I sat down a couple hours ago to write this post. Had a halfway decent string of thought going, some good pictures, a window of opportunity while Brett entertained the kids before bed. But as I tapped out the first few sentences, I realized I felt jittery and unfocused–a present feeling that couldn’t be ignored once I sat down and attempted to clear my thoughts enough to write. I love that about writing–the space it requires gives such clarity to my feelings or at least draws attention to its absence.
My to-do list is ripe right now, and my time and thoughts are being fractioned into too many areas–most of them fulfilling but still stretching me a bit uncomfortably. I’ve felt a little edgy and off until finally tonight, in a moment of Priority Triage, I realized I haven’t been kind to myself.
I turned my computer off, fetched my running shoes, hollered to Brett something about needing to “reclaim my mind” and ran out the door. I didn’t even bother to stretch but rather threw myself into a steady pace, desperate to connect with that part of myself I’ve ignored for a little while–the quiet inner voice that sacrifices its needs first when other responsibilities call but withers soon enough if it’s not fed, slowly taking with it inspiration, confidence, motivation, contentment. And while sacrificing taking care of our own selves most often feels good because we’re giving to someone else–our kids, our family, our community, our friends–it only lasts so long. The source from which you give must grow as well. And tonight I realized, I need to fill it up. I need more sleep, more calm, more exercise, more pleasure reading, more thoughtful food choices, more time alone with my husband, more quotes, more music, more quiet moments with my girls.
I ran like nobody’s business tonight. Felt the quiet voice that’s been submerged for a bit reawaken with my very first stride. “I’m alive! I’m alive!” she cried. Florence and the Machine belted out “The Dog Days,” and I sprinted through the black spaces between each streetlight and slowed down at every yellow glow to two-step a kicky move to the “like a bullet in the baaaaaaaaack” line. And I wonder why I don’t make time for this every night. Suddenly, clarity.
I didn’t run a marathon tonight. Didn’t need to. I did run an effortless three blocks and then turned around to make an introspective walk home. I noticed the wind, the stars, the way the blood rushed to my fingertips and made them itch. I noticed myself, something I’ve forgotten to do lately.
We cannot make good mamas, good wives, good friends if we don’t.
Two little girls in mismatched jammies welcomed me back home, and I took over bedtime routines, kicking off my shoes and climbing into our big bed for story time.
“I can do it if you need to write,” Brett offered.
“Dude, I just had an exorcism, I’m good.” I replied, pointing to my shoes.
There will be more of this. It is so re-energizing, inspiring, needful. Those flight attendants know what they’re talking about: put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting someone else.
*****
Today, in photos and very few words:
The Lake.
The Sky.
The Driveway Neighborhood Friend Gathering.
The Newborn Fix #2 this Week with my friend Erin’s baby, Ethan
The Post Bun Waves
My friend, Kim, makes these killer snap barrettes
*****
Back in tomorrow for a short little something special.
Thank you so much for sharing our 2 for 2 post. Watching the ticker move is an inspiring pastime around here these days.
Good night.
I really need a Brett.
You should find me one.
I really need a desire to run:)
Great post kelle. Makes me wanna throw on my running shoes and give myself a little ‘me’ time too.
It’s great that you know how blessed you are that when you feel like it you can go out and take a run.
the photos are really nice!:)
Hong Kong property
“We cannot make good mamas, good wives, good friends if we don’t.”
You hit the nail on the head with this comment! Amen sister!
I am so thankful that I still read you. I found you before Nella was born and our babies are only 2 months apart. I love reading your writings!!
i love this post. such a great reminder. i have these moments where i get edgy and pissy and i’m getting better about recognizing it before i lash out in an immature way. like today, when i decided to text my husband, “don’t talk to me the rest of the day”. mature. if only we weren’t snowed in, i’d take a run outside tomorrow. anyway, thanks for the reminder kelle. all of us need them once in a while.
beautiful photographs as usual. It’s nice to see you grab some fresh air! I will definitely take into account all your rightful knowledge when I start the process of motherhood. From my pov you’re doing a wonderful job ;]
mango
mangotatoes.blogspot.com
A good run can always do wonders. When everything else in my life is falling apart I can go for a run and just listen to the sound of my feet and my breathing, and the more I speed up the more the world around me slows down. Love it!
Love those sun flare pictures of Lainey!
Do be kind to yourself, my husband Rob asked me today if you have an assistant who helps you answer instagram messages etc! I laughed, answered nope, that’s Kelle!
