Scene: Kitchen. Last Night. Three kids in bed, two teenagers away, four candles flickering, two adults awake, one wine bottle open.
(Also, this is not going where you think it’s going. Geezus, what kind of blog do you think this is?)
Me: (recalled memory, recalled memory, recalled memory)… It’s December. I’m doing that thing I do–playing the movie reel of our life from this year, and I’m feeling nostalgic. It’s got to be annoying after a while. Am I annoying you?
Brett: You’re predictable. You don’t disappoint. You do this every year.
Me: I know. But seriously. I can’t control it. I have to do the annual wrap up. C’mon. It was a good year. I mean, we had a son.
Brett: This is true.
Me: We’re going to have fun the next couple of weeks. How cool is December?
Brett: Want to watch a movie?
****************
Okay. Enjoying the Small Things. December style.
Enjoying….
Picking up my camera and finding pictures my friends took without me knowing.
Walk Practice with Dad
The little morning gig they have going on.
Suspenders. Screw the caveman who invented the wheel. I want to know WHO INVENTED SUSPENDERS? Because I want to kiss them.
Look:
Canadian Pine Trees.
In Florida.
For sale in a big white tent off of Naples Blvd.
We go to buy wreaths to smell up our house, but we stay to wander through the tree aisles and pretend the tent is really a big open sky.
And…with no further ado.
The park slide that is greased with Crisco.
It has to be. I mean, she FLIES.
…and lands with a thump which, for one millisecond makes me a little nervous, but follows with crazy laughter and “Again! Again!”
…and this week, I’ve had three conversations with my six-year-old that made me feel like I was talking to a teenager. Three beautiful conversations about some pretty adult stuff. And I feel like we’re growing. Moving on to new stages. And instead of hanging on for dear life to what I don’t want to go away, I am absolutely loving this new territory. There’s a girrrl in ze castle!
What are you enjoying?
These are probably my most favorite pictures of your kids ever. I feel like I know their little personalities by seeing them…Especially Nella on the slide. So fun. So full of life:)
Oh my gosh! That first picture in the post of Nella is soooo fantastic. And then I saw the one of her coming down the slide. Fabulous!! And Lainey, wow. Looking so grown up and beautiful in the picture you took of her on the swing. It always cheers me up to read your posts, no matter what kind of day it’s been. And believe me, today has been a doozie!Thank you so much for sharing.
Lovely. This kind of photography and posting is what drew me to your blog a few years ago. Just lovely.
I am enjoying new words coming out of Levi’s mouth. And my 5 year old painting wooden Santas. And waking up to him having conversations each morning with his elf.
Ok, Dash looks so much like Nella! Thought it was her in the push car in the blurred pic, and then see the next pic down and see that it’s him…..adorable!
I’m still holding out hope that you & Brett will have at LEAST a dozen kids…seriously. People who have such beautiful kids should have at LEAST a dozen. So can I send you guys a case of wine and maybe a really romantic CD??? 😉 wink-wink! Dash is growing like crazy. Looks like he loves his big sisters. What a lucky little guy he is!
Oh my goodness…pure joy!!! So happy to see.
That picture of Lainey on the swing…. on of my absolute favorites you have ever posted!!
I love your photography and the little moccs and salt waters x
http://hello-zara.blogspot.com.au/
I love your posts when you write, BUT I love when you do not have to say a word and your picture say it ALL! Thank you Kelle
It’s below zero here. I cannot even imagine buying a Christmas tree in short sleeves. I’m moving to Florida. Stat. 😉
My son is a photojournalist. Kelle he would love these photos. It’s all about the moments and you do that so well. k
Ditto April Vernon. And, what Susie Q said, oh my, so funny but true too 😉
Enjoying our youngest spit new words out regarding twinkly lights on the tree, “pug it in, pug (plug) it in, fikk it, fikk (fix) it” all-the-time with so much excitement, fleeting I tell you & too cute. Can’t tell if it’s more about the lights or that he’s learning to talk – knowing his personality…it is both!
Happy December from Tejas,
Melissa
oh my gosh, Kelle, I love your blog. I love your IG feed, I love you. And I know I sound creepy and I don’t care.
Your zest for life and the insanely amazing amount of joy you have in being a mom, with your hilarious sense of raw, honest humor about the awful days. I love it all. And I hope your Internet bashers wake up with huge warts on their noses.
Happy December.
The end.
OMG. Baby suspenders?! You’ve got to be kidding me! So precious!
I’m enjoying a hazy moon cross the night sky outside my sky window. The house is quiet. All are in bed. I have solace and silence and serenity.
Erin
Your children are such a joy! By the way..I cracked up when I read the conversation between you and your husband, mostly because it reminded me of exactly something my boyfriend would say–such a man thing!
Oh that smile as Nella is coming off the slide – PHOTO OF THE YEAR!! i am grinning from ear to ear because of that precious picture. a big Merry Christmas to you guys Kelly from all of us down under xx
ohhhhhh! i love these pictures…
thanks for share.
my day is better from now.
