In yet another moment of deep self-analysis this weekend, I realized I am addicted to the euphoria associated with potential. Actually, it was more a moment of justifying that my house is never fully clean, a fact I excused with the idea that if it was perfectly clean, I wouldn’t feel that rush that comes with a good project. And this is true. There’s something creatively motivating about walking through piles of clutter, kicking random misplaced toys, passing by the fifteenth barette that Nella pulled out of her hair and tossed aside. Because simultaneously, I’m excitedly planning future attempts at managing clutter, how I’ll paint some great bookshelf for the misplaced toys or scour a thrift shop for an old green glass jar that screams “barette holder.” I know that not far off, there is a marvelous day awaiting where I will feel motivatived to attack the cupboards under my bathroom sink or touch up the base boards, and what will follow will be pure satisfaction. Flickering candles. Classical music. An invitation to friends for dinner–lemon caper chicken savored with wine around our dining room table…in an impressively immaculate house. My heart beats a little faster just thinking about it, even if presently I’m hopscotching across the few tile squares that aren’t littered with a lone sock, a broken crayon, and a hairbrush that never made it back to the bathroom drawer (and never will).
I thrive on possibility, I feed on potential. My hands actually shook when I received a new syllabus on the first day of classes every semester. The paper was so crisp, its clean font and detailed outline promising possibility. That maybe I’d actually get lost in the sensational history that is Old Testament Studies (yes, I took it; no, I didn’t find it sensational).
It’s why we plan out future vacations, our itty bitty dreams just barely sprouting and unsupported by current funds but rousing excitement for the potential of what could be. We could be skiing in Colorado, watching lobster boats dock in Maine, or hiking glaciers with babies on our back somewhere deep in Alaska. And we will someday.
It’s why I’ll never drop the phrase “when I grow up” from my vocabulary because, no matter how old you are, the fueling potential of what you want to be someday should make your heart race and your insides tingle. When I grow up, I’m going to take a ballet class, make pottery, have a successful garden, cook for a great big family, and take my girls to Italy. I’m going to be a more consistent housekeeper, a more skilled photographer, a more thoughtful writer, a more passionate mother, a more patient wife, and a more selfless friend…when I grow up.
Mama’s big rainbow to the left, Big Sister’s itty bitty rainbow to the right.
It’s why I start planning holidays in June, contemplating Halloween costumes in August, and dreaming of pumpkin bread and Christmas shopping and just how many light strands we’ll dangle on our palm trees this year, months before it’s time…because the thought of what we can do to make this year better than last thrills me. And potential drives me like no other force can.
We make wishes on rusty pennies and throw them in fountains. They hold potential.
I am excited for the future.
Nella’s dress, Tea Collection
This weekend, I spent hours in my closet in an amazing purge that was, believe it or not, actually enjoyable. Lainey tried on discarded old clothes (that happened to inlcude a gold sequin shrug from Las Vegas 2005; a pilly, faded brown turtleneck that adds five pounds of face weight and a pair of…wait for it…pleather pants), Nella climbed over the obstacle of shoe boxes blocking the entryway, and together we surrendered to the beautiful potential of…more organized.
And then it just crescendoed to heart-racing levels of potential. Cleaning overlapped to other areas of the house while I dreamed of room makeovers, DIY projects and thought about the potential that dwells in the coming months: late summer entertaining, pre fall rituals, visiting my mom in New York, trying new recipes, putting up the Christmas tree, setting new goals, creating new dreams. I love that this form of happiness is free, available to anyone and customizable to all talents, all incomes, all ways of life. Everyone has potential.
Our weekend treat of choice: Sweet Treats ice cream.
The rest of our weekend in photos and musings:
Jack
Lainey jumps every time this jack-in-the-box pops up. Even though she knows it’s coming with another whirl of the crank and right after “the monkey thought ’twas all in fun.” Still, POP! goes the weasel, and her little body jolts like she just saw…well, a gorilla mask. Unlike the mask, she thinks it’s funny. What’s funny is that Nella is completely unphased by both the gorilla and the jack-in-the-box.
Nella does however love playing the piano. She will sit and peck at the keys for a good fifteen minutes, sometimes adding vocals as well. Her songs have a bit of Indie Rock vibe. She will be touring college campuses in about twenty years, I am sure.
Bake
Lainey and I threw down in the kitchen this weekend. Vanilla cupcakes with pink buttercream frosting. The balance is slowly shifting–less guidance on my part, more independence and following directions on hers.
Polka dot cupcake wrappers, Darlybird.
A few eggshells make their way into the batter, but if she did it perfectly, there of course would be no potential to be better next time. Ah, that damn glass-is-half-full.
Party
We were invited to a birthday party last night. I purposefully left Nella with Brett and took Lainey alone because those short, impromptu outings with just the two of us leave remarkable impressions on her. We played Eye Spy and “the favorite game” in the car on the twenty-minute drive, and I marveled at her budding socializing skills while I watched her with friends at the party.
Felted Necklace, Darlybird.
Spy Camera
I like taking pictures of them when they have no idea.
Lainey, the Author
She wrote a book this week. Scripted the entire story while I furiously scribbled to keep up with her imagination. We used the 5×5 blank board book from Darlybird (only $3!), and she colored pictures to go along with her story when it was finished. She is proud, and it is the first thing she brings to whomever is visiting our home, including therapists.
Her story (verbatim as she told it except for the addition of the words “the princess said” I added to suggest a quote):
The Princess Goes to the Castle
Once the king went to the castle and saw the princess and said “Hi.” The princess loved the king and she recognized she wanted to marry the king. “I love it when the king gives me a kiss on my cheek and says it’s an I love you kiss,” the princess said. And then the princess wanted to make him happy and that’s why she wanted to make him cereal. The princess said, “the king is going to come to my birthday and give me another kiss.” The princess sent the king a letter and he said, “thank you for the letter.” The princess said, “I love the king because he’s so nice.” And the princess is so nice too. The End.
And I realize princesses don’t marry kings because that’s just wrong.
But I still cried when she smiled with pride after I read her story back to her.
Darlybird
So, I’ve dropped Darlybird three places in this post. They inquired about sponsorship a while back and, having never heard of Darlybird, I went to check out their site and got completely lost. It was like one of those dreams where you walk into a store with all your favorite things, everything’s on sale, and your favorite song is blasting while you throw things in your cart in a mad shopping spree. And then Matthew McConaughey is the check-out boy. And maybe he forgot to wear a shirt.
Darlybird Rosy Ranunulous Hair Clip
I’ve been so excited about Darlybird’s sponsorship because I think you all are going to love their incredible range of fun, whimiscal, colorful products from home goods to accessories…and I love making readers happy! The site is dripping with style and character, and every product has a personalized, fun description to go with it (worth visiting the site just for the colorful product descriptions).
Bla Bla doll, Giselle the ballerina, Darlybird
left: set of 12 wooden pencils only $5; right, cupcake papers and ballerina toppers, all Darlybird
I’ve already bookmarked the site as a favorite place for gifts. Use code ENJOYDARLY for 15% off your order (good until July 25).
Two comments will be randomly selected to each win a $50 gift certificate to Darlybird. Tell me what you want to do when you grow up. Happy Shopping!
You know what makes me insanely happy right now?
The fact that I have so much on my to-do list, I don’t know what to do next. That’s potential at its finest.
And I am loving this song. (The acapella part at the end? Turn it up. And twirl. I close my eyes to listen. It’s crazy good.)
“Oh you can judge all the world on the sparkle that you think it lacks.
Yes you can stare into the abyss, but it’s staring right back.
When my turn comes.
Ohhhh. Oh oh.” ~Dawes, “When My Time Comes”
Trini says
Love it!!! Nella is growing up…
Trixie says
I love reading your blog – it’s my “go-to” blog when I want some good reading and great pictures!
Momfish says
Their stuff is adorable! š I love how you incorporated it into several different pictures.
Robin @ our semi organic life says
cute stuff!
Team Lando says
So sweet – When I grow up, I want to take photos good enough to hang on my walls, and in the meantime, I want to hang photos up in the house we’ve lived in for over a year. (Starting with the project from your blog a few weeks ago.) I want to buy a toy box to keep Ellie’s toys from taking over the living room. When I grow up, I’m going to run a fast marathon, be an amazing cook, be an amazing wife, and mommy, and maybe run a fast marathon alongside my husband while pushing a stroller and planning dinner? Because ya know, dream big.
Lia says
Thanks for the sweet reminder that we never really have to grow up. With my 30th birthday getting closer all the time, I needed that little whisper in my ear. You inspire the potential in me, Kelle! Shine on.
cakebake says
When I grown up I want to take ballet and piano lessons. but I’ll watch my girls do that for now!
Jamie Lynn says
Wonderful post! love your pictures and the music…you have a beautiful family! Happy Day!
Jamie
lovelongtime.blogspot.com
miriamp says
wow awesome stuff!!
Powtera says
beautiful words and pics. love.
Ashley says
Loved Lainey’s book… so cute! š Nella sure is getting big! They are both adorable!
Karen says
ooohhh…. That dream sounds wonderful š I think we all feel that way about the cleanliness of our house. Someday I will find the perfect container for this or that and it will be most enjoyable. (although I did catch an episode of the show Hoarders and felt the need to throw out half my house).
Lisa Hewlett says
I love Nella’s vest! And you always make me want to bake cupcakes š
Joanna says
When I grow up, I just want to be happy and satisfied with the way life turned out. So far, so good!
Kate says
Amen! I feel exactly the same way about potential and planning and future projects. Life is so much sweeter when you keep a running list of all the many things there are to look forward to – that is probably why I could get lost in Pinterest for hours! Thanks for making me feel less guilty for scouring Craigslist for castoff furniture with potential for a great makeover when I should probably be packing for our fast-approaching move!
Life as the Mrs. says
Life IS so much sweeter with the potential for something new! We cleaned out closets, this weekend, too. I love purging. I took a religion class, as well. Well, two (that were mandatory): Christian Heritage and Christian Scriptures. Gotta love it!
acmeorange says
When I grow up, I want to be craftier, braver, fitter and a better listener to my whimsy. Thanks for the inspiration!
CB says
Those girls are the cutest little ones ever š
Janine says
When I grow up, I want to be a mommy, just like now. It really is the only thing I have ever wanted. I love the pink cupcakes!
Pinks My Ink
N says
When I grow up, I want to be a photographer who’s as good as you are now! Because of your june challenge, I decided to start trying! I’m actually not too bad, but I have a ways to go!!
Belladonna1975 says
When I am having a bad day, there is nothing I love more than going to my RSS feed of the blogs I follow and seeing that there is a new one from you.
I have loved watching your family (and you) grow. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Oh the potential! š
Erica @ All About Aleigha says
I love how care free you are. The girls are adorable too!
Cynthia says
I love how you put life into words! This post spoke to me so much…mainly because I find myself in the same boat so many times in my life..esp after becoming a wife and mother.
The Darlybird site is amazing. What a great giveaway!
IRWSMom says
I should probably read your blog first but heard the music and had to say Yeahh! You have your Playlist back! :))) I am once again surrounded by cool music in my cube š
Fresh Mommy says
Ahhhh the glorious gift of potential that every day, every minute, every moment gives us!! It’s one of my favorite gifts indeed, and I try to never take it for granted, although it seems to happen from time to time. I’m falling in LOVE with all of your sponsors! This one looks incredible just like all of the rest. And you, your family, your penchant for writing, your blog success and the sponsors… all wonderful, drool worthy and maybe even have me the taddest bit jealous. š xoxo
~Tabitha
Debbie S. says
This post described me perfectly. I am currently on the computer searching for creative ways to decorate our bookshelves, but know that I’m just procrastinating and may never find the motivation. So, the shelves will remain empty and the books in a crate for a while longer…but there is potential!!!
kris says
When I grow up, I want my kids to still need me!
casey says
When I grow up, I want to be a mommy. š
Unknown says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Andrea says
loving that store, thanks for the introduction! i love those blank books! what a great idea to inspire kids to be creative!
Laura says
When I grow up, I want to always throw caution to the wind no matter what comes flying back.
P.S. I too love Sweet Treats- but I love Sushi Thai with a Sweet Treats chaser even more š
Ashley @ Seeking Steward says
Ah, the potential! So glad to read these words today. Thanks, Kelle!
Joy: says
When I grow up I want to have a house full of children, and a forever clean house and a vacation spot on a private island, where I will take orphans on vacation. Amen.
Dawn @ Musings from the Pigg Pen says
Love Lainey’s rainbow picture…and I have to check out those books!
The Adams says
Great post today!!! I hope I never grow up! š
Carrie says
I love the cupcake wrappers! I’ve recently become engrossed in recipe books in hopes of perfecting my red velvet cupcakes!
I also love how my nephew is increasingly becoming more independent– I love that you let Lainey be the boss in the kitchen– cooking has taught me so many life skills and even, life lessons.
dmsegel says
Love your post, as always!!
Laura says
When I grow up I want to have a house that has an amazing kitchen with an island where my family sits around and laughs and shares delicious meals. someday š
Katy says
Love DarlyBird. They have some super cute stuff!!! š
Katie says
I already see things on the Darlybird website that I am going to have to buy! Great site! When I grow up…I want to learn to sew gorgeous quilts and blankets, be an expert card-maker, read and read and read and read, cook fancy meals, bake cookies and cakes from scratch (not from the box), step foot in all 50 states, and so so so much more š
racheld says
I call it “Workin’ Toward,” and it’s energizing in tee-ninecy spurts.
My personal want-to for the past three years has been a Lawn Tea—I can just see the white tablecloths under the shade RIGHT NOW.
Angie says
I want to be happy and content with life!!
Alicia says
ok…first, i just have to say…pleather pants? that’s awesome š
and when i grow up i want to take some crazy risks that may or may not end up in disaster but at least i can say we did it š
Hope says
Nella is getting so big! When I grow up I want to complete everything on my bucket list and never lose my passion for photography. Darlybird looks great! š
Momto5 says
Thanks for making me smile and think with your wonderful wise words. Just got home from the hospital with my 4 year old daughter and my spirits needed a pick-me-up!
Kelly says
When I grow up I’m going to have my own craft store that I can take my children too everyday while I “work.” It will be something that I enjoy doing so it won’t feel like work – I hope! When I grow up I will also be a photographer, a decorator, a fashonista (lord knows I’m not right now!) many other wonderful things I can’t even think of right now…ohhh the potential! “I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope, which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities. ” – Dr. Seuss.
Sheri says
Just when I think your post can’t get any better…..they do. I love your fun life and sweet heart. Enjoy the day.
Nicole says
I love Laney’s story! Too cute!
When I grow up I so want to be a hippie — loving life, not a care in the world, dance around like no one is watching, not a care in the world, minus the pot smoking, add in a stellar vw convertible š For now I consider myself in training….
Kristen says
When I grow up, I wanna sing in a rock band!
Kelly says
I want to be a momma when I grow up. I want to do the best for my kiddos, and love them so they ALWAYS remember that I did my best by them. No matter what.
Rosa says
Would love to relax more when I grow up! Oh and grow a rose garden.
leemeandthegirls says
Oh my stars! Those products are so cute…but not nearly as cute as Nella with the ice cream cone!
Kayla says
When I grow up, I will set to have my own photography studio, to capture moments through my camera in hopes of inspiring people, just like your beautiful blog does! It is my passion, and I will never stop trying to fulfill that! Life is so inspiring in itself, thank you for the constant reminder!! =)
-Kayla
mamaoftwo says
Learn to sew, be more “crafty”, have more patience, & learn how to not sweat the small things.
Cathy says
When I grow up…I want to be a rock star! If not in real life at least in my boys eyes! I just love it when my 3 year old tells me I’m pretty. š
Alisha says
When I grow up I want to be a runner. The kind of runner that posts facebook messages that say things like “Runnin’ the half today.” or “got out and knocked off 12 miles this morning before breakfast.” Yep. When I grow up…that’ll be me.
Melissa says
Love this! I am almost afraid to go look at the darlybird site … but I’m going. I love reading your blog – it always makes me wish I would start my own. I think just maybe I will make it my goal to get it started before my birthday this September … looks like I just committed.
Vicki says
Love the picture of Nella playing the piano.
When I was little, strangely, I always wanted to work in a cubicle.
Now, my goals mostly center around giving my daughter a childhood rich in experiences, love and laughter.
Kathi says
Your blog never fails to make me smile and stop to enjoy the life that surrounds me every single day!
jessica.cagle311 says
When I grow up I hope I still see life like a child… magical, special, care-free, relaxed.
Hailey says
Love Lainey’s book. I would’ve cried too. š
When I grow up, I will own horses and go riding every morning. Love the excitement of potential.
Chelsea Earnhardt Plax says
oh that tiny crocheted bolero on nella – so cute!
A Cappelli says
I love the picture of Nella giving you an ice cream kiss at the end of the post. I miss the days when the older kids were interested in making cupcakes or cookies with me.(They are only interested in eating them now) I will not let those opportunities slip through my fingers with this last little kiddo at home. And re: a clean house: time with little ones goes by so so quickly (as you can already see with your step-sons). Piles of clothes, hair clips, shoes, whatever will wait- but the plethora of special bonding moments starts to dwindle as they reach middle school/ high school and begin to exercise their independence, flapping their wings and threatening to take flight. You are so right to thrive on possibility/potential and at the same time live so fully in the moment.
Kallie says
When I grow up I will be skinny, which means I will take the time to take care of myself along with everyone around me!
Abs says
When I grow up, I want to garden at least 4 hours of each day….with the people I love, of course. I am also toying with the idea of planning a camping trip at the Grand Canyon for Thanksgiving. No relatives there which would be a little odd but the idea keeps coming to mind. I think I could be thankful there as much as anywhere else.
TheHouseWifeRookie says
When I grow up, I want to be just like you š Amazingly creative, genuine and thoughtful! I love reading your blog! Thanks for letting us peek into your life and being an inspiration to many!
Heather says
I am in love. Thank you for sharing!
When I grow up, I want to just live in the moment–whatever the moment is. Just be.
Niki says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hall's says
I want to be the best mommy, wife and friend anyone could ask for! Love Love those blank books!
Kate says
Oh Kelly Hampton, you always seem to post exactly what I need to throw my world back into perspective. Much thanks. Your girls are fantastic!
When I grow up, I want to be the best version of myself. I feel like every day is an inch, a centimeter, a step closer to becoming the person I have the potential to be. That’s all we can really wish for, isn’t it?
Summit of Glory says
I have always said that I have a book in me – so I guess when I grow up I’ll write a book. Luv that you are planning Halloween costumes now – me too! I thought I was the only one who likes to get a jump on things! xo
BLT Edmundson says
I want to be doing just what I am doing when I grow up and that is being a Stay At Home Mom to my two littles.. Love the pic of the ice cream…
Tia says
Oh gosh. When I grow up, I want to be travelling! Anywhere, everywhere, all the time!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Leanne says
I really want to be a private detective when I grow up…oh and have a simply gorgeous blog like yours!
pixbykc says
When I grow up I want to be an artist…until then, I just pretend to be one.
Jessica says
when i grow up, i want to travel the world with my hubby & kiddos!
Amy Parris says
When I grow up I still want to be running in races. I’ve noticed that not that many people in their 60’s and up run so if I can stick it out, I might actually win something one day.
I will no longer be afraid of what people think. I’m learning more and more everyday what I like and that’s what’s more important.
I won’t waste my time worry about things and people I can’t change. I will pray for them and trust God to take care of them better than I can.
shanjol23 says
Hmmm, when I grow up I want to feel contentment when I lay down to snuggle my kids. I want to feel like even if there is a huge mess in the kitchen, living room, etc, nothing is going to bring me more joy then just being with them and learning how to let the messes go. Off to check out Darlybird! š
Jamie says
When I grow up, I want to become a phenomenal photographer, fantastic housekeeper,more patient mama and wife.
Love Lainey’s book!!!
Emily says
When I grow up, I want to eat Italian food in a little joint in Rome.
Meghan says
When I grow up I want to open a small pasta bar in my neighborhood.
I love this new sponser!
Rachel says
“And potential drives me like no other force can.” I must have read that line 15 times and smiled. I read your blogs and see your pictures and see your kiddos and always think: When I grow up, I want to be a mom.
Valerie says
Love, love your blog… Your thoughts in this post is so, so true. That anticipation you feel is the best. š
JoeNatSamsMom says
I want to be perfectly organized when I grow up. š
colleenhumphris says
I need about 100 of those blank books. My kids both love to tell stories. Need to start writing them down!! Their site is awesome and I want everything on there.
Also, when I grow up I want to learn to play the fiddle. And maybe start a band that is heavy on the fiddle. Ha!
callmecupcake says
When I grow up, I want to work for myself, selling geek themed baked goods out of my house, and leave my corporate job behind.
Jenn says
When I grow up I want to live at the Isle of Capri!
The Stevensons says
I am giddy with unrealized dreams today as well – I just wrote out my list of 101 goals in 1001 days, and it was a glorious way to spend the morning. One of the most beautiful things about children – they hold so, so much potential. And a little eggshell in cupcakes never hurt anyone š
Melissa says
When I grow up I would like to be an actress on stage. Eight shows a week, two on Sunday.
Amanda says
I love Lainey’s book – too cute!
When I grow-up, I want to be more serious about taking pictures, I want to learn to be more patient with all the small stuff. When I grow-up I want to go on trips with my family š
Sarah McK says
When I grow up I want to learn Chinese. And run with my husband. And open a bakery. Or wander around the world with my husband and the baby we’re trying to have. I want to be “Mom” to all my kids’ friends, and have a house that always smells like baking bread.
Julie Walas says
I love the idea of potential- there’s so much more out there everyday, and it’s so inspiring. When I grow up I want to climb trees, get dirty, run through the sprinkler, splash in puddles,taste new foods, travel new places, and love immensely. Thanks Kelle, going to check out the Darlybird site now.
stephanie says
Love it!
When I grow up, I wanted to teach my kiddos how to swing as high as the clouds, make “loving my husband good” my default, and have a house that doesn’t smell like our dogs as soon as you walk in the front door!
Kerri says
When I grow up I want to know that my boys have great memories to share of their childhood, like I have with mine. Whether it be a special trip to a hole in the wall toy store down the street, or the trip of a lifetime to Disney World that I’m already dreaming of for my D’s 10th birthday (he’s 4), I want them to look back and say that they had an awesome childhood. And planning ahead, months (or years) in advance is my motto, so I am right there with you in the holiday planning š
638adf58-abf1-11e0-99af-000bcdcb2996 says
When I grow up, I am going to graduate from college and get my dream job. š
rachelopoly says
Princesses can totally marry kings. Princess Margaret Tudor (Henry VIII’s older sister) married King James IV of Scotland, for example. Princess Mary Tudor also married a king: Louis XII of France. Okay, nerd alert over!
Love that picture of you and Lainey (the one with the felted balls necklace).
Niki says
That blank book is too awesome! What a lovely story š
When I grow up I want to be my girls hero:-D
Jennie says
my family makes me insanely happy, my family, and new posts on this blog. š I have never been a blog reader but I am hooked. I have the anxiety as I trip through a room filled with toys to reach the door and open it to an unexpected visitor. Why do I feel it in the bottom of my stomach, that feeling of failure? Why do I try and justify it? I have a 2 and 1 yr. old so why does my heart rate increase as I stumble through toys? They are happy and loved. It is okay. Thanks for saying it is okay. š
A says
When I grow up, I am not going to compare my life with others’, and I am not going to care one bit what other people think. The end!
Sprout + Bean's Mom says
When I grow up, I want to own a little corner bakery. The kind that opens early and makes customers feel as if they are in France…the main challenge is though, that means that when I grow up I am going to have to get up pretty darn early….and mornings and I aren’t the best of friends. *sigh*
In a side note, your beautiful photographs have inspired me to start my own blog for our wide-spread family. Each day I take pictures of my kids, because while the days are long, the years are short. So thank you!
Heather
Amanda Buck says
When I grow up I want to be more patient. I suppose I should also learn how to swim somewhere along the way(borderline embarrassing when you’re 30:)
Janelle says
We all do have so much potential… thank you so much for reminding me of that today. I can just think of the potential that lies in my children and I am in awe but to think of the potential that still lies in me and I’m speechless… I want to do better and to remember that there’s always room for improvement!
When I grow up I want to savor early mornings, relax on busy days and soak in sunsets in the evening. I want to remind others of the beauty that lies inside and be the one that someone knows they can call on whenever the need anything.
Delhibound says
love your taste in music! off to buy the whole Dawes album now …
amber says
when i grow up i want to be one of those laid back, cool moms that has the house all the kids in the neighborhood want to hang out at~ the place where the door’s always open. games sitting on the table waiting to be played. and popsicles in the fridge. a place, most of all, my own kids love just hanging out ~
oh. and being all toned and fit when i grow up would be nice too. š
glad for all the possibilities within our grasp if we only TRY!
love your blog, kelle.
I'm My Favorite says
You had me at “Matthew McConaughey” and “forgot to wear a shirt.”
KalynErnest says
When I grow up…I want to be my daughter’s best friend. She is 6 months old right now and I can honestly say she is my best friend. I know I can tell her anything and it won’t get to anyone, she never judges me, always smiles when she sees me, and loves me unconditionally. I pray that is what I will be when I grow up
Ruthie says
love, love, love the Darlybird stuff…so trendy & colorful š
christyleeknutson says
When I grow up I want to learn how to make the most perfectly imperfect handquilted scrap quilt – just like the ones I cherish from my grandmother. I want my stitches to be uneven and I want my grandchildren to trace the lines of thread with their fingers, thinking about the fun they share(d) with their grandmother, as I do.
Stacy says
I want to be the involved with everything Mom. Helping out at my daughters school, volunteer coaching and car pool driver. Hopefully some day I can stay home so I can get involved when she goes to school. That, and I want to be a professional volleyball player. At 5’2″, the chances of that happening are slim to none, but until then, my rec league will do! LOL!
LauraH says
When I grow up I want to bake cakes that look like art and taste like heaven!
Shauna says
When I grow up I want to open my bakery. But I’m never going to grow up, I’ll do it anyway š
The Hill House says
I am the same way!! When I see messes around the house, I try to not see a mess but rather a chance to find a better solution. When I grow up, I want to be able to look back and say “Yep, that was worth it and I wouldn’t change a thing”. Not sure what I want to “be” just yet, but I’ve got plenty of time to figure that out.
The Mann Family says
When I grow up I want to be secure…love myself, accept myself and love my life.
Mommmmmm! says
I feel the same way when cleaning, or tripping over what I should be cleaning. š
When I grow up I want to own a U-cut Christmas Tree farm. Can you imagine encouraging little trees to grow nice and tall, that their potential will be to delight families, be a part of someones precious traditions. And then when the season comes for people to come cut trees, to build their memories, I will get to be in a little gingerbread shop with hot chocolate and cider at the ready, stripey candy canes in bowls for the taking. Bliss.
Jeska says
I love this post because I was just thinking today about the fall, then backtracked myself to a *wait, enjoy the summer* thought. But, you’re right it’s better to think/plan ahead because it’s exciting and we can make each year even better that way.
When I grow up I want to be a better photographer, a mother (2 months away!), and a better loving wife.
Krista S. says
When I grow up I want to be exactly what I am now!!! A stay at home mommie, but I’d like a few more babies to raise :):)
Vanessa says
You are so inspiring! I love the board book and every necklace on the Darlybird site! When I grow up, I want to be free to live, love and laugh with all my BEing!
Benay says
I’m the exact same way. I always use the phrase, “when I grow up.” Though I just received my Master’s in May, I’m already dreaming of being an interior designer, a real estate agent, or even a detective! Gotta love potential! On a different note, the feather necklace you’re wearing in a couple of photos is darling!
Jen says
I use to constantly wonder what I would be when I grew up. Now, I have simply decided that whatever it is I am doing at the moment is what I am. While I use to thrive on potential, I now spend everyday taking in the present and living for what I am, have and know.
Megan says
It’s crazy how big your girls are getting.
Jessica says
I love the book Lainey’s book, my little girl loves drawing her own stories and I can’t wait to read them to her when she is grown up and to my grand children.
When I grow up, I want to tour the entire USA and do all the amazing and crazy and totally pointless things there are to do in our country and I want to do them with my husband and daughter.
