Day Commences.
Yawn. Hoist happy cooing baby from crib. Shuffle into kitchen. Shift hip to support happy cooing baby while coffee mug fills. Shuffle out of kitchen. Slump into couch and watch sunlight spill into living room. Stare at happy cooing baby and wait for the rest of the crew to awaken.
Day moves on.
Our gardenia is in bloom. Small but mighty. Only 5 little white blooms right now, but our yard still smells like a perfumery, and I’m liking it.
We hit the park Wednesday night.
Thank you, floyds, for the girls’ shirts!
We park it a lot and, although lovely and entertaining, our park dates aren’t much out of the ordinary. We come, we see, we climb. But something about this park date was good…really good. Good sunshine, high underdogs, and rich conversation that kept us huddled watching our kids from the picnic tables far past the point the sun-baked metal slides cooled down.
No one threw a fit. No one fell off a swing. And snacks magically appeared when kids asked for them. This hardly ever happens.
I love our little motley crew.
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(p.s. “****************” means I’m about to joltingly shift subjects)
We jump through flaming hoops.
We said we never would but, then again, we didn’t know we’d have a kid who fights sleep like a Jedi knight.
It’s funny, really. Watching Brett push her stroller around and around and around the kitchen island once more until he’s dizzy and she’s finally asleep.
Sometimes dog-and-pony-shows are just fine, I think. They give us sweet stories to tell our kids in twenty years. And it reminds me of the line I love in Meet the Fockers after the serious father-in-law brags that they used the Ferber method. Mr. Focker smiles and replies, “We used the Focker method. We hugged and kissed that little prince like there was no tomorrow. We fockerized him.” Every time I see this, I want to jump off the couch and pump my fist with a “BOOYAH!”
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FYI: sprinkling powdered sugar on box-made treats makes them look homemade. I’m just sayin’.
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Lainey’s mis-matching’s gettin’ a little crazy lately. Loud and random, and for now we’re gonna go with it.
Nella took off on the cement last night, searching for mischief and skidding her belly along concrete like a seal. I chased after her and Lainey, totally sensing what I was up to, yells, “It’s okay, she can ruin those jammies.”
One hole-in-the-toe and blackened cotton belly later…
And I’m happy to announce a new sponsor, The Meg Shop, coming on board. Meg sold out of her featured bracelets during Nella’s ONEder Fund and donated 50% of her profits (thank you!), and we’re happy to have her back. Use code “ENJOY10” for 10% off your order. And Meg is still donating 50% of the Sweet Nella Charm Bracelet to the NDSS.
My favorite…her unique curve hoop earrings.
The Meg Shop will be giving away a $40 gift certificate to a random commenter on this post.
And to make it interesting, from the last post, tell me what inspires you to shift your “off” to an “on?” Don’t tell me what turns you on…ha ha. Keep that one to yourself. But when you need a push, the excitement to do something new…what do you do to find it? What inspires you to regain your mojo?
Anyone notice that brilliant moon last night?
Day Ends.
The moon was unbelievable!!!
My reset is watching a great comedy with my love and our doggie – all of us enjoying a big bowl of popcorn!!
Great pics!!
i blog.
This might sound a little strange, but going to a cemetery and reading the names . . . seeing the families. . . it puts things in perspective.
what flips my switch is my Canon and a Coke.
Awesome earings – inspiring mood. I don’t know how I switch to “on” somtimes. It’s less of a switch for me and more like a slow building of reasons, wishes & dreams that jump starts my butt back into gear.
LOVE reading your blog. Working with ‘almond eyes’ in my career.. they are all ages 14- 22, so seeing tiny eyes, lets me see back into their babyhood a little! Thank you for sharing Nella!
A glass of wine with a good friend, a little vent and then I am good to go.
My partner just told me last night my mojo was running a bit low. She put the babe to sleep and ran the bath water — even she knows that the place I hit to regroup and regain. I submerge, surrounded by dimly lit candles and take time to myself to think and in many cases — rediscover. And what a great “off” to “on” it was!
We were pushing our own sleep Jedi in the stroller last night when my husband stopped me and pointed out that amazing moon. Wow!
Regaining my mojo… the right novel. Inspiration.
I love that line in Meet the Fockers too. 🙂
As for what gets me all inspired again? Right this second, it’s this awesome 70 something, breezy, sunshiney, Carolina blue sky-ed, flower blooming weather we’re having this week. Makes me want to go out and plant something. And I am. 🙂
Have a great weekend Kelle!
totally meant inspiring moon, not mood….but that moon definitely could inspire a good mood!
A good sweat inspires me. I’m getting into Zumba and loving it! After I feel so energized and refreshed.
LOVE the earrings!
What recharges me is a long nap, followed by dinner/drinks at Taco Diner and great conversation with my husband.
Hey my name is Jen, and I also live in Naples. I have a little boy Harrison who is right about the same age as your little bunny. Being a Floridian from birth, my mindset has been that the only things to do here is go to the beach. Well that has been so worn out. But now that I have a little one, there seems to be so much more to do here. Parks, walks, even shopping is more interesting! I have to tell you, your little Nella looks a lot like my Harrison, they have the same eyes and goofy smile! They would have fun playing together 🙂
Jen
A little time in the sunshine and I feel oh so much better!
Yes. Moon was amazing. Clouds were moving so fast across it when I stepped out of a friend’s house that I couldn’t help but point at it ecstatically and say “Look! The moon is running!”
I’m a writer, so I’m frequently in need of a new character or idea. I actually eavesdrop to regain my creativity. No lie! I don’t stand outside doors and listen to private conversations for minutes at a time, but I love to catch snippets of conversation I hear as I walk past people on the sidewalk.
when I need to regain my mojo all it takes is a great big hug from my son Mateo he is my inspiration to live life to the fullest and to always try new things with no fear
A cold diet coke and a good night of shut eye. I think it is an official prescription for that “get off your butt” syndrome. 🙂
I feel like I could conquer the world after a good run! I always start my run with my feet dragging…but at the end…Whew! What can’t I do?!
I’m can almost smell that gardenia!! love it!
That moon was incredible last night! We had my inlaws over for dinner and I kept finding myself staring at it-mesmorized and distracted by it. : )
I get my mojo back by being with my family, just enjoying them, or taking time for myself. Helps to get me back on track.
I really love your blog…it’s inspiring me for the spring days ahead here in the dreary midwest- with my now “scooting” 9 month old…oh the possibilities. So, i would say, you are inspiring me!!!
The sunshine definitely inspires me, but a good dose of cranking up the ‘tunes also does a lot!
And yes, I saw the moon… I was on the way to a meeting and almost pulled a u-ey to take a picture, but decided against it.
sometimes i just can’t get into the “on” mood. but doing something special with my kids – to the park, to the movie, bake cookies – puts them in a good mood & their happiness motivates me.
Aw this post reminds me of the warm weather PA has been getting. Refreshing and just what I needed.
I was at school and as I walked through campus I just stopped and breathed (ignoring the slight stuffy nose and sore throat I still have, haha) and thought “spring is on it’s way”. I’m freaking excited. Just wanted to share 😉
What turns me from that downtime “off” to that let’s get crack-a-lackin “on”? I’m not always sure. Somedays I’ll just want to stay in bed or head over to my friends house early; driving with one hand on the wheel and one rubbing my eye, body still decked in the PJ’s I slept in. That one-on-one downtime with a friend just what I need. And then others I’m getting up early for school and excited to greet a new day and tackle it with a bright smile. I guess some things are just a mystery but those downtimes are just as lovely as when I’m ready to face a day head on.
That bracelet and earrings are lovely. But I love the earrings more. I am such a earring freak. I would buy a billion if my funds allowed.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the spring things which I know are coming!! Easter, baby! I’m ready for it.
I usually find my “on” button by blocking out an entire weekend and not allowing myself to schedule anything… Usually by Sunday night at midnight I’m ready to hit the “off” button again. 🙂
A little tennis with my wheelchair tennis team…that keeps me going.
That beautiful moon was here in Indiana too…or so I hear…I was asleep!
usually getting together with friends for a coffee (the mums) and playdate (the kids) shifts me ‘on’!!!
Getting some sun. Vitamin D from the bottle is not the same. Unfortunately it’s what I’m relying on on this rainy day. (which is why I’m still in my pajamas and robe)
LOVE the pictures. Coming here always makes me smile.
What a beautiful day you had.
I can usually get myself going again when I wake up to a beautiful morning, and spend time with the One who made it that way. It can be sunny, grey, or foggy, but I have to be willing to see the beauty in it, realize how small my problems are compared to the loveliness found in a morning cup of tea, a quiet time of writing, reading and prayer, at the window where I can better appreciate where I am. 🙂
Caitlin
from black currant thoughts.
I have never noticed this before. Probably because I’m too captivated by your words & photos. But. Photo (frame, actually) 23. Nella in tub. Bottom right photo. Froze me. She looks just like Lainey in this photo. Lainey has that same little sly grin. I’ve never noticed the strong resemblance as I do now. And maybe it’s just me. But both girls? Captivating. Just like your words. 🙂
Lately, when my get-up-and-go has got up and went, I press the Pandora button for my “Johnny Nash” station. There’s nothin’ like a little reggae “I can see clearly now, the rain is gone!…It’s gonna be a bright, bright, bright sunshiny day!” :)Then I dance around the house with my girls. It puts a spring in my step every time.
I read. On an off day I make the time to sit with a hot cup of coffee and a good book, and the day next day my batteries are fully charged, ready to energize me through some more active days.
A sunny trip to the dog park or a round of board games with friends will pretty much always flip the switch for me!
Random Comment!
I go for a run. Something about a run on a beautiful day just makes everything okay again.
Lovely pics! For me? Sitting on my porch with coffee and kids. Just not thinking about anything at all, just watching cars go by…enjoying their voices and sun and breeze and simple time together. 🙂
a fresh brewed cup of coffee… the taste and the smell.
loribunk@gmail.com
Love the pictures with the sunbeams peeking thru!! Love that Lainey told you not to worry about the jammies! If we could just live life the way children do ~no worries!! I have to remind myself often, don’t sweat the small stuff.
Sunshine, turning the radio up and playing outside with my kiddos ~ gets me going everytime
My dog greeting me when I walk in the door can always shift any “off” day “on”.
Love Nella’s Baby Blues. And Lainey’s great smile at the park (swinging and then again lined up on the park equipment with her friends).
Early morning runs – they help me feel rejuvinated, focused, and refreshed! 🙂
I find that what gets me motivated is walking through my house with a pad of paper and writing down all of the “what if” projects I could do. Usually, they are way to expensive, so I figure out smaller things to do to make me get rejuvenated and make my home that much more special. Nothing like a fresh coat of paint, or a whimsical shelf to make things feel new and alive.
Love the photo of Lainey’s barefoot feet as she chalked the sidewalk.
Mojo up: a quick chat with one of my sisters that live far away but are so close in my heart.
All I have to do is think about how short life could be or is and I can be motivated to do anything. Don’t save for tomorrow what you could do today 🙂
Watching my boys play in the backyard as my husband is watering/pruning…as I’m cooking something italian and sipping a little wine…and listening to my baby girl play happily! Ahhhhh….
I go from off to on when I pickup my camera – trying to capture the craziness of my toddler!
Beautiful photos. I just found your blog about a week ago and I find you and your family and friends truly inspiring. To turn back on, I let the sun in, turn on some good music and dance around the living room with my 11 month old in my arms. There is nothing like vitamin d, a guitar strumming and baby dimples to lighten the mood.
LOVE the mismatched clothes 🙂 & of course big baby grins!
i so had a fievel moment last night sitting on the deck listening to the night noises and enjoying the moonlight…
“And even though I know how very far apart we are,
It helps to think we might be wishing on the same bright star,
And when the night wind starts to sing a lonesome lullaby,
It helps to think we’re sleeping underneath the same big sky!”
fingers crossed for a repeat performance tonight since we will be dining by the river!
My courage comes on the first warm day that hints toward Spring. The sun, the warmth and the gentle breeze give me confidence and I an do anything.
At the end of the day, there is nothing better that taking a “mama time-out” with a hot bubble bath, a glass of red wine and a senseless magazine.
In the morning, its just a simple shower and a cup of coffee to get me going. These two things have become luxuries after having two kids. And if I have to pick just one – coffee wins hands down every time.
I think of how hard my husband works not only outside of the home but in grad school and as a father and husband. This motivates me to get off my pregnant and tired but and mop when anything sounds better than mopping.
I LOVE Nellas squishy smiley face!! That is LOVE!!
I have a one on one pow-wow w/ my hubby and a glass of wine….then things somehow fall into place and I am back “on” and in focus!!
Happy Friday Kelle!
Thanks for being you <3
Leona~
Oh, the moon was lovely last night.
To get out of a funk, I workout then take a hot shower. Almost always, I feel better.
My favorite thing to re-energize myself is taking my black lab, Toby, on a long rambling walk to the local public golf course to RUN. We live in an urban area, and he never gets enough exercise, but that open land (in the evening when nobody can see us breaking the rules!) gives him a whiff of freedom, and it lightens my heart watching him just fly, doing what he was made to do.
What puts me back in gear…when it comes to work, sometimes i just need a few days away to do nothing at all, atleast nothing at all to do with work..lol As far as just in life, i get motivation from thinking about how what i do might bring a smile to someone elses face…I love making people smile 🙂
the moon was gorgeous!
i read apartment therapy to jumpstart my ‘on’ mode. so inspiring.
shen
Spring jump starts me. That first warm day after days and days of chilly weather. I’m READY.
Relaxing in the hot tub, a conversation by a campfire, a good, rich, hot cup of coffee, a dog on my lap, a conversation with a grandchild or an energetic exchange with one of my children/friends. That refuels me, clears the clogs and jumpstarts my heart. Love those photos…and the faces in them! Last nights moon was overfull!
Poppa
My mojo comes to play when I blast a great song through the stereo. Right now, “the good life” by ONE REPUBLIC is a fav.
Coffee and music!! a nice hot cup of coffee and some tunes get me in the mood
That picture of Nella laughing in the swing totally made my day!
Blast some music and dance in my underwear!
I was awestruck by the moon last night!
My daily dance party–these days, to Adele or Pink.
I Love Nella’s happy smiles. She is one of a VERY few that seem possess the gift to be able express PURE emotion in her face 🙂 I feel her happiness when she smiles, and in turn- I find myself grinning ear to ear along with her!
Thanks for keeping up on your blog Kelle! As a mom who often feels I’m facing this big ‘ol world alone, it’s refreshing to be reminded that most moms feel the same way I do. 🙂
I have a hard time going from “off” to “on.” But I find that dancing wildly to cheesy pop music often makes it all better…
I find my mojo through my girlfriends. A glass of wine or a cup of coffee, a telephone and screaming kids in the backgroud. Somehow we still talk through it!
Loved the blackened feet picture! Made me crave summertime!
A sunny day in February. In the Northeast we know there will be more snow, slush, and cold toes to come, but one sunny day can make it all ok for just a little while.
We have a sleep fighter too! You do what you have to in order to get them to go to sleep. What flips my switch to on is a good book and a hot bath!
a chat with a good friend, a big steaming latte and blue sky and sunshine is what gets me moving again!
The weather in Florida ws gorgeous when I was there last week. Another beautiful post filled with beautiful photos. Love it!
Like some of your other readers, some days all it takes is cup of coffee and good song. Other days its a nap in the sunshine when the kids sleep. Or quality time reading a book or watching The Bachelor – tacky, right? But hilarious! A little mental getaway is a good, good thing.
