Well, I’m not going to lie. I’m a little bit on Cloud 9, so much that I want to finish this post quickly so I can return to it–this holiday cup of half freaking full.
I spent a lot of time the past couple days doing things I usually dread. Cleaning clutter piles and emptying laundry baskets past the top layer of things I wear, into the middle layer of things I hardly wear and finally deep into the abyss of that bottom layer in the laundry basket–the one that sits for months. It contains strange items that have no place–the belt that goes to that one Halloween costume, the newborn sweater that never got packed up, the cloth napkins that need to be ironed.
I put them all away and soon remembered the satisfaction that comes from a really good clean. Our nest feels so cozy.
*****
We took the Bedazzlewagon for a quick spin last night, but it has many a rides still ahead.
It jingles when it rolls.
*****
Sister does a mad crawl to get to the little car when she sees Lainey passing by. She usually catches up and hops on while it’s moving. A bit like jumping a train.
She’s got skills.
*****
I told Brett today I wish we had acorns down here because I needed them for my table decor. He informed me we do indeed have something acornish and then he sent me on a mad goose chase, down the street and around the corner, where he swore there was a big tree scattered with nutty balls. He lied. I scoured every tree in a three block radius, holding my little paper cup ready to scoop up my acorns. I did, however, find pine cones and dried skinny leaves in our woods. A little hot glue and a chalkboard painted tongue depressor and, voila…place cards. I love tables set with place cards. It says, “Move over ordinary table. Make way for holiday.”
*****
Oh, and look. Little Baby Narcolept fell asleep during lunch again.
That about does it today. Family awaits.
*****
Cozy Rags Giveaway Winner:
Comment #20, Simply B: Tired of: the whole world asking me what I’m going to do when I graduate college in six months. As if I’m supposed to have my entire life planned out. And as if they had their entire lives planned out when they were my age…
Not tired of: my dad repeatedly asking what time I’ll be home for Thanksgiving. Just another beautiful reminder that I’m going home!
Congratulations, Simply B! Please send your contact info to kellehamptonblog@comcast.net, and your phone will soon be all cozy in its Phone Sax coat.
*****
Thirty-One Gifts Independent Consultant, Jenny Williams, returns this week as a sponsor, bringing her company’s great selection of bags, totes and purses along. Being one that can use a little help in the organization department, I love how purposeful these bags are–designed with thought. There’s a tote for every occasion and a solution to every problem. I love the square shape and pocket in the Littles Carry All Caddy.
…and the compact 5-Pocket Clutch–the perfect size to carry a diaper, my wallet, phone and lipstick and yet still room for extras.
This month, for every $31 you spend, you get the Littles Carry All Caddy for only $1. Happy Shopping!
*****
Two quick matters of business:
Thank you for all of your Scentsy orders this month. Jessica Clough has raised an impressive amount for Nella’s Rockstars Fund, and we are so grateful for her contribution. There’s still time to add to the fund. Shop Nella’s Basket Party, and stock up on holiday scents.
Also, Michelle Timmons, Arbonne Independent Consultant, is running a free shipping special until Monday, November 28th. E-mail her your Arbonne order (mitimmons1978@yahoo.com) and mention Enjoying the Small Things, and your shipping will be free!
*****
There is a lot I am thankful for today, much of which gets expressed in my writing and photos every week. Tonight, I just want to say I am thankful for all of you. Blogging is an interesting concept, but at its core, it allows the connection of ideas and expression between people that might not otherwise have the opportunity to connect. I am so thankful for this outlet and for the inspiration I draw from coming here to do what I love. Thank you for supporting us with your readership and for adding your voice. No matter where you are or what you celebrate, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

















Happy Thanksgiving to the Hamptons!! Eat a lot! xoxo
Happy Thanksgiving Kelle. Thank u for ur gorgeous blog. You are awesome!
I am thankful for your incredible talent of photography and writing. You always take me to a happy place.
We don’t do thanksgiving in Australia, but I wish you a very happy thanksgiving and look forward to hearing about your day.
Kylie from Melbourne.
