Let’s get down to business.
A: Tonight, there will be some shakin’ it.
I love my aprons. I love my crafts. I love my kids. But I also love, once in a harvest moon, to kiss them all with an “I’ll be right back” while I slip into some heels and head out to leave lipstick marks on restaurant wine glasses.
The girls are out tonight. Wahoo.
B: Does a good fortune count if you ripped through six fortune cookies with lame fortunes to get it?
Didn’t think so.
C: Lainey loves her ballet teacher. So much that every Tuesday, right before we frantically head out the door, she runs through the house looking for some show-and-tell crap to show Miss Blair.
And she’s constantly practicing point and flex, point and flex.
D: Lainey stole my camera for a second this week. I didn’t think she had a chance to take any pictures before I grabbed it until I loaded them up and found this one on my computer today.
She’s a natural.
E: We think Gary put steroids in our garden dirt. It’s on fire. And afternoon watering sessions are becoming a favorite.
F: Brett caught a lizard for Nella today. She was mesmorized. Tried to grab it but it escaped her grasp and made a safe landing on her head instead.
G: This week has blessed us with the most heavenly weather in the history of mankind. It’s just so comfortable…like an old sweater, with enchanting morning breezes, afternoon cool calms and evenings with just enough chill to call for hats and quilts.
H: Life is busy and crazy, but it is amazing how, amidst the chaos and the long nights and the frustrations of not being able to keep up with it all, I find fuel in digging my fingers deep into the dirt of what I love to do. Finding time for it is challenging, but the reward never fails to deliver. And just like those girls who carefully count out the rhythm of the double-dutch jump rope as it hits the pavement before they find the perfect spot to jump in, I have to stand back sometimes and survey all my priorities. But, no matter what, I never regret jumping in…even if the jump rope snaps me in the face. Because you stop, start over, and jump in again. I’m finding the rhythm that works best for me.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a fabulous pair of black heels calling my name.
Look at Nella’s face in that last one! Fabulous!
OMG Kelle, this post just sung to my heart. You rock girl!!! And your girls…so dreamily gorgeous…that pic of Nella with the lizard on her head is absolutely my favorite of her so far. Your life looks beautiful Kelle…Much love to you and your gorgeous family
now that is more cute than a cute thing in a big shop of cute things! Enjoy your night! And for the morning? ….. Alka Seltzer Express works for me
xx
I seriously don’t think I’ve ever seen a more intoxicating, contagious smile than Nella’s…and coming from a mommy of ten that means something!! She is delicious.
Love your lipstick!!! It just screams fall. Really beautiful.
That lizard making a leap for Nella’s head is awesome. He just wanted to see the view from the top of your world. 😉
Lainey has style AND talent!! She is unstoppable.
Have fun in those shoes – I think it might be impossible to not. 🙂
…and OMGosh, Lainey’s elmo photo- mwahahahaha!!
I love it! The picture of Elmo… so cute.
Your two little girls are just darling. I I were nearby I would beg to babysit them. (I’ve done it for 5 years and am the most asked for babysitter in the neighborhood!!)
Have fun!
Oof. That Nella just melts my heart.
Love the surprises I find on my camera from time to time 🙂 Shake it tonight for all of us who can’t get away just yet.
Thinking of you kickin it tonight. Hope you had a blast! susan
I had my first night out 2 weeks ago with my girls. My babe just turned 3 months. and it was amazing. I danced, laughed, had some fruity girly drinks and headed home exhausted at 4:30 am.
Have a fabulous night out!
I laughed when I read about Lainey bringing whatever crap she can find for “show-and-tell” I remember doing that as a child, and love when I see children do it now. It shows how special and important her ballet teacher is to her. Enjoy your GNO!
thank you for making me laugh hysterically…the lizard on the head is killing me!
I saw a boy today at the park with Down’s and thought of Nella. Both so happy and loving life no matter what. Glad to see you’re all well and enjoying the weather!
The lizard on Nella’s head made me literally laugh out loud… as did the picture of all of you doing chalk on the driveway, but Nella is trying to eat it… haha.
I hope my little girls with both want to ballerinas one day. 🙂
Have fun with the ladies tonight!
Both girls are such beauties – Nella’s smile however, never fails to make me swoon. 🙂
Oh my Nella with the lizard on her head is soooooo cute! And Lainey laying in her chalk outline brings back fun childhood memories!
Tie one on for me!