Watching my little one babble to her toys makes wake up.
crafting, relaxing in the sunshine on a beautiful day, or a good laugh are guaranteed ways to bring me back to a good place 🙂
My way to restart my “mojo” is to head on out that door with my 2 year old and take lot’s of pictures….It all started after I started healing from Hodgkins Lymphoma. Whenever I am down and low on energy I pick up my Nikon,slap on a smile & go!!! :)))))))))))))))
We’ve had rain-rain-rain lately and my mojo is gonzo. Sunny days are where it’s at for me. But I like the snuggly time, even if the house looks crazy. And we do plenty of puddle hopping to get our ‘yayas’ out. 🙂
The jewelry at that shop is lovely!
Ahhh Kelle you totally rock those earrings!!
It is too cold here yet to sneak out late for peeks at the sky…
Spring is on it’s way!
Usually Peeps and Pepsi switches me over. Maybe over a little to much but still it does turn my OFF to ON!
This comment has been removed by the author.
probably wanting to give my kids all of the new exciting experiences i can
Paint and the craft store….that’s what inspires me. A bright happy paint can turn a dull room into a place the whole family wants to be. Add a trip to Home Goods, for some happy pillows and a happy lamp, craft store for some happy kid paintings on the wall, and you have yourself some HAPPY!!!
Here’s how it looked in Oregon – about as far away as you can get from FL, while remaining in the contiguous US. Same moon though!
http://genevahoux.blogspot.com/2011/02/pretty-night.html
You make me smile once again.
To get excitement and my mojo going I would turn to my 7 month old daughter, Bailey Mae.
I look at her and an idea comes to my head! My hubby thinks I’m nuts! haha =)
I actually like my “off” Sleeping in longer than I should, being inside all day long and doing absolutely nothing productive… it makes for a good break from reality.
Just doing something different helps me…even something as simple as going out somewhere like Target by myself at night.
p.s. Loving Nella’s fuzzy new hair, she’s beautiful:)
The “On” light definitely glows when I am creatively challenged by something – replicating a look I dogeared in a West Elm catalog, going for a shot at the I Heart Faces contests, or even just allowing myself the time to sit an visualize new ideas. Having a focus helps me barrel through the mush of life and get up and going for something that makes me enthusiastic.
Oh, and the Gilded Peacock earrings from the Meg Shop. Those would get me going for sure!
Love to park it with the best of them! Love the jewelry, very sweet.
Blasting music, and dancing in the middle of nowhere…no matter what I am doing, no matter where I am, if there is music you can guarantee I will be shaking what my mama gave me 🙂 music helps me get through the day, whether it be cleaning, or getting ready…music makes it ten times more enjoyable!
We have had record amounts of snow and cold here (Alberta, Canada) this year so it’s been tough to get motivated to do anything other than sit by the fire. Our favorite re-charge go-to is having a house full of people and letting our little ones run off the winter staleness with each other.
Fantastic moon, I was staring at it last night as well – over 3,000 miles away!
Lovely….just what I needed on a slow Friday afternoon at work. Your blog! 🙂
My on buttons: Joggin outside, looking at photographs that I’ve taken and actually liked as well as looking at finished projects around the house…gives me the motivation to keep on truckin!
Have a good weekend!
May sound silly, but I get inspiration from reading blogs by all you crafty, creative people out there. My little girls 1st birthday is 2 1/2 months away and I am finding great inspiration everywhere! Now I just have to follow through…
Lazy Sunday Mornings + all of us (hubby, boys and two cats) snuggled in bed = rejuvenated mojo.
LOVE the earrings…hmmm a little treat for myself helps the mojo too. 🙂
Hey Kelle,
Love you blog as always! I just really cool website that allows free bling for you blog. One that includes fun post dividers. Thought you might like it! check it out here:
http://shabbyblogs.com/?page_id=5
Enjoy!
I love morning walks…living in Michigan I have not had one is a few months, so during winter my state of mind is a happy funk. BUT this morning it was above 45 so I bundled my two babies up and headed out, AND they both took a morning sunburst nap while I walked and jammed out. It was heaven!
A good belly laugh gets my mojo back!
Kelle,
I am a long time stalker and first time commenter here. If you can believe it, the moon was just as brilliant and lovely in Oregon last night as you saw in Florida. Makes the world feel smaller, don’t you think?
Jill
Having a day to just be at home with my kiddos…
Sometimes jumping through hoops is the only way to get a child to sleep. I should know, I also have a little Jedi who can fight sleep for hours. It looks like a beautiful day at the park!
My mom joked that I’ve always had 2 speeds – on or off – there’s no gear in between. So regaining Mojo is usually achieved by doing a craft, which means me sitting and being quiet for a while. No batteries, no websites, no internet. Knitting, sewing, needlepoint. While my hands are busy and my body is still, my brain is thinking and getting the space to go “ahhh”.
Which reminds me, I have two spring hats to start knitting this nice long weekend. Ok, have to attend to a grumpy grump (napless child).
-Jennifer from Annapolis
My “on switch” is found always and forever outside. I need to feel the air, roll around in the grass, run barefoot down the pavement alongside my three year old tricyclist, and breath the new life in. Being outdoors never fails to turn me on… haha 😉
Love The Meg Shop! I am wearing two of her bracelets now – one is the Sweet Nella Charm Bracelet!
As always I love your posts. There is something about the smiles on your girls’ faces that melts my heart every single time!
Hmm, what makes me switch from off to on? Nothing terribly exciting, but the answer to that question is “me”. Sometimes I need to hide in my introverted cave and recharge my engine for a bit. It could take an hour or as long as a week, sometimes. Then I am refueled and make the conscious effort to shift my gears to “ON” again.
good espresso with lovely crema
true conversation with a friend
a laugh with my life partner
dark dark chocolate
a toothy smile from my snotty-nosed babe
the sight of our majestic snow-iced west coast mountains
dry wit that makes me chuckle out loud
these things get me going… and get me grateful.
Another commenter said it, but I also am inspired by the community of blogging moms that I follow. I recently took up a challenge that another mom accomplished and blogged about, which was to run for 21 days straight, in order to form a running habit. (21dayhabit.blogspot.com)
It’s been 6 days since I started and I can already see a change in my energy level.
P.S. Love Lainey’s comment that it was okay to ruin those pajamas. Too stinkin cute!
Very cute earinngs!
When is nella’s book going to be done? I’m dyin’ to see it!!
I could look at pictures of your little sweets smiling all day! too adorable!
knowing that after having that “on” button pushed a glass of wine or frosty mug of brew will be waiting, a sense of good and “yay I did it,” and knowing that I can check that item off my list. It works almost…. everytime. 🙂
My reset is taking a long walk with my baby-rain or shine it just makes everything seem possible again.
My reset is taking a long walk with my baby-rain or shine it just makes everything seem possible again.
LOVED the moon last night…even asked my Mom if it was a full moon or not, and she said on the 18th.
When I’m off (being lazy, napping, piddling, etc.) and I’ve had enough – as plain as it sounds, I want to jump up and clean something…like I’ve wasted time and now it’s time to get busy. The mind is such a powerful thing.
Taking “me” time… to sit and watch mindless television or stalking (scratch that) reading other blogs for inspiration.
your girls look just like you. They are beautiful!!!
ok I cannot stop smiling at Lainey’s “dont worry she can ruin those jammies” comment. LOL and look at her go.
The moon way up north here was stellar last night! It was orange here!
When I’m tired of the off button I make my dreams vocal. Just sayin them out loud, getting things off my chest and out in the open to welcome some “ya you should totally do that!”‘s is all I need!
Happy pics – they always put smiles to my face!
Shifting from off to on? I’d say a foam bath, with an interior decorating mag.
When it’s a severe “off” (like some weeks ago when challenges at work were so hard I didn’t know what to do) I asked friends for tips on where to find inspiration.
I needed something/somewhere quick, I needed to find the link, the spot on the net that I could reach then and there, from work, in order to make it through the work day.
No friend had a good enough tip. There was nothing to get me going, feeling better.
That’s when I realized that “Enjoying the small things” is the best pick-me-up on the web. There’s no place like it. Not only due to the smiles it puts on my lips but because of the way I find feelings inside, that I wouldn’t have reached just like that, on any given hour otherwise.
Mumbo jumbo maybe? I can’t really put into words what I mean.
Your photos and insights mean a whole lot, simple as that!
Thanks.
O.. and the moon was SPECTACULAR up in cold Minnesota lastnight, too! Clear, large, bright, and beautious!
opening a window that is normally shut is usually what “awakens” me. Not sure what it is about that process….the quick woosh of fresh air that quickly cleans my soul and inspires me to move it…or that because I am usually opening up the window to yell at the dogs to stop barking at the neighbors and am inspired to stop what I had been up to and run outside to join them….
I must admit, I am 26 years old. & gasp..I just started falling in love & discovering jewlery. Excited to look at the new sponser:) I ordered from Lisa Leonard cuz of this little blog that I love so much!
SO many things flip my switch, mostly just the sunshine though. Whenever there’s a good dose of sunshine, especially during the cold winter months, it’s like I suddenly regain conciousness. Living in Utah, a good dose of sunshine can sometimes be hard to find! Also, taking pictures… of anything really. It’s like seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, and can be very theraputic.
I absolutely love your blog by the way! I log on every day just to see if there is a new post! You have a beautiful family.
I have typed a thank you to you before, and I mean it this time, too. Thanks for sharing everything you do. I loose my mojo often. My dad is in a nursing home with Parkinsons (he is only 65). I drive the hour to see him at least once a week with my 2 and 4 year old. Some visits are awesome and my heart swells, some visits my eyes swell and burst with tears. Always on the hour drive home, the kids nap and I stare out the windshield at the road and cry, or relive past moments when he could talk to me, or I hear his laugh in my head again. Always I am inspired to live big – for him who can’t, and for my babies because I know he would love it. I also must say that I love taking my kids to see him and all the other grandpas (it is a veteran’s home) My kids have about 20 grandpas now and that makes me happy! GO MOJO!
The month of March switches my off to on. For sure. The anticipation of spring, Easter, wine on the patio, pool days…..
A long run and some loud music!
Kaish shifts my off to on.
Sometimes I get overwhelmed by life.
The little, silly, crazy things of life. And then, I look at him, and everything is better.
All the stress. All the bills. All the hair pulling. Cause I get to be his Mama. I get to be the mother of the VERY BEST BOY in the Universe.
What a blessing.
Love the fun you had in the sun with your babies! Magic!
Looks and sounds like a lovely day! I aim to use tomorrow to relax and hang out with my daughter. We will ignore the housework and all other chores and relax at the park!
I feel like I’m not your typical blog reader — I’m just a 21 year old college student. No husband, no kids (yet) 🙂 But I’m absolutely in love with everything you write. You’re a beautiful individual with a beautiful family & outlook on life. And honestly? Your blog is exactly what I need to shift from off to on. Thank you for sharing & inspiring.
That first picture is fabulous! I can actually imagine the bright sun shining in your living room in the early morning quiet. I need a morning like that.
Love those earrings… I haven’t been able to wear earrings with my just 1 year old. How do you without Nella trying to pull them out of your ears??
As for turning “on,” I am glad you asked because I have been trying to figure that out for myself. In a definite OFF mode but can’t seem to flip that switch lately. Here’s hoping a weekend with my wonderful husband and girls proves the trick!
Lovely earrings!
Gosh, to flip the switch, to get going … something inspiring, a conversation, a song, a chapter in a book, or some perfectly warm coffee with just enough cream.
i love all the photos in this post!
an early morning workout gets my mojo going 🙂
that first picture of sweet nella, might be my new favorite.
and laniey’s mis-matchie is super duper cute.
your blog is a drug. puffy heart reading it.
A change of location will usually do it for me. Usually not much of a change… office to coffee shop to living room to park is usually the range of my wandering-space on a good day, but something about shifting the scenery can get my brain started again.
I think what my mom always says, “You feel bad because you’re tired. Or hungry.” If a snack and a nap doesn’t fix it, I just let it run its course. The on after the off is always worth the wait:)
Seriously laughing about the disclaimer on what turns you on.
xo.
I normally dread summer but your park posts make me dream of flip flops, lemonade, and swinging my girl around like crazy.
I wish I knew how to switch more often to off …..but when i need to be ON my bestie drags me to boot camp class. In that hour I forget my name, that i am a mama or a wife and I push myself….to discover that I am so capable! i am finding in order for the body to be strong….the mind must go first! thank you for sharing your life with us!
My “mojo” comes from my little 5.5 month old…Life for us took an unexpected turn when she was 2.5 months and my husband (her daddy) decided he was no longer in love. I packed up my little life we started and moved in with my parents. Although things are turning out exactly or even close to how in envisioned them…she is my inspiration, my mojo, she keeps me sane, she keeps me going.
Read about our new life:
http://www.danirousseau.blogspot.com/
What shifts my off to on is time with my girl and friends. Something about littles running wild and mama’s just laughing and chatting refreshes my soul.
Just yesterday I was having real trouble finding my mojo and I posted the following status update on facebook:
“Nothing an open sun roof, some Jackson 5 and a few M&Ms couldn’t fix.”
I think I am onto something…finding a new formula of a few simple things to help me sparkle the days I’m feeling ever so dull. Love your blog! Your babies have never looked so beautiful!
Have I missed the 1-year birthday bash post??
I sure hope not- I keep watching for it… I love me some Nella 🙂
My setting-changer is often music (Aretha Franklin’s a fave at this house), a walk by myself, or some God-time… just Him and me!
What I really wanted to comment on was the gardenia – I am so jealous of your gardenia! My darling husband knows I love them and has bought me a plant for my birthday twice. The first one eventually got slightly buried in weeds (blush) and he pulled it out when he did the weeding… and didn’t even notice it lying in the pile of weeds, even though it still had the nursery tag on it, lol! The second one died a bit quicker, after having trikes rolled/pushed off the deck on top of it repeatedly.
I’m going to try again though, maybe in a couple of years – some day I WILL have a gardenia growing in my garden to make my nose happy!
When we get a break in Michigan weather…the sun shines and the temp rises to 50!
I get the spring feeling that life will be renewed and that all things are possible.
I have a “Smile File” saved from my days of teaching fourth and fifth grade. I flip through the pictures, letters, and love notes from students and it refreshes me in the midst of my chaotic life as a full time graduate student.
This always allows me to regain my focus, keep calm and carry on.
So many things! Sunshine on my face. The smell of freshly baked banana bread. Belly hurting laughter in the evenings with my hubby as we wind down after a long day. So many things – but these are the best.
Reset me with a trip to the beach and a little time oceanside….which is hard to do in St Louis…so sometimes I have to reset just by being active. I believe that motivation FOLLOWS action. Doing something rather than nothing motivates me from one thing to another. Oh ok…sometimes a glass of wine works too. xo
Going running! I always want to get my life into motion when I literally AM in motion.
The moon was super bright last night.
Sometimes when I need to gt out of my funk and back to being me, I listen to music from my childhood/ teenage years very loudly and sing and dance along.
A jolt of pure, Vitamin D inebriated sunshine. That works every time. And, today was one of those days. Totally freaky–went from -20 temps last week to +12 today. Took the girls outside sans coats and hats and just sat on the porch, listening to the snow melt and watching ths sun deface the snowman we so diligently assembled yesterday. Absolute bliss!
Nella on belly on the driveway—priceless!
running always gets me going again…
Making my son giggle. His happy energy is usually all I need to get a kick-start and rejoin the day.
