl! I adore seeing the relationship between your two girls – they’re just perfect.
Love your blog! It’s so encouraging to read that all Moms, as women, face the same times of question and insecurity. Thanks for sharing your heart and life, it blesses more people than you will probably ever know.
Oh, and I so want one of those cute dresses for my girl 🙂
Right now…I am slowing down to appreciate the joys of wedding planning. As I tend to overanalyze all of the little details, I lose sight of the most important thing- marrying my best friend. Right now I am appreciating all of the small things that will make our day “ours”…and extremely special.
I just love reading and keeping up with your girls through your blog. You always remind me to step back and enjoy the small things.
My baby turns 7 today. I miss the baby years but love who she is becoming. She would really like a new dress.
I’m so jealous of your beautiful weather! It was 23 degrees when I came into work this morning. I can’t wait for bathing suit weather to make it’s way north!
I think at some point in time, we are all unsure of something. There are days that I so confident in my abilities and there are others when I question everything…I just roll with it know that more confident days are ahead.
I am so envious of your weather…I am counting down the days where we no longer have to wear boots, hats and gloves and can trade them in for shorts and flip flops.
Laney is such an awesome big sister, assuming her role with such pose. Beautiful head shot of her in the sunlight!
Kelle, I love reading your blog, but I have a hard time focusing on the words because of the overwhelming desire to eat Nella ALIVE!!!! She is so freakin’ cute!!! I know it’s because she looks like my little girl (seriously, check it out, and tell me if I’m wrong: addisonfrances.wordpress.com) but your child is delicious. That is all.
I so know the “whole deer-in-the-headlights”. I pulled that off this weekend when asked where did the hole in the drywall come from in the garage . . . . I don’t know maybe I hit it with my car?
I’m so jealous that you are already enjoying the beach and pool! We won’t be doing that for another couple months here in Virginia…just can’t wait for sun kissed skin, flip flops and shorts!!
I love the courage quote – so true – but yet it is good to be reminded. Also the pics of Nella in her towel are so sweet – your photos remind me to take more pictures of my little ones. Thanks!
Oh I love Lainey’s new game, I’m the mama and you’re the honey. So sweet. 🙂
I have never commented before, but I check your blog everyday. I find you so inspiring. Your family should be proud to have you, and I can tell they are with each and every picture you take!
Love the photos of warm weather- I’m looking forward to getting my little one in a bathing suit this summer!
Lainey looks so cute (and grown up!) at her ballet class. Oh how I can’t wait for my little one to be big enough to be a ballerina too 🙂
Just last night I spent some time alone with my 2 year old, my first born. It was in her room and I was putting her to bed for the night, a job usually done by her father since I am taking care of the 6 month old. I too went through the, “This is going too fast!!” It’s bittersweet. She is a beautiful little lady but I miss my baby. I have a feeling it is only going to get better but more difficult. Gosh, I LOVE being a Mom!!!
Have a blessed day.
Jodi
SO craving nice weather after seeing your beach and pool pics. We’ve got another couple of months here in South Dakota before we have that.
In the meantime, thanks for the Shabby Apple link! Loving their stuff and probably gonna get a swimsuit for my trip in May.
Beautiful clothes-great prices. Love.
How many different swimsuits does Lainey have?? My Gaby needs some new cute dresses for summer!
Love your blog. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
You always find just the right way to say it all. And a Shabby Apple dress would be a wonderful pick me up after one of “those” days!
Longing for spring in Kansas! Thank you for filling my wait with beautiful pictures of yours.
Love the shadow shot reminds me of mary poppins
Every girl needs a new spring dress, right?
Thank you for your words and this blog. Love. it.
Congrats, you’re the only person who ever makes me want to live in the FL heat 🙂 I seriously do now though! Love the vintage kids clothes!
Unsure and unfinished–that’s how we grow. Your words are beautiful.
🙂
Right now I am glad I read your post. It is “that” kind of day and I needed some sunshine. Thanks for shining in your honesty. susan
as always, your words are so inspirational. best wishes with a new phone soon.
as always, your words are so inspirational. best wishes with a new phone soon.
I love the dresses for littles and bigs!
i love those dresses!!
Oh how I long for sunshine. It is still, grey, gloomy and very cold here. One of those stunning, beautifully sunny dresses would definitely cheer myself and my daughter up in its absense though!
I have to confess also…I stole your quote from Mary Anne Radmacher and immediately put it on my facebook page. Love it! Also in love with anything vintage as well as your blog. It is the sand beneath my toes every day. Thank you for being you! Oh and just wanted to mention you can get a replacement screen for your phone for $12ish on Amazon.
Love the little barrette in Nella’s hair. What a happy little barrette!
ADORABLE dresses! Your girls always look so gorgeous and stylish!
This post is one of the reasons I love your blog. Real, honest, inspiring — it is the whole package. Great pictures of the girls (as always).
Sorry about the phone. ouch. Happy midweek!
I’m in love with the pictures of your eldest in ballet class. She is so precious! Also, Shabby Apple – hello awesome!
Love that contented place, sometimes I struggle to find it, but when I do… it’s heaven!
🙂
~Tabitha
We are all unfinished! The sooner we learn to be happy with our unfinished, imperfect selves, the better. And I have to relearn it at least once a week!
I love your blog and great post…”I will try again tomorrow” needed that!!!
I totally hear you on sharing your feelings and time between 2 little ones. As of late my baby girl is giving me trouble at bedtime and I feel like my little boy is getting the short end of the stick at bedtime because I spend so much time with the baby. Being a momma to more than one is hard. (But so wonderful too!)
I love the cute dresses and your DD’s sense of style. 🙂
I have just recently started reading your blog, and I am blown away by your beautiful girls and love for life. I love Shabby Apple…especially the Champs Elysees dress. Just lovely! Thanks for sharing so much joy and honesty with the blog world 🙂
“If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.”
“If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.”
I just told my son last night when he cried about having to get out of the bathtub, that we’ll soon be able to go the pool and the splash park. Still a little chilly here in OK for water fun. But we have been enjoying the warm weather with long walks and picnics in the grass hehe! :0)
– jen
jehling2 at gmail(d0t)com
“If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.”
“If you wait to do everything until you’re sure it’s right, you’ll probably never do much of anything.”
Reading your blog makes me want to move to Florida! I’m so done with Utah’s fickle weather! (Plus, we don’t have any beaches. ::sad face::)
cute pictures, cute dresses and I’m so jealous of ya’ll being on the beach. AL weather is only been in the mid 70’s!
cute pictures, cute dresses and I’m so jealous of ya’ll being on the beach. AL weather is only been in the mid 70’s!
cute pictures, cute dresses and I’m so jealous of ya’ll being on the beach. AL weather is only been in the mid 70’s!
cute pictures, cute dresses and I’m so jealous of ya’ll being on the beach. AL weather is only been in the mid 70’s!
cute pictures, cute dresses and I’m so jealous of ya’ll being on the beach. AL weather is only been in the mid 70’s!
I love this post. Sometimes I get in blogging ruts. I will do so good for what seems like a long time, then I lose it. I open a “new post” page and it sits open on my browser for an hour, maybe two, as I busy myself with anything else I can find to do online. Then I get bored with the internet and shut it all down, “new post” page still blank.
Reading your posts lights an inspirational blogging fire in me! Though I will never write like you, I still love to blog and I love that your words make me want to be better!
I love reading your blog, it is so beautiful and inspirational. I have 4 children and reading your blog about your wonderful family inspires me to be the best mom that I can be. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us.
p.s. that onesie is amazing! Is it weird that I want one in my size?
LOL… I totally thought at first read you said “Happy Midwest Friends” and all I could think was happy??? No…. sad that you get to rock swim suits and they are talking about more snow up here in Chi-town!
Much better at second glance!
Of all the different ways you inspire people, every day I want to be a better photographer when I look at your work. I love that this post followed your last – thanks for the reminder that we are all human, but capable of unbelievable beauty.
Very jealous that you are able to break out the swim suits…I had to warm my car up this morning…19 degrees!
Love that Mary Anne Radmacher quote.
Love that onesie!!
Love shabbyapple.
Love this post. 🙂
love the beach and pool pics, so excited for warm weather to arrive. Cute dresses!
Sometimes surrendering to the unsure is so much healthier than faking the sure.
Love your blog…. Your girls are beautiful!
pnarrell@gmail.com
Can’t wait until your beautiful Florida sunshine makes its way to Michigan!
Oh the beach!! I am so jealous!
We all doubt ourselves and our abilities from time to time. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be very pleasant to be around, nor would we ever be open to learning new things. Look to your children during these times. They don’t think there is anything you can’t do.
My hand is raised, I am so unsure sometimes that I just want to give up, but I have 2 boys and they need their mama so I will continue on. I love reading your blog and your children are beautiful.
Your posts always bring a smile to my face, Kelle! And love those shabby apple dresses!
Leah
http://www.lovelifeandmommyhood.blogspot.com
Your girls have the best collection of swimsuits! My husband has dropped his phone more times than I can even remember. He found a local glass guy who replaces the glass on i phones and does not charge much. Maybe you can find someone local and avoid having to purchase a new phone?
Awww, so cute! I have four boys so I never get to buy anything this cute. Well, I could, but my husband might not be on board…my kids either for that matter…hmmmmm…..maybeeeee the 2 year old 🙂
Things are warming up a bit out here in California as well. We did have lots of rain last week with very cold temps. As I drive to my house I can see so much snow on the mountains! And it is so low. It may be time to take my children for their first trip to the snow before we start spending most of our days soaking up the sun!
Love Shabby Apple. Get giveaway!
I am so jealous of your weather! I am in a sweater, t-shirt, and layering tank hoping to stay warm! Could you sent the Sun out West??
I love to hear that you are also unsure. I am unsure about so many things- the name of this babe growing in my belly, when my husband will finally paint his nursery, the continued health of our family. I work daily to stay present and in the moment, and you help. Thank you!
Thank you (as always) for sharing your story!
I’m raising my hand right now because WOW you must have read my mind.
I think these insecure moments are good for us because they do help us grow and learn. Unfortunately, they aren’t much fun because we have stepped outside our comfort zone, but once get past them we feel so good about ourselves. Right?