Happy Thanksgiving to YOU! I’m thankful for your candor, generosity, and love of photography. I hope you all have a wonderful celebration.
Joanna
Happy Holiday. I’ve been reading for a while…and funny, I’ve noticed your youngest daughter sleeping in the middle of the action here and there…as if she was suddenly knocked out by pixie dust or something like that. Wondered how that happens with what seems like so much activity abound all the time! lol Interesting, for sure.
Happy Thanksgiving Kelle and the whole Hampton family. Can’t wait to see your holiday unfold.
Happy Thanksgiving. I hope yours is filled with as much Thanks and Giving as my week has.
Happy Thanksgiving Kelle and Family! π
Your house looks awesome and ready for company! Don’t you love how having company over inspires you to do some serious cleaning? I think that’s the only thing that EVER motivates me enough to make it to the bottom of the laundry basket or say, move the things under my bed you can see when…umm…coming up our stairs. HAHA π
Hope you have a great one!
I have that same caddy from thirty one. i bought it for my son’s teacher for Christmas. Love it. Been reading your blog for over a year…i enjoy it so much! i am from Michigan and a friend told me about it…you are so creative…
Happy Thanksgiving to your beautiful family. THere is so much to be thankful for this year and your blog and all the inspiration is one of them. I’m a mom to an amazing 1 year old boy and love reading about the fun and crafty things you do with your girls.
I wish your family the happiest of Thanksgivings!! You inspire me with every post and I hope you know how much you and your family are loved.
Carrie
Happy Thanksgiving to your family Kelle!!
Thank you for letting us into your world! Your blog always makes me step back when I’m having a bad day and realize I should relax and enjoy life. π
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I am thankful for your perspective of the world and that you choose to share it with us each week.
Thankful to have such beautiful blogging friends!
Brooke
http://www.TheAnnessaFamily.blogspot.com
Kelle- You need to get yourself some of these beautiful wooden acorns that you can use over and over again.
Check out CaseysWood.com wooden acorns. They come from Maine:)
ahahahahahaha! I love the baby narcolept! π
Awesome use of chalkboard paint- so pinning that idea for the day in the future when I find chalkboard paint around here.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your sweet family!
Thank you! Tomorrow on my Thanksgiving Day 10K, one mile is dedicated to each of 6 things I am thankful for. My gratitude run…one of those miles has your name and ETST on it. I am so grateful to have your words and images in my life. You inspire me, Ms Hampton.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of yours! I will fill a cup with acorns from our front yard and make room for it in my table-scape π
Happy Thanksgiving to The Hamptons. Kelly Thank you for all that I recieve through your blogs and photography. Eat tons, enjoy and stay safe through the Holidays.
Happy Thanksgiving Hampton Family! Thank you Kelle for reminding me to enjoy the small things.
It’s looking very festive at the Hampton house. Hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving π
LOVE reading your blog!!! I am a thirty-one consultant in the Vancouver, Wa area!!! I did just want to point out that the special changed today!!! Starting today for every $31 you spend, you can purchase, the All-In-One Organizer, Soft Wallet, Cinch Sac, Zip-Up Pencil Pouch or Flat Iron Case for ONLY $5
holy crap, that black shirt you’re wearing with the rick rick around the collar is AMAZING.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!! What is the lens you are using in the photo with the bag, if you don’t mind me asking! Have a great night!
Happy Thanksgiving! Sitting at my inlaws, fire roaring, last pie in the oven, enjoying one sweet cup of decaf tea.
Thank you for reminding me to enjoy the spaces between, the details of the everyday. On that note, going back to work on another page of a photo book.
Peace out,
Jennifer
Happy Thanksgiving Hampton Family! π
May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving….fly that holiday freak flag proudly. Soak it all in….I plan to!
Nella’s face asleep at the table is a-freaking-dorable!
Holiday envy here in Australia, we have sunshine and no turkey, but I’m still thankful for my notreallyKIDSanymore and my husband who just made me the perfect cup of coffee.
New to this blogging world but like my coffee it is a warm one and I’m very much enjoying it.
