Can you tell how excited Elizabeth was to start gymnastics last week?! Santa Claus brought her gymnastics lessons for Christmas last year and mommy just recently got around to signing her up. She absolutely loved her first class and everyday since has asked when she can go back. She kept up with the kids that have been going for weeks/months and even for a four-year-old seems to be quite agile and coordinated. It's so fun to watch her participate in something she really enjoys!
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Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Lent Begins with Ash Wednesday
Lent began last week and the children and I attended the mid-day mass at our parish. We all received ashes but Ella's didn't last through mass. I was able to snap a photo of Nicholas' and mine however. This Lent I am giving up sweets and coffee for all 40 days which, honestly hasn't been too difficult, except for the fact that I have been craving something sweet a couple of hours after dinner. I also hope to volunteer with the poor in our local community in the next few weeks as well.
St. Valentine's Day
The kids and I had so much fun crafting valentines for teachers, therapists, classmates, and loved ones earlier this month to prepare for St. Valentine's Day. We had a family celebration a couple of days before the 14th because I was away leading a weekend retreat on the Saturday that the feast day fell on this year. We enjoyed a yummy dinner and exchanged candy, small gifts, and homemade valentine cards. I am so blessed to be loved by three wonderful people!
February Happenings
Ella is to the age where she really enjoys being around others, but she also likes to spend more time in her room as well. One afternoon I caught her relaxing, playing games on the iPad after school. She requested a few new apps so we used the iTunes gift card she got for Christmas (thanks Uncle Brett!) to purchase several new educational apps, which kept her happy and occupied long enough that mommy could finish some chores around the house.
I recently ordered Ella some spring/summer clothes because 1) she's growing so rapidly, she barely fits into anything anymore and 2) Gap/Old navy had a huge sale that I had to take advantage of. These glasses came in the box of new things and I don't think she's taken them of since. Her future's so bright, she's gotta wear (rose colored) shades.
I have been trying to make one or two new recipes for dinner each week because I get so tired of eating the same thing week after week. Pinterest has been a huge help in discovering new recipes. I found one a couple weeks ago for Italian Wedding Soup (which is my absolute favorite) so I made it from scratch and it turned out amazingly delicious! The whole family enjoyed it. I think it will become a winter staple.
Today is February 24th and amazingly the Narcissus Daffodils are already blooming! The crocus are blooming as well and the hydrangea and lilac bushes already have buds on them. Everything is up about a month early, which I don't mind as I much prefer warm spring weather over cold, snowy winters.
My dear friend, Catie, recently sent me this little treasure. It's a necklace with the kids' names, a small cross, and a pearl. I absolutely love it and wear it all the time. Thank you so much, Catie! You are such a thoughtful friend!!
The kids and I planted our own little indoor terrarium a few weeks back. One of the succulents is doing quite well and the other two, not so much. I think it will be worth it to buy a small fern and some moss to place in there instead.
Every once in awhile I like to take a photo of myself to add to our blog so our children (as they age) can see what mommy looked like when they were young. This is one of me one afternoon on my way into work.
In just a few days (February 28) we celebrate World Rare Disease Day. I purchased this tee in honor of Nicholas, from the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation and will proudly wear it on the last day of this month to show my love for our boy and the estimates 350 million others in the world who suffer from rare and genetic diseases.
Jeff's 33rd birthday
On January 29th Jeff turned 33! We had a simple family celebration for him with the most delicious ice-cream cake ever...it was covered with various types of candy: Butterfinger, M & M's, cookie dough bites, Heath bar. Mmmm, it was a fantastic treat! The following weekend, Jeff and I had a date day for his birthday, a lunch out at a new brew pub and an afternoon movie. Happy birthday husband!
Donate to Nicholas' Memorial Fund
Information about Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Click HERE to learn about Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
About Me
- Jessica
- Washington, United States
- We are the Gustafsons: Daddy Jeff, Mommy Jessica, Big Brother Nicholas and Little Sister Elizabeth. We started our blog in 2008 when our son was born as a way to document our life. Jeff and I feel so blessed to be parents to two amazing kids. Our oldest, Nicholas, was diagnosed with a terminal condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We are praying for a cure for Nicholas and all children who suffer from this physically limiting diagnosis. We are also parents to a little girl who who brings us sunshine and laughter everyday. We treasure every moment with our sweet kiddos. Please let us know you visited our blog by leaving us comment. May God bless you today and always.
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Falling In Love
Our Wedding Day

Brother & Sister Love

Motherhood

Nicholas's Story
Click HERE to read Nicholas's story from birth to his diagnosis with SMA at 10 months-old.
All About Nicholas
sweet. easy-going. smiley. happy. fighter. playful. courageous. loving. joyful. amazing. gift. wise. strong. handsome. kind. brave. Heaven-sent.
Nicholas's Birthday
Nicholas at 1 Year

Nicholas at 2 Years

Nicholas at 3 Years
Nicholas at 4 Years
Nicholas at 5 Years
Nicholas at 6 Years
All About Ella
loving. cuddly. toddler. curious. explorer. walker. silly. happy. sleeper. blessing. fearless. adventurous. kisser. sassy. dancing queen. spirited.
Ity Bitty Baby Ella

Ella at 1 Year

Ella at 2 Years
Ella at 3 Years
Ella at 4 Years
Ella at 5 Years
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