“This might be one of the last days we can open all the windows,” Brett announced this morning as he forced open the sliding glass doors with one strong push, welcoming the breeze that had been knocking. The curtains lifted and I breathed in the evidence of spring as I sipped my coffee and listened to birds that called from the back woods.
Every window is open today, and though the tunnel of air that rushes through our home makes doors slam, dogs bark, and babies cry, mostly it just makes me happy.
Random Happies this Weekend:
A: The remainder of our friend Rebecca’s stay.
We drove her half way to meet her parents last night and enjoyed dinner with “Uncle Pat” and “Aunt Kay.” Nella and Uncle Pat had a cell phone stand off.
And we laughed because, after a week of admirable behavior and well-mannered children, last night my kids lost their sh@# at the restaurant. Both cried, Nella ate a crayon, Lainey tried to fish it out of her mouth and consequently nearly lost her finger. End of story. I did the whole “I swear, they never act like this” act even though, while I’m saying it, I feel silly disclaiming. We ended up playing parking lot games while the big people finished eating and all was well by the end of the night.
B: The Crocodile Talk
Lainey must have heard something about crocodiles because Sister refuses to go to the lake anymore. She swears it’s full of crocodiles–not alligators, but crocodiles. We got within twenty feet of the lake’s edge the other night and she came to a skidding stop. Despite Rebecca’s twenty minute negotiation attempt, we turned around and went home.
C: Lost Headband
On the way home, two blocks from our house, I found my headband hanging from a tree. And I remembered, two weeks ago I tried to scale a wall of trees and climb a fence to take a picture of the sun setting on a neighboring golf course. Almost broke my leg, lost my pants, and still didn’t get the picture. Oh, and I lost my headband.
D: Speaking of breaking rules, Little Sister tries to snatch flowers on walks. It is adorable.
E: Puddle Jumping.
F: Kitchen Dancing (this song is my new favorite. can’t get enough).
G: Quick Upcycle Craft.
Old unoriginal store bought art + vintage fabric scraps ($4 lot on eBay) + Mod Podge = New Art.
H: Friday Photo Dump
Friday Phone Dump photos are taken on the Instagram iPhone app (free) and dropped into a 12×12 collage using a photo editing software (Photoshop Elements works). I am @etst (enjoying the small things) on Instagram if you want to follow the feed.
I: I’m thrilled to introduce a very talented artist with whom I’ve collaborated to offer you something very special. Pippa Eccles is the brilliance behind Pippa’s Patchwork, a shop full of colorful, striking geometric quilts, all designed by Pippa and created with 100% cotton Kona fabrics. Pippa has designed a special line of quilts in collaboration with Enjoying the Small Things, the “In Bloom” series, and will donate 15% of proceeds from these items to the National Down Syndrome Society. In addition, Pippa is donating 15% of every sale in her shop to the National Down Syndrome Society from now until April 20th.
Several Instagram followers have commented on our “In Bloom” quilt, and I promised I’d soon share details.
It’s exquisite. A keepsake to pass down to my girls and a treasure we will enjoy and display for a very long time.
Take a visit to Pippa’s Patchwork and marvel at her handiwork and design. There are a variety of keepsakes and gifts–pillows, wall quilts, round quilts and more.
*****
Finally, I can’t thank you enough for all of your kind words this week. It has been a whirlwind experience so far, certainly made richer by sharing it with you. I smile with every picture on Facebook, with every story you’ve told. Thank you for sharing it with us. I’ve asked permission from several of you to use your photos–I’m tucking them away for a future project, but here are just a few from this week.
If you look for the good…you will find it.
Next week will be a fun, crazy adventure. More details to come.
Jazz Hands and Happy Weekend to you.
Oh this makes me so impatient to get my copy of Bloom! Happy Easter to you and your littles.
Read Bloom on Tuesday evening. Thank you for sharing more of your life with us. <3
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I love love love that quilt! I have this thing for quilts! i cannot wait to check out her shop!
I’ve just recently discovered your blog and it brings me so much joy. Your pictures are so full of life and your daughters are gorgeous – and I love your way you express your thoughts on here. Enchanting.
Congrats Kelle. What an awesome achievement. I ordered mine….can’t wait till it gets here to Sunny Seattle. Much love, Melina
Just bought the In Bloom pillow! It’s gorgeous and the colors will be perfect in my house. Finished reading your book – simply wonderful.
