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Closing the curtains a little

Wednesday, January 2, 2008
When we lived in Houston, I used to love to walk around our neighborhood in the evenings. The houses were close together and we lived in a great neighborhood. It is the kind of neighborhood where there are adorable 2 bedroom cottages next to behemoth old and new houses. It is a neighborhood filled with professors, physicians, artists, lawyers, widows and young families. Many university students lived in the quarters above the detached garages. We lived near the art museum, Rice University and the medical center so there was an eclectic mix of people.

What I enjoyed most about the walks was not the exercise but peering into people's living rooms for an instant. Being the social scientist that I am, I invented whole life stories in my head for the families that lived in each house. The small darkened homes belonged to single professionals who were workaholics. There was the lonely, eccentric gardener and the vibrant empty nesters with the great art collection.

In many ways, I think blogging is like those walks. We allow people a glimpse into our "living" rooms. I am grateful that I have the opportunity for a glimpse into your lives. We live in a hilly neighborhood of new construction now. The house are spaced far apart and the "great" rooms are all in the backs of the houses. I don't walk often.

I have been surprised how many people peek into this room everyday (anywhere between 400 and 600) and I am happy to share with you all. This month I have a lot going on and I feel like I need to close the curtains a little bit. I blogged a lot in the last month because I wanted a quick and easy way to document Kate's first Christmas at home. Now, I need to take some time to get things accomplished. I am hosting a baby shower for one of my dearest friend's very soon and I need to get ready for it. I will still post but not as much. And I will still peek into your living rooms but probably a bit less for a few weeks.

I wish you all a very happy new year. One thing our family started doing last year was writing down our wishes/hopes/dreams for the coming year. It was fun yesterday to read what we wrote last year. We all hoped to meet "Lili" which is what we called Kate before we named her. She has surpassed all of our dreams! The rest of our wishes were too personal to share here but I was surprised how many of them actually came true. I think if you put something like that down in writing, sometimes you make it happen. I hope all of your hopes for 2008 are fulfilled!


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And because I love to post photos...here is one of Kate trying on the shoes of one of Harry's friends. She ended up getting them on and walking around the kitchen. Oh, she is SO cute! She may need a pair of little red Chucks.

51 comments:

  1. I too have alot to acomplish in this next month, and will probably try to post 2x a week or so. I too love writing the vision as the bible says in Habakkuk 2:2 - "And the Lord answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain".
    It helps us so much each year.
    Happy 2008! May you be abundantly blessed.

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  2. I'll miss your frequent posts, but will enjoy the ones you're able to do. Hope the shower goes well for you. Blessing to you and your family for a wonderful 2008.

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  3. I know exactly what you mean :D I have cut way back on posting too. Take all the time you need ~ but call me and lets talk scrapbook :D

    Ladybug hugs,
    ;D

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  4. Thank you for letting us peek into your window!

    Love your blog and will miss your post.

    Remember to open up your curtains once in awhile!!!

    ~Sharon
    (long time reader, first time post)

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  5. The start of a new year is the perfect time to refocus. I have been trying to do the same. I'll look forward to the posts you do have time to share with us.

    Wishing you continued blessings in 2008!

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  6. I haven't written things down for a number of years... I am still waiting to buy that red canoe and go to Costa Rica. hmmm I may put those on my 2008 list. Have fun with that baby shower!

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  7. My dear Kim, this post was so profound and insiteful... It was very special. We all so enjoyed all of the Christmas posts and we eagerly anticitpate any posts that we are privy too in the future. Enjoy your new year friend... My prayer for your family is that this year too will be filled with your hopes,dreams, desires of your hearts.
    God Bless You
    (Oh, how I love your sweet Kate Emerson.)

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  8. Thank you sooo much for sharing your First Chrsitmas with Kate...
    She is soooo pretty...
    LOVE all the pictures and all the time you spend telling each detail...
    LOVE it..
    Have fun preparing for your friends shower.. You will do a AMAZING job..
    Happy New Year...

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  9. Enjoy your time away and every girl needs a pair of chucks!

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  10. she is sooo cute! your boys are too! happy new year!r

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  11. Enjoy your time planning that special shower and relishing your peanuts - time is so fleeting and we are all so blessed.

    Have a wonderful 2008.

    Happy New Year!
    Heather

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  12. Would love to see Kate in a pair of Chucks! She would look so adorable.

    Close the curtains, however every now and then let the Sun shine through...

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  13. Hello there,
    I recently started 'peeking into your living room' and i love seeing all your beautiful photos! You have a lovely family, and hope one day i have one as lovely as yours!
    Hope you're back soon! xx

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  14. You know I love peeking in on you and will continue to do so. My curtains may be open less this month too..I am just tired and need some time with my girl : )

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  15. Great idea to write down our hopes/wishes/dreams! Have a great month. Enjoy your time away.

    Karen

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  16. I'm sure that your baby shower would be lovely!!!
    I'll miss your posts!!!!
    Kate looks so cute trying to put the big shoe on!!!!
    Andrea

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  17. I love catching up with your posts (and pictures!). You have a beautiful family and a great way with words. I look forward to the posts you are able to do! Happy new year.

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  18. I certainly appreciate being able to peek into your living room (& Kate's closet) - but I respect your privacy & your decision to refocus! I think we all need that encouragement! Thanks for sharing the Holiday memories & many blessings for you & your family in 2008! - Sara (LID 4/30/07)

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  19. I've enjoyed peering in your window these past few months; always there was a warmth emanating from the fire of love, which you tend to with such grace and ease, always careful to keep the embers aglow with tenderness and care.

    I admire you; finally when I am blessed with a daughter of my own, I will aspire to be as competent and self-assured as you.

    Enjoy your respite.

