i’ll spare words today as they would, most certainly, cheapen the magical stuff that is floating around our home.
the boys are with their mom, but should be arriving shortly.
in the meantime…
there was magic of the christmas eve sort last night…
…as we sang away in a manger at the little church up the road. it must be the candlelight service. cuz that’s what i had as a kid, and that’s what i want for my own. and it was beautiful.
and then home to wrap presents, sit by the fire, sip champagne, put lainey to bed and begin the magic.
when brett pulled the first piece of the kitchen out of the box, i cried. it was one of those moments in life you just don’t forget. i sat forever, organizing food, painting the plaque that would hang above, hanging cups and dish towels on little hooks.
(oh, and p.s.: merry christmas to me, i finished my photo wall)
and then, at one in the morning, i was ready for bed.
and brett & i laid in the dark with a warm, snuggly plaid-jammied baby between us. and i felt thankful. not for what was to come the next day, but for that very moment. the whole world could have melted away, and i would have been happy right there in that bed with my family. so, i closed my eyes and went to sleep.
and this morning was everything it was supposed to be.
and here’s where words fail me.
oh, i cannot believe i have a little girl, and she has a kitchen. somebody pinch me.
…and i gave daddy a dvd i made for him with all the pictures of him and his babies over the years. and we watched it together, and he cried. cryderman rule: it ain’t christmas ’til somebody cries.
and then we spent the morning stirring pretend soups and sipping fake coffee that she poured for us in little tin cups. and it was delicious.
we are happy to have grandma here, happy to have brothers on the way, and happy to be relishing in all the little joys of christmas.
merry christmas from ours to yours.
I LOVE HER KITCHEN!!!!
it’s like she is best friends with Rachael Ray or Emeril and they exchange recipes at like secret conventions or something.
tell her that I am coming down there pretty soon and I will cook with her ALL DAY!
i love you guys and Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy you bought her that kitchen. I love that you drank “fake” coffee all day…thats great. Everything looked so wonderfully put together Kelle. And I covet that photo wall!
Merry Christmas!
This is the stuff her dreams will be made of. 🙂
Well done, Mommy.
Merry Christmas, my friend.
Love you.
xoxo
jc
What a beautiful morning! I love your family photo…and love every fifth of it…every one. I remember hearing years ago, the reason we call some of these people “step sons” and “step mothers” and yes, “step grandchildren” is because them come into your hearts step by step…these boys “stepped” into my heart like they “step” into my pool when I am there…with one loud, screaming crashing splash. I am so happy my Lainey came with built in big brothers who love her so. Enjoy your artificial menus made from that kitchen…it will nourish your spirit like nothing else. I love you and miss you this day.
love you dad. thank you for helping make my kitchen dream come true. xoxo
…a more rewarding investment than Wall Street, Kelle…for sure.
You don’t want to know how many times I have returned to look at your pictures, and see more each time…like Lainey licking her lips while serving her pretend coffee, and the trail of tears clear on Brett’s cheeks while he watches and remembers the joy he finds in three little people calling him “Daddy!” It is a profound and esteemed title, Brett, and you wear it well. Goodnight…I have three grandaughters with me for a few days and I love every second of it.
And I love the completed photo wall..and that each row has one photo in color and the others all black and white. Great job…nice to have a family so “pretty” they can adorn your walls like artwork…but then, family is like the Louvre we live in. Love you…I have to go to work today, but your three nieces are here and Gary is taking them all to a toboggan run–yikes!
and merry christmas to you, sweet friend. so happy to know you…THANKS for the hat. pics to come. it has barely been off her noggin since it arrived on christmas eve.
I had to mute the music while reading this post! This is what Christmas is all about!
F
A
M
I
L
Y!!!
I love you!!
Merry Christmas my family!!
xoxo
in the words of drew barrymore…
MAGICAL!
AMAZING!
send a note with your blog address to pottery barn!! maybe they’ll put you in the magazine!
she looks mesmorized! like she knew it was a big deal.
I’m with a dad…a better investment than wall street, for sure!
and the photo wall!!! stunning!! tara has nothing on you!!
and jealous you had marmie for Christmas!!!
loveyou!
waited till i got home to read blog posts and this one was at the TOP of my list…
chills and with the music, tearful.
those pictures of her with the coffee pot, brett watching his dvd, completed pic wall, your mom, your dad’s comments…
in the words of jenn,
well done, mommy!
merry christmas and i love you!
That kitchen is spectacular : ) I love it! What a sweet family you have.