Lu Bird Baby

Friday Randoms

2012-01-27T20:47:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's Friday already!

Here's a peek at our week through the camera lens of my phone.

Enjoy!

We had a picnic at the park.

I love how Wes rests his head on his hands in his car seat while we drive.

He's so cute!

My husband doesn't like dessert.

Or anything sweet for that matter.

I know...it's weird.

But me and the kids do (a lot) so when we get dessert he's one less person we have to share with.

I went to a baby shower for two friends.

I have 10 friends who are pregnant right now.

(and 2 more that just had babies)

How crazy is that!

We had a little family reunion to visit with my cousin who was in town.

And played some very serious card games as usual.

This little one started pulling herself up on everything.

The kids all pretending to sleep in their "nests".

Even Madelyn was playing along.

Mackenzie using her hamper as butterfly wings.

Kids have the best imaginations!

A new favorite game of ours is glow stick hide and seek.

Basically I hide a bunch of glow sticks around the house, we turn off all the lights and they have to find them.

They think it is the coolest game e.v.e.r.

I practiced having 4 kids under 4 while we watched my friends cute boy while she was in labor.

We went to the lake.

We went to visit my friend's new baby in the hospital.

I always forget how tiny newborns are (and it's only been 8 months since I had one!).

They grow so fast.

Some brother and sister love.

Hope you guys had a great week!

winter in the OC

2012-01-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

It was 81 degrees today.

So we went to the lake with some friends.

I love winter in Southern California.

And I love chunkie babies in bathing suits.

Hope you guys are having a great day too!

What I Wore Wednesday

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

I know I said I was going to quit What I Wore Wednesdays

but a few of you said you would really miss it

and since I'm such a people pleaser

I decided to post a handful of my outfits every other week or so.

We'll see how it works out.

Enjoy!

Oh and if you're new here and are wondering what is going on let me fill you in.

What I Wore Wednesdays was started by a couple bloggers a while ago to help stay at home Mommy's (or anyone for that matter) get out of their yoga pants and into some real clothes every day. It's just a fun little accountability tool to help us look presentable to the outside world (you know, so we stay OFF the People of Walmart videos).

shirt- thrifted

jeggings- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

necklace- Forever 21

white long sleeve shirt- old navy

knitted top- Macy's

jeans- Paige

necklace- Old Navy

(forgot to put my shoes on before I took the pic. Whoops).

white tee- Old Navy

cardigan- Old Navy

skinny jeans- Levis

boots- Cathy Jean

belt- vintage

striped top- Forever 21

cardigan- Forever 21

jeans- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

necklace- made by me :)

top- Banana Republic

jeans- Paige

sandals- Target

(look at Mackenzie in the picture. She cracks me up)

necklace- Forever 21

dress- Khols

cardigan- Target

black boots- H&M

and I decided to add this necklace right before I left the house

necklace- Forever 21

top- Target

skinny jeans- Levis

boots- Cathy Jean

necklace- Forever 21

top- Nordstroms

jacket- Target

jeggings- Forever 21

boots- Cathy Jean

necklace- vintage

Chalk board picture frame

2012-01-24T07:30:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting a cute chalk board for

forever.

It's just one of the projects I have on my super long to do list that will most likely never get done.

You know how that goes.

But guess what I got for Christmas?

A super cute

totally perfect for our house

chalkboard picture frame handmade by my cousin.

I'm in love!

It's just perfect for writing Mackenzie's weekly bible memory verses (for her preschool) on.

And we hung it right by the dining table so we could go over the verse during meals.
So far it's been working out great!

Oh and apparently it was super easy to make.
Just take the glass out of a picture frame, paint some chalkboard paint on it and
ta da!
An adorable chalkboard.

Thanks Becky!
We love it!

Booger Boy

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Boys are gross.

This is a conversation I had with Wesley the other day after I picked a booger out of his nose.

Don't judge.

You know you've picked your kids boogers too.

Wes: Mom, can I see it (the booger)?

(I show him the booger)

Wes: Oh. Can I have it? I want to eat it.

Me: No! You can't eat boogers. That's gross.

Wes: But Mooomm. They are SO yummy. I loooove boogers.

Me: No you can't eat boogers. It's really gross Wes and it will make you sick.

Wes: (in his pouty voice) Mom that makes me really sad.

My silly booger eating boy.

Friday Randoms

2012-01-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry I went a little picture crazy this week.

I just can't help it.

My kids are so cute and I love capturing the precious every day moments of our life.

Here's a peek at our week through the camera lens of my phone.

Enjoy!

Mackenzie and Wesley were so sweet taking Madelyn for rides down the slide at the park.

She loved it!

She's pretty much got the best big brother and sister ever.

We had a blast playing our eye spy puzzle.

I think I've got some detectives on my hands.

They could find most of the stuff before me!

The hubby made me his breakfast specialty

eggs and chorizo.

Yum!

He also started on phase one of Madelyn's Bible Verse sign.

It will probably be done by the time she is in college.

The little guy has been fighting off a cold/cough and wanted to wear his awesome beanie everywhere we went.

Kenzie and I went on a Mommy daughter date.

Madelyn is definitely all girl.

She loves to look at herself in the mirror.

I put the kids on dish duty.

They did a great job washing the dishes...

and the counters

and the floor.

Let's just say there was more water on the ground (and on them) then in the sink by the time they were done.

But at least I didn't have to do the dishes!

We put Madelyn in baby jail while we folded the laundry.

And then Mackenzie took her for rides around the house in the laundry basket (a.k.a. baby jail).

She loved it!

This what we like to call a "natural consequence."

Wes feel out of his carseat onto the ground (in the Trader Joes parking lot) right after I told him to sit down so he wouldn't get hurt.

Sees Scotchmellows hold a special place in my heart.

I spent some time catching up in the kids baby books.

I was so far behind.

The kids rode their bikes all the way to the park.

They are getting so big.

Mackenzie has been working on writing her name all by herself.

All nine letters of it.

I made a yummy banana dessert for me and the kids (did you know that Mr. Sellars does not like dessert? Crazy huh?!)

We bought a VCR off Craigslist.

It was a very happy day.

The kids have been so excited to watch all of their favorite VHS's again (most of which are straight from the 80's and 90's). They were totally born in the wrong generation.

Conversation heart candy is so addictive.

Homemade pizza

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ever since I can remember pizza has been my favorite food.

I like it hot or cold

with all the fixings or just plain cheese

thick crust, thin crust...it doesn't matter.

Come to think of it

I don't think I have ever met a pizza I didn't like.

But lately I have been loving homemade pizza.

Well semi homemade pizza.

Mmm... doesn't it look gooooood?!

I thought I'd share the recipe (if you can even call it that) with you in case you want to make some for yourself.

And trust me you will.

The minor catch is you have to live by a Trader Joes (unless you know of another place that sells fresh pizza dough OR you could go all Betty Crocker and make your own from scratch) AND a pizza stone (for optimal results).

Step One- Buy some plain pizza dough from Trader Joes. It's found in the refrigerated section.

(We have tried the whole wheat and the herb dough but like the plain the best).

Step 2- Buy a can of crushed tomatoes or if you can't find those buy a can of diced tomatoes and give them a whirl in the blender or food processor.

Step 3: Take out your dough 20 minutes before you want to start making your pizza so it can rest or rise or do whatever it needs to do (just following the directions on the package here).

ALSO...turn on your oven to 550 degrees AND put your pizza stone in while it is preheating so it can get nice and hot.

Step 3- Roll out your dough on a floured surface.

And chop up your toppings.

Step 4: Once the oven is heated to 550, take out the HOT pizza stone and lay your dough on it.

Top with mozzarella cheese (I use about half a pound).

Then sprinkle some of the crushed tomatoes on top of the cheese

and grind or sprinkle some pepper on top.

Step 5: Add your toppings (the hubs and I love it with veggies but the kids prefer plain cheese so I leave a bit plain for them).

The drizzle olive oil over the whole thing.

Step 6- Pop it in the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and bubbly

and enjoy!!!

It's also super yummy with some fresh basil on top (after it comes out of the oven).