That first picture of Nella with the sunlight behind her reminds me of that one picture of Lainey has a toddler with her hair crazy like a solar eclipse! Sweet babies…
What switches me from off to on? A long hot bath. Dinner date with a friend. A really good song with really bad dance moves. A good book. A walk with my honey and little tike. A nap that has no alarm clock. Organizing something like my sock drawer. You know, the usual? 🙂
the moon was amazing! here in San Diego, we had a ring around it..beautiful. what makes me go: laughing hysterically (the kind that makes your stomach hurt) with whoever might want to laugh with me…
The Spring gets me to turn my off back onto an on! I love opening the windows for the first time each spring! Aaah! Fresh air! Gets me hoppin’! Love the pics, Kelle!
~Monica
Good dose of the sun and a good strong Starbucks!
I love the mismatching outfit! The sweetness of Nella sleeping. What beautiful childern and a wonderful life!
i get that way too
and then i do my Bible study — answer questions, pray, look up verses, take a peek inside the emotions i am having and what to do with them
and then compare notes with a girlfriend
always helps 🙂
My off to on moment is crawling in the play pen with my 8 month old and cuddling. Yep, i realize it’s weird but it always makes me feel amazing and refreshed! Hes so cuddly!
Love this post. It’s very apparent, Nella has an obsession with baby dolls and I LOVE that too. I’m on all the time, seriously, it sucks to be me. If I need to hit my reset button…I usually hit a thrift store. There’s something about other people’s unwanted crap, that makes my heart happy.
On the way home from church last night the sky was gorgeous. The edges were line with clouds but lit up because the moon was so bright and it was clear in the middle. My daughter said it must be because alot of people were on their way to Heaven right then and so thats why there was a circle of clear in the middle of all the clouds.
Honestly, I’m newly pregnant with my third child and after chasing after a 17 month old and 3 year old, I’m got nothing! I’m just trying to survive! I’m hoping Spring comes soon and then I’ll have my A game again!
what inspires me to switch “off” to “on” is making my son happy, and making memories, traditions, etc with him. they grow up so fast! too fast to be “off” for too long.
Another lovely and thought provoking post! I love the quote about “fockerizing” and appreciate the reminder to embrace the moment instead of worrying about the details (like pajamas)!
Looking at good blogs (like this one!) always inspire me to get moving, create something, cook something, DO SOMETHING.
When we all run out of clean underwear…..
Music and Scripture… they always help turn my off upsidedown!
getting together with people i love always gets me going again. happy weekend!
The thought of family or friends gathering turns me from off to on. I jump into overproductive (what my family calls go-mode) mode and can’t sit still till food is prepared, beer is served in chilled glasses and everyone is laughing and enjoying themselves. On my worst of days seeing people smiling definitely resets my perspective…
Your blog has a huge positive effect on me. I read it and suddenly I want to bake and paint, take care of littles before spontaneously packing up and heading to the beach to take in a mind-silencing, soul rejuvenating sunset while running in the tide…
The moon was amazing last night. i was at Target cursing myself for not bringing my camera with me!!
Happy Weekend!
(And i baked brownies for a girl’s night tonight – so needing some confectioner’s sugar to top ’em off!!)
I began following your blog a few month’s ago and I want to tell you that you inspire me. I became a Mommy in May of last year and it has changed my life! I love our daughter more then I ever thought possible.
I love reading your blog, because you inspire me to take everyday and make it special. Your photos inspire me, I look at them and think I can take ones just like that. I have become a wanna-be photographer since my daughter came along.
P.S.
I saw the moon in our back window hanging over the house behind ours and thought ‘how beautiful’. I tried to take a photo but it didn’t come out that great. But I have it just the same!
Thank you for inspiring me with your beautiful words and photos.
Taking my daughter for a walk get me going!
Not that I’m not motivated at all, but a BIG Slap upside the head usually does it for me 🙂
LOVE the pics, the girls are just so beautiful. Nella and those liquid blue eyes. Melt a momma’s heart! I love the Meg Shop, she actually just lives in the town next to mine, though we’ve never met(we’re fellow Alberta team members on Etsy)
xox,
Lori
One dip (scoop) of Graeter’s ice cream, a local Cincinnati favorite usually snaps me out of a funk! Flavor depends on my mood…
As I approach my 45th birthday and we are in the throes of our home study as we look to expand our family through domestic adoption, what turns me from off to on is the notion that my one life is half over and that I only have *so* much time to live, really live the rest of it.
So, when I am feeling lazy or unmotivated, I have a talk with myself about the choice I want to make and that inspires me to get off my butt and DO.
http://itiswhatitisorisit.net/
Playing games with my kiddo (probably shouldn’t call him kiddo since he’s 18 in July – LOL). Skip-Bo, Connect Four, Battleship, you name it. Oh and of course then we really delve into his territory when we hit the electronic games: Wii bowling and Wii anything, actually. I think I have more fun when HE wins (which he ususally does that guy has skills).
When I gave birth to a kiddo with DS I worried about what life would be like for us. If someone told me our lives would be filled with things like knock down drag out Connect-Four-a-thons (he usually wins that observant little sucker), and hilarious smack-talk through tears of laughter, I wouldn’t have worried so much. The purest form of joy is time spent with my son. He’s just so friggin’ cool. After that, all is right in the world.
great question…lol when I find the answer I’ll let you know! something inside just clicks over and I HAVE to do what I HAVE to do and it HAS to be done NOW 😛
My “on” button is a shower! I can do just about anything after a good shower and some lipp gloss!
I put on Kate Bush “this woman’s work” and light candles.
This momma needed to read this post REALLY bad today. I have had quite the day today. A bird flew in the house and I spent a half an hour freeing it. The toddler decided to have a blow out, along with the cold he already has that called for a bath in the middle of the day and fresh clothes. And then I had two Jedi nap fighters! TWO! It was horrible. Then I took a moment to breathe and came over here looking for a new post and found a delightful letter from one mother to another, saying, “hang in there momma! We all have days of pushing a stroller round and round, fockerizing our babies.” Oh how I needed to hear that and laugh! I LOVE those movies! Especially in this last one, when he wants to be the godfocker and forces his kid to eat his food, at which point he pukes on him! Hilarious and gross!
My mojo has felt like it’s been off for about 2 years. I am working hard at restoring that creative part of myself. A night out with a friend, with our Starbucks and the book store, always seems to touch my creative soul. I don’t know why. Maybe just the creative soul I’m with feeding me. We pour through tabloids to catch up on crap we don’t care about! LOL! Then we hit the photography books, artsy books, fiction, non-fiction. It’s all inspiring. A building full of words written by people at one time or another looking for their “on” switch.
a walk outside on a beautiful day with my two loves inspires me:)
There’s nothing like unexpected rich conversations that make you want to stretch your day out longer and longer!
When I am feeling blah with the hectic yet mind numbing hustle bustle of my day-to-day, color ignites me and flips my switch on. Gorgeous richly colored yarn reminds me of how much I love simple crocheting and I simply MUST create my 100th scarf!
My “switch” is getting lots of wonderful “hugs-hugs” and “kisses-kisses” from my Doodlebop… It cheers me up every time… 🙂
I think good attitude always turns a day around. Also, when I’m most stressed I sit and breathe and sip on a cup of fruit tea for a few minutes and then get back on bussiness, never fails
Re-arranging furniture! Getting all the lost legos and bouncy balls out from under the couch or bed. Vacuuming everything…having a fresh start in my home usually gives me a fresh jump-start mentally and physically.
Pretty sure it drives the hubby crazy!
Probably not helpful to you, but reading this blog usually makes me switch to ‘on’. On for me means thinking positively, and feeling inspired to be a better mum, friend, wife & daughter.
when my mojo takes a hike, there’s nothing like getting elbow deep in flour, sugar and cocoa powder, baking up a storm in the kitchen to bring me back. Not until every inch of counter space is full do I cease the madness and realize that we can never eat all the junk I just made and high tail it over to a friends house to drop off some goodies!
Love your post today! Yesterday evening my hubby and I, and our boys all went to the park and totally enjoyed ourselves. 🙂 On our way home, our oldest (3 1/2 yrs) was like “Look at that moon!”. Ha ha. It was a beautiful night. 🙂
I see two little girls who are become beautiful young ladies! 🙂 Love those almond joy smiles!
Oh I love those earrings!
I find a pedicure flicks me to on, particularly if I’m having a lot of trouble getting started. I think it’s the quiet time, trashy mags, having someone else do something for you that helps. Then my sparkly toes remind me I did something for myself for weeks afterwords and that’s like a little recharge each time I see them.
A good cup of coffee, an inspiring or moving song, sunlight in the afternoons, a good nights sleep. All of these make me re-energized and more focused.
I saw also saw the moon last night. What inspires me is to read or write something nice.
The number one thing that helps me recharge would have to be hearing a great song, i love love LOVE music it is one of the only things that changes my mood that motivates me to face the world of mommy and what ever else that pops in my head.
ps. the best would have to be Andrea Bocelli his music just feeds my hungry soul
A ride in a convertible, preferably red) on a picture perfect afternoon.
I sneak out of my solitary hiding and just tell everything in my blog.
And coffee.
To reset, I journal, write, blog, take a ridiculous amount of pictures on a neighborhood jaunt with my little one just because. I think getting outside is key… breathing in the fresh air, even if it’s raining.
I love that it does not matter to you that Nella ruined her jammies in the name of fun!
Reading to my babies with a delicious coffee in my hand!
Lovely moon shots. I’m really enjoying your blog. You have a beautiful voice and eye.
My last born daughter hated to sleep! I swear she didn’t sleep for the first nine months of her life..she didn’t even fall asleep in the car or baby swing…it was quite a circus to get her to doze off!
My hubby and I went out on the front porch to admire the moon, it was amazing. It lit up the entire front yard with its glow. One of those rare moments that you take time just to soak it all in, I’m glad I was able to share in it with him.
Love the earrings!
🙂
Teri
walking through nyc and taking in my surrounding helps as well as browsing through etsy 🙂
beautiful!
um…one word…COFFEE!
Love your ******* segues. 🙂 Does Nella have an “I Love Lainey” shirt? Those are totally darling.
Love, love, love this post!! My girls and I had a perfect park day last week…blissful!!! I also adore L’s comment about the pajamas. Reminds me of my littles…just darling! Our babies are Fockerized also. Thanks for brightening up my day!
DANCE PARTY!!
My son is proudly “fockerized,” rather than ferberized. You’re doing a good thing by your babe.
And I flip the switch by getting working out…especially with some good music.
I love your photography and I’m always impressed with the pictures you get of your girls, but that first picture of Nella in this post made me audibly gasp. Just beautiful!
A little pep talk from any one of the women who mean so much in my life. They can snap me out of a slump in a second.
Oh man, we’re all about dog and pony shows in my house. Our bedtime routines fall just short of tap-dancing and showtunes! Surely I won’t still be doing this when they’re teenagers, right?
A good run on a gorgeous day is the perfect recharge for my batteries – a little sunshine and sweat puts this girl in a good mood.
I love the ‘I heart Nella’ shirt
For me, at the moment, I am constantly struggling to get through my never-ending pile of grad school assignments. I often find myself in a funk, dreading the next paper I have to write and the reading assignment I have to read. But you know what pulls me out of that funk? Reading your blog. No joke. You give me the inspiration to get going so I can get out there and enjoy a day at the park or a nap in bed with (well, in my case it would be with my puppies). So thank you!
Not sure really what flips my switch, good music is always what lets me clear my mind in focus at work. It is as if I can handle 2 things in my mind at once, work and … something. If I don’t have tunes going my mind dreams up other somethings (a recipe for dinner, a blog to check) which some days win out as way more interesting then what I should be focused on.
Kelle You inspire me daily!
My on button = the change in the seasons…more specifically, the change from winter to spring that is kinda sorta starting to happen up here in Minnesota. It wakes me up and makes me realize that there is hope and life and possibility. Love it.
Moon was perfect! I believe the text I sent to the one that makes me ever so happy was…”The moon. Wow. Gorgeous.”
What gets me going again ~ sunshine. coffee. When there is something new to look forward too. Changes all the time I guess!
A cute new pair of shoes will do it every time 🙂 Happy parking!
I go for Nachos. Or listen to music. After either, I can give’er:)
Loved every.single.picture in this post!! Happy weekend!
I am LURVING the photos of this post…especially the sun-kissed park ones, Nella’s excitable face on the swing & your friend’s brown-eyed beauty girl 🙂 As for turning back ON…I turn to inspiring writers {such as you Kelle} or positive quotes. A good cup of coffee, a chat with a friend, a trip to the beach & some one-on-one time with my girl usually help me re-engerize & allow me to click on that mojo again! I blogged about what drives people earlier this week: http://www.scissorspaperrockdesigns.com.au/read-our-blog/2011/2/17/drive.html
As always Kelle, your blog has made me smile & lightened my heart! You truly ROCK girl! And so does The Meg Shop’s jewellery 🙂
xo
Sometimes it’s some affirmation in one of my passions… I think we all need a reminder that we are precious, loved and yes, talented.
That first photo is incredible. Wow.
I love watching your girls grow. Thanks for the smiles.
A deep breath and a cup of coffee!
The same moon is now looking in my window, telling me to get my but up, and into bed…. A good night sleep, (can’t remember last time that happend)but my little one has decided that five in the morning is a nice time to start the day…. I guess I will use this against her when she’s a teenager and cured for her fear of sheets… A hike in the woods or the mountains is always a mojo- trigger. So looking forward to spring and summer to get out! Freeeezzzzzzzing cold here now!
Love the ear- rings! Have a great weekend! Good night! 🙂
My girl is my “on” switch. Funny though because she is also the “off” switch…distracting me from focusing on myself in any way. However, I know that I want to do things for ME for HER. If mommy is happy and challenging herself and learning and growing, then I know my sweet little princess is benefiting, too.
Wow, that first pic is gorgeous!
When I need to flip my switch, I find a new recipe to make or do some much needed cleaning. They always make me feel a little more motivated.
Just had a great Park Day today…and yesterday! We should be having winter weather but right now we are being blessed with Springlike temps and loving it has much as we can till wqinter comes back!
A clean house always gets me going! I can think straight in a clean house…too bad it doesnt happen more often! lol
Sometimes I feel stuck on “off” for a long stretch of time. My “on” is inviting friends over or meeting up with them! It takes a little push from within, but then I love it and wonder why I don’t have people over more often!
Oh and I totally caught that moon. I saw it as the sun was setting and it was beautiful.
Hrmmm…what inspires me? Probably a great cup of coffee in the morning and some makeup. Even if I don’t have anywhere special to go and the kids are giving me like, 5 minutes…some liner, eyeshadow. Loving Sephora’s tinted moisturizer! And can’t forget some gloss. Easy. 🙂
Oh my goodness, I love those earrings! I’m longing for Florida right now…
usually needing to turn “on” involved my little pixie blonde and finding the energy to be a good mom after a long day or week. when i need to i just remember she’s only this little for this very moment. an hour she won’t be this little anymore, and tomorrow she will definitely not be this little. that gives me the push to do more and enjoy more with her.
Well coffee definitely in the am!! I would say for the mid-afternoon slump I stop and read a few chapters on my nook….then I feel like I can tackle things again. It’s like a mini break.
Going for a walk with my music… feeling the warm sun on my face and a cool breeze. Did this today in the unusual 70 degree weather in PA during February! loved it 🙂
When I need to reset I take a few minutes to do something just for me like read a blog post or a few chapters of a good book. All it takes is a few minutes to inspire me.
Oh, I do so…so like dirty, little feet.