You are so very generous in sharing your girls, they are gorgeous. I love their smiles. It really is a highlight of my computer time, popping over to see their beautiful faces. Nella has to have the best smile in the world. The boys had better watch out one day.
Plus those shoes rock! I really love them. Hope you have a great time out.
englishlavendercrafts.blogspot.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
Have fun gal, those heels are wickedly sexy!
Your girls always look so happy and content with life. I wish that for my little girl. Love the Elmo picture… hahaha
If there is a rushing river of life, you grabbed a rope and in a dramatic sweep, leaped in! And I am so impressed with the Germophobe–he actually allowed his girl to grab a gecko! Did he make the little lizard wash its hands with gemicidal first? Oh the joy of greeting life with complete abandon. Saying Yes with an exclamation mark. So many miss moments while they consider, evaluate, hesitate…until the full throttle moment has already passed. Working in a setting where too many individual’s living was interrupted with dying–I would commend dancing without music, shouting “I love you!” for no reason and skipping because you can. Oh, and letting a gecko walk across your head…everyone should experience it at least once in a lifetime. Suck sidewalk chalk. Show off meaningless stuff to a meaningful friend. Point your toes. Wear something really, really flamboyant and don’t give a thought what others think. And you just might see heaven. Have fun tonight, silly girl.
Nella’s smiles are soo sweet! And Lainey does have a natural gift for photography-like her mama, and I love the “photography by lainey” logo on the bottom of her elmo picture!
Oh, and today, I was awaiting an elevator and there, beside me appeared a young mother with her son…he was in a stroller. He has Down syndrome…with some extra challenges. I said “Hi Buddy!” I knelt beside him as his mom, with a big smile and a big bundle of warmth and wonder told me they were on their way to the pediatrician. I loved seeing his response to love and attention. I was happy the elevator was delayed. We just “were” together. I didn’t tell her we were family. I just wanted to tell him I could see his magic. And I think he “felt” it. Thank you, Nella…you’re changing your Poppa.
Oh how I love streamin’ days… Lainey’s photo & lizard-heads are my favs… have a great time tonight & shake that groove thing till it just won’t shake no more.
xo
Kate
Sounds (and looks) like pure loveliness! And that picture of Nella with a lizard on her head – too freakin cute!
We had a garden this past summer, it was our 2.5 year olds FAAAAVORITE.
As always, love reading!
I love Nellas smile! I LOVE that her eyes almost totally close!! Have fun with the girls tonight! Thank for being a mama who knows that is is GOOD and HEALTHY to have a life outside your babies!
have fun rocking the night away!
enjoy a little funtime for me, k?
I borrowed the LOVELY pic with Nella with the lizzard on her head, but just to advertise (advertize?) your blog, once again. Hope it was ok.
And hope the heels did their job!
Hmm. Lizard is obviously the correct way to spell it. Sorry.
Ummm excuse me… Photography By Lainey!!! She rocks! that is the best photo taken by a tot I have ever seen!
My nephew loves taking photos. He is 5 years old. My mom bought him his very own digital camera for Christmas this year. I can not wait to see him open it. He will be so excited!
that last one is just perfection!! frame that baby 🙂
man i just want to gobble up your precious cuties!!! they are too sweet!!
have a great girls’ night out!
That whole post with the pictures just melted my heart. Ah so refreshing! Your girls are too precious!
kelle- my favorite thing to do during my girls’ naptime is read your blog- it is so refreshing and wonderful. the only thing i love to do during naptime more? my own blog. haha!
you rock, sista! enjoy those fabulous black heels tonight. cheers!!!
xoxo,
erika
I love the photos! Classic Nella eating chalk and how did you capture that lizard on her head so quickly?!? Have fun tonight!
Oh, how I love Nella’s smile! It’s so infectious. What a joy!
Enjoy your ladies night out!
At the same time that I’m happy for your Lainey’s natural photography skills, I mourn for my lack of the same skills. Boohoo…
Enjoy your night out!
lol. That elmo picture is too funny. She was taking pictures of her baby just like you do with yours. 🙂
And the lizard made me laugh. Does her ballet teacher always wear a tiara to class? I’m sure her girls love it if so. 🙂
as for your answer to B. Yes, they count – you just have to make sure you eat the first 5 cookies too. x
Hahah I had to chuckle at the picture where you’re drawing something on the ground for Lainey and Nella is chowing down on a large piece of chalk. So adorable.
Happy girl’s night out! 🙂
Lovin’ the lizard & Elmo pics. Priceless. Kick those heels up tonight. 🙂
this entry makes me want to start a family
they are both so full of life!