Those dresses would be just the thing to cure my winter doldrums. Hint, hint 🙂
The Video was amazing. Can’t wait to enjoy the summer weather with my littles. Thank you for reminding me summer is going to come soon for us here in Ohio.
I’m so jealous of your beautiful weather.
The NDSS video is awesome. We have the same philosophy of high expectations at our house. Kudos and a huge thank you to those parents who paved the way for our children.
I needed that quote from Mary Ann! Thank you. We’re in the last two months before our second little one arrives, and while my first, my one, my only is 9.5 years old, he is needing all the extra I can give right now. I’m trying to lap it all up and soak it in.
Loving the pics of your beauties in the sand!
GRRRR. I did that too and it was really really not cheap to fix. One of the guys I work with said he got a replacement online. So I went and looked. Here is just one of the links I found http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=apple+iphone+screen+replacement&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=4201178081416354290&sa=X&ei=JbFvTcfIAoSclgfPg8yqAQ&ved=0CFAQ8wIwAg#.
Hope that works. Worth looking into anyway. I got so mad because it took the Apple people all of two minutes to replace but still somehow cost $200.
Thank’s for another amazing post! The Mary Anne Radmacher quote hit home some times you just have to try again tomorrow.
Oooh! Those dresses are too cute! The quote you posted from Mary Ann Racmacher is one I’ve kept in my classroom for nearly ten years. My 9-12 graders need it. But so do I.
And never more than now. Thanks for the reminder.
Loved this post…a great read for the end of a week 🙂 brought a smile to my face!!
Your girls are just darlings 🙂
Your posts inspire me! Today, I am going to slow down and pay a little bit more attention to all the things “I love”. It is always nice to be reminded to cherish those special moments!
Your girls are beautiful, Kelle! You are the only perfect stranger that I follow religiously. I’m always completely inspired by your pictures, your writing and how free you live your life. It’s a beautiful thing! xoxo
Random Confession #1: I count stairs when I descend them.
Right now: Crossing 1 thing off said bucket list…start tennis lessons next week….haven’t picked up a racquet in 10 years!
Love your girls….
xoxo, Bug & Ruby’s Gram
Yes I would say she is in the right place. “I’ll be the mama and you be the honey!” Confident, secure and attached. Those are fill your heart moments! A great way to start my morning.
Cutest onesie on Nella! And definitely laughed out loud at the pic of Lainey’s head poking out of the sand. Always look forward to your posts, and I love the all the dresses at Shabby Apple!
An amazing post as usual. I’m thankful that you post so often, it’s usually the highlight of my day! 🙂
Oh, oh, oh, the JEALOUSY of “your” beach. Lucky ducks, your little ones (and you!) for having access to such a beautiful place in (technically still) Winter. Dying for Spring!
That quote is so true. And I’m curious, do you guys go swimming every day? I wish it were me!
I love all the clothes your kids wear. They are two beautiful and special little girls!
loving every little thing about your “right nows.” and inspired to get some of my own 🙂
I think we’re on the same wavelength, which is why I always tune in to your blog.
And every time I scroll to a photo of Nella, “She’s such a doll!” always bursts from my mouth. No joke–not trying to kiss up, or anything… even though my Lainie would look amazing in one of those dresses. 🙂
My favorite quote of late: Evolution, not revolution.
Beth
i hope i win! oh, and check out my blog!
girlandgreatdane.blogspot.com
i hope i win! oh, and check out my blog!
girlandgreatdane.blogspot.com
My girls need one of those super cute dresses! My problem would just be picking out just one! Love your blog.
Sounds like a good week! I LOVE the dresses! and the onsie Nella has on too cute!
thanks for being real!
As always your girls are adorable! I covet (even though its wrong) the beach you are so close too. Even in the wintertime I’m sure its amazing. I’ll be having a baby this summer so no beach time for me 🙁
We all need those times…”soul rest”…
I’m also feeling sentimental about my almost, about to turn 2 y.o. ..looking at pictures from only a few months ago and realizing how less and less of a baby she looks and more and more of a grown-up little girl..and how every time I do that, I think she looks so grown-up in the “now” pictures that I’ll be reminiscing over in only a few months.
Oh, to be a girl with a beautiful new Spring frock!
Love that onesie too!
Those dresses are beautiful. I love the vintage fabric ♥
How is that you always seem to enter into my mind and say the things that I myself am thinking? Thanks for giving my thoughts a voice. It’s nice to hear them from someone else. Makes me think that maybe I’m not crazy! Or, if I am, maybe the whole world is just as crazy as I am! 🙂
What a lovely post! Nella is getting so big! I would love to win a dress for my little-to-be (due June 6)!
I live in the Netherlands so I’ve never heard from shabby apple, so I visit the link and wow what a great dresses love it!!!
Love your new blogpost, and wow what a comments.
Hugs from Mirella
http://mirellaklanke.wordpress.com/
My niece would look great in one of those Shabby Apple dresses! So cute!
So glad I’m not the only secret hopscotch player! 🙂
I was getting myself ready to ask you where you got that gorgeous onsie, then you read my mind and posted the link! Thank you!
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So jealous of the weather you’re having…
I live in Canada and it’s C-O-L-D!!
Would love a new Spring dress! 🙂
Is it strange to say I find some comfort in knowing you are not 100% confident all the time? It is hard to see that sometimes in your pics/blog.. Thanks for being vulnerable.
OMG, Kelle, I dropped my iPhone in the toilet last night!! Haha. None of the speakers worked, so I put it in uncooked rice overnight. Well this morning the ear speaker still doesn’t work and it randomly turns itself off. But I will also be rockin’ it anyway.
On another note, I don’t know how you get Nella to sit still and do those cards with you that you showed on your “postcard” video. My son, who is just one day older than Nella, grabs all the cards I lay out, throws them, and then moves on to the next thing. LOL.
thank you for your honesty, it was good to hear this week
Hiya! Thanks for admitting that you don’t always have it all together, cause I know I sure as hell don’t! Beautiful pictures as always! 🙂
As I sit frozen in my cubicle at work (wrapped in a blanket, wearing gloves and a jacket), I envy your precious girls in swimsuits and ocean!
as always, your words inspire!
Love that your just a go with the flow kinda gal!! Your children are always so happy! Love the post!
Those dresses are gorgeous!
Your babies are just too sweet for words. That picture of you and Lainey where you rocked her to sleep just melted my heart. My two year old won’t let me rock him so I long for sweet moments like that.
I’ve never made clothes in my life but I have borrowed a friends sewing machine and bought a simple pattern for a summer dress to make for my 20 month old daughter Poppy… and talk about being UNSURE!! I have made so many mistakes and come across some challenges but by God I will finish this dress and she will wear it and I will take some cool photos like the ones you have here of your precious girlies. You have helped inspire me for sure!
Uncertainty is the theme of my life right now…but in the meantime gonna enjoy the ride. There are some amazing stops on this journey called life.
Hoping one of my stops in the future is to hold my first born. You make momma-hood look so easy.
Happy day!! (the sun does shine in the UK)
~CC
Unsure… it’s a way of life as a mama isn’t it? I feel that way most of the time I think. (See, I’m not even sure if I’m sure about that! Ha.)
I love Shabby Apple! Those dresses are so cut on your girls 🙂
Love the picture of little Lainey sitting on the sand with the waves splashing up over her!
AWESOME video! Thanks for sharing. Tugs at the heart strings! There’s some amazing people out there.
The quote about courage is fantastic. I think I’m going to use it on a new blog post about new beginnings for me. And I love how authentic you are about your insecurities. I believe mommies today don’t embrace their feelings and overcome them. They’re too buys trying to be the “perfect” mommy. But who’s to say who’s perfect? God made us “perfect”, but only for our own children.
Wow, starting to ramble…
I LOVE this post. It reminds me to not take things so seriously and go with the flow more often. I love all the pictures too especially the one of Nella at the end and the one of Lainey with the faded look with the sun shining behind her.(can you tell I’m not a photographer?!…lol) Thanks for the little reminders to stop and enjoy life!
Your girls always have the cutest clothes. Love love love Lainey’s dress in the bounce-house picture!
And thanks for sharing so honestly. Insecurity strikes all of us. It’s always great to hear someone else is going through the same things.
Was just referred to your blog and am so encouraged and humbled. We are in the process of researching to adopt a special needs child, so I am very encouraged by what I have seen and heard of your blog. Love the honesty. That’s what I need to hear.
And, love what I have seen of Shabby Apple, too 🙂
That happened to my ipod, you can get a replacement screen via Ebay :))
I love all your etsy suggestions, would you share a link to all your favorites? Please Please Please 🙂
I don’t have any kiddos… yet, but I do love me some Shabby Apple–thanks to you b/c you introduced us!
I am sure I love those dresses!!!
was just thinking this morning (before reading your post) how unsure I was about a few things! guess it strikes us all sometimes 🙂 soak up some Florida sun for all of us!
I agree that the feeling of insecurity is worse than what ever it was that made you feel that way on the first place. Would love to win a dress!
Um love the dresses, def an add to my favorites list!! We’ve still have a couple months of rain here in Oregon…. I’m gonna have to live through your pictures to get my spring fix!
This comment has been removed by the author.
I too dropped my beloved iphone and dealt with it for about a week before the tiny shards of glass poked my ear one to many times and I utterly gave up. A new phone is a wondrous thing!
clark.unccs at gmail dot com
So adorable!
I’m loving the weather here in naples, as well. So nice! Unfortunately, my hubby isnt a beach bum, so i always have to drag him there.
Love the wispiness and the pink tone of the ballet photos. Beautiful!
I love shabby apple. I’d have a hard time not stealing this giveaway for myself and leaving my daughter out in the cold. :o)
I love Shabby Apple! Nella looks sooo happy in those pics!
I’m glad to hear that I am not the only one that is often times unsure. Thanks for the inspiring posts day after day!
So jealous you get to live by the beach! I would LOVE to have sand in my car everyday!
Love the quote, thanks for sharing! We are experiencing the warm up here in Texas too! We also are enjoying turning our garage into our “front portch”, why don’t they make front porches to be enjoyed anymore?
A perfect post. Too often we are pushed to exceed in something, sometimes everything. Thank you for reminding us we can be happy *just where we are* even if it means being unfinished.