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  20. Kim~Enjoy your time away. We will still be checking in on you for updates. I hope your new year is a fabulous one for you all!
    Blessings,
    Kim and Katiebug

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  21. Dont stay away too long! I will miss your posts!! You have a precious family. Enjoy your time and have fun planning the shower for your friend. Thanks for sharing a little piece of your life with all of us!

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  22. LOVE THAT SONG! And little Kate Emerson too. I understand exactly what you are saying. This is a family time for you all, enjoy every minute of it. I'll be waiting for when you put the light back in your window.

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  23. Hi Kim,

    I LOVE this picture of Kate and the boys! talk soon

    Staci

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  24. What a great post. I like the way you put things into perspectives.

    Thanks for the sharing your "living room".

    Happy New Year.

    ~Michele

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  25. Enjoy your break -- love reading your blog! Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday and best wishes for 2008.

    Janet

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  26. Hi, Kim. I love the picture in your new header! Kate's expression is so cute!

    I hope 2008 is a great year for all of you!

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  27. I am glad you will be taking time for yourself. The shower, I am sure, will be amazing! Thanks for allowing us to peek in your windows! And, thanks for letting us know that you may step back a little - otherwise, we would inevitably worry!
    Happy New Year!
    ~Lynn/PA

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  28. Happy New Year! Kate definitely needs some Chucks!!! It's been fun getting to know you and your fanily this past year by visiting your "living room". All the best for 2008.

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  29. I hope all your dreams come true in '08. Just don't turn into a recluse!!

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  30. Bye for now my friend!!! Have fun getting ready for your shower. I know it will be a special party!
    Check in when you have time!
    Blessings for an amazing 2008!
    Hugs,
    Diana

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  31. I understand your need to cut back on posts. I visit your blog more than I do my own! I have so little time to blog or do much else with 5 children at home, all the activities, college applications for Hillary, etc. Thanks for sharing all you do. It's been inspiring to see your family grow! Emma and Kate arrived at about the same time and it has been fun to follow your journey which has paralleled ours at different points.

    Wendy

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  32. Glad you are going to take some time out to focus on your family and the things that you want to get accomplished! I really love the idea of writing down dreams and wishes for the upcoming year..I think we might just start doing that.

    I will miss your daily posts, but I think it is great that you are going to take a step back and focus on other things. I will still look in to your living room from time to time!

    May God pour out his Blessings over your family for a wonderful 2008!

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  33. Glad you're following your heart and listening to your calling.

    Enjoy every moment.

    Keep in touch.

    Hugs,
    Lisa

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  34. always love red shoes.....sad day when caroline outgrew her red cowgirl boots & her red keds.
    love the word picture today.
    hugs

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  35. I love the new look!!! I will still continue to check in daily as I always do, THANKS for letting us inside your world!!!

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  36. Thank you so much for sharing so openly and honestly this year. You have been an inspiration this last year and have helped lead me to our wonderful news that our little one is on hold for us. We're going to be parents in 2008! Thank you for your role in this! I'll be back to visit. Happy 2008!

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  37. The new year brings lots of reflection, doesn't it. I too, love peeking in windows, thanks for keeping your curtains open. I look forward to your posts. Blessings in 2008~

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  38. I have been so blessed to have met you this year. Thank you for opening your heart and home to so many of us. I am in painting mode, so I probably won't be posting much this month either...unless we get a very important phone call!

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  39. I totally understand....after the busy holidays, we all need to take a breather. I did enjoy all your posts.

    I'll be checking in often! Enjoy your time away! ;)

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  40. what a cool analogy! I never thought of blogs as the "living" rooms of peoples lives. Way cool.
    Here's to a wonderful 2008

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  41. I love peeping in your window! Take your time and enjoy your family. We'll always be here.

    Big hugs.

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  42. I will keep checking. I feel the same way. I need to take a bit of a step back to get things done-- to start with I need to get my Christmas Decorations down-- ugg!!

    Christy :)

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  43. I just love peeking into your window! Thanks for sharing your life with us! Best wishes with the baby shower and enjoy this time with your family and friends! Looking forward to your next post! Sweet blessings to your family in 2008!

    Warmly,
    Denise C

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  44. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us. Your children are so very caring to one another. You have done an amazing job. I have enjoyed peeking into the curtains. I hope that you enjoy your time with your children. I look forward to the upcoming posts.

    Shannon
    Mommy to Jack and Palmer 2.5 years 05/31/2005

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  45. Kim,

    There are so many reasons you inspire me - the way you parent, the passion you put into the things that you do - from decorating, to Christmas cards, to dressing your children. I love that you take time to give thanks. You inspire me to be better person. I thank you for that. I also love that that you carefully listen to what the universe asks of you ... you are truly an amazing women.

    Wamrly,
    Michelle

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  46. Such a cute photo!

    I will miss your frequent posts but I look forward to the future one's! You always capture the moment and the beauty of your family. Enjoy your time! :)

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  47. all the business sure sounds familiar. i had to take a little break from blogging or a little while as well. i will miss all your beautiul photos though. ;)

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  48. I know what you mean, it seems like posting is all I have done the past few weeks. I look forward to new posts when you can. Have fun with the baby shower! And you need to get that little chickie some Chuck Taylors!!

    Debbie Wankel

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  49. Kim, I'm Belén, from Spain.

    I as I told you, I love your Blog and the way you explain things (so near) ; I also love your photos...they're great¡¡¡.
    I don't write comments because I think my english is not as well as it must be ...but this time I would like to remember you that I'll miss your posts...

    Could any of you explain me what a " baby shower" is?


    A huge and happy new year from Spain¡¡

    Belén.

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  50. what a wonderful site this is! we need more thoughtful & heartfelt sites like these. God Bless & this pic is definitely a Norman-Rockwell-moment =)

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Thank you for your kindness.