Oh Nella’s smile has made my day a thousand times better. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I love the Elmo pic! Lainey is a natural. Love the lizard on the head photo too. Precious. Have an awesome girls night!!!
the elmo killed me but then there was the lizard on the head. adorable.
have a good night out!
awesome post…and while i know you have a TON of other priorities, if one of them happened to be letting us know what color/brand lipstick you are wearing in the last picture, i wouldn’t mind…..just sayin 😉
in all seriousness….i LOVE your blog. you have changed me….and make me want to try to see the beauty in the little things. thank you!
humankind… humankind… humankind… humankind… For the love of Pete… Humankind! Or humanity. Or humans, will do. 🙂 One of my biggest irks these days is how “mankind” is creeeeeping its way back into acceptance among the wise and educated… 🙂
ps – Love the Elmo pic. Awesome…
I am loving EVERYTHING in this post.
Especially the picture of Nella eating the chalk.
So cute!! 🙂
Love all the pictures
Love the lizard photo! If we had lizards here in Canada, I’d so be doing the same thing! But what really stood out in this post are Lainey’s stunning eyes…is it just this photo or does she really have those gorgeous rings of colour? Amazing!
To add to the ever-growing list of things you never thought you’d say to your kids:
“There is a lizard on your head.”
hahaha
my all-time favorite is “please stop licking my leg”, but the lizard one is very very good. 🙂
have a good girls night, talk about getting some fuel. Although mine are also fewer and farther between than i’d like, i love mine! and the last pic, AWESOME!
All I can say is your family is too precious for words. I love the lizard on Nella’s head and the picture where she is eating chalk. 🙂 Shake it tonight girl! Shake what your Mama gave ya! 😉
Lainey may be a natural with the camera but don’t forget about Elmo. He’s not too shabby as a model either!
Nella has the best smile! It’s so contagious and hard to have a bad day after seeing it.
You always have the best post ever!
And beautiful photos as well.
I love the picture of the lizard on Nella’s head. Too cute! Every picture you take of her, she’s glowing…absolutely beautiful. She’s the happiest baby I’ve ever seen…and she’s blessed with such an amazing family.
I hope you have a fun time tonight. I hope you take a picture of the wine glass with the lipstick on it!
Oh my goodness, the pic of Nella with the lizard on top of her head! What a brave little lady. (I hate lizards!) I just adore the pic that your young shutterbug took. Enjoy that GNO for me. My babe is over 6 months old and I haven’t had one of those yet! And, FYI, I think I speak for tons of readers out there when I say this: your Dad is amazing. I just love reading his comments to you.
Kelle, I don’t know if you’ve seen it, but your blog is on thebump.com mommy blog awards. I just voted for you, hopefully some of your other readers will too. This blog has done a lot for me emotionally. I’m always looking for new posts. Lots of love to you, Brett and your girls!
http://pregnant.thebump.com/extras/mommy-blog-awards.aspx?cm_ven=Responsys&cm_cat=Newsletter&cm_pla=Pregnancy&cm_ite=November%2010,%202010&MsdVisit=1
Yours is under “Special needs blog”
Lainey sure is a natural behind the lens 🙂
GNO … have fun!
She’s a natural just like her momma. Love the one of Nella with the sidewalk chalk in HER MOUTH. Too cute. Have fun being a grown up!
love Lainey’s Elmo pic!
Love every word (and picture) in this post. I get so excited when I see the little star telling me that there is a new post from you. My husband and I enjoyed the pics of Nella and the lizard. She is getting so big! Lainey looks beautiful with Miss Blair. I love that she is enjoying ballet so much. Have a wonderful time tonight and enjoy every moment.
lOvE the picture of you with your girls where Nella is eating the chalk… makes me hungry for an orange sherbet push-up!
You have the most beautiful girls!! I love seeing all your pictures. 😀
Oh my…I don’t know when I’ve had a girl’s night out. I’m so jealous! Have fun…
Oh, KELLE-love all of it, and love your littles, your family. Everyone should have one of those little creatures on their head, like Nella. And Lainey IS a natural with a camera. It is all too cute. To RIK*, oh i love your words as always. I think they are great rules for living Life! from the blog mama
I just love the way Nella sits, stretches out those little legs and does the inward toe pointing thing 🙂 Adorable! Can’t wait to see some pictures from ladies night!
Nella looks so Parisian in her cute lil’ red cap.
Love the shoes!