🙂
sara
love your outlook. its so easy to be sad watching our babies turn into little PEOPLE! but there are SUCH fun things with each stage.
Oh gosh! The slide, the swings, looks like a lovely time.
Your pictures could all be Christmas card photos!! Which, to me, means they are all amazing!! Esp the one of the girls swooning over Dash in the middle of the Christmas trees 🙂
I just busted out laughing at the picture of Nella coming off the slide. That is totally amazing!! Happy Holidays to your beautiful family, Kelle.
All those photos capture the joy and beauty in your children. I only wish your blog was around 30 years ago when I was raising my little boy…would have definitely added to my mothering skills!
Christmas tree smell is magical. My daughter turned 10 this year, and we are embarking on all that loveliness that is mother daughter conversation. It is magical. It is holy. It is a sign that we are growing up. I was a wee bit sad a few nights ago when my daughter told me that she knew Santa wasn’t real. I cried a little, and then I wrote her a letter in her Mama and Me book. I know she’ll still keep the wonder. She’s my daughter. She loves this time of year as much as I do. These growing up things can be hard sometimes, but really, they are everything I have been patiently waiting for. 🙂 Happy December to you.
I adore your blog. Your children are beautiful and always, always put a smile on my face! Merry Christmas to your family!
I made the mistake of trying to take in te morning news. Within minutes, I ran for my life and found refuge in your blog amongst your gorgeous photos of your beautiful, happy, loved children. Thank you. Phyl
I am enjoying the smell of our Christmas tree (I live in Canada and this is a real balsam we have here :)), the baking list that my daughter has made which we need to start (!), the bags of gifts in my closet that are begging to be emptied and wrapped up, and the twinkle lights that we put up in a few more places in our home this year. LOVE the season!
(that slide photo is fantastic!)
Brett: You’re predictable. You don’t disappoint. You do this every year.
haha…. you guys are so cute!!
Ok, I know I always comment on your beautiful photos, and how you capture “the moment”…. but these are absolutely my favorites… xo
Just got caught up on the NPP. It’s funny you started that post the way you did because I never start reading w/o my coffee in hand. It’s my fav post of the year!
Such lovely words and beautiful photographs. Your posts make me happier than I was when I started.
so smart reflecting and capturing and appreciating…for one day they’ll be loving independence. And your loving them into adulthood makes that transition bittersweet but right, and necessary 🙂
what am I enjoying, first of all, I am on a plane simultaneously reading your blog and watching Elf! And my plane is taking me HOME!!
Other than that, I’m enjoying….
An intricate series of communication over text, email and telephone with my extended network of cousins, mom and sister, regarding the incredibly important business of presents and stocking stuffers.
The redhead’s incredible knack for holiday dates….wine tasting at a very beautifully decorated Biltmore, strolling Grove Park inn to see the national gingerbread house winners….
This year, I’ve been having so much fun choosing colorful retro candy for certain stockings from stores across the whole country. Yes, I travel a lot and yEs, I overdo christmas!!
Planning out the treats my cousin and I will make before christmas eve….this year, homemade marshmallows enrobed in salted carmel!
Well that should be enough for now. merry christmas!
xo
lina
what am I enjoying, first of all, I am on a plane simultaneously reading your blog and watching Elf! And my plane is taking me HOME!!
Other than that, I’m enjoying….
An intricate series of communication over text, email and telephone with my extended network of cousins, mom and sister, regarding the incredibly important business of presents and stocking stuffers.
The redhead’s incredible knack for holiday dates….wine tasting at a very beautifully decorated Biltmore, strolling Grove Park inn to see the national gingerbread house winners….
This year, I’ve been having so much fun choosing colorful retro candy for certain stockings from stores across the whole country. Yes, I travel a lot and yEs, I overdo christmas!!
Planning out the treats my cousin and I will make before christmas eve….this year, homemade marshmallows enrobed in salted carmel!
Well that should be enough for now. merry christmas!
xo
lina
love the photos. I actually think it is the first time I’ve ever seen Brent in shoes. May today be full of Joy. Becky
Nella on the slide! The best
SO MUCH joy on this page! Thank you for sharing!! It’s making me even more eager to meet our little one in February and start the adventure of parenthood!
Lainey is growing up to be so freaking gorgeous! I mean, all of them are. Obviously. But, like you said, she’s getting so grown up and it’s giving me pause every time I see her!
Thanks for sharing. You have a beautiful children.
Man are you blessed! Look at those three amazing kids!! The baby is looking so much like his big sisters … Wow. Happy days, huh? 🙂
xox
OMG these are adorable. I must say, I’m missing Dash’s signature look with his teething necklace. Does it work, or is he done using it?
xx
These are so happy. Those kids with their big smiles. Love it. You captured them perfectly. I’m enjoying chocolate milk tonight. It’s the little things… After a week of Paleo and then kicking it to the curb. I feel like a major kick a&& rebel;)
I laughed out loud at Nella on the slide. These pictures are beautiful.