Mommy daughter date

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Kenzie and I were way over due for a Mommy daughter date.

When we started our date days we had planned on taking a kid out every other month.

Let's just say it's been a little (or a lot) more than a couple months since our last date day.

So on Saturday Mackenzie and I decided we needed a little girl time together

and we snuck out while the little ones were napping for a few hours of fun.

Since it was totally impromptu we ended up just going to a little Children's Museum down the street.

It ended up being the perfect place to go with only one kid.

I got to actually play with my big girl and listen to all she had to say and there was no fighting or changing diapers or chasing after little ones who would have all been running in different directions.

We had a blast together!

Does anyone know where you buy this fun stuff (kind of like play dough but made out of tiny little foam balls?)

Mackenzie thought it was the coolest.

Dr. Mackenzie

picking fruit

going fishing

And on the way home we stopped by 7 Eleven for Mackenzie's very first Slurpee.

She was in heaven.

An aqua desk

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

I love Craigslist.

It's pretty much my go to spot whenever we need to buy or sell something.

I love the selection you can find on there and well...

I'm definitely a sucker for a good deal.

A couple months ago I scored a beautiful roll top desk for $20.

Bam!

Try finding that deal in a store.

The moment I laid eyes on it I knew it was destined for greatness.

Aqua greatness that is.

Isn't it pretty?

I wish I would have remembered to take a picture of it before we had taken it apart to be painted but as you can kind of see it started off a darker wood color.

To get it ready for it's paint job

I lightly sanded the entire desk and drawers with this sand sponge

as well as some regular sand paper.

It was super easy and didn't take long at all.

Then, after I got all of the sawdust off the desk,

came the fun part!

Painting!

And after 3 light coats of aqua goodness,

and 6 or so cans of spray paint later

our desk was finished!

I love how it turned out!

The color is so bright and cheery.

When I see it I get happy.

Oh and after I was finished painting I went back with the sandpaper and lightly sanded off a tad of the paint on the corners and edges to distress it a bit.

I figured it would be distressed soon enough whether I liked it or not so I might as well make it look intentional.

Thanks for stopping by!

And come back next week to see another spray painting project I've been working on.

Day in the life of the Sellars' family

2012-01-16T09:51:00.000-08:00

A year or so ago I came up with a little something called

A Day in the Life of the Sellars' Family.

It's your chance to spy on me and see what really goes on in the Sellars' household.

Here's how it works.

Basically I wake up one morning,

grab my camera

and document the day exactly how it unfolds.

The good the bad and the ugly :)

Here's how our day unfolded on Tuesday,
January 3rd, 2012.

5:30 a.m.- The alarm goes off.

6:00 a.m. my second alarm (i.e. Madelyn) goes off.

The hubby lures me out of bed with hot coffee (he knows the way to my heart), I grab the baby and head into the family room with Aaron.

6:10- Feed Maddie and read our daily dose of this with Aaron.

Reading through the Bible together is one of our goals for this year! It's been awesome so far...except the getting up at 5:30 part. That has definitely not been so awesome but coffee sure does help.

6:15 a.m.- The big kids are up and come to join us.

We tell them it's still night time and put them back in bed.

Because waking up at 6:15 a.m. should be illegal.

At least in the Sellars' house.

6:30- The big kids are back and up for good.
Our day has officially begun!
They come into the family room and play Legos.

The first thing that comes out of Wesley's mouth when he wakes up in the morning is "May I have a drink please?"
And he says it over and over and over again until he gets it.
So I change diapers and get the boy some "Apple Spider" as he calls it.

6:45- Start laundry.

Tuesdays are not my favorite day
because Tuesdays are laundry day.
And 5 people yield a whole lot of laundry.
All I have to say is thank goodness for Oxy clean.

7:15- Start breakfast

with my little helper boy.

I love that he loves to be right next to me with whatever I'm doing.

7:20 a.m.- Eat breakfast

together.

as a family.

It's one of my favorite times of the day.

Today we all have our usual...

Eggs and toast for the big people and cereal for the little people.

I though I'd snap a quick picture of the prayer pail in use!

We let the kids each pick out a stick and pray for whoever they choose (or we pray for them if they aren't in the mood) before meals.

Today we picked Gracie, Mackenzie and our church The Village Church of Irvine.

During breakfast Daddy reads The Jesus Storybook Bible to the kids.
It's their favorite (and my favorite too!).

7:30- I feed Madelyn her breakfast.

She's finally a fan of food!

The girl loves to eat

just like her Momma.

7:45- Aaron leaves for work :(

7:50- Kids play through the mountains of laundry

while I clean up after breakfast.

Just the other day I told Aaron that I'm sure I spend a least a few h.o.u.r.s. (I'm thinking maybe 3) a day just making meals, feeding meals, and cleaning up after meals.
Does that sound about right to any other moms?
And if it's not quite that much it sure feels like it.

8:20- Turn on a show for the big kids and
stick Maddie in the bouncer while I hop in the shower.

8:50- Put Madelyn down for her morning nap.

9:00- Finish getting ready (with my helper who has a major addiction to chap stick) and then get the big kids dressed and ready.

9:30- Pack lunches and snacks for the park.

And rotate the laundry.

10:00- Feed Madelyn and then leave for the park.

We got to the park a few minutes before our friends
so I attempted a little photo shoot with the kids.

The kids however were NOT into my mini photo shoot at all.

Even with my candy bribes and me acting like a silly lady behind the camera.

I couldn't even get this one to crack a smile.

Maybe she was mad I didn't bring a candy cane for her too.

Well despite the photo shoot blunder we had a great time at the park with friends.

One of my friends even hooked us up with tons of cute clothes for Maddie.

Thanks Amy!
I think Maddie would be naked without you (ALL of Mackenzie's old clothes have been the wrong season).

1:00- Home from the park.
I fed the littlest one (who had fallen asleep in the car) and put her down for her nap.

Then I put Wesley down for his nap.

Lately I have been putting him down in the pack and play in Madelyn's room.

It's pretty much the only way I can get all 3 of them to nap at the same time.

And that is really really important to me so I'm willing to do whatever it takes.

I let Kenzie play in her room for 15-20 minutes and then I make her take a nap too.

1:20- Once everyone is down I rotate the laundry again and fold the clothes

and then...

1:35- Momma takes a nap!

YAYY!

Lately I have been taking a snooze (or at least a 15 minute rest) while the kids do and it has been fabulous.

Otherwise I'm ready to go to bed when they do.

Seriously.

Being a mom to 3 little ones is tiring stuff.

2:15- Madelyn wakes up and I sneak in to get her as soon as I hear a peep so Wesley doesn't wake up.

I also realize I'm starving because I forgot to eat lunch!

Whoops!

I reheat some Navy bean soup my mom brought over the day before.

*Normally I eat lunch with the kids but since they ate at the park and I wasn't in a peanut butter and jelly kind of mood I decided to wait and eat at home.

I enlist Maddie to help me sort through ALL of the super cute clothes my friend gave me.

And was reminded about God's faithfulness.
He always provides for us in ways that blow my mind.

3:45- Kenzie woke up and came out into the family room telling me, "Mom, I just made me and Wesley's beds. Do you want me to make your bed too?"

Ummm, let me think about that.

Yes, please!

Clearly she is Aaron's child.

Not mine.

4:00- Wesley wakes up from his nap and joins the fun.

I put all the new clothes into tubs and the folded laundry away.

and do another load of emergency poop laundry thanks to this little one :)

4:45- Daddy comes home and saves the day!

He takes the big kids to the park down the street while I get dinner started.

While the big kids and Daddy are at the park Maddie and I rock out to Pandora

while I make some pizza
which is a weekly staple around here.

5:10- The kids and Daddy get home and play together while I finish dinner.

Did I mention I have the best husband ever?

Because I do.

5:25- Dinner is served!

Mmmmm...I could eat pizza and salad every day.

Seriously.

6:00- After dinner the kids help Daddy make a juice to take to work for lunch tomorrow.

While Daddy juices, I give Maddie a bath.