Run those laps around the block, take a bubble bath (on your own), go on a date with Brett. You work your butt off lady, and need some recharge time.
Sorry don’t mean to sound bossy, just looking out for you.
as a mommy of 4 i can completely relate! The need to run is strong:) Make time to enjoy just being you! God bless love your blog:)
Oh I so needed this post today!! Just last night my husband and I were talking about how, in a blink of an eye, I would be there doing whatever it is to be done for our boys, their schools, my family, our friends, my work…but I am forgetting moi! I need more me time so I can be a better mama, wife and friend!! And how I would tie on my runners right now and go for that run ( love running by the way) BUT it’s 25-30 below zero-flipping freezer cold!!! BUT instead I can take the Time to hit the gym, get to those yoga classes, sit with a book, take more bubble baths and most importantly-quality time with my boys!!
Thanks again for inspiring!!
Cheers!
Monique
I love watching the ticker inch closer to $200K. Thanks for making it so easy to contribute to such a great event.
I needed this reminder so badly! With the semester starting and the crazy schedule back, I’m struggling and overwhelmed, but this helped. Thank you!
Yes, I agree! Mommy time is absolutely necessary! Of course, I’m terrible at it! I took some time to edit my flower photos recently and it helped to rejuvenate me. I wish I liked running, but I can never last. I end up power walking instead.
Your pics are always amazing! I’m still learning how take pictures of a baby!
I really needed this post tonight, thank you. Although I’m not sure I see any “me” windows in the near future, it is something to strive for…and not feel guilty about. Love the oxygen mask analogy. Absolutely perfect.
Hi! I just love your blog ♥ And this post “hit me” with its wise, reflected, important message. You are a beautiful & inspiring woman! 🙂
love to you and your sweet family – from Norway 🙂
(and I will definetly go for a run today ;))
hugs ♥
so true!! We are no good to our family if we are not good to ourselves! Thats actually one of my resolutions this year 🙂
I need to go for a very very long run. That’s how crazy my week has been. goodnight 🙂
I love this post! I do not have kids of my own yet, but I know so many women (including my own mother) who need this reminder. I also really like the oxygen mask analogy. I love this blog. I enjoy reading. You are such a talented writer with an exceptionally beautiful family.
I love this post! I do not have kids of my own yet, but I know so many women (including my own mother) who need this reminder. I also really like the oxygen mask analogy. I love this blog. I enjoy reading. You are such a talented writer with an exceptionally beautiful family.
In the pic of you looking to the left with your sunglasses on….Lainey looks just like you!!!
Ugh, you’re one of *those* people… the people who run without necessarily having a rabid dog at their heels? Sometimes even for pleasure? Did I say “ugh” yet? ;o) LOL
Thanks for sharing this notion. Honestly, as much as I LOVE your blog, I’d be happy FOR YOU to just blog once a week if it opens more time up….or you could always mismatch your clothes like the jammies. 😉
Great post – simple, to the point, and beautiful pics.
Man, I need a run. Making time tomorrow.
Those flights attendants really do know what they are talking about.
Ruby picked out ‘Let’s Go Home’ tonight for her bedtime read. I love your inscription in the front. Do you remember? It was before we met but we knew each other. That lovely book inspired my post tonight.
x
bravo! today must be “drop everything & go running day!” i sneaked into my friend’s gym with her today to run day 2/week 1 of the couch to 5 k. love & am inspired by your life & blog & sister 🙂
i really needed this, and it’s so true. i was supposed to be helping out watch someones 7 kids while they are away for their anniversary it was supposed to be 2-3 days then my sil was gonna do the rest, so she is now in the hospital with gall stones, and i have the 7 kids, plus my 3, plus 3 of hers. this week has been intense…and it still have 3-4 more days. my hun=bby didn’t get here til 9pm last night, and tonight was closer to 6 and then we’re off to church. so after that i got to go with other sil to workout
my body has been killing me ( i have fibromyalgia) and when i miss workouts i hurt bad. with watching ya know a gazillion kids 24/7 plus homeschooling, i had no time to go do anything . it did wonders for me to workout and have that time with her…”
and now I’m up reading your blog. lol so i guess i better go to sleep now.
Thanks so much for this! I can’t wait for some me/ me and just my family time, next week!
Beautiful. I love when you write post like this one.
