Sisters Reunite

Me, Bethany, Carmen, and Kim

Last Saturday I met three of my Alpha Omicron Pi sorority sisters at a local restaurant for dinner. Carmen recently moved to this area and since Bethany and Kim each only live a couple of hours away, they came for a visit. It was such a treat to see these women again and catch-up on life. I have to say that when I reflect on my college days, a HUGE part of my fond memories involve these women and all of the other sisters of Tau Gamma. I remember feeling like a very small, insignificant girl at the beginning of my freshman year of college and AOII rescued me. I found my home-away-from-home with my sorority and I would not be the woman I am today without the friendships of all those lovely ladies. 

I am so blessed to call Bethany, Carmen, and Kim friends and even more blessed to call them sisters. Love you gals!!

Little Rock Star

A few days ago Ella was playing outside while Jeff did some mechanic work in the garage. I was inside with Nicholas and soon spied her with a broom, pretending it was a guitar, and totally rocking out. I thought it was absolutely adorable so I grabbed my camera and hightailed it outside to capture the moment. I honestly love all of these photos but this last one is my favorite. She was belting out her song and completely lost in the moment. Oh, the sweet simplicity of childhood! Rock on, sister. 

New Look

I wanted to try a new hairstyle so my friend Katie, who owns a local beauty salon, recommended a stylist who works there. 

My hair went from this...

to this! I love my new ombre look. It was challenging to make such a drastic change, but I can honestly say that I really like it. Happy client!

Elizabeth's 4th Birthday

On September 15th, Elizabeth Rose Gustafson turned four!

We started her morning off with her favorite breakfast, pancakes, and completed them with some maple syrup and a candle so she could start her special day off with a wish.

 We did a mini photo-shoot in the backyard in her birthday cake tee. She looks so grown-up and every bit a four-year-old to me in these...

Jeff was in Alaska on her birthday so we had a small party that evening to celebrate (and also because mommy needed some interaction-with-other-adults time).

We had pizza for dinner and afterward and Ella enjoyed opening her gifts.

She cracked me up pretending to read and then exclaiming, "Mommy, I don't know who wrote this!" So I read her cards to her instead. 

Jeff and I bought Ella her first jewelry box and locket. She loved it!

After all the gifts were opened, we had cake pops (which Ella and I made earlier in the day for her preschool class) and ice-cream for dessert. She got to blow out four candles this time around and made another wish. 

Happy birthday to the sweetest, most spirited, most energetic little girl I know. You bring us so much joy and laughter and we are abundantly blessed to have you in our lives. xoxo