Enjoy the holiday
Yve
http://yveblogs.wordpress.com
Happy Thanksgiving friend…from my fabulous family to your fabulous family..gooble gooble. ♥
Happy Thanksgiving Kelle and family, from The
Duncans in Indianapolis, IN!
I love the bedazzlewagon, I’m going to have to put that on my “things I’d like to do to be more festive” list! Love your Thanksgiving decor, we celebrate Thanksgiving in October here in Canada, but so nice to relive the festivities through your colourful post. Enjoy the turkey!
OMG… the “Little Baby Narcolept” part made me literally laugh out loud. I thought I was the only one that referred to my kids like that. This week, he’s “Little Puking Wonder”.
thank you for always sharing your beautiful words, inspiration, and gorgeous family photos!!
happy thanksgiving to you and yours!!!
hope nella stays awake during the turkey dinner π
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Your home looks beautiful! There are no acorns in Las Vegas either…I still have a bag full from one of my trips back home a few falls ago π
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Your blog was one of my inspirations to join the blogosphere. I’ve only been blogging for a week and a half, but it’s been so cathartic. Thank you for sharing your journey, and helping me on my own.
Have a happy day!! I’m thankful for you!! Even though I don’t know you, but none the less, I am grateful.
happy thanksgiving! love all your decorations!
XO
erin
sweetnessitself.blogspot.com
i’m sorry, but i think it’s hilarious that you said you went looking for nutty balls. okay, it’s 12:22am and i’m hopped up on paint fumes, and it brings out the twelve year old in me! happy turkey day!
Happy Thanksgiving Hampton Family! You are one of the many blessings in my life. I have said it before, you make me a better mom! Enjoy your day tomorrow!
narcolept…LOL!
happy thanksgiving!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Simply put, thank you and love you.
Happy Thanksgiving Kelle! I hope you and your family have a great holiday together. π
Happy Thanksgiving! Love the name cards! My four year old daughter made ours for this year, she’s learning to write so it’s so fun π
Happy thanksgiving! Your house looks lovely π
Happy Thanksgiving Kelle, Brett, Lainey and Nella! And thank you to you for your wonderful blog.
xo
Happy thanksgiving!! Hope you have a lovely time!
Just wanted to say I love your blog =). I love the photos you take of your girls, especially Nella, she really is magical! That photo the other day of her crawl walk made me giggle, such ferocious concentration!
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and your family! I always leave your blog happy and looking forward to your next installment!
Happy Thanksgiving! =)
I feel the love, all the way over here in Scandinavia π
I love being right in the middle of your post, today, and get inspired.
My boy is still home with a high fever, so this blog post got my day started with a smile!
We don’t have Thanksgiving here but we’ll celebrate it anyway, I’ve decided. Why not?
Apart from my sons, my husband, our cute dog and my wonderful friends – I too am thankful for the blog world.
In my own blog I get the chance to focus on beautiful things, things I love.
Here I get to see your world, be inspired to big things and sense all your love, all the way over there in dreamland (to me!) in Miami!
I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I love Nella’s eyelashes in the Narcolept pic. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Hampton family xx
Your home looks cosy and inviting. I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Kelle! I hope you and your family have a wonderful day xx
Happy Thanksgiving Kelle! I hope you and your family have a wonderful day xx
I love how u have pictures full of life..an vice versa π
have an amazing life ahead too!
Happy thanksgiving, Kelle! Thanks for helping us remember to always be thankful. Here’s to many memories and family to share them with. *clink* cheers!
Susan
All 6 kids home! Time to put my turkey in the oven and start the festivities. Happy Thanksgivning!
Love the decorating! Love the picture of Nella asleep at the table! Enjoy your family and your Thanksgiving.
(Psst – the special for Thirty-One changed as of the 23rd! For every $31 spent, you can get the All-in-One Organizer, the Soft Wallet, the Cinch Sac, the Zip-Up Pencil Pouch or the Flat Iron Case for only $5!!)
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family!
