Last minute works very well for me. I leave tomorrow for Dallas, and I have a hundred things to do still. Including pack. And before that, wash the clothes that I’m going to pack. So, it’s just a few pictures tonight. Thank you so much for all of the kind comments and insightful questions you left on the last post. I will answer several of the questions soon. For now, enjoying a few things. Like anything that resembles fall in Florida.
Finding “the cat” on our walks.
After school dates with the girls.
Love Nella’s little plum fall clippie from sponsor, Coco Penny.
*****
Last week’s Friday Photo Dump (I know, I’m behind):
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 care to follow the feed.
And your #enjoyingthesmallthings photos (If you use Instagram and have a photo that makes you happy, share it by using the hashtag #enjoyingthesmallthings. Yours may be chosen to be shared in a Friday post.):
*****
Congratulations to the Deb Oliver Custom Created Locket Giveaway winner,
Comment #230, Mrs. Katie Rose Jensen:
I am a teacher of students with cognitive impairments in MI. Your blog allows me to envision the everyday life of many of my students’ families…the way that life doesn’t revolve around the disability but on the journey of life. Thank you for creating this insight for me!
Katie Rose, please send your contact information with the subject line “Deb Oliver Giveaway” to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net so we can get your locket on the way!
*****
Welcome back to previous sponsor Linkel Designs. Linkel Designs Etsy shop is full of numerous pages of gorgeous handmade jewelry from delicate simple pieces to bold statements with flare. Offering rings, necklaces, earrings and hairpins in a range of styles from vintage to modern, Linkel Designs is sure to have something fun not only for yourself but gifts for friends and family. Jewelry is fairly priced, and Linkel Designs is currently featuring some gorgeous fall-inspired pieces. How fun are those owl and acorn earrings or that silver spectacles necklace?
Top row: Silver Willow Tree Necklace, Silver Indigo Earrings, Silver Spectacles Necklace
Middle row: Petal Pink Byzantine Earrings, Golden Fall Owl Earrings, Copper and Agate Acorn Earrings
Bottom Row: Orange Pumpkin & Leaf Earrings, Silver Cameo Ring, Brass Bird Necklace
Use code KELLE10OFF for 10% off your order. And TWO comments on this post will be randomly chosen to win a $50 gift certificate to Linkel Designs.
Check them out!
*****
And my tips for capturing great Halloween moments of your kids are up on Babyzone today.
*****
Have a great evening!
Jodi Whitted says
LOVE Nella’s little green dress with her mocassins! And Lainey is getting so tall!
mary {figwittage} says
Such sweet photos of Lainey and Nella. I totally want ice cream now! And those jewellery pieces are so cute! xx
amomlikeme.com says
You’d love fall up in my neck of the woods in Canada- the colours are brilliant!
Looking forward to “meeting” you in two weeks for our skype date with my book club! ๐
Shasta says
That little ice cream face of nella’s is utterly to die for! Precious!
Hazel says
Love a quickie! ๐
Hope you have a blast in Dallas.
Nicole Schwalm Photography says
Nella in that green dress – adorable!
Your comment about the cat made me think of a children’s book you might want to share with the girls. I actually read it to my first grade students today. It’s called “Charlie Anderson” and it’s about a cat that sneaks out at night and has two homes. A bit like this cat was doing for awhile there.
Laura @ Twenty5seven says
I have a question for you unrelated to Downs Syndrome…. is your accent a Michigan accent, a Florida accent or a mish-mash?
BLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilities says
Hi Kelle — I was informed by the public editor of The New York Times today that they will continue to use the descriptor “retarded” in stories about people with intellectual disabilities, even though the American Psychiatric Association has announced it will revise the name to “intellectual development disorder” in the DSM in 2013.
http://bloom-parentingkidswithdisabilities.blogspot.ca/2012/10/letter-to-editor.html
I am sorry to interject in such a beautiful post with something so heavy, but it would be wonderful if you and your readers would consider questioning The New York Times on its word usage.