Then Aaron washes the dishes from dinner

(see I told you...best husband ever)

Maddie hangs with Daddy while I get the big kids in the bath.

Than I tag team Aaron and he finished the kids bath while I fold some more laundry.

6:40- We brush the kids teeth and let them pick out a couple books to read before bed.

A picture with me in it just to prove I was really around that day.

6:45- Book time!

I feed Madelyn while Aaron reads to the big kids and then put her to bed.

7:15- Put the big kids to bed

and then take a deep breath!

We made it!

Another day of fun and craziness in the the Sellars house.

Well that's it for our very normal, not super exciting day.

Hope you enjoyed getting a little peek into our life.

Feel free to check out the past versions of A Day in the Life of the Sellars' family. It's kind of fun to see how our days have changed as the kids have gotten bigger (and as we have added more kids to the mix).

Friday Randoms

2012-01-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

I love my camera phone because it helps me capture moments in our every day life.

Moments that I'm sure would be gone by the time I went to grab my real camera.

Plus it goes with me everywhere so I'm always sure to have it when a picture worthy moment arises.

Which tend to be often when you have a 3 really cute kids.

Here's a peek into our week through the camera lens of my phone.

Enjoy!

i like him.

a lot.

The hubby and I celebrated 7 years of marriage and got a night out thanks to one of my sweet friends who offered to watch our kiddos.

we visited some of our local ducks.

which were not very friendly.

or too friendly depending on how you look at it.

Wesley stealing Madelyn's puffs.

I'm not sure if he really likes them that much or he just wants them because he's not allowed to have them.

Either way he's always getting into trouble for trying to eat them.

my new necklace

A few friends and I are going through this book together.

Awesome and challenging stuff.

My husband is trying to turn our kids into sports fans.

Thankfully it only lasted for a couple minutes.

Madelyn showing off the greatest (new to me) baby food invention called

baby Mum Mums.

They keep this baby happy while the big people eat.

We had our friends over one last time before they leave for Africa in 19 days!

Check out their blog when you get a chance to hear all about what they will be doing there for the next 3-5 years.

a handmade necklace

2012-01-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Handmade gifts are so special.

They are straight from the heart.

For my birthday, my friend Lindsay made me a sweet little necklace.

The gift tag is absolutely right.

When I saw this cute little bag with my name on it I was instantly happy.

And then I opened the cute little bag

to find this beautiful necklace inside and I was even happier.

so. pretty.

Thanks Lindsay!

I love it!

Want to make a handmade necklace of your own

or even better to gift to a friend?

Check out the tutorial HERE on her blog and learn how to make your very own!

Valentine's Day bookmarks

2012-01-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

Raise your hand if you like a free project?

Grab some paint chips from your local hardware store,

punch out some hearts,

tie a little ribbon at the top and viola...

Free Valentine Bookmarks.

Yes, please!

*I found the idea on Pinterest but it didn't link back to the person who came up with this fabulous idea. If you find or know of the source let me know so I can link back to them :)

I really, really want....

2012-01-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

to get caught up in something like

this

or this some day.

In the meantime I guess I'll have to settle watching them on YouTube.

Have any of you ever been caught in a flash mob?
If so I'm super jealous!

Friday Randoms

2012-01-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a peek at the past week or so through the lens of my camera phone.

Enjoy the randomness!

Just when I think she can't possibly get any cuter.

she does.

And cutie got a new nickname...chunkers.

Because she has the cutest chunkiest legs and tummy (and everything) ever.

My little ballerina and race car driver.

They are super into dress up these days.

I got a bike for Christmas!

So they hubby took me and all 3 kids (2 in the trailer and one on the front of my bike) on a crazy family bike ride.

I survived. barely.

And this little one stayed awake for the whole bike ride (I kept telling Aaron she was probably too scared too fall asleep) but was out as soon as we got to the park.

The hubby and I are teaching the kindergarten and first grade Sunday school class at church.

We have the best group of kids.

happy baby

Aaron and I drug the kids out in the morning to wait in line at the R.E.I. used gear sale.

Everyone looked at us like we were crazy but it was totally worth it.

Some of our R.E.I. scores.

I will never be cold again.

Hallelujah.

The mister and I went out on a date to celebrate my birthday.

It's a miracle I was able to get this picture.

The more kids you have the harder it is to get a decent photo of everyone.

The kids have been loving their bikes too.

Thank you South Coast Plaza for $1 train rides.

Wesley wishes he lived somewhere really cold so he could wear his beanie, a jacket and his rain boots every day.

Who's kid is he?

We made salt dough ornaments and salt dough hand prints with some friends right before Christmas.

tangerine mustache anyone

Wesley's been so cute with Madelyn lately.

He asks to hold her all the time and refers to her as "My baby".

He's always asking me, "Mom where's my baby?"

I heart them.

Modeling some of her new Christmas clothes.

nothing beats home made bread

mmmmmm

double decker

Hi Madelyn.

My attempt at making a fun lunch.

Can you tell what it's supposed to be?

Hope you guys had a great week!

blog stalker

2012-01-05T19:08:00.000-08:00

I had a major blog stalker moment the other day.

I randomly clicked on this link from Pinterest which took me to this blog.

Next thing I knew my kids were waking up from their nap and I realized I had spent the last couple of h.o.u.r.s. reading all about Emily and her family.

It's crazy and cool how blogs offer a glimpse into people's lives and stories.

And it's kind of creepy how you can feel like you totally know someone you have never met just through reading their blog (please someone else tell me they know what I mean so I don't seem like such a weirdo).

Anyways, I've really enjoyed getting to know Emily (through her blog) and I thought I'd pass it along to you as well.

Enjoy!

Some reasons I like Emily and think we could totally be friends.

She has 6 (yes six!) kids.

And the crazier part is they are only 7 years apart.

And she's only 30.

That could totally be me! What do you think Mr. Sellars?

And get this..her five kids share one room.

If that doesn't spike your curiosity I don't know what will.

Plus she color coded her kids.

Which I think is genius.

And they adopted a sweet little girl from Ethiopia.

Which me and the Mr. would love to do someday (adopt).

So grab a cup of coffee and go meet Emily for yourself.

Enjoy!

What I Wore

2012-01-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

A few of you were sad that I said I was going to quit What I Wore Wednesdays so I decided to keep snapping pics of myself (when I remember) and then give a little update once a month or so on my outfits.

Here's a glimpse at what I've been wearing the past couple of weeks.

top- Old Navy *newish

skinny jeans- Levis *new

sandals- Target

top- Old Navy *new

jeans- Citizens

top- Nordstroms

necklace- vintage

jeggings- Forever 21

boots- Emu's

sweater- Banana Republic

jeans- Levis

flats- Naturalizers

top- Old navy

sweater- vintage

jeans- Levis

top- H&M

jeans- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

top- the Limited

jeggings- Forever 21

sandals- Target

necklace- Forever 21

jacket- Target

Nail Drying Magic

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

The kids love getting their nails painted.

I don't mind the painting process

but the drying process is another story.

The kids nails either get totally messed up (because they didn't dry completely) or nail polish ends up getting on things that it shouldn't (which doesn't make for a happy momma).

And then I discovered Nailtini Nail Polish Drying Spray.
I swear a mom had to have come up with this.

The instructions say to spray the nails 45 seconds after the final coat and the nails will be dry in 60 seconds.

Sounds too good to be true, right?

But it works!

I promise.

No more messed up nails.
And no more nail polish getting on things that it shouldn't.
Which makes for a happy little girl and a happy momma.

And a happy little boy.

Who may or may not also love getting his nails painted.
Every time I get everything out to paint Mackenzie's nails he brings me this bottle of blue nail polish and begs me to paint his nails too.

Don't tell my husband but sometimes (most times) I give in.
Look at those eyes.
You wouldn't be able to say no to him either.
Plus I'm storing up some black mail points for him later.

2011 Recap

2012-01-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

2011 was a crazy year.

We had another kid.

And a really really cute one at that.

We moved.
twice.

And we had lots of fun in between.

Here's a brief overview of the year.

January 2011

Aaron and I celebrated 6 years of marriage.

And these little guys realized that having a sibling is cool and became inseperable.