Your table looks beautiful and I totally agree with you regarding place cards. There’s only the four of us and I still made them. π
Make acorns! Hershey’s kisses “glued” to mini Nilla Wafers with chocolate frosting with a piece of pretzel stick glued on top. Cute and yummy!
you are so artistic- great painting on the front door and great drawing in the bathroom! The pic of Nella sleeping in the chair is precious- love the black and white outfit, black and white chair, and 1 of her daddys hands protecting her and the other feeding her…not to mention the pursed lips- its just a fab pic!! Happy T’giving
I just have to say that I LOVE how you decorate your home. I wish I had that talent.
Here’s hoping you guys have a much deserved, extremely Happy Thanksgiving! Great post as always
Happy, happy thanksgiving!
Cxx
Happy thanksgiving to you and yours, Kelle! Thankful for your blog and all the joy & inspiration it brings.
Here’s a super cute acorn crafty foody thing that a friend of mine posted on Facebook that she found on pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pin/253609022735939025/
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your adorable family. I am so thankful to follow your blog. It always brings a smile to my face. Just love all your sweet pictures. Love those leaves haging down and your place cards and Lainey’s little table for her and her little friend. Love how
Nella is laughing in the first picture. That sweet girl is always so happy. What a blessing she is.
Happy, Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank YOU so much for sharing many beautiful and magical moments of your life. :)))
Xox. Love & Light~
“Gratitude for the gift of life is the primary wellspring of all religions, the hallmark of the mystic, the source of all true art….It is a privilege to be alive in this time when we can choose to take part in the self-healing of our world.” ~Joanna Macy
Our girl falls asleep at lunch too!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I often feel like we are the same in our wants but very differrent. I grew up in sunny S.C. but now live in wintery WI. I am often imagining myself on a beach while you are dreaming of colored leaves and warm mittens. I am grateful for your constant reminder to bloom wherever I am planted. It makes me pause and reflect on how lucky I am for hayrides and beautiful undisturbed snowy fields where it is quiet and peaceful. Thankyou and have a fabulous Thanksgiving!!!
The Happiest Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful Family!!
I am thankful for so much…but here in your comments I want to express how grateful I have been for your blog-your inspiring words, your breath taking photography-each photo telling it’s own story!! You are an amazing woman, a creative fun-loving Mama, a supportive friend!! You inspire us all to slow down, breath in the goodness of each moment, making our hearts richer, our days more colourful and our every days worth celebrating!! Your girls, your boys, your family and friends are blessed to have your beautiful spirit to share with them each day!!
God Bless you Kelle
…happy gobble-gobble!!
PS Your home screams “Welcome, stay awhile, laugh, love and celebrate-life is good!” loving all the little and big details.
Monique (from Canada)
Happy Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be thankful for. Your blog helps me keep life somewhat in perspective.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!! I am thankful for you as well. I don’t want to think what life would be like if I didn’t find your blog. Your blog is my sanity in a nutty life. (About 4 years ago, I met one of my now best friends, blogging. She found my blog and commented, and I found someone who is amazing. It’s a fantastic concept). We love you Kelle…enjoy your turkey!!
I have just recently become a follower of your blog and i just finished ready all of your post. What i think is so great about blogging is that even though we don’t have all the same views as you i can still find inspiration and learn something from the things you write. Since reading your blog my views on everyday life have changed. My husband and I don’t have kids yet but I still want to make everything we do special and turn it into a memory. I have also been touched by Nella’s story. I have worked in child care for the last 7 years and have the opportunity to work with a couple of children a little something extra. They have worked there way into my heart and i just love being around them. I look forward to keeping up with you and your family and hope you all have a great holiday!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I so enjoy reading your posts; they’re so musical to me. And may I say I think you are full of the cleverness in the things you make and decorate.
Happy Thanksgiving Kelle & family from Jennifer in Australia!
Hey Kelle Happy Thanksgiving to you and your awesome family. I love your blog. We have tons of acorns in Pensacola and will be in an art show in Sanibel Island tomorrow, do you want me to bring a baq of acorns for you? π
Gwen
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family – Hope you had a great day and enjoyed a lot of yummy food.
Love that photo of Nella and her LITTLE FOOT! Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! If the food and company were half as great as the decor, you must have had a blast! I’m thankful you share this blog and the ups and downs of momhood, etc., with so many of us. Thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving! I love all your table settings π
Hope you’ve had a great time celebrating. It’s been pretty good here, too.