If you do a search, you will find many recent articles with descriptors such as: “He is severely retarded.” Example:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/30/us/ending-segregation-of-the-mentally-disabled.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Thanks for your support!
Megan Cook says
Oh my – Nella is just precious here and is becoming quite the little lady like her big sis! My oldest daughter, Ella, is about six weeks older than Nella and lately it sends a little pang through my heart to see how quickly she is growing up. Thanks for the Wednesday quickie and sharing as always!
Carmen says
I’ve been following your blog for about 6 months and have read your book, which is absolutely beautiful. I read your post from today (10/3) and your post from Monday (10/1). It dawned on me after reading your post from Monday and then reading the one from today, that I don’t even notice that Nella has Down Syndrome. (I hope that doesn’t sound horrible). I just notice a very sweet, happy, content little girl who is just cute as can be and looking to be enjoying life, her family and especially her ‘sisty’. You done good girl!! ~carmen
shellycoulter says
So excited to hear you speak in Dallas on Saturday! Thanks for the quicky post and for the post before this. Awesome, as always!
yourfriendrobin says
Why are acorns so magical?
shellycoulter says
PS…give Sandra Kelly and I a shout out during your speech. We’ll cheer really loud and LOVE your forever. Okay..we’ll love you forever anyways! ๐ But that would totally make our trek out from Wyoming even more special! haha! J/K
Little for a Little While says
Love that my pic is included in your instagrams, thanks for that! Hope you have a super fun trip to Dallas, althought too bad its not somewhere more fall like ๐ xo
The Brewster's says
Love you blog….I have been a silent reader for a few years….I too have a almost 5 yr old with D’s and a 3yr old…..your blot beautiful and love your photos….
Heidi Robinson says
Where did you find nellas green dress? LOVE IT!
Kristy says
Could Nella be any cuter in that adorable green dress?! Kelle, you are amazing. I’ve been reading for about a year and I think this is my first comment (who even knows why?!), but I just wanted to thank you for your inspirational outlook on life. Have fun on your trip!
Paige says
I love the spectacles necklace. So cute! Safe trip Kelle!
The Macons says
Nella looks grown in those pics! Just showed her off to my hubby ๐ Safe travels!
MyLyn says
I’m obsessing over Lainey’s dress! where is it from? love your blog. it’s the perfect “get my life in perspective” read.
Kelly says
I love the Instagram picture of Nella where she has glasses on. So. Cute. ๐
Monique says
Oh have fun in Dallas!! Wish I could go and meet you and learn even more from you!! Boo-hoo!!
Love Nella in the green dress…she looks soooo grown up-that scrumptious gorgeous girl of yours!! And that growing boy belly-LOVE it! All the best to you!! Safe travels my blog friend (although I really only know you…one day that blog of mine will be up and running)
Cheers!
Monique
Erin says
have fun in Dallas!
Jill Hesse says
Beautiful as always…but seriously…Nella literally sucking up the ice cream in her little green dress?!?!?! Love it. So cute. Happy travels!
ME says
I am in Dallas! Where will you be…I looked all over your blog to see if you had the location and I didn’t see it? Would love to see you speak!
Nic says
It have been a quickie post, but the pictures made me smile. Those ones of the girls eating their ice-creams? Happy heart!
alisha says
Love the photo of the girls chowing down on their ice cream cones – SO cute!
~Ashley says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sally says
Enjoy Dallas Kelle! Dress warm! You’ll get a taste of fall weather with the high being 55 degrees on Saturday! Keep on being fabulous:) You’re the most inspiring woman, mother, wife and author EVER!!! Thank you for INSPIRING!!:):) (I SO wish I was going to be in town this weekend…I live in DFW).
Megan C Larem says
I absolutely adore the clothes on the girls, you give me great ideas for clothes to buy for my niece!
Gwennie says
Some beautiful pictures of your family in this post – thank you! I love seeing what is new with the Hamptons. Have a great trip!