I usually play my favorite music and look thru my “book of possibilities”…which is a scrapbook my roommates and I made when I was 19. In it is everything I hope to accomplish someday! Gets me motivated!
HItting the flea markets…
It fills me w childlike excitement! I leave w baskets of randomness.. bag -o-Googly eyes, pipe cleaner, old school leather coach bag! Then i “Project”
<3 <3
taking a day to be by myself and get stuff done. i am an introvert that forgets i am one, and i often go too long without taking time to be by myself. i am so much happier after i take that time.
First off I am so jealous of your park going. Our 20 some inches of snow has melted slowly over the last week and we just have a few piles around. I was just looking at pictures from the fall when we last went to the park and got so excited for spring and our next park adventure with my 2 year old.
Secondly, I think it is funny that you thought the full moon was brillant. I just see dread as I am a therapist and my schedule gets really busy around full moons.
Thirdly what turns me “on” right now it is the sun and knowing spring is closer and winter is almost over. I totally hibernate in the winter especially after the holidays with the touch of spring we have been experiencing this week turns me “on”.
Have a great weekend!
we just got back from the park and i should be cooking dinner but loved this indulgence.
I run or blog or call my mom or my brother. ( I have a great dad and husband and friends, but something about my mom and my brother is so refreshing when I need to get out of a funk). I love jewelry…random.org…pick me!
What shifts me from off to on? A really good song. I mean REALLY good. With a melody that makes your insides come alive.
A few minutes of quiet.
The things we’ll do for our kids! I used to have to tickle my son’s forehead until he fell asleep. And I would do it for hours rather than listen to him cry and be unhappy.
Going for a run, taking a great picture I didn’t expect, and baking.
Love the mismatch. She’ll have a fabulous sense of fashion when she gets older!
A romantic comedy, in a theatre, all by myself. I choose my own seat, I don’t have to share the popcorn, and I don’t have to talk (or listen). Slowly the sounds of responsibility slip away…ahhh.
A long walk, or hike. Although I have to force myself out the door…….I am always more energized and alive when I come home.
Those big bright full moons inspire me. I don’t catch them all that often. I’m a morning person… a serious morning person- often starting my day at 3 or 4 a.m. and falling into bed by 9 p.m. But when I catch the full moon in a clear night sky, I feel moved and restless, no matter how long I’ve been up. I rearrange, redecorate, bake something or write.
I too love reading your blog…you have a very beautiful family!
When I need to be more *on*, I go for a sweet little bike ride through town or the park….or drive up to the mountains and go snow skiing (winter) or hiking (summer)….and most times chatting with a dear friend over tea really helps too!
Hugs and Love!
Amy
Love this post 🙂 I count my blessings. one by one.
When the sun shines through the windows and there’s not a cloud in the sky…that big blue sea of happiness turns my “off” to “on!”
First time commenter, but long time reader.
Just loved the beautiful pics of your blue eyed babe in the tub!
I believe I just might order the curved hoops myself!
My reset switch is usually triggered by an all out vent session with my husband or best friends followed by belly aching laughter in the end. Good stuff.
That is a super good question. I think what makes me “go” is listening, singing and dancing to really pop-candy-bubblegum music. Lady Gaga, Prince, anything that was mixed by a “DJ”… and I need it because I have about one thousand papers to grade this weekend. So off to hype the drives and get the blood pumpin.
My “on” is warm weather. I can’t wait for park days. It makes me want to play, clean, create…
And I have to say, I LOVE the picture of Nella on the swing laughing. Love it.
Off to snag a pair of those lovely curve hoops. Diggin ’em, thanks for sharing!
We drove my oldest around our neighborhood so much that someone thought we were stalkers. The things we do to get our kids to sleep!
For me, my middle son’s little voice, who had a speech delay and apraxia and has struggled to learn to talk can take me from having an off day to an on day in a moment. The sweetest sound in the world.
Oh my goodness! Nella in those swing pics! How are you not just constantly eating those cheeks, SOOOO cute!!!! I love Laineys outfits my 3 year old has recently begun to experiment with creating her own little ensembles, I’m embracing it.
What inspires me? Getting some space. Being able to step back for a few minutes. Also, organizing…Even just straightening up one little corner of my home inspires me to…erm usually move the whole house around. I have a bit of a problem/addiction on that front. :0.
going for a bike ride flips my switch. loading up my cruiser basket with jujubees and putting on my favorite sunglasses – hitting the saguaro lined streets….that’s my flip.
Lately, with school starting I have been inspired to work harder and not procrastinate more because the future excites me. Why would I want to keep pushing it back when I just want it to go forward?
I sit for awhile. Pretend the world has slowed down, just for a minute. Take pictures. Knit. Read a book. Have a cup of tea. Relax.
I blog and read – exciting I know. And I’m totally loving those earrings 🙂 Be blessed.
Well, I stumbled upon this blog and am now a fan. Inspired to take better pictures and be more creative with activities for my own little one =)
Love the Focker comment – it is the method I too live by!
Mojo booster – a good tune on the radio. It can change the mood of a whole day.
When I have had enough and just need a recharge… I secretly bake cookies after the kids are asleep and eat them by myslef….ALL of them.
That’s what I like to call “Me Time”.
It was so nice here today 75′. it was amazing , we played outside , read books and snapped some pics.
my reset button is definatly the things that my 5 yr old says …little remarks that make me just want to kiss her, and when my son 21 mth old son noah says “i love you” not to mention when they look at me with those blue eyes.
inlove i tell ya.
love and blessings
the doughtys
I really like The Meg Shop designs. The Nella bracelet is adorable.
Being up north, a bright sunny day really gets me going. Today it was a balmy 56, but the sun was shining with all it’s glory. I need the sun.
I am loving this amazing weather for February as well, all the way here in Chihuahua, Mexico!
A good conversation really helps me switch to “on.” Whether with family, friends, or even my four year old. There’s something to be said for new ideas simmering and growing through talk. 🙂
What turns my button to off, is a clean house. I feel so relaxed and ready for a glass of wine in front of a fire. What pushes my on button, well, these days it’s this blog,or there is always that fall back of watching a great musical.
Running outside with my favorite music in my ears gets me inspired!!
Yes I did see the moon! Love those earrings- I think I turn ‘on’ with coffee and ‘off’ with cuddles.
On and off…. Hummm? Lately it is when I first wake up. I just want no communication, just silence.
Love that bracelet!
Nella too cute scootin’! Love Lainey’s shirt. I miss the park days. Now it is the mall to have fun!
:o)
I haven’t been around in a while. Twin boys are keeping me busy, but it’s so nice to see Nella (and Lainey too) and how big she’s getting. So blessed, you are indeed.
ads
A quick visi to http://www.kellehampton.com works wonders…
But always, my kids
MoJO I LOVE the word. I hear you with you on and off moments. With 3 boys, 3 cats and a career as a Pediatric ICU nurse, I know off.
I carve out some ME time and usually the boys get it, so I have the time to regroup.
Love the curved earrings!!!!
Blogging and trying hard to take photo’s that I don’t feel needs to be deleted. The moon is just amazing tonight also.
ooops, don’t mind that last comment…
First, I love the pic of L’s sidewalk blackened and chalk stained little feet!
Second, that moon last night….funny that you should mention it. I did not see it last night, but I did see it as I was off to work this morning! I also noted how amazing it was. The fact that you mentioned it here just points out to me once again taht we are all indeed under the same moon 🙂
Last, since I love a give away…what inspires me…
This is a multi-facited answer to a single question. But, many things inspire me, here are a few. Your blog inspires me to be a more active mother everytime I read it. Second, A good work out is always inspiring for many reasons but mostly b/c I think so much during my work outs. Probably the best thinking time that I have! But, since a lot of the time that “off,” switch is on this is a problem I have in actually making it to the gym. So to turn on that “on,” switch….well only the most briliant inspiration ever….My BEAUTIFUL, little girl!
I plug in my i-pod to the surround system in the house and crank it. I get energized with good music and dancing with the family. I’m a mommy to 5 so there isn’t much “off” time. However, my tribe and I can go from mellow moods to “yeehaw” with some funky music!
a bubbly bath and a glass of wine….
Music…always music. It could be a couple of new tunes grabbed off of iTunes, or some oldies from high school that make me smile and dance around the room like a crazy person!
…currently trying to figure that one out for myself this “off” time around. But, I know for certain that watching my little boy play with his trains, watching my pregnant baby belly grow, and the anticipation of watching my two children grow up together starting in August is a good start to being “on” again. Oh, and chocolate doesn’t hurt in the process.
What switches me from off to on is writing… Not just blogging either, but that “private” journal writing that can go on for hours, days, or a few fleeting minutes. And sometimes reading other peoples blogs. I love seeing what other people are doing that just might inspire me.
I can’t imagine that there is a human being alive who could look a a picture of smiling Nella and not smile! Your photographs absolutely capture the girls essence.
I love the coral bracelet!
Getting together with friends to spin (wool into yarn) and knit, always inspires me and gets my creative juices humming.
i LOVE Lainey’s mismatching skills! When I was her age I wore a slip, a leopard print swimsuit, and cowboy boots every.single.day! She rocks it, so I’m so glad you roll with it!
Being about to get out in the warm sunshine and explore nature. We miss out on it half the year so when its here we soak in every little bit.
Turning on some music (everytime I tiptoe onto your blog I smile when I hear Beirut). Quiet time with my son watching a movie, reading books, or curling up with him while he sleeps… just being there with him and having him just be there with me. This is so renewing. I also get inspired by other moms I see around me – I’ve really enjoyed your story. Thanks for sharing.
listening to the rhythmic patter of rain on a gloomy california winter day. your photographs were like sunshine streaming through the clouds for me today
Going to the swimming pool, doing some laps, feeling the water, that totally resets me.
btw, Nella’s pics never fail to make me smile 🙂
My “on” button is a nice run. Especially in nice weather. 🙂
On our way home tonight we saw an amazing, huge looking moon! My daughters’ couldn’t believe their eyes. Love that these little moments still amaze my kids. I love your blog. You are a constant reminder to enjoy the small stuff. Thanks:)
taking a walk along our beautiful petaluma river…right behind our home to our secret tree. there is a lil spot to sit under and we just reflect…it always seems to wake me up and look forward to what the day has in store for us…:)
what inspires me to turn my “off” to “on” lately is the random days we’ve been having of just gorgeous weather. when the weather is just so, i open all the windows and let the fresh air in. we go on walks, do crafty projects, clean, whatever it is we want to do.. its fantastic.
I wish I could of heard Lainey say that Nella could ruin her jammies. Oh the things they say, it makes you thing twice about what comes out of our mama mouths, you can, and probably will hear it again….(:
I usually need, a cup of coffee with some really good chocolate and my switch is turned “ON.” Love the post….Blessings Kelle!
Anything outside in the sunshine!! Can’t wait to see some. Love the blog.
i roll down the windows in my car, turn up the radio, and sing along & dance.
LOVE the dirty chalk-covered feet!
My reset is cleaning my house, making a fresh pot of coffee and plopping on the couch with my kids. Now that’s some good shiz 🙂
Fresh air. A walk by myself always does it for me. Oh and retail therapy is a close second. 🙂 Loving Lainey’s fashion sense by the way.
I love how you captured the sunlight in the photos at the park.
I am quickly recharged by being outdoors. I love that I have to take my dog out on the leash several times a day so that even in the dead of winter, I breathe fresh air, see the stars, and feel refreshed.
SOOO sweet and gorgeous girls 🙂
i clean. i organize. inevitably, that leads me to some sort of project, whether it be a craft to use up something i re-discovered, an organization feat, a purchase i think i need to make after ridding myself of something else….
Going home. Not the home I have made, but the one that once was mine. My mom is there and it always smells like freshly brewed coffee and it is familiar. It’s always just what I need when I need a pick-me-up.
PS
The moon last night….A-Mazing!
I’m inspired to shift from “off” to “on” with a fresh 50* day in the dead of Winter- like we had in Chicago this week! I’m also quite inspired by ideas I get on the Internet- from Etsy, from friends, or even FaceBook posts!
An hour of alone time really recharges me. I’m actually enjoying the silence at this very moment!
You look FAB in those earrings!
Also, could your girls be any happier?! Love them! xo
For me, to switch can be complex. It means praying and giving it all to God. It means to get out of the house and work in the yard, come across a fabulous clearance find, get inspired to make something homemade, REAL quality time spent with my man ALONE or even something tiny like a sweet bird outside the window, a ray of golden sunshine, a lightning bug. Depends on the day, the mood, can be something minute or maybe something gargantuan. These all can change the pace and flip the switch on the right day.
Love the photo with Nella and the gleaming sun. I live for sunshine!
love those curve hoop earrings. they look awesome on you!
and I love the way Lainey dresses herself. I have a little one who is just the same and I enjoy watching her beam with a sense of pride as she basks in her independence.
a nice LONG walk resets my mojo!
My “on” is my kids. When they are in a good mood and happy then it makes me feel better and I can get going.
Loved your post today! Heading to the Park with friends – the best!
To refresh, I force myself to clean something – even if it’s just doing the dishes and making the kitchen counters look clean – makes me feel a sense of accomplishment. Then I feel ready to tackle something bigger.
Love your blog! What turns my off to on?…two giggling boys running thru the house.
“it’s ok, she can ruin those jammies” HAHAHA! my mom knew i had a problem when i used to say after something would break “its ok, we can just get a new one” 🙂
either walking with my love, or putting a little katy perry on the loud speakers and dancing around our house. works like a charm:)
when i’m stuck and in a rut, I make a list and start crossing things off. Usually the easy ones first, dishes or laundry.
My reset is when the SUN appears after a long, gray winter in Ohio. I heart the SUN, relish in the SUN, thankful when its magic appears. It springs new life into our world, celebrating its beauty, heat, and brilliance.
We did it! Our paperwork pregnancy is finished, and sent to Eastern Europe to adopt our special Sarah. SO EXCITED for the next phase in our journey.
I shall never believe God plays dice with the world. Albert Einstein.
My ‘on’ switch is a real live coke. It makes me smile and it’s a treat, so I have to do something to deserve it.
Love to slow things down from the crazy day to day with a walk or run outdoors! Luckily, the weather is starting to warm up for this!!
love the bracelet and the I love Nella Shirt! a bright sunny day gets me “on”. I feel motivated and dive into a thousand projects, they don’t all get done but at least they get started!
Flowers.
And it doesn’t matter if they’re from a florist, the cheap plastic-wrapped ones from the grocery store, or picked from the backyard.
It makes me happy to grab a bunch of whatever is available and stick them in whatever I have handy. I love how “organic” my home feels when I have flowers sitting out. The less stuffy, the better.
Today was a funky day, so now I have hydrangeas stuck in a water pitcher. Was just the trick.
I hated it 1.5 yrs ago, but my kids inspired me to start running. I wanted to get healthy, finally lose the baby weight and do something with my husband. We load the kids in the stroller and away we go! We are about to complete our 3rd 1/2 marathon in May! (and I have lost 40 lbs!!)
A good run, and a (reasonably) clean house get me going…of course, getting those things done require their own motivation…it’s a vicious cycle! 🙂
Kelle, I must say that I love the way you talk about your girls. Lainey is just so cute, and Nella, she is as precious as they come. I have a sister who has cerebral palsy, and she will be 31 in May. She is like a ray of sunshine after a rainy day. Nella and her smiles often remind me of my sister, and of the days where I would tease her to hear her yell at me — she didn’t talk until well after she was 8 years old. I would love to know if there is anything that I can do to help out Nella’s Fund, or even to help out with Down Syndrome in general. Please, if and when you have the chance, contact me, and I would love to do what I can. Thank you so much for reminding me just how important my sister is to me.