And thank you for the give-away!
MEMEMEMEMEME. Love Shabby Apple! -Sarah
Beautiful post – words and images. Also enjoying some quiet contentment here in the great (still white) north, but appreciate your glimpses of spring fun. Love the dresses.
You cant see it, but my hand is waving around in the air like the flag
I love reading all of your posts and I love that you are unsure like me (and messy and cluttered like me – from your last post). I’m gonna make a point to rock one of my babies to sleep by the light of the moon tonight. Thanks!
Those dresses are WAY too cute! I don’t think my boys would appreciate me putting dresses on them so I guess I could pick one out for me 😉
Oh….yeah, and my iphone is broken too. 🙁
happy midweek to you darling 🙂
Can I just say how much I love seeing your litte girls grow up.I finally had my first little girl in October after 3 boys and I am so looking forward to the vintage prints and large flowers and the girly shoes. I love the hippie/vintage/flower child look and I can’t wait to dress my baby that way.
I love “unfinished” because it leaves room for me to grow, to question, to seek and land in a place where I know I will be better. Life is in the journey, not the destination! Love the picture of you and Lainey (or mama & honey!!)
Your post describes how I feel most days! Not enough hours in the day. I would love to win a cute dress for my Brooke.
“where I’m not quite sure of my place or if I’m doing things right” I feel like that all the time. Thanks for not making feel like a lost woman for feeling that way…..
I love those little dresses!
These days I’m sure of about 2 really important things and figure I’m learning about the rest.
so gorgeous, I love living in the now. it takes a lot of effort sometimes, but in the end it’s all worth it!
Looking out my window at the gray, leftover snow and at my screen of your bright, sunshiney world…made me a bit happier this morning and a little jealous too! I’m a new reader but appreciate your perspective, your photos and your writing!
My wardrobe could use a new dress…seeing as I own NO SUMMER DRESSES! Oh, I hope I win this!!!
This time of year (the transition from season to season) can often bring uncertainty, ride the wave and surrender.
You know, I always looked forward to spring and summer when I lived in New York…But now that I live in the Dominican Republic…Not so much.
I have a confession too: I experience an identity crisis of sorts about once a week. You see, I’m making the transition from a career that was oh-so-important to staying home and taking care of a new life that is oh-so-much-more-important. Your blog is a great reminder of why my husband and I rearranged our lives to experience this.
I love to read your posts they make my long work day so much better! You have the most beautiful children and you absolutely ROCK as a “mama”!
I love the fact that we get to try again tomorrow…that today, even though it may not be the best, we get another day to be a better person.
Keep posting those great pictures of the beach…makes me want to get to summer that much quicker.
Ready for that warm, beautiful weather to reside here as well!
I just started reading here the other day and I have to say, your daughters are beautiful!
I must say that I’m a little jealous of your beach time, it’s rainy and cold here. You make me long for our beach vacation in June.
Also, I love the quote about courage.
I love the photos of your girls! And I love their sense of style. 🙂
Oh my gravy! My little man always plays “Husband and Honey” and I laugh so hard from that! Do I really say “honey” that much? I suppose I do! Happy Spring from Michigan!
Ahhh..thank you for the beautiful pictures..i long for the beach!! Love shabby apple!! Got my eye on the Queen of Hearts and Gumballs for my little one!
Love the onesie! And I totally understand, sometimes it is just nice to not think… just be.
Great post.
I love Etsy and almost everything in it! It’s my downfall.
Enjoy your weather and weekend!
yay for right now!
the girls dresses, the onesie!!!! and a shabby apple giveaway!!!! perfection in one posting!
love love love.
Oh, I totally want one of those dresses! Free would be icing on the sugar cookie! And I see a lot of other people feel the same way because DANG, that’s a lot of comments.
Loved the photo of you holding a sleeping Lainey, in her “comfy old” pajamas.
I am feeling very “unsure” myself b/c of a big decision we are either making, or not making, for our kids’ futures. My best is all I got to give, so that must be enough.
xo
I love that you can admit that you aren’t always 100% together. Sometimes it’s the hardest thing to say out loud.
Your girls (and you) are beautiful! I get a lot of inspiration, in many forms, from your blog.
I just want to know where you got that precious bathing suit that Miss Nella had one. It is soooo cute. If you get a chance to let me know, I’d appreciate it. Love that little onezie too and those cute little dresses. I think your girls are precious. And I’m loving watching them grow and bloom!
I dropped my iPhone not long ago and “broke” it as well. The screen didn’t shatter, it just went into shock and wouldn’t respond.
A few days later, and after some intense grumbeling, my husband bought me a new one. A month later it came back to life; I never told him – just hid it in the attic hope he never finds it!
That quote about courage was one for the Quote Journal (yeah, I have one). Thanks for sharing your life and photos. They’re all very inspiring. And a great reminder to suck the marrow.
There are so many things that bring me back day-in and day-out to read your blog and it would be impossible to summarize them all in one comment … but thank you today for putting such real feelings in words – words that reflect my own feelings and life and that inspire me to be more and strive for more and know that I am along for the ride of life with so many other inspiring women … thank you for cracking me up with your post about the state of your house – hilarious and so relatable!! … thank you for sharing a little of your warm air, blue skies and sunshine – even if it feels like it will never come to my place. Happy midweek to you too!!
Today I realized that I am not failing if everything isn’t going the way it should. It just means I need to change direction and relax a little bit! Off to Chick-Fil-A now…
1. That is why I buy cheap phones my friend b/c I do things like that
2. Hopscotch is freakin’ awesome and having a 3 y/o means I get to play it everyday!
Those kids dresses are adorable and the adult ones too!
My hand is definitely raised and I love that quote…one of my favorites. Ryko (Rico) is enjoying the warmer weather and had his first encounter with a splash pad since winter hit. It was magical to watch his smile and hear his true laughter (he has recently developed a fake laugh that I am not a fan of).
Ooh! I lurve Shabby Apple!
Thanks for posting that shop. Adorable stuff!
I think unsure, unfinished, undone is beautiful…
and so are shabby apple dresses!
thanks. this post was perfect for me today. finishing here (hopefully) a 10 day bout with influenza a in my house. it has called into question everything i am and know. your post helped me step back a bit! thanks!
hilary
Oooh I love that onesie! What’s not to love about flared 3/4 length sleeves!? Adorable! Loving living vicariously through your florida spring. 🙂
My girls (now 6 and 8) used to call themselves “honeys.” Reading that Lainey calls a mother’s child a “honey” made me smile and recapture a fond memory. You are right- they grow up in the blink of an eye. My girls are still little, but they are really growing up way too fast in my opinion.
Your pictures make he hate the cold.
nella is so cute! love the pic of her on the beach in her swimsuit 🙂
very inspiring video too!
Love the dresses and Love your blog!
loving…
*that video… will be sharing it as well!
*your little ballerina… so sweet.
*miss nella’s flowered onesie… adorable times ten.
*your sunshine… will be landing there on Monday… please please please keep that sun a shinin’!
-kate
“I’ll be as sure as shootin’, fresh pits and all”
This! is (one of the reasons) why I think you’re awesome 🙂
Regarding your phone…the Apple store can replace the screen. That happened to mine and they took it in the back and when they brought it back, it was nice and not broken. They do wonders in that store! LOL
Your thoughts are similar to the ones I’ve had lately. Your words are much more eloquent than those in my mind so thank you for voicing it for me. 🙂
Girls look lovely, as usual and I hope that our spring comes soon too! Have a great one!!
Cristina R.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I’d love a maternity dress from shabby apple…
also your blog is making me want to move to Florida. How is the job market down there?
Jill
your summer pictures are sort of like torture and sort of like inspiring and hopeful…it is a mix 🙂 can’t wait for it to come my way!
and love love love those dresses!
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher
This made me tear up a little, I feel like this a lot! Love your blog, Kelle.
That’s what I always say “I’ll try again tomorrow”. I love it and it makes me feel better! Am dying to get my little a new spring dress:) Your’s look refreshing!
love shabby apple!!
Just became reacquainted w/ your blog. i really enjoy it and totally relate to your feelings in this post.
Just had my first niece, Avery Elaine, and she would look fabulous in a Shabby Apple dress!
I was thinking this morning how wonderful Florida weather is this time of year. It’s great to see other moms enjoying the sun with their children as well.
You have been blessed with two beautiful girls!
My first visit to your blog! I don’t know if it is the music but I read this post and just cried! I want to be unsure and happy! I think if we could all master that, the workd would be a better place! Now that I am relaxed and know that it is possible…I will go shower! while my 3 week old naps! 🙂
My first visit to your blog! I don’t know if it is the music but I read this post and just cried! I want to be unsure and happy! I think if we could all master that, the workd would be a better place! Now that I am relaxed and know that it is possible…I will go shower! while my 3 week old naps! 🙂
Dear, Yay for Courage!
I had to copy that quote down. I need that. OFTEN.
This was a smile-post this morning! And the dresses? Oh Yummy!
love,
Smiles across the miles
(thats’ an oldie but a goodie eh?)
in
NE
I tend to over think too. Sometimes it’s nice to just stop and *live*. l love that picture of Nella with the sunny leaves behind her!
I love that you wrote about over-analyzing everything and insecureties. I’m going through the same thing right now, and it’s always nice to know that you are not alone when you are having a hard time.
BTW please tell where Lainey’s natural colored shift dress with the little ruffles came from!?
Love Shabby Apple – and this post!
I’ve been playing a lot of “I’m the mama, you’re the baby” with my first. It is a nice (and sometimes scary) window into how she interprets my actions and words.
Jealous of your warm sun.
Sweetness:)
Loved the photos in this post, less the one with your phone, because that just stinks. I had a friend in college who went to bed with her phone beside her and woke up with it in the glass of apple juice she had on her bed stand–what a bummer.
The photo of Lainey above the one of her buried in the sand is absolutely gorgeous, by the way.
Happy March,
Caitlin
from black currant thoughts.
You make me remember to stop and count my blessings. Sometimes I get so caught up in everything, I forget to check myself. Thank you.
emochicx@hotmail.com
As I sit here another snow storm is happening. I yearn for your sunshine, sand and water. Keep posting warm sunny pictures and I might make it to spring.
atkinson.oa@gmail.com
I’m an overthinker, too! Isn’t it exhausting… 🙂
Your pictures of sun and fun make this new englander want to move to sunny FLA… It’s a balmy 18 degrees here today. yuck!