I also wouldn’t mind having a professional house cleaner & organizer when I grow up š
decorater4life says
Awhhhh, your girls are so sweet and Beautiful!!!!! I always enjoy reading your blog, and I LOVE LOVE your pictures!!!!! You Make me smile!!!!!
Michelle Torres
decorater4life@aol.com
Bridget says
Would love to win that gc! A longtime reader who loves you!! Those cupcakes look DELIC!
MyCastleIsFull says
When I grow up….
I want to be a more patient mother and enjoy even the most chaotic moments and relish the time that they are young
I will get out more by myself and do things just for me
I will go to Italy with my husband
I will take my kids to Texas (where I was born and raised)and bask in the family love and thunderstorms
I will paint every room in my house so that my crazy style is everywhere
Laura
laurenperlin says
Hi! Thanks for another awesome post! I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up – maybe a ballerina, maybe a photographer, maybe a food critic…whatever I am, I want to be true to myself! Love you Kelle. Millie sends kisses to Nella š And Ava is sending ballerina kisses to Lainey!!!
Kathleen says
When I grow up I want to be a professional vacationer. I’m not sure there is such thing, but coming off an amazing week-long vacation, it seems like the right career path for me. I love scouring the local scene finding the hidden gems that make the destination unique and special. Those spur-of-the-moment ideas of, hey let’s check this out, that turn out to be perfectly wonderful… that’s my specialty.
J Scheppl says
Lainey’s story is just too precious!!!! Gotta get some board books myself for my little ones! Checked out Darlybird and can’t wait to have more time to check it out some more!!
Jaclyn Hicks says
Love everything about this post….thank you.
Lauren says
i want to become a runner, a first grade teacher, and a patient wife/mother. not necessarily in that order! š
Kristen says
I want to travel the world when I grow up! Everywhere! With all my favorite people in tow!
The Book Sylph says
When I grow up I want to be able to parallel park properly, to cook meat without burning it out of paranoia (I’m a microbiologist…I think I know to much :), to embrace frizzy hair, and learn another language.
Till We Meet Again...Mindy says
When I grow up I will have Christmases at a big mountain lodge with family around a fire and a huge tree and in the summer we will all go camping for weeks at some really cool place or a few places and we will still look and smell amazing when we are done š
catherine.elizabeth says
When I grow up, I want my house to be so clean and organized that I can have lunch dates with my friends with zero guilt!
greys779 says
When I grow up I want to travel with my kids, keep a cleaner nicer house, and to be better at having fun ALL the time!
Ani says
Lainey’s book is so awesome! When I grow up, I want to be an amazing cook. The “fanciest” thing I cook now is a yummy omelet, but I think I can do better.
Emily Brown says
Love this post! When I grow up I want to be a wife and a mom. I want to travel the world. I want to be someone who is known as a true and good friend and sister and daughter.
Life in the Bubbie Zone says
You’re doing great, Kelle! don’t ever grow up! I haven’t and at 59, I don’t ever intend to.
Elisha Pape says
When I grow up I think I would like to own a cute little bed and breakfast and decorate each room in cute themes and meet all sorts of people that would come for a stay there.
Jessica says
I’d like to be a stay-at-home mom when I grow up (right now I work).
jen says
dude. if a shirtless matt is going to be my checkout boy … i will gladly spend $50 there.
(plus also cute stuff)
have i ever mentioned (though never in front of my husband how lovely i think matthew mcconaughey is?)
tell little ms lainey i think her book is beautiful.
and nella and her piano? adorable.
LMCaudill says
When I grow up, I wanna be the best mom to my little guy that I can be.
Love love love all the pictures of the girls. They are growing up so much right before our eyes.
steveandjonelle says
I love the glass if half full-there is always room for improvement perspective. Your girls are darling. I especially love Lainey’s book.
HDurrant says
You inspire me every time I read your blog. Thank you! Today my five year old went to Kindergarden for the first time. Talk about an emotional ride. I know we have children to raise them up to be good but no one ever tells you the details on how to do it. I have three daughters and they are so fun. They make me want to be better. When I grow up I want to finally be done with school, be able to help my children learn their potential, be able to inspire others like you do, and maybe one day have all the laundry put away.
Thanks again!
Julie says
When I grow up, I want to write a book, grow a real garden, do more crafts with my kids and learn to take really, really good pictures. Love the idea of looking at it as potential, not a to-do list…so much more engaging!
Meredith says
When I grow up… I want to dance on the streets of Paris, eat pizza in Florence, cross country ski in Alaska, laugh harder, worry less….
Susan says
(I commented on the wrong post! Sorry!)
When I grow up I want to be organized and crafty. I love being organized but I don’t know how to do it well, and I end up making a bigger mess. And you don’t know know how many different craft projects I’ve started and never finished… oy.
bring on the darlybird!
ASoric says
When I grow up I want to be more of a free bird and stop worrying about things I can’t control! I want to plan trips with my family and just enjoy each others company without any worries in the back of my mind =)
Elke says
From one potential lover to another (I almost said “potential-junkie” but that sounded like a totally different kind of passion and story!)
When I grow up I want to be so many, many things, but I am pretty sure some of those future adventures include YOU, my friend.
Love the new sponsor… and you
e
ginny says
When I grow up I want to take dance lessons with my husband, relearn how to play the piano, and take fabulous vacations with my family.
mamipdx says
when i grow up i want to join the peace corps, walk everywhere, dye my hair red, and read all the books i’ve been meaning to read for years now.
shen
Mama says
When I grow up, I want to laugh more, vacation more, paint the house, hang pictures of the kiddos, live an dlove life to the fullest!
Ojibirish10 says
When I grow up I want to marry the KING!!! Oh wait I already did that, lol, ok well in that case I NEVER want to grow up.
(But when I do, I hope I have as few regrets as possible.)
Rachel says
What a weekend! And what a fantastic store – I have a feeling I’ll be spending the kids’ naptime perusing the site today š
When I grow up, I want to be a professional organizer…wanna be my first client?
Love your blog,
Rachel
summer says
Darlybird = oh so darling! I love many great projects as well. It seems the more there is to do, the more I can get done. And then there is a time for vacation, like now. Which has given more time for thought, so to answer what I want to be when I grow up….I want to love Motherhood more, embrace the little moments more often, love more deeply, listen to my instincts more…which usually tells me to hug more, spend more time, and care more deeply about those around me. In other words – when I grow up…I want to be more š
Taylor says
Love the pic of you kissing Nella! I like that just you and Lainey went to the bday party- I try to make time for just my “big girl” sometimes also I think it makes them feel special š When I grow up I want to be better about calling my friends regularly, be nicer to my husband and more patient with my girls, I’d also like to entertain at the house more often š
Jen says
When I grow up, I want to be an cellist in orchestra, travel the world…. oh who am I kidding, LOVE my life being a wife and mom!
(I love your earrings in the last picture of you and Nella!)
Our Family says
When I grow up I want to be able to sew, anything, everything!! My Grandma B was amazing at the sewing machine and I have such fond memories of the handmade gifts. I inherited her machine, I just wish I had inherited her talent. But I will, one day, when I grow up.
Nella is so gorgeous and Lainey, gonna be a heartbreaker.
Thanks for making my day a little bit brighter.
Deedee says
hmm…when I grow up I wanna be a midwife and catch babies all day long!!
Kamma{}Nala says
when I grow up… I can fill a book – just like lainey – with all the wonderful things I will do. and of course, I will do them.
I am super happy you blog so regularly and that the music is back!
woot!
…no matter how old you are, the fueling potential of what you want to be someday should make your heart race and your insides tingle.
fabulous, as always
Carly says
Love Nella at the piano! So cute!
When I grow up I want to quit work and stay home with my boys. I will garden and clean and make home lunches to take to school everyday!
The Halbert Home says
I think “when I grow up” is an ever progressing journey. Just when you think you’ve “grown up,” something changes. So as I grow up I want to take better pictures, love others more, and be more organized. On another note, I was perusing Pinterest the other day and I saw this awesome picture of Jack in sidewalk chald so I pinned when I noticed it was yours.
Rivers says
I liked your rose hair clip so much that I went and bought one as well! I love reading your blog. It’s fun to hear yall’s day-to-day adventures. When I grow up I want to take my own kids on adventures and learn from their imaginations all while experimenting with new recipes and DYI projects. I want the confidence to try new things.
Jessica Miller says
When I grow up, I want to quit procrastinating, stop overcooking my fish, and run fast.
Johnna says
That story is so precious, what an amazing keepsake!
Johnna says
That story is so precious, what an amazing keepsake!
Janet says
I don’t want to ever go up! and I’m going to be 45 at the end of the month. Oh, to be care free and have no worries like children.
Cheryl says
When I grow up I want to take my kids to Europe and travel around and show them my favorite places but also find some new places too.
Rachael says
I have so many things I want to do when I grow up, but this post made me realize what I need to be working on right now! I WANT so badly to see my long to do list as “potential” and love it, rather than see how daunting it is and feel overwhelmed by it. Thanks for your perspective!
genderist says
When I grow up I want to paint! With my daughter, but at least by myself.
Lib at Truly His says
When I grow up, I want to travel the world with my husband and kids….To see the world with the ones i love! š
Jenny says
Love your mentality!
Nicole S says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stephers says
When I grow up?! I’m not sure when that will be ;)I have two little girls, a husband and a career…but there is so much left to explore, so much potential. I don’t feel like a grown up and I hope I never do!
Sadee Schilling says
I always used to say, “When I grow up I want to have two beautiful little girls, to make art, and to write/illustrate a book.” I’m already working on the first two as we speak, hoping maybe the third will come in time. Dreams do come true! Your photos of YOUR two beautiful girls always resonate with my soul…they remind me so much of my two princesses. So sweet!
Lauren says
We are kindred spirits! I feel the exact same way when it comes to potential. I couldn’t have said it so eloquently though!
Megan says
I love the last picture of you and Nella.
When I grow up, I want to be more care-free and laid back.
And I’m going to check out Darlybird right now, because if it’s anyway that you described it (with Matthew McConaughey with no shirt) I have to go see what it’s all about.
Our Focus says
When I grow up…Is it sad that I am 30 and still don’t know the answer to that question. Maybe I do…I want to be happy. Why does a job have to define us? When I grow up, I want to be free, live life fully, play hard, and if I need to work, then I hope it is doing something I love! For now, I am accomplishing my goals and feeling good. I hope I am never completely satisfied with where I am because what would I strive for?
The Murfitt's says
Totally dig the fact that you Halloween plan in August and Christmas day dream in the summer. I thought I was the only one! Well, cheers to you my friend. (I can’t wait till my husband reads this and learns I am quite normal after all).
Alicia says
Inspiration
thats what just happened to me in the 20 minutes it tood me to read todays blog (inbetween answering the phone, the emails, and the boss). I refuse to let myself look at life half-empty. Even with the current miles of hurdles we are facing, I still have a great guy that loves me, an adoring family, and some pretty awesome friends. Even thought I dont get to see all of them as much as I’d like, Im still inspired to try. So what if the house is a mess, its 100+ degrees outside with 90% humidity…im going to find something to do and get back to the positive person I used to be. So thanks for the inspiration!
…and the realization that no one lives a picture perfect life. there are always messes, adnt hey will always be there tomorrow
Holly Rehmann says
As a teacher I’ve shamelessly enjoyed this past summer month as a time of sheer celebration surrounded by loved ones.
When people ask, “Are you getting a job this summer?” My absolute answer is, “Not one I’m getting paid to do.” My summer jobs include: breakfast with my husband (who goes to work later than I do during the school year), plant growing, friend visiting, library exploring, house redecorating, brain reorganizing, & lots of late morning coffee drinking.
But I had the thought the other week that summers might not always be like this…I’d like to try on a couple new hats in future summers. So maybe when I grow up I’ll become a barista and learn how to make delicious drinks or work at a children’s museum or paint houses or be a cashier at my favorite boutique.
The possibilities are endless…
Kate says
When I grow up I will write a book, have an impressive shoe collection and make my own delicious wine (with a snazzy label on the bottle!).
Heather B says
When I grow up, I want to be a dancer. By the way, I LOVE your blog. I find it very inspiring and reminds me to enjoy every moment with my girls (5 and 7).
Jamie says
When I grow up, I want to stick to my schedule every day. I want to be organized, pay the bills on time, and have enough money.
I want to learn how to dance, I want to read War and Peace, and I want to take my kids to Holland to see where their dad’s parents were born.
I’m afraid tho, if I grow up, does that mean I stop dreaming?
mrs.t talking says
When I grow up I want a family & travel around the world with them. When I grow up I want to scrapbook all day long and create beautiful gifts and albums!
FYI- your post for today is SOOO me. I plan for everything- I want to make ever holiday, event, even random days extra special. I am already thinking about how my house will smell around the holidays!
Your an amazing blogger! Love it when you update!
Andrea says
When I grow up, I want to be a writer, an interior designer, and be able to “follow through” on all the ideas that pop into my head!
Emily says
Awww, tears sprung to my eyes when I read that story by Lainey, so incredibly sweet! I’m so going to get one of those books for my 3 year old Michelle to tell me her sweet story too! When I grow up, I want to live on the water, with everyone I love living nearby, and I just want to hug my babies, and read great books š But maybe in the short term, when I grow up, I’d love to make a beautiful picture wall, you’ve inspired me!
The trials and tribulations of Christina's life says
I want to finish college, visit Paris,and be the best mom I can be for my littles…when I grow up.
I adore your writing and love seeing the lovely pictures of your family. Thank you for sharing with us š
Sara says
IF I ever grow up, I want to be a lactation consultant!
Renee says
I really wanted to be a prima ballerina but my teacher said I would be too tall. I am 5′ 11″ and on the days when I stand up straight I am 6′. LOL Then I wanted to be a Marine Biologist.
On the baking with the kids, when it comes to cracking eggs there will always be shells. LOL I have learned to let them crack them into a glass dish or cup first. That way they can get the shells out easier. š
melody says
mmm when i grow up i will be organized and go to bed on time, wake up early, run a fun little craft side business and drink way more water and maybe just a little less coffee. i am just LOVING this post. totally almost blogged about this exact topic today i swear! š loving darlybird!!! ~melody
http://www.ramblingsofalovesickmommy.com
Jen says
When I grow up I want say “yes” far more often than I say “no”.
Bless by Tone says
When I grow up, I still want to be a ballerina, an actress, a kindergarten teacher and a regular teacher – oh, and I want to be a missionary working with poor orphans somewhere in the world. That’s what I would like. Tone
Meredith and Jason says
When I grow up I want to take a belly-dancing class, and become a better cook!
Carrie says
I have always wanted to be a veterinarian~there’s still time right?!? Maybe when my kids are grown up š
our clan says
I loved this post!! I am 29 and keep thinking of things I would love to do when “I grow up”. I am like you already dreaming with sugar plums dancing in my head of the upcoming holidays.
Karie says
I love your outlook, I look at my kitchen and see mess, you look and see the potential to be better. So when I grow up, I’m going to see potential in messes and have a huge tub to soak in for the basking days that my potential is not realized.
chelsadilla says
When I grow up….I want have a cabin in the woods! A once-a-year place would do, but wouldn’t it be magnificent to live in a log cabin?
I got to the acapella part of the song just as I read your note about it at the bottom of the post. I’d already turned the volume up! š
gioia says
create in my little studio, carefree.. witch i kinda do now but not whenever my little heart desires..
Jessie says
Love the Blog and loved looking around Darlybird’s site! When I grow up I want to buy a house and then adopt a dog with my new husband (got married a month ago). Right now we are looking out at so much potential with the rest of our marriage!
Cara says
Whe I grow up I want to be a damn good house wife/ stay at home mommy. I am pretty good now, but I have just begun.
dldhome says
How Fun! When I grow up I want to travel, travel, travel!
Hillary says
When I grow up I want to be better at enjoying the (current) moment!
niki-jean says
the dawes are one of my all-time faves!!!
and i have to ask… are you a Virgo? cause your description of the ‘high’ of planning and potential just rings so true to me, a classic virgo!
niki
avaellie says
I would LOVE to write really great children’s books!!
Sandy W says
I want to be a photographer when I grow up!
Jessica says
What a wonderful post. I love the pictures, the cupcakes look awesome, and Lainey’s story rocks. When I grow up I want to be a writer and make money doing so and be as great a mother as you are, because you’re right, it’s always good to stay young at heart.
Remaliah says
I realise I’m quite the same about being addicted to the feeling of potential š Always dreaming of new possibilities! And there are SO many! I love your blog…the photos, your way of writing, honesty and making the most of the moments. Thanks š I love that felted necklace, too. I have a fascination with felted beads! What a cool store š
Erin says
When I grow up I want all my kids and grandkids to come to my house for holidays so we can all be together, I can cook a huge meal, we can sip coffee, take pictures, play games and just enjoy each other.
Jill Browning says
I also took Old Testment, and the teacher gave us a quiz on the syllabus!
Laura says
When I grow up, I want to be as peaceful inside my head, my heart, and my home as I am outside my head and home. I get a little crazy inside.
Oh – I was wondering if you took any photos of the fully-clothed woman who floated on her back in the rain…? My small-town, born-and-raised-on-the-Canadian-prairies parents took a motorcycle trip all over this beautiful continent of ours, and there is an incredibly strong possibility that that woman was in fact, my very own mother. From Saskatchewan. Canada. Yes.
She is known to do such freeing, radical, unusual yet inspiring things.
I think when I grow up I want to be more like her, on the inside, too. Yes. I do.
Ryan and Erin says
When I grow up I want to make my sons proud to have me as a mom. I want my photos to be their memories. I want them to show them to their wives, kids, grandkids and tell them about their wonderful childhood full of memories captured on film.
erin(dot)lorton(@)gmail(dot)com
Tara says
When I grow up I want to take my husband and kids and travel the world. We’ll spend weeks wandering in Tuscany, days playing on the beaches of Portugal and sleep in new places each night. I can’t wait to grow up!!
Angie says
When I grow up, I want to do my work in half the time it takes now, be kind to everyone at all times, and have a soundtrack for my life that plays wherever I go.
Laura says
When I grow up I want to make a quilt, cook without a recipe, eat a salad fully made from my garden, volunteer, reupholster my dining room chairs, visit every state, and be a mother!
~Shari says
I am not to sure that I will ever grow up. But, if I do I think I would like to be a Photographer!
babblebabe0@yahoo.com
SeƱorita Carolina says
When I grow up, I’d like to be so darn good at photography & crafts that I get paid for doing them both! One can have a pipe dream, right?!?!
Kelsey says
Nella is so incredibly beautiful! I love the pictures of her in this post. I just want to squeeze her.
I completely understand your thoughts on growing up and potential. I feel the same way. I’m always dreaming about what I can do next with my life.
When I grow up, I want to be a world traveler. I want to visit every continent on the planet. When I grow up I want to learn how to take prettier pictures, and paint, and draw, and sing, and play piano. When I grow up, I want to adopt a child that has no hope and show them they are loved. Oh there’s SO MUCH I want to do when I grow up.
Little For A Little While says
When I grow up I want to be a better Mama, more loving wife, more adventerous, a photographer, a traveler, spontaneous and a lover of life! Love Lainey’s story, just precious!
Jilly says
I LOVE Lainey’s book, what a great idea š
When I grow up, I want my kids to look at me and know that they can always turn to me and find help in their time of need. I was thinking that a lot today. Also, I want to be a drummer š
Jill
Chelsea Brynn says
what i want to do when i grow up is to keep learning! i never want to feel as though i am learned all i can! pick up a new hobby, discover a new topic, take more classes. learning is important to me and i hope i keep doing it!
Claire says
When I grow up I want to travel and take time for inspirational projects. I want to learn photography and learn to cook more than my few staple meals!
jessica says
when i grow up i want to be a mommy and a photographer. right now, im a nanny and a wanna be photographer…so im almost there. haha love your blog and your girls are precious.
T. Nelson says
When I grow up, I want to keep a clean kitchen and not kill any houseplants.
Love Lainey’s book! š
Kelly B says
When I grow up…I’ll discard all my clocks and live on “me” time. I won’t say “hold on” to my kids – I’ll just drop what I’m doing for an impromptu session of baseball because on “me” time there’s all the time in the world, and only fabulous things with which to fill it.
Sarah says
First of all, wow, you have a lot of shoes. Secondly, have you heard Christina Perri’s CD? For some reason everytime we listen to it, you pop in my head.
When I grow up, I want to be a runner and an organic mom who wears long flowy skirts and big chunky necklaces and grows all my own food.
Rebekah says
I love that picture of the girls looking into the fountain, and how Lainey’s feet are off the ground, almost like she want to dive in and go penny collecting.
I am officially in love with DarlyBird! I can’t stop roaming around the website. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful sponsor with us!
Erin says
When I grow up, I want to move to an island, wear flip flops every day, wear out my Jack Johnson CDs, sip really minty mojitos, teach my kids to surf and make jewelry out of cool shells that I find on the beach. Paradise.
The Burtness Family says
Love your posts as always…and what awesome stuff!
Katy Appleman says
Today was my very first day in my new position as a Registered Nurse. For so many years, I thought, “I want to be a nurse when I grow up,” and today it came true. I am so glad I don’t have to stop talking about what I want to do when I grow up, even though what I’ve said all along was accomplished today! When I grow up, I want to:
-Move to a big city where I don’t know many people
-Travel overseas and help people who have trouble helping themselves
-Be in love
-Live happily ever after.
Thanks for this post, Kelle. It was the perfect post for me today! š
Katy
Kim says
Love it! I always save the new posts until I need a little pick me up. Cant wait to download Nella’s music. Maybe my littles will put it on their blogs. When I grow up I want to be a grandma. whenever I think about how fast time is going I remind myself of the good things to come and that some day I will get to do it all over again with grandbabies.
letters2daniel says
When I grow up I want to be a winemaker with my son and future best friend, Daniel!
Kelly Jane says
When I grow up I want to be happy, still in love. I want to be slightly crazy (much as I am now) and I want to be able to knit…
elise says
Beautiful photos as always! thanks for the great darlybird recommendations. I just ordered some of those blank books as party favors. Yay!
Biondini says
You always inspire me, Kelle. Sometimes I need to be a little less me (with cleaning and never ending chore lists) and a little more you, living in the moment, not caring about random socks thrown around the house. When my kids are older I hope I am just as good as you at making memories for them.
Laura Harfield says
When I grow up, I want to never forget what it feels like to be a kid. I want to still gasp in awe on that magical morning when I open the curtains to find the first snowfall.
I want to wear a ridiculous hat.
I want to see my babies’ babies.
I want to get my first tattoo when I turn 75.
My Secret Rooms says
Oh, yes – you have a real talent for putting into words things that are…. hard to put into words!
Yes, potential is so exciting and you’re so right that everybody’s got it. It makes living very exciting and thrilling.
My to-do-list is long too and now it feels a bit better that it is.
I wouldn’t like it being empty, what would an empty to-do-list mean?
I loved the post, as always, and the photos. The one of you pressing your face against Nella is beautiful and warm and I really like it.
Have a grand week!
Monica says
When I grow up I want to be able to walk into the grocery store, buy everything that is on sale and go home and cook a fabulous meal for my large family. I also hope to be a budding photographer, to be carefree, in love, and more of a glass half full type š
Emily Simmons says
When I grow up I am going to be a photographer, on the beach. And home school my kids so they can be on the beach with me. And we might take their daddy! :)Thanks for the coupon code. I am so buying the blank board books. My 6 year old will be pumped!
Callie says
When I grow up I’m going to make cookies–from scratch. And then gift them away. Seriously, I’ll be that lady. (perhaps chubby but my house will smell of vanilla bean and chocolate chips)
Live.Love.Laugh. says
When I grow up I want to play piano (and forget that my Mama told me at 12, “You’ll regret playing one day!”)and I want to buy a candy apple red 55 Chevy. Feeling quite random today!
Tiffany says
I am sorry, Kelle but I just don’t know if you could be a more thoughtful writer than you already are. : )
When I grow up, I want to be a truly selfless wife, a mom of 4, a party planner, a better photographer, and a more skilled seamstress.
Thanks for the chance to win!
tialee says
I would like to work for Now i lay thee down to sleep. This is a free service to parents whom have lost their babies while giving birth. A photographer comes in and takes the last pictures these families will have with their little ones. I hope one day to be a good enough photographer to use my talent for something as important as this.
Vintage Junky says
You probably hear it all the time, but I think we would be friends! I am getting ready to have a birthday party in August, and I may or may not have our theme for 2012 š
Let’s see… when I grow up, I would like to be better at all the things I dabble in… oh, and learn to knit.
The Working Momma says
When I grow up, I want to own a house where I can paint the walls whatever color I want (even if my husband objects, because it’s my house, too!)!!!
JenniferSH says
You had me at the felted necklace! When I grow up, I want to be a music teacher. I’m trained as one but for now I’m working in an office as an arts administrator. Come to think of it, I’d probably be happy doing that when I grow up too. Or maybe selling real estate since being at home is pretty important to me. The possibilities are endless!
tracyallegre says
When I grow up I want to be an amazing photographer, an amazing wife and mom and a fantastic cook!
Allison says
When I grow up, I hope to keep on doing what I do now – being a stay at home mommy, but I’d also love a few more babies to come our way too. š
Loving that necklace. I might just have to buy that. š
Kasey says
when I grow up, I want to be a full-time mama, part-time dental hygienist, and crafty … I want to be crafty and make lots of things – home decor, jewelry, cards, etc. just anything. š
MomBE says
When I grow up, I want to be more like my kids, and see the world with their {now} eyes!
Theresa says
Have children and take beautiful pictures! Maybe someday!
Jenn says
Lovely pictures!
When I grow up I want to travel to faraway places.
Heather says
LOVE that song! Even though I can cross it off my to-do list, I still have to share this: Friday night, after an amazing Josh Groban concert, my friend and I scouted out the tour buses and met the man himself!
But in all seriousness, the one thing that is a “must” for me is to get married and start a family.
whentheraincomes says
I Look forward to every post:) When I grow up I want to live in Colorado and hunt with my husband and have the kids and grandkids visit occassionally:)
Miranda says
When I grow up, I want to be a super mom. No I don’t need all the money to spoil my kids, I just want a ton more patience ;).
Dara says
Love, love, love your photographs! What a beautiful way to document a life.
When I grow up I want to be the type of person who can see the beauty of Brugge, Belgium in Clarksville, Tennessee. I know it’s there. I know when I finally adjust my perception I’m going to be amazed. I’m looking forward to growing up.
the momma says
I love how, in the side by side pictures of you & Lainey pouring the cupcakes ~ her mouth in the second photo looks JUST like your mouth in the first
Life with Kaishon says
When I grow up I want to dance outside in the rain with a polka dotted umbrella. I want to pay for people’s gas behind me in line and for their tolls on the turnpike. I want to smile more and yell less. I want to show the kids that grand adventures are so much more fun when we find someone to share them with. I want to be kinder and help more and give more and love more. I can hardly wait to grow up.
Jenn says
When I grow up, I’d like to experiment more – Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best – “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.”
Mares Eat Oats says
When I grow up I want to go to Paris with my best girl. …And my best guys too, if they’ll come.
morg8211 says
I will be 50 years old next week and I still say “when I grow up”!
tialee says
My sister told me about your blog about 2 weeks ago. Ever since I have been addicted! So addicted to the point that I held my pee so long by the time I got up I ended up running up the stairs resembling michael jackson (scratch that) a three year old.
While laying down this morning with the laptop my son came and layed next to me. (He is 7 now but has epilepsy since he was a baby, we use the term sicky)Our convo went like this…
son… mom, what are you looking at?
Me… I am reading a blog about a little girl who was sicky. (I know your blog is about so much more and I know little Nella is not sick but it was just what came out so he understood.)
son… Is that her? Pointing to Nella.
Me… yes
son…She does not look sicky.
me (big smile) No, she dosent does she š Your girls are both so beautiful.
dig this chick says
One of my favorite posts of yours ever. It is YOU at your core, the you I have grown to love!
In particular I love these sentences:
I love that this form of happiness is free, available to anyone and customizable to all talents, all incomes, all ways of life. Everyone has potential.
And the syllabus bit. That’s good.
When I grow up I will practice mindfulness – not only in the ‘being present’ way but in the Buddhist way of honoring past, dreaming of future and resting right here in this place fully aware and curious. It fascinates and captivates me.
The Villars says
When I “grow up” I want to know that I have soaked up each moment with my two little ones. Time flies too quickly it seems and their potential causes my heart to overflow with pure joy.