The moon was fantastic in OK, too.
My off turns on with the perfect mischevious grin from my daughter. The … hmmm… what can we get into now?
I love that Lainey told you to not worry about the jammies. Ah 3 year olds. So sensible. When I’ve lost my way and feel in a funk I look at my planner and realize it’s almost always PMS related. Then I forgive myself for sort of sucking at the moment drop all to-do lists and just enjoy my insanely energetic 18 month old and 3 yr old.
A great dance workout drives my adrenaline up and I leave the Y motivated and inspired. I always feel the switch to “on”– fully illuminated! 🙂
Ahhhh … I love the photos in this post, especially the ones of Nella swinging. I can’t wait to take our little N to the park when it warms up for her first swing ride!
When I need to do something new and get moving on something, I just think about N and the example I want to be for her. It usually gets me going!
Beautiful photos! 🙂
will it sound so completely self centered if i say complements? :::sigh::: it’s true. i’m driven to flip off the “off” to “bring it on” with verbal hugs and love. a few blips of loving after a flat phase of “blah” can inspire a Pavlovian flip of the switch, firing an upswing and my booster rockets fire full on “ON”.
and sometimes, sharing a little love and universal gratitude for the truly awesome fires up my switch and i’m ready to go all “we’re going to the moon, Alice” on every person i see. 🙂
so there. goofy but true.
big love, groovy girl.
An unsolicited “I love you” or cuddle from either of my little guys or words of encouragement from my hubby always recharge me. 🙂
walking on a brisk spring night and then reorganizing a drawer or closet 🙂
I have to say a cup of coffee and your blog help flip my on switch. Thanks!
planning…
I just love how much your girls play outside! I can’t wait until it gets warm enough in Michigan to enjoy it once again!
I have to start by saying that I adore your blog-every post is full of the awesome!
I’d say that my girls are good for switching the off to on. Being a night person also here in Florida the sunset seems to refresh me-the hot subsides and when that happens I can sometimes feel ready to take on the world. Sometimes.
A hug and kiss and a I love you mommy from my kids. Makes everything all better. Great post
Your blog. Really. Also, the cabin fever that sets in (especially this year) mid-February in the Midwest. With the recent shift in temperatures to mid-60’s, my switch has officially been set to “on.” It’s on from here to Summer.
Even in NJ the moon was rockin’ last night!
THAT MOON! I just commented, like 10 minutes ago, to Bug’s Bacca that it is the biggest moon I have ever seen!
Dear Meg….I want those earrings,
(they are beautiful).
signed,
Bug & Ruby’s Shameless Gram
xoxo
Wow, those earrings are awesome. I think I need them.
For me, getting a bit of fresh air (and a little sun on my face if that’s not asking too much) helps me get my groove on again. And yes, that means sometimes in the dead of winter when it’s -30 below, I crack a window open so I can feel the fresh air on my face.
A glass (or bottle) of wine never hurts either.
Days like today…pure spring after seemingly endless months of winter…definitely turn my off to an on. We ran around all day long until the kids passed off into a sweet slumber an hour early.
I am so happy you mentioned something about Nella’s sleep habits! My Brady has had me succumb to a weird habit of getting him to fall asleep, too, that it’s nice to hear I’m not alone!
Love the pictures! And the bath pictures- she is just gorgeous!
I don’t know what it takes for me to regain my mojo…I don’t think I’ve found it yet. Although Brady’s smile is pretty amazing and jolts my soul like nothing I’ve ever known.
That was a great post Kelle!
What turns my “off” to “on”… your blog, seriously, you make life seem so wonderful even with all hiccups along the way. Thinking of when my husband will deploy…makes me appreciate the time I have with him now. And sleeping babies, especially mine…life doesn’t get much better than that!
A power nap followed by coffee turns the off button on. Or sometimes just doing the next thing enough times in a row gets me going. susan
A long, slow breakfast with my best girlfriends turns me from “off” to “on”
Some good music and my camera really gets me going!
Glad to know I am not the only one who loves “fockerizing” my kids! LOVE IT!
For me, it’s usually that I have something I need to work out, so I clean to pull me back on from an off day. We ALL have off days. And I appreciate them because I am finally having more ON days!
I love Lainey’s filthy feet. I have kids that in the warmer months (I live in Canada!) refuse to wear socks and shoes. Cannot blame them, I hate them myself!
coffee helps my mojo turn back on…
I have recently started reading your blog…and I LoVe it! Love the pictures, your thoughts and humor! your kids are adorable…I have a 3 year year old and a 7mo old…and my 3 year old is into dressing herself in funky styles also! A lovely family…
your daughters are so beautiful. i love love love your pictures.
we saw that same moon all the way in hawaii~ beautiful!!
it’s hard for me to get motivated when i’m not but just going outside for a walk or a trip to target gets me excited and ready to take on something new. just get moving!
love Lainey’s shirt 🙂 love your pictures as always !
I do love me a mismatched Little.
And as for the moon: We were driving to Ohio tonight. The moon looked like a low-slung sun. Calvin thought for sure it was Jupiter. Cory told him “It’s the moon.” A few minutes later, Calvin says, from the back corner of the van, “I’ll bet Papaw will know what it is.”
Happy weekending.
I need something to shake up the monotonous…a trip to the indoor waterpark with the kids, a girls night or girls weekend, a getaway with the hubby, a 50 degree sunny day in the middle of February in Michigan, or a visit with family. Just *something* out of the ordinary to snap us out of it!
I *switch* my switch by seeing the trees instead of the forest, because sometimes seeing the whole forest becomes overwhelming and paralyzing. And watching my little play, that always gets me motivated 🙂
Nella looks like such a beautiful little toddler girl these days- your little women are so gorgeous <3
it all depends on the day, the weather, the time. i read some fiction. if the kids are up and awake, i throw a bag together and trek to the park–or if the weather is bad, through the ‘woods’ to our neighbors’ house, where we sit and watch kids and have grown-up talk. or i call same neighbor and we head outside with flashlights and reflector strips and powerwalk for an hour or more until we’ve decided our husbands are going to start getting worried.
A latte from starbucks, a little shopping.
Quiet in my house for a sustained period of time.
Finding a really great housecleaning lady.
Reading.
A few hours by myself to re-energize.
My switch turns “on” when I spend some one on one time with my precious three year old son. Something just him and I, no chores,no stress….just us and fun. Today it was puddle jumping down our street and it was a blast. To us here in MA 50 degrees feels like a heat wave and we’re taking full advantage of it!
We missed the moon last night, covered by clouds….but we were all out in our jammies looking for it! lol
When the impression of my butt stays in the couch cushion, I know it’s time to get moving. Of course, my 2 and 3 year olds don’t really let me lay low for too long at one time.
Oh my goodness! I LOVE those earrings! Too cool. Anyway, what really recharges me is getting out into nature. Sometimes I just need a little sunshine on my face and the smell of something alive and growing. It’s good for the soul and helps me remember that not everything is stress and mortar and stone. Just talking about it makes me want to go hiking. Too bad it’s bedtime.
Organizing/cleaning (my house, my desk) definitely gets me going again. Guaranteed, if I’m in a slump, look at my desk and you’ll know why!
Love the curve hoop earring you have on in this post! I think I’ll be buying those for myself even if I don’t win the gift certificate!
Beautiful post Kelle. Thanks for letting us in…
I find my “on” hard to find. I guess I’m usually “off” but right after a hard work out at the gym I feel renewed. I need to find that one thing which drives my mojo
Especially in the winter time, I love to go to the garden shop jn my neck of the woods…it gives me Hope that Spring is just around the corner, and I go home and give a little love to my own nest
A good Oprah with an iced latte!
~Skylar
Definitely getting out in the fresh air in bright, sunshiney days for the on… and snuggles with my baby and hubs for the turning off. 🙂
You have such beautiful children. Those jewelry is so gorgeous too! I’m gonna go check them our right now.
have a wonderful weekend. happy Aloha friday.
My favorite way to switch from off to on is to do things just a little bit out of my ordinary schedule. I’m such a creature of habit, so sometimes just decideing to wear a few spritzes of that perfume that I’m saving for a special occassion. Or giving in to my craving and eating literally 1/2 a big bag of peanut butter M&M’s. Horrible for my waist line, but makes my mouth so happy. Thanks for the great giveaways you do all the time.
I work with Deaf students. I can be having the worst day ever, and the thing that always helps me recharge is for one of them to sign to me that everything is going to be okay and that I am the best interpreter ever. Even though I know I am not, knowing that I have a touched a childs life so much they want to reciprocate that goodness is worth every minute of struggle. God has blessed my life with this beautiful language!
$40 towards some hot jewelry from The Meg Shop would turn me ‘on’ in more ways than one!=)
Those earrings are gorgeous! Was surprised she was from Red Deer! I live really close 🙂
Throwing a party for absolutely no reason at all ~ a snow party, a tea party, an un-birthday party. Just having something to plan & look forward to helps me out of the ruts. That and baking cookies!
Love, Bree
My reset is either a hot bath with some relaxing classical music on low in the background, or going to my local Country Bar and dancing the night away with my friends and family.
Nella’s spotty knickers are adorable. hope your valentine’s date was fun!
Just had to chuckle at the mismatchin’ getting all crazy – we have the same thing going on around here lately, too:)
I noticed the moon in Huntsville, Al last night…amazing! Also, Lainey’s ‘grocery store feet’: preciousness. Thanks for sharing!
you got some great shots of nella in this post. i love the one of her in the swing!
a cup of coffee with pumpkin creamer and watching an episode of the wonder years. thank god for DVR. :0)
– jen
jehling2 at gmail(d0t)com
Love Lainey’s shirt.
To reset, I run, try to open my mind, listen to tunes and just figure out what I am trying to do.
Love the earrings!!!
Love Lainey’s shirt.
To reset, I run, try to open my mind, listen to tunes and just figure out what I am trying to do.
Love the earrings!!!
We totally turn store-bought into home-made! 🙂
My “turn-on” is the sun. The warmth. Living in Boston it is so rare in the winter, but today we hit 50 degrees and I was revitalized.
Love Lainey’s shirt.
To reset, I run, try to open my mind, listen to tunes and just figure out what I am trying to do.
Love the earrings!!!
when I’m feeling “off” it’s usually because I’m focusing too much on myself or what I don’t have that I want or the way I wish things could be that aren’t. It means I needs to refocus my perspective back to all that I have been blessed with and all the promises I can hold to in Christ. Spending a little time talking to God and reminding myself of truth usually gets my butt back in gear!
Hey I live in New Zealand…. and all the way down here from there, we had a most amazing moon here last night too!!!
During February in Michigan, the thing that revives me are 50 degree, sunshiney days like today. Over the past few weeks since discovering your blog I’ve read it like a book. Thanks for sharing your girls and your honesty.
I love how Lainey is dressing herself. It is an expression of her personality and independence. Just go with it, I say! Such creativity!
My on switch: a good telephone conversation with my mother or taking out my dear sweet Ellie to play in our driveway with blocks and books.
Love the earrings! And Lainey’s t-shirt at the park 🙂
My reset is a phone call or text to my bestest… We dream of living closer together and know that when we’re in the old folks home we’ll be roommates once again and it’ll be better than our college dorm days! And if we don’t remember each other, then it will be nice to make a great new friend every day 🙂
,,,love nella’s sweet toothy smiles,,
While winter is my total “off,” spring or any nice weather day is my “ON.” It energizes me! Makes me want to clean and cook! It just makes me happy and excited! Man, I can’t wait for spring!
my off right now is work…..my daughter is 4 months old and I miss being with her during the day. when i want to slack off at work i tell myself if you are away from your daughter you better make it worth it
cerbev@gmail.com
I love those curved hoop earrings. Going to check out the site.
What excites me; gets me motivated? A good long run with my girlfriends, (nice weather, optional, awesome music, required) and an old fashioned Family Night at our house, which almost always includes a game or movie, lots of giggles from my kiddos, and my husband’s famous popcorn.
Not to be all weird, ‘single-white-female’ on you, but reading your blog definitely inspires me to be creative, dance with my kids, and enjoy the moments with them.You truly inspire me to be a better mom!
Love to you this weekend,
Angela
A cup of hot tea!
I listen to music and I write my head off….all this can be done while snuggled in bed. When I feel like it’s all out there, I can slide out of bed and go about the everyday things….
And when i go climbing and need a boost, I listen to hip hop. YEAH!
When I need to reset, I flip through my CD case, pick my favorite songs, and rock out… singing nonsensically throughout the house usually clears my head enough to switch gears and get my mojo back, no matter how tired, in a funk, or just blah I feel. 🙂
Your blog makes my heart so full… I just want to squeeze my snuggle boy and make sure he knows just how much I adore him…. Thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit through your blog.
Knowing there is going to be a brand new day tomorrow makes today’s lull seem just fine and am all ok with that!
Sleep. I rarely get enough of it, but when I’m well rested, I feel much more capable!
My batteries were totally recharged today – I treated myself to an early b-day gift with a facial this morning – and then my husband took the kids shopping for my present ..I had nearly the whole day to myself. it was splendid!
Shopping!! 🙂
Nella makes me look forward to my girl growing everyday, and finally getting those little hippo top teeth 🙂 love the hoops~
my reset to be on and not off is blogs like yours, people who make me laugh… real gut laughs.
my kids telling me they love me, completely out of the blue. prayer and my Bible.
A good weekend getaway and sleeping in
I find I can regain my mojo by listening to some rockin 80’s tunes…. Cyndi Lauper- “girls just wanna have fun” always seems to do it -cranked really loud! Also love a glass of Shiraz or a good cup of coffee. Love the park pictures. Your daughters melt my heart – so captivating!!!! The picture of Nella in the swing is soooo precious!!!
also my favorite line in meet the fockers … have you seen the latest in the line of focker movies? they still make me laugh. LOTS. even if everyone else thought it was a flop.
(probably a favorite because i do the same thing to my babies. and just did.)
what turns me on … (hee hee) … a beautiful sunrise/sunset. green grass. warmth. mud between my toes. a just long enough period of time to myself to make me wish that i was with my kids again … and then running back home to see them.
YOU switch me on! 🙂
I rearrange or redecorate or purge a room. Gives me a rush every time!
Oh geez…my kids for sure turn me from off to on. I can be exhausted and ready to collapse on the floor but as soon as they need me I am funny, patient, supportive and their “it” mom again. It’s quite magical really! 🙂
A good strong cup of coffee and a moment of silence.
How did I miss those top teeth? 🙂
And pony shows? Girl, I’ve told my kids I would buy them a pony if I could just go to the store by myself! ‘Please stay with Daddy. I’ll buy you a pony.’
🙂
Running shoes, iPod, cool breeze in my hair!
What has recently inspired me to “regain my mojo?”
I was in a big slump for a while after graduating university and having no job. I felt like I had no purpose and really didn’t feel motivated to do anything. Now, I just started working a full-time and because I feel like I have a purpose…somewhere to GO during the day, people who are relying on me to do something productive…I just feel inspired to get up and DO things now!
Also, as usual, I loved this post!
For me, it’s grabbing a beer, bringing up Itunes and finding me some new music. I feel like if I have a new soundrack to life, it invigorates me to explore new and exciting things. Music is my soul and it has the ability to bring joy and energy in to any day.
That’s my ‘on’ switch 🙂
I spent a day of my President’s Day vacation in my kindergarten classroom organizing. I’ll feel very on Tuesday when the kiddos return!