Brooke says
Nella’s green dress is adorable. I loved all those ice cream pictures.
Aimee says
I love how the cat has a huge pink heart tag now…just in case you try to steal it again! ๐
Kimberly says
I love those acorn earrings. Like you, I am a fellow flyer of the fall-freak flag.
Jess Litster says
Your girls always have the best shoes!!! They make me happy!!!
A Momma in Love says
Good luck at the conference, should be a good time. I just recently discovered I heartfaces.com, such a great resource for budding Photographers.
Anne Marie says
(in the picture of the girls eating ice cream) Nella is looking so grown up, definitely losing that baby look and getting her more little girl look. I love how fun your life looks.
Jillian22 says
Beautiful photos! Have a great and safe trip to Dallas. Love, love, the ice cream pics!
Abacus says
Your pictures are amazing as always. And I love this sponsor’s jewelry. I am going to have to treat myself to some for my upcoming birthday. Thanks for sharing her site!
Ellen says
LOVE those purple rain boots!
DMK says
Amazing how fun a simple trip for ice cream can be! Thanks for sharing!
Denise
Wheaty says
Loop, acorns. We’re full blown fall, almost winter here in western Canada, but we don’t have acorns. See? Lucky you! Also, I’m totally checking out that Etsy store – just my style!
Lisa @ Heaven Sent says
That third picture of the girls eating ice cream is awesome. Lainey is really coming into her own (and so tall!), and Nella’s personality cracks me up. Thanks for sharing. (I always love me a quickie. ๐
Debbie D. says
Once again, love your words and your pictures ( which tell a story all on their own!) Blessings on your trip!
Janet says
You’ll be here in Dallas… and I’ll be here in labor. Go figure! Maybe next time.
shell says
your girls could not be more beautiful. good job mama!!
Rachel @ Existation says
Oh my goodness…those lavender Hunters! I diiiie.
Kristin says
Nella’s green dress is adorable! Wishing you safe travels!
Linda MG in Soquel, CA says
i just love coming here to look for what you have written, Kelle. Just wanted to mention to all that OCTOBER is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month AND..it is Domestive Violence Awareness Month ( including all forms of abuse: physical, sexual, emotion/verbal). Love from your Blog Mama~
Bless by Tone says
hey, look at Nella’s hair, it’s really growing. i hope you have a nice time in Dallas. Fall is very much over us here in Norway, I’ll switch places with you any time – just holler at me, I’ll set you up here.
Ryan says
I so wish I was going to the conference in Dallas! Good luck and have a blast! … Love the after school ice cream date! Fun times! Even your ‘quickie’ blogs make me all kinds of happy ๐
Sandryte says
Love those knitted pants from the Instagram pictures! Can’t wait to see my newborn in such a cute outfits in A WEEK ๐
Annie says
How adorable is Nella with her hair long and in that green dress!
Good luck with laundry and packing.
MamaVerner says
Amazing how one minute a toddler can look like a baby and the next minute they’re all grown up. Miss Nella is looking so big these days!
Tina S says
Oh that last photo….that is a framer! As we call it in our house….
Jones Family says
I am an autumn freak too, and I wave my flag proudly.
NicoleDC says
Love the after school ice cream date! Taking my 4 year old this evening!
Jenn says
Love ice cream dates with the kids!
Rachael says
I can’t believe you thrifted those lavender hunters! Lainey looks adorable in them. And love all those linkel necklaces! Crossing my fingers! ๐
~Shari says
I lurve Lainey’s Hunter boots in lavender. So cute!
babblebabe0@yahoo.com
Aimee says
Florida isn’t the only place hurting for fall… It’s been 80+ here in WA all week! Finally got a freeze last night and a high of 65 today… I’ll take it ๐
Laura says
Just checked the weather in Dallas— looks like you are going to see some fall!!! (unless the rest of us who are stuck here in SW Florida).
Have a great time.