Oh Kelle, I just loved Bloom. I made myself not read it all in one night, but savored it over two nights. I wish you nothing but sunshine and happiness.
This all sounds like such a seriously awesome weekend Kelle, I’m pleased to hear you had such a good time, great photos as well.
Love it!!! I’ve made a friend through your blog and we are both enjoying the book!!!
The quilt is amazing. Wishing you a beautiful Easter tomorrow. I hope you will celebrate Jesus in a big way. Just like your Grandma and grandpa would have wanted you to. Love, Becky
Love Pippa’s work. Sarah and I just ordered a “bloom” quilt to hang in our store. Hope you all have a wonderful Easter.
oh, heads up, last night was a full moon. kids, dogs and people everywhere going full-out crazy. it’s not just your kids 🙂
I can’t wait for my book to arrive – it is coming from Amazon UK and I think they take longer. I have shared your link on my blog – hope that’s okay. I lost my hearing as a result of Meniere’s and have a Hearing dog for the Deaf – I see myself as differently-abled – I still teach languages. Last October my latest niece was born with Down Syndrome and I find your blog so, so wonderful to read – thank you xx
Oh good Lord. My book just arrived about 30 minutes ago. I can barely stand it. Someone. Clear the house. I need some peace and quiet and a box of kleenex (or two)!
I’m ever impatient too… Can’t wait to get my copy!
Have a wonderful Easter – we do!!!!
Oh I lol’d at the “lost their s*&%” comment because we’ve been there a few times this week. My little one is such a sweet, fun girl at home, but the second we get around another kid I don’t even recognize that chick and spend many minutes explaining that she “isn’t usually like this”! Love your littles 🙂
Half way through bloom already 🙁 it’s going too fast!!
I wish you a wonderful easter
I am 40 pages away from finishing Bloom and I am so sad that it is coming to an end. I have loved reading it and I am truly inspired. Can’t wait for our skype session with you on the 20th at Lauren’s!
The “in bloom” collection stunning and nella jumping puddles adorable.
Xoxo
My heart is so happy for you Kelle….xoxo
Omigoodness Nella looks huge next that sweet lil babe (maybe Ivy Lynn??) Hope u all have a beeeeutiful weekend
Beautiful pictures, Kelle….I can’t believe how big Nella is getting…Oh and the flower picking 🙂 Also I’m totally enjoying your book, in fact I’m sure my littles are annoyed at me cause i just don’t put it down 🙂 Happy Easter to you and your ever so beautiful family
That quilt is gorgeous! & those vintage scraps in the frame are so cool. I never find the cute vintage scraps! 🙂 My kid loves to eat crayons too. Have a lovely weekend! xx
jazz hands and happy weekend…that’s just awesomeness!
🙂
Laura
Ahh.. almost done with your book. Love it. So much. I wish I had the right words to decribe how wonderful it is, but I just don’t. So believe me. It’s chaning my life. And my familie’s. And since I ordered 10 copies, I am sure it will change countless lives in my area and beyond. Thank you again.
every bit of this was full out smile, laugh out loud, feel the joy beautiful! thanks for making my day. i’m about to start Easter break with my grand girls (10, 9 and 6) and while i’m enjoying a day of solitude, writing time, walks with “just the dogs,” i can’t wait for the energy of this coming week! again, this was a breath of really fabulous fresh springtime air!
I’m reading your book, in WA state, and LOVING it. Thanks for sharing.
I am SO enjoying the book. I keep trying to read only one chapter a day so I can savor it, but usually I can’t help myself and end up reading more. I will be so sad when it’s over!!! Also…I LOVE the polka dot sunglasses you have been wearing in the last couple posts…they are adorable!!
That quilt is awesome. I will have to order one. Patiently waiting for my book to arrive. I can’t wait to read it! Congratulations on such an amazing accomplishment!!
Love the flower picking. I walked into my backyard yesterday and the ground was covered with little lavender phlox flower petals, gently picked and discarded by my granddaughter.
I just finished Bloom yesterday and I LOVED IT!! I laughed and I cried and I couldn’t put it down! I have recommended it to everyone I know. You have created such an amazing environment for your girls to grow up in. They are going to take this world by storm! Congrats!!!
XOXO
jazz hands make everything better.
the quilt is so gorgeous.