February 2011

Mackenzie was part of the new Jana Alayra DVD.

You can tell she was pretty excited about that.

We enjoyed living next door to our good friends in Corona Del Mar.

And making lots of fires in our fire place.

March 2011

Mackenzie and Wesley got bunk beds.

And we enjoyed lots of Family Saturdays together.

April 2011

Mackenzie started swim lessons and l.o.v.e.d. every second of them.

We celebrated Jesus raising from the dead (Easter)!

May 2011

We welcomed Madelyn Joy into the world.

And became a family of 5!

June 2011

Aaron graduated from the Apprentice Acadomy at our church

and my Dad turned 60!

July 2011

We took full advantage of the summer and spent lots of time at the beach, the pool and of course the fair.

And our little man turned 2 years old!

How did that happen?

August 2011

Madelyn kept growing even though I tried my best to keep her little forever.

And suprisingly enough these guys still remained best buddies.

September 2011

We went camping in Yosemite and drove up to Nevada to visit Aaron's grandparents.

And Mackenzie started preschool.

October 2011

The big kids dressed up as Pirate Jake and Pirate Izzy

and Madelyn was the cutest butterfly you ever did see for Halloween.

November 2011

We went to Florida to spend Thanksgiving with Aaron's dad's side of the family

and took a few trips to Disney World.

Yep.

She kept growing and getting cuter and chunkier.

December 2011

Mackenzie turned 4 and had a Rapunzel birthday party.

For Christmas this year we started a new tradition of having our families over to our place on Chritsmas morning.

It was awesome being able to have (almost) all of our family together and not having to drive a million places to see everyone.

Thanks 2011 for a great year!

And thank you Jesus for teaching us more about yourself and for blessing us more than we could possibly imagine.

You are so so good.

We can't wait to see what 2012 has in store!

Wesley's pillow

2011-12-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

The other day I made a pillow for Wesley.

I don't think he's ever loved something so much in his entire life.

He's had pillow envy for quite some time.

You see, back in the day when I only had one kid

I made Mackenzie a bazillion pillows for her big girl bed.

And ever since Wesley got his big boy bed he's wanted some special pillows to go with it too.

The other day I figured it was way past time we make the little man some pillows.

he. was. so. excited.

He helped me pick out all of the fabrics and watch me cut and iron and sew.

And he hasn't put the pillow down since it was stuffed and sewn closed.

And he shows everyone who comes over his pillow and tells them that I sewed it for him.

It's pretty much the cutest thing ever.

I've got a couple more in store for him that I'll share when I'm done.

December

2011-12-28T22:26:00.000-08:00

December is my favorite month of the year.

3 very important birthday are celebrated every December (Mackenzie, JESUS, and me) which probably has something to do with my love for the month but I also love all the lights, Christmas music, decorations, festivities, Winter Dream Tea Lattes, etc.

It's such a fun time of year.

Here's a quick look at some of the holiday fun we have had over the past couple weeks.

Love these 3 little cuties.

Wesley made his first debut on the big stage for our woman's Bible study Christmas performance.

He and Mackenzie were both so excited and adorable.

We went to a "Happy Birthday Jesus" party that some of my friend's threw.

My kids are still talking about it.

I enjoyed my fair share of this yummy goodness.

Despite my efforts to keep her little forever she keeps growing.

We borrowed Aaron's shaving cream and made some snow art.

We went to our friend's annual fancy dinner party.

It's another big reason I love December.

Great food, great friends,

lots of laughing (aren't these the coolest paper masks you have ever seen?!),

and the best white elephant gifts ever.

(Yes that is a live lobster).

Mackenzie had another Christmas performance.

This time at big church.

And she was definitely the cutest one there

(I may be a little bias).

We had a Christmas party with our Community Group from church and managed to get an almost complete group picture.

This year we had Aaron's parents and my parents over on Christmas morning.

It was awesome to be able to celebrate Jesus with some of our favorite people.

and as always we were spoiled with lots of awesome and generous gifts.

Oh and we visited Santa and Mrs. Claus.
It was a great and fun filled December!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2011-12-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I'm still in awe of the Gospel.

It's almost too good to be true

I guess that's why it's called good news.

Today and always, I'm so thankful that He came.

That God in flesh came to the earth as a baby

and that he lived a perfect, sinless life

and that he died on the cross for my sins.

His love is so great,

so incomprehensible.

I'm so thankful to know and serve such an awesome God.

Hope you guys had a great day celebrating Jesus!
We sure did!

Advent: God With Us from The Village Church on Vimeo.

Mini Me?

2011-12-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

My mom is awesome.

She saved so much fun stuff from when my brother and I were little.

She even saved a handful of my old clothes (her favorites).

A few months ago we came across a jean skirt and jacket set of mine and have been talking about getting a picture of Mackenzie in it, just for fun.

So today Kenzie and I dug up an old picture of me wearing it, put on the outfit, rocked a side pony tail (remember those?) and had a little photo shoot.

She thought it was so cool to be wearing the same outfit I did.

I thought it was pretty cool too.

So what do you think?

Is she a little mini me?

Prayer Pail Update

2011-12-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

I'm always making something for my kids.

I kind of can't help it.

It's like the inner crafter in me can't go more than a few days or weeks without breaking free.

If you are a crafter/D.I.Y.er/creative type you know what I mean.

Some of the things I make are total failures.

Either I mess it up trying to make it, my idea wasn't nearly as cool as I thought it would be once I saw it come to life, or my kids instantly dislike it (despite my best efforts to convince them how cool it really is).

Other things the kids love...for about a week.

They play with it for a while and then once the newness wears off they are over it.

Just like that.

And then every once and a while

a stream of genius hits me and I come up with something that sticks.

for the long haul.

The Prayer Pail is definitely one of the most used things I have ever made.

We still use it e.v.e.r.y.d.a.y.

And even better..they kids still LOVE it!

They each get so excited to pick a stick before meal times and to pray for whoever it is.

And I love that it helps our family be intentional about praying for others.
It's been such a blessing to be able to see God answer prayer after prayer after prayer.

Since it had been two and a half years since the Prayer Pail was created we were way overdue for some new sticks.

It was so fun to add all of the new friends and people the Lord has brought into our life over the past two years.

We can't wait to see how God will continue to work in the lives of our friends and family.

He is so good!

John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Puzzle Cube

2011-12-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

I come from a puzzle loving, game playing kind of family.

Every holiday (or family gathering for that matter) involves some kind of game whether it be ping pong, board games, or our favorite- card games.

And just recently Aaron and I have started a weekly game night.

It's been fun to spend more quality time together and to finally be able to beat him at something :) (I remain undefeated...just had to throw that in there.)

Anyways, when I saw this super cool puzzle cube tutorial I immediately thought of about 5 people in my family who would love it.

Maybe you have a puzzle lover who would like it too.

Check out the tutorial HERE.

Friday Randoms

2011-12-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys!

I can't believe it's Friday (again) and already!

The month is December is whizzing by so fast!

I'm trying to savor every last second of it.

Here's a peek at our week through the lens of my trusty iPhone.

Enjoy!

We took a trip to the Spectrum.

It's one of our favorite hang out spots and we love that since we moved we are only a few minutes away.

Sometimes I pretend like I don't know them.

Is that bad? :)

a picture I painted back in my painting days.

We went to Aaron's work Christmas party in LA.

We sat in traffic for almost 2 1/2 hours and arrived 45 minutes late.

We stayed for 2 hours and then left so we could get home to the little ones.

Then our car broke down (in downtown LA) and we had to get towed all.the.way.home.

It was a loooonng night but I'm glad I had my favorite person to keep me company.

a family of 5 produces a lot of laundry.

I am sure thankful that God has blessed me with so many little legs and bellies and toes to dress and so many clothes to cover them with.

He is so good to us!

We made blanket forts.

Every time Nsync comes up on Pandora, Mackenzie runs to the TV and says, "Look Mommy, there's a picture of Daddy."

And I laugh every time.

I think she think Aaron looks like the guy in the middle (I'm totally blanking on his name!)