Ali's Mom says
The girls both look so old all of a sudden! How are the boys? Are they excited about a new brother? It’s amazing how fast time goes, isn’t it? Enjoy every minute of your trip – take it all in.
Cherie Dee says
I love having after school dates with my girls too. ๐ You would love where I am at…in Canada. We are in full fall mode here. Frost on the ground, lawns are full of crunchy yellow leaves. My favorite time of year. Safe travels my friend!
Andrea says
I love the clever pumpkin reading the New Yorker! The Babyzone photo tips are great! You’ve really showed me that angles can be magic.
Amy says
Love your blog, it’s like reading a great book that is not ending ๐
Jen says
The girl’s dresses are lovely! Nella’s moccasins make me smile every time ๐
Beautiful jewelry, I will be checking it out. I love the natural feel.
caseyportman says
Wow, I think I’m in love with that silver cameo ring! Also? The picture of the girls eating ice cream is so perfect.
Caitlin Ostberg says
I just love seeing how the weather is changing in Florida! It’s currently getting very cold in Nebraska and a little bit more time with warmer weather would be nice!
brandonsmommy says
I love your blog and look forward to each new post. I ABSOLUTELY love the green dress Nella is sporting this week!
Picture Parables says
LOVE LOVE the pumpkin reading the New Yorker…may just have to steal that adorable idea! ๐ Thanks for the fall inspiration!
E says
Now that my girl is almost 2, I am embracing seasons here in NC and continuing traditions that are woven within from my childhood, as well as starting new ones for us. Love how you make Fall contagious! ๐ Linkel Designs has won me over with their Byzantine Earrings – I have bought 3 pair for friends! Happy Thursday! E
Cindy says
I loved your piece on capturing Halloween moments. I have to share ours because when I read – let the kids get messy, it makes for wonderful photos – you are so right. My twins were 2, my oldest was 6. Everyone had their own pumpkin to carve. My husband was separating the seeds from the mush and the girls were helping him. They’d pull out seeds and toss it (quite energetically) into a pot. Well, one of my 2 y/os grabbed a handful of gunk and threw with all her might. It missed the pot and splatted in my oldest’s face. The laughter from everyone is one of my finest memories and by magic (b/c I NEVER leave the video running) I caught the whole thing and it is my FAVORITE video ever.
Fire Wife says
Um, seriously, how tall have both of your girls gotten?!? I swear they’ve both sprouted overnight!
R.J. says
Wow! They are getting so tall!! I love fall too — you go, find any bit of fall you can in FL – I’m whole-heartedly cheering you on ๐
Delgado says
We just moved from the mountains, full of fall color, to the desert, full of blah. Add a life changing career choice, and I’m no longer the “CampMom” I love to be. It’s a hard adjustment, but just yesterday on our walk, I was showing my little, how a few trees were starting to change color. There is proof of fall everywhere, we’ve just got to keep an eye out! Love your photos!
Jessica says
Your girls outfits are adorable!! May I ask where you got Nella’s green dress?!? It is so cute!!
Kelle says
Nella’s Dress: Kate Quinn Organics
Erin says
You’re girls are so precious!
Seelife3d says
Love that fall for you all is tall boots, bare shoulders and ice cream cones.
Fall here in the PNW is sunny but crisp days, wearing a scraf and fleece or puffy vest and a tall pumpkin spice latte.
We are bundling the twins this weekend and heading out to help with with their second “must find thee perfect pumpkin” adventure….
They will be 2years old in Dec. :o)
Beverly says
The girls are gowing so fast. I love the pictures of and Dad and Daughters!
Shannon says
I’m so excited for Nella to become a big sister. My sister has an extra 21st and I swear the best big sister gene is found on the 3rd 21st.
Erin says
spectacle necklace! nella’s moccasin boots! after school dates! Love all of this.
Crystal says
That “Homeward Bound” photo is stunning — whoever took it should definitely enlarge and frame!
