From This Day Forward...

New Year, New Blog

Hello everyone!  I am in the process of moving my blog.  The new address is http://kellbellsullivan.blogspot.com/

Did I mention that Time Flies?

My little man turned one!  I am still a little choked up about it but am trying to look at all the fun that lies ahead.  He is such a dear, sweet boy with a special little spirit.  Do I sound bias?  I try not to be but he makes it so hard!  He is the realization of our dreams for another child and I am so grateful to God for gifting us with this special little person.  

We had close family over for his birthday.  Though oblivious, he did really enjoy his cake.  I turned my back and it was gone. 

Here are som recent pictures that I just love, along with some pictures from his birthday.

 

Where has the time gone?

I sooo wish I would have kept on top of my blogging for December!  I will recount the events the best I can.  I have to admit it is quite a blur but was so much fun. 

Avery had a Christmas performance at her school.  It was so funny to watch a class of three year olds try to do anything in synch with eachother. 

 Avery singing "Away in a Manager."

   

We also went to Disneyland.  We love it there-especially at Christmas time.  We joined Patrick's sister and brother in law along with their two kids.  It was great to spend some time with them at the happiest place on earth!

What to do?

I love Christmas.   I love the cozy, warm and generous feeling of it all.  Most of all, I love that it is the one time that we, as a culture, recognize the single most amazing gift we have all been given: the gift of Christ's birth.  So, where did this whole Santa thing come from?  While a totally fun tradition, I am really struggling about what this message is sending to my kids. 

Avery said to me in the mall yesterday, "Mommy, can I live at the mall? When I grow up, can I be Santa Claus?"  At the time, I just laughed about my funny girl and thought it quite cute.  But, on the way home, I couldn't stop thinking of how Santa has made it safe for us all to celebrate Christmas-by trivializing it and taking the focus away from Christ-the one and only magical thing on earth. 

We have never really emphasized the whole Santa issue but, of course, Santa appeals to kids.  He brings them toys.  Enough said.  So, I struggle about what to do and how to keep Christ the center of Christmas while living in this world.  I want my kids to experience the fun of Santa but also want them to know the real reason we recognize and celebrate Christmas.  I can only pray that I will do a sufficient job as a parent to strike this balance. 

Giving Thanks but can I request a Good Photographer?

Thanksgiving was so special this year.  We had my grandmother, Dorothy, out to celebrate with us.  We tried to put on our "A" game for her since she sets the bar very high in the kitchen.  Hopefully we made her proud.  We also had my aunt Linda here.  Amazing we can find anyone to put up with us from the 'outside' since we're always a little bit crazed.

Since other people were sharing their precious and very quintessential thanksgiving pictures, I thought I would contrast theirs with ours.  I think the pictures pretty much sum up the need I have for a) a better camera b) a tripod and c) some photography skills.  Sadly, Jesse, Tami and kids had already left by the time it dawned on us, "hey, maybe we should take some pictures."     Take One.  Oh, maybe we should move the vacuum? 

Take Two.  "Yes, almost perfect.  Maybe we'll look at the camera next time."

 

Take Three.  "Much better.  Now we just need to get it centered."

   

Take Four.  I give up.

My Favorite Things

Inspired by Stephenie's blog and Oprah's Annual 'Favorite Things' show, I have decided to give some thought to what I would list as my favorite things.  Sometimes it is fun to think of the trivial, so I will indulge myself with the list of all the things that make my already amazing life that much more enjoyable.

Here it goes:

1.  Starbucks. Put anything into a $4.00 Starbucks cup and chances are, I'll love it.  And, if it is the pretty red Christmas cups, I will for sure love it.  My good friend, the chai latte has always brought me comfort, as has anything my friend Stacy orders.  She really knows her way around a Starbucks.  

 

2.  Trapp Candles.  My love affair with Trapp candles has been around for almost a decade.  Patrick bought me the entire line of candles for our first Valentines Day.  They truly are incredible candles, and, for the price, they better be.  My favorite scent is Water.

 

3.  Josh Groban In Concert

This cd is one of my favorites simply for his version of 'O Holy Night.'  The song has always been so special to me and this version is the best I have ever heard. 

 

4.  Little Giraffe Blankets (a.k.a. "silkies")

Although Avery's silkies are haggard and tattered now, they were once perfect and soft and so cozy to cuddle up with.  Since they come in the full size as well as the compact size, we have collected quite a supply of these blankets.  Some are too gross now that we save them for home, some are for the car, others are for the strollers.  We are all addicted.  My cousin Stef and I scour the Home Goods regularly for a possible sighting.  My favorite one now is the polka dot one that Cole has in his bed.  I want to preserve it for as long as possible so it has a strict-will only remain in bed- policy.  I am waiting for the adult sizes so I can expand our collection.

 

5.  Poetic License Flats

My favorite every day shoes ever.  I found them first with Patrick's sisters while in Canada a couple years ago. 

 

6.  CS Lewis Collection

I am about mid way through Mere Christianity and I am almost out of ink in my highlighter.  I cannot wait to finish the collection. 

 

7.  Bigelow Mint Lip Shine

Because sometimes a little lip shine can be a simple pleasure. 

 

8.  Clean Perfume 

I love the whole line because it smells fresh and not perfum-ey

 

9.  Method Cucumber Cleaning Spray

Remember the windex-solves-everything guy from My BIg Fat Greek Wedding?  I totally understand him.  Soon, I'll be spraying my kids scrapes and scratches with this.  At least they'll smell good!  Seriously, if a cleaning product can make cleaning more enjoyable, it is worth loving.  And, since this one smells great, is non-toxic, and works well on everything I will be devoted forever. 

 

10.  Florence, Italy

So, it isn't exactly a thing but it is worth including since many of my favorite things are there: memories, scents, stores, sights, etc.  It is total favorite things indulgence while I am there.  Amazing. 

The Monkey and the Princess

  I am embarrassed at how late this post is but sometimes life just gets busy and I promised that this blog would be fun and not another item on my 'to do' list.  Yet, I feel a constant state of guilt and torment that my baby book remains untouched (I can't believe I actually admitted it to myself), my camera has been sadly under-used and my blog...my poor blog.  Seems that by the time the kids are in bed, the house is cleaned and the laundry folded, my brain and body are craving silence and vegetation. 

I digress.

Halloween was so much fun.  Although Avery anticipated it for days, she was so tired that she stayed in the stroller for all but a few carefully selected houses.  Avery was Cinderella and was in heaven.  was a monkey-type animal.  The debate continues on this topic.  After a little trick or treating, we had such a great time hanging out with family and friends. 

 

  

  

 

Lombardi Ranch

I love our little Lombardi Ranch and all the memories we have made there.  Of course, I had cute Halloween/Fall shirts for pictures this year with 90 degree heat, we had to go to plan B.

  On the train

Summertime in October

Despite desperately wanting to cuddle up in cold weather, it just isn't coming.  So, I decided to go with my parents for a little mini-vacation to the beach and enjoy the summertime in October.  They are so good to us and we had such a great time.  It just reaffirms my life-long love for the beach.  If I only could afford to live there all year...

 

Camryn and Colton at sunset.  How delicious are they???

 

I just thought this picture summed up what I think their relationship will look like for some time...

 

All the grandkids.  Aren't they darling?

 

 

I love that FACE!!!

An Amazing Promise

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7