Oh my word! 1098 comments so far!?! HOW do you read them all?! Ha! It’s been amazing to watch the numbers on your blog reach the sky this year!
1. LOVE everything about this post… every single picture, every single confession. I’ll raise my hand with you! 🙂
2. HOW oh, how do you get that creamy, dreamy, hazy effect with your photos? (for example the one of Lainey up close in the Shabby Apple dress… the picture I’m referring to is the one right before Lainey buried in the sand) Do you get that hazy effect just from the natural lighting? Or did you alter the photo, and if so… HOW? I am SO curious… and if you would be so kind to update your Photography FAQs when you get a chance with this answer I would be SO grateful! 🙂 Thank you in advance!
3. LOVE those Shabby Apple clothes… too cute!
Love, Amber
I love that it seems like your girls have hundreds of swimming suits. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them wear the same one twice. And it makes me so happy. I live in Southern California, also with two little girls, but we can’t go swimming every day. I’m jealous of your weather. and your girls wardrobe. 🙂
Would love the opportunity to have one of these dresses!
The same thing happened to my iPhone, and I’ve been rocking it for 2 months now. I think I can keep it going until they come out with a new one!
I’m looking out my window at the 5 feet of snow covering my grill and pretending (wishing, praying) I was where you are, where trips to the beach are happenin’ NOW, not 4 months from now.
Love me some Shabby Apple!
Breaking your phone is better than setting it down in a store, and then having to have the courage to ask the lady in the toy department for your phone back because you can hear your very distinctive ring coming from her purse! My husband was so embarrassed! Oh well–I’ve got two little ones about the same age as yours, and it can be a challenge not lose one of them sometimes! I love your blog and read it every day!
Thank you so much for sharing your life. It makes me feel so much better to know that I’m not the only one who’s unsure and not a great housekeeper 😉
random confession: I used to play hopscotch in 1st grade, on a coffee table, that is until the glass broke and I had to get stitches.
Loving the dresses from Shabby Apple. Haven’t owned a dress in over 11 years, I’d say it’s time to invest in one. Got a wedding come up in October!
i m too so unsure of so many things but one thing i m SURE of is that i am SO enjoying your posts and can relate on so many levels as a fellow stay at home mama of 2 little girls. thank you for your inspiring words.
and now going to enjoy my “right now” 🙂
The sweet little girl that made me a mommy for the first time is turning 9 on Saturday. There’s always a special spot for our firstborn…not a better spot….just special (whatever that means).
I am dealing with sentimental thoughts this week too. My 11 year old daughter, who is amazing, beautiful, precious and adored by all, is singing a solo next week in her 5th grade talent show. It is her goodbye to elementary school as she enters a new chapter in her life, middle school. It makes me weepy to think of my toothless angel baby in Kindergarten now going to middle school, growing up. I will need serious meds next week to get through her performance. Thank you for your blog. It always touches me. Pam
Our youngest daughter turned five last week–she’d love a new dress instead of hand me downs!
I love that you are just unsure and living in the moment too. I feel that way alot right now. I am just happy to be with my boys. Just to spend the days with them…doing whatever comes our way. 🙂 Living our life. And loving it. 🙂
LOVE her onesie!! Too bad my babies are boys, and my girl is too big for onesies…she’d love a dress though!
What happened to your phone is my nightmare. You reminded me I need to go buy a case.
wow – that courage quote will be going up somewhere to remind me of what courage is! I would love some shabby apple!
Ahhhhh, a bit of jealous of your sunshine ad warm temps. . .still waiting for our piles of snow to melt!
Gorgeous skies, and the sundrenched beaches and beautiful babies sure make me anxious for warmth here…how the brightness of a new dress would make life happier here!
I cannot wait to be re-aquainted with sprinkler parks, the beach, the pool, or just warmer weather in general!!! It is 19 degrees here today and the kiddies are Freezing!!!!
I love the first part of the blog about overthinking what you are thinking because too much thinking can drive you crazy. You took the words right out of my mouth!! Thanks for keep us smiling with your beautiful girls!!
love those dresses and your sweet little girls make the perfect models 🙂 i just recently discovered that shabby apple had a kids line – how on earth did i miss THAT?!
Your daughters are beautiful. So is your writing 🙂
gorgeous, as usual. =]
Love the picture of Nella wrapped in the towel!
Sorry about your phone. But I’m jealous of your weather. It is still winter here. And not the pretty snowy white winter either – just the tired start of March end of winter. But my daughter is in a play and loving it the way Lainey loves her ballet class, so it’s all good. 🙂
Adele
Hey! I have been reading your blog for about two months now and can I just say you are one inspiring mama!!! I have been reading your older posts and I have been challenged to “suck the marrow” out of life and the moments we are given. Thank you so much for sharing your sweet girls, and your words with all of us. I have a little and she is my heart and you have inspired me to be a better mom! Thank you!!!!!!
Loved this post. Its great knowing I am not the only mama out there that’s unsure sometimes. Love the sun-filled beach pictures…makes me want summer or a hot vacation somewhere…Florida looks better than Manitoba! The picture of you rocking Lainey is so precious…I love nothing more than cuddling my sleeping boy…makes my heart full. Shabby Apple is awesome! I love your blog because you introduce so many awesome sites to check out! 🙂
Love everything about your blog!! And I would love to be a big winner, love the clothes!!! Keep smiling!
Love seeing pics of your girls at the beach!!
I love reading your blog-your outlook on life inspires me to be a better person. I also enjoy the wonderful pictures of your darling kids.
As always, another darling post to brighten my day. The pics of the little ballerina make me melt. The fabric on those dresses is delicious. Pick me!
Love.love.love your blog… just as much as those cutie dresses!
Love those outfits! Have a little beach time for me, k?!
I loved the quote about courage. So many times we think its the big things that take/show the most courage but in truth its usually the small things that take the most courage; ie walking w/ a friend into the ICU to coo & hold her new little baby.
Maybe it’s just the hormones talking, but seeing the picture of you and your “first born” made me weep. After having my twins 11 weeks ago, I take any opportunity I can to snuggle my three-year-old, but they are just not as often as I would like. I am planning to make it a point this weekend when an extra set of daddy-hands are home to rock my boy to sleep, just like the good’ol days.
Your honesty is so refreshing and your words so inspirational. The older I get the more okay I am with being “unfinished”. And even with all of my imperfections, I SO deserve something from Shabby Apple right now. 🙂
Looking at your pictures gets me so excited for pool days and park days with my little one. Can’t wait!
oh, if I win I will get one like laineys, for my 3 year old, caroline, it is so cute! I will also buy a matching one for baby sister, 1 year old, anna cooper! I love the pictures of nella in the bath towel- so cute!! laineys dance class is precious our girls dont dress a like for dance but i kind of wish they did 🙂
I raise my hand – I am unsure. It’s been a rough year, I am questioning myself and wondering where I can do better. My littles and my husband are the lights of my life and they pull me through.
Your site inspires me. Thank you.
As always I am enamored with two sweet little precios souls. They are so definitely beach babies! God bless all of you.
adorable onesie and adorable dresses. can’t wait to have babies. i just got married less than 2 months ago. :0)
-nicole
I don’t know if you read all 5k comments… BUT… ;)I truly love your zest for life and your passion for capturing the sweet spirits of your beautiful children through your camera lens.
I don’t want you to think I am weird (“Like your uncle Keith weird, not like, make a bomb weird” as my husband says), but Lainey reminds me so much of my 4 year old son, Lake. He is at Pre-K all day and seeing her blonde little self, makes me so excited to see him! I miss him all day!
I love your blog…long time lurker, first time poster. Keep it up. Mommies like me need to be reminded that perfection is not the goal! Plus a new dress would be amazing!
Right now I am attempting to spring-ify my house (New England slush is NOT pretty this time of year) and putting together a fabulous third birthday for my firstborn. And a Shabby Apple dress would be just the right “push present” to inspire me to lose the baby weight from my soon-to-be-born!
God Bless you Kelle!! You have such a beautiful family and I love reading your posts. You always make me think…but I try not to think too much 😉
I’ve seen that happen to a lot of iPhones lately. And since you confessed playing hopscotch on tiles, I’ll have to admit that I do it too.
My daughter is 16 months old, and it’s already hard to rock her to sleep, but when she lets me, I take in every moment!
Ok Kelle, I love your honesty. If only we lived closer, I would adore hanging out with you. Shappy Apple has some of the most amazing dresses, it’s so hard to choose just one. Enjoy your weekend!
I absolutely love that you used the word “cerulean” to describe the sky. That is my absolute favorite color in the crayola spectrum, and I have NEVER heard someone say it before. It’s such a fun word. Cerulean. Beautiful 🙂
Beautiful photos, as always. I think we all cycle through insecurity as we grow – it’s learning to live in the insecure place until you move on again that’s the hard part.
I just finished over thinking an issue so this post hit me with perfect timing! I’m glad that right now looks so good for you all!!
I really like the dress Lainey is wearing in the bouncy house!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a fantastic little dress for my baby girl
Stealing your last quote and making it my email signature…Enjoy your Florida spring..we are soooo lookign forward to it in freezing cold NYC today!!!!
i am jealous of your florida sunshine beaches as we have crazy snowy taku wind beaches in alaska. your pictures are joyous, make me smile.
My little chubster of a two year old, who pants were not made for…needs a cute new dress!
So sorry about your phone. I’m in the midst of a terrible week, with a van that lost a transmission, a smart mouthed 18 year old, a whoppingly terrible asthma attack for one daughter, a panic attack for another kid, and a migraine.
But looking at that beautiful baby. Oh, my.
I’m so jealous of your beach!!! It is SOOO beautiful! I can’t wait till warmer weather when I can take my littles to the beach 🙂
I found your blog one day as I was looking at a friends blog and I immediately fell in love! I log on everyday see if there is a new post to read and I leave feeling totally inspired! Your Girls are beautiful and your photography is beautiful as well! Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Love that quote. Need to remember that.
Love the pictures!!
And your post! But that may be self explanatory.