Did you know you are nominated for best special needs blog on The Bump?
http://pregnant.thebump.com/extras/mommy-blog-awards.aspx?utm_source=ttc&utm_medium=ubb&utm_campaign=badges
I just happened across it and you hadn’t mentioned it in a post so thought I would let ya know, just in case.
Have fun tonight!
Oh, have a FABULOUS time, Kelle! Funny, because I was just today wondering if you somehow were granted 42 hours in each day…
Happy double-dutchin’, my friend!
Lainey-You’re a wonderful photographer and a beautiful ballerina!
Nella-You look so gorgeous in all these photos especially the ones when you are wearing that hat.
You have such a radiating smile!
Kelle-Have a fabulous night out with the girls!
xo<3
Now how is it that your little Nella always seems to be in the happiest of spirits with the biggest smile on her face. She must love her momma.
oh your pictures are just Amazing. Capital “A”! Ofcourse it doesn’t hurt that you have the most beautiful of subjects. Thank you for sharing them with us. Just beautiful! oh and enjoy those dancing shoes. To get refueled and have a night out and then come home to your babes? nothing better! All the best!!!
Adore the lizard shot and Lainey’s photo of elmo.
Have an absolutely brilliant time tonight 😀
oh and the Elmo pic? sooooo cute Lainey!!!
OMG…Seriously, your blog, and your pictures brighten my day! Nella is just so freakin cute, I want to squeeeeeeeze her! And Lainey photography skills?? You better watch out, she’s giving you a run for your money! lol And I love the way you dress them- so adorable!!
I’m sure Lainey is an excellent ballerina! Isn’t it so great to see your child really find something they love for the first time?? We experienced that with my son in soccer.
And I hope you enjoy your girls night out!!
Love, LOVE, the picture of Nella with her striped hoody and smiling.
Oh the fabulous heels are calling my name as well! They keep shouting “remember me?!? we used to be FAB-U-LOUS together!!! come play!!!” but alas it isn’t meant to be quite yet! Enjoy your night out! I am green with envy! I find that I am so refreshed and rejuvenated after a night where I am the “old” me, that I am much more able to do the old double dutch jumprope of life again…
That pic of Nella on the driveway just kills me! The joy that is inside that child… immeasurable!
Oh and watch out for Lainey Love photog! That was hysterical! My kids still take pics of shoes and walls… can’t wait until I find the gem hidden on my camera in a few more years!
Precious pictures as always! Everytime I see Nella I just want to squish her cheeks like the grandma-I’m-not. Do you have any videos of her laughing? I can just imagine the glorious giggle that must come out of her with that infamous smile 🙂 Enjoy your GNO!
I have that same fortune cookie fortune in a picture frame of “stuff” that is on my fridge…you can go through as many cookies as you want; you’ll know when you’ve found the right fortune! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I love reading about your family, your adventures, and your beautiful girls!
Beautiful Family. Delightful read! You had me mesmerized. In fact, this may be the first time ever I’ve been inspired to blog. Thanks for sharing.
You make such wonderful analogies! I loved the “jump rope” comment.
1. find the elmo surprise must have cracked you up! that is hilarious.
2. i LOVE how nella is sneaking a chalk snack while you are drawing. yummm
Oh my goodness, no wonder Lainey loves class! Imagine being a little and walking into class seeing a grown-up wearing the coolest tutu and tiara. How magical that must be for them!
That picture with Lainey looking down is gorgeous! Brett is going to have his hands full in about 10 years!
You deserve those black-heeled nights!
Rock it out girl!
LOVE your double dutch analogy, wow, that was beautiful and perfect. Nella stole my heart all over again, maybe my favorite collection of photos of her yet. Gorgeous family!
Look how happy your girls are! That’s how you know you’re doing things right. Love the genuine smiles you’ve caught on camera!!
Enjoy your girls nite. I’m desperately in need myself!
What lipstick are you wearing? It’s gorgeous and such a perfect shade!
Go have your fun, mom! Everyone needs a time to not just relax, but get away and do something different. Tucking in babies, giving them bathes, playing with chalk…its all fun in its own way. But there is something great about going out with the girlfriends.
Put on those heels and strut them like you own the world. 😉
OMG I am addicted to Nella’s smile.
Nella = swoon! And that little Lainey-bug is just precious! Thank you so much for sharing your life with the rest of the world.
JEALOUS!
The heels are wonderful! Hope you had an AWESOME night out!
The lil girls are DIVINE as always!