Kylie says
Love that you are doing everything in your power to spot the slightest bit of Fall in Southern Florida. Wish I could share our Colorado Fall leaves and chilly weather with you. Safe Travels Kelle!
Karen says
I am so ready for fall and chilly weather and snuggling up with blankets and just that feeling of comfort. Those necklaces are beautiful and I think one would be just nostalgic enough ๐
Christina says
I think I could use some ice cream in my day ๐
Jennie says
cutie! i especially love the rain boots!! ๐ and i hope i won some moolah to spend on some cute jewelry!
grace says
Love the spectacles necklace. And the whole blog!
mpezzell says
This comment has been removed by the author.
mpezzell says
love laineys dress – super cute!! and adorable ice cream photos!! have fun in dallas & safe travels, but ummm you need to come visit houston!! smiles, m-
Lesli Temple says
Love how sweet your girls are together! They will be the greatest big sisters to their little brother!
Beans says
Those acorn earrings are lovely! Can’t wait for Halloween and great photo tips-I already checked em out.
Have a safe and great trip!
Angela says
LOVE the images in this post. Nella absolutely SLAYS me. She is turning into such a little lady. And Lainey Love in those lavender boots?! Get outta here! Have SO much fun in Dallas–enjoy the cooler weather this weekend! And shoot down to Austin if you’ve got some spare time. ๐ ha!
Erica Butterfield says
Love the pics! I’m searching for pieces of fall in San Diego as well. We have been stuck with summer weather when my heart is yearning for snuggly sweaters and hot cup of tea!
Tara B says
I LOVE Linkel Designs! I have purchased many earrings from her.
Laura says
There is so much to love in this “quickie” post. Glad to see your friend the cat is back. Nella and Lainey look adorable in those dresses in the ice cream photo, especially with the rain boots and moccasins. Also love the orange pumpkin and leaf earrings! Thanks for sharing.
Krystle says
Such great pictures! Love Nella’s green dress!!
I am now craving some good ice cream ๐
Donelle Sleight says
Your post inspire me to go out and capture every minute of every day with my children. One day I want them to be able to look back and know that their mommy and daddy loved them and wanted the world for them. You have opened my eyes to the fact that all families are so similar no matter where they live. I was reading an artile titled “The Mom Stays in the Picture.” The writer Allison Tate states, “I’m everywhere in their young lives, and yet I have very few pictures of me with them. Someday I won’t be here — and I don’t know if that someday is tomorrow or thirty or forty or fifty years from now — but I want them to have pictures of me. I want them to see the way I looked at them, see how much I loved them. I am not perfect to look at and I am not perfect to love, but I am perfectly their mother.” I pledge today to make sure no matter what I am always in the picture with my children so that they have memories of me, simply their mama. Kelle you to also inspire your readers to do the same. Thank you! You have truly inspired me to be the mom that stays in the picture.
fillthewell says
I am so glad to happen upon this beautiful blog! A good friend recommended your book, so I scouted it out at B&N the other night. I sat down at the cafe to skim through it, and I read…the whole thing. It was so heartbreakingly, soul-fillingly beautiful I could not put it down. They nearly had to kick me out of the store when they closed down for the night! Of course I bought it, and it’s now sitting on my bedside table.
Kelle, I don’t have any personal experience with individuals with Down Syndrome, or even with being a mother. But I needed every word of your book. I’ve been thrown some life curveballs lately, and I had been biding my time, feeling broken and defeated, waiting for the storm clouds to pass. Your words reminded me that THIS – right here, right now – is where the beauty is. It’s a matter of changing your perspective, opening your heart to a different kind of beauty than you might have expected.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit with us. I am so excited to keep reading.
Katie says
Nella is looking so grown up! So pretty, too! Love those clippies, how adorable.
The sponsor’s jewelry is beautiful, too! ๐
nikkib says
Your girls steal my heart.. so beautiful. Have fun in Dallas!
Janet says
I really enjoy your blog. The way you express yourself hits home for me. Thanks for the chance to win and enjoy your trip.
