SPRING IS HERE!!!
I think it's perfectly safe to say that the Gustafsons' have spring fever. Burning, hot fever that has us itching with anticipation that our lives can begin to be lived outside the confines of our home. Hallelujah!
Little Miss may be three, but still is comforted by the routine of thumb-sucking and hair twirling when lounging. She did stop for a period of about three months after her first dentist visit, but was back at it with full satisfaction ninety days later. I don't have the heart to force her to stop, partly because I think it's adorable and partly because these young children years are so fleeting, it makes me feel as if she's my baby a little longer and I tend to hold on to those moments as long as possible because before I know it, they will be just a memory.
Our crocus flowers bloomed weeks ago signaling that spring was on it way. I wish those pretty flowers would last longer, but unfortunately, they are only lovely for about two weeks.
This brand of gelato is hands-down the BEST I have ever had! It melts in your mouth and is reminiscent of the gelato I tasted in Italy. And the best part is there are only a few all-natural ingredients so one can indulge without all the chemically junk food guilt. Mmmmm, perfection! I took this photo and sent it to my pregnant best friend to suggest she try some, thinking that her pregnant self would thank me, ironically, she had already tried it and loves it as much as me.
Several weeks ago, we had a rare family outing and drove an hour away to visit one of Jeff's co-workers, his family, and see the new house they purchased. We took the long route and loved seeing the gorgeous Pacific Northwest scenery along the way.
On the way home from visiting we stopped at Target and bought Ella a new bicycle with training wheels. She is quickly outgrowing her tricycle so she was due for a new one as spring is a great time for leisurely bike rides. The day we got it it was cold and rainy so we allowed her super excited little self to pedal around and around the kitchen and living room.
The next day when there was a break in the rain she got to finally ride her new bike outside in the driveway. She was one happy little girl!
About halfway through her ride, she realized that she needed her helmet. Smart cookie!
The kids got robes for Christmas from Jeff's mom and hadn't worn them much in the last few months. One day after bath, Ella was shaking and saying she was so, so, so cold, so I suggested she wear her bathrobe to keep warm until she got dressed. She was reluctant, but so happy to be warm after she finally put it on.
Jeff and I have spent the last several months slowly digging ourselves out from a mountain of debt (which feels absolutely amazing!!!) so to treat myself, I bought myself something other than a necessity (which I hadn't done for quite awhile) and settled on this cute cuff from Anthropologie. It just screams spring and will be new go-to accessory.
Lent started a few weeks ago so I indulged the day before lent began on Mardi Gras with an amazing burger and fries.
I have been trying to be creative about Friday meals during Lent (when we go meatless) and found that since I am fasting this little lunchtime meal (shared with Ella) is a great way to keep us filled up until dinner. It's a perfect combination of Naan bread, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, a touch of olive oil, and fresh basil.
Several weeks ago I was in need of a hairdresser to fix my grown-out highlights and I found this amazingly comfortable headband a perfect accessory to cover my less-than-perfect locks until I could get an appointment.
The weekend was filled with sunshine (which is unusual where we live) so I spent lots of time outside tending to the flowerbeds and pruning shrubs to prepare them for summer. This angel statue was a gift and remained inside our home for many years. Finally I realized she would be the perfect addition to the flowerbed near our front door, so I put her there a few weeks ago. I don't think it's a coincidence that the flowers are looking lovelier than ever.
I try to drink a lot of water everyday, but plain-old water gets really boring, so I like to spruce it up with mint and strawberries. It's such a refreshing combination.
This tree in the front yard always lets us know that spring is coming with its perfect pink blooms.
I found this fun new app called Waterlouge that allows you to upload any photo and it paints it in watercolor. I think it's so fun and the result is stunning.
Last weekend I spent most of Sunday afternoon planting colorful flowers in the barren pots in our entryway and on our backyard patio. The transformation is absolutely lovely and makes me feel so happy.
Last Tuesday afternoon I shared my most beloved childhood movie with my children: Annie. When I was a little girl, I would rent it every.single.time we went to the video store and I was surprised to find out that I still remembered every song and every line in the whole thing! The kids enjoyed it as well and it was so fun to share with them something that I really liked when I was their age.
Because You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile.