Stunningly Sweet says
Love it! When I grow up I want to snuggle my babies’ babies, dance in the rain (literally), and plant my own garden!
Sarah says
When I grow up…I want to be a stay at home mommy. It’s my biggest dream and I know that one day I will. Because I will make it happen!
Jenny says
WIGU: I will have a weekly meal plan based on fresh, local food which I will feed to the ex-orphans who find a home with us in a decently organized, creatively decorated home.
Janet says
when I grow up i want to…
-learn to sew before my 2 girlies don’t want to wear cute dresses their mom sewed for them
-take a photography class meant for me
-nail dinner party ‘timing’
Sammie says
When I grow up I want to be the example to my children & some day grandchildren, that C.S Lewis was indeed correct; “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream…”
Someday I will own a little farm. I will learn to play the accordian. I will master the art of flower arranging. I will complete a triathlon. I will watch my family grow.
“I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” – Diane Ackerman
Harky's Soulmate says
When I grow up I want to go on a Disney Cruise! I want to dance in the rain (like the older lady from a previous post), I want to learn to cook better than I can now, I want to take photography classes, I want my list to go on that I never have to grow up! š Thanks for keeping us young Kellie.
Christina Chantal says
I don’t want to grow up, but one day I want to be a mommy. And I want to live on a lake with a wrap-around porch and have enough bedrooms so that it can be a shelter for women and children.
k.thomas says
When I grow up I just want to be happy and satisfied with my life, and be able to take all things in stride.
This website has some really cute stuff!
Julie says
Wildlife photographer w/ hubby as my “caddy”!
scgrits says
After three degrees and three jobs (darn budgets…), I am not loving my career choice and am planning my strategy to do something else. I know what I wanna be what I grow up and now it’s time to do it. Just gotta get my own gosh darn budget to cooperate with the plan!
Nicole S says
When I grow up I want to take awesome photos of my loves and put them up everywhere. When I grow up I want to find more outlets for my creativity. When I grow up I want to be, and have lots of, fun!
brooke says
when i grow up, i want to be a mom. a mom that has fun with her children and enjoys the small things in life.
Mrs Males says
When I grow up I want to be a Mommy to 2! Right now just 1, but crossing my fingers…
A Family of Love says
When I grow up I want to be an amazing photographer, a better house keeper and better organized person.
Kate Schwartz says
I love your blog and how it seems to reflect a piece of what is going on in my own life! So cool…
so when i grow up: i want to have impromtu parades in our home with our children, take wonderful photos of our family and daily life, to have at least 4 baked goods made each week, sit on the back porch nightly and read bedtime stories under the starry sky, dance in the rain every chance i get, and last but not least i want to shower my husband with love everyday and not take one moment for granted with my family!
m.d.l. says
When I grow up, I never ever want to forget what it was like to be little (and sometimes still act like it, too)!
Tela (formerly known as Terrie) says
when i grow up….i want to keep being inspired by the little things and sometimes letting my imagination take over.
Carrie says
When I grow up….I want to take pictures as beautifully as I visualize them when taking them. I think that is a grown up kind of wish, huh?
Holly says
When I grow up, I want to travel to NY at Christmas. I want to lose my fear of airplanes and fly somewhere. I want to be the organization queen. š
Phyl says
What I want to be when I grow up. . .
I want to be content. Yeah, that’s right, content. I know that is not what you meant by your question but that is what I want to be when I grow up. Content with myself when I don’t do my errands, chores, content with my flaws, less than ideal habits, quirks. I want to be content with it all – Welcoming of potential, sure – but content with the thought that if this is all there is it’s pretty good.
Sara says
I’m loving the new sponsor! Awesome goods.
I want to be a photographer when I grow up. I’m currently a nurse and a mom-to-be (which has always been my ultimate goal–the mothering, not the nurse part) š But I love taking photos and I really want to do that–not just in my spare time, but full-time!
And there’s nothing like a full to-do list to make me insanely…..insane! I’m the opposite of you on that one! When I have too much piling up, I get nervous and tense and sweaty just thinking about what I have to do! ha!
Jess Litster says
LOVE your pictures!!! When I grow up I want to run a marathon!
Katie says
When I grow up, I want to be less concern with getting messy and more concerned with the fun we are having while making the mess. I am learning to embrace sticky fingered picnics at the park, sweaty sunscreened faces, and sticky kisses.
Hannah Joy says
LOOVE it!!!!
That cupcake looks evily delicious, agh! (scuse this preggo).
Those colored pencils—Chriiiistmas shopping!
I was just pondering potential this morning…Motherhood is all about potential.
Molly says
When I grow up, I want a happy family. Working on it. š
I love that you love Darlybird.
Lisa says
I love pics of your hubby with your girls. What a fun weekend. And that’s a great idea to let the littles make their own book. My 4yo would love that!
Jo's Corner says
I too want to be a dancer! I want to be on Dancing With The Stars! And, I Never.Ever.Ever wanna grow up! Hugs ~ Jo
patricia says
I’m new to your blog and lovin it so much!! So I’m thinkin when I grow up(because I am so not done yet!) I want to take better picture and learn to write about them more too:)
Kelle, your Family is beautiful!!
Mama Bear says
When I grow up I want to write a novel and maybe a how-to book but I am still not sure about what “how-to” I will be an expert on.
Kat says
I would love to be a great photographer when I grow up, rather than just a semi-average one… and I would love to know how to use Photoshop to tweak them!
Michelle says
I love the part in Lainey’s story about the cereal. My hubby making me a random bowl of cereal at night totally gets him brownie points!
Ariel says
When I grow up, I want to be the kind of Mom my daughter wants to be. I also want to be less critical of myself, and “let go”. I am turning 30, and this topic has been coming up quite a bit lately. Lovely give-away…gorgeous photos, as always. xo
Yolanda says
when I grow up I want to design our new home that we will build on a lake somewhere. More realistically, when I grow up I want to have an organized closet that forces me to keep things neat so I don’t have to force drawers shut with my hip.
Tiffany says
When I grow up I want to be an incredibly inspired artist where colors and flowers, and the breeze speaks to me. Where am able to take moments and scenery and make believe and translate it into something tangible and beautiful…thank you for sharing your blog and this sponsor. Love there stuff!!
WMC Photography says
Reading this reminded me so much of myself! Just last night I was asking my husband where we are going to put the Christmas tree this year and he asked “Are you really worried about that in the middle of July?” I replied with a simple “yep.” We’ve got 1/2 of the kids presents in the closet already, so for me I wonder why he ISN’T already thinking of that in the middle of July.
With that said when I grow up I want to be a photographer like the ones I admire online. I love how much potential there is to grow in photography. O the places we can go š
Emily says
I will never drop this phrase from my vocabulary, either. I use it often…and I like it – the potential is, indeed thrilling!
When I grow up, I want to take fabulous pictures, know more about world religions, be more accepting and less afraid.
The Michelle Show says
I love the song, and love the new sponsor!
When I grow up, I want to be everything! I know that sounds ridiculous but I can’t just choose one thing I want to be. I want to be ‘a great many things’.
Brenna says
When I grow up, I still want to be my kids’ best friend.
Heather's House says
so cute! I love the name….darlybird, darlybird. darlybird. ha
Rachel says
When I grow up, I want to look in the mirror and see wise eyes, and mostly, laugh lines as deep as a river from all of the joy from my youth. I want my children to come to me and ask for advice. I want to be a grandmother, a keeper of dreams, and a wife still. I want to look back and remember the fun, and say “Hey, things are still pretty great!” I want to eat lunch under and oak tree with grand babies when I grow up. For now, I will eat with my babies.
Kristi says
I too dream of being organized – someday. (Sigh)
Ruth says
I want to keep doing what I am doing now – being a mom and wife full time. Nothing else makes me happier.
Amy says
I wanna be a more patient mommy when I grow up…and a more fun mommy! I gotta start seeing that half full glass too!
Thanks for the sweet post š
Amy
Jennifer says
When I grow up I want to still be young at heart. And always have time to color!
Maria says
One of my all time FAVOURITE posts!
I dwell not only in feathers but in
possibility. If we didn’t believe in hidden potential & a tomorrow filled with possibility, what would we do, I ask you? This post left me all tingly with excitement.
I want to be SENSATIONAL when I grow up…AND I WILL BE!!!
Esther says
When I grow up I will live in Maine, and Spain, and Washington State. I’ll also have three boys and raise them to be true gentlemen.
I’ll wear skirts and pearls and host perfect dinners too š
PS. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it is so wonderful that Nella came into your family. You are just the kind of mother And Lainey is just the kind of sister she needs!
Bree says
This comment has been removed by the author.
C says
When I grow up, I want change the 2 ugly, early ’90s, childrens bedrooms we have upstairs (think fuchsia and teal carpet) into a gorgeous guest room/sewing space and beautiful baby nursery š
Marklepat says
I just love your Blog. You really inspire me to be more creative. And when I grow up, I want to be a more patient mother and do more crafts with my daughter.
Shawna says
I love looking at your photos… they make me smile when I am having a rather grumpy day… When I grow up I want to travel the U.S. and also travel around the world. I want to take a class for the hell of it and not just because it’s required.
Foursons says
When I grow up I want to be the matriarch of my family sitting in a rocking chair on my wraparound porch watching my sweet grandchildren play with abandon.
Carolyn says
When I grow up, I want to be an AWESOME photographer like you! Or a country music star. š I’ll settle for that.
Mallory says
Love Lainey’s story! It’s cute. When I grow up, I want to have a home of my very own filled with babies and tons of pictures that I took of those babies adorning my wall.
larkremama says
I love coming to your blog!! It’s like you are a great friend of my sister and I on how we talk about how you inspire us!
When I grow up I want to let the creative monster come out of me more and let it shine! Become a great photographer and make my house come alive with the pictures of our family! Become a better wife, mother, friend! Volunteer my time more to think that just maybe I made a difference like I am supposed to!
ourpandemoniumparadise says
When I grow up, I want to be one of those mama’s that has the neighborhood kids in her backyard, playing on a swingset and eating snacks. Then, when those kids are older (and I’m still in the process of growing up), they’ll come to me for advice. Oh, and I want to grow a garden, paint the old antique dresser that’s been in my bedroom for 9 years, and go barefoot more often. xoxo, Erin
Sally says
When I grow up I want to live in a house on the lake, a waterfront tiny home that has red walls, wood floors & a wrap-around front porch with a giant hanging swing. My dream is to be wrapped up in a fluffy down comforter with my new baby girl in my arms…it will be raining…and the love of my life will be right next to me. That’s what I want:)
mylittlejoys says
I want to learn how to cook amazing dishes, learn how to sew, and plant an amazing garden! Basically, I want to be a stinking awesome Martha Stewart! Right now, I am focusing on being the best mom I can be to my two babies š Kelle, your blog makes me smile when I read it! Thanks!
Nikki Crockett says
Love LOVE LOVE that last picture!!! When I grow up…I have no idea?! I hope I’m still flexible, fun, adventurous and compassionate. I would love to be more generous, less stubborn, full of love and living my life with my faith as my driver.
The Proctors says
There are so many things I want to do when I grow up, I want to do art, I want to inspire others, I want to teach youngsters, I want to remember to be happy all the time. I have plenty of time to do all this because as my dad says, “Why grow up? When you grow up you die.” š
Crystal @ Ordinary Days says
When I grow up I would love to have my own store/boutique. I will sell lots of cool nick-nacks like home decor and gift items. I will even sell some fun accessories.
I will believe more in myself, be more confident, be more selfless, less shy, love more, expect a little less, be quicker to love and slower to criticize, give with my whole heart, and live each day as if it were my last. Thanks for making me think about this. š
Jeanne says
When I grow up…I want to be able to see things through. I am always getting a good start on things bit lack the ability to follow it to the end. Like cleaning up toys, bath time, art projects everyday.
John & Misty Schluchter says
great post!!
When I grow up… i want to indulge my craft desires, i want to sing on a big stage, i want to serve people, i want to love my kids, husband, friends, and family better, and i want to read a whole lot more!
Bree says
Who would of thought, I would need to put so much thought into that question.
When I grow up, I want to strive more for joy than perfection. I want my daughter to enjoy the ride in striving, not to perfection, but giving her all.
InspiraĆ§Ć£o Inesperada says
When I grow up, I want to:
– learn how to swim
– write a book
– learn how to take great photos
– have more babies š
Janet says
when I grow up I want to act like a kid again. I am a grandma so I have went from having a messy house with toys on the floor chores to be done. To a clean house and everything picked up and put in its place. Now that I am a grandma I am ready to play outside again to see all the beauty in the world that only a child can see to play games build tents read children books again and just act like a kid again.
jenna says
I want to catch babies – or help mamas and daddies catch their own babies.
Allie says
When I grow up, I want to be the kind of Mommy who creates the most special memories of fun and love with my children. I hope that they look back on their childhood knowing how much they were adored by me and how much they complete my life. Each day brings me closer to that goal. <3
Ali's Mom says
Thinking about growing up always reminds me of my husband’s college quote: “You’re only young once, but you can always be immature!”
The last two pics are simply divine!!
Katie says
when i grow up i want to be my girls best friend.
Spencer Family says
I love the music that plays on your blog. Sometimes I open a tab with your blog just to listen.
marcip says
I would love to be a farmer when I grow up. One of my 10 year goals š
Jen says
When I grow up I’m going to be an awesome grandma!
Melissa says
When I grow up I wanna be more confident… in myself, my abilities as a mother, etc.. š Thanks for your blog!
Susan says
I do NOT want to be looking into an abyss when I grow up. I want to have a full, content life. One with travel, dogs, grandchildren, tap dancing, Broadway musicals, whimsy and lots of giggles.
Jessica Thiessen says
When I grow up I want to be a mom and continue travelling the world š I also want to have millions of books read!
Housewifespice says
When I grow up, I want to write a novel for kids, exercise regularly, and be Italian and all the good things that come with being Italian: tan, outgoing, kissy face, musical and a good cook.
Housewifespice says
When I grow up, I want to write a novel for kids, exercise regularly, and be Italian and all the good things that come with being Italian: tan, outgoing, kissy face, musical and a good cook.
Kristin {Sea Cow Circus} says
When I grow up, I want to play all day š
P.S. I am addicted to the music playing on your blog. My iTunes account may or maybe not have been in high gear this weekend as I purchased new songs I heard here š
Sky says
When I grow up I want to be just like I am now, only more so. With the addition of kids and a dog š
April Feliz says
When I grow up I want to inspire my son. My unborn son for the next 2 months…but he is definitely getting the music inspiration at the moment. He loves your site’s playlist and I love when I get the 20 minute dance party every time I read an updated blog. So I thank you.
Carina says
When I grow up I want to take my kids snorkeling and diving on the Great Barrier Reef!
Natalia says
I love the spy camera photos. Haha.
And that last photo of your girls nearly brought me to tears.
Oh, and that book is TOO PRECIOUS! What an imagination.
Looks like you had a great weekend!
When I grow up? Mother, wife, photographer and author.
Jennifer says
I cleaned out my closet this weekend too! haha!
When I grow up I want to sing on Broadway. It’ll happen…no doubt :0)
Sherri says
love all the pictures in this post…precious! When I grow up…i want a camper trailer so we can become the camping family we are busting to be:)
WeeMama says
Love the blank board book..we need a few of those! When I grow up I want to always remember what it is to be a kid, a tween and a teenager. I want to play and enjoy my kids daily.
Monica says
I’m glad to hear that someone else my age still uses the phrase “when I grow up”. I use it all the time! When I grow up I would like to finish my degree (in what, I’m still not sure), be a wife to my wonderful fiancee, become a mother, have a house where I can garden and tons of other little things that I have on my list. One of these days…
Sarah says
When I grow up I would like everything to be done – just once.
Kel Klump says
I am 30 and still dont know what I want to do when I “grow up”. I am happy to be the mother of a newborn and a working mom and we will keep it this way! Might not be my dream job, but being a mom is!
Johanna says
when I grow up I want to be…. a mamma and a wife. I am not close to either of these dreams but that is ok, my time will come =) Love reading about your life. xx
megs says
I want to make cupcakes when I grow up.
The Gustafson Family says
I love so many things about this post! I especially love that you had your special date with Lainey. I try to do that with my 2 1/2 year old too because there is just something special about a mommy date without the little sister there!
Cara says
When I grow up, I want to have traveled the world.
McGill says
when i grow up i want to have even more children call me mom and i want to find a way to be organized and responsible…you know, like grown-ups do.
Kasey says
I’m in grad school now (finding those Old Testament classes completely sensational!). So when I grow up, I want a “big girl” job, I want to travel, and I want to hone my culinary skills. When I grow up, I want to find more ways to keep growing š
Ariel says
I’m so glad you blogged about potential. I wasn’t the kid in school on the first day who realized I had potential.. But I am now. Everything new I do I realize I have potential and opportunity and now truly get potential to be I will be proud of what I accomplish. Thanks, Kelle.
mamgof4 says
First of all Thank you for making Me Think daily… I love all your pictures daily and your blog writing… so inspiring… Well first I wish I could go back to raising my babies again, needless to say I love having grandbabies now, so when I grow up I wish I could be as organized as my daughters, I would also love to be an amazing photographer, love to travel the country with my family and make memories (have my family write all the memories in their own books with their own drawings) because those Precious Memories are something that can never be taken away. Photo’s and memories are my LIFE…
Marti says
Um, dailybird is pretty awesome! I’ll definitely be spending some time on that site. Right now I want to continue to learn more about gardening, I planted a few plants this year that are thriving and I’m loving it! I’ve never garden before but fresh veggies are making me very happy!
Smiley says
When I grow up I want to drown in the laughter of my child…I have yet to have one…but God has a plan. š
Gina says
I don’t want to grow up…ever. :o)
Kolleen says
When I grow up, I also want for my house to be immaculately cleaned, free of finger prints and nose drips, while I become the most amazing mother for my (future)children!
Courtney says
I want to travel . . .around the country, around the world, and find a place to live for a year. Just a year. Because I love my hometown and everything about it, but deep down I want to explore someplace else for longer than a vacation’s length of time . . .I want to buy something spur of the moment and not look at the price tag, realizing my self worth and that intangible feeling of indulging ones self when it doesn’t happen often is more than the price of an object . . . when I grow up.
Mrs. Jorgensen says
Can’t wait to do some shopping š
When I grow up, I want to do lots. I want to rent a fancy convertible and drive through Napa Valley with my man, scoping out the best vineyards and stopping to sit on porch swings and share a glass of vino. I want to repaint my living room and create a new photo wall display. I want to take my son, Cruz, to Wrigley Field, eat Wrigley Dogs and sing the Seventh Inning Stretch. I want to host a cocktail party, go fishing, and play in the rain.
Allison says
I am so with you on living in the possibility of what’s to come. When I grow up I want to take an art class, make some art, write a children’s book about photography, create amazing memories that my boys will cherish forever.
Jen says
You know I never looked at growing up that way before and it’s so very true.
When I grow up, I want to be the kind of friend that someone can turn to and know that they have someone there for them(I find a fall short of that sometimes). I want to be inspiring and be inspired.
I want to see the world in a way that will forever be new and fresh.
I can’t believe how independent Nella seems in these pictures. I love it.
Such a beautiful family.
The Super Seven says
When I grow up I want to look back on what I have done and have no regrets……I would love to feel like I have done something with my life and be happy with how I raised my 5 kids.
Another great blog post…..you inspire me….
Aja says
Ok, I love this post and the idea that there is always potential in front of us.. I feel the exact same way! And yes, starting to clean the bathroom (hate hate hate) leads me to furiously grab the vacuum and oh, I don’t know decide to dust the shelves just because, well, I’m getting things done! Love it.
That picture of you and Nella with the ice cream- you look so young! Not that you’re NOT young š
And when I grow up.. I want to be an artist. The painting, building, knitting, drawing, crafting, photographing kind. And get paid major bucks while doing what I love.
Jennie - Duryea Place Designs says
I don’t want to grow up! But, if I have to, I want to be the best wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend that I can possibly be!! š
KILESBABY says
I have to boys a 12 year old and a 3 year old and i keep telling them when I grow up were all going to keep running thru the sprinklers together and color with chalk on the sidewalks ride our bikes in the rain and laugh till we cry,, yet they say mom you are grown up lol..
Kimberly says
Love this post! Beautiful pictures as always, but that last one of the girls really made me melt.
When I grow up I will continue to take college classes regardless of how many degrees I earn (because school is my comfort zone), learn to dance, go to bed at a decent hour, and (hopefully) have lots more babies!
Lil mama Karen says
When I grow up I want to be a able to share my childrens childhood with them. Show them pictures and tell them stories of how they helped me grow up while whey were growing up. It was not always me teaching them but them teaching me as we grew together.
Chelsey Hawthorne says
What do I want when I grow up?
I want to get better at worrying – that means, WORRY LESS!
I want to be a nurse manager when I grow up. (Right now, I’m just a supervisor, but that’s ok – still room for improvement, for when I grow up!)
And, I’m sooooo on buying that blank board book so my 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 year old kiddos can write their own stories – YES!
Yeh Family says
When I grow up I want to be enthusiastically content with my life and be the best mama I can be…love the new sponsor…can’t wait to check out the site!
Amy says
When I grow up I am going to be an artist!
Lissett says
Love this blog entry! When I grow up I want to to open an arts and craft studio for children and adults.
Bennett Abel says
I want to be an ornithologist! I’m a total bird nerd. LOVE your photography!
-Amy
Phoebe says
I want to be an organic farmer and chef when I grow up! I want to have a healthy living center that is full of creation, yoga, pottery painting, canvas painting, massages, mom’s day out and it, children creations of theater, dance, dress & play, healthy cooking, eating, mommy & me fitness and total zen. It’s a big dream and I’m far from it but it sure does feel good writing it out loud!
Thanks for all that you do and say!
Smaychel says
When I grow up I want to be a great mother. I want to be happy and have fun and be a person that my friends can rely on.
Tara and Nick says
when I grow up…I want to be a mom!!!
Mandie says
Can I tell you how much I giggled at the comment about the “dream store” with your favorite music and a shirtless Matthew McConaughey as your checkout boy? That store would be AWESOME! š
Knowitall says
When I grow up, I too want an organized house..also when I grow up I will be less self-conscience about wearing a bathing suit in public…because I look at older people out at the beach/pool and think they don’t care, why can’t I? š
Meagan Kenney says
OK, so it’s not “OCD” and impatience at “wanting more/sooner” that I suffer from…it’s potential? I like that. I was beginning to think that because I am already planning my son’s first birthday (it’s in October) I had something wrong with me. I want to be a great party planner when I grow up. And I want my 4 year old to have a “ballerina” birthday party in December, those cupcake toppers would be fabulous!
rmarief says
I truly believe you do not grow up until your children have left the house and have started living their own lives. So when I grow up I want to be able to look back and say “WOW I raised 3 wonderful, smart, and caring children”.
Karen says
When I grow up I want to take a floral design class.
ama de casa says
When I grow up I want to be a more patient mother and wife and I want to have a backyard where I can throw summer get togethers in it every weekend!
Lauren Woolard says
I have to say again that I absolutely love,love,love your blog! You mesh words and pictures so beautifully…keep up the great work. When I grow up I want to own a “bridal hair salon” my picture in my head is where brides can come and have their entire bridal party’s hair, nails and feet done at 1 location and also have a bagel and a mimosa while their at it…sounds awesome huh? š
Amy-Sue and Gian Del Bello says
Although I am trying hard right now, I hope to grow up to be a better mom! Each day brings growth, right?
Bug and the Sweet Banana says
Oo! I admired Nella’s doll in your last post but didn’t want to pester you to ask where you bought it. So happy to know now!
When I grow up, I’ll sit in a porch swing on a wide wraparound porch, snapping green beans and shucking corn and watching the world go by. Cannot wait.
Joelle says
When I grow up, I hope I’m more patient with my kids
Barbie says
When I grow up I want to learn more recipes, take better pictures and learn another language. Love the red headed doll š
lorri says
When I grow up I want to own a bakery, take painting lessons, and most importantly join the circus. I am being serious.
talamarieb says
When I grow up…hoo boy.
I would like to learn to:
speak Italian well enough to accept a date;),
be fit enough to really know what my pilates instructor is asking me to do,
pray every day, regardless of my mood,
and love more patiently.
ChristineinDOT says
I want to be a totally fabulous Mamma when I grow up!
Eve says
When I grow up I want to live in a house by the sea.
The Kissels says
I’m always so excited when I check in to see a new entry. Reading your blog gives me my dose of “get down and play”… a good reminder for my Type A personality. “When I grow up” I want to actually finish decorating a room in my house (they all have a good basic start and not much more), and I want to learn to reupholster furniture. And right now, I’m heading to the kitchen to make vanilla cupcakes with pink frosting, my darling girl is going to love helping me.
Jennifer says
When I grow up I want travel the world and see all kinds of exotic places with my hubby and kids.
stardustdawn says
Ha ha….I was just telling my daughters last night that when I grow up I want to be you…or at least more like you!
When I grow up I want to be an astronaut, and a female version of Indiana Jones, and a musician, and a photographer, and an all around awesome person.
Is that asking too much??
Jenn A says
I loved your post! Life is about learning and growing and becoming a better person. For me, being a stay home mom, THIS is my life, my career, and my education! You never graduate, and it just gets better and better and better! I love it!! There’s nothing else I would rather do with my life!
Laurel says
When I grow up I want to have a beautiful family with little ones to sew handmade sweet clothes and quilts for and make french toast in the mornings with…
Schwartz says
When I grow up I want to be…a Chocolatier. Now there is A LOT of potential there! š
Katie says
When I grow up I want to be…a sewer and a papercrafter and a baker and a gardener of fruit and flowers and vegetables…all the things I dabble in now but have not perfected!
Jessica says
When I grow up…I want to finish my Master’s in Midwifery and travel the globe bringing new life into this world.
Molly says
I’m 39 years old, but when I grow up…I want to be fluent in sign language. (I know some ASL, but I’m not fluent.)
Melissa says
I cleaned my closet too this weekend – and it felt SO good! So good in fact that I then cleaned all three kids rooms – and that felt REALLY good! I love throwing parties and I’m getting ready to throw my four year old an ice cream themed party this weekend! When I grow up I want to throw party after party after party for my 3 glorious children!
Lovely Love says
before i tell you what i want to do when i grow up i just want to say that i think you are BEAUTIFUL and i love your hair long! also your girls and so precious! okay ::ahem:: when i grow up and i want to: be a better house wife and mommy. have more patience. take my family to a third world country and devote our time because i think that is an excellent thing to show my son and instill in him. grow a garden, have an avocado tree, get good at baking, cooking, crafting, and sewing and knitting. i am a very impatient person but this blog post helped me realize what i sometimes forget, dreaming of your wants is more than half the fun. imagine a world without dreams? there wouldn’t be a world, or a universe, The Neverending story said so š have a great week!
Brittany says
I feel the same tingle of anticipation when I think of all the projects that I have waiting to be done.
The girls are growing up so fast, and they are so beautiful!
Lee-Ann says
I want to be a full time stay at home Mom that has a clean house and does a great amount of volunteer work when I grow up. š
Peace and Carrots says
I love when kids write stories. So pure and usually hilarious.
When I grow up, I want to be a yoga instructor, bring light to darkness, and be a mama.
mellmo says
When I grow up I want to be cancer free with a few more kids a house and my very own laundry room… (sick of apt living)
aimee says
Beautiful post as usual š When I grow up I want to be teaching children to accomplish anything they put their minds to!
Leah Alexandra says
I love it! When I grow up I want to be a better housekeeper and a rockstar and the mom who makes the best chocolae chip cookies on the block!
leah
http://www.lovelifeandmommyhood.blogspot.com
Melody says
I want to be happy……….
Crystal says
When I grow up I want to take pictures and draw all day with my girls (and magically get paid for it ;)..I want to take a year long road trip and really get to know America.
mary kathryn @ mathews family happenings says
I’d love to be a professional crafter/blogger when I grow up which means I’d be home more, which means I’d have a heckuva lot more time to play with my littles. LOVE the goods this sponsor has to offer.
Adriana says
when i grow up i want to be as free as my kids. i want to really learn to let go and live in the moment!!