My kids heart dinosaur rides on their Daddy (a.k.a. the dinosaur).

I am reading this book and l.o.v.i.n.g. it!

I have so much to learn when it comes to parenting.

Mackenzie is a giant.

We went to her 4 year check up and they sent us to get an X-ray of her bones to make sure she is still human (she is OFF the charts for her height).

This picture makes me laugh because it is probably something that Aaron would have done as a kid.

I'm not even sure who did it (but I think it was probably Mackenzie).

She is getting way too big, too fast!

Did I tell you she is totally crawling?!

We saw Santa at the mall.

From afar.
Why would anyone ever pay $20 just to sit on his lap (especially when you could go see him for free a zillion other places)?

We played at the mall with friends

(that blur is Mackenzie).

Then we went to see Santa and Mrs. Claus with friends at the coolest Santa spot ever

where there are trains and fake snow and hot chocolate involved.

Oh and it SNOWED in Orange County!!!!

That never happens around here.

(Some are calling it hail but there was a good 3 inches of it and I am sticking to my belief that it was in fact snow).

I can't wait for all of my kids to be potty trained.

We have an incident like this at least once a day.

Family Pictures 2011

2011-12-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

This year

our super talented and close friend Lindsay took our family pictures.

I am absolutely in love with how they turned out.

It's so special to have this fun, busy, crazy season of life (with 3 little ones 4 years and under) documented so beautifully.

I know I'll cherish these pictures and this season of life (craziness and all) for years to come.

Anyways, here they are.

Enjoy!

water

2011-12-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

I'm giving water this year.

Are you?

Project 320 is back again!

Go HERE to learn how to give water, change lives and win free stuff.

Liquid gold

2011-12-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a happy day.

While my dad was cleaning out the cupboards in the garage he struck gold.

Liquid gold that is.

He came across a hidden bag of these bad boys we smuggled back from our last trip to Brazil.

They are the best. soda. ever.
And of course they are found only in Brazil.

But now we have them in our fridge where we will ration them and enjoy them for as long as possible.

Mmmmm...I can hardly wait.

Has anyone else ever had Guarana?

Friday Randoms

2011-12-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a peek into our week through the camera lens of my phone.

Enjoy!

Mackenzie turned 4 years old!

She chose pancakes for breakfast and was so excited to get to use our "You are special today" plate.

And she had a blast at her Rapunzel party!

Then Aaron and I took her out to dinner at Cheesecake Factory and for a hot chocolate at Starbucks (she chose both spots) that night.

It was so fun to be able to spend the night with just our oldest and to give her all of our attention.

We put up a another (smaller) tree in the kids room.

They think it's the coolest thing ever.

We have been reading our Christmas book every night and then Daddy tells part of the advent story while the kids are tucked in bed.

Wesley is my little car lover

and sticker lover.

We went on our secret operation Saint Nicholas mission.

I did a little sewing for a friend.

We baked a zillion cookies and delivered them to our neighbors.

Aaron and I had our weekly game night and I won (again).

The kids got dressed in their Christmas clothes

and had a Christmas performance at our woman's Bible study.

It was the cutest thing ever.

Maddie keeps growing and getting cuter every day.

Mackenzie is my sleeper girl.

I had to send in Madelyn and Wesley to wake her up from her nap and she still wouldn't get out of bed!

My 3 crazy ones!

Daddy's girl.

Hope you guys had a great week!

Nativity sets for kids

2011-12-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

I'm always on the lookout for creative ways to share the Gospel with my kids.

For tangible ways to explain the truth about who Jesus is and what he has done for them.

More than anything I want them to get it.

Especially at Christmas.

I want them to enjoy the presents and the decorations and even Santa Claus (or Saint Nicholas as we like to call him) but I want them to know, really know and understand, that it's all about Jesus.

That we give presents because Jesus is the greatest gift of all.

That we decorate with lights because He is the light of the world.

And that we think Saint Nicholas is cool because he shared the love of Jesus with others.

And I know that doesn't just happen.

It takes being intentional and talking about it with them. a lot.

Heck..I need to be reminded about it a lot too.

We have the Little People Nativity set which the kids love to play with

and last week my mom found this nativity that she made my brother and I when we were kids.

Then I was looking on Pinterest (oh how I love Pinterest) and found a bunch of other awesome nativity sets/ideas the kids would love. I thought I'd share them.

Enjoy!

recycled Nativity found here

yummy Nativity found here

watercolor and clothespin nativity found here

wooden doll nativity found here

wooden block nativity found here

thread spool nativity found here

What are some ways you teach your kids about Christ at Christmas?

What I Wore

2011-12-07T21:07:00.000-08:00

So my hubby told me it's weird that I take pictures of myself every day.

So I thought about it and I think he's right.

It is kind of weird.

It has helped my getting dressed problem, but that's about it.

So I'm thinking about retiring my What I Wore Wednesdays posts.

What do you think?

Would you miss them or look forward to not seeing me and my outfits every week?

Be honest. You won't hurt my feelings :)

I have to be honest, I definitely wouldn't miss taking pictures of myself every day.

And I'm pretty sure I'd still get dressed everyday.

at least most days :)

While we are figuring this whole thing out, here are last week's pics (and a bit of the week before).

sweater- vintage

jeans- Levis

flats- Payless

belt- vintage

necklace- vintage

(When I say vintage I mean straight up from the 70's and stolen from my mom's closet. Yes she still have stuff from the 70s in there.)

dress- Mamaways

jeggings- Forever 21

cardigan- Target

boots- Cathy jean

sweater- Old Navy

jeggings- Target

necklace- Forever 21

belt- vintage

boots- Cathy Jean

top- Banana Republic

jeans- Citizen of Humanity

cardigan- Macy's

shoes- Macy's

sweater- Old Navy

jeans- Citizen of Humanity

flats- Macy's

tee- Old Navy

sweater- vintage (my mom saved a bunch of her favorite clothes from way back when in the attic. I'm not sure what she was saving them for but they ended up fitting me just perfectly. Thanks mom!)

jeans- Levis

flats- Macy's

*can u guess who helps me get dressed every morning?

top- Forever 21

nursing tank underneath- Target

jeans- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

necklace- vintage

the boy sporting his favorite shark boots that he wears e.v.e.r.y. day.

tee- Old Navy

cardigan- Forever 21

necklace- Forever 21

jeans- Citizen of Humanity

flats- vintage (this time from Aaron's step grandma)

sweater- gift from friend (Old Navy)

tank underneath- Old Navy

belt- vintage

jeans- Citizen of Humanity

sweater- Banana Republic

jeans- Citizen of Humanity

necklace- Forever 21

shoes- Payless

Kenzie's outfit- Naartjie (love their girl's clothes)

Wesley- Target

Operation Saint Nick

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

The Sellars kids l.o.v.e. this movie.

It's played so many times I think we all know every word in it.

Last year the movie (which tells the real story of Saint Nicholas) inspired us to secretly bless a family in need just like Saint Nicholas did.

We had so much fun playing Saint Nicholas last year that we have decided to do it again.

And this year the kids are totally in charge.

They picked the people, went shopping, and have set up the perfect secret drop off plan.

We are so excited to drop it off later tonight and to share the love of Jesus with others.

"I can love because God loves me, I can give because God gave. Jesus' love is why I'm smiling, why I'm giving every day." -Song from the movie

Guest Blogger: Sarah Fitzpatrick

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to introduce my friend Sarah to you!

She is funny, real and down to earth.

Her blog makes me laugh and challenges me to be more like Jesus.

She is the momma of 4 little ones and is in the process of adopting a baby to add to the bunch.

I asked Sarah if she could share some of her adoption journey with us because, well...Aaron and I have thought a lot about adoption and I know a bunch of other people who have too

but Sarah and her family

are. actually. doing. it.

And I think that's cool. and inspiring.

Here's Sarah :)

Word is out that we are expanding the FitzFam once again!! This time by way of adoption, which is so unbelievable that we're here - doing this - for real.

Where do I begin?