I am enjoying every new day with my sweet 4 month old. Each experience we take for granted is new for him. He is teaching me to find the small things and enjoy them. I love him even more for this.
Kelle – could you do a quick post (or even just instructions on instagram or something) of how you’re able to catch action shots so clearly? I have messed around with settings on my DSLR camera but have such a hard time getting a non-blurry picture when they’re swinging/sliding, etc. Good tips or settings (shutter speed/aperture, etc) for us photog learners? Thank you SO MUCH!
Snoozing in the morning with a baby next to me.
Watching them talk to each other.
The way they love to eat sugar snap peas.
Our daily ritual of saying hello to Papa when he comes home at the window, and the cute hello noises the girls make.
Coffee. 😉
First Birthday party preparation.
We just got a ticket to have our Christmas at home at the hut and I think that will be perfect!
Gin and Tonic with limes from the garden.
My flower garden.
‘Tis the season to share love, this is love in a five minute video!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI-ZteQ8JGU
This pics are just fantastic! Crisco on the slide..it has to be! Love the utter joy in each face. Having a girl in the house with “adult” conversations is great!
HAHAHAHA! Love that slide pic of N! And kelle, where do you get the girls hairclips..the wider, covered in cloth clips? Thanks! Merry, Merry!
Oh my! The pure, unbridled joy on Nella’s face in the Crisco pic… THAT is what life is all about!
Right now I’m enjoying my morning coffee, my baby waking up and babbling to himself before insisting on getting out of his crib, and adding more Christmas decorations to the house this weekend.
I love that Dash looks at Nella the same way Nella looks at Lainey.
Kelle This shirt is SO you, a holiday lovin gal!
http://www.lookhuman.com/design/34460-guess-what-time-of-year-it-is-christmas-hump-day-shirt
Kelle….
“Scene: Kitchen. Last Night. Three kids in bed, two teenagers away, four candles flickering, two adults awake, one wine bottle open. (Also, this is not going where you think it’s going. Geezus, what kind of blog do you think this is?)”. Crack. Me. Up!! ;-D
I love, love, love your conversations with Brett, by the way!! 😉
What are you enjoying?
Writing!! Playing nonstop Christmas music!! Chasing after my energetic nearly two-year old niece, Little Munchkin, yesterday!! Commenting on Blogs!! Spending quality time with my Beautifully Unique mutt, Rose….!!
–Raelyn
PS. I thought of twain more!! Friday the 13th!! Enjoying life!!
That picture of Nella is too much…snorting over here. And love how happy she looks. 🙂 I have been there so many times — the fast slide that makes your heart stop every time, even thought you know they’ll want to go again!
~Lisa
Love, love, love those park pictures! All of them! 🙂
I’ve enjoyed watching how you’ve authentically embraced the ‘perks’ of being a professional blogger & writer, while also respecting your children’s privacy, especially Lainey as she has grown older and dealt with more deeply personal subjects. While this blog has transitioned away from personal subject matter, you’ve managed to keep that sense of personal relationship by leading by example — living a simple, joyful life. Your creativity, passion, and exuberance for your family and other loved ones is evident in every single interaction you have with readers (blog, Instagram, etc.). You are also so willing to offer words of love, kindness and support to complete strangers. I have no doubt you would be doing these types of activities with your children and creating similar wonder for them daily, but I appreciate your extra effort to share a positive message like enjoying the small things in life with thousands of readers. You are leading by example and documenting your children’s lives all at the same time. It’s truly a marvelous thing.
I felt myself smiling huge through the entire post….which felt so good after a landslide of devastation lately.
Dash has defined muscles!!!!! Oh my gosh, so CUTE!
I let out a hearty giggle with the slide photo…Hahahaha!!!!
I’m enjoying my loved ones….like REALLY enjoying them. Life on earth really is too short. I don’t want any regrets. I’m also enjoying a new friendship. Kelle, I met Patti and Lily Rice!!! Sweet baby Hayden and Kenzie and Abbi were there, too. They are genuine, salt of the earth people. I would give anything to have all of us in the same room. Nora was a crazy woman, though….oh, dear. Lily was SO sweet and shy and compliant. I imagine Nella being the same 🙂
I felt myself smiling huge through the entire post….which felt so good after a landslide of devastation lately.
Dash has defined muscles!!!!! Oh my gosh, so CUTE!
I let out a hearty giggle with the slide photo…Hahahaha!!!!
I’m enjoying my loved ones….like REALLY enjoying them. Life on earth really is too short. I don’t want any regrets. I’m also enjoying a new friendship. Kelle, I met Patti and Lily Rice!!! Sweet baby Hayden and Kenzie and Abbi were there, too. They are genuine, salt of the earth people. I would give anything to have all of us in the same room. Nora was a crazy woman, though….oh, dear. Lily was SO sweet and shy and compliant. I imagine Nella being the same 🙂
Gorgeous pictures. There were so many fantastic shots!!!
Gorgeous pictures. There were so many fantastic shots!!!