Love,
Steph
Nora has narcolepsy, too!!! Just started falling asleep in her high chair, and continues to fall asleep in the middle of her toys :0 I think she also has fake laugh-olepsy; forces it until she runs out of breath…funniest thing ever.
Sigh…..I hear ya on the clean up side of things. So relieved FOR you. I’m doing it today! Making room for our Christmas trees….which we’re getting TOMORROW….yippeeee!
And OH.MY.GOSH! I LOVE your place cards. I mean love, love! But I just might love the image of you running down the street with your paper cup just a smidge more…hahaha! Truly, the effort you put into things (into life) is remarkable. Your inspiration makes me a better Mama π
Happy Thanksgiving,
Kelly
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! May you be blessed. I’d love some extra prayers for my husband and I as we’ve fallen on some hard times. We’re making ends meet but thats about it.
If anyone would take the time to visit our page, it would be much appreciated. Thanks- http://www.gofundme.com/MagnessDebt
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Thank you for your writing, which reminds me to stop and be thankful after each of your posts. I appreciate your positive outlook, as I am often the class half empty kinds of girl.
Thank you for loving your kids with no apology or care for who might think you’re overdoing it. As a teacher, and especially this year, I’ve encountered too many families where the core of their problems is a lack of love and care, especially for their kids. I know, from experience and from observation that love and dedication produces kids who learn and progress and are good people. I worry that “my” little ones (my students) won’t get enough from my six hours a day, 183 days a year, and they will encounter struggles that will break them.
I appreciate you for modeling to your readers how to love your children without any hesitation or delay- it is truly important and makes all the difference, no matter what other challenges come up.
Good Lawd!! I wish I lived a bit closer. We’re in the Orlando area and live on a street with lots of oak trees. There’s one that hangs over our driveway where we park my husband’s truck and the bed is (I kid you not) CHOCK FULL OF ACORNS. We got ’em coming out our ears. My husband wants to know if we can make acorn butter in our VitaMix (I’m not so willing I’m game to try that one).
Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!! ;o)
Hi,
I love your photos! They are great!
And you are a great photographer. I see love in every picture you take. It’s really amazing.
Be happy.
Grażyna from Poland
I had to laugh when I read about your house cleaning to prepare for guests. I am the same way, piles everywhere and your laundry basket description matched my to a T! π Happy Thanksgiving!
This year I am Thankful for Enjoying the Small Things in my life…my 3 year old giving my 7 month old a hug, my 7 month old waving at himself in the mirror, my husband kissing us all good-bye in the mornings…thanks to your blog, we now make every second count:)
I am thankful for your wonderful blog! It is such a joy to read each week.
I hope you had a wonderful day!…we did. I am looking forward to Christmas now…Nici, Andy and my two little dolls will be here….CAN hardly wait!!!!
xoxo.
Bug & Ruby’s Gram
Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving! The place cards are fabulous and inspirational π
Hello:) Your blog was recommended to me for the photographs are beautiful and inspiring. I also like to write, but I have no way to shoot and so I have to research who knows how to make art with the picture. When I opened the blog loved the title … Enjoy the little things really make all the difference in our daily lives and believe in our life. I love reading. It’s so simple, so real, so familiar. I give my humble congratulations and wish a good feast of Thanksgiving that does not celebrate in Portugal, but which have ever heard! kisses
Hi! I just love your blog! I was wondering where you got the red children’s table? I would love to get one for my home.
Thank you!
Shari
Hope you had a fabulous holiday. =) We all have much to be thankful for these days. Love the crafts too!
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Speaking of acorns. I saw these at my Thanksgiving dinner. They are acorns made from hersheys kisses, mini cookies and chocolate (or butterscotch) chips. Maybe keep this one in your pocket for next year! You did well for the resources you had!
Here’s a link to the recipe.
http://www.fooddietprograms.mobi/2610/acorn-candy-cookies/
Hi Kelle, thank you for another lovely post. I just about gasped when I saw that mustard yellow sweater in your pic w/ the clutch…do you remember where you got it? I think it needs to go on my Christmas list-lol π
Happy day before December!
Rebecca