Love those shoes. They remind me of a super awesome pair that I have with a mary jane’ish strap that buttons like that. And now I wonder where they are…. hum. Come to think of it, it has been a while since I’ve seen them.
The Elmo picture that Lainey took… ADORABLE! Made me giggle.
The lizard on Nella’s head- oh my goodness gracious alive! Adorable!
For some reason I am so not surprised that you write amazingly awesome and creative bubble letters. I envied girls like you when I was in high school. Still to this day sometimes I sit and write my name in bubble letters just to pass the time (because I have SO MUCH of it!). Still have not mastered it.
Have I mentioned I totally look forward to your posts!?
I love, love, love your words!
Hope you’re out having a blast …
xoxo,
April
Kelle,
This comment is long over due, I mean to comment on your blog each day I read it. You are so powerful, so motivating, full of life and prove to me each day that the glass is half full. I find myself refrencing your blog daily, and encouraging all my girlfriends, my Momma, and even my boyfriend to read your blog. I end each night sitting on the couch with my boyfriend, Matt sitting beside me and sports center in the background and I wrap up my day reading about yours. Matt will ask me why I read this, and I can’t explain it to him, I stumbled upon this blog one day and can’t keep my hands off it now! Your words, pictures and music are influencing and touch me each day. There is always laughter and sometimes tears when I read your blog and I love every bit of it. Much to my happiness, I put your blog on today to listen to some of your music and was thrilled to read a new post with my favorite song (Young Folks) playing in the background! Great choice! You inspire me to embrace any challenge that comes my way, your’e awesome, Kelle!
xxx-Kim
I have been following you for a couple of months and just wanted to say I think your blog – and you and the girls are amazing!
I cried so much as I read Nella’s birth story.
Your inspirational!
I hope you had a wonderful night out! The smiles on the faces of your girls are priceless. They make my heart smile.
Like so many others, I love the picture of the three of you writing with/eating chalk. I especially like how both Nella’s and Lainey’s eyes are glued onto your chalk as they watch you write. A perfect picture to promote early literacy home activities!
So jealous of your fall/winter garden! Mine just died and I need to rip it out while wishing for fresh garden basil and peppers. I hope you have a fabulous girls’ night!
So happy to see a new post! You and the girls make my day. Keep writing!
Love the double dutch analogy. You know just how to word thoughts, feelings, moments and when you really are right on it’s when I find myself exclaiming, YES! THAT’S WHAT I’M SAYIN! …Just sayin, that’s all.
Ok, maybe I don’t exclaim so exuberantly as I only get to catch up on your blog at night after my little monkeys are fast asleep but you get the idea, right?
There are countless amazing ‘canvas worthy’ pics of you and your kiddos but I think of the 20 something year old or 30 something Lainey and Nella who will pause for a moment of remembering this time of their life when they see the picture of you chalk drawing, Lainey is taking a brief creative break leaning on your knee and Nella is enjoying her new found teething toy. It’s a goodie in that they are just bein in the moment with their momma.
PS. Not sure what’s up with dropping my g’s but it’s workin for me right now and I’m good with that. Just sayin, that’s all. 🙂
1. She’s very nearly perfected shallow depth of field!
2. Homegirl eats chalk. Sweet!
I’m not sure if you knew this already or not, but I was online voting for another blog over at this website, and decided to check out the other categories. You’re nominated in the Best Special Needs Blog for sweet Nella. I don’t normally vote or post about stuff like this, but I thought you might want to know. Looks like you might “win.” 😀
http://pregnant.thebump.com/extras/mommy-blog-awards/articles/special-needs-mommy-blog-2010.aspx
the lizard on her head is beyond adorable!!! this litte girl is sweet as cherry pie!
the lizard on her head is beyond adorable!!! this litte girl is sweet as cherry pie!
You never cease to amaze and inspire me – well, you and your family! After I finish reading every post I wonder what you’ll think of next… of what more there possibly is to say… you never seem to have a hard time finding the words!! At work today I was cursing my blackberry for not working while 11 babies were sleeping to see if you had a new post to entertain me in the lull of our afternoon. Sadly it never decided to work so I had to wait until I got home (after some intense shopping and diaper cake making) to check… but as I sat in the rocking chair with no baby to rock and no ETST to enjoy I wondered what I did before I found your blog – what I looked forward to checking online (my e-mails are never that interesting!). Thanks for giving me a small thing to enjoy!
I love Florida – the sun, the beaches, the palm trees … but I must say, I could do without the reptiles!! I would’ve run inside the house so fast the minute Brett caught that lizard!!!! Guess Nella and Lainey are true Florida girls with no fear of little lizards!
