It’s April.
There. I typed the first sentence.
Finding time to write has been a little challenging the last few days. I’ve sat down, typed a few sentences and then switched gears to read some e-mails or answer a text or Google “red clogs” ‘cuz Lord knows that’s very important. I’ve stopped mid-writing to fold two shirts from a full dryer, open one piece of mail from a tall stack or match five puzzle pieces with Lainey before running off to finish another task.
But here I am–a full hour of uninterrupted writing ahead of me, in my makeshift office–the back booth of Applebee’s. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
So yes, it’s April–a great “start here.” I’m far more motivated to tackle resolutions come April than I am in January. Something about the spring.
The great thing about being disorganized is the thrill of getting organized.
The great thing about losing something is the hope of finding it.
The great thing about stumbling off the path is the anticipation of relocating the trail.
I don’t mean to be cryptic, it’s just that this spring thing has me excited beyond finding that perfect mint green thing for my closet. I’m also reorganzing my priorities, straightening my routines and cleaning up my little brain that tends to soak up more than it should sometimes.
So I start here. With what I know.
What I know is that my love for my family is the most driving, settling, comforting, inspiring force in the universe. It is always a great place to start. When things feel messy, uninspired, overwhelming, I find such clarity in thinking about my family. My goals for us, my hopes for them–and all the little happy things that fill in the spaces around the big big love I have for us.
. 
Our big big love this weekend included Easter traditions. This year Nella got it–the whole egg-hunting, basket ransacking thing. We stayed in our pajamas until well past noon, drank coffee, showed the girls how to spray silly string and covered each others’ attempts to throw Easter egg candy in the garbage can without Lainey catching us.
Dash pulled a Mr. Rogers with his Easter cardigan.
“I wear your granddad’s clothes…I look incredible.”
And the night ended like this. My babies falling asleep in a tent, watching Franklin. Translated: Christ is Risen.
*****
So with spring cleaning and routine jump starts, I get excited.
I’m ready to clean my closet again. I’m ready to finish paiting our living room. I’m ready to be a better listener. I’m ready to practice my best “GET INTO MY ARMS, I MISSED YOU” hug for Lainey when she walks into the door after school. I’m ready to move on from picture books to chapter books before bed for the girls. I’m ready to search vacation rentals for that Tennessee cabin we want to hole up in this summer. I’m ready for more beach sunsets. I’m ready to plant flowers and run and make swimming laps a weekly priority. I’m ready to find those perfect red clogs.
I’m ready to do something that scares me a little.
I love spring cleaning. It never stops with my home.
And writing with a baby means I have to finish this. Dash has the hiccups. Which means all hell breaks loose in this house. He hates the hiccups.
I’m going to pull a Picture-Plop-and-Go.
Happy April. Happy Spring. Happy “Start Here.”
Weekend Sunset Date:
GREAT PIX, my friend!! xo
I have been searching for a hat for my bitty girl who has yet to grow hair 🙂 (I mean REALLY 18 months and a total peach head). I think we need one like Lainey’s where is it frm please ma’am
Your blog always, ALWAYS makes me smile whenever I click on over to visit!
The song bit/reference made me laugh…probably a little too much…but oh well 😉 Very cute!
Take care!
-Michelle
ardourofadreamer.blogspot.com
i just love you! & you’re precious family 😀
spring here means so much to me. new everything. things come back to life. windows open…it’s all so good after the snow melts and a few good rainstorms clean things up….as always i love your moments captured. happy spring!
Love all the pictures, but that one of Nella squatting over her barbie doll…priceless!
“I wear your granddad’s clothes…I look incredible.” JUST got that song outta my head an hour ago, now back on like Donkey Kong.
Christ has risen, indeed! My friend and I were bantering last week about a somewhat related topic…we wondered if it was naughty to tell our kids that if you’re not good on Good Friday, you may die. Too much? Love that your loving the chaos…I too require a magnificent spring cleaning,from my filing cabinets and laundry piles, then a deep dive into my soul. Looking forward to it. x
your loving = you’re loving
I just bitch-slapped my grammar-loving ass.