A Beauty Full Life says
I love how you have such a desire to create your own Fall in Florida and provide those sweet memories for your girls. Fall is my favorite time of year and I truly believe it’s because of the traditions my mom instilled in me, like homemade spiced apple cider, apple cake, the pumpkin patch, fall scented candles in the home, and more. I love seeing the creative ideas you come up with!
Nif says
That profile picture (plum fall clippie) of Nella is just beautiful.
Frame it!!
Have a great time in DFW.
Jen ๐
Laura says
Your Florida fall looks more like fall than our Minnesota fall–which today officially turned into winter. Snow!
The Clines says
Hi Kelle-I’m reading (and loving) your book!
Jenna says
Just started your book last night and I’m loving it! You are a fantastic writer
Jolene - EverydayFoodie says
Those little Hunter rubber boots look so cute!
Marleena says
Fall in Florida has been feeling anything but Fall. Just muggy hotness. Your pictures do make me appreciate it more though.
Blessings from the Space Coast!
mandi s says
I love those earrings! I’m seriously going to do all my Christmas shopping from your sponsors.
kalah says
love the icecream date – that is my favorite thing to do with the girls too.
Breanna Lind says
I am loving the fall weather up here in MN but when winter comes I’m sure I’ll be longing for your weather. The earrings you highlighted today on Etsy are so perfect for fall. I’ll have to go pick out a pair right away ๐
The "Hans-en-fef-ers" says
The jewelry is adorable! Hope you have a safe trip, happy packing.
B Scarlett says
Such cute jewelry!
katie.ernzen says
I love your photos of your girls!! And your taste in clothes and jewelry. Your blog is one I visit every day and look forward to reading. Thank you!
Katie Ernzen
Amy says
The owl earrings are calling my name! I love them!
Christine says
Darling girls- I love how Nella just sticks her face in the ice cream cone!
s says
Love your blog and your sunny disposition. It brightens many people’s day.
Annastacia says
There’s nothing wrong with a little procrastination. I hope you enjoy the kind of fall that you have. The beach in October sounds pretty darn good to me ๐
Amy says
Love the black and white with daddy and the girls… True life captured
Ange says
Love seeing that little baby bump!
Kelly says
Love the ice cream pictures! Thanks for reminding me that every moment is a photo opportunity!!
adoubledose says
The jewelry is GORGEOUS! Here’s hoping I get picked ๐
Jessica Thiessen says
I’m not a cat lover, but that cat seems so awesome!
Allie E. says
Have fun in my hometown! Love the designs in the Etsy shop – beautiful!
EJ says
Owwww, I love those owl earrings! And you. And your photography. And your kiddos. And your blog. Let’s meet in person, k? =)
EJ, http://www.thesearemyreasons.com
aubergine says
wow — all those earrings and necklaces are terrific. Such great colors!
Charlie's Mommy says
Nella is too cute in those glasses. BTW…how is Lainey doing in school? Is she getting more adjusted?
Frontier Mom says
You inspire me!
Momma Holmes says
Looking at those pictures today, it is amazing how much the girls have grown since the summer! BEAUTIFUL!
Tanika Rice says
LOVE Nella’s green dress! Where did you get it? It’s GORGEOUS. She is getting more and more beautiful with each day! ๐
Audrey Ball says
Have a safe trip to Dallas. Don’t suppose you are doing any book signings while you’re here, are you? Would love to meet you!
Mrs Scratch says
Oh my gosh. Nella looks so big in those ice cream pictures. I adore her dress.
Wally says
Safe travels! And love your acorn pictures. I have a ton of leaves in my driveway that need to be raked, but for now the kids are enjoying the leaf piles. Love the ice cream pictures too. The girls seem taller.
Amy says
LIttle kid in Hunters boots always kill me! Soooo stinkin’ cute.
Amy says
4 kids in 2 1/2 years hasn’t left much $$ to buy fun accessories for myself! Would love to win some of those beautiful pieces! LOVE your blog and have been a faithful follower for a few years now. Thank you for sharing your life and journey!