I’m so jealous of you and your beautiful sunshine right now. We just moved from Tampa to Alaska…and oh how I miss the beautiful early spring days the Coast had to offer. Enjoy it enough for the both of us. 🙂
help my shabby wardrobe, Shabby Apple!
I am on a “cease striving” kick right now and loving it! It’s good to take a breather from trying all the time.
Love your blog. Makes me want to move to Florida! Dreary days here in CT make me long for summer weather!
Unsure, Unfinished, and Happy is how I’m feeling today too! Love this post!
Here’s a confession for you: I have my own box of crayons. It is hidden from Ella (my 2-year-old). I don’t even use it when she is awake. I simply love to color and don’t want to share my huge box with someone who can’t draw a line without snapping a normal crayon in half.
The color that is MOST used in my personal crayon box? Cerulean
Oh yeah, baby, that’s my favorite!
I will admit I feel a tinge of guilt when Ella opens a coloring book and says, “Mommy? Did you color this page?”
Oh – I’m an AWFUL housekeeper. My husband thought me being a stay-at-home mom would change that tide. Not yet, honey, not yet…
I’ve recently discovered your blog…and I just love it. I read it with a smile on my face, and I go away feeling inspired. Thank you 🙂
I love your blog! It is very inspiring and always uplifting! 🙂
I think this is just what I needed to hear today! I loved your quote about courage. Sometimes it is hard to feel like a strong woman when I feel like I don’t know what the next step is to take, but sometimes just knowing that you can try again tomorrow is enough… and in the mean time, I’m hoping that each day I can find pleasure in the small things 😉
The quote about courage is going to stick with me for a long time! Love it! Love, love, love your pictures thank you for sharing the sun & waves with us!
The way you dress your girls makes me want to wear dresses every day (and make me more comfortable with the idea of having a little sister for our son).
I just love that first set of photos of Nella after bath time. That smile is priceless. Thanks for the inspiration, Kelle!
When we are weak we are really strong!
Such a bummer about your phone! Love that Lainey loves dance (I started as young as her) Your girls are so precious! Love the dresses, too!
ugh you are killing this girl in michigan. it’s still so cold. i love your photos and the new banner is sweet, sweet.
Very sweet little girls in beautiful spring dresses. Love your blog! Daily read for me 🙂
The comment on courage grabbed my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your struggles and moments of weakness with us. It helps so much. Pictures of your littles bring smiles. Thank you.
Ive been a lurker for a couple of weeks and I just have to say “WOW” your blog is awesome. You have a beautiful little family. Thanks for the courage quote… and I’m super jealous of your weather.. its not so great in Oklahoma right now.
Be careful with your phone. I smashed my iPod touch sceen and thought Id rock it too. It my Husband went to swipe over it and caught a sliver of glass in his thumb… Be safe.
I am truely inspired by your love of life! I love how you live in the moment. A goal that I have now taken to heart.
P.S. Shabby apple…love them!!
I love the quote about courage. Thanks for always sharing.
Rocking my daughter to sleep…nothing is better… <3
Love the picture of you and Lainey snuggling. So sweet. My 3.5 year old cuddled up in my lap under a blanket yesterday. It filled my heart with life and love.
Love the quote!
My life is overran at the moment and being stretched so thin makes me feel unconfident in everything I do, which in turn paralyzes me with fear. I am trying to focus on the moment instead of the long To Do list, so this post was my inspiration this morning not to over think every little thing. One day at a time. Thank you.
I love the courage quote… perfect for me to hear right now. And I also love the chance to get a Shabby Apple dress! 🙂
I am loving little Nella in that towel. Something about the fresh-bathed baby!!!
I love that you make every day a positive even when you aren’t necessarily feeling that way! It really uplifts me to read your blog posts even if just sometimes it’s to enjoy the Florida sunshine and wish that the UK got a little more heat 🙂 Your girls are soooo cute btw xx
Love your blog, and I love Shabby Apple!
Love, love, love the new spring dresses – can’t wait for the warmer weather to wear them!
Love shabby apple!
The poor etsy mamma looks swamped, but that onesie is a cutie!
Love those bathing suits!! Too cute!!
Today should be Friday.
The.End.
Being okay with being insecure is a message I really needed to hear today. Thank you for having such a wonderful blog (and adorable kiddos 😉 )
Being okay with being insecure is a message I really needed to hear today. Thank you for having such a wonderful blog (and adorable kiddos 😉 )
The great thing is you have a great network of friends and strangers that make you realize that you are not alone. Even the most confident people have insecurities! It’s OK! Enjoy the weather…we still have snow:)
Kelle,
You are so cool. But, seriously.
Thanks for being such an inspiration.
🙂
Taylor Horn
Thank ou for sharing your beautiful life with us….and the warm weather!!!
Oh my… I have my eye on a dress that I want for BOTH my girls from Shabby Apple! Loved this post… your words and pictures always inspire me.
Oh to be basking in the sun that I see in your photos. It is a cold one here in the Northern part of the country and I just need warmth and spring to arrive — soon!
D
dbyrne1[at]gmail[dot]com
Shabbyapple is so my style for my daughter and I love reading your blog daily!
I’m so missing that Florida sun and those warm temperatures right now. Wishing I was back home for a bit. Would love to snag a dress for my daughter whose expected to arrive in late July…with two little boys, we are lacking girl clothes in this house!
Thank you for posting the video. My three year old and I watched it together and when it was over she asked for it again. Her one year old brother, who is just slightly older than Nella, has Ds, and I love checking in to your blog to see how things are going. 🙂
Debbie
We’re heading to your neck of the woods soon and I’ve been hearing the weather is absolutely gorgeous! Looking at your beach and sun pictures makes me so excited. I can’t wait to feel the sun warming my frozen Minnsotan bones!
I am so jealous of your beach days! We are still in coats and gloves up here in PA… but I’m dreaming of warmer breezes and sand between my toes =)
I used that courage quote in my high school year book and still love it today!
Unsure? Me? I raise my hand to that! Hey, I’m waving both hands!!!! 🙂 Actually, today I find comfort in knowing that we women are much alike. Overanalyzing… Oh yes! Let me find an off- button!!!! 🙂 And I’m almost crying when I see your girls in swimsuits. Yesterday we had storm and today it’s snowing again… Pics can be seen here: http://monabl-hverdagseventyr.blogspot.com/
Sorry, I’m writing in norwegian, but pics need no words.
Have a great weekend! Take care!
🙂
You say what I am thinking so often. Thanks!!! And, if I win, I have THREE girls who would love a dress from Shabby Apple.
Your post about being unsure hit home. As always, thanks for sharing.
Beautiful post as always! Love your blog!! I’d love to win a dress.
Thanks for the mellow vibe of this post. I need it. My little family just moved into our first house- things are crazy and in shambles. I need to remember to mellow out and enjoy.
LOVE LOVE LOVE ShabbyApple!!!! Hope everyone has a fabulous day! Spring is almost here!
Almost got through without tears….your remarks about Lainey got me. I stare at my kids sometimes just in awe that they are mine and proud of what they are becoming. I love how all our babies are so unique and special to us….when your in a family its like being in a secret club, no matter how many visitors you are blessed with in your life your little club is so special! I love my clan. Cheers on another great post!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Shabby Apple!!!!! Hope everyone has a fabulous day!! Spring is almost here!
I am pretty sure that I cry every time I read one of your posts…for one reason or another. My daughter is 2.5 yrs old and that picture of you and L cuddling/sleeping makes me very weepy. I love that you snatched up that moment. Lovely, thank you for sharing and reminding all the other mama’s to do that same!
I wish I would have never seen that website for the dress to win because now my whole paycheck is gonna be spent 😉 Also, I’m wishing I had a daughter or baby of any sort to buy one of those adorable onesies like the one Nella has on! How CUTE!
confession: i cheated on you & read those blogs that criticize you. ha ha! it feels so much better being positive.
good post today.
xoxo
I LOVE the onsie! Its so sweet. Now if only I had my own little sweetheart to dress… nevermind, not ready to be a mom yet 😛
Love Shabby Apple, hope i win this one 🙂
ps- i wonder what that Tiger Mother Amy Chua would say about you! hee hee!
oh my goodness those outfits are SO cute!! enjoy this sweet time with your girls 🙂
Kelle, sometimes I feel like we are the same person. This past week I’ve been over analyzing absolutely everything and it’s making me completely insane. So..I guess we’re both totally normal or totally going off the deep end. Great! 🙂
Love your blog. I find it very inspiring.
Well put. Remember, your kids are happy because of you! There is always tomorrow to feel better but soak in today!
All that sunshine and sand looks so wonderful right now!
First, I am madly jealous of your beautiful weather. I got to post today about rain. Rain, rain, and more rain. woohoo!
Secondly, I always check your blog just so I can gush over all your beautiful photos. Love them. Every one.
and yes, I would love one of those lovely dresses…
Lovely post! I did not see the video you mentioned however.
Happy Spring!
Jennifer
Kelle, thank you for this post. You’re right – it’s okay to be unsure and it’s REALLY hard to remember that. Your girls are beauties.
i’m dying for a new cute easter dress! and for warm weather like yours
I’m feeling unsure too at the moment. Which makes me sad. Unsure at work- just not keen on any of my tasks. Unsure at home- with the hut build drawing to what should be the exciting bit (the fit-out) I’m just overwhelmed with choices and potential extra “costs”. I just want things to be somewhat normal somewhere!
Loving that quote! I stole it for my facebook status today. So motivating to admit sometimes courage and strength don’t alway look courageous or strong. Just what I needed to hear today!
That phone situation looks dangerous, you be careful now!
is it weird that i want to move to florida and be your friend? we are in cold rainy seattle and your sunny beaches look amazing!
I absolutely love your blog. I look forward to reading it daily. Your daughters are adorable!
That quote is my favorite quote!
Sorry about your iphone. That is no good for anyone.
I needed the perspective today – thank you for sharing 🙂
I have too much to finish and unsure how to do it all. Can’t wait to finish baking this bun in my oven any minute now so I can have my body back. Loving vintage spring dresses.
LOVE that onesie….and Shappy Apple!
Beautiful. Oh and sorry your phone took a fall. I would totally rock it for a while too:)
Love the pictures of Lainey in her dance class. What a pretty little ballerina!