Always the optimism!! THANK YOU!!! Lovely hats, such cuteness!
There is something great about spring and fresh starts, isn’t there?
I will try to find something minty in my closet too. I don’t know if I will be successful, but I will try.
That song is my favorite : ). Poppin’ tags. I mean, doesn’t that just sound cool. You better believe I rock out to that bit of happiness all day when I am social working in the city ; )
OHH that tent picture! unbelievably precious!
perfect and adorable
You are way too organized and ambitious to have an almost two month old! Remember the big goals can always wait…just getting through the day with three wee ones is a huge accomplishment.
http://skootsonemom.blogspot.com/2013/04/april-z-challenge.html
the mourning doves are helping me welcome in Spring…
love all the kiddie shots 😉
Haven’t left you a comment in a long while, but fear not – I’m still reading!! It’s amazing how much Dash looks like his older brothers!!! The kids all look so happy, Kelle…you are a wonderful mama. Happy Spring!!
What a great way to end my day… a peek into “my friend” Kelle’s life! Now I will crawl in bed with a great read that was born yesterday from our other friend!
Yes, spring. It brings out the best in us, doesn’t it? Those pictures are amazing as always. Sweet baby lips.
Beautiful photographs. I love checking your blog!
Just gorgeous photos (as always)! Happy April! 🙂
Nella in the green coat…..get.out.of.town. That picture slays me.
Want to give a big giant overstuffed THANK YOU for featuring Claire Bidwell Smith and her new book on your blog. My family recently went through a very traumatic sudden death with lots of fun genetic follow-ups and scary appointments following it – her book has fixed pieces of me. I have highlighted it, taken pictures of the highlights and texted them to family – I’ve already ordered several copies for family members. Thank you – for connecting her to my family. It has made all the difference in the world to me. I even had the balls to write about my own journey with grief uncensored tonight on my own blog – thank you for facilitating that process. I needed it. I am lighter. I am happier. Thank you. You are remarkable.
So beautiful!!
Enjooy the transition to chapter books at bedtime. We’ve slowly done the same over the last year with my daughter and it is absolutely my favorite thing watching her little mind experiemce all these new ideas and characters I remember from my own childhood =)
Laney has become a little woman! She is so beautiful…
Did I already tell you that I love your photos? They make me feel full of serenity
Love the pic of Nella BRANDISHING that Barbie! THAT’S what you do with a Barbie.
# 1. Nella has got yoga down on the beach.
# 2. Dash is perfection.
# 3. Lainey could have been me 25 years ago with my baby sister I was and still am in live with her age was my first baby:)
Dash is one beautiful baby! As a NICU nurse I see a lot of babies, and he is way up there on the cuteness scale!
I’m hoping spring for me brings a more positive outlook on life and motivation to remember to “enjoy the small things”. I’ve allowed my once carefree and easy going personality to be overcome by negativity and too much stress on the insignificant. Here’s to turning over a new leaf!
all very sweet & beautiful. thanks for sharing x
That’s it. I’m moving to this beach. It’s so flippin’ amazing! I loved the sneak peak I got on Instagram of these pics, but I am IN LOVE with these that you have posted. Seriously I think I tried to double tap the pictures to “like” them! haha!
Naomi
Love your blog!
Have you heard of Moheda clogs?
I think you would love their ‘Betty’ line. 🙂
http://mohedatoffeln.com/en
You are at the beach with swimsuits on?? Brrr!! Up in Canada we still have snow on the ground!! No fair 🙁 but it’s slowly disappearing 🙂 And Dash is filling out and getting chubby, but oh, still so cute!! I was disappointed that us Canadians couldn’t get in the pre-order of your Bloom in paperback, but oh well. I have a couple of “unseen friends” in the US that have had DS babies in the last year, that I’ve connected with and I’m gonna buy them each a “Bloom”, the one mama was totally unsuspecting as you were, they both will love it incredibly!! take care…Jenna’s mom
I woke up this morning and saw you had a new post written so I waited until I had my little one sat down with breakfast and I had a cup of caffeine in my hand before I read.. I’m glad I waited.
