Art & Design of Kelli Murray

The 52 Project – a portrait series of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013

I always knew I wanted a little girl one day.  I had a gut feeling that I was having a boy the first few months of my pregnancy, but Sam always told me he “just knew” it was a girl.  Clearly, his intuition was far stronger than my own.  We both knew that playing that guessing game meant nothing…because really, whatever we were blessed with we would love them all the same.  But I do love that when he touched my belly, he “just knew”.

I was asked an interesting question the other day.  One of those questions that make you pause and think for a minute or two.

“Do you think expressing your sense of style sends a positive message to you daughter?”

My first reaction was to say of course (mildly offended)…or that in fact, it’s not really affecting her much at all.  But then it got me thinking….how does my love for fashion and clothes really affect my daughter.  Or more importantly, how WILL it affect her.  She watches my every move.  She watches me get dressed in the morning and put on my makeup.  She tries on my shoes and loves to carry her little purse around, just like mommy.   It makes me laugh and I can’t help but swallow her up in a big squeeze and smack her on the cheek with a kiss.  We joke that we created a mini me.  And to a degree, it’s true.  (despite the fact that her looks are entirely Sam).

But the point is…while I do love fashion, it weighs nothing against the deepest desires of my heart.  Nor does it rank high on list of qualities I want to instill in my daughter.  Yes, it’s fun for me…and it might be fun for her one day too.  And I think that’ ok.  What’s important is that I am teaching her that her worth is not in what she looks like or the clothes she wears, but it is in her Creator.  I want her to grow up to love her body, to carry herself in confidence….to love other people and treat them with respect.  I want her to love God, and to know that no matter what, He loves her.  I want her to know that she is beautiful and has a purpose.

In saying all of these things, I am reminded to believe them in myself.  If only we were telling ourselves all of the things that we want to teach our daughters (or future daughters).  I mean, right!?  I think as women, we are all a little hard on ourselves.  We put ourselves down and often believe we are just “not enough”.  When in reality, we are more than enough.  There is no one just like us….and that alone is something to be celebrated.

you.are.beautiful.

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And congrats to Elizabeth Ann!  You are the winner of the Golden Thread Giveaway!  Email me with to claim your prize! xo.

  The 52 Project – a portrait series of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013

I snapped these photos of Rylee on memorial day.  We had a donut picnic in the park, chased squirrels, and enjoyed the warm sun. I sure do love this family of mine.

*Dress from Target / Headband c/o Savy

Remember back in March when I offered up this free downloadable bunny illustration!? Well, I never imagined it would come to life the way it has here!  Sofia of Brancoprata styled this beautiful first birthday party for her niece Matilde, all inspired by my illustration!  So many lovely details….and one adorable baby girl!  Officially blown away Sophia!

The full article is featured on Style Me Pretty Living

 The 52 Project – a portrait series of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013

This week, i’m featuring both of my “kids”.  I love watching the bond between them grow.  I remember before Rylee was born, being worried about how Bam (our cat) would react to a baby.  At first…it wasn’t great, and we thought we might have to find  him a new home.  But thankfully, he quickly learned his boundaries, and over time, these two have become the best of friends.  Bam has always had more of a personality like a dog than a cat.  Very playful and people-friendly.  Perhaps that is just the nature of himalayan’s….or perhaps we just got lucky, I don’t know….but we love that about him.

Happy Monday, friends.

Series inspired by Jodi

The 52 Project – a portrait series of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2013 

Rylee and I spent the day last week with my friend, and uber talented photographer, Jackie Wonders.  We took some photos around our house for a special feature we are working on….but I thought I’d share a few of the outtakes here, to include in my 52 Project.

Sam and I were gone for only a few days and I swear Rylee looked even older when we returned.  The trip was a ton of fun, but without a baby to take care of or an email to check….I didn’t know what to do with myself.  I am so used to being productive with every spare minute of my day, that when I am given the opportunity to turn that off and just relax….it really is a challenge.  I know that sounds silly, but it’s the truth.  I’ve trained myself over the last year to be more efficient with my time and to constantly be marking things off of my checklist.  So when I tell myself to throw that checklist out the window, it’s almost impossible.  Which makes me think maybe I need more vacations like this one so I can learn how to really relax!  Regardless….I did the best I could at leaving it at all the door and enjoying this alone time I had with Sam.  It doesn’t come often!  Let me tell you, 4 nights kid-free with your husband does wonders for the relationship!!    Of course, we couldn’t forget about our Rylee.

I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but when I look at her, I don’t see my baby anymore…..but a little girl.  Her hair is finally coming in and she is practically talking in sentences.  Sometimes I am still shocked this little person came out of me.  I always thought I’d enjoy her older years better than the baby stage.  And with each passing day, that thought is confirmed.  I love watching her learn new things and seeing more of her personality shine through.  There are days when I still miss her tininess, but the joy I find in watching her grow is so much greater.