Barbara says
What a great little story! That book is pure gold (:
Michelle says
When I grow up, I want to be the funky, cool Gramma that makes all the other kids wish I was theirs. š
Renee says
I just recently figured out what I want to be when I grow up. It was an amazing moment. I first and foremost want to be a stay-at-home mommy. I’m hoping to get there one day. Second, I want to be a dance therapist. This means I need a bachelors and a masters, but that’s okay, I’ll get there eventually. I may be 40 when it happens, but it will happen! š
loxiemom says
When I grow up I want to take my daughter to Hawaii (she’s 15 and has been waiting her whole life), be an author, have a brand new car, and still be married to my wonderful husband and hopefully make all his dreams come true.
Sunny says
Such adorable stuff! When I grow up, I want to be carefree! A dancer, a singer and food and beverage enjoyer š
This is my blog says
When I grow up, I want to have babies! (I’m 22 š And I want to run through a field of flowers. And I want to make peanut butter and jelly for my kids’ friends, and teach my kids Spanish, and travel and help people wherever we go. I also want to have a home in the country, where we wake up and make biscuits and make sweet tea in the sun. That’s what I want š
{ K } says
Your Nella is SO-ooo very precious.
Lainey’s face in the second photo of the “spy camera” part is priceless!
Thanks for the inspiration to photograph my kids and precious moments that they experience!!
LauraH says
when i grow up i want to have babies, live near family, pick, buy and decorate a home of my very own and be open to where life leads me. even if life leads me to places that scare me!
Lisa L. says
Oh I just love watching those two little ones growing up. Such fun and potential. Lisa
d3b7ae46-4783-11e0-bc77-000bcdcb8a73 says
I love your site. My children are grown and they live with me. I have one grandson, 4, and another on the way. They live with me too. I have multiple health problems and am often in bed. It is then, when Caleb will climb in bed with me and we will delight in whatever cartoons are on. If visiting children try to open my bedroom door when I am not well, Caleb will stop them, protecting me always. Oncea i was in the hospital and Caleb called me and said, “tell the doctors to make you well as you must come home so we can play puppets.” When Christmas came ( a couple of weeks later) I had made him 12 sock puppets =-= and play puppets we did. I guess what I am saying is your site makes me a better nana. I am more patient, much more likely to bring caleb into an activity….loving each moment I breathe his sweaty little boy scent.
Thank you for that.
racheous says
I can SO relate to this post Kelle!!
When I grow up, I want people to think of me as the mama/friend/wife/etc who reads too much, makes people smile more, inspires people to grow, bakes lovely yummies, keeps a home that everyone wants to spend time at, is creative, and who is helpful and kind. However I do that is optional (and adaptable!)
racheous says
I can SO relate to this post Kelle!!
When I grow up, I want people to think of me as the mama/friend/wife/etc who reads too much, makes people smile more, inspires people to grow, bakes lovely yummies, keeps a home that everyone wants to spend time at, is creative, and who is helpful and kind. However I do that is optional (and adaptable!)
LeShayne says
I read this at the perfect time. We bought a house 9 months ago and every week I find something else I just “cannot live with anymore” and “must” be changed immediately. So as I write I am taking a break from tearing down nasty 1980’s floral borders from my master bed/bath! The potential for those rooms is brewing…
And when I grow up I want to be a photographer, a sailor, a home decorator, a grandma, and a PhD. You know above and beyond the better mom/wife/neighbor/friend.
Unknown says
Hi Kelle,
I love reading your blog and like you I love potential. Right now I’m loving looking at an empty bedroom and seeing the potential of a nursery in its future!
As for what I want to do when I grow up…be a children’s book author while living on a farm in Virginia or Vermont!
Jennifer
Jessica says
when i grow up.. hmmm.
i’ll hang the paintings i painted for my tiny girl. also, i’ll let my big girl paint more and accept that she’ll make a mess. š
beautiful post, per usual!
Joshua and Jamie says
I want to be more optimistic about things in life. Seeing the glass half full more often!
Christina Golden says
Beautiful blog as always š
When I grow up I want to be the best mom that I can be to my baby daughter Kylie. I think there is no better thing to be when you grow up.
Elise says
When I grow up I want to love on babies in a third-world country for a living with my husband.
Queen of pink in a house of blue says
a mommy…andbecause i love it so much, a grandma! but not YET! although my oldest ‘baby’ is 19 TODAY, and it could happen sooner than i would think… my youngest baby is only 3 and i’m not ready for him to stop being my ‘baby’ just yet!
precious stuff they have and so are your lil ones!
Michelle says
I don’t actually WANT to grow up – however, I would like to be an explorer – there are several ancient lands awaiting me.
Cammie Heflin says
I wonder if when I grow up I’ll be able to read all of the comments on your blog!
Kathy says
Love love love your site. Happened upon it today….I keep wiating to grow up. I see these cool and amzing woman and hope i can belike them when I grow up..then someone looks up to me and completely blows me away…will i ever feel grown up?
ksmom says
A mommy, I’ve gotten my wish 3 times!!!!!
Aleyta says
I have told 2 ppl today about your blog. I bought those colored pencils from your sponsor awhile back. The photo of you and the ice-cream is gorgeous. You amaze me yet again! From, a mom who is inspired by you š
Cheryl says
I asked my 6 year old what he wanted to be when he grew up. He answered Darth Vader.
Rachel says
When I grow up – I will be content. And not worry anymore. The end.
clare on earth says
when i grow up i’ll have a flower garden with blooms all spring, summer, and fall long. and i will pick them and put them in vases all over my house.
Maria says
When I grow up I want to be a lactation consultant, birth educator, nurse midwife, wife, and mother of 12! So that’s 4 more years of schooling, one husband, and 11 more babies to go š Love your blog!
Jessi says
I want to be a Professor.
Sarah says
When I grow up I want to be a wife, mama, and yoga teacher extraordinaire! : ) #1 complete, we’ll see about the rest! : )
Katie says
We have the same Jack in the Box! My big girl was in LOVE with it from the first day she saw it at Target and she is.
Jess says
when I grow up, I want to have a job I love!
Ellen says
When I grow up I want to spend the night on a sail boat, be a brilliant home decorator and worry less. Hooray for potential!
waishan says
I laughed out loud when I read Lainey’s story! Priceless. When I grow up, I hope to be able to be a kid again, and enjoy the small things. (taking a page out of your book).
Oh! Baby Designs says
What do I wanna be when I grow up… If you would of asked me 15 years ago, I would of told you get married and have babies, therefore a housewife. Fast forward 15 yrs…
I am a housewife and a mom of 4 kiddos š
Life is funny that way…
Laura J. says
I love the idea of never being completely “grown up.” When I was a wee little one, I wanted to be a mommy and a kindergarten teacher. CHECK. š Now I want to run marathons, be an artist and learn to play the piano when I grow up. Looking forward to it!!
CoyGirl says
When I grow up, I want to be a songwriter. I am 27 years old, and I can finally say it. I’m not embarrassed. I think I can do it. I want an apartment in Nashville decorated just the way I like where I will realize my potential and write inspiring melodies and lyrics, like the song playing now. When I finally get all my ducks in a row and make the move, I’ll be recruiting visitors, so get ready for one of your road trips. After all, Nella might be my co-writer one day. I could use a partner with mad piano skills.
Nico0ne says
When I grow up I want to be in love, wear flowers in my hair every day, have beautiful red headed children, dance every day to the natural beats on the world, be a role model, save the world, conquer the art of wearing heels, and be happy. There are about a million more things that I want to be when I grow up but that list will suffice for today š
NeverEnoughTime says
when I grow up, I want to lay in a hammock next to the beach and cuddle with the one I love….
nevertime72@gmail.com
shelby valadez says
when I grow up, I want to be just what I am now..a mama with my kids surrounding me š
Sammie says
First of all, I must say that I’m LOVING the Darlybird site, almost (but not quite) as much as Lainey’s fairy tale. What a vivid, sweet imagination she has!
What do I want to do when I grow up? Hmmm, I want to write a book. Or a column. Hell, I just want to WRITE. Preferably somewhere where people will see it, appreciate it, critique it and relate to it.
I’d also like to go back to college. Last time I was there, I took all the classes I had to take to get my degree. This time around, I’d like to take all the classes I want to take with no particular rhyme or reason. Pipe dream? Probably. I will definitely fit in some creative writing, photography, and journalism classes though. Just for me.
Thanks for inspiring me to revisit my aspirations, Kelle.
The Hickman Family says
It never fails that your blog cheers me up & leaves me inspired in so many ways! You are a WONDERFUL momma! Who cares what the house looks like while we’re raising little ones. I have a sign decoration thingy in my house that says, “Excuse the mess.. my children are busy making memories.” I just love it & its SO true! The mess will wait, but our kids are only this little for a short amount of time!!
Ashley Weiss says
I just found your blog and am loving it. Pictures. Honesty. Inspiration. When I grow up, I want to be worthy of imitation by my daughter.
Andria says
Ah. I love this. Exactly how I am. So many things that can happen, can get done in a day. However, sometimes I walk around like a beheaded chicken not knowing what to do first! Have a great week!
Kristen0824 says
I come read your blog every once in a while, when I need to get away from everything that I should be doing. It’s amazing. I wish I could write like you do. So…when I grow up, I want to write more about my family. And maybe in doing so, I’ll become a better writer.
Mrs. Davis says
I loved this post! Your “when I grow up” list is exactly the same as mine. When I grow up I want to find our own special relaxation place like your Isle of Capri.
Kim says
When I grow up I want to feel settled and at peace with myself.
Nikki says
When I grow up I want to be a better housewife, have more babies, travel with my husband, teach my kids to be kind, loving, and compassionate, open an Etsy shop, be a doula, learn sign language… the list could go on and on!
Caitlin says
I want to play with my grandchilrend and spoil them rotten when I grow up
Megan says
When I grow up, I want to review family friendly resorts. I LOVE traveling, but unfortunately my income as a stay at home mom doesn’t really afford me the opportunity to travel as much as I’d like. And, of course, if I had the job, I wouldn’t want to spend time away from my family, but if my niche were family friendly resorts, we’d all be included. How perfect would that be? Traveling + my family + a job/income that allows it = perfection.
Oh, and I love that blank board book!
Isabella's Mommy.... says
I never thought of it that way, but I’ve realized I thrive when my to do list is filled. That feeling of accomplishing each one and crossing it off the list is one of the best feelings! Potential!! Great way to look at it. That’s why I love reading your blog. . .
The Fire Wife says
I love the smell of Lowes for the same reasons; it smells like potential! Great pictures, your girls are so darling!
Julie says
another beautiful post – your girls are growing so fast…just like my boy. š
ohsoblessed says
When I grow up I want to stay exactly where I am right now…staying at home with my sweet daughter. A dream come true!!
Tanya says
When I grow up I just want to be happy (and less tired :))
Erin B says
I still use the Toys R Us song as my anthem “I don’t wanna grow up cause I’m a Toys R Us kid!”
But if I were to grow up someday I’d want to be a veterinarian because I love helping and love animals.
Jane says
When I grow up – I want to continue to make a difference for others, be the best mom I can be, and grow as a wife!
barrysbites says
a world-class traveler
Kimberly says
Sticky, ice cream kisses are the best. Love it!
The Manrings says
ahhhh so many things i love about this post. i love sweet treats, lainey’s homemade board book, the birthday outing for just you and lainey (sammy and i did that this weekend too) AND the picture of you kissing nella at the end MELTS.MY.HEART!!!!!! can’t wait to go checkout the online store…fun ballerina cupcake toppers and pretty hair clips…i’m in!
when i grow up…. i want to own a flower shop, tiny and ornate and full of hanging baskets and bunches of long-stemmed wildflowers. and i always thought it would be fun to be a wedding planner (like that jlo movie) someday i REALLY want to sing in a church choir and play in a tennis league. happy dreaming! xo
ana.o. says
When I grow up I would love to be a more loving wife, a patient mother and a better cook!
Loved this post. Thank you.
PradaPrincipal says
I am, for sure, gonna be a famous author when I grow up. Until then, I shall write my masterpieces on books from darlybird. š
somerskl says
When “i grow up” I want to have a happy balance between delivering babies and having babies of my own. As soon as I finish midwifery school I want to take a photography class so I can beautifully capture my happy family as well as those that I help into the world:)
...and baby makes five! says
When I grow up… I want to finally move to a house with a sidewalk for bicycle ridin’ and a paved driveway for chalk drawin’. When I grow up I want a kitchen for cupcake makin’ and a living room for story tellin’. I want a backyard full of green grass for toe ticklin’ and a big, beautiful bed for naptim snugglin’.
Moe says
When I grow up….I want to be paid to be a professional napper. Ha!
(But for realz….I want to be a Mom – nothing more rewarding in life than that – or so I think anyway..)
Debbie T. says
When I grow up I want to travel to Europe and take ballroom dance lessons AND see my kids grow to be responsible, respectable adults.
abbey says
when I grow up I want to be an amazing cook and do all kinds of crafty projects in my home. one day!!
Michelle says
Love, love, love your blog.
When I grow up I want to be a teacher (I think). I’m not really sure if I want to have a job other than mommy and wife:)
lillian says
when I grow up, I want to be someone my 2 year old grows up to like just as much as she loves (and vice versa)
Cathy says
I want to be a wife and mother with no regrets when I grow up.
Holly Lynn says
I want to comb beaches and climb mountains when I grow up! Love the wood pencils š
.:Heather:. says
when I grow up I want to be more like you. Not in a weird way š but in a live life & let go of the little things more way. For instance, I don’t let my 5 year old crack eggs. It’s messy, gross, and shells get in. But then I read that Lainey does & I think “yes. yes. Sage should be able to experience & do things like that too.” š I want things to come second nature like that. loved this post & love everything in the darlybird shop!
Tara Marie says
Ah, like you, I will never take “when I grow up” out of my vocabulary! Potential….every morning brings the gift of something new, something more, something realized, something given, something taken……something to live & cherish and something to tuck away into our memories. Everyday we are given that potential. You inspire me Kelle! thank you. Oh, when I grow up I want to be a midwife or a doula, I want to work with the elderly, I want to capture moments of others lives with my camera. I want to read everybook on the shelves of my little local library. Ah, the potential…..
Marjorie says
Fingers crossed I win because I love all the things you posted! I’d love to be a full stay at home mom one day. I’d also love for our new house to finally get furnished.
Izzy says
This comment has been removed by the author.
jenniwaka says
Hmm…when I grow up, I want to take photography classes and start a little business of my own.
Lindsey says
When I grow up, I want to have clean, organized cupboards. Sorted by wet/dry, boxes/cans. Alphabetized even. Also, I want to go to Antarctica and Africa to complete my tour of world continents.
little burdie says
When I grow up…I wanna be a Mama š
I’m an Early Childhood Special Education teacher, and the stories of the families in my classroom – especially the children with “special rights” and their families inspire me. They are strong, courageous – and most of all excellent role models. One day, I hope I’m half as amazing as these Mamas.
Sidenote – LOVE the board books from Darlybird. Thinking about buying 20 of them – one for each child in my classroom to “write” a story. Seeing how proud Lainey is of her story in your post really makes me want to share that joy with the families in my classroom….and at only $3 a pop, it’s a totally affordable project! (even better – it will last forever!)
Lucy says
When I grow up…I want to actually print off and hang some of the millions of pictures I take…I want to be a kinder wife, a more patient mother…I want to go to England.
Ashley says
I just took the first big step towards becoming what I want to be when I grow up…I got accepted to NC State and will be starting vet school in three short weeks. If those sweet girls of yours want to be vets when they grow up, I’m living proof that making injured birds nests in buckets and helping earthworms off the sidewalk will lead to something š
Kelly Cach says
KELLE!!! I swear we are on the same wavelength….SERIOUSLY! I’m on the look out daily for ways to get organized (SOMETIMES AT ANTIQUE STORES, TOO!!!), but feeling like my house is in constant disarray while trying to get there…..oh, well….someday….when I grow up š
*And Nella looks like Schroeder from Peanuts playing the piano…hahahaha! (Please say no one else said this. I’d like to be original just once–LOL! I LOVE this photo!
*And Matthew McConaughey? Well, he’s my boyfriend…so hands off š
*I can only wish someday that Lainey would bring me her book….I would probably cry, too.
Can’t wait to check out Darlybird!
Kelly
Heatheroo says
When I grow up I want to find that one thing I am great at…I am a good cook, an ok baker and crafter, but i just haven’t dicovered that thing that consumes me…so here is to finding it…Love your positive energy!
moolalaba says
When I grow up I wanna look back and declare with no regrets, “Hey, that was fun. Let’s do it again.”
SeryaDuntrune says
When I grow up I want to be a potter. I’ll get a wheel and a kiln and spend days getting dirty to create gorgeous things!
And thank you for the introduction to Darlybird – what a fun shop!
Andy & Jen says
When I grow up I want to be an underwear model….and a good Mom.
Carly says
When I grow up I want to own a kitchen that looks like a bakery.
Your writing is incredible. It’s like you were reading my mind when you wrote this. Thank you.
Wendy says
When I grow up I want to be happy and grateful for the wonderful life I have had!
Elysha says
When I grow up…I want to be a special educator, a baker, a photographer, a maple syrup-maker. Oh, and a better housekeeper, too.
lil misses' mama says
i always dreamed of owning a flower shop when i grew up (and an opthamologist, but i tried that already and gave up once i got to organic chemistry!!) but i am pretty addicted to sewing children’s clothing now days and someday i would love to see my little business grow once i have enough time to really dig into it.
Angela says
When I grow up I want to be a fun mommy. š
Love your posts. Always.
Niknok says
I want to be a doula and mother the mother during childbirth.
Love Nella eating the icecream!
Abby says
I was hoping you’d post today. I needed a fix. Ha ha! I love it all. My son once said to me, “can you believe wishes only cost a penny? What a bargain.” š So true. Off to Darlybird, have a great week!
Carrie says
oh wow. I might have to get one of their necklaces!!
KTG says
When I grow up I want to take up ballet again. I will be better than when I quit at 14!
I will know how to speak better, encourage and serve others. I will let my yes be yes and my no mean no. When I grow up I will know how spend quiet time everyday to focus on what’s important.My daughters and I will be even closer friends.
Sarah and Mike says
When I grow up, I want to be a lawyer, don’t tell anyone, or I will sue you! š
kristen says
When I grow up, I want to travel the world:)
Hanna says
When I grow up I want to go backpacking to Europe with my hubby, When I grow up I want to take French classes and sing french songs,
When I grow up I want to have oranges and tomatoes to pick from my own garden in my future house…
You are right Kelle, my heart skips a beat just thinking about all the great potential ahead…
xoxo
athena says
When I grow up I am going to participate in a Warrior Dash, have an over abundant vegetable garden, learn how to sew and be more present for my daughter.
Izzy says
When I grow up, I want to finally find the floor in my closet, take pictures of something better than my tumb on my lense, and to actually care about my hair more than twice a week. I love to see pictures of Lainey and Nella laughing with each other, they bring a bit of sparkle to my life every morning. I swear that story sounds just like something I would have written when I was her age, she’s a great author!
Kayla says
I love the potential “drive”! I cleaned out closets this weekend too.
Dianagoddess says
When I grow up I want to be a loveable old grandmother to many lovely grandchildren who I can spoil rotten and then send them home with their parents…lol unless they want to sleep over Grandma’s house!
Huddyma says
Dang I love your posts!
As for what I want to do…I’m doing it! I’m raising my two beautiful boys and hopefully doing it well!!
H says
Your daughters are beautiful!! Growing up so quickly…Speaking of growing up…When I grow up I don’t want to work 13 hour shifts, I want to stay home..become a professional party planner and photographer…I want to be there for my daughter instead of having to whisper night night to her after a long day of work..maybe someday…:)
Sarah says
Saw your flashcards on the table in the pic of Nella and her piano. My Owen uses the same ones (after seeing them on your blog) and now at 11 months knows baby, ball, cat and dog!
When I grow up I am going to go on a great vacation with all of my family, sisters, brothers, mom, dad and my man and baby.
Hi, I'm Ashley! says
When I grow up….
*I want to be a fun, healthy, creative, energetic mother and wife and teacher.
*I want to be someone who can play guitar and sing and perform at an Open Mic night in a college cafe.
*I want to sew clothes for myself and my children, and confidently repair my husband’s rips and tears.
*I want to have a walk-in closet so I no longer have my clothes in two different guest bedrooms.
*I want to take classes at the local community college just for fun and continue to be a life-long learner.
*I want to refurbish old pieces of furniture and use them for display purposes in the boutique I aim to own and work in.
*I want to remember to live in the present, be okay with being unproductive every once in a while, and express gratitude as often as possible.
*I want to run a half-marathon and take up swimming as a more frequent form of exercise.
*I want to own a retro-looking moped and scoot into town to pick up tasty goods at the Farmer’s Market.
*I want to travel to Australia and hug a koala.
Rivka says
When I grow up I want to own my own funky store full of all types of vintage knicknacks and things that make me happy.
LOVED Lainey’s story about the king and Princess with the cereal!
erikalong says
Your blog (as if that word can truly represent what you do here) is fantastic and I’ve been reading for over a year! Long time reader, first time poster! You are beautiful, detailed, lovely, maternal, stylin’, and witty.
On to your question: When I grow up, I want to be a mom. I grew up, myself, with THE BEST mom (and dad and brother) you can imagine – she was just there. All the time. She did it right – she balanced being my mom and friend, and as I grow up myself and think about starting my own family with my great husband, I look to her, absolutely, for what it means to be a mother. I currently work in the music biz (or, it works me, frankly) and when I tell people that this really isn’t my calling, they ask, naturally, “what is?”. Up until now, I’ve said “truly? a mom… I think.” But right now, here with you all as my witness, I will vow to always be confident in my response because it really is what I want to be someday. I have learned from you, Kelle, and from my own mom, that ladies can do it all. I can be that mom, and I don’t have to lose my creative side, my music side, my goofy side – I can wrap it all up into the gift that is motherhood, and embrace it. I can do it for me, my future family, and look forward to realizing that dream.
Janet says
When I grow up, I want to be a mommy who is dancing in the kitchen while cooking some breakfast for her family.
Caitlin says
I used to want to be an ambulance driver when I grow up, and a vividly remember why. I was nosey, and if I were the driver, I would always know what happened.
Now, I want to be a really good mom when I grow up and teach my kids to be good people. That is the kind of freeing feeling and dream I ride on now….
Carissalayla says
Can I just admit that I am not sure what I want to do or be when I grow up? I am 33, and everyday I am learning and growing and I guess I hope that I will conitnue to do just that, learn and grow!
xoxoxo Carissa
The Speaker says
When I grow up- I want to be a mother like you. Who loves fiercely, whole-heartedly and completely. Thank you for blogging- I so look forward to coming home after a hectic day, to see what is happening in your world.
kay4244 says
I LOVE the blank board book! I think we may be making one of thoes in our hosue soon š
Wendy says
I too loved the first week of semester and the brand new textbooks, empty notebooks, new pencils…
Fave photo – of your husband carrying child and jack in box, and big sis holding little sis’s foot, heart!
Kristin says
When I grow up I want to be happy. Still.
Jenny says
love it… potential. what a great thing to remind onesself about
savannahgirl says
Ahhh… When I grow up, I want to become a massage therapist, take my babies to the beach, and have a big, wonderful garden.
I love that we never *really* stop growing!
yourpicturemadeperfect says
When I grow up I want to have a full set of vintage tea cups and flamboyant sparkly hats š
Tabitha says
When I grow up, I want to cook like a Chef and bake like Martha! Beautiful blog, beautiful people, Kelle. You’re inspiring.
Alexis says
When I grow up, I want to have a home that my kids love coming home to for family get togethers, meals, and holidays.
Amanda Faul says
I still dream of becoming a published author… some day.
Krista says
When I grow up, I want to take more time to sit outside and truly enjoy the four seasons of my beautiful West Virginia
Emily Zavitz says
What do I want to be when I grow up? My project for the moment is learning how to cook, but I’ve also contemplated being a full-time gardener and a full-time student-for-life. Or maybe just a full-time adventure-seeker with my kiddos!
Jen says
Your girls are too sweet! You inspire me to make the most of everyday!
Snoozie says
When I grow up… I want to have my own photography studio and if that can’t happen, I want to be a labor and delivery nurse. If only I had listened to my mother when I was 15… I would be the best darn nurse evah!!!
Megan says
When I grow up I want to be an artist. And a photographer. And a real estate agent. And a stay-at-home mom. All at the same time.
Gina says
So many things I want to be and do when I grow up – I want to bake, sew, shop professionally (LOL!!) and just overall be happy. š
Karen says
When I grow up, I want to be a patient, sweet mommy that loves to go out and do fun things instead of feeling so overwhelmed.
When I grow up I want to play beautiful music.
Nicole K says
when I grow up, I’ll run a marathon…with the double stroller š
kalah says
when i grow up i want to find a calling that fuels my creativity and my logic.
Kyle says
When I grow up I want to look back and believe that I did the best I could raising my kids and being a wife… along with being a master gardener, professional triathlete, grandma, seamstress, chef, personal nutrition consultant, world traveler… just to name a few š
Roksalanna says
When I grow up I want to play the violin in orchestras around the world. It would be such a joy to create beautiful music in beautiful locations.
Anna Theurer says
Beautiful post and love the new sponsor. I still do not know what I want to be when I grow up. It changes daily š Today, I would love to live in the mountains with my husband and little Ellie and be a great homemaker who has tons of energy for crafts, baking, and outings.
Angela says
When I grow up I want to be the local morning news anchor. In elementary school I did the “morning announcements” on the schools TV channel and I thought that was the coolest ever!
thethinkingmom says
When I grow up I want to speak fluent French, learn to dance, visit Europe, play violin, draw, & buy a house with a yard š
boo says
When I grow up I want to be just like my grandma. 94 years-old, healthy, HAPPY, peaceful and can still go out for happy hour with her family. š
Amanda says
I’m a special educator looking to buy her first house. When I grow up, I simply want to be confident in my choices in my professional life as well and my personal life.
bakersdozen says
When I grow up, I want to take piano lessons, clean my sewing room (maybe), and learn how to use my Nikon in Manual…
Dawn says
Nella is so lovalicous and Lainey is such a cool little girl. You are all truly blessed and living a beautiful life.
Jen says
When I grow up I want to be a space cowboy astronaut monkey.
Lauren T. says
I don’t ever want to grow up. Period. LOL
C and M says
When I grow up I would like to continue doing things I love like – staying at home with my babies, taking pictures of them, and laughing with my husband.
Alli says
When I grow up I want to be a teacher! š
The Birth of KLC says
yup…I am sooo loving on those story board books… soooo getting some for my kids!!
irishmama says
When I grow up…………I want a to be a mama. I already am a mama…..so does that mean that I’m all grown up???
Nikki James says
What a weird assortment of random and totally AWESOME things! I’m going to check out the site now!
Rachel says
Love this post! When I grow up I want to be a pilates instructor, a more patient mother to my daughter and son, and the girl who throws really good dinner parties.
Leeper's says
Your girls are darling!!!
Diana says
Kellie, I love reading your blog. I love this post. It made me think about my life differently – that I should be seeing more potential in the little things in my life. I trip over things too, but I am usually annoyed with myself that I can’t keep my space clean. I am going to change my attitude. When I grow up I want to be a mom, or a park ranger, or a little gift shop owner in Jackson Hole, WY, or a genealogist. I have lots of dreams that seem to get buried in my everyday mundane life.
Bulldogma says
I don’t want to grow up… but before I die, I want to travel all over the world – walk on the Great Wall and swim in the Mediterranean. I want to ride horses (again) and keep taking pictures of everything! Is that more than 2 things? Ooops!
Meghann says
Italy. Plain and simple.
Liz says
When I grow up I want to be an optimist…a go with the flo, laid back mom (not the anal retentive nervous nelly I can be sometimes).
vcec75 says
When I grow up I want to … oh the potential. Love the blog and the saddle shoes. Did I miss the specifics on those shoes? Please share.
Christina says
What I grow up, I want to be like you. Because, seriously … you rock! Messy house and all! (Mine is messy too but it will be organized one day!)
Debbie says
When I grow up…well I agree we really never grow up…I like having dreams and being a kid at heart! I want to remain childlike and see life like my children do, innocent and ever exploring.
I want to have time to complete an Ironman. I want to take my children on fun adventurous vacations. I want to become a better photographer.
tablerbunch says
when i grow up i want to be a back up dancer in music videos š
Holly says
When I grow up…I want to love everybody I meet without judgement or question. For the sole reason that everybody deserves to be loved.