I needed to hear this today. At twenty weeks pregnant, still suffering with morning sickness and to top it off a sore throat which appeared yesterday. Oh and the fact that Spring has yet to arrive I am feeling sorry for myself. This post reminded me that I need to look at and be thankful for the smaller things.
“The great thing about being disorganized is the thrill of getting organized.
The great thing about losing something is the hope of finding it.
The great thing about stumbling off the path is the anticipation of relocating the trail.”
I LOVE this.. I think I may write it down and read it everyday! Thanks Kelle! 🙂
Oh his LIPS! those beautiful LIPS!
Happy “Start Here.”
Love that! it should be on a T shirt or something x
Have you tried gripe water to get rid of hiccups? It works almost instantly. 🙂
I always wondered how some women could tell you: “I used to be a fan”…but the day has come where I can join their ranks.
As a Christian woman, I am greatly offended that you have seemingly compared the immeasurable and incomparable joy of “Christ has Risen” to watching your children watch cartoons. Perhaps that’s not what you meant, but your only mention of religion in an Easter post was just that.
I’m sad when this precious holiday is diminished to egg hunts and family meals without a mention of Christ so perhaps I should be happy that you at least mentioned Him. I must say, however…I never thought the day would come that you’d insult Christians. I’m aware that you can’t please everyone but it seems these days that you please less than you (inadvertently) insult.
Maybe next you can watch Dora on Yom Kippur and explain how that translates?
Don’t forget to be gentle and forgiving to yourself. You have a infant, that alone is an all encompassing project.
Don’t forget to be gentle and forgiving to yourself. You have a infant, that alone is an all encompassing project.
I enjoy your spring description and all it means. I am trying so hard here in the northern suburbs of Detroit to open the darn windows but it is cold!!! My dogs even looked at me yesterday like I was nuts with the front door open, sun shining in and furnace that wouldn’t turn off. I had to shut the door. I’m so looking for spring…I need to see the flowers budding and everything turning green. I’m in month 3 of mourning my dad’s death. I need Spring.
Such cute pictures – I love the one of Nella doing a picture perfect squat (haha), her physical therapist must be so proud! Anyway, speaking of cabins in TN, my husband and I stayed in Pigeon Forge on our honeymoon and I think you’d really like it. Cute, old-fashioned candy and toy stores in the local town, private cabins with game rooms and hot tubs. We used this website to find and book ours (http://www.sugarmaplecabins.com/) but I know there are a few others you could check out too.
Love all the pics!! We stayed in this cabin in TN. Great relaxing place. I got up every morning and sat outside and listen to the silence!!
http://www.acabins.com/pigeonforge/cabins/APlaceToRemember/a_place_to_remember.php
Thanks for the beautiful “start here”. I live in the snowy north, where April is hard and mean. I have really found myself in the dumps this week, but the clean slate message of your (as always) pleasing to the eye and the brain post makes me look at things a little differently today. I embrace the starting over and look forward to what’s next. Hugs!
Dash in his cardigan and bow tie is just about the best thing since sliced bread! HE IS SO CUTE!!!! Happy Spring!!!
Emily, I have gotten the impression from Bloom and her blog that Kelle has struggled with the concept of the Christian God. A God who allows people to represent Him poorly and whose followers have hurt her. I think she has embraced family and community to the place in her life that God has in yours or mine. I think that’s what the comment meant. Yes, I was surprised by the sting I felt at reading it. I felt a little hurt for a minute and quickly scanned the comments to see if anyone made a remark. While I follow Kelle’s blog and read her book and generally find her to be an uplifting humanbeing, I have to remember I don’t actually know her and she doesn’t know me. The comment was a personal one, that while meaning one thing to a Christian, is her personal statement of faith and is comparable to her.