After we had Addison we wanted to adopt but (BUT GOD) I found out I was pregnant with Troy. After Troy we wanted to adopt but (BUT GOD) I found out I was pregnant with Mia. This time around I've pretty much been whispering "adoption" in fear of getting pregnant again. But (BUT GOD) here we are, adopting, and I'm not pregnant.

I was all about international, really it's all I knew. My friends who've adopted have gone overseas, and I had huge fears wrapped up in doing a domestic adoption and having a birth mother to contend with. For some reason I thought for over seas adoptions - out of sight out of mind. (Clearly a naive and immature rationale.) But (BUT GOD) my mind was slowly changed and my heart grew softer and softer and all of the sudden domestic didn't seem crazy and fostering became, dare I say it?, beautiful.

Mark and I attended a meeting for people with hearts for orphan care on September 13th. (This is open to everyone! Next meeting is in January.) In the car on the way home we both said we should look into fost/adopt. Nothing magical was said at the meeting. Nothing specific happened, but (BUT GOD) at some point God spoke to both of us and confirmed this is what he wanted for us.

There have only been a few times in my walk with the Lord that I have felt I am exactly where he wants me to be, doing what he wants me to do. This is one of those times.

That night we got online and researched Olive Crest. We sent in the pre-application to find out more information and a week later received the Main Application in the mail. Two weeks after that we had our first in-home meeting that basically laid out all of the intricacies of Olive Crest fost/adopt program and we signed a commitment letter stating we are in this for realsies. They don't want to waste their time if many man hours of training and interviewing later we decide it's just not really for us.

This is really for us. For realsies.

Today we had our homestudy. It was basically a three hour marriage and family assessment. I think everyone should have a homestudy done! I love answering questions about my marriage and family! At one point - when I was struggling to find serious faults in Mark - Mark pointed out that I would've had no problem finding a plethora of faults a year ago. One year ago, in the thick of him working an insane amount of hours and me being in a new house with four very little children, we would've answered a lot of the questions very differently than we did today.

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:1-10

But God walked through the thick of it with us. He saw us tired and weak and knew it wasn't time. Then he moved us. And he reduced our stuff and increased our trust. I looked at our kids and was filled with a lovely fullness, but God said there is room for more.

I was a sinner, blind and lost, but God said he had room for more, and adopted me.

It is our joy to love sacrificially in the name of Jesus who so greatly sacrificed for us.

What are the "But God"'s in your life?

Happy 4th Birthday Mackenzie!

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is 4 today!

I don't think anyone has ever been so excited for a birthday in their entire life.

Mackenzie Grace,

You are such a silly, fun, joyful little (yet not so little) girl.

You have a way of putting a smile on people's face and warming hearts.

You are outgoing and full of energy.

Yet you still love to cuddle and suck your two fingers when no one is looking.

You are the very independent and love to do things on your own.

You love to color and are quite the perfectionist.

You like things to be just right.

You are the best big sister ever and a great helper for Mommy.

I love to hear your thoughts and listen to you talk (which is a lot).

You are already one smart cookie and a woman of wisdom.

You are crazy good with directions and you have a memory like an elephant.

We are so blessed to have you as our daughter!

I pray that God would continue to grow you into a woman of character and grace and that you would know, love and serve our Lord Jesus with all your heart mind, soul and strength all the days of your life.

I love you baby girl!

Friday Randoms

2011-12-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

Wow there is so much to be caught up on!

Here's a peek at the past 2 weeks from the lens of my camera phone.

Hold on, let's go..

The boutique was awesome!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

Bright and early the morning after my boutique, we flew to Florida.

The 5 of us plus our 4 carry ons, a stroller, 3 car seats, diaper bag, computer bag, and 2 kids backpacks.

Making it on the plane felt like an accomplishment in itself.

Luckily the kids did great during the flight.

I sat with little Missy

and Aaron sat with the big kids.

Aaron's mother in law works for Disney so we were able to go to Disney World twice while we were in Florida!

The kids were so excited they got to meet Jake!

The light show at Disney's Hollywood Studios was awesome!

We ate at Cracker Barrel.

It's our favorite breakfast spot.

And wondered once again why they don't bring them out to Cali?!

We need some good southern food out here.

Kenzie and I discovered Instagram.

And realized it is a million times cooler than Hipstamatic.

Why did it take me so long?

We also decided we need matching Anthropologie aprons.

Madelyn started sitting up by herself and is trying to crawl (although I'm doing everything I can to prolong it).

We visited Super Target

(yet another thing that needs to make its way to Cali).

Then we drove from Orlando to Tallahassee.

The iPad saved the day once again.

And then from Tallahassee to Shell Point (a.k.a the beach!).

We went on a sunset boat ride with Aaron's aunt and uncle.

And spent Thanksgiving at the beach.

With Aaron's aunts, uncles, cousins, cousins kids, etc.

It was a blast!

We just wish they all lived closer and we could do it much more often.

We hit up Target and Walmart at midnight on Black Friday.

I love the craziness.

We went to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Which was also so much fun!

could she be any cuter?

We went fishing.

And to Cracker Barrel. again.

Spent lots of time with Aaron's dad, step mom and step sister.

Then we came home and decorated for Christmas

and I kicked Aaron's booty in Monopoly.

Phew!

What a fun 2 weeks!

Countdown to Christmas...with books!

2011-12-01T22:59:00.000-08:00

My kids love books

and my kids love opening presents

so they were so excited when I told them about this years

Countdown to Christmas.

We gathered up 25 Christmas books (from around our house and from the library),

then wrapped them,

and stuck them in a basket under the tree.

Each night the kids get to pick one book to unwrap and read together before bed.

Tonight was night one and they loved it!

I love this time of year!

blue and white stripes

2011-11-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

I think I have an addiction

to blue and white striped clothing.

Clearly I cannot say no to them.

clearly.

Pop-Up Shop

2011-11-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

My friend Lindsay is a lady of many talents.

She's the one who just took our family pictures (that I'm dying to show you!),

she is a super talented graphic designer

and she just opened the coolest little Etsy shop called Pop-Up Shop

where she makes tons of fun gift tags.

Aren't they adorable?

(I think Lindsay should work as a professional gift wrapper as well. Don't you think?)

I most definitely need some of these.

How about you?

Pop on over to her blog today and enter this giveaway to win a set of these fun advent calendar gift tags.

(Hurray...giveaway ends tomorrow, Nov. 30th!)

Oh the possibilities!

Tie them onto bags stuffed with a little gift for each day of advent, use them as ornaments on a Christmas tree, a calendar, etc., etc....

And the best part is you can reuse them every year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a great day celebrating God's many blessings.

We have so much to be thankful for!

Hope you guys did too!

We have been having so much fun visiting family, Disney World, and eating lots of Southern food here in Florida!

I'll do a full post on all the details once we are back.

I love the iPad for lots of things but blogging on it is definitely NOT one of them.

Anyways, we are off to go shopping!

I love the holiday craziness!

Calling all locals!

2011-11-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

I'm participating in one of my favorite holiday boutiques tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 19th) in Mission Viejo.

I'd love for you to stop by and say hi!

I'll have all of my regular goodies, some new products as well as a huge basket of sale stuff.

Plus there are 75 other vendors selling everything you can imagine.

You don't want to miss it!

It's at the NP Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo

from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

The address is:

24932 Veterans Way

Mission Viejo, Ca 92692

If you do come, please introduce yourself!

I'd love to meet you in person :)

Below are some of the things that will be for sale...

see you tomorrow!

taggie blankets

Ergo/Beco drool pads

tuxedo bibs

tie bibs

tooth fairy pillows

and lots, lots more!

Friday Randoms

2011-11-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

Is it Friday already?!

This week I was busy prepping and sewing for a boutique I'm doing tomorrow and getting ready to leave for vacation in Florida on Sunday.

Here's a peek at the craziness through the camera lens of my phone.

Enjoy!

We had a blast filling our shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

My kids blew me away with their giving hearts.

We love homemade pancakes.

And eat them a lot.

Wesley got to sit in and pretend to drive a Corvette.

He's already a car guy.

Madelyn is getting too big too fast.

She just turned 6 months and is such a little ham.

We went park hunting.