~Beth
Oh my word, Nella is so smiley! What a cutie!! And Lainey’s photography! So good! I mean, Elmo’s photogenic and all, but Lainey really set up the shot!
Oh and for a crazy second, when I first saw that last picture, I thought Lainey’s legs were your legs and I couldn’t stop laughing. Like if you were sitting with your legs out to the side. I don’t know, now I just looked again and I don’t see it. But trust me, it was really funny at first…
I loved every little part of your stream, every bullet…my favorite you ask? The lizard on Nella’s head…Love it! Brings me back to my childhood and those blue bellies!
Your blog really just makes my day! Every day that you post!
Hope you shook a tail feather tonight!
(as I sit in bed typing this!)
Little cheesecake with her lizard friend head…LOVE it!
I have several Angelina Ballerina books that Lainey would love…my little ballerina is now into Selena Gomez (just you wait) instead…and silly bandz…(((sigh)))
There are so many adorable photos of Nella that I cannot pick my favorite! Her smile is contagious 🙂
Love Poppas 1st comment.. He definitely needs his own blog!
Hope you enjoyed your night with the girls! xx
a night out is definately the thing to do. i just love your pics. the one with the lizard on her head, is so precious.
Hahaha, Lainey’s photo is priceless, really made me laugh today! I’m super excited for some Christmas creativity too, can’t wait to see what you get up to! xxx
Haha, loving the pic of Nella chompin’ on some sidewalk chalk! She’s so cute!
Hope you had a grand time out! The pictures are precious as always. I am loving the one of Elmo!! She’ quite the photographer. Nella’s smile is irresistable!!
I know you see that all the time, but I have to say it – your girls are adorable! Nella’s happy face makes me happy.
I wish I was a close friend of yours so that I could come visit and SQUEEZE her! Ah, and Lainey… she has so much wisdom in her eyes… I love them both.
I do love those heels! Hope you had a fabulous evening out. As always – such beautiful pictures. You have such a beautiful talent for capturing the moment.
I adore those black heels!!!!! I would buy almost every pair I see if I could, and those would definitely top the list. And Nella’s sweet little beret(sp?) it too cute. Those pics made me smile 🙂
Gosh…these girls get cuter every day! Nella’s smile is pricless. And Lainey’s eyes, wow! I love checking your blog and seeing your pics. From, your blog-o-sphere friend from new York, Paige!
Your blog is amazing. I read every new post with delight, even dough I dont comment often.
I read this from Norway by the way. 🙂
I just wanted to tell you that your blog keep me focused on whats important in life, and what is not so important. So thank you for keeping me on track!
Hugs from Oslo, Norway
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHahahHAHAHAHAHahahahHAHAHHAHAAh THE LIZARD ON HER HEAD!
AND ELMO’s PORTRAIT!! HAHhAhahhahAHahhHhahahahha. obsessed.
Ah finding the rhythm. Yep.
Wonderful photos and words. Hope your dancing night out was wonderful. Wish I could be there. Miss you!
Also, love your bathroom!! Nice work, sister. Do you just hang out in there all day? Coffee on the toilet and wine in the tub?
Pure beauty that’s what this post contains…oh, and that little red fella – he’s pretty hot.
P.S. Guess who just got a 50D…this chick (but my hubby still uses the 5D, I say so what if it’s a better camera, I’m gonna give him some stiff competition)
Love the one where Nella is putting the sidewalk chalk in her mouth LOL
I love your pics and Lainey’s too of course!
I miss my girlfriends in VA sooo bad, I NEED a girls night out but the glue in the binding of friendships hasn’t had time to set here yet, in time it will come though and until then I’ll enjoy hearing about your girls night out!
Stream of Consciousness and Isle of Capri are still my favorite posts, I just love them!
This comment is almost totally unrelated to your post today, but I couldn’t help thinking of you and your family while I was in class today. I’m going to school to be a pediatric nurse practitioner and we had a lecture on how to help and speak to families that have children with special needs. At the end of the lecture, our professor read the “Welcome to Holland” poem and you immediately came to mind. I hope someday I can be a great health care provider for a family like yours. Thanks for all your inspiration!!
OMG – I love your top and vibrant pants in the picture of you and the girls with the chalk! So cool!