Absolutely swooning over the pic of Lainey holding Dash in the tent. I literally said out loud, “Oh my God.” Beyond sweet… as is the last pic of your little guy.
Baby in a bow tie. Holla! THAT made my day.
I am loving the tent picture… So tender 🙂
I had the same feeling yesterday….a sense of TRANSFORMATION. I don’t know what’s ahead. I’m scared. And excited. Bring on the new!
OMG! Babies in a bow tie. Babies in a tent. Babies in polka dot bathing suits. Love all these photos.
I hope you know just how lucky you are to have the beach at your disposal any given day! That is HEAVEN right there!
These pictures are beautiful, as always!
I’m in TN! Let me know if I can help with any Cabin searching! I’m in Nashville, I’d imagine you’re going more East, towards Gatlinburg…but I’d love to help!
Happy April!
Spring inspires me too. I am in the midst of packing our house to move so I am doubly inspired to clean and declutter. Love the pic of Nella on beach!
I’m so glad you found an hour in your booth to write and post these beautiful pictures of your children! Your post inspired me to “get my spring on,” or in other words, start working on new, happy goals for myself, my upcoming summer, and for my family.
Do you ever wonder to yourself, ‘What would be an acceptable way to remove Nella’s monobrow?’?
Beautiful photos and lovely sentiments. You are always uplifting and inspirational. That sunset photo is frame worthy!
Nella’s polka dot bathing suit is so cute!
Nella looks like she’s doing a yoga pose (on the beach above her doll). So super cute.
We stayed at a FABULOUS little place in Tennesse a few years ago- amazing!!!
That first paragraph about doing 25 things at once perfectly described my life with 4 kids. I can hardly catch my breath sometimes.
Your photos are stunning…Nella in that green sweater is STUNNING. And Dash with his eyes open, awesome!!
I just want to THANK YOU for sharing yourself with us; THANK YOU for sharing your photos and your writing and your happiness and your joy. I know everyone tells you how inspirational you are, but it’s the truth. 🙂
Love the photos… love the one of you and Dash ~ Lainey and Dash… oh my, how those pics of them together get me…Dash in his Easter outfit ~ too cute… and Nella with her Barbie… Love!!
If you’re searching for a TN cabin — look at Pickwick Lake! It’s a beautiful lake with woods, hills and some great hometown fun! It’s been stomping grounds for my husband and his family since he was a wee one and still talks about his memories there like they are gold.
HappY SprinG – Happy Everything!
If a picture is a thousand words, then girl, you’re covered! 🙂
I always love your posts……I rarely sit & read thru comments but traveling today & all kids are happily engaged in activities! I’m angered for you & left baffled as to why people are so easy to criticize??? If they don’t agree with what you say quit flippin’ following your blog!! That simple……or take in what you like & spit out the rest. People are mean. People are ignorant. I am thankful that you keep posting…..& that you continue to post real honest raw feeling & thoughts!! Hugs!!!
Super Beautiful Pictures! Hee Hee: I only know that song, because my kids (11 & 13) are obsessed with it – they think it is so funny! I love that my kids are keeping me hip! Fall is my time of year for making resolutions and new beginnings. As soon as spring arrives, I just want to be outside…and the inside kind of falls apart a bit!
You have the most gorgeous babies!! Perfection!
Lainey was born to be a mother, her instincts are beautiful! I’m rereading Bloom and it made me think of you always wanting to be a mother, making up names and activities for your kids. She definitely follows in your footsteps!
Oh my. That last pic of Dash is stunning. Lainey is looking like such a big girl these days and Nella…adorable as always <3
Whenever I see pictures of your family, I think, “She has made one of the happiest homes.”
It just looks happy. A place you can feel safe and take a comfortable nap if you want to.