Love those earrings!
Our Princess is not a good sleeper either. Her favorite thing to do is snuggle btwn Jason and I and stay up late.
Date nights… Just being alone, talking, thinking about why we fell in love. Then we talk about missing the kids and return home:) But it is nice to get away and enjoy each other.
What about your how was your date night this week?
The moon was something to TALK about!!! MOJO… all I need is some sunshine to get it back. My sweet Colorado knows how my fickle heart sways… One day I love the snow, the next day I need the sun. SURE wish I lived in your neck of the woods where the flakes never fall. Lovin your pics as always. Have a happy weekend!!!
A great chat is my reset button! And sometimes it’s just a one-sided blog chat!
Watching my little guy exploring his newfound clearer world after brain surgery at 18 months is what gets me going. So much to be grateful for – so you have to get up and keep movin
art projects with the kids…getting really messy & just going with it – inspires me to be more creative!
ME and my sewing machine..and no kids around!!!! Just peace and quiet time and sewing on something fun!!!
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a good cry…. followed by a nap and loving hug from my mom
I’m not just saying this to say it…but in all honesty..reading your blogs give me motivation as a mother in some many ways and on so many levels. If I’m feeling like not such a creative mommy w/ my kids..I love to go through your blogs to help push me to the crafty side from your past pictures…..you motivate me to bake w/ my boys……blow bubbles,sidewalk chalk,color w/ crayons,pull the paint out of the drawer in the kitchen and give the kids a blank canvas to create their own art….I can go on and on. You my friend are an inspiration to me and help push me to be a better,fun, and hands on mom.
I have always known how important friends and family are….but you have taken it to another level and have taught me so much……how to live in the moment,soak up the memories as they unfold and to capture fond moments w/ my camera.
Time with my daughter. Talk about the best easy to go from on to off! There innocence is intoxicating!
Could Nella’s eyes be any more beautiful?!
Last-minute movie nights with my girls when I’m feeling down, cozy sweaters with slouchy socks, really long hugs… yeah, that’s a good one.
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I love the park pics! I love awesomely ordinary play dates! 🙂
The hoop earrings are LOVELY!
I love your posts and your pictures! They really and truly help me to look for love and excitement in the mundane. <3
Nice, sunny, weather is the best push to get my off switched to the on position. Fresh air and sunshine baby!!
Love and health to you and yours!!
when i need a reset i grab a pepsi 🙂 horribly unhealthy habit but for some reason even if i haven’t had one for days it makes me feel better!
I listen to the song I Will Carry You by Selah…..and thank God that my girls are happy and healthy….take advantage of a moment during the night that I normally would just let them fall back to sleep by themselves….and instead, go and hold them….breath them in. We never know when our last breath will be….sometimes we need to be reminded of that. <3
My baby Milanija’s smile for all there is with no holding back – that turns my off to an on. She makes me want to rediscover the world with her every day.
A long run with good music on my ipod.
what turns my “off” button back “on” you ask?
super random lake trip to feed the most u-g-l-y ducks on the planet. But, my girl loves them and today after her 1st haircut ever, she said “momma, go see ducks?” and of course, we did. She is my every day of my life, most glorious “on” button.
Ok. Could Nella be any cuter?? My gosh that girl is a big bunch of love and sunshine! The picture of her hanging over the swing with the smile just melted my heart. ♥
Lainey is getting so big! She’s getting more beautiful by the day. Love the shirts!
LOVE those earrings!!
I get motivated when I get a chance to clean my house, throw crap away, and reorganize a closet or drawer.
Hmmm…regaining my mojo means I press shuffle on the iPod and go. Soon at least 2 out of 3 kids come running. They KNOW Mom is gonna sing and dance her heart out. 🙂
When I look back years from now that is what I will remember most….singing, laughing, dancing and being silly with my kids.
Kim
the madonna pandora station totally gets me going!
soaking in a hot tub, sipping coke from a wine glass, and scribbling my emotions into a good old fashioned 99 cent spiral bound notebook.~ i love to blog.. but there’s something about writing w/ a real pen & paper every now and then.
love that movie by the way and great line!! 🙂
I love those earrings. I reset by getting up extra early, brewing a strong cup of coffee, and watching the sun flood our aptly named sunroom with a heavy purring cat on my lap. Makes all right in the world.
I have been following your blog ever since it was featured on my internet homepage! Though we are at completely different stages of life (i’m still in college), your thoughts and stories about your friends and family are easy to relate to as well as inspiring. Thank you for continuing to share!
BTW, love that first picture of Nella 🙂
The latest greatest song from “Glee”…who else this week loved “Take Me or Leave Me” by Rachel and Mercedes??
My flip is probably a good coffee date with a friend, or anticipating not setting alarm (on a Friday afternoon 🙂 )
Conversations with friends, a cup of coffee with vanilla and cinnamon in it, a good tickle fest with my kids, having conversations with my husband like we did when we were just dating (14 yrs. ago ) making something new for dinner, to name just a few.
Recently we have been reading “The Little Prince” to our son at night and that book has reminded me of what the world of adults looks like from a kids view. Inspiring. There are so many good lines in that book.
Happy Weekend!
Lisa in CA
Kelle!
I love her work! I want one of everything in her store!
Forgot to add…what shifts me from “off to an on”
It’s doing photography, and playing with my son…oh and road trips! To regain my mojo I LOVE going antiquing and shopping at thrift stores. I think it’s the thrill of what you could possibly find that makes me the most excited!
The moon last night was AMAZING. I had to pull the car over as I saw it rise over the mountain here in ABQ.
I love love love the smiles you capture of Nella’s. Seeing them makes me smile.
You do!!! You remind me to stop and “enjoy the small things!” Seriously!
I am all about packing up and doing something super spontaneous. Like driving 5 hours to Tahoe! That will give my “mo” some “jo”!
Cleaning. If I can make everything clean around me then I can jump into the other things that are holding me back.
Love the beautiful pictures. I love Nella’s adorable face while she is swinging. Perfect moments!
I fake it till I make it. Sometimes just akin I am “on” will get ne going. That or having a really good hair day?
Thanks for a great sun stained post. Off to figure out how to shoot such beauty.
I cut my hair…I’m talkin’ chop baby… myself! So far its worked out ok 🙂
LOVE the Focker method.
A nice romantic comedy is enough to reset my heart full of love and desire…to do more!
a massage, a facial, a date, a girl’s night out, a early morning jog….thank goodness for reset buttons!
Oh that smile on your littlest little! And, have to say the sight of blackened bare feet is beautiful and inspiring as I freeze my arse off here in our -20! So what flips my switch? Coffee. Even the future promise of a cup will do it! That and giving myself permission to watch old episodes of some show that requires no brain activity what-so-ever!
We have wonderful park days, too.
And the thing that re-vamps me is a hot bath with a good book. After that, I’m totally relaxed and in the best frame of mind that I can be in. I love my nightly baths and never, ever skip one. Ever. It’s “my time” and I need that so badly (in a house of nine children!)
Oh, and I loved seeing the bottoms of Lainey’s little feet, just a tad bit dirty from being on the cement, barefooted — I love being barefoot and I love when my kids are outside, barefoot — but my hubby? not so much. He grew up in New York in the city where there was no grass to play on and the sidewalk was thought to be a dirty place to have your feet, and so for him it drives him crazy if we step out the door without at least some flip-flops on. I say, let kids be kids and let them go barefoot outside! We have been married 18+ years and have agreed to disagree on this subject! (but it still irks him when I let the kids outside without shoes!)
love those earrings! 🙂
what inspires me, energy from other people. Seeing someone dive into a project really inspires me to do the same.
To reset- a long walk…heart rate up…. reenergized every time!
Love your blog!
Yeah, we use the Focker method too.
Off to On= I just need some decent time outside: feeling the earth beneath my feet and the air charging my lungs nearly always brings me back home to “on.” Or, if the weather is particularly nasty, rolling around on the floor with my family also works wonders.
JFDI gets my mojo back, it stands for “Just F*cking Do It” !!!!!
Oh! I took a picture of the moon the same time you did!
The View From Vegas
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleyjphotography/5455659602/
My “on” switch is blasting the country music while I’m all alone in the house and dancing wildly while shouting the words at the top of my lungs. Get’s the job done every time 🙂
LOVE LOVE L O V E that MOON! I have always been a “moon” person. It so calls to me. Again, I just love it!!
Seriously, I’m a visual person, so I really glean inspiration from things I see–and these come in all forms: a sunset (and I get awesome ones from my apartment), blogs like yours which make me laugh and cry (often in unison), tons and tons of eye candy the likes of which are seen in etsy.com, stylemepretty.com and pinterest.com (seriously they are time sucks!), and since I’m a digital scrapbooker, online galleries. I can’t tell you how many times my mojo (stubborn little guy) suddenly took off running in glee because of such visual gorgeousness 🙂
What switches my off to an on… a night with my girlfriends. A night we spend sipping wine, discussing a good (or bad) book for at least 5 minutes, eating yummy food, and dishing about everything happening in our lives. Amazing what that does to heal the soul.
Love your Lainey quote about ruining the pajamas. My first thought to that wasy, “Oh no! Those pjs are done!” But Lainey has good perspective!
My grandkids get me going. There smiles at the littles things remind me how thankful I am. They are always my sunshine and help me deal with breast cancer treatment.
Those earrings are just gorgeous!
And I love the belly slide Nella has going there!
Wow, you get so many comments, I usually don’t think to leave one… but I was tempted this time to share my secret of climbing out of a slump. It’s not a secret really, but I sometimes get distracted and forget to keep up with it. Music inspires me to the max. If I do a little Pandora surfing to find some new tunes and upload them to my ipod, anything can happen. A long run, a family room dance session, playing pirates with paper towel telescopes suddenly comes alive as if we were really mopping decks in the middle of the ocean 🙂
Little things can energize me again…a good workout, an unexpected ten minutes of snuggles, taking the time to blow dry my hair & put on the “good” lipgloss…
All babies should be fockerized 🙂
1) i LOVE it when my kids tell me “mom it’s okay” about something.
2) penelope has been dressing herself lately too. She and lainey could really give betsy johnson a run for her money.
3) and my inspiration comes from knowing that my time with my babies is short…really short. there’s only a few years that they will want to spent time with me before they figure out that i’m too nerdy and uncool to be seen with. so i try to take advantage of the precious little time. *sniff sniff*
The weather! Here in Michigan after much snow we got a hint of Spring in Feb. and off we decided to down to Cincinnati Ohio! 6 hours one way with 4 kids! And oh what it did for my mood! Got a 2-room super nice suite for ONE night and then we’ll drive the 6 hours back home…to an African feast courtesy of my mom-in-law.
I so needed a hint of Spring, a reason to jump in the car and drive 6 hours just for the hey of it!
My friends recharge me when I am in need…which is today…and thankfully I have a night out with my friends tonight while my hubby stays back with our 3 beautiful babes.
The weather helps me shift “on” and I kind of just go from there!
The other day it was so warm and the sun was bright so I took the pack and play out on the deck, I moved my daughter’s drawing table out there too, grabbed some strawberries, a good book, put my son in the pack and play and we spent hours out there. it was such a nice day!
I switch ‘off’ to ‘on’ by going outside! As long as I can see that sky, I am reset!
…a big, over-sized costume ring.
I am so happy you posted that picture of the moon because as I drove home from the hospital last night after spending the day with my daughter – I was mesmerized by the moon.
What inspires me? That is easy – my children. They inspire me every day to be my best. I have a 4 year old son and an 18 month old daughter who was born with CHARGE Syndrome and her journey has really opened my eyes and changed my perspective on life. I want to be my best for my kids. Every. Single. Day.
Beautiful post… as ALWAYS! 🙂
To invite the “on” back into my life I like to do anything involving relaxation. Sometimes that means just enjoying my family and doing nothing to document it… instead of trying to photograph every little cute thing, I put the camera down and just enjoy and take a mental photograph as I watch them. And it is always exhilarating and relieving when the inspiration comes back.
From what we can tell on your blog… your on or off looks good and is still great. We don’t see degrees of inspiration, we just see a constant stream of amazing-ness and creativity. 🙂 So be encouraged… even when you feel off – it still looks good on you. 🙂
Thanks for inspiring!
-Amber
What turns my “off” “on” is a quiet Sunday with my husband then going to the dog park later for some craziness then a simple dinner that night. Just “being” make me the happiest.
Old stand by’s: fashion mags, episodes of glee and Ugly Betty, a hot mocha
New found on button pushers: running and cleaning (both are still kind of hard to believe)
The moon was almost as bright as a street light last night!!!!
Great post. What gets me going is the snow melting in PA and the sun shining to a brilliant 60 degrees today. Break out the tank tops and flip flops, cause my girls ran past mounds of snow yelling ‘It’s SPRING!!!’
Love the fact that your husband walked around the island thousands of time to get Nella asleep. It cracks me up because we did the same thing, but then we were scared to move her because she was asleep. My on is that spring is showing its sweet little head. We love being outdoors so I’m waiting on the ground to dry up a little then “the covered bridge, picnic here we come.”
Kelle,
You MUST tell AnnaRuth that I said she looks absolutely STUNNING in those pictures!!! Beautiful!! WOW!!!
I live in Vancouver, Canada and the moon last night was just as spectacular … I love that at the end of a day, we are all just enjoying the same things. As for what inspires me to regain my mojo … sitting quietly in a patch of sunlight cuddling my baby girl or watching my husband sleep. I am who I am because of them. I love because of them.
wow that’s crazy you’d mention the moon because I did catch the moon last night and it was AMAZING!
When I loose my mojo, I like to wear the brightest articial of clothing I can find in my closet! Helps with my mental attitude 🙂
Fresh bold coffee, a spritz of lavender smellies and a quick look at my 1 yr old daughter’s smiling face is all it takes to conquer the minute, hour or day.
Monday morning coffee with a girlfriend…and an afternoon rendezvous with my boyfriend, T.J. Maxx!
My “refueling” moments most always come at the end of the day when me and the daddy are giving horse rides to our 2.5 year old sweet girl while our 10 month old son gathers all the books he can pull off the shelf. We gather in our girls room, illuminated by the glow of a soft lamp. No phones, no tv in the background, just a room full of laughter and love. I always walk out of that room (after tickle time, and books, and talking mrs. shadow) feeling madly in love and filled to the brim.
A walk on the beach! 🙂
To find my mojo….we bake! we movie watch! we do nothing that we normally do! we act with a spontaneous streak that makes tomorrow’s routine that much more appealing!
A long bath, good book and a glass of sweet red wine. That’s how I go from off to on.
Love the post, as usual 😉
My reset button gets hit by sitting at the dinner table with my husband, and having a great conversation. Preferably while the dog lays and dozes under the table.
I know this is crazy – but cleaning my kids’ room brings out my mojo. I dunno, something about them having clean and organized spaces puts me in overdrive. My mind just goes all over the place when things are in order and it festers when its a pigsty. The ebb and flow of life!
Things that move me to “on”…. A great song. A bright sunny day in the middle of what has been a long, cold, snowy winter in Topeka, KS. Watching my dog get so excited when I walk in the door, and last but definitely not least, a phone call to my dear friend in Nashville who will let nothing stop him from pursuing his dream of making an album. Love, Love, Love your blog! It brightens my day!
I am so with you! A nap flips the on back on! LOVE Meg’s stuff!!
It may seem like the obvious answer, but I just look at my kids when I need a push. Hard, right into their eyes. Then I can feel my “on” button coming back to life!
Love these pictures!