KK says
Pretty sure I am going to be a rockstar when I grow up. Or own a minor league baseball team and hire all of my friends to work at the ballpark…cute boys and never ending hot dogs. How can you go wrong?!
Jamie says
I would love to do lots of arts and crafts and DIY projects. I have so many ideas but not the time yet.
Deanna says
When I grow up I want to be able run a cleaner more organized household, but right now I’m living life with a one year old and another due in January all while working as a teacher! I too dream of organization and potential when looking at my clutter. But I know that I am spending my time on the important things, loving my daughter and husband.
blythedj says
When I grow up ….. I want to live happily ever after!
Jennifer B. says
Their cupcake liners are adorable! When I grow up, I want to keep doing what I do now – editing. Maybe more books. Maybe yours? š
cade says
i love reading about your sweet family! and i love having you as a pretend (blog) friend. your blog is the first thing i read when i sign into blogger. ok, who am i kidding? the first thing i read when i open up my computer. it always makes me smile!!
Liz says
When I grow up…… I want to be doing exactly what I am doing… Being the best Mommy and Wife I can be š
Lauren G. says
When I grow up I want to own a shop filled with crafts and furniture that I have created…. But for now it is just a hobby.
mama marchand says
When I grow up, I want to live in the mountains, in a modern cabin (a juxtaposition, I know), and learn how to ski. I want to make it my career to sit by the fire in a fabulous sweater sipping hot apple cider. š
Liz says
love this post! when i grow up i am going to be a better photographer, a more patient mama, and a MUCH better house keeper. i will also be a runner and a writer. i will be sickeningly crafty and will always have a fully stocked diaper bag that i never leave the house without. š
Jill says
I love Lainey’s book! Good storyline. I want to be a part-time working mom that vacations a lot when I grow up.
CPass says
When I grow up I want to “get it”. Considering my 84-year-old neighbor tells me she is still striving to get it together I plan on having a long time to get there!
BTW – I was at a baby shower in Michigan this weekend talking to a girl who does in-house OT with kids in Colorado and I mentioned your blog (bc of Nella’s therapist) … and she said she reads you daily too! What a small, small world.
Heather says
When I grow up I want to be paid to travel the world as a photographer.
Brandi says
When I grow up…I say that a lot because I always want to keep growing & evolving. I want to start taking my kids outside, go camping, hiking, etc. I always dreamed I would be this relaxed & easy going mom (sometimes I feel horribly off-course). There is still time and lots of possibilities. Thanks for sharing another great site ~ love their stuff.
Melody says
I’ve been looking for a good gift shop for that friend who has everything. This is perfect! Love the book idea- when I grow up, I will write and illustrate my own books!
Alisa says
this post was just what I needed today.
I have been pondering the “when I grow up” thing alot lately.
When I grow up I want to be able to play a musical instrument, not be ashamed to sing out of tune along to songs that make my heart sing, be a more patient mother, a more giving friend, to have my own chickens and a vege garden complete with picket fence, glass houses full of tomatos grapes and other goodies and when I grow up I want to have found the “one”.
But really most of all I just want to take all the good from each day and be able to focus less on the struggles and bad bits.
theelizabethhighsmith says
when i grow up i want to have little girls and dress them as darling as yours
homeiswhatyoumakeit says
Oh, how I love this post.
My husband has always given me a hard time about being a dreamer, but without dreams there is no potential…right?
I have a big “when I grow up” to do list…I call myself a “perpetual student of life”.
Potential is amazing stuff.
Crystal says
When I grow up I want to learn to see the glass as half full … always working on that!
Katie says
To be completely honest, I never want to truly grow up. I want to embrace life like a kid every single day. That said, I would like to create the visual displays for Anthropologie, be a wife, be a mommy, own and decorate my own home, and continue making art.
Lia says
Love love love the shop. When I grow up I want to be photographer.
Keri says
When I grow up, I want to earn a Ph.D. (among many other desires)!
heather says
When I grow up, I want to be a therapist and an artist and a quilter and a dancer. I’ve gotten a head start on the art and quilting, but the other two need some work.
Jamie says
Oh my! Darlybird, where have you been all my life?!?! When I grow up, I want to be a kid again – all that wonder, all that fun, and all that potential will be mine for the taking. I’ll be so much better at being a kid the 2nd time around.
Dee says
I want to be a librarian and professor of dance when I grow up. š
Wenona says
When I grow up…I want to learn to play bagpipes š
Beautiful post, beautiful photos. And today I feel like I’m going crazy and I NEED to spend time organizing and purging. I feel like I am drowning!
joeltrista says
Love, love, love the blank book idea!
maryā„cate says
When I grow up I want to buy a cute cottage-like house, fill with lots of hodge podge stuff that I love š When I grow up I’ll be more organised (promises to my husband!) I want to visit Neverland with Peter Pan and fly over London. I think I’ll go watch Peter Pan now š Oooo… Darlybird looks SO flippin’ cute too! xx
Adriel (The Mommyhood Memos) says
When I grow up I want to strap my babies to my back and take as many outreaches into Asia as possible. And when I grow up a little more I want to have a big old back yard with a tree big enough for a tree fort and a tire swing… and grandkids spilling out all over it. I want to write books while sipping chai tea.. and still take backpacking trips in Asia with my husband. When I grow up I want to trust more, love deeper, give bigger, and laugh louder.
Kylie M-W says
When I grow up… I will have more patience. I will jump to less hasty conclusions. I will remember to breathe. I will take everything a bit less seriously. I will be grateful. Thankful. Appreciative. For all of those little moments.
ST says
Love your blog! When I grow up I want to be extremely patient with my husband and heavenly kiddies!!!
jenilu2 says
The board book is awesome I am getting a few of those for sure!!! My daughter will love those! Can’t wait to see what else they have. Oh and when I grow up I want to be a photographer! Something I have dreamed about since I was in highschool. I am determined to pursue that dream! Thanks for reminding me of that dream:)
Michelle Ott says
When I grow up, I want to learn to live in the moment more. I don’t want to be thinking about the dishes when my girl wants to play doll house!
Hannah's Song says
When I grow up I want to join a Rock-a-Billy band and sing in pretty floral dresses and red cowboys boots.
angela says
When I grow up, I want to be a writer in a little room.
And patient.
And organized.
And always, always blonde.
jadedlovely says
When I grow up, I would love to adventure to new places, or even find new ways to enjoy old places.
Just Glory says
That picture of Nella playing the piano melted my heart, and then it melted all over again at that awesome colorful picture of just you and Lainey.
When I grow up, I will:
*Print all my digital photos and organize them into beautiful books.
*Take a road trip vacation ALL ALONE.
*Get a passport so that I can travel abroad.
*Put away laundry on the same day it’s washed.
*Learn to cook meals I’d be proud to serve at a dinner party.
*Take my girls on a vacation- anywhere they choose.
Lisa says
I’m 30, and when I grow up I want to remain young at heart. š Girls’ weekends, water parks, playing “jump or dive” at the swimming pool, dancing, etc.
So, basically, I don’t want to ever grow up! š
KerriC says
When I grow up I want to start my day calmly and without any thought of what has to be done that day, I want to appreciate the calm without anticipating the storm, I want to fall asleep with images of beaches and hot air balloons, rather than dirty dishes and empty bank accounts. When I grow up, I want to return to childhood.
JENNYDARE says
over the years, my idea of what i wanted to do when i grew up has changed… i went from wanting to be an astronaut, to a zookeeper, to even a NUN! but now, i am grown up, and i am something i never thought i would become: a wife and a mother…. the best part of growing up.
The Zoo says
When I grow up, I want to be happy. I’d rather be happy now but I’ll take later rather than never. Love your blog.
christine says
The photos in the this post are amazing. I love the candids of your family.
And yay for Darlybird!
Jayme says
When I grow up, I want to remember to dance in the rain, always practice hospitality and to learn how to bake a tasty pie!
Averyl Minori says
When I grow up I want to be a professional photographer….full time & for myself!!
Also, Nella’s hair is getting so long!! Cute!!
The Dugan's says
When I grow up I want to be that stay at home mom with the spotless house, kids who clean up after themselves, and never have a pile of laundry left overnight….but for now, I’ll deal with the less than spotless house and the heap of clothes to be folded.
Terynn says
I want to be a private consultant to adoptive families, a lactation consultant and a children’s photographer. I want to start an orphanage. I want to help with cold cases. And help stop human trafficking. And that all should keep me busy for the next 25 years of my life expectancy (age 75 for females, right?). š
Ashley Cochran says
I’m going to be a quilter when I grow up. I want to have so many quilts I won’t know what to do with them!
kallisue says
When I grow up I want to be a better version of me than I am right now. Love your blog!!
Carolyn says
When I grow up I want to be a better Jesus follower. I want to travel the world at my own pace. I want to love others better. I want to live fully alive.
Paige says
When I grow up I want to be fluent in a second language. Maybe American Sign Language?!?!
Bret&Amberly says
All I ever wanted to be when I grew up, was a mommy! So, when I grow up,that dream is coming true soon. Our adoption homestudy was just completed, and so someday soon, I will get to be the fun mommy who takes fun adventures, and stops to pick the flowers on the walk to the park, just because it’s fun. Can’t wait to grow up.
Shannon says
omg, I can’t express how much in love I am of the picture of Nella playing the piano. Little feet, the finger with a mission, that baby soft hair hiding that face that I just know is full of determination. And then I see ice cream face giving mama some love and that one takes my breath away too. You are so great at capturing life, Kelle
Drvance19 says
When I grow up, I want all my family and any friends that want to come over for a huge Christmas meal. Meals because we will all get snowed in and we will wake up to scones baking, coffee & hot chocolate with whipped cream. I want to take my 2 littles on a fantastic, once in a lifetime, trip and have them each bring a friend that may never get the opportunity because funds might not be available. I don’t care if the laundry gets folded and put away, but I would like to have to keep from rewashing the same load 2, even 3 times before it ever makes it to the dryer.
Jen says
I find myself thinking the same ‘when I grow up…’ as I have yet to comprehend my age (just two years shy of you, to the day)- I was in line at Target the other day and a mother told her son ‘to say hello to the lady’ (me)- I actually looked over my shoulder expecting to see a middle aged lady waving at him… anyway, enjoyable post, as usual š
When I grow up… I’d like to be a supportive and nurturing mother to my daughter (and hopefully another one in the future), have a wonderful and joyous marriage and build our dream home in the woods I grew up in
Thanks again for sharing your stories on your blog
JBirdsMom says
When I grow up I want to live life like its meant to be lived, who cares if my pants are wrinkly and the dishes are dirty?
Ashton says
When I grow up,
I wanna be a mama of many. Adopting as many african babies as my arms will hold while making pink and blue cupcakes and decorating my house in new creative ways and photographing every little detail.
i’m a bit out there š
Linda MG in Soquel, CA says
As always, I love it all. The blank book, board books and all the cute stuff. And the talk about potential and when you grow up. Hmm…I’m 56 and still working on that one! Love from the Blog Mama ~
Jamie says
I want to be a better mom when I grow up, the one I see in my mind that’s fun and sparkly and cool, not the one who gets frustrated when meals get thrown on the floor. I want to be the wife I should be. I want to take beautiful pictures that hang on walls in my clean house. I want to have no regrets when I grow up.
Rhonda says
Oh when I grow up… I always said I wanted to be a zookeeper. I DID THAT!! I was a zookeeper for 17 years! Now that I’m retired from that and a part time working mom… I want to learn how to use my camera and take amazing pictures. And when I grow up, I want to be thinner. I don’t want to be the fat girl anymore.
I'm Cassie... says
When I grow up I want to be a full time stay at home mom. I want to be a better photographer. I want to be better at using my time intentionally.
Loved this post and as always, love your photos!
Unknown says
What I want to be when I grow up changes constantly! Right now, I want to be a stay at home mom because my second maternity leave is coming to an end. But other times I want to be a high profile magazine editor (think Devil Wears Prada); other times a ski instructor in Vail (minus the fact that I have never skied). I’ll keep you posted on what I want to be nexy month š
Cait says
You are single-handedly racking up my iTunes bill because I keep buying all the songs on your playlists!
When I grow up, I want to be an author, a photographer, a house painter, and a ranch owner.
christine says
I want to do everything that needs done … perfectly! Until that day (ha!), I add love to all that I do, and I do what I can.
Just love your blog! Thanks for doing what you do so well!
Heather says
When I grow up I want to have less expectations! I want to be less serious and more in-the-moment. Love the sister pictures of Nella and Lainey. Too cute!
Emily says
When I grow up I want to work at Sea World and swim with the whales, I want to play the violin on the big stage, I want to be an artist who sits outdoors and paints on a big easel, and I want cook, a lot.
Kelsie says
When I grow up I would like to jump a train and go wherever it wants to take me and scream, “Towanda” as I leap off!
J says
When I grow up…I want my own little family.
Summer says
When I grow up I want to travel to far off places with my husband and children, take a honeymoon with my husband, and plant a lucious garden.
AMags says
When I grow up, I want to learn French, teach my daughter how to make a mean pie crust and not get scared when I go cliff-jumping with my husband. Loving the photo of Nella in that lil’ Tea dress.
Liz says
oh me, pick me!
Love, LOVE the blog. I have two blonde girls too. Same ages. Our journeys are similar and I share your joy.
Lizzie Anderson
chambanachik says
Ah. When I grow up, I want to be a writer.
cathy says
I want to be a mama to my 3 sons, STILL, when I grow up
xoxo
cathy
30loves says
I loved all the dalybird stuff, as I was reading I kept saying, wow I love that. I am like you in that I love potential so when I grow up I want to be a great friend, a wonderful mom, and be called someone who gave her all to whatever adventure she was on.
Riley and Tyler says
When I grow up, I still want to be completely in love.
Tara Jeles says
ha!! And then Matthew McConaughey is the check-out boy. And maybe he forgot to wear a shirt.
that made me laugh, thank you…my husband yelled for me to come into the living room the other night, when i got there, commercial with mr mcconaughey in it, not wearing a shirt…my husband, laughing said’ hey i thought you’d like this one’…what a nut.
so when i grow up i would like to be a kid…always laughing and having fun
Mackinzie says
When I grow up I want to be able to say I’ve been to all 50 states including Hawaii! My grandmother had been to 49…never Hawaii, before she died. I’ve been to Hawaii…but I still have about 15 more states to visit. Here’s to happy travels!
WesandCaren says
Thanks for the inspiration. Sometimes I can get lost in self pity when the new recipe I try tastes like tar, or my craft idea looks like a two year old did it, but I still have potential. Maybe the next meal would win a top chef competition or my next craft will be hung next to the Mona Lisa. Thanks
Mission of mamahood says
When I grow up I want to travel the world and take piano lessons. And much, much more…
Carrie says
When I grow up, I want to move to Africa and alongside its women, make strides to recognize our worth and potential–and use that self-awareness and confidence to change the world.
P.S. Good old REL112: Old Testament Studies is STILL unsensational (and it is STILL taught by Bob Bailey, who I’m pretty sure is old enough to teach from his eye-witness experiences, seeing as must he was a wee little lad during the BC years). Happy Monday!
jackie says
I am going to be an artist when I grown up –
Jackie
KWQR says
Potential is one of my very favorite things. It is what keeps me going on the tougher days… what keeps the monster named fear at bay… what makes starting a new day so exciting.
When I grow up I want to be able to find things in my house… to have a place for everything & everything in its place. I want to figure out how to make time for myself a priority… one that is as important as taking care of my family or breathing. And I want to learn how to bake an amazing loaf of bread… one with a crunchy crust & light airy inside.
T, B, Z, J, M & I says
Can’t wait to see what fun things they have. What do I want to be when I grow up? A grandma. Well, that gets me through some days with our 4 kids. But actually, I went back to school a year ago and am working towards my social work degree, hoping to work with youth who are either homeless, at risk for being homeless, have chemical dependency or truancy issues. Okay, so I have no idea what I want to be, but eventually I hope to get there.
Hollie says
When I grow up…I want to be best friends with my daughter. She is only seven months old and she is my favorite person in the world. Life thru her eyes is magical.
mrsmuth says
When I grow up I want to have a huge garden!
Julie says
when I grow up I want to be the woman in Proverbs 31.
Kate Giovinco Photography says
When I grow up I want to be organized, I want to decorate my home on a budget and be extremely creative, I want to print pictures and display in my house. When I grow up there is just so much I want to be. The potential is endless.
Meghan says
When I grow up, I want to cook big meals for friends and have a long table in my backyard with lots of wine where we talk late into the night.
The Mommy Therapy says
When I grow up, I want to be lighter…I get far too caught up in worry over the ridiculous. I’d love to not feel that weight, so I’m working to never let it sit on me long.
The Mommy Therapy says
When I grow up, I want to be lighter…I get far too caught up in worry over the ridiculous. I’d love to not feel that weight, so I’m working to never let it sit on me long.
AllisonKathleen says
I want to be a more patient mother, a more loving wife, a more loyal friend, and a more inspiring person when I grown up.
Darlybird is full of beautiful things! I would love to give some of them a home!
Nicole says
When I grow up I want to be the mom who still says “when I grow up.”
Amy Ashby says
A good friend of mine is always saying, “When I get big, I’m going to. . . ” And usually she fills in the blank with “only work part-time!” š So with her in mind, and you too Kelle, when I get big I am going to have all the patience in the world and not care when things aren’t put back in their proper “spot”, I am going to scrapbook like I’ve always intended to, and maybe, just maybe, learn to really sew!
Stephanie says
your blog is beautiful as always! i’m amazed by nella’s flexibility at the keyboard! š
when i grow up i want to buy old farm houses (in the midwest), remodel them and “flip” them. in reality, though, i’ll buy them, remodel them and fall in love with them all and never want to part with them! š
Emily says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sara says
When I grow up I want to be the mother who hikes the mountains with her children strapped to her back. I want to take my family on adventures.
carrie says
Wonderful post. I am 36 and I still do not know what I want to be when I grow up lol. I love your earrings where did you get them
M. J. C. Carney says
when i grow up i want to do several things. but i really would mostly like to make people happy. and God. I have to make him happy too. besides, if God’s happy, eVErybody’s happy! haha š
Emily says
When I grow up I will finally make it to South America. I will work as a midwife at long last using my spanish skills I spent 5 years of college studying. I will also run a marathon, hike part of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, kiss the Blarney stone, and skinny dip in the mediterranean off the coast of a Greek island.
Sometimes, I lose productivity because I love to dream. Gotta have something to work towards!!
Liz says
When I grow up I want to be a traveler. maybe I will see u guys in Italy. š When I grow up I want to own a bakery.
Julie Morrow says
I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up – and I love that!!
Erin says
When I grow up I want to live on the beach, and never wear shoes.
LilianEveDesigns says
Can you be my mom? I want to dream bigger! XO
Ashley says
Love the pics of the girls! Your post struck home with me tonight as I sat reading it surrounded by a ton of mini tote bags that I am glueing felt dinosaurs I cut out to for my son’s 2nd birthday party, which is in November! š I love the little details and special touches in everyday life.
Lindsey says
When I grow up I want to be more domesticated. I want to have my home covered in memories and decorated exactly how I imagine. I want a beautiful garden, and a trip every yeat with my family…when I grow up!
Nichole Crawford says
Love your post and Blog!
When I grow up I want to be a professional ballet dancer that goes to the moon! Yep! Thanks for reminding me that dreams can still come true.
Hannah says
When I grow up I want to have MORE time to enjoy the small things!
Mikaila says
I love every one of the Darlybird pieces you linked! Adorable! I’m almost afraid to go to the site. š
keeponspinning says
When I grow up story: actually, Emily’s (my 16 year old).. when Emily was not yet three, just tiny, sitting on a big kid chair at the table hoding a paintbrush longer than her arm, I asked her, “Emily, are you going to be an artist when you grow up?” And for the very first time, she gave me THE LOOK that any parent of an adolescent girl will recognize. And then she told me: “Mama, I already AM an artist” As for me, I am not planning on ever having to be a grown up. Homeschooling is good for that, you get to keep learning and coloring and reading and playing outside…
Erin says
When I grow up I want to be a child/family photographer. Right now I’m practicing with my own littles (while toiling as a bored lawyer during my days). Just picked up Mamarazzi and absolutely LOVE your blog!
Jen says
When I grow up, I want to paint my entire house in bright jewel-tone colors. I want to renew my expired (and never used) passport and go on a cruise to some exotic locale that I’d never otherwise visit. I want to take pictures that turn out to be wonderful of my children as they grow, and when they are gone on their own growing up journey I can look back at the pictures and marvel that it just happened yesterday. I want to dance in the rain fully clothed and laugh and spin while my kids join in with me. (Can you tell that I have grandiose ‘when I grow up’ plans? I’m stopping now, I promise.)
Jessie says
Kelle, I so needed to read this tonight! Just one of those days where it feels the weight of the world is crashing down on my shoulders, and you picked me up with your inspiration. When I grow up, I want to be the parent my children want by their side – at their college graduation, their weddings, and the birth of their children. š
Krista Hansen says
When I grow up I want to be a wonderful Grandma. The kind that will read books, play games, go swimming, buy presents, create great meals and so many other things. I love being a mom, but another great joy I am really looking forward to is being a Grandma. But not for at least 20 years!!
layne says
When I grow up… I want to have a job that makes a difference. I want to raise four beautiful babies and love the hell outta them every step of the way. I want to still live in the South, even though it’s always hot and I hate being hot. I want to be the best version of myself that I can possibly be. I know she’s out there. And I’ll find her… when I grow up.
LibraryGirl62 says
I want to be a… writer, photographer, jewelry maker,a baker, a rock and roll singer and a Grandma…
mary says
it sounds pathetic, but the first thing that came to mind when i asked myself, “what do i want to be when i grown up?” was…happy.
it’s been a rough day. glad you enjoy the thrill of potential. i think i’ve got a little too much potential on my plate right now.
Heidi says
When I grow up I want to play piano on a stage with a band…like an adult! I am 29yrs old and in grade 1 piano. I will also get my daughter started earlier than I did!
atyson says
Oh, what do I want to be when I grow up…a loaded question!
a guitar player,
a seamstress,
a kayaker (is that a word?),
an awesome mother,
the best nurse patients ever have,
a traveler,
a gardner,
a pianist,
the list goes on!
And when I list these, it makes me see just how easy a few of them could come true!!
Sara says
When I grow up…wait…I am grown up and I am EVERYTHING I have always wanted to be…a MOMMY and a TEACHER (to my kids whom I homeschool) š
Unknown says
What I want to be when I grow up changes constantly! I think each month it is something new. Currently I want to be a stay at home mom, I say this as my second maternity leave is coming to an end and I don’t want to leave my boys. Sometimes I want to be a high profile NY magazine editor (think Devil Wears Prada); other times I dream of being an earthy crunchy ski instructor in Aspen (despite never setting foot on a ski slope). I’ll let you know what I want to be next month…;)
Lynn says
When I grow up I want to take my first plane ride, or a boat ride, or a train ride, and visit those places I dream of. The places I read about…..from my ancestor’s journals. I would love to go to where they were born and raised and lived.
Cynthia says
When I grow up I want to be a Taxi Hairdresser – at least I did when I was 6. ; }
I grew up and was a computer person…that is what I wanted to do when I grew up (College Version), but then I decided that when I grow up I want to be at home with my kiddos. And now, I am done growing up. I want to stay in this moment. I DON’T WANT TO GROW UP :: banging my fists and kicking my feet :: I want my kids and me to stay right where we are!!! No more growing.
Diana says
Your photos are beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
When I grow up I want to live by the beach!
Zahra says
When I grow up Id like to be a sweeter daughter, a more appreciative wife, a more nurturing mother, a world traveler, a book worm, a good cook, and a size 6! I’d also like to run a marathon, become a professor, write eloquently, learn how to use my camera properly and finally invent a machine that not only washes and dries your clothes but folds them as well!
k says
When I grow up, I want to have babies. Lots of them. So I can stay home and be the best momma there is. But more than that, I want to be a person my first baby, whom I placed for adoption, is proud of… someone worthy of the beautiful joys I’ve been so blessed to experience.
Gwennie says
When I grow up, I want to write fabulous novels under a pen name, so it’s kind of a secret that only I know and people will wonder why I am smiling. I want to cook beautiful food – I cook good food now, but I want people to say “Wow, that’s beautiful!” And I want to learn how to tango and do all sorts of ballroom dances. Thanks for turning my procrastination toward housework into POTENTIAL. I think I have a lot of it . . . š
Zahra says
This comment has been removed by the author.
B's Mommy says
I whispered to my 88 year old great -grandma, “When do you feel grown up?” I am 38 years old and still feel like I am a kid playing house. And any excuse to play barbies with my little 5 year old.
And my Great Grandma said “You will always feel like a kid” “I still do.” “Just my old wrinkled skin reminds me I am not…”
lauren says
When I grow up, i want to make my living doing my artwork. When I grow up, I want to be the best mom my daughter could ever need or want.
B's Mommy says
My 5 year olds story book:
Mommy & Daddy fall in love…
They kiss…
“Sparkle! Sparkle! You fall in Love!!”
The End.
Angelica says
OH, I WANT A DARLYBIRD CERTIFICATE SO BAD I CAN TASTE IT! My six year old loves making books.
Hmmm…when I grow up I want to figure out how to have a better relationship with my older sister. We haven’t talked in a while and I miss her š I hope I grow up very soon…
Marisa says
When I grow up I want to be a momma š
Live*Laugh*Love says
Hey, I am a new follower & would love for you to follow me back thanks again.
Tara
*~*Simply.Kim*~* says
When I grow up I want to be more organized, more spontaneous, and less stressed.
Deb and Mike says
What do I want to do when I grow up? Get a master’s degree (And I am almost 60 years old already!) Love the cupcake fixings…
Lori says
When I grow up I want to be the type of person who isn’t afraid to take chances. I also want to be more spontanteous. When I grow up I would like to instill these things in my children-that it’s okay to take risks, and try new things, and to show them they can (and should) have fun doing so.
Katie says
When I grow up, I will learn to read music, conquer my fear of scuba diving and be a Mom surrounded by handsome boys. One out of three ain’t bad.
Jennifer says
When I grow up…. What? I am not gonna grow up! Forever young! :o) I will be 100 and still not gonna grow up!
I want to be more organized, but daily something else gets added to the pile and I lose hope! Thankful God doesn’t judge me on my organization! :o)
earlynovemberlove says
I won’t grow up (I won’t grow up). Never, never, never, never (never, never, never, never).
Taylor Ann says
when i grow up, i want to make people smile. whether that be helping them feel better (i’m about to start nursing school) or telling a funny joke or encountering people while i’m doing things i love and spreading that joy…i just want to see people smile. š
p.s. have you listened to Foster the People? I think you’d love them.
katie says
It’s not very exciting or sexy, but when I grow up, I want to be an old wise grandma. One who is free to love up her kids and grandkids (which means I will have met my other life goal of not somehow alienating my kids and making them dislike me – the great unspoken parenting fear we all share). So, I’m hoping I’ll get to just be old and peaceful someday…instead of the bumbling bozo I currently am, lol. We’re all beginners though, right?
Quincy says
“I love that this form of happiness is free, available to anyone and customizable to all talents, all incomes, all ways of life. Everyone has potential.”
….one of the most beautiful things, what I feel everyday, thank you for putting it into words.
Shauna says
Ha! My house has a lot of potential, all the time, but truthfully I’d much rather be squeezing soft cheeks then mopping the kitchen floor. There is even a new to me craiglist dresser waiting for a paint job in the midding of my living room!
Jason and Crystal says
i love the photo of nella on the piano, it reminds me of schroeder from charlie brown. SO CUTE!
Carrie says
Awww…can’t hear the music anymore! You changed your format and for us Canadians, it’s locked! Thank you for always bringing such light each day.
Anneliese says
when i grow up i will entertain for large groups, out of my home. no sweat.
ps. the picture of you & lainey…you are twins! i’m realizing how much she looks like you!
Stephanie says
When I grow up I want to learn how to fly a plane, learn how to play piano and guitar, fulfill all of my creative thoughts, learn to sew, be a great cook, enjoy food more, enjoy food less (haha!)… So many things I would do!
Melissa says
I never want to grow up either! I turned 37 this weekend and I still feel like I’m a kid sometimes! Although with many…many more responsibilities….including 2 little people who think there mommy is a crazy kid just like them sometimes…but that’s what makes it fun!