Happy spring!
i know that we are ‘supposed’ to ignore the hateful comments, but I wonder if any other bloggers who open their hearts SO wide to their readers suffer the same harsh criticism? What makes a person feel like they have to voice every negative feeling in their heads? Last I looked, Kelle isn’t running for office, she is living her life with grace & honesty. Why don’t you wait until the next election to voice your sh*t? I am a Christian and find NOTHING offensive in any of this post. I see baby boys in bow ties, gorgeous sisters who are so loved…as they used to say back in the day, chill out. Find a perfect woman & follow her. by the way? there are none. If you are a Christian, you know that we are all imperfect. and if Kelle has to watch every word that she utters, what is the point?? Shame on you if you ever squash her blog or her spirit.
Sarah x
Beautiful words + pictures, as always. If I ever need inspiration, I know where to find it – here. Thank you for that!
Nella has some serious baby yoga moves here! Love it.
Love this blog. Thanks for your honesty! I have a Feb. 14 little baby girl and am just through the fog of the first 6 weeks with a newborn and ready to be inspired. Here is to the freshness of spring in good ole’ Michigan and all the hope it brings. P.s. A touch of gripe water always takes my girls hiccups away instantly.
TN you say? I’ll cook you and your family a meal if you come through Chattanooga!!! And send you on your way with treats.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are really tourist-y, which might be what you want. I call it Vegas for families. If you’re looking for something more chill, look around Ocoee. It’s where they had the Olympics. It’s 30 min north of Chattanooga (which is Outside Mag’s #1 outdoorsy city in the US and someone else’s best place to raise a family city).
There, decision made.
Best of luck to transitioning to whatever it is you’re hoping for!
I actually had to go back and look for the comment that caused the hoopala regarding Easter and it’s meaning. Then I found it. Yikes.
Let me just say, I really ‘felt’ Easter this year. Like, I’m 37 and I’m just getting around to figuring out that I’m not going to live forever. My daughter is almost 5, and I realize more every day what a precious gift God has ‘loaned’ me. Whatever the reason, Lent, Good Friday, and Easter had more of any impact on me than in some years past. I read blogs between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and some of my very favorites downplayed the painted eggs, chocolate treasures and Easter bunnies, and actually showcased ‘the meaning’. I walked away from reading those blogs with a new found respect for them, and a thankfulness to God that he chose some of those postings to show me that I am not alone in trying to find glimmers of hope and faith in the everyday life that surrounds me.
I’m always pining for the beach when I read your blog, so it makes me feel better you want to vacation where I live. 🙂 Townsend is also less touristy, but there are great cabins all around. I live in Knoxville and would be super excited to see you at a book signing in the area if possible!
Red clogs? Girl, you are in luck! Dansko has a darling new offering; wooden heels and the toes covered, sorta mary jane style . . . check it out! I tried so hard to get them but am in between sizes ): would be very happy for someone else to enjoy them! xo
Kelle..regarding your hunt for red clogs. I can highly recommend MERRELL as the most comfortable clogs you can ever wear. You will feel like you’re walking on air they are so beautifully cushioned. They can be a bit pricey new ($85) but I have gotten my on eBay for far less. Good luck!
You inspire me! I love spring too and the start of fresh new things. Beautiful pics!
http://www.beautifullifemadeeasy.blogspot.com
You and your family make me smile! 🙂
Kelle I love your Blog. I saw this post today and it made me think of Nella.
http://screen.yahoo.com/local-mom-fight-gaining-national-235100632.html
I am in total awe of how completely beautiful your kids are. I mean, I’ve got 4 of my own and think the bees knees of them, but yours are so cute I can actually step away from mine for a moment and admit it 😉
I love the way you write too. Its never a disappointment reading your blog.
First time to comment 🙂
1. That photo from Easter – the babies sleeping in the tent- oh. It is so beautiful.
2. The gap jeggings and the calling your friends name – laughed until I cried.
3. Nella’s birth story is truly one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever read. My favorite part is your precious dad saying we love her!
Thank you for sharing your heart.
All the pictures are beautiful, but my favorite is Nella in Green sweater, she´s beautiful!!
That last picture of dash: F^€***g beautiful!