Hilarious! I feel silly too in that moment when you try to explain, ‘oh they aren’t usually like this!’ lol. but it’s true…but why do we feel compelled to have to explain. ha. Oh i can feel the joy oozing from your heart!! so happy for you!
love the book as well.
good stuff!!
words are powerful.
my hope for you and Nella is that you’re always able to be in Bloom, and find the beauty in the now — and never ever let words, no matter how powerful, take away your happy or your beauty.
those quilts are stunning!
Congrats on your book. I read it Wed. & liked it very much.
Cheers.
A BIG congratulation on your book!
I love your photos, as always!
Happy Easter!
GREAT post of happies! My book is in… at home… and I’m in NY for another week plus, can’t wait to read!!! Thanks for making my smile grow a little wider this evening. 🙂
~Tabitha Blue
Congrats on Bloom! I’m excited to get a copy. I love the instagram pic of Nella asleep in the chair. I don’t even know her, but feel connected through your pictures. There is such a sweetness you capture of your girls.
Oh those jazz hands are spunky :-)….. I ordered my copy from fishpond in Australia and its killing me it hasn’t arrived yet :-))… But hopefully by the 12th I’ll have it in my eager little hands 🙂 have a beautiful Easter kelle
I bought Bloom today! I was hoping and hoping that it would be on one of the “front tables” in Barnes and Noble and IT WAS! And Bloom had the shortest stack which means it’s getting purchased. Yay!!!
Can’t wait to get reading!
Congrats on the book! And thanks for so many happy pictures. The instagram photo of Nella asleep slumped on the couch cracked me up.
Happy Easter from PA!
Finally got my copy of Bloom and am LOVING it so far, just like I knew I would. It’s so weird to be holding your book. Even though we’ve never met, I have this faux sense of knowing you, and I’m so proud and happy for you. The internet can produce some weird relationships….if you can call it that. Anyway, congrats to you!
The headband story makes me laugh. I’m such a rule breaker. Happy Easter.
Last photo of Nella is a win. Also what I needed after a rough night last night with Ellie.
Bloom is amazing! I’m just about done…picking it up every spare second…and I think I’m reading it again just as soon as I’m finished! Your blog entry of Nellas birth was so touching – but to read the account in your book…wow. Your family, friends – just awesome! You’re a special woman Kelle Hampton! 🙂
Reading all the other comments about Bloom I’m beside myself waiting. Love the Nella and Pat phone duel, stealing flowers, your lost headband (and the vision of you trying to take that photo!)
That quilt is splendid. Happy Easter weekend Kelle, can’t wait to see your adventures this week!
Guaranteed it’s the pregnancy hormones talking, and the sadness that comes from knowing our adoption of a(nother) little one with DS has to be delayed until new babe is one (the law where we live…)…
but when I hit the photos of the faces with your book? Girl, I was in tears.
Gutwrenching, soul-quenching, heart sobbing lump in your throat tears. Oh, the connections we have. Blessed little connections. Love to you.
we <3 jazz hands!
It is simple things that make great memories. Those flowers, small and lovely bring such a heartwarming feeling. The kids having fun brings joy. Happy Easter!
Lovely post. xo P.S My book arrived today!!!!!!I can’r wait to read Bloom. 🙂
So clicked on the link for your new favorite song. I have since downloaded it and listened to at least five times in a row. My husband is looking at me weird as I bounce in my chair listening to it. Thanks for giving me a new fun song to listen to!
My local book store SOLD OUT of Bloom and apparently did not hold on to my PRE-ORDERED copy…
SO, while I wait for my hardback, I also bought it on my Kindle today and cried my way through Nella’s birth story… again.
Love the instagram pic of Nella asleep on that tiny pink chair.
Girl rocked so hard, she passed out.
Happy Easter!
Ordered mine! 🙂
That collage you shared at the end of friends who have purchased your book gave me goosebumps. To think of how many people you’re inspiring right now! Unbelievable. Keep it up!!
I’ve followed your blog as a “silent stalker” for a couple years now. I came upon your book today in Barnes & Noble and I seriously did a lil happy dance. I told my fiance that I felt like I knew you! 16 pages into the story I’ve read on your blog before and my eyes are teary and my heart is full for you and your sweet family. Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your story! 🙂
I’m still waiting like many for Bloom to arrive, but seeing that my house is brimming with family and celebration; it can wait. I’m working in 5th gear and loving it. And speaking of which – great song – I see why it causes you to break out in dance. And btw, the quilt is simply amazing. Beautiful. Joyful. A great generational piece.