Andrew's Mom says
When I grow up I want to change the world one special needs family at a time š It is my heart and passion to facilitate health and wellness to families affected by a disability. Every one deserves and equal opportunity!
Jennifer S says
I want to be a good cook and be able to use herbs and cook from scratch and actually *need* to use an apron!
You have such a beautiful family š
mrszimm says
When I grow up I want to leave my job as a teacher to be a photographer and stay at home mommy to my babies (now 15 mths and 3 yrs old).
Melissa says
When I grow up…I wanna see more of this beautiful earth…try surfing…eat pasta in Italy…floss more regularly…learn how to make a really, really good cuppa jo…start and finish a crossword puzzle on my own…and be a confident woman.
Bugg's mama says
I might want to be YOU when I grow up!
Or maybe a spokesperson for Bonne Bell.
Thanks, Kelle & Darlybird!
Love, Bree
Kortney Lane says
I want to grow up creating beautiful memories with the world, filling empty love tanks …and somehow keeping off life’s conveyor belt so that it can all be enjoyed!
matt and michelle ray says
when i grow up i WILL run a marathon and make a rockin’ hot grandma, complete with fake tan, nails, and lots of make-up and jewelry! š
Cory says
When I grow up I want to be an old woman who has thoroughly enjoyed her life…
Patti says
When I grow up I would like to get all my photos organized in one happy place instead of spread out on multiple hosting sites, computers, and hard drives. and also clean my base boards. and take a photography class. and catch up on emails. and save some orphans. to name a few:)
Laura says
Such fun! All over the place. Potential has been giving me goosebumps lately too. And you’re right — it’s for anybody. When I grow up I’m going to be a business owner, a much better photographer, a published author, mother to two amazing boys and fabulously adventurous wife. š
Roz H says
Sometimes it’s creepy how much I agree with what you write…I’m so guilty of loving the planning stages of nearly all my projects more than implementation. My 1st grade daughter’s teacher once told me, “I can just look at her when she’s learned something new and see her wheels turning”… my wheels never stop as well and I don’t mind passing that trait on at all.
Katharine says
When I grow up I want to travel all over the planet…starting with the U.S….with my husband and our girls.
Also, I like your view on clutter…I’m going to start looking at it that way…Here I go!
Kara Miller says
I want to be a woman who has a kitchen that everyone wants to hang out in. I want there to be bountiful food and no worry about how much groceries cost…just yummy deliciousness everywhere!
mel@livvyloowho says
I love Lainey’s story. My girls and I make story books all the time. It will be so fun to read these when they are older!
Debbie D. says
When I grow up…. I want to be an educator and an educatee (if that’s a word). I want to always learn! And share what I learn with those around me.
jolie says
When I grow up I want to be organized(not just in my mind) and I want to not be a procrastinator! š
jolie says
When I grow up I want to be organized(not just in my mind) and I want to not be a procrastinator! š
Jenny says
Loved Laiiney’s story! When i grow up…i want to take my girls horseback riding, leqrn to sew and travel the mediterranean…
stacy says
When I grow up I want to be a baker. I want to have the time and resources to bake all day and give it all away!
Stacy
victoria says
well seeing as I just turned 40 i guess i might nee dot decide waht to do when i grow up pretty soon hey!!!
I want to be a grandmother when i grow up and be covered in grandkids – fill them with treats and love!!!
Aimee says
I was just telling my mom on the phone this morning that Lizzie (my 22 month old) was on her 3rd hair-do of the day and it was only 10:30 in the morning. First we went with pigtails…those lasted about 30 minutes, then we moved to the whale spout…that lasted almost an hour, and finally pulled back with a couple clips…that lasted all of 5 minutes. The remainder of the day she looked like a ragamuffin. Oh well, I try. I only wonder how many teeny tiny rubber bands and clips the girl has actually managed to eat before I’ve been able to fish them out of her mouth! Anyway, it’s nice to know that I’m not the only one…
Oh and I love the “hopscotching” around this and that part…sounds so much like my house.
So, when I grow up I will have a clean car, I will learn to play the piano, I will take history courses and art courses at the junior college, I will take my husband to Costa Rica (where I studied abroad), and I will actually have a hair style (I am a pony-tail girl big time!) =)
Jolene - EverydayFoodie says
This post really resonated with me, because I too thrive on potential. I thought I was the only one that loved getting that syllabus on the first day of class š
Rachel says
I think it’s neat how people can be so different… your creativity thrives in the clutter, whereas my brain turns to mush and everything feels chaotic for me until the clutter is gone. I thrive on organization, and I must admit, I’m darn good at it. And in reality, there really isn’t much to my creative side. Maybe we can share: I’ll keep our homes clean/organized, and you can decorate them both (and take photos of my babies!), hehe! š
Also, I’m wondering… did you go to a Baptist college? I took Old Testament (and New, and a bunch of other Bible classes). Wondering if by some small-world chance we went to the same place. š
Happy “To-Do” Listing!! (Btw, I thrive on lists… they are great!)
Michelle says
When I grow up I want to be a singer. Sometimes in the shower (or the garage acoustics are great) I pretend all my neighbors can hear me and one might have this cool uncle that is a producer for say…Celine Dion and they pass by my house and hear my amazing vocals and call him up.Soon after I get a knock on my door and a recording contract on the spot…when I grow up. For now singing babies to sleep suits me just fine.
Kelle…I love how you remind me to dream. Since finding your blog a year ago my perspective on life,time spent,motherhood, has changed so dramatically. I’ve always been a “when i grow upper”, “dreamer” but lately I realize the world is my oyster.
Judy says
i just want to have a ton of babies ‘when i grow up’ haha .. then wonder when i grew up, surrounded by a sea of smiling faces
Elise says
I would love a gift certificate there, so cute!
KateK says
When I grow up I want to look back and know that those mistakes I thought I made were just lessons to shape me into the person I become. When I grow up I want to be the mother my kids won’t be afraid to call their best friend. I want to be the best wife I can be, and have the family I’ve always dreamed of. When i grow up, I don’t want “the perfect life,” I want my “perfect life.”
–your blog is truly an inspiration, and I wish I would have found it sooner!
Kelsey says
When I grow up I want to write the next To Kill A Mockingbird.
Sandryte says
Such a nice post, I needed these words badly today!
When I grow up, I want to live in a house that we built ourselves. Beautiful house! (I already have a project of it and colors in my mind!) Oh, and a few more children, along with one or few adoptive, are in this house, too. Dreams are my reality š
tinbilli says
Oh I will definitely visit one of Nellas concerts in 20 years:)
When I grow up I want to be the best nurse kids and parents can ask for!!
Stephanie says
When I grow up, I want to be a photographer so I can remind my children of their magical childhood.
Claire says
Love this blog of yours, Kelle. Full of inspiration. And cupcakes. The perfect blend.
Cxx
Blessedby3 says
“I am addicted to the euphoria associated with potential.” Wow! I have been looking for the right words to describe that giddy, can’t-hardly-wait feeling that I love so much! I’m SO addicted to the euphoria of potential! Hey, not such a bad fix to crave! When I grow up I want to: be proud of the woman that I am constantly becoming, accept that life will never be neat & tidy in any sense of the word, acknowledge & accept my weaknesses of character, but not let them paralize me from moving forward.
Heather says
I never miss a post on your blog =) When I grow up, I want to have my own photography studio!
thetaooftulips says
When I grow up- I want to be an art museum curator in France or Italy (france for the art, Italy for the food). Or a children’s librarian, or a photographer…so many choices! Love the botanical pictures from the previous post! OOh! And gorilla masks- totally not funny at any age- I once scared my mom when I was a tween with one- to this day I feel bad!
sheri says
When I grow up, I want to transpose two of your goals – to be a more patient mother and a more passionate wife. And of course to have a body like Mila Jovavich. But who doesn’t want that?
Kimberly says
When I grow up I want to be more care free. I don’t want to be stressed out if my house is not spotless or about other things that are not important. I want to enjoy life more because it is a gift!
Kim
Katie says
I turned 31 last Friday and the idea of what I want to be ‘when I grow up’ still makes my heart sing and the imagination start wandering. Great post that has got my mind thinking at least 20 different things this morning. I think I’ll go make some cupcakes to start….
Monica says
When I grow up I want to be a dancer AND a chef, not necessarily in that order. Hopefully I’ll grow a few more inches so I can have the long, lean ballerina legs? Or maybe I should scratch ‘Chef’ because that has potential to make those legs chubby? ha! It’s on the list!
Jessa says
Lovin the new sponsor – thanks for sharing!
Jordan says
When I grow up I want to write books like Lainey… š
Theisen Trio says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laurel says
Someday when I grow up, I’m going to be an interior decorator . . . thinking of beautifying other people’s spaces is so exciting!
Theisen Trio says
I love this! Makes me feel and find the potential in my own little world and spaces. I want to be a little more like you when I grow up. Better at photography, better at making everything so special for my kids, better at looking so put together and more open to change.
Maria Nolan says
When I grow up I want to visit every state in our beautiful country and move south with my happy little family.
Mrs. M says
When I grow up I want to be a labor and delivery nurse. This means I have to go and add onto my nursing education and go back to school for another 3 years. Thats alot when you have 3 kids.
kim says
i want to be happy when i grow up.
that’s all. š
and i love lainey’s story.
melissa says
Oh my goodness…I am always so in love with your blog posts!! I can’t tell if I am still coming off my high (culminating from the last few days) and your excellent post was just great timing, or just plain excellent writing and photography? — I vote both! LOVE the pics of Nella plucking away at the piano, you and her kissing, and her and Lainey holding hands by the water fountain…the reality of the moments were definitely captured. You definitely had a great day cleaning/organizing/purging because your creativity, enthusiasm, and effervescence were extremely present in this blogpost. I sound like I’m giving a review, and I guess I sorta am, but to tell you the truth…you’re just the BEST DAMN BLOGGER OUT THERE in my humble opinion. (I hated to use the word damn; okay, I didn’t mind, I knew you would like it.) You have the ability of twisting the negative or the un-thought-of (is that a word? i guess it should be un-heard-of) into the most positive reality! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE you!!
When I grow up, I want to be like you. You are a person who illuminates, enlightens, and guides so many of us.
side note: when writing this, I found a quote you might like: “Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppression of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day” (Thomas Jefferson).
Early BIrd says
When I grow up I want to be a photographer!!!!!
mi3ragamuffins at aol dot com
giragirassol says
I should agree!!!!!!
“potential drives me like no other force can”.
Neala n Dave says
When I grow up I want to be able to have people over to my house without worrying about how clean and orderly it is. I just want to enjoy the company.
embracingbeauty says
When I grow up I want to be a better photographer, but more than that when I grow up I want to be a mama to several littles. I have always wanted to be a mama for as long as I can remember. Someday that dream is going to come true!
authenticallymerry says
I want to:
Have my baby and breastfeed her,
Get my drivers license,
Write a play,
Win a GG (big canadian arts award).
HollyMarie says
When I grow up I would like to write a children’s book. I would also like to ride in a hot air balloon. š I also want to own a sewing machine and re-learn how to sew. And to add one more thing, I would like to be involved in the production of a local play, preferably acting, even a small role.
Heather says
That board book is ridiculously cute! I love her story! š
Covey and Justin says
We’ve got the same Jack in the box and my olders jump every time too–classic toys are awesome!
-Covey
Candace says
When I grow up I want to be a patient and caring wife and mother, I want to knit and sew and cook and clean and create and garden and travel and love…
(I got a sewing machine from my mother in law over the weekend so here’s to when I grow up!!)
~CC
jenncreel says
When I grow up… I want to somehow get my hands on a spectacular camera like yours and take beautiful photos. I have probably a thousand photos of my almost 2 year old but they really are not up to par in quality.
When I grow up… I would love to be 120lbs and have more confidence in myself.
When I grow up… I would love to write a book, not sure on what yet, but something from my life, some kind of knowledge that ive gained I would love to share with the world.
Would looooove the $50 to Darlybird š
Mrs.McJeep says
I always used to say I want to be a teacher, a counselor etc when I grow up. But after having children, what I want most is to be a great mom an someday an awesome grandma!
rootedinlove says
When I grow up I wanna be a life-marrow-bone-sucker like you inspire me to be!
Rachel says
When I grow up I want to be able to take a decent photograph… your images inspire me!
WhatDoesTheFutureHold says
O my I just checked out Darlybird… in LOVE with so many things š
Have a great week!
Melissa
Kami says
Would love a little Darlybird! I want to be like my mom when I grow up. She’s a supportive anchor for me always, and such a wonderful grandmother to my children. I can’t wait to be there for my kids as she is for me.
~*Nicole*~ says
When I grow up I want to: Climb a mountain, Camp in the woods (I mean, really camp the park the car on the road and walk through the brush for a couple miles until you find a clearing camp), play piano, be a mommy, own a home instead of renting a townhouse, live more freely, love more openly, dream with my whole heart and make my Mom proud!!
Lauren says
I want to be a fun Grandma and get my PhD!
Sara says
When I grow up, I want to thrive. On life, on love, on laughter, on all that is sweet in this world. It would be nice if it could all happen in a cabin in the woods, but, where we are right now it’s so bad. š I think I’l start growing up today.
Erin says
When I grow up I want to travel the world and feel as young as I do now.
Kerry says
I’m never going to grow up š
Ford and Jenn says
Beautiful pictures and words, as always. You inspire me to live a little freer and enjoy each day a little more. When I grow up, I want to hear my daughter tell stories of her happy childhood to her children.
Amy says
When I grow up, I want to re-harness my inner diva and sing “Defying Gravity” in front of an audience. š
Jacki says
When I grow up, I want to be the best darn wife/stepmom/mom that Matt/his precious son/my future babies could possibly have. I want to be a writer. I want to be a person whose lifestyle is one of love and positivity.
Speaking of love. LOVE the pictures of Brett with the girls. Wonderful! I can’t wait to see Lainey’s books on the shelf and Nella’s albums on iTunes someday š
Jay says
I check the blog 5 times a day in anticipation for new posts and updates. I love living vicariously through your words.
When I grow up, (God willing) I want to be respected by my kid(s). I want my son to love me as fiercely as he does now, at 5, when he is 14, and Moms are not cool.
MTGrace says
I love the hair flower! My mom just got back from Hawaii, and she bought me a bunch of them. I think I will wear one every single day.
As for what I want to be when I grow up, I want to be a hot air balloon pilot. I’ve been in love with them since I was 6 years old. I even know a pilot who has given me good tips on how to get started.
Jennifer from NJ says
when i grow up i want to be happy , take naps in the afternoon, dress in cute clothes, and always be my childrens best confidant. my life is too clouded with the daily care of 3 littles, loving it now but lookin to the future too. and one day host a super awesome thanksgiving day weekend for lots of friends and family that live far away, once the house is cleaned of course.
PammyK says
This comment has been removed by the author.
PammyK says
I want to own a shop – I have a few different versions in mind. I want to live on a boat. I want to own an apartment decorated in all pink. I want to discipline myself to wake up early. I want to have really great relationships with my kids.
Lindsey Wolfe says
Considering that I’m 26 weeks pregnant with our second baby and my husband was unexpectedly laid off with others from his company yesterday I am hoping that when I grow up I will be someone who is comfortable with the BIG unknowns. Little unknowns I can deal with okay… BIG unknowns + hormones = crazy pregnant chick!
Jaida says
When I grow up I’d like to be able to create messes with my kids without spending the entire time cringing and waiting to clean up the mess. It seems like you’re great about letting your kids make messes.
Chifuru says
“Everyone has potential.”
That sentence hit me, because it ist just what keeps me thinking these past few days. And you are SO right and I hope I will never forget about it.
Love the picture of Nella playing the piano. And Lainey looks so grow-up on the first baking pic!
When I grow up I want to be the perfect housewife I am striving to be (but I guess then I will never ever grow up! š ) and the best mum my son can ever have!
JoyfullyHoldingOn says
You are an inspiration! And I love your introduction to Darlybird. When I grow up, I would like to be the mommy of as many babies as the Good Lord will entrust to me, a skilled photographer, a creative home decorator of all things homemade, and the best, most loving, patient wife my husband and son deserve. Bless you!
Sarah S. says
I love looking at your awesome pictures!
When I grow up I want to write a book.
Andrea says
When I grow up I want to learn to bake beautiful desserts, take my best girl on memorable family vacations, I want to continue to learn photography, and most importantly be the best mama I can be. Potential is a great thing.
Anke says
I love reading your blog! When I grow up, I want to live in the country with our family and raise chickens and grow lots of veggies.
Just the Two of US says
I wanna be a NICU nurse, I wanna be a dancer, I wanna start a special needs pageant in my hometown, I wanna be a good mama to my babies. I wanna be a chef. But most of all I want to help people who don’t know God become closer to him.
You inspire me soo much! Thank you
Breena says
When I grow up I want to be a world traveler, a better wife and mother, and a better cook!
whitejennam says
I want to stay so happy with my so uncomplicated simple life…forever.
Skye says
I want to be a midwife when i grom up =)
Annette says
When grown up I want to go back to school to become a lawyer… It has always been my dream but right before I was gonna apply to law, I found out I was having my first son and then two more were added so being a mama is my job right now. Once they are older, I would love to go back to school to fulfill that dream.
EGarner says
I want to be a photographer when I grow up. Or at least that’s my dream today. Dreams can change as you grow! I am currently teaching which is what I wanted to do when I grew up, but my dream is changing. Your stories are inspiring me to be brave enough to make a change!
Natalie says
when i grow up i want to take a photography class!
Sarah K says
Long time reader, first time poster. Love reading about your story!
When I grow up, I want to…learn how to play guitar, fill up my passport with stamps to more places than just Mexico, be a wonderful Mom, learn to make the perfect cocktail, and maaaaybe learn the art of moderation.
Lacy Hope says
When I grow up I want to be a special education teacher. I want to live in some really nice beach town. I want to travel to…everywhere. I want to be the host of huge Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas parties. I also want to throw the creepiest Halloween party around. I want to sew and knit. I want to be an awesome cook. I want to build the house of our dreams, where I can paint the rooms any color I want and have little nooks for organizing and storing things in crafty ways. I want so many things, and like you I’m always excited to get started working my way towards them.
Loved Darlybird’s site!!
Mindy Kerber says
When I grow up, I want to travel the world because I want to and not worry about what other people think I should do!
bubblytoes28 says
This was really nice to read š
I want to play the guitar when I grow up!
ghmommy says
I was just introduced to your blog a couple of weeks ago and I love it. You make me smile, cry and just remind me that spending time with my kids is ENOUGH. When I grow up, I hope they look back on all of the little things I did to show them how much I love them and how important they are to me.
Beth and Greg says
“When I grow up……” I hope to be as amazing as you! So much fun reading your post I check everyday and am so disappointed if there isnt a new post!
You have such a gift! Thank you for sharing it with the world.
MJ says
I love teh second verse to the pop goes the weasle song… A penny for a spool a thread, A penny for a needle, that’s the way the money flows, Pop goes the weasle! I love reading your blog, you are an awesome write, and clearly a wonderful mother.
Judy says
When I grow up, I want to breathe in every moment of my spare time, enjoying each breathe and making room for more. I want to truly engage in relaxation and renewal during these times. I want to go back to Italy and savor each moment and each encounter.
Genia & Shaylon says
When I grow up, I want to be an full of life, fun loving mom/wife/grandma that will travel the world with my family. I don’t know. I just want to keep a zest for life no matter whatever I do. Sometimes I lose my zest and I want it back. So there you have it a zesty fun loving full of life woman!
Mira's mom says
When I grow up? I am not going to leave the laundry sitting in the basket a week after I fold it.
WillowBean says
I was just thinking about this in bed last night. I don’t want to be just one thing when I grow up… Let’s see… I want to be a doctor, a seamstress, a bona-fide business owner, the person who surprises people with those huge checks when they open the door, a sandwich artist at Subway because I’m nosy and like to know what everyone gets on their sub, the best mom in the world to my girlies, an author of children’s books, a baker, a clothes designer, and the list goes on and on and on and on….
clarita says
when i grow up, i want to write a book…
Grace says
When I grow up, I want to be a mother. I want to stop teaching in the schools and start teaching my children. š
Ezra's Mama says
when I grow up, I want to have a successful garden
and a finished house
and maybe another house, on the lake, just to share with friends
and have time and money for and projects I can think of
and have an abundance to bless others with.
Susanne says
your post exactly explained how i feel–right down to the amazing excitement of getting a new syllabus. i hadn’t thought of that in years. the thrill of planning and anticipating the outcome is what i love. i love reading any books on organization and planning what i will do “someday!”
Thompson Travelers says
When I grow up I want to make an amazing dinner every night for my family instead of just the easy go-to meals we do now!
keri says
When I grow up, I want to save the world.
Tina says
Great post as usual! Love the picture of the girls looking in the fountain, just precious!! When I grow up I want to be craftier and learn how to sew, not to much to ask! š
Seelife3d says
when my twin ladies and I grow up I would like to go back to teaching high school. I miss teaching….however until then I think my ladies will be teaching me everyday š
Wendy says
When I grow up, I want to be a jockey. I’ve wanted that since I was 13 (I’m now 40). Probably won’t happen (as in a BIG probably), but here’s to hoping!!
Amy says
Love that last pic. :o)
Jennifer says
When I grow up, I want to be happy. I’m happy now. I just want it to continue. Healthy would be great, too. I’ve been reading since Nella was born. Beautiful family!
Are we there yet? says
When I grow up I want to quit corp. America and be a stay at home Momma!
Abilew-who says
When I grow up I’m totally going to stay up past my bedtime. Sure, I’m a 34 year old adult that has a completely unreasonable 9:00 bedtime for no reason other than, dude, I’m tired. Oh baby, I’m so tired. Here’s to espresso at 7:00 in the P.M.!! Think of all I’ll accomplish with a little spunk in the eveningtime.
Katie S says
Fabulous post. What do I want to be when I grow up? Not sure, but the potential is there… for now I’ll settle on figuring out this camera and taking beautiful memories.
P.S. I took Old Testament Bible at my small liberal arts college too and the class, I promise, is infinitely more sensational when your hunky future husband is sitting two rows in front of you and you spend most of the period daydreaming about potential. š
~Mandy~ says
I love your blog, Ive been reading since your birth story of Nella, shared with me by a dear friend. You inspire me to live a happier life and be everything Ive dreamed to be. When I grow up, I want to be more creative and sponateous. I want to just pack the kids up and drive and stop where ever the road ends. I want to make my home cheery and colorful, these tan walls are killing me! I want to be crafty, I want to run a marathon, and maybe even push for a triathalon!!! I want to write as I grow up about the things I see in life for my kids and grandkids…Luckily Im still young and have time for these things, but thats no reason to procrastinate!!!
Michelle says
What a great story your daughter wrote! My mom has the first story my son every “wrote” (he told me what to type as we sent Grandma an email) hanging on her fridge. He’s 16 and it’s been hanging there for 13 years. There are just some things that your kids create, that you know you will treasure always.
Audrey says
I so enjoy your blog Kelle! When I grow up, I’m going to have all my photos organized and put it scrap books. I’m also going to have a clean and organized house. Sensing a theme here? It seems that I’m not very organized any more!
The Fischer Family says
When I grow up I want to be the person who always remembers birthdays and anniversaries with a handmade card in the mail. I think people who do that are so amazing…I want to be them!
Michelle says
I want to be my daughter’s best friend when I grow up. I so admire my girlfriends that are close with ther mothers…I want to be that too.
ProudMommyTara says
Love this post!!!! When I grow up I want to be my Grandmother. I want to have nothing but kind words to say. I want to laugh at absolutely everything. I want to see the world…just like she did.
PS.
LOVE your hair half up/half down like in those two photos. Beautiful š
Tara
The Reluctant Runner says
When I grow up I want to have the same relationship I have with my my mom, with my own kids.
AM says
When I grow up I want to find the balance of being content with all of the good things in my life while also seeking out more great adventures to add to life, and also run a marathon, cook incredible meals, and be able to say I didn’t take anything for granted.
jmurrie says
I loved your post about Lainey’s book! My oldest daughter is all about unicorns and when her first book was penned last summer it was of course about a unicorn and it’s mommy! My heart sang and we all beamed with pride! She too showed everyone! I now have a 12 volume collection that I have tucked away in my safe place!
When I grow up, hmmm, I want to be more impulsive and not need to cross the items off my list so much. Just go with the flow. Sometimes I’m succesful then I’m reminded that growing up is a glorious work n progress that never stops š
KatharineLilley says
Your girls are so beautiful. When I was a little girl I said when I grew up I wanted to be a waitress. I would practice carrying plates above my head. Now I am almost 28. When I grow up I want to be a grammie to my children’s children. I want to have a green thumb (that one will be one to strive for!). I want to drive to Mount Rushmore with my kids and my mister. When I grow up I want to be filled up with patience and kindness and whimsy.
ralphnmonica says
Well, Kelle, you’ve done it again. You make me grateful for my messes. My house is clean, just gets out of hand with 4 kids. It’s so frustrating, but I can totally relate with the euphoria of planning the organization! I love reading articles on organizing a room, but then comes the realization that some things never end; laundry, mail, dishes, … when will I have time to actually use the organization tips?
I’m a teacher and always have huge organizational summer plans, which my kids hate. So, when I grow up, I will have a perfectly organized home with lots of free time to play!
martha says
When I grow up, I want to be a counselor, a weight watchers leader, a new mama mentor/doula/lactation consultant, and my daughter’s best friend.
The gorilla post had me peeing my pants, posting a link on facebook, and sharing with my mama and best friend. And we all shook our heads saying “been there”. For us it was the howl of a coyote. So funny to us, so sad to our littles…
Junebug says
when i grow up, i want to learn to be crafty and creative!!!
LifeStylePhotog says
when I grow up.. I want to just be. I want to just enjoy every moment, not think about what needs to be done today.. tomorrow.. or even yesterday. I want to take the time to breathe in my kids, take more meaningful pictures of them (meaning silly moments that aren’t picture perfect). I want to be the perfectly imperfect mom. oh it would be cool if I had enough money to hire someone to do the house cleaning too!!
Sarah says
I have a HUGE “when I grow up” list–potential, right?! When I grow up, I want to live in Europe for a year.
Nicole Werner says
You know who I want to be when I grow up? I want to be the kind of wife my husband wants me to be. I want to inspire others. I want to love without holding back. And I want to live as if there was nothing to fear!
Caitlin says
When I grow up I’d like to be a celebrated author and folklorist, with a mean hand at the fiddle, and a way to take care of my future family in comfort while being fabulous mother and wife, of course.
Caitlin
from black currant thoughts.
kirsten says
When I grow up, (I love saying this too, all the time!) I want as many hours in a perfect afternoon as needed, and I will plan my days in perfect balance of love, work, and play.
Thanks for a wonderful post!
Jamie says
When I grow up…I hope to have traveled much much more than I have so far..
I also hope to be one of those moms who still spends a lot of time with their kids no matter what their age(if they let me).
Maybe I’ll learn the violin and piano..when I grow up.
kathirynne says
This comment has been removed by the author.
kathirynne says
I’m going to be a doctor when I grow up…..(seriously, I am. I’m finishing up the pre-med stuff right now.)
p.s. Kelle, I love your blog. It inspires me when I feel like I’m falling down the rabbit hole (which, as a single mumma, happens with alarming frequency). When I come to your blog, I am reminded to cherish the things that are truly important and let all the other “stuff” go.
Next time you’re in Missoula, let’s have tea. š
Louise says
The messy kiss…just precious! The flower in your hair…just beautiful. Perhaps the perfect the perfect flower for when my baby girl is a flowergirl in September at just 14mths old!
š
Carrie says
It never fails – every time I read any of your posts there is always something that I agree with like you’re reading my mind, or something else that makes me smile. Your blog is always one of the first I read when I get a chance. Thanks for another great morning read š
MG Atwood says
what a treasure that first story is! I love the imaginations of little ones. Try to bottle it…it’s magic for sure.
Lens & anything Else says
You got the best blog….ever š
http://lensanythingelse.blogspot.com
April Vernon says
When I grow up I want all our belongings to fit in a small RV. I want to drive with my hubby til we feel like stopping, enjoy the view & continue on the the next unknown location. I want to sleep under the stars, hike often, and enjoy lots of fresh air.