Yay mama! So happy for you that you were able to get some exercise. I love how exercise can make everything better. Thank you for blessing us with your words and reminders! 🙂
The words every momma needs to hear sometimes… Perfectly said… Put your oxygen mask on before assisting others
you’re an inspiration. simple as that. xoxoxo
I love this post. I’ve been lurking on your gorgeous blog for a while now, but I think this is the first time I’ve commented. It’s a very timely post for me -my family have been hit with the sickness bug this past week and I’ve been struggling to keep all the juggling balls in the air. Good point, Kelle, beautifully put. Now excuse me while I reach for my oxygen mask…
You are so right!
Since January 1:st I got really serious about both eating habits and my jogging – and it gives more than it takes.
I’m obnoxiously energetic and I don’t get as tired in the evening as I did before. Quite the awakening!
Since I commute four hours a day I’ve accepted that I can’t go jogging every evening but I’ve managed to squeeze a Wednesday-lunch-jog in my work week and it’s fab!
Keep your self-care up!
Beautiful photos! The palmtree and cloudy sky is gooooooorgeous 🙂
Wow, seriously good timing. When I read “put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting someone else,” I actually got a little teary. It’s been a little nuts lately and I don’t see it slowing down much in the next few months… resolving to do a little “exorcism” of my own this weekend!
So glad that you took 5 for yourself – you’re right, we need to put our mask on first. I love it when you really need the run and you go full speed, feeling like the guys running on the beach from “Chariots of Fire.” Liberating. Running like a dog chasing something that sparks an interest – an animal, a truck, a fellow canine friend – tongue hanging out, huge smile. Good for your.
Thank you for making and sharing the video related 2 for 2. They are all beautiful children.
-Jennifer 🙂
1. Was debating skipping my run today because it’s cold and Ellie is teething. Nope, we’re going. 40 minutes. Boo-yah.
2. The first photo of Nella and Lainey is priceless. I LOVE IT.
3. Loving the fun brown boots. You’re the second person I know who posted photos of them today. I suppose I may need a pair now, ya know, if I’m gonna be in the cool club.
4. LOVE that the video from yesterday is now something like “847475 of your friends have shared a link” on facebook 🙂
As I sat here reading this I kept thinking, “me too”, “me too”. I need to start taking more time too. Thank you for this reminder.
So true. This is coming from someone that hit snooze and slept rather than going for that run this morning. Oh, but it felt so good to sleep. I will unleash my inner runner someday! 😉
I have been reading your blog for months now, first time commenting….I know exactly what you mean. If we don’t recharge our batteries and spend a little time with “ME” every once in while, other important parts of our lives can be affected. I’m a SAHM to a 3 year old daughter and 10 month son. It’s the best job in the world. Truly. When I was little and someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said with out hesitation and strong conviction, “A Mom”. And although shaping and molding these little individuals is the most important and fun thing I could have ever imagined, it gets trying at times. So, sometimes something as simple as a trip to the grocery store by my self can to help wipe the slate clean. Rocking out to MY music, blaring it through the speakers, music that isn’t Disney Princess or Itsy Bitsy Spider (although I rock out to those pretty well too). Just driving, driving with out having to spend the entire trip answering questions like “why is that car red”? and “where do trees sleep”? (although her questions crack me up and I can’t wait for my son to start asking them too) I let my mind go blank and follow it where ever it may go, whether it’s reminiscing about my early 20’s and all the nights spent out dancing or just simply thinking about how fortunate I am to have an amazing husband.
I also just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. My friend posted a link on her own blog one night when she was doing a post on appreciating the “small things in life”. I have been hooked ever since. ETST is amazing for many reasons. Is it inspirational? Hell Yeah. Are the pictures gorgeous? Always. But what I like the most about it and you is….It’s REAL. You’re real. You don’t hide behind that wall of “What will people think????” You write how and what you feel and I love it. I’m sure I’m the millionth person that’s told you Nella’s birth story had me in tears. Such raw emotion. I find my self telling mom’s I meet at the park or at play dates about ETST, I want them to have the same enjoyment, the same contentment and inspiration I get out of it. Thank YOU Kelle!! You have made me a better wife, friend and of course, a better Mom.
xoxo
it’s so true, if you are unkind to yourself everything is just thrown off kilter. love that you didn’t go for 5 mile run…that it was just a few blocks and that did did the trick. inspiring:)
A little self-care goes a long way, baby.