That onesie is pretty wonderful, too! 🙂
That onesie really is SUPER cute! Love all the photos as usual 🙂
I *love* that dress Nella is wearing in the second-to-last picture! Is that a Shabby Apple creation?
Kelle, You have such a BEAUTIFUL spirit! I came across your blog a couple of weeks ago and I just can’t get enough. Nella’s bith story, I think I read it like 3 times! Your girls are precious and so blessed to have you for their fun-loving, creative and talented Mommy! Absolutely love the photo of you rocking Lainey, I did the same “rare” thing to my 4 year old on Sunday night and all I could think about was I wish they could stay little forever.
Are there any plans for a Mommy and me crafts show?
I think TLC needs you!
Happy Spring 🙂
Look forward to your next post…
My phone looks the same way and my husband says daily to me, “I don’t know how you make it through the day”.
~Skylar
One of my favorite things about your blog is your willingness to be honest about your reality!! That takes courage!! We all need a boost of strength and courage every now and again and stand firm believing you will find yours!!
Those dresses are adorable and I have a perfectly sassy little girl to enjoy it:)
I am 21 and in a completely different place in my life, yet your blog continually inspires me. Your pictures are beautiful and your writing is amazing. Thank you for sharing on this amazing blog!!!!!
I have been reading for awhile– you simply, amaze me!
I totally understand the “being unsure.” I’m there a lot myself.
Thanks for telling me I’m not the only one!
P.S. Sorry about your phone!
I am so glad I’m not the only one..just sayin’. Thank you for being you. and that onesie your precious little is wearing is to die for!
That onesie is adorable!
We’re heading to Florida in a few days and I am already enchanted with the blue skies and palm trees in your pictures.
Here’s to trying again tomorrow.
I love your photos of Nella and the waves!
I just LOVE how you always keep it real. Your girls are gorgeous!
I think if you ever get to ‘finished’ then you are doing it all wrong. ♥
You have inspired me to order red patent leather peep-toe wedges today. Thanks!
Two words: inspirational blog 🙂
As the Pacific NW rain pours down outside my window, I’m soooo tempted to book a flight for me, Dh and our 6 kiddos after seeing your pics. Heck, I’m ready to call the realtor, put out the “FOR SALE” sign, pack up our stuff in a U-Haul and trek across country just to soak in some of that beautiful sunshine!
So jealous of that warm weather! I’m just hoping the snow melts here in MI soon. Love those dresses, and I MUST have one for my own baby girl!
It doesn’t matter what you are writing about, I am always happy to read a post by you. Your writing is so refreshing. It’s real, but not whiny.
Also, thank you so much for writing about how things are with Lainey. I am a mom of just one, and until recently we were VERY sure we just wanted one. Now we are somewhat less sure, but I worry that I will lose some of the preciousness that I have with my daughter. If you ever feel like sharing more about that, I would love to hear it.
Also, I LOVE the brown bathing suit with the flowers that Lainey is wearing at the beach.
I love shabby aPple! And thankyou for the quote, it’s been a long week full of getting caught up from sick days… Making the slow comeback…. 🙂
I did that to my phone, well, kind of, it was ran over and completely wouldn’t work. I took it to the store that I have the contract with, and they were able to put an old screen in the phone and “replace” the phone that way. They pretty much had to replace everything on our phone, with the exception of the motherboard. It might be something worth trying.
I love your posts Kelle….and these dresses are adorable…thanks for sharing!
CUTE onesie! I am loving our weather warming up again (Texas) so that I can get my twins into onesies again. Love their little chubby thighs hanging out 🙂 And the dresses are wonderful. I know two bigger girls who would have a blast picking one out 🙂
I broke the screen on my iPhone last week!!! So sad. I’m totally rocking out the cracked screen too. Shards of glass don’t scare me!!! (Actually… I have heard rumors of an iPhone 5 coming in June so I’m waiting for that… HAHA!!)
Have a great weekend, Kelle!!!
I hear ya girl, Im always unsure of something in my life. One thing I am sure of is that I love love love those dresses! Perfect Easter dress!
I’m so jealous of the warm weather! I live in Asheville NC, and the weather keeps teasing us here! I will be in Florida next week though, so I’m hoping it stays warm!!
I really enjoy your beautiful blog with your beautiful pictures!
“you’re the meaning in my life .. you’re the inspiration”. just another one of those songs we sing along to – i laughed especially at toto! your girls are angels and those dresses are adorable!
Love that quote, it really resonates for me. Lainey and Nella are as beautiful as ever. Can’t wait to get some of your Florida weather here in Boston. Just when I thought spring was around the corner it was freezing again today!! Enjoy your weekend sweet Hampton family! XOXO
I love this quote
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher
Thanks for sharing Kelle….Your blog is sooooo inspiring!
You have such a gift for reaching the very inner part of every being that comes across your blog. The honesty in which you share your heart makes all of us long to hear more! Thank you for this, thank you for that, thank you for sharing you! ♥
I just took a Mommy Date with my 3 year old tonight. We went to the library and snuggled on the giant bean bag chairs and read Max and Ruby books over and over and over again. It was perfect. It is incredible how lovely the library is with just one child at a time. Not the embarrassing exercise in futility it usually, is when the kids start running (while screaming) in separate directions. Tonight, I need to repeat more often…It’s so hard to balance and bond- in a balanced sort of way.
Exactly what I needed to read at this very moment. I’m unsure professionally, physically, emotionally, familially. And I’m about tired of trying to fix that unease-turning-panic. Time to chill out, check out and let it be for a while. Thanks, girlfriend, for the validation I didn’t realize I need.
i’m sure i would love a new dress!
All I can say is…you rock!
I am SO jealous of your weather! I can not wait for the snow to melt and nice weather to be headed our way!
What a great quote about courage. And I love the dresses!
Good for you!!
We made it to Florida and shall enjoy your lovely sunshine for 7 whole weeks, yeah baby yeah!
Love the courage quote, thank you for sharing it.
Ahh, I love all of your posts. I’m pretty sure I live vicariously through your blog. Thanks for inspiring me!! xox
Beautiful and inspiring, as always. I love the courage quote that you posted…somedays, I feel the same…
I love your post. I love that I am kind of in that same place of trying not to think too much and finding balance.
( that was my take anyways… sorry if that’s a little off!)
I draw so much inspiration from your blog and your thoughts.
I find it funny how my own thoughts sound alot like your writing. I just am not eloquent enough to get it out like you do.
I have a little girl about Lainey’s age who has blonde hair too and the cutest “gap” between her front teeth. The dentist asked if I would like it to be fixed and I *gasped* aloud! No. I said. I love it.
Thank you so much for who you are and sharing your life.
One more thing… I remember when I was young, I would get nervous around children with D.S and couldn’t hardly eat because it made me nervous. As I have grown and matured.. and become a devout follower of your blog and sweet Nella, I am drawn to people now with D.S. I had a dream the other night about a child with D.S and I loved them so much, like they were my own. So thank you for helping me to get past my nervousness and turn it to a place of Love.
Kristen Barker
Yours girls are just so, so beautiful!
I adore the clothes Lainey and Nella wear! always so adorable!
Sometimes I think and sits, and sometimes I just sits.
Trying to embrace being unsure and unfinished, myself. Always nice to read that I am not floating in this boat alone.
Pools, water parks, and beaches! Warm weather days are a comin!
pick me, pick me, pick meeeeeee! love the post like always!
I can’t believe you guys are swimming in the ocean!!! I’m still wearing my winter boots!
It would be nice to put that adorable dress on my daughter, Sage.
Thanks!
adorable onesie! love it!
It feels like spring at our house too! Painting toe nails, eating strawberries and making mud pies this week made me hope the cold is behind us for now.
Beautiful pictures of sun and sand and your beautiful girls..
Love the shabby apple dresses
The clothes are all fab in this post! Makes me long for warmer weather here in my snow covered land. Pick me, random number generator, pick me!
Just relax because we all have those moments(or days) that we feel something is amiss and we question ourselves. You are doing a great job with your family, so stop undermining yourself.
Holy Shnikes! One day and the Lee Marie etsy shop is temporarily on vaca (closed) due to feeling the love of the “Kelle Hampton effect”. Dang, does she have some cute stuff or what??!
Eek..sorry about your phone. Hope the phone company will replace at no charge for you.
Love babies in hoodies towels and little dancers in pink! I am not going to mention all the swimsuit/beach/barefoot pictures because I am so jealous of your warm weather.
Love,
Jill B (Overland Park, KS)
Right now- I need something exciting in my life- like a new dress for my daughter! 🙂 I’m currently going back to graduate school, working full-time and being a mother and wife- it’s exhausting! Right now- my husband and daughter are out eatnig dinner while I’m typing a paper! A nice, new dress for a night out would be awesome!
Love your transparency, Kelle. You make us all feel a little more normal! Thank you for encouraging me every day.
Love the sweet Spring dresses! Dreaming of my 2 & 1/2 year old princess in one. 🙂
Cute Spring dresses…waiting for warmth up here in COLD Canada. For now, I’ll drool over the sunshine pics from your end of the world. :O)
haha. u jus reminded me that i havent put deoderant on all week!
love nella’s onesie! its so her!
i say keep ur phone like that… no1 will ever wanna use it 4 fear of takin a shard’o’glass 2 the cheek! LOL… Lovin the new dresses an their shop an lovin u 4 puttin yet another smile on my face 2day 🙂
i dropped my phone and the same thing happened…spiderweb screen. i was worried something toxic might leak so i ran to the store right away with my toddler in tow! good luck!
The dresses are adorable! Thank you for the beautiful warm weather pictures, I live in Canada and we are in a deep freeze still! I have never left a comment before but I just want to say thank you.
Thanks for brightening my day, Kelle. March up here in Maine is feeling much more like January, and your blog is a breath of fresh warm spring air!
Love your post. Just like your last post…I’m glad I’m not alone. We’re all just trying to do the best…and be the best we can be. Thanks for all your inspiration. I always look forward to reading your blog!