LOVE the one of the girls sleeping in the tent. So sweet!
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Oh, Kelle! My heart just went aflutter when I came across this article: http://screen.yahoo.com/local-mom-fight-gaining-national-235100632.html
Thinking Nella might enjoy a doll of her own!
I have a great trick for baby-hickups. You dip your wet finger in sugar and let the baby suck it. There’s something in the sugar, sucking and something I don’t know that works. But it works. My friends baby gets cranky too when he has hickups, and to our surprise it worked.
I wasn’t sure if I read this, or dreamt it. But I’ve revisited it and found it to be true. I DID read it.
Lucy Parker said…
Do you ever wonder to yourself, ‘What would be an acceptable way to remove Nella’s monobrow?’?
April 4, 2013 at 7:27 AM
This is perhaps the most despicable thing I have ever read. Beautiful, sweet Nella <3
Your children are just so beautiful!
Kelle….
I love, love, love that picture of “Mr. Rogers”, er, Dash!! Isn’t he a handsome fellow!! 😉
–Raelyn
I can’t believe more people haven’t responded to you, Lucy Parker. Nella is only three years old! Also, that is a very ableist comment and you should be ashamed of yourself.
awe, so precious! dash’s easter outfit is to die for! LOVE!
Dash’s perfect pouty lips, second chin, round delicious cheeks, and big deep wise eyes are just simply too much to handle. Then you added a bow tie and cardigan. Goodness gracious glitter pooping unicorns! And seeing him smothered in sister love? Cherry on top.
I agree, winks. For shame, Lucy Parker, for shame.
I’m not sure I’ve ever commented, maybe once, but today I just HAVE TO comment. The picture of Nella, in her green knit hoodie, has touched my very soul. I’ve been thinking of it all day! She is BEAUTIFUL! I have three teenage daughters. All three unique, one a little more so. With my girls almost grown, and yours just starting, I still find inspiration from you. Keep it up Kelle! You are touching people you never would have guessed. Happy weekend to you!
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Lucy Parker,
What a horrendous, abhorrent thing to say. I strongly encourage you to think about how you would feel if someone said that to you…that is, if you can pull your head out of your ass long enough to think about it.
I also never thought I’d join the “I can’t do this anymore” party, but here I am.
You moderate any critical comment about you. Awesome! It’s your space! But you leave up the despicable, horrible comment about your beautiful daughter? You let people tear down your husband and chortle along with them? Nella is an amazing angel! Pure joy and unconditional love! And that awful comment is still there. How sad.
The thing about masks, Mrs. Hampton, is that they get hot. You can dress up however you like, but they get sweaty and restricting eventually. If everyone has been led to believe you are what your mask portrays, they may not like what they see when it has to come off, no matter how beautiful what’s inside. I’m afraid your mask is starting to slip, and you aren’t all that you seem. I’m sure this will get deleted too. That’s fine. I so loved reading about your beautiful family, warm traditions, and fun spirit! I’m sorry to see it go.
You remove criticism, but keep mean comments from dumbfucks about your kid. Do you want to appear as if your a victim? I don’t like you at all, never have, but this is a fucking low.
My 19month old had that same bowtie and cardigan in green and navy blue! So very cute! As a fellow writer I say thank you for not having enough time to write sometimes! Yay, we are all human!! LOL I truly admire how often and religously you are able to put your words on to the screen for us to read. Thank you!
http://theabsenceofsounds.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-absence-of-sound.html
Mint green denim boyfriend capris from Ann Taylor Loft…just sayin’.
Gorgeous post, gorgeous family. Just gorgeous all the way around.
Really Lucy Parker, really? How very inappropriate particularly when made in reference to a child.
Do you ever wonder “what would be acceptable commentary in general regarding appearance in general” ?
If not, I suggest you make yourself a reference list of inappropriate remarks in general and you can start with that one.
This child is not equipped yet to make decisions on the distribution of her image and therefore it would be prudent to refrain from commenting on the physical features of a child who has not yet the maturity to approve the public use and distribution of her image
I always enjoy your photos but this post especially has some of my faves. I’m excited for whatever lies ahead!