Great post, Kelle 🙂 I’ve been reading for 2 years and I still love seeing your posts pop up in my reader.
xoxo
WOW…Did I ever need this! Your comments are heard, echoed and appreciated here in Washington DC. Thanks for writing my thoughts and then inspiring me to move forward. You hit this one out of the park!!!
This post is brilliant. I will be re-reading it, sharing it with my husband, and posting it for all my friends to learn from. GOOD STUFF. AGAIN. 🙂 xoxo
Kelle, just donated and only wish I could have given more. Still with every little bit…
Jealous (and inspired) by your love of running–and resolving right now to find a bit more time for me in the middle of this crazy period of time of moving, job hunting, studying for another bar exam.
Love to your family! And THANK YOU.
As moms, we tend to put others first. As women, we need to remember that the only way we’ll be able to take care of others is to take care of ourselves. A timely reminder for all of us that forget that from time to time. 🙂
Big sister is growing up so fast! Loved this post.
Dude- SO TRUE! I don’t have actual children yet, but I’m a doggie mom, a graduate student, a full-time employee and a “pre-wife” ( A.K.A Fiancee). I run every morning and it’s totally a stellar way to clear my head and start my day!! Thanks for the great post!
-Shelley
http://simply-shelley.blogspot.com/
P.S.- Your blog readers are totally awesome, and I’ve made some new blog “friends” from your blog!
Always something simple and inspiring to find in your posts, thank you!
Brooke
http://www.TheAnnessaFamily.com
As always, very inspiring. I devoted a blog post on my personal blog (beautymustsformoms.blogspot.com) to your great style.
XO
Deirdre
I don’t always comment even though I read your blog faithfully every day! Today I needed to comment because this post spoke so loudly to me. I have been fighting a feeling a can’t get rid of and this made me realize what it is from. I have spent the last 3 years putting everyone’s oxygen mask on and ignoring my own. Thank you!
Good for you Kelle!!!
Still loving that Nella will sleep anywhere.
Thanks for bagging your other post and writing this one instead!! It is something I needed to hear!!
And Mr. Jingles even loved to sing! We love that book here! And Mr. Jingles!
Something we all need to be reminded of, taking time for ourselves. Once again, thanks for sharing your heart.
Awesome taking time for yourself, running=sanity for me
The first picture on your post speaks volumes and I love it!
I have literally said the line about your own oxygen mask first to three people in the last two days. It’s my personal mantra for this year.
Quanto hai ragione, bisogna ricaricarsi, con quelle piccole cose che però hanno la forza dell’immensità.
un abbraccio
I ike the first comment about “needing a Brett”……yes you have a gem of a husband.
We all need to take more time for ourselves. My children are all grown but I am a Nanny…..so it isn’t the same as 24/7.
I wanted to say something about the mismatched socks. When it gets cold here for the first time, I never have matching socks…..but there is a company that sells 3 as a pair and none match. The colors do though. I got some for Christmas. Going through security the security guy told me my socks were on the wrong feet…..they should be on his…..oh I am 61.
when i saw your running shoes on instagram, i wondered if it was a therapeutic run…:) good for you! take the time! even in small bits, it just brings us back to home base- a reset, if you will. i’m about due for one as well. 🙂
I’ve got my “oxygen mask” on this week so I can better help my friends and family. Good stuff! I also saw this on my facebook wall and thought you would enjoy it: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150472069673388&set=a.10150341805178388.343953.511403387&type=1&permPage=1
You are just so right about this! When I take time for myself, I come back missing my mommy time and ready to go the extra mile. I just wish I could find a little more time, but I feel guilty asking relatives to take over my responsibilities. Why is that? I know they love my son too, something in my head just says, “This is not their job.” Thanks for the reminder that putting your mask on first is necessary if you want to do your best to help others.
Oh, wow, I love this line, “The source from which you give must grow as well.”
I had once written- during my own exorcism-‘While I will always be a mother, these immediate needs- diaper changes, clean laundry for four children, homework and school projects, meals and healthy snacks- will fade until one day I stand at the table folding a sparse basket of clothes for just my husband and myself. Who will I be then without the mud stained soccer socks of First Born Son; the onesies of The Baby; the plain- almost uniform issue shirts of Henry; and the quirky anime t-shirts of Princess Commando? I know I need to nurture the woman that will stand there alone at the table.’
You just brought that realization right back home. Thank you for sharing your perspective, as always.