To get me going, I love taking my son on walks around the park, with friends or without, it is always good for both of us! I live in IL and it was FINALLY warm enough this week to do just that and we took advantage!
Heather @ http://icthroughyou.blogspot.com
So I don’t have anything to comment about that switches me from “off” to “on” but I do want to say that I love reading your blog. And that your girls are beauties.
I watched a movie the other night called “I’m Still Here” with Joaquin Pheonix. Now, I wouldn’t recommend the movie to anyone, but there was a part that I thought you’d enjoy. He read from childrens book called “An Awesome Book” by Dallas Clayton. http://veryawesomeworld.com/awesomebook/inside.html
I think you will appreciate it.
The thing that inspires me most, is the beautiful sleeping faces of my 4 kids. Especially my 13 (almost 14) year old who, in sleep, looks just like that little dandelion fuzz haired little girl I gave birth to. They inspire to reach for new heights everyday.
Jen
Getting outside and taking a walk with my two girls and our dog. Which has been hard with this snowy winter!
Depending on the season/setting it would be…a combo of relaxing conversation that is meaningful, yet not too deep and sipping on an ice cold beer or a nice room temp glass of red, oaky wine. This always sparks something inside me. Whether it’s inspiring me to take on a new project or simply me aspiring to be a better mother, wife, friend, etc.
I need sleep to recharge! When I feel like I’m running thin it’s usually sleep depravation. I also like to get my kids and husband out of the house and I clean top to bottom, like a fresh start!
I ragain my mojo when I take the time to stop and think about the little things. Actually the big things – my 3 daughters – and push them to the front. I put work aside, and house aside, and play. Too often I take them for granted, and I promise to focus on them more tomorrow. Then tomorrow comes and it’s up, pack lunch, school bus, homework, gymnastics, shower, bed. When I push them to the top and focus on being PRESENT, my mojo returns.
Love the recap of your day! I would say that going from the ‘off’ to ‘on’ feeling can be triggered by so many things … spring weather – just the slightest break from cold and snow makes me feel a renewal of life … but in February that is short lived here in Ontario … so there is also taking a day on the weekend to do nothing but hang out at home, plan for baby to come, maybe head over to a craft show, have a date night with my lovely husband … with jam packed spring schedules coming, these days of nothing planned are precious!!
My kids . . . travel mags or beach / cottage blogs . . .
First, I went directly to the Meg Shop and ordered those earrings. LOVE.
Second, Lainey’s outfits are priceless and amazing. I wish I could pull them off 😉
Third, the thing that never fails to turn me “on” is a particular Victorian house in Northampton, MA, where I gather with my friends a couple times a year. We write, we play, we sing…and somehow, I always leave feeling like I can do ANYTHING.
To get reset, I look at…REALLY look at…my students with disabilities. Watching them persevere despite? because of? their differences inspires me every.single.time.
Ideally, going for a hike helps me regroup, but with this winter’s endless snow I’m having to make do with coffee!
Awwwww…. Those dirty feet…. Love it! Reminds me of my childhood and all the fun there is to be had outdoors!!!!
My off button is turned to on by wearing flip flops, holding a Starbucks coffee in one hand and pushing a stroller with the other 🙂
And by the way I am so thrilled that you met our very good friends Ryan and Lauren and their girls. You are all amazing people and deserve each other as friends 🙂
where did you get those bell-bottoms for lainey? i seriously don’t think my 3-yr old will be able to survive the summer without something similar!!! 😉
i spend an evening with a friend, or force in some time cook a scrumptious meal!
A little Van Morrison on the stereo and sun spilling into my kitchen will usually get me going.
**********************contemplation. 🙂
Nothing inspires me more that having a project or getting ready to do something that people will enjoy. Someone coming over? make a cake.
People arriving into town? Cook a dinner to gather people.
New fabric? Get sewing…
Please Please tell me how you get those swing photos. I have tried everything but cannot get them. What lens? I don’t find the 50mm 1.4 great for action shots so usually chose the 200mm. Kid is usually is only half in the shots
Help!!!!
Nice weather and being out doors ALWAYS get my mojo groove’n again! However, in Pennsylvanian that leaves a rather large dry spell. I’m still working on finding the switch to “on” during the winter months, but I’ve found that photo blogging (mostly I just use my facebook for this) or a solid bath gets me pumped.
By the way, that first picture of Nella dear basking in a stream of sunlight is STUNNING. Easily one of my favorite photos of yours.
This post was so peaceful. Love it.
And walking into school the morning after an “off” night, seeing my students, not noticing time fly by as I teach them…that is what turns my switch back to “on.” I feel like I can do anything.
I loved the on/off post. I can totally relate. I’m just barely coming to appreciate the ups and downs and now I’m not so hard on myself when I just feel “off.” I think that’s what makes “on” so productive and beautiful – the contrast. It seems to me that after a long day with a mischievious 2 year old boy and a colicy 2 month old girl who just doesn’t stop crying – the best reset for me is putting the kids to bed. I love seeing my sweet baby girl finally content and full, snuggled in her soft blankets. And after checking on my son and hearing his sweet breathing and admiring his long, long eyelashes, I feel bad about losing my temper and realize he’s still so little and all the trouble he can cause is what makes him my perfect little boy.
Dreams. Some of my most creative ideas come to me in the middle of the night.
Now I feel like swinging on a swing!
Love Lainey’s shirt! And love the sponsor bracelet!
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I pick up my T2i and capture some memories. There is no such thing as “to many pictures.”
Those two precious babies just take my breath away each and every time I see photos of them. My oh my! (-:
Ah, going from off to on. Well there are a few things that help me with that. Some of my favorite ones have to do with nature. We are blessed to live in an area that has lots of little hidden gems. I like to go up to our favorite nearby mountain area or to the wildlife range just a few minutes away. Both are beautiful and definitely help recharge me. Sometimes I go just by myself, but other times I go with the family (dogs included). Most of the time I remember to bring my camera too. (-:
a peek into spring weather… a day off with my kids, where we can be free and drive around with the music loud and shop for action figures… because everyone needs action figures, right?
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Love, Sunlight, and…. Shopping!
There are a couple things I do when I’m off.
I take a long hot shower
Crack the pages of a new book…it’s like going on a vacation
I go on an excursion. Either around the block or around town. changing up the scenery helps me reset.
I have to reenergize with a good book in a hot bath full of soothing bubbles every now and then!!
Lovely post.
And cupcakes. They always do it for me.
What is switching me to on – is knowing our precious girls are going to be here in 100 days or less. We love them so much already and we haven’t even met them yet.
Loved the earrings! I already ordered a pair now!
My touchstone is my Nikon camera. When I need a new perspective, or simply need to refocus the present one, my camera gives me the view that is usually just what I needed to see. Love you and your wonderful blog, Kelle. God bless.
I shift from “off” to “on” by re-purposing. Finding something oddly unique and cheap at Goodwill and spray painting or fixing it so it looks fancy smancy.
PS Nella’s two front teeth make that smile even more adorable…which I didn’t think was possible!
I Love my Nella ONEder fund bracelet. I might have to get on her site and get me something else. Loving The Meg Shop!!! and loving you blog post as always!!!
The never ending smile on my childrens faces!
On- the gym, my best and worst friend
Off- a fire, movie, some homemade cinnamon toast and a WHOPPIN huge cup of milk.
I LOVE that bracelet fyi
How to restart? Coffee, enough sleep to feel rested and a source of inspiration (it varys every day for me). A day out on an adventure with my love, books, movies, magazines, ribbons, pictures a walk down a Winners aisle, you name it.
Warm weather and healthy kids! We’ve had a pretty off week. As soon as all the snot in the house has cleared up Im taking us out to play and we aren’t coming in until the sun goes down.
Love Lainey’s outfit…my daughter’s been doing that often too. wonderful combos come from it!
I love to cook a great meal and enjoy it with my family, laughing with them gives me the most fulfilling feeling ever or if I really need some deep “me therapy”…I pull out the never failing canvas and paint brush. For me, there is no better way to get that “mojo” back.
I am a list-maker to no end. I make lists for everything and like to have my days planned out. But yesterday was an abnormally warm February day in Cincinnati. So, as I watched my two little ones playing on the enclosed front porch while I folded my laundry (part of my Friday to-do), I said screw the list, we are going to the park. My laundry is still not all the way done and I don’t even feel bad about it. So being spontaneous gets me.
I love watching your family grow up through your blog. I don’t know you personally, but your journey and mine has some similarities, and it is so encouraging to read about your family’s “adventures” – even when those adventures are as simple as park swings and dirty cotton bellies. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself!
when I’m off and I need to flip the switch on I do yoga. It’s amazing how even just a few minutes of downward dog and some sun salutations can clear your mind and awaken your body.
A good song blasted on the radio as I dance w my kids gets me going. When I am feeling off I say “let’s turn the music on and dance” works every time.
I turn on the soundtrack from Wicked, grab a spoon, and sing into it like I’m rockin’ out the Grammy’s. Works every time. 🙂
FYI, I wouldn’t want to sleep either if I lived at ur house. Too much fun stuff to do and pics to take!! Just saying
What gets me going…..being able to create something, sewing, jewelry, knitting, crochet…etc. And if the Florida sun is shining it makes it that much better!
What a beaitufl day
Great Question, and one I’ve never really thought about.. But now that you have asked, I know exactly something that helps me go from ‘off’ to ‘on’. Its when I look good. And I don’t mean this to be vain. But when I take the time to look like me again. I love fashion.. I love a good pair of shoes… I love make up. When I go out looking like ‘me’ again I feel confident. I wear that confidence proudly. And my heart is full. And i remind myself that I am loved and I can do almost anything I want..
My favorite re-charge is to spend time with my girlfriends… to get away from responsibilities, even if for only an hour or two, and remember who I am apart from my family. Having a little time to myself helps me come back to be a better mother & wife. A brisk walk with my ipod or a drive alone with loud music are two other ways I switch to “on” or find that elusive mojo.
xo
Kate
Good conversation with my hubs; enough time to slow down and be inspired; color; sunshine; laughing with our boys; good coffee. 🙂
When I’m feeling off I just need to see someone else doing life. I’ll skim through the blogs in my reader and get inspired. Then I get off the couch and just go!
(The video of Nella and her flashcards makes me want to cry. I’m so so proud of her. She is wonderful.)
I’m most motivated to flip the switch to on when I’ve had a setback and haven’t been able to do what I need to. Like recently, I had a knee surgery and was down hard for a few weeks. The first chance I had to gimp around on two legs, I cleaned out the flowerbeds, painted the bathroom vanity, and touched up all the trim. It’s sick, really.
Off to On? I think it’s cyclical, maybe something to do with that big old moon.
mine is the ocean, no matter the season I have to feel the waters.
Kelle, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the video of Nella! It’s soooooo cute!
In order to know what resets me you need to know what turns my on to an off. I have lost two babies, my last on happening only a month ago. I don’t have any earth children as of yet. Well when my in-laws came over last night (and every time they come over) the conversation is always about pregnancy, babies, parenting, and things of that nature. Well last night they were all talking the normal mommy ands daddy convo and I just sat there. I had to find every ounce of stregnth to not just start crying and screaming. It lead to me leaving my house and sitting in my car and just crying. I needed that off time. What reset me was remembering how I felt when I was pregnant. The feeling of knowing that the little baby inside me loves me and I love it. The way everything is so much better when you are pregnant. The sky seems so much bluer, the air is fresher, life is just all around happier. Remembering that feeling triggered me to come back into reality and realize I can keep trying and I am not going to give up. One day I will join that conversation and it will be a very happy day.
a good book or your blog 🙂
I love Lainey’s mismatching clothes, reminds me of my son who would say all three things have the color green in them so they actually do match! lol
I get my mojo from blogging and playing in the sun with my girlies!!!
Going for a run always clears my head and fresh air makes me feel ready for something new.
A good run. . .getting on a training schedule for a race (which I can’t wait to do after baby boy #2 is born in early 7/2011!). Until then, baby planning and cherishing one-on-one time with our little man.
My off to on is when my sweet girl reaches out her hand and gives me the “come hither mommy” signal to follow her to her play kitchen, art table or room to read a book…. that reminds me to dig deep and find some fun energy for her.
Loved the moon last night too- my pic didn’t turn out as nice as yours ; )
To get my moJo back…hmm it varies. When I’m at work..COFFEE, or I check in on your blog 🙂
Home…WINE and a little time by myself(even 30 mins works) to get me back in the game 🙂
I find that what helps me to regain my mojo if I’m feeling flat is to go for a long walk each day. It really improves my feeling of well being and gives me renewed energy.
Love the photos in the park! Brings back the memory of what a joy being on a swing was!
xo
Hi i was really impressed with your posts and am starting a similar blog haveing to do with all the things ive learned over my life. you should check it out and let me know what you think. Thanks! http://cevinphoster.blogspot.com/
The sunshine definitely helps me turn it on, but actually, just putting shoes on somehow helps turn it from ho-hum to get going and embrace the day!
Make up and cute jewelry!!! I feel like I can do anything after putting on some war paint and bling! shallow i know LOL.
Love your photography and writing. Totally inspiring!!!
LOVE THOSE EArRings!!
What makes me move and “turns me on” is thinking about making a new memory with my kiddos!
Baking turns my switch from off to on. It always seems to do the trick! I just hate cleaning up the mess afterwards!!!!! Those earrings are rocking!!!
A new lipstick, a quiet corner with a new book or an evening catching up on great movies I’ve missed usually helps me to find some of my missing mojo. When all else fails, I’ll down a glass (yes, a solitary glass, I’m an embarrassment!) of red wine and be falling down drunk, then wake up in the morning feeling young and full of adventure again.
To switch from off to on I surround myself with all the people and stuff I love…starting with my husband, boys, mom, coffee, time writing…there are a lot of things that lift me up! I guess that’s a good thing:)
When I need to jump start my soul, I grab my camera and head out, anywhere, and start shooting. I am always amazed at what shows up on my computer screen when I hit the “view photos” screen. I could spend hours just editing photos. Thanks Kelle. I hold you responsible for lighting this fire within me, and I will be forever greatful!
i’m loving the mismatching. jonah likes to wear mismatching socks.
we just moved jonahs bed into our room because he doesnt like to sleep in his room alone… wonder what ferber would say. lol.
as for what powers my transmission and makes me shift gears…a good many things: my future self, a sunny day, the boys, good food, a good read, a good blog post… 🙂
I think my daughter helps me to be on – she is so much fun and thinking of fun things to do with her keeps me going.
I love the pictures of the moon – got to love a full moon – I had my daughter during one – always heard that is causes a baby boom – it really does, the hospital was busy busy busy with lots of women having babies!
Locking my office door, and logging into blogger with a frosty diet Mt. Dew. Works like a charm every time 😉
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A diet wild cherry pepsi, an email or text from a friend I don’t hear from enough, a good dose of sunshine and bright blue sky, a joyous hug from my baby girl, a great song and the privacy to sing along and not care how I sound, a good hug tucked under my husbands chin, a nice warm comfy bed to curl up in…. All great mood lifters depending on the day or situation. 🙂
The Meg Shop has now been added to my Etsy favs. LOVE the earrings!
Summer. All that sunshine, daylight until nearly 9 p.m., bare, dirty feet, the pool, fireflies, sitting on the porch with my husband and a glass of wine while the kids romp …
Summer. My on switch. Always.
What makes me go from off to on? When my almost five year old (on Tuesday) tells me he has to go potty and then actually goes potty! Such a huge deal and something that makes me oh so happy!!