Basically we just drive around looking for a new park to play at.

It's always an adventure.

Don't let the cute smile fool you.

This baby hates baby food.

Hates it.

Like gags and cries and acts like it's poison, hates it.

We made some cookies for friends.

Can you guess who decorated this one :)

My sweet friends took the big kids for an afternoon so I could sew like crazy.

It was such a blessing.

Making lots of Ergo/Beco Drool Pads.

candy cane Joe Joes are dangerous.

Eat with caution.

Family of 5 packed for a 9 day trip in 4 carry on suitcases.

Awesomeness.

{heart}

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

I heart our little family...

a lot.

a lot. a lot.

And I heart my friend Lindsay who took our amazing family pics.

I promise there will be more to post soon!

What I Wore

2011-11-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

What I Wore Wednesday

what would I do without you?

Probably still be in my pajamas, that's what.

Thanks for being my accountability and encouragement to get dressed each day.

My husband and kids thank you.

Here's a peek at my outfits this week.

Enjoy!

top- my mom's from the 70's

skinny jeans- Levis

belt- Forever 21

necklace- vintage

shoes- Naturalizers

top- Banana Republic

jeans- Target

dress- Mamaways

jeggings- Forever 21

boots- Cathy Jean

cardigan- Target

What I Wore for our family pictures (which I can't wait to show you!)

sweater- Old Navy

jeans- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

necklace- Forever 21 (but I ended up switching necklaces before the shoot)

white tee- Banana Republic (they have the best after Christmas sale!)

wrap- Macy's

jeggings- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

necklace- Walmart

top- Banana Republic

cardigan- Macy's

jeans- Citizens of Humanity

flats- Macy's

tee- Old Navy

cardigan- Forever 21

jeans- Citizens of Humanity

shoes- vintage

necklace- Forever 21

top- Forever 21

nursing tank underneath- Target

jeans- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

necklace- vintage

I have a problem

2011-11-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

I have a major "me" problem.

I'm often stuck in "Kristin Land" or even the "Sellars' family bubble"

where all I can think about are my needs (or wants) and my families concerns.

It's been a problem for well...forever, but it has really showed it's ugly head since I have had kids.

Because if it were up to me I would almost always put myself first.

And every time I get woken up at 3:00 in the morning (or let's be honest even 5:00 in the morning) or don't get to eat my food until it's cold (which is more often than not these days) I realize my "me" problem.

And then I watch something like this or this and get brought back to reality.

Suddenly figuring out how I'm going to sew a million bibs for my boutique on Saturday or deciding what I'm going to buy my kids for Christmas this year doesn't seem so important.

Life. isn't. all. about. me.

or my family.

It's all about Jesus.

Jesus ransomed me from death and hell,

adopted me as His own, sent the Holy Spirit to dwell inside me

and promises eternal life to me (and all those who repent and believe in Him!).

He alone is worthy of this little life.

And because He is so so good and gracious and merciful to me

all I want to do is live it for Him.

And yet I forget.

The "me" monster rears it's ugly head and I have to remind myself of the truth again and again and again.

It's such a constant battle, but one that's so worth the fight

because life is about so much more than just me.

Friday Randoms

2011-11-11T08:33:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's Friday again.

The weeks are flying by!

Pretty soon it's going to be Thanksgiving and then Mackenzie's birthday and then Christmas.

The holiday season is pure craziness but busy in the best possible way...doing lots of fun holiday things.

Here is a peek at our week through the lens of my camera phone.

Hope you guys had a great week too!

Little man got a much needed hair cut.

The hubby surprised me and the kids by coming home early with Starbucks in tow one night.

I like those kind of surprises.

Wesley is my little shadow.

He watches me put on my makeup and helps me get ready each morning.

And while I get ready he puts on his chap stick.

And 50 million other times during the day he puts on more of his chap stick.

The other day (while I was not looking) he decided chap stick was too boring so he tried out a little mascara instead.

I had a little at home photo shoot with my big

6 month old girl!

Does anyone else kids eat the entire apple (core, seeds, etc.) except for the stem

because Wesley does.

Maybe it's a boy thing.

Another reason I love Trader Joes...

they have kids carts and brussels sprouts on the stalk.

I didn't even know brussels sprouts grew on a stalk but thanks to Trader Joes I do now.

We made some leaf rubbings

inspired by Special Agent Oso.

Wesley turned into a real life Mr. Potato Head.

My husband organized all of our DVD's alphabetically and put them into CD cases so we could cut down on storage space.

Yes...he's a little OCD.

The kids and I had a fun night at the Spectrum while Daddy was at a late meeting.

I can't tell you how many times I got stopped by people to ask,

"How far apart are your kids?"

"Wow, you have your hands full"

"You are a busy Mom"

"So you guys are done having kids right"

"They are so cute"

etc., etc., etc.

This picture is so funny because Wesley is holding Mackenzie's favorite blanket and sucking his finger like she does even though he's not a blanket or finger sucking boy. He just wants to be exactly like his big sister.

I got my hair cut last night and picked out our outfits

for our family pictures tonight!

Wish us a night full of fun and happy smiles and free of meltdowns :)

Snap

2011-11-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the UNManuel

and 3 very cute little models

I've said goodbye to the little green auto button

and am officially shooting in Manuel.

What I Wore

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

I got these awesome hangers (but for way cheaper from Costco)

and I cleaned out my closet today!

Moving always gives me the push I need to get organized.

This week I have really tired to wear some of the things from the back of my closet

things I forgot I even had.

It was kind of fun to look at my closet with a fresh perspective and to come up with some new looks.

Here's a peek at most of my outfits from the week.

embellished tank- from Old Navy (ages ago)

cardigan- given to me by a friend

jeggings- Forever 21

boots- Cathy Jean

belt- vintage

top- Macy's

jeggings- Target

shoes- vintage

striped tank- Banana Republic

sweater- Nordstroms

jeggings- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

sweater- Express

jeans- Express

shoes- garage sale

striped tank- garage sale

cardigan- Forever 21

jeggings- Forever 21

boots- Cathy Jean

belt- vintage

Another one.

2011-11-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

Yep.

I did it again.

Another t-shirt dress.

Number 4 to be exact.

(See the others here, here, and here)

I just can't help myself.

They are so easy to make and

so. darn. cute.

Plus she likes them, which says a lot.

(it's not always easy to please this almost 4 year old).

And it's all recycled or thrifted which means it was

super cheap to make.

Probably another reason I like them so much :)

top layer- long sleeve shirt from Salvation Army

2nd layer- part of Aaron's old work t shirt

middle- Roxy shirt from a garage sale

2nd to last layer- thrifted light pink tank top

bottom- light blue Hurley skirt from a garage sale

do. something. good.

2011-11-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

I love Julie from Joy's Hope for lots of reasons.

One of them is that she uses her blog for good.

The past 2 years she has coordinated the awesome Project 320 that has helped to bring water to people and villages in need.

And now she has come up with something new and equally as awesome

called...

Hurry on over to her site quickly (it's starting today!) to see what all the fuss is about and to be a part of something good.

Friday Randoms

2011-11-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wow.

What a crazy week we had!

Here's a peek at it through the camera lens of my phone.

We went on a field trip to a farm with Mackenzie's preschool.

I went out on a date with this cute guy.

The first date we have had (alone) since Madelyn came along.

It was way over due!

We moved!

And were blessed with lots of strong friends who helped.

And another sweet family who brought us over dinner the night we moved.

Which was also a huge, huge blessing!

We unpacked lots and lots of boxes.

We had a bake sale at our church.

I drooled over these babies...

but ended up taking an 8 pound chocolate cake home :)

We went to the Harvest Festival at our church.

And then trick or treating around our neighborhood the following day for Halloween.

These two are buddies :)

I ate this for breakfast :)

When the kids weren't looking of course.

I started prepping for a boutique I have in 2 weeks!

And started making some new products.

I heart reading books before bed together.

Hiding God's Word in our hearts is good stuff.

Attention clean freaks

2011-11-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Attention clean freaks..

you know who you are.

I need your help.

Because although I wish I were more like you

I am not.

Not at all.