April Vernon says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Heidi says
I miss you so this was the perfect dose of hampton family goodness!! I must thrive on potential as well bc my house and bedroom look like hurricane jezebel flew through;)
Pics and those babies that i miss so much. Give ’em a boos from me. Miss u. Xo
Kathleen says
I thought you might find it interesting that research shows that people actually derive more enjoyment from the planning of their vacations than from the vacation itself. When I grow up, I am going to stay up late and sleep in and travel the world and not worry about what other people think of me.
Jenna (Cammi J Photography) says
This is my first time commenting, but I have enjoyed your blog for some time now. I feel like I know you and your beautiful little family!
When I grow up I would love to be the best Mommy to my kids that I could ever be…patient, caring, spending time with them, not so worried about the house and the dishes.
Erin says
A new post is just what I needed on my first day back to work following a blissful one-year maternity leave (sniff). Lainey’s story was lovely, I laughed out loud in my office š Thank you!
Sarah says
There are so many things on my “someday” list: become a doula, learn to play the cello, cultivate a love for gardening…
Lisa @ Heaven Sent says
So inspiring!
When I grow up, I want to write a book, learn to play the piano, take my girls to Italy, take my husband to a secluded beach where fruity umbrella drinks and sunshine are a plenty, decorate my bedroom, organize my closet….Icould go on forever here. But that’s the point isn’t, it?! š
P.S. I have found 3 things I absolutely adore from this site (and counting…)
Brandy says
“It was like one of those dreams where you walk into a store with all your favorite things, everything’s on sale, and your favorite song is blasting while you throw things in your cart in a mad shopping spree. And then Matthew McConaughey is the check-out boy. And maybe he forgot to wear a shirt.”
OHMYGOD – You have those dreams too???!!!!
I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up – as long as I’m happy.
songskatesang says
I would like to be a photographer, a grandmother, a kind and gentle soul who smiles at everyone and shrugs off the cares of the world…
Emma In Chicago says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katie says
When I grow up I want to be the best momma possible – to the ones I birthed and the ones that were birthed by someone else but don’t have that momma to love them…
and when I grow up, I want to tandem surf with my husband, splash in the waves with my children, and be the old, happy couple sharing a hot dog Costco lunch.
Kate says
When I grow up I want to:
-take my husband on a romantic vacation to Italy
– establish a scholarship at my alma mater
– be the type of mother my kids are proud of.
Rojas Family says
When I grow up I want to have mastered sewing, at least well enough I can actually make things. I want to be a better cook. I think I cook pretty good now, but I want a whole arsenal of recipes I can whip out.
When I grow up, I want to have gone back to school and finally finished my bachleor’s degree.
Em says
When I grow up I want to be a great teacher and an amazing Mom! I love the baking pictures… they made me run over and flip on my oven for the banana muffins I’ve been thinking about starting!
Debby says
I still say “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.” (I’m 60, hah) I think I do know though, to be a good Grammy. Clutter will always be there, it is in my house, it’s more important to spend time with your darlings. Oh, I wouldn’t have any trouble spending money in that cute store. Love all the colors…..everything.
Crystal says
Darlybird reminds me of stuff I would make if I had any talent!
Ryan's Mommy says
When I grow up, I want to have a garden that people stop to swoon over when they walk past. And a clean house, too. For now I’ll get by with the chaos and toys everywhere, like you do. š
quinster says
When I grow up , I want to have a big family, to still be working with my client with down syndrome, open a ranch for people with disabilties to come and ride horses , do things they never thought they could or their families. A place of refugee. A place that my Mom and I would run together because it is our passion =). To go back to Norway with my Mom and visit my old school and our old house.
Jess says
Oh where to begin? There is so much I will do when I grow up: learn to shoot on manual and understand what I’m doing, write more often and smaller to capture each little moment and not just the big thing, buy a vintage bike and ride like crazy with my kids, and work in the office of a school because we all know secretaries know everything about everyone and help families the most while keeping the school afloat.
jess1979 says
When I grow up, I want to spend more time crafting. I feel so rushed when I’m making things now…”I have exactly one hour until the kids wake up….ready, set, go!” I’d love to have more time for stuff for me.
Jen B says
when I grow up, I want to content and happy and I want my daughter to be the same when she is my age:)
Jenn says
I rode horses when I was younger but not for long as I was one of four girls and it was far too expensive for my parents. Now, years and three girls of my own later, I want to get back into riding, learn more about horses and have one of my own. Or 4 so my girls and I can ride together. š
Lynn says
I marvel at the beauty of your family each time I read a post.
When I grow up I want to fly…so I can travel anywhere I want anytime I want. I love to travel & experience new adventures with my girls & husband every chance we get.
jordy liz says
when i grow up, i want to write a book, too.
Tori says
When I grow up I will spend more time with my little girl, I will learn to cook more variety, I will keep a guest ready house!
Tori
niki says
when i grow up i want to be as loving as my grandmother and as strong willed as my mother. i want to be an amazing wife, a super cool mom, and a awesome photographer!
take vienna says
I want to be a rock star when I grow up. And the mother of a couple of really happy kids.
susan degolier says
There are soooo many things that I want to do when I grow up… The first thing I want to do is drive a train and the list goes on…
shnyrdthng says
Nella at her keyboard reminds me of Schroeder from Peanuts at his piano!! So cute.
When I grow up I want to finally learn how to do a cartwheel, give more of my time to good causes, and throw awesome dinner parties like those cheesy ones in magazines. I will be fabulous and wear bold prints and high heels in a rainbow of colors.
Ariel @ Dreams To Do says
When I grow up I am going to be self-employed, doing something I love, something that is creative! It will allow me to spend more time with the kiddos while still feeling like I’m contributing to our family financially. What will this new job be? That I am still exploring, but I know it will be great!
Cheers to lengthy dreams-to-do lists! And cupcakes with egg shells in them! š
The Hartsfield Family says
Those pictures of you with Nella are by far my favorite! You look so beautiful Kelle. š And Lainey’s story? THE CUTEST! I love how you wrote it all down. Save that one in a special spot for when she’s much older!
I always told myself when I “grew up”, I wouldn’t be like all the other adults I knew. I’d be fun and a child at heart, I’d remain a dreamer, and I’d continue to see the world through rosy colored glasses, where the world is still full of possibilities. Now 30 years old, I haven’t changed, and I’m proud of that fact.
When I grow up, I want to continue spreading the “goodness” — the simple things that we all need like a shoulder to lean on, a hug, and a smile. When I grow up, I will continue to inspire others to see my daughter, Chloe, as someone worth getting to know and educate others that the words “down syndrome” have nothing to do with the heart of the person who has that diagnosis.
And one day, not too far from now, I will write and publish my own children’s books (it’s a work in progress). It’s been a dream of mine since I was 17 years old. And I’ll do it, gosh darn it! I really will. š
Thank you Kelle, for helping me re-focus this week and “enjoy the small things”. What a wonderful topic. š
~ Katie
Katie says
When I grow up, I want to be more creative. “Oh, you like my placemats – I found this great paper at the paper store and had it laminated” and “Oh, this table? Garage sale purchase. I just spraypainted it some truly fabulous color.” Not sure why saying “oh” has to go along with it – but why not?
Jill says
When I grow up… I want to be mother and do it exactly how my mom did. Love that woman.
Christine says
When I grow up I want to have lots of beautiful babies and a loving husband.
Krystle says
Planning for holidays? Love it!! I confess that I have started Christmas Shopping!
When I grow up I want to be a photographer and travel the world!
No No Nanette says
I want to be smile all the time when I grow up.
CNJ says
When I grow up…
I want to to be “just a mom.” A good mom. The mom that kids look back once their grown and say “wow, my mom was the best.”
I struggle with such a big goal balanced with everyday life. Four kids, busy schedules and teenhood at our doorstep makes being “just a mom” hard work.
Katie says
I saw that felted bead necklace and fell in love, but some mean little voice inside my head told me that I was too fat to pull something like that off. What the heck?? One day I will wear all the color I want to and banish that little bitch forever…lol I get so inspired and happy from your blog — it’s seriously like dessert for my day. Darlybird looks like a great way to have a little piece of that.
Katie says
When I grow up I want to feel like a grown up. Hmmm…Or maybe not.
Little Taylor Lights says
Lainey is wearing her cowgirl apron! Love it! You can also fold down the top to show the red part at the top of it. I love Nella’s ice cream kiss…extra sweetness! And I, too, took Old Testament my freshman year of college at a small, liberal arts college to which I dared not return after that year. š To memorize all the verses required to exams, I put them to rap music beats. Just sayin’….
Shelby Baker says
When I grow up I want to be more carefree! Live in the moment, and ”enjoy the small things”! š
Loved this post!! š
Kimberly and Nathan says
When I grow up, I want to ride in a hot air balloon, be an athlete, and I want to live next door to my sisters so our littles can love on each other.
Maine Mummy says
When I grow up I want to be a kid again!
Little Taylor Lights says
Oh yeah! And what do I want to be when I grow up? A mama of many…red, yellow, black and white. And grandmama of many more. I really want to dance or act on a stage before I die. It’s ok, I can be an old lady character if that’s how long it takes. And I want to take better pictures and learn more about my camera and collect new lenses. I want to become a better but not perfect (ha like that’d ever happen) housekeeper and love people better. I want to learn all the coreography to every Michael Jackson song. Um…I think there’s probably much more, but I’m being summoned to change a poop diaper. š
Dayna says
I just said to my mom today–“Maybe I will start drinking coffee when I grow up.” (I’m 49!)
Danny and Jenna's Wedding says
when I grow up I want to be more like me…and I intend to enjoy the journey of becoming as much as possible.
Erin says
When I grow up I will live atop a mountain in a toasty log cabin and be able to ski and snowboard all day long!
Katie says
Your cupcakes looked yummy and darling!! That’s one thing I’m working on perfecting…cupcakes. I can never get them right!!
Abbey says
Your words and pictures make me smile no matter the day, time or situation when I read them!!! Nothing but love….
Always- Abbey
http://abbey-amomentspeace.blogspot.com
Jen says
love these pictures of nella with food dripping down her chin. i’ve been taking my girl to feeding therapy for 2 years now, to try to get her to eat solids… i am so excited for the day when i have some pics of her with food dripping down her chin! i’d love for her to enjoy eating as much as nella seems to! š
KateH says
Darlybird is lik Matthew McConaughey without a shirt? I’m so there! š
When I grow up, I want to be a mother — that’s still a dream full of possibility for me. I’m already storing up games and ideas and dreams now for what it’ll be like. I can’t wait to find out if it’s everything I’m wanting it to be!
Dana Munnings says
Gorgeous stuff!
When I grow up I want to be the best house wife/ mama!! I want to be patient and such a good listener.
Hope I win!!
Samantha says
When I grow up I want to tap dance, road trip to Yellowstone with my family, and have the kind of house where friends are always welcome, even if they have to step over a little clutter. š
Olivia : I am still learning says
I’m always saying “when I grow up”…
Honestly when I grow up I want to write a book, not exactly like Lainey’s, lol but more has to do with photographs and quotes. It’s a huge dream of mine!
The Funny Farm says
better wife, better mom…better, better, better, I can always do better & I love that we get each new day to try & triumph & fall flat on our faces.
Shaybplus3 says
I don;t know what I want to be when I grow up because… I don’t want to ever “finish” growing up š
Momma to 3
Shay B.
JenandAsh says
When I grow up I want to be a marathon runner or a dolphin trainer or a dancer…any of those will do.
When I grow up, I want my girls to be proud of me and of themselves and the life we’ve had…the good and bad.
Mommy2Vin says
When I grow up I wanna….
-work at an ice cream stand and serve smiley faced kids the best summer treat EVER!
-I would love to take a trip with my husband….alone!!
Danielle
Kelle says
I’ve read so many of these with tears streaming down my cheeks. I am so inspired by the passion of others and by the amazing potential that oozes from the collection of so many dreams all in one place.
Sissy says
When I grow up, I want to be the mother to my future children that my mother was to me!
Mo says
Continue to really enjoy your blog!
When I grow up…
I want to always keep learning new things and to seek beauty in simplicity!
Angela says
I can’t help but laugh every time I hear or say the word “pleather”.
When I grow up I want to teach yoga to athletes and kids with special needs, and in my spare time, hike all over the mountains of Colorado with my family.
Beautiful post as usual. Happy summer….
Love, Angela
Rebekah says
I go away for a week (off-line even), and meanwhile you have the best giveaways! Maybe the random picker can make it up to me by choosing me for this one š
Morgan Matula says
Your blog is like a candy store for me sometimes! LOVE IT! I don’t ever want to “grow-up” I have to much fun with my two girls who are just like yours! My oldest is carefree, and loves to socialize! (She is soon to be 5) My youngest sweet angel just turned 3 and loves to be outdoors, and play our piano as well.
I want to be everything I’ve ever thought about: a writer, photographer, successful, crafty mom who’s house is where all of her kid’s friends wanna hang out!
Keep writing and being one of my biggest encouragers and inspirations without even knowing it!
PS: I was wondering if you would be going to the 39th Annual NDSC Conference this year? Would LOVE to meet you!!
Ashley says
When I grow up I want to take my daughter to Florence, Italy, watch my son play sports, learn photography, learn Spanish, dance in the rain and craft.
Loved Lainey’s story!
Mama H says
When I grow up, I want to be the best grandma ever. I want a house full of grandkids that I can spoil completely and totally. That would make my life complete.
Emi says
ha! earler today i was in the car, with my 3 littles and my fella, heading to costco, talking about what i wanted to be when i grow up!it changes alot š today i wish i worked at pantone, “making” colors. i love me some pantone..
http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/index.aspx
Pinky says
When I grow up I think I want to go into the medical field. I still keep changing my mine about what I want to do. But for now, I love my job and I love being a mommy to the most cutest, handsomest little guy.
E-beth says
Loved this post and adore your blog! I love the term “when I grow up…” It means that there is always room to learn more and become a better you… When I grow up I want to be crafy- learn to sew, knit, hot glue, you name it! I always am in awe of the crafty mommies… one day I’ll be one!
Shannondilly says
I am going to make my husband read this post..sometimes he thinks he’s too old to “change”, and settled in his ways. You have a much better way of explaining this idea than I do. I love your writing Kelle, it’s uplifting to the extreme. When I grow up I want to be more crafty, more wear dresses, and use more tote bins and labels to organize.
Linda says
Always enjoy stopping by. Your blog is an encouragement with I think of some young friends who are going to have a DS baby next month. I know he will be greatly love. When I grow up I want to be a happy in my life….traveling, loving grandkids, enjoying life.
Lacey says
I have just found your blog, and I just love reading it! When I grow up, I want to be just like my 98 year old grandmother who, until age 96, lived in her own house, drove her same car, and hosted her weekly ladies bridge group in her living room. Now because of mobility problems, she has moved to a nursing home, but her friends still visit her to play bridge, and she still sits in the same pew at church every Sunday. She’s such an inspiration! You’re never too old to try something new!
Trynsimple says
When I grow up, I want to be a better mom, a better wife, a better friend.
SaraNicole says
When I grow up I want to take photos for a living, be a great mommy to our babies, let creativity and imagination run wild in our house, not care so much about the little things, and live life to the fullest each day.
Kolena says
You have the same brown sandals as I do, the ones that zip up in the back. š
I love your blog by the way. You’ve inspired me to be a photographer when I grow up. I also want to be a better writer, learn to sew, and stay at home with my kids. š
Gentle Blue Mom says
When I grow up, I want to have my own little farm with goats and chickens. I want to live in a little log cabin by a swimmable body of water, where I can write and craft all day long.
Tracie says
Loved this post!
When I grow up I’m going to keep my car clean, fold my clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer and cook huge meals for my family.
Mama Mel says
Thanks for the term “potential” when referring to the never ending to-do list. That makes it seem less daunting. My husband laughs because I simply copy things from one list to the other and sometimes things are on the list for the better part of a year.
When I grow up…I want to take my mom to Hawaii. She deserves it and has never been there. I never realized all the sacrifices she endured while raising us as a single mom. Now that I have two littles of my own and a husband that goes out of town frequently, I finally “get it.”
I also want to paint my powder room, paint the play room, make curtains for my bedroom, organize the pantry….
N. says
When I grow up I want to raise my children to be strong minded, free spirited and kind. I want to travel with my husband and I want to sit out on front porch swing with a glass of wine and feel true content.
Janel G. says
When I grow up, I want to be a good role model to my daughters. Someone they love and admire – flaws and all. PS love your blog and love love love Dawes.
Darcus says
When I grow up I want to be a mother to beautiful children, the best wife for my husband, travel to New Orleans and take my children to stay in a castle in Ireland. And I want to be a bestselling author. š Big dreams, huh? Well, I’m only twenty one.
Kelly says
Love your blog, and the products you showed from Darlybird are darling. When I grow up, I hope my husband and I can have children that are full of love for each other (just like your girls seem to be) and as happy as I can help them to be.
Hazel says
Nella is growing up now, a little person, more than a baby. Thanks for the link looks like lots of great stuff!
Christine Marie says
when I grow up…i want to constantly be in a state of redecorating a room because there is always fun when more color, more art, more light, and more beauty are in a room
and i want to travel to ireland, calcutta, italy, walk the camino de santiago, and climb up a hillside waterfall in ghana, africa
Andria Ullett says
Kelle – I loveee your blog, you inspire me everyday. When I grow up I don’t know what I want to be, because life is about learning and growing, laughing and loving! Everyday is a new adventure, especially when I look at life through my children’s eyes.
Kate says
When I grow up I want to be a best friend to my son (and future children). I want to be the type of ‘best friend’ that gives the best advice and you can have silly time with. When I grow up I want my son to sing the songs i sang to him when he was a babe. When i grow up I want to remember all of the memories on the beach, and laughing, and tickling, and pretending the day wouldn’t come when he starts growing up. š
Amanda says
I love the potential that the future holds, too! There’s a million things I want to be when I grow up…a teacher, a daycare owner, a missionary, a photographer. But for right now I’m perfectly content being a Mommy. š
Klemm Family says
When I grow up I want to be the best wife, an amazing mommy, and the loving, accepting person I strive to be.
thedreamcalledlife says
Oh goodness, Kelle. I read your blog for probably a year or so, and then I had my son in March and all blog reading and writing stopped. I was loving being a mommy to two kids, but nothing else happened in my life, nothing at all. Until the very end of June, I literally thought it was still March. So I finally made it back to your blog for the first time in months, and wow! Your girls have changed so much in those months! Lainey is starting to get that big-girl look to her, and Nella is standing! I missed your insight and your stories and most of all your pictures. I’m glad to get back to them!
Oh, and, by the way, when I grow up, I want to be a flutist in a symphony orchestra. And a better mama, and a better housekeeper. But my two-year-old daughter thinks I should be a doctor, like she wants to be, which is what her aunt is studying to be. (She asked me the other day, “You be a doctor when you grow up too?” And didn’t understand that I am already somewhat grown up and my main job right now is mommy. Too cute!)
Thanks for sharing!
-Lela
Karen says
De-lurker! De-lurker! I don’t recall who linked to Nella’s Birth Story but I’ve been hooked on your simply gorgeous girls, your beautifully real prose, and your spectacular photography eye ever since.
Anywhos, my 37th birthday is on the 18th and I am all about the right to eat cake on my birthdays. I’ve been wondering what to get or make this year and you know? Moist vanilla cupcakes with pink buttercream frosting sound so right and so It.
Lindsay says
I want to be a tireless mother, a more patient wife, a better friend, and a world class chef/organizer/decorator/party thrower when I grow up.
Sarah RDH says
I am the same way as you- I am planning Christmas, and Brynn’s dec 31st bday party…I am planning my un-booked Disney vacay…always the next best thing…when I grow up, I want to have done all of these things, and be planning for the next.
Mands says
When I grow up I want to have a home where everything has it’s place and I only have one junk drawer š
Helen says
I don’t know what I would ever want to be!
For now, I’m just going to be the best mum that I could be.
Once the children have grown up and given me their approval, I will figure things out.
=)
Beautiful post as always!
Marcee says
I look foward to reading your blog always. I get my coffee and read enjoy music with you and your family. I talk about your family like I know you all. I believe I get euphoric too on the thought of potential. It’s always good to get another day just incase our potential wasn’t met the day before. Haha! Loved every word of it. From where I’m sitting you are a great mom, writer, friend, and wife. Enjoyed every word.
rachel says
when i grow up i want to be one of those people that makes people smile, shake their head slightly and say “that’s rachel”
Elizabeth says
i’m your 959th comment. CRAZY. I love everything about this post. i’m glad i’m not the only one that believes in the words.. KEEP DREAMING. even though i am a mom, a wife, i have a home, and hubs has a job.. we keep dreaming. when i grow up.. i wanna be lots of things.. i want to rescue orphan elephants and work in a clinic in south america. i want to end poverty. and laugh until i pee. I want to sing songs to our babies and i want to adopt. when i grow up i want to dance on a train (i’ve never been on a train.. why not dance on one.) oh the list could go on.. but you have lots of comments to read.. i’ll leave it at that!!! oh and I love the giveaway. awesome.
Stephanie says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stephanie says
When I grow up, I want to make my own bread. Right now, I can’t figure out how to keep the yeast alive. š Thanks for this post–it made me excited about some of my own projects.
Valerie says
When I grow up, I’m going to learn how to sew, rock climb for real, and drive a semi (if only just once so I can “10-4” somebody on the radio!). š
LMPhotography says
Such lovely photos- adoring the ones near the fountain! Your world is so positive, so full of love, it makes me want to be a part of it.
When i grow up- i want to be more positive. I want to see more of the world. I want my photography to inspire someone. Anyone. I want to inspire someone to see the beautiful world that i see.
Mrs Scratch says
When I grow up I want to vacation in Australia and travel around the country in an RV visiting all the casinos.
Unknown says
when I grow up I will go and live in Italy for 6 months.
I will speak fluent Mandarin.
I will sew like a pro.
when I grow up…
Theresa says
Oh this post could not have come at a better time! I was just harping about how messy the house is again. And as I type this my clingy, grouchy, teething two-year-old is straddling my lap and desperately trying to block my view from the monitor. Potential. Remember potential. And there are worse things than a lived-in home and a toddler who just wants you to do nothing but snuggle her all day long.
Thanks for sharing, Kelle! You always help me find that silver lining! š
sbruce says
Oh how i love this blog, it is my crack! I can’t wait for you to post new pictures and stories. You are truly amazing!
You and your girls are gorgeous, and you motivate me to better a better person and better mommy. Thanks for being you!
As far what I want to be when I grow up…i still am working on that one, but my 7.5 year old announced to us in the car a few days ago what hers was, and I think it sounds pretty good.
“I’m going to be a teacher for 3 years, then I will retire and become a rockstar”.
Julie says
I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up….but I know exactly what you mean about being excited about the future and possibilities….I aspire to do better…in all areas of my life…
silverluvingcup*g*g*g says
When I grow up I want to have a job I actually like going to every day.
Natalie says
love it sooo much!! when i grow up i wanna work in a museum. i want to actually touch the declaration of independence or the constitution as part of my job. i want to hold it in my hand and it shall be glorious.
weird. i know…history major!
Kathlyn says
I want to be better when I grow up. Not perfect, but better. A better mom, a better wife, a better daughter and sister. A better house-keeper, a better friend, a better teacher. A better me.
Brooke says
Love the necklace!
are you there, alex rodriguez? its me, anna. says
i love laineys saddle shoes! i never see them on kids anymore. adorable!
i actually have a list of things to do ‘when i grow up’. roadtrip to california, travel the world, write a book, make a documentary… the list goes on forever!
our little family says
i want to travel more when i grow up. travel with purpose…
Megan says
When I grow up, I am going to become a kick-ass salsa dancer.o
Ashley Barlow says
When I grow up, I want to always have time to whip up some famous cookies in my immaculate kitchen, to cut fresh flowers in my English cutting garden, to run a B&B, and to do yoga and exercise classes that my body so very need!
Kelly says
When I grow up I want to be a fabulous photographer. Oh…and a Millionaire (so fricken bad). š
janekathryn says
When I grow up, I hope I still have a childlike imagination- knowing I can be anything I want to be and enjoying life as it comes.
Your blog always leaves me smiling, and your girls are precious!
Courtney Williams says
When I grow up, I want to be a counselor. I want to have two focuses, one on helping families who have a child with a disability, just like my therapist did for me, and the other to be working with pregnant teenage girls. With the second, I want to somehow incorporate my doula services into it. I’m not sure exactly how, but there’s so much potential there!! This fall I’m starting a graduate program to make my grown up dreams a reality!! I can’t wait!!
Kelly Zimm says
I am totally LOVING the bond that is evident and blooming between Lainey and Nella! It’s beautiful! (And so is Matthew McConaughey…rawr!) š
Sprinkles by Ashley says
I LOVE your blog! I want to be a loving, passionate wife, never stop planning, and live for the small things. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us and inspiring so many. I know you have touched mine and my friends life. I want to be just like you Kelle when I grow up!
-Ashley
Melissa M. says
you really inspire me to enjoy the small things kelle.
when i grow up, i want to be able to cook amazing meals and bake really delicious treats for my friends and family. right now i just dabble, but i want to get really good at it…when i grow up.
Kristen says
What a cool new shop! I can’t wait until the hubby n baby are sleeping so I can shop ;0)
kjohnson says
When I grow up.. I want to find out how I can tell on the below blogger who steals your words!!!!!! She stole your post from January 7th.. (I read this from a heidi commenter. so credit to her.. )
http://Www.greenawaltfamilylife.blogspot.com
Sorry.. wanted you to see
Tammy says
I want to be an Interior Designer. Ah! Did I just say that out loud? I did, and I will be. Because I have potential. š
Kate says
Oh my darlybird… I’m in love seriously.
When I grow up I want to be a better sister, daughter, friend, photographer, and teacher.
Amanda says
When I grow up I want to be my Nana š She cooks, sews, cleans like no ones business, can remove all stains big and small, is crafty, smart, beautiful, and one hell of a baby whisperer.
Kathy says
I want to be wise when I grow up. š
Sara says
When I grow up, I want to write stories, take pictures, and travel wonderful places….all with my little family.
Kelly says
When I grow up, I want a house full of kids, to be the best wife I can be, to play more and work less, and to not worry quite so much. Thanks for this inspiring post, Kelle!
Jill S says
When I grow up I want to drive across the US and appreciate all that this terrific country has to offer:-)
Absolutely love your perspective on things!
Jennie Messock says
Kelle, you are an inspiration and a beautiful person. Your family is lovely. My sister and her husband just found out that their baby boy, my nephew, has DS. He is still not ready to come out yet but when he does, I cannot wait to meet him and shower him with love. When I grow up, I want to photograph my life as you do, when I have a family of my own. Until then, I photograph my friends and family relentlessly.
Elleah says
When I grow up, I want to love more, give more, learn more and just keep growing.
I love the picture of Nella in the Tea Collection dress. š
Philip says
when i grow up, i want to love my husband more than i do now
cute stuff!
The Bevins Family says
When I grow up, I want to be a woman who shows her creativity through better photos, baking, artwork, and other outlets in my daily life.
carey says
When I grow up I want to have more patience! Thanks for the reminder that it’s not too late to change.
Carey
carlisle clan conversation... says
i can tell you what i hope to NOT be…a people pleaser. I ache for the day when I embrace the care free peace of living and loving without the anxiety to feel compelled to be everyone else’s everything.
Beth says
When I grow up I want to be a professional chef!
Jenny says
Oh Kelle how I love this post. When I grow up I want to be a child life specialist working in a hospital….or a voice for a character in a Disney movie….
Brad, Sara, Elijah, Anna and Brandon says
When I grow up I will live in a home that I own and can knock down walls and rebuild bathrooms and paint wild colors…someday, sigh.
jhintze says
Have you read this??
http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/04/14/newsnote-aborting-the-wrong-baby/
Makes me sick to my stomach.
Your daughters are beautiful and perfect…both of them.
Maryclayre Dick says
When I grow up, I want to be just as in love and infatuated with my baby girl as I am now! Even if she’s 30, I never want to loose this feeling.