I have a random question for you, but one that occurs to me all the time. Every time I see a picture of one of the girls by lakewater, I wonder, “Does Kelle every worry that an alligator could jump out at any second?”
I’m sure you don’t, because if you thought there was any danger, you’d never let the girls near the water, but I think it every time I see them near the water! 🙂
I’m so glad you posted about taking care of yourself a little so that you can take care of others the way you want to. I’m a marriage and family therapist and I tell my clients (and my friends) this quite often. I think we’re all guilty of it periodically, it’s amazing how easy it is to forget or push our own needs aside. It’s so funny that you used this line too, “Those flight attendants know what they’re talking about: put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting someone else.” I use this analogy everytime I discuss this concept with anybody! Love your posts!
i need to do this. and i completely agree with your writing. the sliver of time for ourselves (as mothers) is super small and miraculously is recharged in record time. but is still needs to happen. good reminder.
Concise and perfect! … I need to go find my oxygen mask. I will smile every time I hear the flight attendant direct us to do so … Thank you for sharing.
~ Devon
Reading with Joey
This post really spoke to me today. I’m a week away for the birth of my 3rd child and really trying to figure out how I’m going to do it. We will make it work, just have to figure out our new normal.
Irony….I was feeling a bit trapped this week myself, and finally made it to the gym after literally months of a hiatus. And the first song that popped up on my iPod? Florence. 🙂 Get it, girl. Happy you got some “you” time!
Girlfriend, I feel you!! I started doing my Zumba game in the mornings before I get ready for work, a few weeks ago. Yesterday I didn’t wake up early and do it. I had a REALLY bad day yesterday and felt like crap all day. Today I made sure to get up extra early to extend my dancing time and let me tell ya, I feel amazing!! Yes my alarm went off at 4:36 am, but the way I feel right now makes it totally work it. Having my time to dance and sweat makes me feel so much better! I’ve also started doing Yoga twice a week, which also makes me feel really good. I’m such a better person when I take care of myself. I’ve finally found a way to fit it into my schedule without taking any time away from Arya.
Speaking of Arya, after my horrible day yesterday, when I got home seeing her little face and getting her big hug made it so much better. Then, when it was bedtime, she wouldn’t let go of my arm when I went to put her down, so we snuggled in our chair for a while. That REALLY made everything all better!! It’s amazing how just sitting in silence holding your child can melt all of the day’s worries away. 🙂
I’m glad to hear your putting your oxygen mask on, Kelle! I’ve realized lately that it’s not optional.
Oh AND…..I got see the Michael Jackson Immortal Tour with my husband on Tuesday night. AMAZING!!! You once asked what we want to be when we grow up. A dancer, that’s what I want to be. I want to be a professional dancer and perfom on a big stage with Cirque de Solie! 🙂
Kelle,
It’s like certain parts of our lives are in parallel this week – except you write about it with such eloquence while I just grumble to myself “I need some d*** me time!” I was a somewhat avid runner before I had my daughter and haven’t run more than five feet since I was pregnant with her (it’s been over a year and a half!). Finally this week, after feeling my battery draining, I laced up my running shoes and bolted out the door leaving husband to watch the baby – barely having time to shout “peace out”. My soul belted out an “I’m alive! I’m alive!” that would rival Florence and the Machine and I felt recharged. I’ve been looking for a book, an article, anything to read about finding balance in my life and this blog post gave me just the peace I needed. Thank you for your beautiful words.
~ Used to be a runner (AKA EG’s momma)
Great post. Your description of your run actually made me miss running and made me want to head out the door. Only thing stopping me though was -6 degree weather.
Man, every time I come here it’s like we’re on the same wave length. I like JUST started running. People are saying, why? You don’t need to lose weight. My answer? Yes, but I do need my sanity.
I am most definitely NOT a runner. But when I feel my feet pounding on the treadmill something inside me opens up and all the bad pours out.
It feels so good. It’s difficult to get myself to do it but the reward afterward is a peace that I have a hard time finding.
Oh, how I hear ya loud and clear! It’s been a common theme during conversations with friends. We ask, “are we depressed? Is it the let down after the holidays? Why am I feeling so incapable….of ANYTHING?”
Two nights ago I suddenly stood up and told my husband, “I have been so irresponsible with myself! I’m going to bed.”
So now, two nights of decent sleep later plus two “snow days” off from school, and I’m starting to “SNAP OUT OF IT!”
But I’ll have to run in place in the house….seriously, school is closed, roads are closed, shops close early…..
but TRULY a blessing in disguise. Just what I needed.