I LOVE Nella’s new ALL OUT grin. How in the world can anybody not smile when you see that? Her whole face just lights up like she has the secrets of a great life and if you hang out with her for just a bit, she might tell you one. Enjoy your night…Marissa
The lizard picture – when it’s on Nella’s head – is PERFECTION! And I covet Lainey’s wardrobe.
Hey Kelle – I thought you and your beautiful family might want to see this. My sister was just crowned Homecoming Queen.
🙂
http://www.fox30jax.com/content/actionlocal/story/Fletcher-High-Students-Honor-Fellow-Student/9ulhjm50sEiaCyTGzC9lYg.cspx
Hi Kelle!
First of all, I cannot get over Nella’s smile! She is so so cute, always smiling, what a happy girl
Talking about happy girls…I have a 1 year old baby girl who was born so premature (12 weeks early) and she may need to wear glasses.
Where did you get Nella’s stylish frames?
Would you mind sharing? In case Bella needs glasses, I`d like to ive her a pretty pair.
Lots of love from Calgary, Canada
Rita and Bella
I honestly believe you were born to be a mom…I can only hope that if I’m lucky enough to be called Mom one day, I can remember some things that I’ve learned and think are so special from reading your blog.
I just can’t believe how big the girls are getting! Adorable, adorable images!!!
That Nella has the most infectious joyous smile!!! Oh how I miss those baby to toddler days so much!
Love these stream of conciousness posts!! All these pictures made me smile. Your girls are SO beautiful and getting cuter by the day! 🙂
Hope you had a great night out! 🙂
Ohhhh, you gotta love Faulkner! I’m in the midst of teaching him right now so the structure of today’s blog speaks volumes. Like so many others, I cannot explain how or why your work speaks to me so…it just does. : )
I bet that awesome bathroom makeover made you feel like an even bigger rockstar while getting ready in there. I don’t know, for some reason I think it’s awesomeness and vibrant colors would make me feel more beautiful than ever and would make me wish for girls nights every night!
Your girls are precious.
Hope you had a great night out with the girlies!! I love a good pair of heels, a pretty perfume, and a great application of lipstick.
Thank you for bring a beautiful perspective to my everyday life, we only live once, and even the simplest days, are truly breathtaking. Thank you for investing your time, heart, and life into making life better for others by just saying you are not alone. You are an inspiration!
Erika
AndyLael–that is the coolest thing. I sat here at work, watched the video and cried as I thanked God for a world like ours…and yours!
You don’t know me of course. I’ve replied to your posts before with pretty much the same things: I love your blog, I love your photography, Your girls are simply gorgeous, I love the smiles you bring me, I bring up your site daily while at work and just love to listen to your playlist, and…. I’ve never told a stranger this before, but I love you :)) Your writing just brings so much joy to my heart every time I see a new post. Please don’t ever change a thing; you are a beautiful person inside and out!
I.LOVE.NELLA.
I can’t stop looking at pics of your bathroom!!! Its fabulous and inspiring!!! Wanna come to CA and make over my apartment? Cute kids are invited too.
Love the pics Kelle. Your girl knows how to open up that lense. Elmo has never looked so good!
And Nella’s Lizard pic is awesome.
Love the pics Kelle. Your girl knows how to open up that lense. Elmo has never looked so good!
And Nella’s Lizard pic is awesome.
Kelle,
Amazing post, spoke directly to me. I loved the analogy of double dutch jumping…I spent hours double dutch jumping in my childhood and the analogy of finding the rhythm and pace just hit me in the face! Thank you, for opening up your world to us your readers. You have made this mama stop and enjoy the small things so many times and for that my four children and I will be forever grateful.
Thank You
In the picture with the chalk:
Nella- “You guys enjoy I’m just gonna do some snackin..”
Happiest babies ever!
Oh, Kelle, you never cease to amaze me. Your outlook on life, your love for your girls, your photography and the music you play with words!
Thank you for your sincere inspiration!
Nella is too cute for words!!!
That last picture is just too perfect! I vote for it as your new blog header. 🙂
Gorgeous post! Hoping to see more garden pics!
Kelle — Thank you for another amAHzingly fabulous post! I have to share with you something super cool….tonight, as I was reading your post, my husband came in and started reading over my shoulder. He looked at that pic of Nella in her little pink sweater on the driveway and said, “What a cute baby! Who’s that?”. I explained to him that this was a blog I follow because of all the fun and cool things you do with your girls and how much I adore your posts and pics, and I mentioned to him that Nella had DS. He was dumbfounded — “SHE has Down’s Syndrome??? Seriously? Gosh, she’s so cute and happy….you’d never know”. I had to share that. She is adorable and always happy, and it makes my heart smile.