Gretchen says
Aw, welcome back, Cat!! <3
Em says
Fall in Florida looks like fall in Texas. ๐ Loving the pumpkins and candles and fake leaves anyways!
Karie says
I know you are a great mama because you let your kids each ice-cream cones. I’m always terrified of the sticky mess and talk my kids into cups instead. Thanks for the reminder that there is joy in the mess!
christmasbaby says
Me, me, pick me! ๐ I’m new to your blog after reading your book. I am passing it around to all my friends…so good. I love, love, love Linkel!
Rachel says
I absolutely LOVE the ice cream pics, but that first one is especially darling… Nella is looking so grown up! Sweet!
Happiness is... says
You’re on the road now, so best of luck traveling and enjoy your time at the I (heart) faces convention!!
-Jennifer ๐
Unknown says
your girls are just 2 of the cutest kids i’ve ever seen. ๐ i lived in ft. lauderdale for a short time after college. i know exactly what you mean about fall there. so i’m back home in indiana ๐ but SOOO miss the beach!
Deb says
Such beautiful fall jewelry items! Love ice cream afternoons.
Cathy says
totally in love with Nella’s hair clip!! Also so excited Linkel is back… my favorite earrings ever are from them! ๐
Katie says
Love that jewelry!!
nelsons says
beautiful family and beautiful jewelry.. such an inspiration to be a better mother.. thank you.
SuperMilf says
I love after-school ice cream dates! I take my boys a couple times a month, so much fun! XO
*Jazzmine*
melissalldredge says
Ahh! I am so glad I came across your blog! I was on pintrest and recognized a familar face… Nella’s beautiful face! I opened it to see what it was about and it led me to your blog! I read your book a few months ago and thourghly enjoyed it (although some of it was rough to get through)!
I am a RN in a Neonatal Intensive Care unit at Cook Children’s in Fort Worth, TX (not far from Dallas). I picked up your book at Barnes and Nobles because I love to read, I flipped through a few pages and saw what appeared to be a baby story, then a beautiful little girl with down syndrome and I started to read it. I couldn’t stop reading or crying, so I finally stopped reading and finsished my mothers day shopping. I headed home and finsihed your heartfelt story! What you had to say and how you felt was information I needed to hear to teach me how to better myslef in my job. A lot of times in my job I don’t know the right words to say or how parents feel in tough situations. Thank you for sharing every little detail. Your message in the book and your outlook on how precious life is is beautiful. I have since passed my book on to family and friends because it is a beautiful, loving story.
Nella is beautiful. And Lainey is darling as well. Ya’ll (Texas for you all) are the cutest, happiest family!
The smile in the shopping cart is priceless! And the picture of her using the iphone is adorable.
I will continue to follow you now and share your story! Hope you enjoy your Texas stay! Check out the State Fair in Dallas if you have time, great time!
sarah says
Nella’s face in that waffle cone, makes me smile :). Have fun in Dallas!
juli (sweetpz) says
Your girls are adorable! They are going to be great big sisters!! Love your photos!
You can have some of our fall, its getting kinda chilly over here!
Jane says
Love the jewelry!!
Ame Elgar says
Ahhhh …your blog makes me smile so. Writing to you all the way from South Australia after 2 blissful wholesome family days at our holiday house near the lake…days like these remind me to check in with you and your words and piccies…always inspirational.
Ps loved your link to the jewellery so much that I just had to buy 2 of the pictured items!! Mummies need spoiling too I guess!!
Megan says
Loving the Friday Photo Dump, especially the beautiful silhouette of Lainey in the sunset and Nella sporting those glasses!
Betsy Black says
Have fun in Dallas!
Jessica says
Lainey looks SO tall in that black dress!
dodgingacorns says
Love when you have picture posts! And the jewely pieces from Linkel are adorable!!! LOVE!