Here’s wishing all of you a wonderful Easter! I can’t imagine the day could actually top your week, but it just may. 🙂
-Jennifer
I.LOVE.THAT.QUILT!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Bloom and am already looking forward to the SEQUEL! Truly a wonderful book.
Wishing you a delightfully happy Easter!
Got my book on Friday and I was SOOO excited! Flipping through it just looks beautiful. Absolutely love your dedication to Lainey. Can’t wait to finish it 🙂
I don’t know how many times I said to Jim during this post, “OH! You gotta see this picture!” But my faves are definitely the phone stand off….hahahahaha! The body language is SO Nora, too. She likes to get real close and have a good look 😮
I can hardly stand the wait to get my hands on my book!!!!
Happy Easter Eve 🙂
I just finished stuffing Easter eggs, meticously placing special treats and toys in the baskets, and munching on carrots placed carefully for the bunny so that his visit to our home will leave evidence. And while I should go to bed since it’s 1:30am in my time zone, instead I just treated myself to your latest blog post with the icing on top being one more chapter of Bloom. I just can’t put it down, and thank you for sharing your story.
Happy Easter to your family!
-Jenny in Iowa
Haaa funny story about your headband 🙂 And I love Nella’s cell phone moment with Uncle Pat 🙂
Have a wonderful Easter Kelle.
x
http://blog.scissorspaperrockdesigns.com.au/
Finished the book this morning. What a beautiful gift you’ve given your girls. I am going to buy we few more copies to give as gifts. You have such love and enthusiasm – it’s inspiring. Congratulations on the book and continued success!
I was saying to a friend the other day how awesome your pictures were. they are so real and…just darn lovely! your kids are so gorgeous. and so are you. oh, congrats on your book! I was so excited for you when you got it all done and dusted!
I LOVE that quilt! So beautiful!
Hi, BEAUTIFUL PICTURES!!!
AMAZING COLOURS… LOVE ALL!
Thanks for the comments to my latest pictures!
Are comments like that make me happy!!!
xx
http://littlebigthings-photo.blogspot.pt
happy easter! you are on page 6 of aol…OMG!!!!!!
congratulations and thanks for sharing your life with us!
A blogger mentioned how your blog is such an inspiration. I checked it and she’s right. Your posts are really full of life and hope. And that picture of Nella and uncle is so adorable! <3
funandruins.blogspot.com
Hello,
I just wanted to leave a note to say how much I loved Bloom! Your book is amazing! It just happened to show up at my house the day the doctor put me on bed rest. It was the perfect book to read as I wait to meet my own daughter. Thanks for being so honest. I hope to be as great of a mother to my daughter as you are to yours. Thanks again!
Happy Easter!!
LOVE the photos of Nella and Uncle Pat…..too cute.
I had my windows open today….love that!!
Just started reading…savoring this one, just like I do your posts.
Can’t wait to wrap up the other copies I bought for the mothers in my life!
Best of luck to you in your adventures…
I’m laughing right now. I clicked on the reference to the Calvin Harris song, (which I really like!) and my 21 yr. old daughter says to me, “WHAT are you listening to?” so my reply was, “what? I’m not allowed to listen to a music video?” “oh my gosh” was her hallowed reply. I asked if she knew the artist and, of course, she did. But now I do as well…..
xo
lynn
Finished the book….SO TOUCHING! Thank you for being real and sharing your story. I stayed up WAAAY to late finishing it.
Have a happy week!
Apryl
For more fun kitchen-dance music, try Butterfly Boucher’s new one, 5678! http://butterflyboucher.com/ She’s also on Twitter and Facebook and her music is on iTunes.
Kelle! My pre-ordered copy of your book FINALLY arrived on Saturday (I had been growing jealous of the ladies who got it earlier at B&N and Target!) and I keep finding myself trying to read various passages whenever I can get 10 minutes. I love it. I love you. Really, I do. My favorite part so far? Thank you for sharing more about your childhood and your relationship with your father. My heart is sad to think of you as an 8 year old little girl, feeling confusion and sadness. But that story proves once again that life is what you make of it…it’s all about the perspective you CHOOSE to have. I’ve often read your blog and wondered what life experiences shaped such a beautiful soul. I feel grateful to have read your book to get a glimpse of just a few of those experiences. I look forward to someday sharing your book with my daughters…as a means of demonstrating to them what Mary Tyler Moore once said…that pain nourishes courage. You can’t be brave if only good things happen to you. Thank you for showing us all the importance of perspective, how to live a big, bold, beautiful life and how hard times and heartbreak can transform is into better, stronger, more compassionate and greateful people. I heart you!