Bless you, Kelle. Thank you for brightening so many days,
hugs,
Katie
Newest Follower! Beautiful Pictures!!
Wow, what a talented little photographer you have on your hands! She took that picture of Elmo like it was her business…posed him and everything. I love it. Hope you enjoy your girl’s night out!
Nella seriously couldn’t be any cuter. I love her smile!
Loving Nella’s pictures with the lizard, the pictures of your girls with you and your new bathroom. 🙂
Rik…I’m with you…your second comment moved me…I feel the same way about my J…
“To be alive in this beautiful, self-organizing universe — to participate in the dance of life with senses to perceive it, lungs that breathe it, organs that draw nourishment from it — is a wonder beyond words.” ~Joanna Macy
I used to feel guilty leaving my littles to go out with a night with the girls, especially one of my littles was VERY sick.
I learned that going out MADE me a better momma. We need to—so hopefully you rocked out & loved on your girlfriends..always remember women need women
You look gorgeous in that ivory lace top and wine-colored pants, Kelle!
Found you via Parents Mag article. Love your writing and thanks for sharing your story.
I just want you to know that I had a shizzzzzzz ton of homework/papers to write this week and last night I had your blog page on just to hear your playlist!!! I think its funny! end of my comment i just wanted you to know I love your dang playlist!
Hope you had a night worthy of those heels! I love that Nella is chompin on the chalk in the pic of you 3 ladies! Priceless!
Love Lainey’s picture! You should start a blog for her 🙂 My girlie has one (picturesbymaya.blogspot.com) and she loves working on it and showcasing her photography 😀
A big cheers to ladies night’s out! Thank god for girlfriends & the occasional child-free night out to let down our hair, wine & dine & even kick up a storm on a dance floor!
xo
P.S. Nella with the lizard on her head…LOVE THAT PHOTO! Awesome stuff!
Your post today was so incredibly cute. Lizard on her head, hysterical. Nella sucking on chalk, precious. Hope you found some balance with those beautiful black heels.
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I love hearing about moms who feel okay about ditching the fabulous daily grind that spins their world for a few glittering moments of self-time. You go, girl!
I hope you had a magical night!
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,,,love…lizard on nella’s head, nella sucking on chalk…the thought that lainey takes her “crap” to share with the ballet teacher…nella with a firm grip on “monkey”,,,
Thanks for this post Kelle – I needed it. I am a newly single mom and have a son with DS as you probably recall. I am finding a hard time balancing this new life – and being the sole care taker. Thanks for reminding me to pick up lizards, chalk and even my sexy heels occasionally.
love.
http://justjackjack.blogspot.com
Love the portrait of Elmo! And your girls are beautiful as always!
of all the blogs i read (and i read A LOT of blogs) yours is my favorite. i save yours until the very last to read. it’s that good.
Hahaha!! I laughed at the jump rope “snap(ping) you in the face” because that literally and figuratively happened to me. Still does come to think of it! But you are very right: You just gotta get back up, let your body sway back and forth to the beat of the ropes hitting the pavement and jump right back in.
Have a wonderful Friday! =D
My girls loved seeing the pictures of the girls. They think they are very pretty! 🙂 Cheers to beautiful weather in NOVEMBER! 🙂 We’re enjoy it in the Bay Area.
Does her ballet teacher wear that to every class? Because if yes, that’s awesome! Love the full costume with tutu and tiara for every day. Lainey is lucky to have her as a teacher!
Reading your posts makes me so happy! Just found your blog a few days ago, and have really enjoyed reading/looking at your pictures. Have fun tonight!
I LOVE the photo of Nella about the eat the chalk. Classic! That made me laugh out loud after a not so fabulous week of my own. God, I love this blog. 🙂
Thank you for your daily inspiration!
Kelle I love your blog! my big sister got me hooked on it this last summer and I check every day for new post to see what’s new with your photos and your beautiful girls. It gives me a break from all the studying I have to do in my college life. Your words are truly inspirational
NOW…those are two happy little ladies!!!!
xo, Bug & Ruby’s Gram
You are awe-inspiring. After a day of subbing and feeling wholly guilty I come home to your sweet words.
nella eating the chalk! ha.
you have a beautiful life 🙂
ha ha Lainey taking head shots of Elmo! 🙂
Finding the rhythm of life: PREACH IT SISTER!
love the lizard on nellabeans head! your kids are adorable!!
xoxoxo