Kell says
When I grow up, my house will be organized, my kids will make me proud, and I will write a book š
Rebecca says
I just graduated with my doctorate in psychology which has been “when I grow up” dream for basically my whole life. I’m so excited about the possibility of new dreams, though, like learning Spanish, knitting a sweater, and someday being a mom. The accomplishment of one dream only makes more possible… here’s to hoping I never grow all the way up š
Larissa says
love that store!!! thanks for sharing- lots of cute accessories for my little girly-girl, who i’m very proud to say will pick pink out of any pile of anything at a mere 18 months. š
when i grow up… well, i don’t want to grow up. i enjoy life with my little people far too much. and if i grow up, i guess that means they grow up. i’d rather we all stay right where we are! š
aklpitt says
What do I want to be when I grow up? A better mom, I want to be able to live up to those comments on “what a great mom” I am, because I’m not, I lose my patience far too easily. Maybe I should just say I want to be more patient when I grow up!
Melissa says
WHEN I GROW UP: I want to travel the world. Learn about US History by actually going to all the places. I want to go to Hawaii and do nothing but bask in the glorious sun and swim in the water. When I grow up I want to be a more patient, creative mom and a more respectful wife. I want to have a house that’s open all the time to anyone who wants to just come chill w/ out worrying about whether my house is tidy or not. When I grow up I want to own my own business. Kelle, this list could go on and an on like you said it’s potential and it makes me giddy with joy.
Alisha says
love your post.
when i grow up…i want to write a children’s book.
Lauren Ashlee says
When I grow up I want to live in the mountains, take deep breaths and make jewelry, all while being a mama and wife to my beautiful family!
Jay says
I want to be everything I dont appreciate and take for granted now when I grow up.
Esther says
LOVE darlybird’s stuff. OMG! I’m hooked!
Esther Dush
Kimmy says
When I grow up I want to paint really happy, beautiful pictures and not care if they are not perfect. I want to grow up and color outside the lines and be relaxed and at peace with it.
Love your blog,
Kimmy
A Box of Crayons says
I don’t want to grow up… I want to grow better. I want to remember what I loved as a kid. I want to run barefoot in the grass, splash in the fountains, skip through the store aisles. lay in the leaves for hours finding pictures in the clouds and dream new dreams every day.
Brandy R. says
I want to be a gardening, crafting, yard-sale-ing, content, peaceful yet fiery, no regrets kind of lady when I grow up! Who wears nothing but pretty dresses. And maybe some wonderfully gaudy hats. Hmmmm.
kmrf says
Okay, the doll and the ballerina toppers have sold me, I must check out the site. A-dorable!
Sandi says
Love their stuff, especially those pencils.
Jessica says
When I grow up, I want to read further before I excitedly go to a shop and order, only to find out there was a coupon! š When I grow up, I want to remember that each photograph I take, marks a memory that happened and encourage my kiddos to do this as well. Last, when I grow up, I want to keep growing up and remember that everything I do leads me to another step in just that, GROWING UP!
Shel says
When I grow up I want to write a book, learn to cook, and work in a library. Oh, and maybe live in a different state, closer to NYC, adopt a child…be the best Mom to my kids that I can be…the list could go on forever!~
Sarah says
Love Nella at the piano. She is too cute! Gotta love the enthusiasm.
When I grow up… I want to never stop dreaming.
Julie says
When I grow up, I plan to learn piano (always wish I’d stuck with those lessons) and learn to love running. As in more than a mile at one time. š
ddnice says
When i grow up i wanna….take my family on super adventures, Daily!! Organize my closet the “big girl” way! & Bake,craft,play & make my babies have some special Kiddy memories<3
Strongmomma says
I want to be a full time photographer when I grow up, lol…it only took 39 years to figure it out!!!
Barbie @ Mamaology says
I want to play the guitar, live in a cottage with cobblestone on the front and an English garden, win a 5K, and adopt a son.:)
Love your zeal for life!:)
Ladd Family says
You speak to my soul. When I grow up I will have fabulous dinner parties for birthdays and holidays with tables that look edible and beautiful. I will do a load of laundry and put it up every single day.
Darcy says
When I grow up, I want to have at least an acre, a garden, chickens, a compost pile, a herd of Welsh Corgis, and a nice hammock in which to knit and look out over it all š
Michelle says
What a lovely post that hit so close to home! I am in the same boat with so many things on my very own to-do list! Overwhelming at moments, but striking when I add one more check mark off the good ol’ to-do! Your posts with your beauties are presh!
Carrie Serna says
When I grow up I want to be a better version of me š Love the headband…I think I might be able to pull it off!
Mobachs says
when i grow up i want to open a coffee shop with my mom and sisters!!! we have so many great plans!
Ryan & Brooke says
I do not know her personally but through your blog I feel that I do. I love little Nella. She is growing up so fast. I love the spunk you can see in her eye and the happiness she glows.
Amy Snell says
Love this whole post š And as far as what I want to be when I grow up…maybe a bakery shop owner š I love love love making cookies…I try a few new recipes a week, needless to say my friends are more then willing to be my “taste testers” š
xoxo Amy
Windy says
I am inspired tonight. You effortlessly write and it is so inspiring and the pictures make my heart happy. You have such a gift. And I LOVE the internet. How I have found strangers, who make my world better, that my life is touched in crazy positive ways, by people I may never even see or meet, anyway- thank you, thank you for being amazing and creative and inspiring and sharing that with the rest of the world. Your beautiful family, wow those girls, so perfect. The honesty and happiness is truly touching. To a stranger. I like the idea of When I Grow Up, it makes me feel less of a failure, that I have the potential to make all that I feel I should be actually happen one day. When I grow up I am going to fill fulfilled, like I am helping people as much as I can, like I am an amazing mother in spite of being motherless, When I grow up I am going to be able to make my childrens’ dreams come true. Yes, that is what I will do…
A says
In the words of Shauna Niequest, when I grow up, “I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud. And I don’t want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes. I want to eat cold tangerines and sing out loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now. I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift.”
Rheyanan-lee says
I let out a big ‘ME TOO!’ when i read your words about potential. I feel the exact same way. Oh and when i grow up, i want to be a mother. Now… to buy me some of those wooden pencils for my ‘baby box’.
meraso says
I want to be my mother!
The Sanchez Family says
I want to be a labor & delivery nurse or a doula or a lactation consultant…anything to do with babies and giving birth!
Bethany says
when i grow up i want to r.v across the country and knit a sweater. i want to go to Rome and get my roman holiday on š i want to have 5 kids and run a marathon š
Andrea says
I read this post last night just before I went to bed…and this morning, as I threw back the curtains in the kids room and wished them a Good Morning I thought “THIS is what Kelle meant about potential….a new day is just full of the stuff isn’t it :o)
Happy Wednesday!
Andrea x
DMK says
those cupcakes look so dang good.
I love Darlybird! I have shopped there for Xmas gifts for my girls.
I want to be generous and selfless when I grow up.
Elizabeth says
When I grow up I want to not care so much. Let more things slide and not get so worked up over the ridiculous little stuff. I want to go back to school also for interior design…when I grow up. In the meantime I’ll just keep enjoying with my little family.
m.d.l. says
Kelle – I just discovered this post on another blog: http://Www.greenawaltfamilylife.blogspot.com
She’s almost copied your blog post for Nellas Bday/ONEder fund word for word.
Kayla Saadeh says
When I grow up, I want to be an amazing wife and mother. I would also love to go on a shopping spree at Darlybird! š
dance247 says
When I grow up, I want to be a stay at home mom! I think that will always be a learning experience and so rewarding.
Jen says
as a teacher, i love the book idea! i think i might still it for my classroom and for my 3 yr old who tells amazing stories everyday! we need to get a few of them down:)
Dylan'sMommy316 says
The girls are beautiful as always! It’s amazing how they go from being so dependent on you to completely independent, isn’t it?
When I grow up. I know I want to be the best Mom that I can (keep improving). I want to learn how to take amazing pictures that I’ll want to hang on the wall. I also (probably lame) want to have some sort of career. I’m doing the SAHM thing at the moment and going to school full-time, but I know it’ll be worth it.
Smooshie says
I’ll be 35 this August, and when I grow up I want to be the CEO of a design company. When I’m not the lead singer of a rock band, of course. Somewhere I’ll fit in guest appearances on Glee, and be a professional baker specializing in whimsical birthday cakes. š
ksue80 says
When I grow up I want to be my baby girls BFF just like I am now.
Brooke says
IN LOVE with the photo of Nella playing the piano and Lainey’s princess book. š
I want to be a Fly Girl on In Living Color (let’s pretend it’s still on), paint beautiful paintings in a sunshine-filled meadow while my two little Matisse’s play beside me eating goldfish, kiss my hubby atop the Eiffel Tower and continue to LOVE MORE and MORE all when I grow up.
Emily says
When I grow up, I want to have two new best friends in my daughters, and to be a more organized, more fashionable version of myself!
steigler7071 says
When I grow up I want my 19 year old son to be cancer free and we are so going to sail away on a cruise.
Carrie says
Love the darlybird stuff….when I grow up, I want to travel the world with my husband and two girls.
Cookie's Sandwich says
I had no idea that I was so addicted to potential as well. Sometimes creating the “to do” list is just as exciting as completing it. I have felt so many of the feelings you have mentioned…thanks for bringing it all to my attention. Thanks for always being an inspiration.
Grace says
i feel so blessed in that i’m kinda already doing what i want to when i grow up…i’m going into my 10th year of teaching and i absolutely love it. i have a beautiful son, an awesome husband, a sweet dog and we have such fun together š
Sash says
When I grow up I want to love on people in a way that Jesus would have and I want show my family how to do the same thing. I want to be an example that they are excited to look after and model themselves. I want to be a good mom and wife. I want to be someone who inspires my kids and allows them to explore their gifts to create dreams.
Shannon says
love your pics! I can’t wait to write stories with my little girl too. š
Nf1andprek-whisper says
i have been following you for 3 summers now.. and I am such a stalker.. for you and your family… in a good way… I too want to be a constant housekeeper… this summer….
greilotus says
When I grow up I want to be a more patient wife and mother.
I want to be selfless.
Renee says
when i grow up, i want to be an opera singer…. i’m nannying in the meantime. being paid to be a mommy is not such a bad gig. my days are pretty magical.
Jessica Kathren says
I don’t wanna grow up!
SarahSmiles says
When I grow up, I want to be able to find things in my house when I look for them. One day when I die, my kids are going to uncover 14 rolls of duct tape in various places. I keep buying more because I keep forgetting where I put it.
CollegeGirl says
When I grow up, I want to take cooking classes. I obsessively watch FoodNetwork and read cookbooks, but I don’t cook enough. I love it, but I want to know all of the techniques and fancy tricks.
And I also want to write a book (or a few). I’m ambitious!
Lacey and Aaron says
I look forward to reading your blog…everyday! Even when you haven’t posted something new, i read the previous one for inspiration!
Lacey and Aaron says
And…i never want to grow up š
Laura says
I currently live in NYC in a one bedroom apartment with my husband, 7 month old baby girl, and dog. When I grow up, I want to have a house with a great big kitchen, a backyard, and a room my daughter can call her own. Love your blog, Kelle!
Dawn says
Ordering stuff now!!!
Ashley says
When I grow up I want to have my own etsy shop of handmade jewelry.
gretchen says
When I grow up, I want to have lived and loved so hard that I look back and have no regrest. My grandfather, who was 96 – just passed away this week peacefully in his sleep – he was not ill but was failing a bit. It was time. He lived a long life. On the flip side my baby (Ds, born 6.5.2010) Julian’s little girlfriend Khloe (Ds, born 6.30.10) passed away one day after her first birthday on July 1, 2011. I have been thinking a lot about life and death and living and what it all means. Here is a remembrance of Khloe. She died of heart failure. She would have had her surgery next month.
Julian’s girlfriend Khloe Elizabeth Retelle | b. 6.30.2010 – d.7.1.2011
http://blog.gretchenmather.com/2011/07/10/julians-girlfriend-khloe-elizabeth-retelle-b-6-30-2010-d-7-1-2011/
Thanks for reading and always remembering Khloe and the beauty she brought, and still brings, to this world.
Cindy says
Another amazing post. When I grow up, I want to be an author. I want to write fun and whimsical children’s books, then the next day perhaps write a slutty romance novel. Yup. Someday when I grow up I am going to be an author.
Kristin says
Such adorable things & beautiful pictures!!!
Andrea says
When I grow up I want to finish a painting. Love the fountain pics. Why do I still get the urge to throw in coins when I pass by? I guess I haven’t grown up either. š
Carrie says
I want to learn how to play the banjo when I grow up! I imagine baby sing-alongs while I do some fancy finger work on my banjo!
Mrs, Raleigh says
When I grow up I want to be fabulous. I want master the art of mommy multitasking. I want to paint a mural and photograph a wedding. I want to teach my daughter to paint little pig faces on her precious piggie toes and show her the joy of puddle jumping and snow angels. I want to speak with the confidence and fluency of a type 1 Diabetic athlete as i cross the finish line of my first half marathon. I want to make my blog half as wonderful as yours is. Thank you for sharing and inspriring. š
Babygirl says
When I grow up, I want to look back and say I made a difference. I wanna be a mom, and take my kids on fantastic trips of wonder and imagination!
villemezbrown says
I love that Lainey is holding onto Nella’s little foot in the Spy Camera pictures. š What do I want to be when I grow up? Umm. . . thin? Oh, sorry. It was supposed to be what do I want to *do* when I grow up. LOL I want to take my daughter to a beach.
Adele
Kat ~* says
ok I have a new addiction now. darlybird is amazing! I could seriously spend some hard earned dough there. ha
when I grow up I want to write a book or maybe 2. I already know what I want to write about. just need to get to it!
Claire says
When I grow up, I want to learn to love even strangers more than myself. Check out the song “When I Grow Up” by First Aid Kit if you don’t know it yet!
Just Glory says
coming back to this post (because sometimes there’s so much to see I miss something that I catch a second time through- and sometimes just so I can hear your playlist), I was just reminded of a mask my uncle had when I was a kid. He was much younger than my mom and still lived with my grandparents until I was 7 or 8, and I spent a LOT of time with my grandparents. He had a scary Halloween mask that, looking back now, I think looked like an old man. It had a big, knobby nose and glass marble eyes and shaggy grey hair- and that thing scared the CRAP out of me. I could watch him put it on, and still be JUST as terrified once it was on as I was when he jumped out of the hallway already wearing it. My Granny had to scold him again and again for making me cry with that thing.
BUT- he’s still my favorite uncle:)
nak008 says
I love the picture of Nella giving you an ice cream kiss. š When I grow up, I want to travel the world, learn how to knit, refinish furniture well, learn how to use my camera, take a professional cooking class, and be there for my children whenever they need me. The stuff on Darlybird is so adorable!!! I just may need to go buy some things right now!
Kelly says
When I grow up, I want to take a romantic vacation with just my husband to Italy or somewhere on the east coast that is “cape cod esk” LOL.
Becky says
Guess what I live in Maine, and have never seen a lobster boat dock, I gotta do that sometime..
When I grow up I wanna learn how to swim…. never learned… š
ChobeeMomofTwins says
When I grow up I want to enjoy being ME! Older (ok, so I don’t have a choice with that one), more mature (yes, like old & wise), more patient (with my hubby & twinnies), a great leader (of my family & my classroom), and a great follower (of my mentors, my husband, my twinnies, and my students).
It’s great to know that you can reflect currently on your life and what it has been; and, to know that you have the potential to look forward to what it will one day be.
Melissa says
When I grow up… I want to be able to have a clean house that still invites my four kids to play and be creative. Because, for some reason, a messy house is just better for playing right now š
Megan C says
when i grow up i want to have a bakery and bake sweet treats that will hopefully help make someone’s day a little brighter.
Amy says
Damn. Your optimism is contagious. When I grow up? I want to be as optimistic and hopeful as you are!
Thanks for helping me find peace in my heart.
Loving Luke says
I want to be an immaculate housewife. The kind that doesn’t about break into hives when the doorbell rings un expectedly bc there’s crumbs on the floor, dust that’s accumulating at a rapid pace, and misc laundry lying everywhere. Maybe someday…..
Tammy says
Love this post!! But then again – they all are equally fabulous (even though Nella’s birthstory is my all time fave..but I have a special place in my heart for that little girl and I have never even met you or her! That is just how God works though) – anyHOO – I would love to win that $50 gift card. I am a momma of 4 and are we now in the process of adopting 2 children from Ethiopia! I would go wild shopping because lets face it – I have 4 kids so I never get to shop (LOL). You are lovely – your blog is like a cupcake for me and as everyone knows – I love cupakes!:) xo
Scholma says
I want to be a doctor when I grow up, but that seems so grown up. For now I will take being a mama.
Jenna says
When I grow up I want the little girl in me to keep dreaming about what I’ll be when I grow up…
Hannah Lee says
I have been following now for you a few months and I thought you might like to see what effort our small town is doing to allow all children to be able to play together- with or without disabilities. Check it out- http://legacyparkofruston.blogspot.com/
Your children are beautiful. You are beautiful. And thank you for continuing to share your story with us- it is beautiful.
Nick and Kortni are adopting! says
When I grow up I want to be the best version of myself. And I hope I still get crushes on movie stars that are way to young for me!
MissMallory87 says
Honestly, when I grow up, I don’t wanna be grown up. I want to stay young and hip, always sucking the marrow from life and never resting my imaginative mind!
I love your blog, I read it every time it is updated! It brings a smile to my face and a song into my heart! Your family is so beautiful, you are a very talked photographer and an amazing writer!
Tina S says
I want to be a photographer when I grow up. Seriously! And I have the camera to prove it. Just not the skills….yet!
473a8cc6-ad87-11e0-9d84-000bcdcb8a73 says
When I grow up… I don’t think I want to! š
kpitcock says
When I grow up I want to be a ballerina, mom, makeup artist, photographer, wedding planner, personal shopper, kindergarten teacher, and interior decorator! For now I’ll be a military spouse, pregnant, and a school psychologist!
superfizz says
When I grow up I want to tour the world with my family. I have to say, you write beautifully and I love to read your posts. Love. superfizz at bust dot com
mrc-w says
Lainey’s story is so cute and funny!
Wendy says
When I grow up, I want to travel the world and show it to my niece, Fiona; either as a fellow travel buddy or through photographs. I want to live through my photographs and have others live through them, too. And I want to be an even better baker than I am today (every day I can get better).
Heidi O says
I wanna be like Kelle when I grow up, a beautiful and brave mama
Love, Chelsea says
When I grow up I want to be crafty and artistic and have a truly beautiful and unique home.
frksillyh says
When I grow up I want to…
… have a big family that I can cook for, clean after and have lovely moments with.
… write something life changing.
… love my job.
… find myself
… plan what I want to do when I get even older
Betsy says
When I grow up I want to be the lead singer in a band cause, how cool would that be? And on a more practical note, I want to grow up to be a morning person. I just want to be one of those people who gets a whole days worth of things done on their to do list before the rest of the world even wakes up.
s ep says
I want to always have a “to do” potential list when I grow up!
Jess says
When I grow up, I want to have a lot of children and, well, become a child again with them. That’s what life is about, isn’t it?
Ky says
when i grow up…i want my big family to visit me for holidays at my waterside cottage with the big yard. we’ll all play football and have a talent show just like they did in “Dan in Real Life”.
i loved your post today. i’m not content unless i have something to look forward to. thanks for helping me realize my “potential”.
ky
leahfu says
Nella can rock like these guys when she grows up š
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9tg4c_rudely-interrupted_music
Emily says
When I grow up I want to go sky-diving! And I want to be a better hosuekeeper, but I’m not holding my breath on that one. š
SuperMilf says
When I grow up, my house will always be spotless, my kids will tell me I smell like vanilla buttercream frosting when they hug me, and I will learn how to garden.
Jessica says
When I grow up…I want to have an amazing garden that will feed my whole family the whole year…
Love the blog…as usual! š
kyle and robin says
when I grow up I’m going to be a photographer…until then, I pretend I am one!
LoveLife says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Emily Valko Monroy says
When I grow up I want to see my published book at a bookstore.
LoveLife says
When I grow up, I want to sail to French Polynesia!
I’m looking forward to checking out Darlybird. Love the book idea!!!
Irene says
When I grow up, I’m gonna be a nurse, get married to the cutest guy ever, and have lots and lots of kids! I can’t wait.
Love the picture of Nella and you kissing. Your girls are too adorable.
Amy says
You’re always so insightful…
Love it
Sam I Am says
When I grow up I am going to have LOTS of grandkids and we will have sleepovers:-)
LaughingthruLife says
When I grow up I want to be insanely organized. I want a cute little wall full of my grocery list, weekly meals, chore and reward charts for my kids. I want to know where that coupon is that I got a few weeks back that I knew I would need eventually but have no idea where I left it. I want everything to have a place, so that when it is messy, at least I know there is potential for it to be clean. And so much more.
monihope85 says
Hey Kelle,
Just watching an interesting documentary called ‘Can We Get Married?’ about a lovely DS couple living together independently in Britain. Not sure how you’d find it over in the states, but if you get a chance it’s quite good.:)
Cathy K. says
This is one of my favorite posts! I’m having “one of those days…” and reading about all this potential helped me snap out of a bad mood. I was reminded of all the things that excite me and of the little things that make life better. Like organizing. My friends poke fun at me because I organize things over and over, always trying to find the perfect system for my wardrobe, teaching supplies, and random knick-knacks.
In the middle of reading your post, I saw the sun setting outside. My mom pointed it out to me seconds after I noticed the purple and pink clouds. I was suddenly inspired to take a picture. Something I haven’t done in a long time.
So thank you. Thanks for this post! It’s a favorite because it helped me feel better, and inspired me to take a picture of beautiful clouds that hold potential for a better tomorrow.
Hannah Baldwin says
When I grow up… I want to remember all my favorite childhood memories and have my own board book filled with pictures of each one. Like wading through my creek with all my bros and sisters, and go-carting with my mom even after she threw me out of it… Shooting off rockets with my dad in our big field and getting woken up in the middle of the night to lay outside for the meteor shower… And the sound of my dad’s voice reading Little House on the Prairie to us. And somehow do all of those things with my boy.
Caty says
NICU Nursing!!! What a cute story- you have quite the writer on your hands š
Amanda says
I want to be a stay at home mommy when I grow up… I’ve got the mommy part down…working on the other part…
February Jill says
When I grow up I want to keep my house clean and grow a secret garden and bake everyday so that when people drop by we can have impromptu tea parties.
Jill
Claire says
i can’t believe how much your girls are growing! less and less baby.
when i grow up, i want to have a children’s bookstore and host storytimes. but really, when i grow up, i just want to love my family and enjoy all the time i can spend with them.
I'm Rach... This is my husband Nick says
When I grow up…. I want to sleep in until noon, drive in a red (Yes, this is a must!)convertible with the top down singing along with the music as loud as I can, and take piano lessons!! I always like to challenge myself to see how many random people I can make smile in an outing… maybe I’ll step it up to making random people laugh, when I grow up!!
Cami says
WOW. Absolutely gorgeous photos…wow!
<3-Cami
New to blogging – nice to meet you š
Nika M. says
I don’t wanna grow up…just grow old. š
alphabet momma says
When I grow up I want to be a mommy that sees the fun in everything! And I will grow up.
LOVED this post! Lainey’s book is the most precious thing. And potential excites me as well! My house is cluttered with toys, clothes and lots of love. It’s a good clutter. It has amazing potential!
The Mrs. says
When I grow up I’d like to travel and review fun resorts and tasty restaurants. But I must to be able to bring anyone (and as many anyones) I want along. Sweet time spent exploring new places with people I love, or people who just need a pick me up. What a glorious job that would be.
-Renae
Sam says
when i grow up i want to be a photographer!
Janie says
when I grow up…well I actually hope I never grow up too much. I love being silly with my kids. I love thinking I’m still young…(even though I just turned 50). I still wanna have fun, be spontaneous, laugh a lot and most of all live a lot! Growing up??? It’s way over-rated if you ask me!
Kristen says
When I grow up I want to dance in the rain, collect raindrops in a jar, twirl in the sunshine and jump in piles of leaves in the autumn. I want to bake cookies and kiss grandbabies; dream of unicorns and wear a cape that will enable me to fly. I want to smile everyday and laugh constantly. Hmmm…part of me thinks I must already be grown up because I’m living it!
I absolutely LOVE Lainey’s story! What more can a princess ask but for a king that wants cereal? š
Shannon says
I would love to check out one of your new sponsors. I actually got the “egg nest” necklace with three eggs and I just received it yesterday and I’ve gotten like 10 compliments on it.
BTW I took OT Studies as well and also didn’t find it thrilling but reading the bible again with a little life under my belt I’m finding to be a different experience.
Shannon
jonathanshannon(at)hotmail(dot)com
Amber says
I’m dreaming about opening a natural maternity and baby boutique with cloth diapers, baby carriers, nursing and maternity clothes, and a giant play space for play and support groups. It will also be a new home for my lactation consultation work. http://www.papoosenantucket.com
Some day…
(By the way, I haven’t left reader for a while, and I love the new picture in your header.)
OhanaMama says
“And potential drives me like no other force can.”
What a beautiful sentiment.
carrie says
love the photos….
when I grow up I want to be the best mommy in the whole world. is there anything more fulfilling than pouring love into your child?
a special treasure from God’s hands into your own.
Emily P says
When I grow up:
I want to make a digital scrapbook
I want to take dance classes once again
I want to travel outside of the US
I want to go to Disney World!!!
Camelia says
Such a great post! You are marvelous and so are your pictures! I love what you’re writing, hope some day I’ll buy your book :).
monica says
When I grow up, I want to write books. I want to learn how to fold fitted sheets. I want to learn to scuba dive. Oh, and I want to go on a fabulous European vacation.
Olaina.PhotosAndArt says
When I grow up I want to be Ella’s mommy AND clean the house.
Mia says
OMG, I’m going to get in trouble on Darlybird. Already picked out some sunglasses.
Guedo says
When I grow up I want to be my mom. A cooking, sewing, cleaning, shopping, gardening, crafty loving mom.
wardie's mom says
When I grow up I want to be an avid gardener, reader and seamstress as well as an awesome wife and mommy. Better get moving!
Another beautiful post–your blog is so wonderful everytime I look at it:)
Kripa says
I love your blog. It makes me want to photo-blog every time I read it. What a beautiful string of feelings recorded for posterity for your girls to read!
I have a question: don’t laugh š where did you buy the quilt that I see Nella toting along a lot of the times? Are you gonna tell me you made it yourself? I am one step away from convincing myself you are a mythical creature…. I still want to believe you are real…so please tell me you bought it!
Katie says
I love your blog! What a talented mama you are…writer, photographer, teacher…Love it!
I always look forward to new blog posts. Often your musings give me inspiration for my own mothering.
Quick question…where did you get the adorable Matroishka Doll patterned dress for Lainey?
Thanks,
Katie
Angel says
Long time reader, first time commenter. I couldn’t not comment on this post. Life’s potential is invigorating, and heady, and totally amazing. I love the anticipation of things, planning for the holiday, lazy days spent focusing on future endeavors and tasks.
I want to so many things when I grow up, I have my doubts that I will in fact grow up, but that’s besides the point. I want to take write a novel (a good one preferably), take beautiful pictures, marry my soulmate, be the best mommy I can be, own my own business and work from home. I want my home to be plush and comfy, filled with overstuffed furniture and familiar voices. I want Friday morning coffee dates and the time for long walks with La-la and the pups.
I wish I had commented sooner, I am so very in love with your blog, and your babies. They are absolutely gorgeous! You are an inspiration, and I was a bit intimidated. But I will be braver when I grow up too. š
Thank you for your blog, and sharing your life and family with us, it is an honor.
Angel
Chasing Serenity
Angelisse80@yahoo.com
jessica says
when i grow up, i want to be a more patient mother to my kids. And I want to find a job that I actually love!
Unknown says
i am in love with your blog! you inspire me to take beautiful pictures of my babies…when i grow up, i want my kids to remember all the fun we had and all the blessings from God! Pick me!!! love that site…can’t wait to order the books for my kids!
Jillian K says
When I grow up I want to be a more creative and energized mother, a wife, a more inspired and faithful Christian, a rock star, a midwife or doula, and always a dreamer.
theoregontail says
Isn’t life full of delicious potential? Nicely said. Cheers! From one dreamer to another!
DyceMarie says
When I “grow up” I want to become a newborn photographer! Taking pictures and capturing moments of them is simply darling! The Darlybird items you’ve posted are vivid and bright and look like good quality items!
Ernesto IbaƱez says
Love to see your pictures, are so goooood!!!!
see also my blog