Received my copy of Bloom on Saturday – I’m savoring it, loving flipping through to look at photos and catch snippets of words.
Beautiful quilts by Pippa Patchwork.
These happy’s really made me smile. Happy Monday!
I love the quilt, she is an amazing artist. My book is due to come in on Friday and I can’t tell you how I want to read it and look at all the pictures. I am so jealous of the facebook pics. Haha, mine will come soon enough. Happy Easter.
I finished Bloom Friday and immediatly started reading it again, this time a little slower. The first time I was so excited that I missed things. I do not have a child with DS but I relate to so much you say. My oldest son died 8 years ago at the age of 31 and I would give anything to relive the years when all my kids were little. I so admire your ability to live each moment for all the joy in contains. Thank you so much for sharing your precious, beautiful, adorable girls with me.
Kelle, Finished the book yesterday and I adored it! As an expecting momma, I think I cried more during this book than any other book I’ve ever read. This will be my 3rd baby, but 4th pregnancy. Today was my due date with the one I lost this summer and I couldn’t think of a better thing to do yesterday then curl up all day and read your book. Keep the good things coming and the inspiration flowing! Much love, Tee
Bought Bloom for my Kindle Saturday and started it yesterday. I am loving it. You are an inspiration. Nella is such an adorable “little” and I enjoy each new post you do. Keep up the good thoughts. You are a blessing to this world.
Every thing you write is gold. I love the headband part of this post. So funny!
I don’t even know where to start! all these pics are gorgeous, but the last one was just so very, very cute–made my heart smile. Thank you for sharing!
My little one (17 months) is obsessed with the photos in Bloom. I’m so glad I brought it with me on our recent 2 hour car trip to the Grandparents. We spent at least an hour flipping through the pages so she could point out the “baby”. Apparently Brett looks like her Papa (her grandfather…and he really doesn’t look anything like him. Brett is much much younger).
I read your book bloom in one day. It was incredible….I couldn’t stop. I am now on my second round of it. Thank you for sharing such an intimate look into your life that first year. Your view on life is my new look on life. Thank you for your book and your blog.
Congrats on the book! Can’t wait to read it!
Love the picture of Nella passed out on the chair. I am forever jealous of little ones passing out where ever they might be. My son (the only for about 1 more month)needs quiet, darkness and mom or dad’s ear to hold to drift off for naps. Hoping #2 can learn to roll with it a little more. It doesn’t seem like you plan your day around naps like we do. We are slaves to nap time!
JUST GOT BLOOM IN THE MAIL TODAY!!!! Cannot wait to dig in….and then look like Nella passed out on that couch. Adorbs..
just got my copy yesterday and I’m halfway through already. 😀
I about died when I read Chim-Chimmeny CHaroo. Hilarious, Keep it real, sister. love it. have a great trip and ill be dvr’ing the today show! 🙂
the pic of nella and uncle pat? hilarious.
i love it so much!
Nella with the phone is too much. So cute! I also loved seeing my girl (Lexi B) on here! =)
Loved Bloom and you rocked the TODAY show! =)
Love,
Jill B (Overland Park, KS)
Your blog archives have. Even keeping me company this week on spring break! After reading bloom, I got curious about the rest of the story. Thank you for your honesty, candor and inspiration. I’m intrigued. Y the homemade laundry soap. Is it he friendly? I’m thinking we’ll give it a try if it is. Thanks, keep up the great work!
I saw your book at Barnes and Noble over the weekend on a table labeled Mother’s Day. I noticed the book by the cover and title so I picked it up to see what it was about. Long story short, I bought the book, I am currently reading it as much as possible (I am almost done) and I am loving every word of it. I do not have have a child with DS but I do know what it is like to have a child diagnosed with something that was out of the plan I had for us. My son had cancer when he was 2. I can understand some of your thoughts and I can appreciate your honesty! Thank you for sharing!!