And our lovely new place has hardwood floors that I thought I would love

but am learning to hate

because they are dirty

all. the. time.

(like our feet our black. it's gross. i know.)

And I feel like I have to sweep multiple times a day which is a big deal for this non cleaning kind of girl.

So...help!

Is this just normal with hardwood floors?

What kind of cleaning devices do you use?

Swiffer? Something else?

I borrowed (A.K.A. sole) a Haan floor sanitizer from my Mom which I haven't figured out how to use yet. Anyone have one of those?

Thanks for your advice!

Our black feet and my cleanly husband really appreciate it!

Family Rules

2011-11-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

I've been itching to make this project ever since I saw it here.

It only took me a year but I've finally done it!

Let me introduce you to the Sellars'

Family Rules.

To make a family rules sign of your own all you need to do is:

-cut out strips of scrapbook paper (I had to tape 2 pieces together since they weren't quite long enough)

-write a family rule on each one

-Stick it in a frame of your choice

and hang for all to see!

Oh and I spray painted the matting that was already in the frame to match my scrapbook paper.

What are some of your family rules?

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

from The Sellars' clan

Madelyn

A.K.A. The cutest butterfly you've ever seen

Wesley

A.K.A. Pirate Jake (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates)

Mackenzie

A.K.A. Pirate Izzy (from Jake and the Neverland Pirates)

This year we had double the Halloween fun!

Sunday evening we went to the Harvest Festival at our church.

Think carnival games, rides, food and tons of candy.

Then on Halloween we went Trick-or-treating!

The kids had a blast!

And we got more candy then we know what to do with.

Hope you guys had a fun Halloween!

This picture cracks me up.

Look at Madelyn's face :)

Fridy Randoms

2011-10-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

We are moving tomorrow!!!

It's been c.r.a.z.y. trying to pack and move in less than 2 weeks but we have almost made it to the finish line.

Here's a peek at our week through the lens of my camera phone.

(My cool hipstamatic app decided to play games with me so most of the pics are from the boring ol' camera app on my phone this week).

Enjoy!

I've almost finished our Family Rules sign for the new house.

I can't wait to show it to you!

Attack of Wesley!

Why are little girl clothes are so irresistible?

Major throw up situation in Target.

Part of the really hard day.

Made a couple meals for some friends in need

Wesley decided it would be fun to rub peanut butter all over his eyes, eyelashes, etc.

(Not sure why he thought that would be a good idea?)

I love how they love each other so much.

They are never apart.

We got the keys on Wednesday and started taking things over to the new place!

And packing and unpacking like crazy.

Which reminded me that I have way too much stuff and that

i. never. want. to. move. again.

And I did a little or a lot more spray painting.

Which, by the way, I think I am addicted to.

How was your week?

What I Wore

2011-10-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I moved all of my clothes over to the new house

which made me realize...

I have clothes that I don't wear but should

and so many clothes that I wear but need to get rid of (because Forever 21 clothes we not made to last more than one season if you know what I mean).

Once we are officially moved I plan to clean out the ol' closet and take a fresh look at things.

Maybe even put together some more creative/daring outfits.

Maybe.

And work on a couple clothing recycles that I have had on the to do list for much too long.

Oh and switch to these awesome hangers.

In the meantime here are my outfits from the week.

top- gift from friend

skinnies- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

tee- Old Navy

jeans- Express

cardigan- Target

sandals- Target

top- Old Navy

jeans- Target

boots- Cathy Jean

shirt dress- Macy's

leggings- Forever 21

boots- Cathy Jean

tee- Old Navy

jeans- Levis

cardigan- Macy's

scarf- made by me :)

flats- Payless

top- Forever 21

jeans- Levis

necklace- vintage

A rough day

2011-10-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

I've had a rough couple of days.

Let me give you a recent snap shot of my life.

Saturday-ran a zillion errands to get stuff for the new house, randomly broke out in head to toe hives. Itchy, itchy hives.

Sunday- taught Sunday school at church in the morning, spray painted 2 chairs, then hosted 20 people for Community group at our house that night. Me and Madelyn came down with a cold.

Monday- went grocery shopping and packed during the day, hosted Bunco at our house at night

today- took the dog to the groomers, more packing, more errands

Needless to say we have been busy.

And with the move this Saturday I have felt extra stressed.

I'd like to say I have been handling the craziness with perfect ease and calmness but that would be a big fat lie.

Just ask my kids.

Today we were driving home from Target when this conversation took place.

Mackenzie: "Mommy, are you having a rough day?"

Me: "Yeah Baby, Mommy is having a hard day. But you know what. Just because Mommy is having a hard day does not mean it's ok to have a bad attitude. I'm sorry for being so frustrated and impatient with you guys. It's not ok to act like that and I'm sorry.

Mackenzie: It's ok Mommy, I forgive you.

Wesley: I love you Mommy.

(Mackenzie saying something about me being frustrated and how it's not good to get frustrated with little kids).

Me: I love you guys. Has Mommy not been a very nice Mommy today?

Mackenzie: Hey Mom! (getting really excited) I know what you have been like. You have been like the Mom in Cinderella!

Me: Oh Man. I hope not!

All of us start laughing :)

The past couple days I have had multiple "I can't do this!" moments.

Just today I had a few...

-Taking 2 toddlers and a baby and a dog in and out of the groomers. in the rain.

-Carrying a crying baby and a broom while pushing the other 2 kids in a full shopping cart that I can barely maneuver through Walmart.

-Trying to make dinner for the kids, give the baby a bath and clean throw up out of a car seat all without the hubby.

Anyways, in the midst of these moments the Lord has given me some clarity.

He gently reminded me that

I absolutely cannot do it on my own.

I can't be a good Mom

or a loving wife

or a loyal friend

without Jesus.

And praise the Lord I don't have to!

I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who is so loving, forgiving, and patient for His Son Jesus who paid the penalty for my sin and for the Holy Spirit that dwells in me, helping me and making me more like Jesus.

A cozy scarf

2011-10-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

this crocheted hook

+ this chunky yarn

= this piece of cozy fall happiness.

I love scarfs.

and crocheting.

and fall.

Friday Randoms

2011-10-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Just another crazy busy week.

I think I should have done some...maybe a lot of packing but instead I...

scored an awesome desk off Craigslist and painted it aqua.

went to the pumpkin patch with the hubby and kids,

went to a birthday party,

and on a bike ride.

bought some groceries

and spotted Kenzie's art work on display.

cleaned up many messes

(the boy decided to give himself a bath. on his own. with soap. lots of soap. and no water.)

went on a trail hike with my parents

did a little dress up

and started a project I have had on my to do list for months.

How was your week?

Pirate Izzy Costume Tutorial (from Jake and the Never Land Pirates)

2011-10-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Every pirate needs a best buddy.

Izzy is Jake's best buddy on my kids favorite TV show Jake and the Never Land Pirates.

They work together to find treasures and gold doubloons and to fight off Captain Hook.

They are pretty much inseparable just like Mackenzie and Wesley.

Once Wesley decided to be Jake from Jake and the Never Land Pirates

Mackenzie just had to be Izzy.

Here's a peek at how we made her costume complete with Izzy's special pixie dust carrier.

My Pirate Izzy

the basics-

purple leggings- Walmart $3.50

pink bandanna- Goodwill $1.00

pink pirate shirt- Goodwill $1.00

brown boots- Target

And of course Izzy needs her special pixie dust that Tinkerbell gave her...

just in case of an emergency!

Here's a quick tutorial for the pixie dust holder.

It's super easy.

supplies-

-yellow felt

-piece of leather string or yarn

-rice

-clear hair tie or rubber band

Step 1-

Cut a square out of some yellow felt and place a small amount of rice in the center.

Step 2-

Gather the felt around the rice.

Step 3-

Secure with a clear hair tie.

Step 4-

Wrap the leather string around the felt pouch and tie to secure.

Then measure the correct length to fit around your child's neck and tie a knot at the end to secure.

Ta da!

The perfect pixie dust holder.

Now grab your pirate buddy and get ready to find some treasure.

Yo Ho Ho!