Steph
LIttle Dash makes my uterus ache… just sayin’. 😉
Don’t abandon those picture books entirely! There are so many out there that are great for readers of all ages, even grown up ones!
For when you do start chapter books, may I suggest a wonderful series? Try the Lighthouse Series by Cynthia Rylant. I have it in my classroom and love it!
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“This child is not equipped yet to make decisions on the distribution of her image and therefore it would be prudent to refrain from commenting on the physical features of a child who has not yet the maturity to approve the public use and distribution of her image”
How about Kelle wait until Nella is mature enough to consent before distributing her image at all ? Of course, all of you have your head crammed so far inside her ass that you don’t realize this, but oh well.
Kelle should have had Nella taken away from her in January when she posted that full frontal of her.
I believe she loves her children, but that doesn’t make you a good mother. Not one bit.
I am actually starting to become revolted by Kelle. She’s a bitch. A narcissistic, lying bitch that knew that there was a chance that Nella could have had Down Syndrome. There were no “surprises”. She’s just a con artist who cares about nothing but money and fame.
That was my point schlomo there is no reason for her image to bandied about the intermewebz so that some day in the future she might happen across the nasty comments made about her appearance or other images she doesn’t want published for her own reasons.
I believe it leaves her wide open to have to deal with a whole lot of future issues that arise needlessly due to her hundreds of childhood photos plastered across the web and in print without her consent due to her age and her mothers failure to keep her childhood as her own.
I won’t publish pictures of my children who are old enough to consent because their image and their person is not mine to share randomly nor commoditise
Regardless I still think it a horrible thing to vocalise about a child or anyone else for that matter
Spring is a time of new beginnings, sunshine, and pulling my skirts and flip flops from the closet. I discovered your blog this winter and dove into the archives. I respect your writing and your honesty. You inspired me to be brave, honest, and to write. I feel energized by this decision and scared because I am quite shy and introverted. I created my own honest blog, and we shall see where it leads. Right now it is leading me to write more and its energizing me in new ways. Thanks for being part of my inspiration.
Justine
http://denvermommy.wordpress.com
My two favorite pics from this post: Nella “doing yoga” over her baby doll on the beach. Dash wrapped up and sleeping with that newborn “painted on” hair look, I love that!!
Love Kelle, love her words and her photos. I am appalled by some of the nasty comments. Why read the blog if you don’t like her and her family? I was a bit taken aback by the Christ is Risen comparison and thought, “I wish those babies had been in church to learn the real story of Easter.” But then reminded myself I only see a snapshot of their lives, and it is not my place to judge. Besides I don’t have to totally agree with someone to enjoy their work. Thank you Kelle for sharing your sweet family.
I’m finally going to stop reading your blog. It isn’t how fake you are or how you exploit your children.
It’s your teeth. Grind them down about 30% and I may start reading again.
What a great post! Enjoy your Spring!
I enjoy seeing your beautiful images when I visit here. Thank you for sharing with us. You have a beautiful family and the moments you share with us are so inspiring. My heart hurts for you with these Negative Nellies that feel they must take cheap shots, while using an alias. So brave!
Lainey is looking soo grown-up! Love this post. I’m in need of a little spring cleaning myself.
Beautiful. As always, thank you for inspiring me, Kelle!
I have not commented here in such a long time, it feels–busy with my 5th little bub and to many times moving house these past few years…but I didn’t come here to complain. No way.
I have tears in my eyes after reading this simple post, oohing and aahing over the beautiful pictures of your incredibly precious littles (Dash in the cardigan? Lainey with some snuggley baby bro love? Nella’s face in the green hoodie? dying, here mama! dying with love.)
And your words… “Christ is risen…” my eyes welled up and I was thankful again for your leadership and your enthusiasm and your passion for positivity. I only gotta couple years on ya sister, but when I grow up I wanna be like you.
xo