CERULEAN. it has been by favorite shade of blue for as long as I could read. and I go back for it everytime. and I describe things in this shade of color and only a few people understand.
and courage. and unsure. and insecurity with the insecurity. I can’t tell you how many times I felt that after I had my boy.
is Nella always so happy? What a beauty that one is. Can’t wait for Spring and definitely need a new Spring dress to ring in the season! 🙂
I love the sweet way you capture your girls. You can feel their personalities through the lens.
Love Shabby Apple dresses!!!! Jealous of your life at the beach. There is just something so perfect about a walk on the beach.
My daughter just broke her phone just like yours. We took it to a repair shop and it only cost $50.00 to replace the glass. Not bad!!
I absolutely love your blog. Reading it makes me feel like I have stepped out of my life for a minute and into this cozy space where I can take a minute and think, reflect or just be. And, I love your photography!
Unsure is my word of the year. I am having my first baby in July and I am Unsure of everything. I really did think I would be freaking out already, but I am already in Love with baby love and that makes me so much calmer. I am just hooing I can do it all (or at least most everything).
Just discovered Shabby Apple. Even if I don’t win {though I secretly hope I do}, I will feel like a winner using the 10% off code. Thanks!
I feel unsure about things at every turn of the corner. Glad I’m not alone!
with this many comments could I really be so lucky?
We’ll see – Stacey
csfish@roadrunner.com
My phone met with the concrete floor twice yesterday but is still functional. I just want to buy a new one guilt free but I’ll keep rocking out this one for now.
Your girls are so precious!
I am ridiculously jealous that you have sun and surf right now. ::glares at snow covered lawn::
Hand raised waaaaay high over here! 🙂 Unsure is how I do motherhood.
LOVE the dresses!
What the heck, I’m gonna give it a go … even though I am like commenter 1319 or something! I could go for a new dress, for me or my little lady.
xoxo,
A
Love the quote about courage – sometimes I think I am not quite so courageous when I plod along in our daily life but now I remember the courage it takes to just brush yourself off and keep going. Thanks for that. 🙂
oooooo love me some Shabby Apple…and beach pictures 🙂
Kelle I have to know what the temperature of the ocean water is there??? 🙂 xo
PS Love that onesie!
Ok, wait…..Did you already confess to Bret how your phone broke? And if not, does he read your blog? Lol, BUSTED!
We don’t need confidence every day just some days and the days we need it most are the days it will be there. Moms are made like that…..
Hang in there, YOU have it –it is just taken a sick day!!
I feel ya, mine is on vacation on days I need it most!!
hugs,
mimi
I love that site!!Those dresses rock!!
Right now I am remembering the past, when my five year olds were one year olds. How my memory believes things were perfect, better back then. Then I realize today will seem perfect in my memory a few years from now.
Thanks for reminding me to practice mindfulness.
Carey
Shabby apple stuff is sooooo cute! picking one dress would be tough…
Oh, I love Shabby Apple and am drooling for a maternity dress from their line! Pick me!
When I’m having a bad day or just need to relax, I come to your site and just read…I love photography, and inspire to be a photographer one day…but if not, i love taking pictures of my kids (I have 4) . Thank you so much. 🙂
I definitely love all your beach pictures and spring moments. Right now here in NY the snow is starting to melt but its so cold still time of winter coats and hats. Can’t wait till the days of playing in the driveways walks at the park, and pushing the lil one in a stroller. Also feel your pain about the phone I dropped mine a month ago in the bathtub now it constantly beeping that the battery is dying when it really is but just stickin it through the annoying beep for now
Gorgeous dresses! I love your girls’ style!
My iphone screen shattered like that; luckily my husband is mr. fixit. He picked up a screen and digitizer (one piece) off the internet ($40) and replaced it. Works like a charm. You gotta find yourself a local mr. fixit!
Cute clothes, cute kids!
Cheers,
Caryl
Oh, and Lee Marie’s shop in on vacation while she processes orders – her etsy notice says she is swamped since being featured in your blog! Good job!
Cheers,
Caryl
that picture of you and your daughter is beautiful and precious 🙂 love your blog, love your playlist, and love your giveaways!
Pleas, please, please I love Shabby Apple! And your blog 🙂
Pleas, please, please I love Shabby Apple! And your blog 🙂
My hand is up…WAAAAY UP! Life has been one confusing decision after the other. Nothing major, major…just the things that wear you down after a while. But I must say, I need to move to Florida! My daughter would completely shed her sensory-overloading layers of clothing to wear sundresses all year long…now if I could just get her to wear her underwear.
I’m impressed with Shabby Apple’s size range! Awesome.
I’m jealous of you Floridians soakin’ up the sun. But on the other hand I have to thank you because the pictures put me in a cheery spring/summer state of mind.
brookeiturner(at)gmail(dot)com
OMG! I always play hopscotch on the squares on the kitchen floor!! How precious rocking your first born to sleep. Precious moments.
Just love your family. Every post makes me happy. I’m from Utah born and raised. And i still think about your post on park city. Makes me happy 🙂 I’m sure someone has already suggested it but they sell new screens for iPhones and kits to fix them for less than 30 bucks. Good luck!! Thanks for sharing your life with me!
Wow, I really needed that tonight. I am having this weird-vibe thing with a girlfriend… you know, at a time where you would think the friendship would be hitting its stride and suddenly we are awkwardly talking at the same time and then apologizing? I keep finding myself running down a checklist of “did I say/do this/that wrong/funny/offensive/too soon”… anyway, you’re right it IS normal to not be sure. I can let it sit. Its weird. Thats weird. But okay. Try again tomorrow.
My husband said that you can get the glass replaced for about $60. Worth a call to Apple? Smiles…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Aw your girls are just too cute. I know what you mean about feeling like those moments with your “baby who isnt a baby anymore” are going by way way too fast. My little baby is seven months and I cant believe she is closer to one than a newborn. Sigh. I also love your girls’ clothes! Thanks for the fun updates.
I’m looking for a dress for my wedding. Those shabby apples are wonderful ! I love to discover new places and things from your blog! Thank you for sharing!
Oh Kelle, I’m so wishing for swim-in-the-ocean-lounge-on-the-beach-kinda days. Your photos brought me there, so thank you! And thanks for your honesty. It’s far more refreshing to hear someone who is real than someone who’s trying to fit the image. You’re an inspiration.
Oh. My. Goodness. I have read your blog for a while and always loved it, but today, this just absolutely grabbed my heart. It’s a message I’ve gotten over and over and over all day long. I could go on and on but basically the message begins and ends with “surrender.” So beautiful, thank you for the powerful reminder.
Also I have to tell you as I randomly navigated to your site tonight the song “Wagon Wheel” by O.C.M.S. came on my iTunes and, for me, fit this post so darn well I ended up muting your music (which I never do.) Just another pointer from the universe, thought I’d share, it’s one of my faves.
Thank you for sharing the light.
Ah! No way, I want to win! And also that quote about courage? Perfect for what I’ve been learning about fear over at my blog. Fear is less scary when you simply give it a voice.
With two boys (15 1/2 & turned-13-yesterday 3/2), I must say I’m not caring too much about the Shabby Apple giveaway 🙂 Tho’ I’m sure my namesake Little Rachel (just turned 3) would not say “no” to a new dress 😉
Kelle, if you read thru all these 1300+ posts…Know that you continue to touch the hearts & inspire the souls of so many… Your honesty & sharing & bee-yoo-tee-full! photos are a special gift to those of us lucky enough to be reading & appreciating your generous, genuine spirit! (Yes, even this N Calif Girl is jealous of the warm FL beach-y spring weather – keep those pics coming!!)
I am unsure about a lot of things… None of those are the facts that your daughters are becoming such lovely ladies, the weather here in SW Florida calls me to want to ditch work and run to the gulf, and that I too adore my sweet little life.
Wow, I so connected with this post. Raising my hand way up high! One thing I know for sure though is Faith. Many times in my life, it’s all I have.
Lovely pictures, as always.
Your pictures are breath-taking!!
Once again husbands account (so sue me) but I had to post as I totally sympathise about the phone, I had a samsung galaxy until I ran it over in my car and made it look much like you iphone, hubby replaced the screen and it was all good for nearly 6 months!!!! But now it is sad and I am sad so I understand your desperate attempt to pretend it still works, just watch out for the shards of glass 🙁
Jodie
You guys are extremely lucky to be having that weather right now. I see the pictures and it seriously makes me want to cover myself with a blanket! Blessed woman you are, and blessed children they are.
Wow, that’s one smashed phone! And it looks like it should’ve been so well protected. Just make sure to clear all of that shrapnel if you’re going to keep using it for now. Loving the photos of your littles, as always.
My heart aches for your iphone. lol. I have one. Im obsessed with it. I don’t know what I’d if I broke mine. God forbid!
And, I loooooove your delightful descriptions of our beautiful florida weather! Isn’t just grand to live here!
I love it!
Oh and I love your girls!
That was really beautiful that you rocked your oldest to sleep. Made me think about my oldest girl and how much she craves a moment like that with me and I foolishly shoo her away because I am preoccupied with other things. Shame on me 🙁 I need that alone time with her.
Thank you for the reminder!
http://www.diaryofmamadrama.com
Amazing as always! I always seem to feel the same as you, like I am looking into a reflection, but of the state of mind rather than a mirror. This week I had been involved in a “Spread the Word to the the Word” event and my lack of confidence/insecurities reared it ugly head! I began questioning everything! I am currently trying to not think so much as I am sitting quieting not raising my hand…
Many, many blessings to you and I love, love, love the two photos of Nella with the towel on her head. I love them all, but those are a favorite!
I so enjoy your blog. And I am on shattered phone number 2. This time I blammed the ice storm in Dallas:) It saved my 4 year old son and myself from a lecture:)
That onsie is seriously the cutest thing! You have such a beautiful family 🙂
I’m also envious of the weather you’re having. I miss the sun..and seeing grass!
Happy weekend friend! I mean to post on the State of your House- you had me at buffalo dip…and I was swooning at free beer 🙂 You would be most comfortable in our house and after your having shared your own you are officially welcome to drop by anytime 🙂 PS-love,love,love this onsie- going to check them out today. Happy spring things!
Cole
Love your blog, Love shabby apple!
