inspiration

if you've been reading here for a while, you'll know that one of my biggest mom/blogger/photographer/

enjoyer of life inspirations is kelle hampton over at enjoying the small things.  kelle wrote a book about her first year with her daughter, nella, who was diagnosed with down syndrome at birth, and it was published in april.  she put out the incentive to all who follow her blog that a pre-order of 10 book copies would equal a q&a skype session with her.  i convinced my book club to do just this, and on may 31st, we gathered in my living room to chat with kelle.

we compiled several questions that inquiring minds wanted to know.  and then we sat in awe (well, i sat in awe at least) listening to her answer them, our questions.

it was nothing short of a fantastic dream that i've been rehearsing in my head for the 2 years i've been reading along with her.  that is until we discovered that she was coming to michigan to do a book signing.  {cue the singing angels.}  my friend, maria, and i rearranged all plans and did what we had to do to drive the hour to meet kelle.

she was so friendly and laid-back and easy-going, and she remembered my name because of the hometown wine i sent in a care package of michigan-made products before our skype and also brought along to the signing (shameless, i know).  our 3 minutes with her to sign our books, tell her how much she's made us better mamas, and have a quick catch up since the skype wasn't enough, so we hung around and joined a few other ladies for a private pow wow after the signings.  we got to sit on couches and share stories and inspirations in the middle of a small-town mall until they so rudely shut the lights off promptly at 9 o'clock.  kelle continues to motivate me and inspire me to do and be my best and to make this life for my babies special.  because the every day moments can be special, just as much as the big ones.

enjoying crazy glasses...



climbing and sliding and blue skies...



the rush and excitement of running barefoot in the summer grass...



sunshine...



learning how to climb the stairs and wanting to do it over and over and over...




streamers...



crazy bath hair...



naps on the couch...



i may not always remember to practice patience and a zen attitude, but i do my best to find ways to celebrate those everyday little moments.  since i first picked up my dslr camera and took a class and have been reading along with kelle, i've noticed more.  i see how blue the sky is.  i notice first spring blooms.  i eavesdrop and listen to the words as my toddler quietly plays with her dolls.  i watch closely how my baby learns to take her first steps.  i celebrate.  i enjoy.  i'm inspired.