I love mis-matching Lainey!! It reminds me of my daughter who started dressing herself at 3 and never matched! Well, she’s 10.5 years old, and still, rarely, matches, and we STILL just go with it! She likes it that way, and that’s good enough for me.
Oh my, those earrings are gorgeous, simple and elegant. And Nella in the bath is too cute!
openin’ the windows weather…nothing like some fresh air to turn you on!
The moon was uh-mazing!! last night 🙂
What gives me my mojo back? Napping with my babies, manicures, starbucks soy vanilla latte’s, online shopping (browsing) and a warm, sunny day!
To help me get back on taking a good nap, going outside with my kids, or going to mass always work. We love going to the park too!
jon stewart turns me on!!!
politics, right now, are totally turning me off!
lovin’ your cowboy chalk drawing!!
🙂
Very, very rarely I wake up before my daughter Miah Jane, but when I do I’ve find that it allows magic to formulate….I creep to the coffee pot, pour my cup of joe, and creep back to watch my girl sleep. This is where is all happens….this is were I turn “On”….watching her sleep inspires me to create the best day she’s ever had….most of the time it ends up being the best day I’ve ever had.
LOVE NEVER FAILS does it Kelle!
xo
Taking an all-girls road trip with my baby, sister, and brand-new niece. That inspires me to turn my life back on.
Honestly, if I need to regain my mojo I hit up the closest Starbucks and get a peppermint mocha!
The wonderful weather we have been having in Indiana has kept me going. It was in the 60’s this week. Any other time it’s my husband and daughter that keep me going. But this week has just been b-e-a-utiful!!!
i love those hoop earrings!
ugh…i wish i knew…i haven’t been able to find mine for a long time. i’m in a deep deep rut…
Ahh gorgeous pictures! I especially love the one of Nella with her cute dimpled smile and double-chin on the swing!
hello kelle! this is my first comment on your blog, and let me tell you, i never write on anyone’s blog! but today i’m overcoming my comment stage-fright to tell you that i absolutely love your blog. im not a mom, not married, or anything, but there is something about what you write that makes me relate.
my get-me-going thing would definitely be music, especially in rush hour. i crank up the volume and sing off-key to some 90’s power ballad (Which my ipod’s full off). this helps me get going. im one of those that does ‘air-drums’ on the steering wheel, lol. anyway, keep up the awesome work on your blog! warm hugs from puerto rico 🙂
Nella’s blue eyes get me every time!! I think napping with the kids really does flip the switch for me. Snuggling in next to their warm bodies, feeling the chest move up and down and just knowing my life has so much love and beauty it in.
Seriously, a rainy day and a black garbage bag inspire me! It’s a reason to stay in my pajamas guilt-free all day and clean up the clutter (hence the BLACK bag….so I can’t see through it and change my mind–haha!)
Clutter in my house leads to clutter in my mind, heart, and body….soooo, I LOVE TO DE-CLUTTER!
And to be cheesy, “YOU inspire me” when I’m feeling off. 🙂
Here’s to “on”,
Kelly
Love the I love Nella shirt. And seriously, how funny that Lainey knew what you were up to with the jammies, but even better of you to listen. 🙂 Oh and I dont have a problem turning on. Everything turns me to on mode. My desire to be with littles, to photograph them, to blog and document our time together, to plan days full of fun for them, to work out and do something good for me. In fact my problem is I have a hard time turning off. Didn’t take one nap through two pregnancies. Doesn’t that sound strange? 🙂 xoxo
You have an off button??? No.fair. I think my ob removed mine a few weeks back. My newborn does not allow an off…and I’m cool with it…for now
This week I was feeling a little under the weather…so this week my reset button was when I asked for a hug from my 3 yr old and he opened his arms wide and said “I love my mommy.”
Totally reset and ready to conquer the world!
A lot of things help me reset. A big smile from my little boy. Some inspiration online or in the real world. Shopping 🙂
the thing that gets me goin’? Any of the glee soundtracks! We put them in the CD player in the car and crank the music. Suddenly, all the insanity of getting 4 littles ages 6 and under out the door before 7:30 just dissolves and once again we are one happy family!
♥
Your girls are GORGEOUS. What a beautiful family you have! I just found your blog, and am so happy that I did. 🙂
Isn’t this weather wonderful??!! It makes everyone in a better mood!
Love the new jewelry!
Caffeine, hate to say it, just bein honest!
I have a ‘special’ little girl, Emily. When Emily loves something, she loves it big time – like whole body shaking and a giggle that comes from somewhere so deep inside her that only she knows where it’s at. Right now, she loves Minnie Mouse. And at any point randomly through the day, she might see a Minnie doll or picture and start to laugh and say, “Mee Mow!” Never in my life did I think such little words would be so powerful and reach a place so deep in my heart. What Emily experiences is pure happiness and that is my re-boot.
I organize. I love it
We’ve been talking about the moon every night this weekend! Amazing what taking a moment to look at the wonder of the heavens can do for the soul! The pic of Lainey and Bailey is awesome – they are growing up so fast!
What turns my mood around when I get in a funk is just thinking about my kids and how proud I am that I am raising such amazing human beings. That, and snuggling with my husband who I still adore after 25 years together.
Love your post, as always.
I think a lot of times I revamp by simply getting in my car,alone, cranking up the music, rolling down my windows, and singing and dancing as obnoxiously as I find I want to! It puts me back on a line!
The hope for what could be…
To get back “on” at this time, I usually watch Toy Story 3 with my little lady to start the day:) When she asks “Mom, what’s Jessie doing?” for the 20th time, it still makes me smile!
i love those earrings too. My way to rejuvenate is to go to a movie all by myself. I recently discovered that this was incredibly fun and not “loserish”. Love it.
What an awesome day you had! I love mornings that start out with just me, the little one, and a steaming hot mug of coffee. Days like that almost always end up perfect.
My “on” switch is a nice hot shower using all of the “good” bath products. Fancy new shampoo, a hair mask, exfoliating face and body and using a fantastic body lotion or butter when Im done… After that I can’t help but be more positive and energetic.
The picture of the rays of sunshine bursting into the frame over Nella is pretty appropriate for a little girl that has already lit up the lives of so many people. Love it.
My reset button is a quiet mommy time-out. Alone, no sounds, in the sun, breathe in-breathe out!
Love your blog and photos! And yes I did see the moon, under the same sky…not too far away actually. We just returned home from a 2 week vacation in Bonita, at one of your dad’s rentals actually. We had a great time and wonderful vacation! Love the area!!
When I’m getting ridiculous, I have to take a moment and laugh at myself. I usually get myself worked in a funk when I’m on my own thinking and it’s the second that I realize that it’s all me. I’m doing it and no one else is doing it to me, that I have to laugh out loud and it all and in laughing, move on with life.
Nella looks like such a happy baby! I swear that girl smiles all of the time (or at least whenever momma is taking pictures of her:)
Lainey’s hair is getting long and I think that it makes her look so much older! What a sweetheart!
I don’t push to turn the “off” times to “on”. Makes the “on” times so much more valuable because I can really appreciate the difference.
My mojo recovery button is the warm sunshine on my face… shining over the shoulder of my very own version(s) of Nella — Brian and Michael — would just put me over the top!
Thanks as always for sharing your day and your family.
Driving the brick and tree lined streets in my favorite neighborhood in town. OR a pile of magazines and a hammock.
Going out for a walk with my baby and my husband on a sunny day makes me feel a lot better, it rains a lot here in WA!
Well, depending what “off” mood I am in really depends on the “on” that jump starts it back. But majority of the time, it’s coming home from a long day at work to my sweet blue-eyed baby girl who always seems to be so happy to see me & nothing else matters! Really…I mean NOTHING! She ALWAYS jolts me back to the “on” position! 🙂
I dress my daughter a lot like Lainey dresses herself. I love color and I love handmade. Sometimes it doesn’t match and my mother in law calls her punky brewster. I take it as a compliment 🙂
aleytac at hotmail dot com
Love your blog…makes me smile!
Your girls are growing so fast! 🙂
I am a military wife and mama to 4 littles, aged 4yrs down to 11mo. I definitely have off, overwhelming days. The ironic thing is my “off” is also my “on” – Hubby’s upcoming year-long deployment. Our countdown is now just a matter of weeks.
Many days, having already taken on everything in order for him to train, it is overwhelming. Bills, preschool, homeschool, violin, dance class, church (many Sundays alone due to training), the unit’s family group, the church’s family group, cleaning, laundry, dishes, car repair, yard maintenence, gardening, grocery shopping, hanging with friends, playdates, birthdays, baths, meals, cutting 100 sets of nails including my own….
It’s alot. But it’s not going to get any easier. When I do feel swallowed whole, I really stop and think about the deployment. Yes it’s hard, but I am determined NEVER to make it an excuse for missing out on an adventure. So I buckle 5 people into my “swagger wagon” and create our adventure for the day. Sometimes it’s just going to Sonic for slushies. Other days, we will drive the 45mins to the craft store so each child can pick something that speaks to them as a project. Occasionally, we’ll have a party for no particular reason complete with newspaper hats.
I owe it to my Hubby to show him I can hold down the homefront. I owe it to my kids to show them we can survive and and still have fun. I owe it to myself to take advantage of the opportunity to become a stronger, more resiliant woman, wife and mother 🙂
A nice warm day in the sun enjoying a picnic with my girls is what gives me my mojo back. So when we are in the dead of winter and the clouds are looming we have a make-shift picnic inside under a tent cause it’s the next best thing.
Looking for the positive in any situation is a key to happiness. My cup is always half full. The pictures are just beautiful.
I love to sip hot tea with my friend while the kiddos play and run around the house. It reminds me of what is important and laundry will wait!
Love the earrings and LOVE your doily-esque shirt. It is amazing. Thank you for YOU.
Blow a raspberry on my babies belly. It’s exhilarating!
Great post. I also took a picture of the moon last night because it was SO cool! (I tried to copy it here but obviously my lack of computer skills or blogging proved it doesn’t work). I recently started a blog as a year project to do more of what brings me joy. You have been a big inspiration to me to get my mojo back. I sincerely mean that and am not trying for brownie points. I actually wrote about you earlier today and would love for you to check it out. Thank you for inspiring me to turn it back ON!
http://mylittlehappies.blogspot.com/
My girls and I have a ‘quiet time routine’ when someone needs a break we pop a big bowl of popcarn all curl up on the couch as close as we can get and watch a show we have taped! I love the hour it gives us alone together, lovely!
My new puppy dog Simon always puts a smile on my face!!
I allow myself the time I need to rest b/c I think its important to have reflective/spiritual days to refresh. Then I’m usually ready to get up and at ’em and have my productive, active days.
Just thinking of my family!!!
thought of one more “On”….the FOOD NETWORK!!!! Giada or Nigella can cook/bake me into a conquer the world tizzy!!!
Pop some tunes in and I’m good to go!!
A couple things…the moon was amazing last night, noticed it driving home last night, just a few states up from you guys.
Second, Nella has the most beautifuln eyes! I melt every time I see them!
And what flips my on/off switch? Well, at the moment, the life growing inside of me. Seeing my belly move with kicks and wiggles gets my off my butt faster than anything else (that is, once the fascination of watching my belly move wears off!)
Coffee. Sweet, beautiful, wonderful coffee.
Often reading someone else’s words or seeing what someone else has created will push me from “off” to “on” and inspire me to get out there and make something or create a memory too.
thrift store shopping! taking ideas from things that already were and making them into something different and new is what i do to get inspired. p.s. i really enjoy reading your blog and looking at the pictures!
The sunrise… a date night with my hubby… my baby’s belly laugh…
To turn my “off” to “on”, I simply look at my kids. The wonderful, creative, sometimes generous/sometimes selfish, individual little (well, in one case not-so-little) people that they are. And suddenly I am inspired. And in awe that I get to walk their journey with them.
Doing something good with my children, and being fully present while doing it, turning off the phones, and not getting on the computer and focusing on them. Also, sitting down to write a list of to do’s, and then completing them one by one. If I’m feeling overwhelmed or down, it’s usually because I’m not accomplishing everything I want to, and taking one thing at a time really helps!
Love the mis matching!! my 5 yr old is a serious mismatcher and comes down stairs so proud when she tells me look, i put on a solid color! that way all the other parts of the outfit flow!!
It depends on what I need to be “pushed” to do. If I want to be motivated to do something around the house I watch HGTV. If I inspire to be a better person I read your blog (seriously). I love my children to the moon and back but sometimes I get caught up in myself and forget to enjoy life. Your blog reminds me to go to the park and forget about that load of laundry. Thank you!
I get a Starbucks and then either buy a new lotion or facewash. It’s the little things that when we refresh ourselves we can be better people to others! And, singing at the top of my lungs to my favorite songs and having my daughter saying “more” is the best and refreshing!
sometimes just a little blogging or reading favorite blogs helps to get me charged for the day ahead. 🙂
I love it when the sun is already up when I leave in the morning – it makes it much easier to get going when I don’t have to leave in the dark! I love the photos in this post, but those tub shots are my favorite – so sweet!
I come to your blog every few days to smile. As always, it never fails to disappoint 🙂 thank you for continuing to share your beautiful world with the rest of us. I’m rubbing my 26-week belly right now and hoping my little angel is half as cute as your girls. Have a lovely day!
It’s really not that hard… my princess inspires me to turn my off to an on.. she lights my world and when I’m off, I look at her smile and right then the world stops for a minute and says there’s nothing better than this…
I get turned ‘on’ from spending some time out in nature, just soaking up the peace and beauty that can be found taking a quiet stroll around the block.
always sending nothing but love. Nella is getting so big and I love Lainey’s shirt…soo precious!
Love those earrings..chic and simple, they are perfect for every outfit.
Boy, I wish I knew how to turn from off to on. I am really dragging these days. Lack of sleep will do that to you. But since I’m not sleeping because my beautiful baby boy wants to stay up all night, I am not complaining. He’s worth it. 🙂
“…as in, we hop-skipped-jumped from Holland to visit Italy ‘cuz no one’s gonna tell me we’ll never ever ever get to go there.”
I just got this now. I like it 🙂
So much of this post is lovely. But the beginning is so perfect, I can almost picture it read as spoken word into a microphone. If we’d been in a creative writers workshop together, say a decade and a half ago in a northeastern college, and you brought that to workshop, I would have had you sign my 5-Star Mead notebook. Love it.
Love the pic of Nella smiling/laughing in the swing and the one of Lainey laying on the woodchips at the park.
This post brings a smile : )
Interesting you should ask…I realised yesterday that I need to sing to get my mood shiften. Listening to music works as well, but nothing works quite like singing. Since getting married 4.5 years ago, I’ve been missing out on this. I feel completely comfortable around my husband and we love each other very much…but I just stopped singing for some reason. And usually when I get my guitar down from it’s hook on the wall now I have to dust it off! I hope to regain this part of my life especially while I raise my little babies!
And I did notice the moon…even from here in Saskatchewan!
Lovely blog! I find that really simple things help me to feel energised again- going for a walk or out for coffee or even taking a bath, the key is not stressing about what ‘needs to be done’ and just taking care of myself for a bit.
Hello Kelly,
It’s actually quite an honor for me to be able to comment your blog. I finally made a blogging account and its because of you I’ve been following your blog for years, I think I found it on Google :). I’m pretty excited to share what my daughter does everyday and the silly faces and such she makes with the world 😉 I just wanted to thank you because I’ve never had the chance. Your blog is amazing and I love reading it.
P.S watching your little ones grow and seeing there amazing stories have really touched my heart <3
They are Beautiful 🙂