Andrea says
Oh my gosh, Nella with the glasses in your photo dump is adorable!
Teresa says
Love Lainey’s purple wellies!!
Beth says
Your blog posts always make me smile.
Kim, Living to Seas the Moment says
Your family is just precious! I am a momma of two (although grown) daughters too and just love all of your pics! BTW…your youngest reminds me of my youngest, her own style and rockin those leather moccasins. My Sunshine gal bought a pair of those but in knee boot style and has worn them almost out!
Love your blog!!!
Lisa says
Great jewelry pieces! And I love seeing acorns on the ground now. ๐
JENN says
Wonderful post, beautiful pics and gorgeous jewelry. Thank you for sharing with us. PS …did Nella get a haircut?? I love the pic of her in the green dress. Her hair is in a perfect little schoolgirl bob there.
Sarah Easler says
Wow! Your girls are growing like weeds….so pretty too! Ps. Love that flower barrette in Nella’s hair….definitely going to check out their site!
The onion Farmers Wife says
My sister is due Feb. 12! I can’t help but think of your pumpkin belly too. Love that little blue diaper cover!
Amanda Eudy says
Have fun in Dallas!! Love Nella’s haircut…she is too sweet.
Melody says
I am a special ed. teacher and love your blog.Mel J.
Esther Grubbs says
Love all of the pictures!
K_Fitz says
Needed a little pick me up tonight and your blog was perfect. Always encouraging and uplifting… Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and family and oddly, your photos. I’m a very visual person and pictures speak to me. Love seeing how you capture the beauty of your girls.
LoveLife says
Tee hee, your pumpkin made me laugh. Love the glasses and choice of reading matter.
CreativityStartsHere says
Entering the giveaway– to get two owl necklaces– love them to death!
~Johanna
P.S. your little girls are SO cute!
Jen says
Is there a good way to get hunter wellies cheap? Or maybe those three words don’t ever combine?
Debra Jenkins says
I started a program of arts education for people with special needs. We Specialize in dance, music, art, and musical theater. Does anyone know of any programs like mine anywhere in the country? Please let me know.
jenkinsdebra@me.com
http://merrimackhall.blogspot.com
http://www.merrimackhall.com/johnnystallings.html
Paula says
Your girls get cuter every day!
Alison @ Notyetwhatweshallbe.wordpress.com says
I thought you might enjoy this story about a teen girl with Down syndrome voted homecoming queen at her school this fall!
http://baseballstobows.blogspot.com/2012/10/so-proud.html
adryt86 says
I will trade you some warm Florida time for some cold fall/winter time here in Kansas. It jumped from 80s last week, to 40s this weekend, to 70s and 80s next week. I can’t take the emotional weather rollercoaster!
Laura Beth says
My 3 year old collects acorns. Each one is a huge find we have to “ooh” and “ah” over. Love it!
Try Vermont First says
Love all your sponsors, so it’s about time I enter to win goodies from one! ๐
Lauren says
That is the cutest little flower bow on such a cute little one!
KK says
Love Nella in green!
KK says
Love Nella in green!
Becky says
Your girls are darling! Love their ice cream eating outfits. Love Linkel desgins as well…her jewelery is beautiful!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Geny says
I love Linkel designs, such cute and affordable things! Your family is wonderful, adorable and inspiring!! Happy Fall!!
Kevin Flick says
Gorgeous jewelry! Love your little spot on the web. My favorite place to unwind after a long day. ๐
-Mindy
Carla G says
What sweet pictures of your girls eating ice cream! ๐
And what beautiful jewelry over at Linkel Designs! ๐
Grace says
adorable pictures as always.
love the jewelry as well!
Unknown says
Love Nella’s little green dress. . .so thrilled you’re having a boy. First, because they’re just a blast and secondly because I’ll get to see the adorable outfits and get cute ideas!
Helen says
Well don’t those cones look yummy!
I remember this shop from the last time you featured it!
Manda says
The jewelry is GORGEOUS! Love your fabulous blog!