I love when people are honest and admit that they don’t have it all together. It makes me truly admire them. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love both of those dresses on your girls, but LOVE the one Nella is wearing! I’m lovin’ the modern day front porch concept too! Ours too is needing some TLC to get ready for this beautiful FL weather that’s here!
That is now one of my favorite quotes! thanks for sharing. Nella and Lainey’s outfits are adorable! I too love that onesie! And again your music selection is such a perfection background surprise while reading your blog.
Your everyday shots are the best~I love following your blog. Thanksfor being you.
P.S. I’d love to win me one of them shabby apple dresses!!
Confession 1: tried rollerblading last week when no-one looking… Landed hard… Arse still hurting
Confession 2: it was me, this mama, who ate the last chuppa-chup in the house
I need a spring dress so badly! Crossing my fingers to be half as fashionable as the Hampton girls!
I have smashed my screen many many times…. All I do is buy another screen off ebay for $10 and hubby fixes it no time!
Love your photos 🙂
Wish I could write like you. Your pictures are awesome and make me want to move to a warmer climate.
Kelle, can you update/share more information about you photographing skills? I am interested in what functions do you use for editing most? And how do you do self-portraits? Thanks! 🙂
Where did you get Nella’s black floral bathing suit? Love it!
Hmmm…I left a comment a yesterday, but it is not posted? Anyway, I was thanking you for your inspiration and thanking my mom for the money she left me because I put the two together, bought a fantastic camera and take great pictures of my four kids with it (if I do say so myself ;-).
So, THANK YOU
Sorry about your phone…the images below are still clear despite the cracked film above. 🙂 Loved the inspiring video –
Those dresses are amazing….just right for my little Lily….to celebrate her first Easter without her trach!
(laying on back with both hands and feet in the air)
I love everything about this post! As always your words are inspiring and your photos amazing. I have never heard of Shabby Apple before, you may have started something bad, their clothes are amazing.
You’re so inspiring 🙂
I was thinking I need to starting thinking about Easter attire for my kids. One of those dresses would be perfect for my girl!
oh wow, I would love a new dress! thank you Kelle
you inspire me 🙂 love the cute dresses too!
one of my favorite posts so far kelley!
one of my favorite posts so far kelley!!
I love Shabby Apple! Nice music selection today, it feel perfect for the post.
I love the video. Phenomenal. So moving. The very last speaker nailed it. A baby born with Down Syndrome need not be defined by Down Syndrome. She is a baby. A baby to love, nurture and guide just like any other baby born on any other given day. Just plain awesome.
I love that onesie! So cute!
I loved your whole post- the quote, the video, everything! I wanted to say thanks for the post, but I don’t really have the right words for how I love your honesty and for a putting a face on DS (and such a beautiful one). Also, I saw jelly shoes at Old Navy last night and thought of you. I didn’t know those still existed! Those were my favorite shoes ever!
Your post is perfect as always.
I’m unsure too…I’m turning 30 in a week. My twenties were defining. I got married, bought a house and had kids. What will I do with my thirties? Unsure. 🙂
One thing I’m sure of is I would love a Shabby Apple dresss.
rbalderas at nc dot rr dot com
the pictures are beautiful!
I LOVE reading about your beautiful girls. Thank you Kelle for sharing your story. It’s good to be unsure sometimes. And I do love those shabby apple dresses.
Love the dress and you always have me checking out and “saving as favorite” etsy shops!
Some day I’ll win a Shabby Apple dress — maybe today!
I love how you speak to us all, like you are in our minds and know exactly how we feel. Hope you have a wonderful weekend !!
I’m like comment 4000 at this point, and I’m afraid you might miss my important bit of advice, so I’m going to be annoying and go all caps on your ass: TAKE IT TO THE APPLE STORE, THEY WILL GIVE YOU A NEW ONE! That is all. Same thing happened to me and I took it in all ready to get a lecture on how to properly care for my precious devices, and they were all, meh, happens all the time! Here’s a new one! I mean, should it even DO that?! I had been thinking about a new ear piercing, but dude… That’s fairly intense.
we are all unfinished, undone. thanks for sharing your heart with us! wish i could be in those beautiful waves right now!!
The hardest part of the unsure times in my life is having the patience to wait for answers…but the unsure times are when I learn to trust God the most!!
Oh, courage! I love that quote. It got ME thinking (or overthinking) about it.
I love that you can appreciate the unknown and sit quietly in the calm!! I need to make myself do that more often! I read your blog sometimes and wonder if you are writing this as me!! 😉
So jealous of the warm weather you are getting down there….I am very much ready for the beach!
i love that onesie and the dresses! but i love your blog more!
I love the picutres of Lainey’s dance class – so cute. I want to get my daughter into a class, I think she would love it!
I hope you get your phone fixed, My husband could tell some stories about the things people have done to their cell phones and Laptops at work – like drive over them two seperate times- he loves warrenties since they will fix it.
I love looking at the sunny pictures – we have had some sun but it is not swimsuit weather, that is for sure, soon and by that time I will have two kids! I know Spring will be here before we know it and we will have plenty of outdoor fun.
Cheryl
it’s so nice to read about summerish weather at the end of winter!
Courage, searching for mine on a daily basis!
Ok. Wow. 1400 comments so far. I know you say you read everything, but now I’m wondering “HOW?!” 🙂 Still wanted to say that I SO hear you right now. Been going through my own strange insecurities lately. Even SHOPPING was difficult yesterday. Finally got a few hours on my own to do it and I could. not. make. a decision. UGH.
P.S. I only have boys…no need for a dress here, but wanted you to know I’m reading and appreciating. 🙂
What a perfect, perfect song for this post. And thank you so much for the quote about courage. I have a lump in my throat from it as I’m typing this, because yesterday was one of those days and I needed that quote today.
Thanks for the song today…My dear daughter’s name… 🙂
The pictures of the beach make me crave warmth. Lucky for me my family and I are going to Disney World Spring Break. Yay! Warm weather here we come:)
My youngest daughters (I have 5) play “Mommy and sweetie”, thought they were the only 2 that did something like that. My older girls never did. Enjoy reading your blog. Your girls are beautiful!
Fun in the sun…gotta love that about Florida!!!! I am thinking me and my “little” will be going to the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL this weekend to enjoy some of this sunshine ourselves! 🙂
Sam, Trinity, FL
You sound so sure of things…..even when you say you feel unsure. So cool.
Love Shabby Apple Dresses! I’ve always wanted one. Sure wish they were available up here in the North.
iPhone 3GS is on sale for $49 right now!!! Might make a replacement doable.
You always put your feelings into the most beautiful collections of words. I truly love your blog.
You’re strength and fire-cracker personality is such an inspiration to push through what I see as life’s toughest moments.
This is my thank you.
Your girls are so very beautiful and those dresses are lovely. I’m going to look at the sight right now for my two little girls!
I feel like you just described me right there… I’m struggling at this moment but I know with my husband and my daughters i’ll be ok 🙂
Love those shabby apple dresses & nella after the bath & lainey at ballet! Enjoy the weather!
As a new, single mother to a beautiful almost (as in 6 days from now) 3-month old sweet girl, I (in the words from the ever so wise P!NK) raise my glass to you. Your honesty is refreshing, and encouraging amidst the chaos of my new, wonderful normal. And that onesie? It screams, ‘Hello Spring! How are you friend?’
Kelle, thanks for the things you said in this post. It was exactly what I have been going through this week too. Its so good to know that other stay at home mommies have the same feelings as me!
I suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Sometimes the intrusive thoughts can send my anxiety through the roof. I have been seeing a mental health professional and I have been learning Mindfulness. This quote explains it perfectly, and I thought you might like it.
“Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated that that. It is opening to or recieving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.”
xxx
That quote really means a lot!!! and as always… BEA-UTIFUL pictures… 🙂
I would love to win! I love your blog! : )
I have a IPhone and I would say you need to get the Otter box. It is a drop prof and water prof case. It doesn’t help if it is samerged in water, but my 8 month old has gotten a hold on it a couple of times and chewed on it and it still works to this day!!!
would love to win!:) thank you!
Hoping you have the heart to spread the news about Olga. Truly heart breaking. Help her get to her forever family and out of that institution. http://babynumber10.blogspot.com/2011/02/day-to-save-olga.html
Well written. I have been feeling unsure myself lately. It is great to have family and friends to ground you though!
The girls clothes are so adorable! You are quite the mommy stylist 🙂
my daughter also likes to play “i’m the mommy and you’re the honey.”
i love your blog, you inspire me 🙂
Your blog is such a treat. Every time. Without fail. 🙂
Sooo jealous of your summer-like weather! Here in Minnesota we’re facing another foot of snow of the next few days!
Kelle Hampton happens to have been planted in the toughest of all environments to bloom- an upper-middle class neighborhood in Naples, Florida, where she spends her time eating popsicles in the driveway, making chalk-art with her daughters, taking afternoon excursions to the neighborhood lake for mud-puddle jumping, and photographing every step she takes during the day. Surprisingly, in this bitterly hard patch of land that she has been planted in, Kelle Hampton has bloomed, and she takes a great deal of pride in receiving praise for overcoming the various obstacles that have been thrown her way in this brutal seaside terrarium. There are hardscrabble battles that must be fought daily; a near calamity when she can’t find her coffee creamer in the refrigerator and faces drinking her “rich dark drink” as she likes to call it sans cream. (Just kidding; it’s there, only hidden behind all the half-empty bottles of dressing and the fruit cups; she’s just too darn busy living her one wild and precious life with purpose to organize her refrigerator. You’re boring and dull if you can look in your refrigerator and know at once what’s in it.)
I love the pictures of your tiny dancer! So glad she is loving her classes.
love your blog! and your kids unique style 🙂
Your quote about being moonstruck by your firstborn hit home for me. My five year old is now standing firmly on his own feet, most of the time, and I really encourage his independence and growth. It maakes him feel so strong and me so proud. But as for my newly-turned three-year old, I cling to him as much as he to me. Though he has all the space in the world to chase after his brother, I’m so glad he still needs me.I think part of it is, I know he’s the last baby I’ll have. I love them both fiercely.
I daydream about Isle of Capri…winter is hanging on too hard here in the Midwest!
I came for my dose of “happy” and I wasn’t disappointed. I love your blog.
LOVE your blog. Just stumbled upon it recently. Your girls are precious:)