LOVE that it only took 3 blocks 🙂
Itruley believe that it could not have been said any better. If you don’t take care of yourself you are not going to be there to take care of anyone eles. RUN KELLY…
Others first is something we often screw up. It means you care about others more than yourself, but it doesn’t mean you cease to take care of yourself. Thanks for the insight.
If I weren’t 36 weeks pregnant I would throw my running shoes on and go run down the block right now!!! But maybe I will take a mental jog and refresh my mind while my husband takes kid duty for a while tonight. Thanks for the reminder!
Oh my goodness! Right there with ya, sister. I crashed and burned last weekend and realized, oh wait, I need to take care of myself too.
you said it girl!! you have such a way with words, to put things on paper that i feel but wouldnt know how to express properly. thank you for giving these feelings a voice!
“Put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting someone else”. That is about the easiest, most brilliant way to describe how and why a mama needs to take care of herself. Thanks for giving me a little phrase to remind myself to do it more often (ok ever).
the picture of nella sleeping is the cutest
Such a great point: Those flight attendants know what they’re talking about: put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting someone else. Thank you, I needed that reminder. 🙂
We all have the same goals in life for our wee ones. We must stop using the “R” word in our vocabulary.
There is a wonderful blog on U-tube that talks about this. I hope your readers will enjoy.http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=maddox+gambling+problem&oq=maddox+gambling+problem&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=2343l10827l0l11567l23l23l0l14l14l0l148l730l5.4l9l0
We as mom always worry about other people before actually worry about ourselves. It is time for us to take a mommy break and take care of ourselves
Running is one of my outlets. And it needs to be by myself in order to get the most out of it. It’s my reflection time, and we mamas need that to be good mamas!
Good for you 🙂
Can’t believe how grown up Lainey is looking! Halfway through reading this I got the runners itch and laced up my shoes! Thanks!
tick…tick…tick… Dreams & Wishes Do Come True! 🙂
Terrific post!
Kelle, I began reading your blog a while back and right away I went around to all my friends telling them they had to read the amazing story on Nella. Ever since then I have been captured by your beautiful photos and words. You truly have a gift! Thanks for sharing with me.
Oh Kelle, this post spoke to me! As I’ve had a burning desire to start running again….but have pulled out way too many excuses; i have a newborn & a 3yr old, hubby works big hours, I’m tired, I’m busy etc etc. But really….if I squeezed in time to run…made it a priority….i would be a better Mum, wife & being! I’ve been juggling way too many balls lately & feeling very flat out. Most of my juggling balls are things I love; kids parties, planning holidays, writing jobs, getting my girl ready to start Kindergarten soon etc. BUT….it’s time I also start looking after ME…so I can be a better version of myself…for them!
xx
P.S. I love Nella’s post bun curls!
Love this post! Definitely so true about looking after ourselves so we can be a better friend/wife/mother – its taken me a few years to work this out, but the last 5 months have been an amazing eye opener now that I’m doing this.
Oh and I spy a Jingle Husky pup in one of the photos too – my daughter has the same one and loves him to bits! My son keeps trying to steal him away, but she’s so protective of him and goes to bed with him every night. Kids are already learning the key phrases to make him ‘speak’ but they’re not yet clear enough to get him to respond. Gorgeous!
As a former runner and crazy/crazed momma, I absolutely feel this post!
PS… My entire family is watching those fundraiser numbers inch up too… So happy for you!
Wow, Nella looks so much older all of a sudden; like a little lady. She is precious!
KELLE and all here.. hey kelle, i am askin g if all could pr ay, keep good thoughts, whatever you believe, for me and hus b and ? We were in VER bad car accident yesterday See link in our local paper: http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_19769141 Were bless ed to be alive. there are many accidents there that are fatal. But i t was horrific and happened so fast (Life can change on a dime). I am in extreme pain in much of body and have b ruisin g, e tc. A nd we need emotional healin g too, f rom such trauma. My hubby fe e ls guilty too cuz he was drivin g and looke d aw ay. he was ba rely hurt and he feels b ad a bou t m e. thenks, Your Blo g M ama
this post really resinates with me. thank you.
I love this. Taking time for yourself is soo important! Makes us better mommies:) http://www.leishell-lifeinascrapbook.blogspot.com
Thanks for the post today, I sooo needed it! I have hit a point this week that had me realizing I need “me time” too. It’s definitely lacking. On that note, I should go to bed.
Kelle, about a year ago I stumbled across your blog. I read Nella’s birth story with tears flowing. The beauty and honesty in which you shared her story was so touching. Since then I love to read your blog and gather encouragement to “enjoy the small things”. Thank you for allowing yourself to be used in such a special way to help make the world a place where all people are equally wonderful, just the way God created them. Bless you for that. So happy to be able to help with 2 for 2. Good luck reaching your goal!
Love the picture of Nella and Lainey looking at each other! So sweet!
Hi there Kelle,
I just want to tell you that I’m obsessed with your blog. I’ve been secretly reading it for a long time now. I don’t have kids yet and am slightly embarrassed for reading “Mommy Blogs” in my spare time, but you are super inspiring, plus your photography is just beautiful. And I feel like I know your family. I guess that’s the funny thing about blogging. You have lots of friends out there that you may never even know about. Anyway, keep up the good work and I’m looking forward to your book!
It is amazing how much Lainey looks like you – I didn’t see it until you posted the picture of the side of your face. She is the spitting image of her mama!!
LOVE your blog and read it religiously. It is one of the things I love to do when I remember to take time for myself!!
“The source from which you give must grow as well”….BEST LINE EVER!!! EVER!!!
There is nothing but truth to that line, especially for Mama’s. I want to hold that line tight and own every bit of it.
With a very hectic week behind me, you just helped to bring me back down. Thank you Kelle.
This’ll make you smile:
http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Ri8Bg2jH
Don’t you wish you lived in Ascension Parish?
Blog Mama…sounds like an absolutely horrifying experience. I thank God you’re OK. You’re in my prayers for a full recovery. Be well. xo
Kelle, I meant to tell you that last pic of Lainey? You’ve captured something special in that photo…I can’t quite describe it other than to say I think I caught a vision of what she may look like when she’s 26. And yes, she’ll be the type of woman we pray has fat ankles.
Thanks for the reminder that we need to refill our tanks, too. I needed that.
I discovered your blog a little while after I read Nella’s birth story in Parents magazine, and this is my first time commenting but I’ve been enjoying it for a while now. (My son is 2 months younger than Nella.) Keep it up!
I should have written this post…or at least formulated these thoughts…myself. In the chaos of my mind, finding the solutions to soothe those jitters was also lost! Thank you for writing exactly what I needed to hear, in order to bring peace to my own mind and to remind me of what needs to happen in order to help that sense of peace stick around for a while. Although, it’s always a work in progress, isn’t it?
Today was give back to Kelle day for me. I cherish your blog. I find inspiration from your words, ideas and photos. Today, I made a donation to Nella’s 2 for 2, pre-ordered your book and also ordered I’m Down with You – a book you recommended in 2011 but haven’t gotten around to ordering it. My way of showing my appreciation – other than checking your blog daily for more food for my soul!! It would be awesome if you could post a video of Sweet Nella walking – it would give me such joy to see her hit this milestone! xoxo, Sandi from WI
isn’t it funny what doing for yourself, does for others? i took time to go to the gym today and then felt like i was such a better mother the rest of the day.
http://www.etsystalkers.com/
I really needed to hear this tonight. So many nights I forget to take care of myself and end up paying the price later. Thanks.
** TO JANITA – THANKS for your kindness! Yah, kelle calls me her Blog Mama. It WAS a horrific thing and i have much healing, emotionally too. I cry all the time since – b ut it is very recent, so that is normal. The pain is awful and hubby f eels bad cuz he caused accident he says and he is fine and hates to see me suffer. I truly thought we would die. pain is worse today; docs say that can last a while and, sadly, is part of the healing process. Ugh.. much time needed to heal. i would love 4u to keep me in prayers; i need them all, the article says a tree stopped us from going further down hillside and into creek below, yep, it did. that tree AND GOD saved us. i believe it was a miracle. thanks, again! love from Blog Mama
me time?….wow wouldn’t that be nice. i don’t think I would know how to react to something like that.
I’ve been following you two weeks after Nella’s birth. You’ve made me more aware of many day to day things. When Face to Faith came on today my stomach jumped. It’s very meaningful to me because of Nella.
Happy birthday to a very special angel!
I’m on the same boat, most of the time I forgot to take care of myself. Because of work and kids, I have no time for myself.
thanks for the reminder!
Catering Melbourne
How true it yes. Yet so easy to forget.