The Last Few Days of Advent

Our family spent the last several days of Advent preparing our hearts and home for the birth of our Savior. 

The kiddos loved spending time together playing Memory and other games on Nicholas' Tobii Eye Gaze System. Nicholas can manipulate it with his eyes and Ella can use the touch screen. Technology never ceases to amaze me. The fact that our kids can plan independently together is truly such an amazing gift.

Ella had a play date with her little friend, Dash. Dash is in her preschool class and his mama, Nikki, and I went to high school together. It was a lot of fun to have them over and let the kids play outside of school. 

 Not satisfied by the strings of lights hung around the garage doors, Jeff added several more strands of lights to our home to add to the festive cheer! It was such a surprise considering he had mentioned that he didn't think he would hang lights this year. Boy, we were all happily surprised when he did! 

Doesn't everyone eat doughnuts in the bath tub? Ella picked this festive doughnut at the grocery store one afternoon and I let her eat it in the tub the next morning thinking that the mess would be contained to the tub and gone with the water down the drain. It's a good place to enjoy a lollipop or Popsicle too ;)

Uncle Brett got into town a week before Christmas and the kids were so excited to see him again! They adore him and wish they could play with him more often. Alas, Florida is just too far away so we only get to enjoy his company a few times per year. 

Luckily both kids have been feeling just peachy these past couple months. No colds, no flu symptoms, nothing. That, in itself was probably the BEST Christmas gift I could have received. But last Friday Ella must have had a touch of food poisoning. She wasn't feeling to great, but fortunately it only lasted a couple of hours and she was back to her normal, happy self by the next morning. She spent most the day like this, laying in mom & daddy's bed watching cartoons and resting. 

 In the evenings after the kids go to bed, this is my view: 

There's just something about twinkle lights that make my heart happy. 

Sugarplum, our Elf on the Shelf spoiled the kids with DVDs and goodies during Advent. She brought a DVD about her scout elf friend, Chippy, and another called Charlie Brown's Christmas Tales which has mysteriously disappeared...hoping it turns up soon. On Christmas eve, Sugarplum flew back to the North Pole to spend the year with Santa and the other scout elves and will join our family again next Advent. Bye for now, Sugarplum!

We are so blessed to receive gifts from friends and family who live far away. The Yeomans family spoiled us all this year with many, many gifts. Nicholas is pictured below in his new Quicksilver hat which he thinks is "super cool" and Jeff got a Volcom sweatshirt. Funny story...Lyndsey told me that she bought Jeff and Keith the same Volcom sweatshirt and we chuckled about how they could be twins. When Jeff's sweatshirt arrived, I gave it to him knowing he would love it. He tried it on and when he could barely squeeze into it, we were puzzled wondering why it was so small. I looked at the tag and we had a good laugh when we realized that Lyndsey had accidentally purchased a child's XL. Good news, though, it fits me...so I guess Lyndsey and I can be twins instead of our fellas!

One afternoon I got a few hours of free time all to myself so I spent time in our local downtown area window shopping, drinking a latte, and buying some last-minute gifts. It was so nice. Moms need a little "me time" every now and again. 

 I felt so bad this year that we didn't send Christmas cards. We got so many beautiful ones and I love displaying them and looking at each one as I walk by on the way to our kitchen. 

 I repeated this phrase to myself several times during Advent and tried to convey the significance of Christmas to the kids. This year, I really embraced a simplified Christmas and I have to say, it was so nice to slow down and truly enjoy the Advent season. 

Merry Christmas From Our Home to Yours

In my last post I mentioned that we were not mailing Christmas cards this year. So...instead I am sharing the photos from the kids' mini session with Brienne Kristen Photography on our blog. I absolutely LOVE these images and we couldn't have asked for a more special photographer. Near the end of our session, Brienne asked Ella if she wanted to wear one of her pretty dresses and a crown. Ella enthusiastically said, "yes!" and got to pick one of each to wear. She loved playing dress-up and spinning in the gorgeous gown for her adoring brother. I was hesitant to get professional photos this year, mostly because Nicholas is missing all four top-middle teeth and three on bottom as well. When he smiles he's all gums, which doesn't always translate into beautiful photographs. But, goodness, I am so glad I changed my mind, because I think these images are beautiful and because I want to remember my children at every stage of life, toothless and all. Nicholas' theme song is All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth and with only five days until the big day...the Tooth Fairy better get on it! 

The Gustafson Family wishes all our friends and loved ones a very merry Christmas and a New Year filled joyful blessings! 

For Ella

Repost from themighty.com by Katie Corkern

Dedicated to my sweet Ella...

Hey there,

I heard you’re the sibling to a child with special needs, and I wanted to write you a letter explaining why you have a one-up on life. I know your life might seem hard or different from your friends, but trust me, you most definitely will be more prepared for this life than anyone else. Let me explain…

I heard you deal with more than any child should. Your parents spend a lot of time away from you. You know they’re taking care of your sibling, possibly bringing him or her to the doctor. Maybe your sibling is admitted in the hospital often; your parents might be on the phone taking care of insurance business or even physically caring for your sibling. I know, my friend. You see this more often than not. You see the love your parents have for your special sibling, and it’s being embedded into your heart. You see the patience they exhibit when caring for him or her, and it’s being buried into your soul. You see that your parents never stop trying to get what your sibling needs, and it’s being ingrained into your mind. You see your parents exhaust themselves so your sibling and you are well taken care of, and you’re learning from this. You may not know it, but all of these little things are teaching you traits of how to be an amazing person.

I’m certain that being the sibling to a child with different needs is a struggle. I know you have those moments where your heart stings with jealousy, where you’re worried sick over your sibling. I know you have those moments when you get mad because you can’t go to all the birthday parties you want to. All of those times are totally understandable. You have a right to be upset every now and then, but I can bet that you can think of some pretty cool things you have in your household that your friends don’t. How about all the cool equipment your sibling has, huh? I know you’ve climbed into that wheelchair or played with his super cool assistive technology toys. How about getting to see your sibling reach a milestone and that proud feeling that overcomes your body? You get to experience a friendship like no other. Your sibling completely and utterly trusts and loves you with a love that can penetrate the coldest heart. They look at you with those beautiful eyes and know you’re there for them no matter what. The bond you have is indescribable. You’re their sibling, their friend and their protector. Your sibling might not speak verbally, but we both know your hearts together carry on conversations us adults could never possibly understand.  And I tell you what, we’re so extremely jealous.

Did you know your parents watch you and your sibling’s interactions on a daily basis and their heart literally wants to burst out of their body with pride and love? They see everything you do for your brother or sister.  They notice when you walk by and give them a quick kiss, stroke their hair or give them a hello. Your mom and dad love to witness you sticking up for your special sibling or when you go out of your way to make sure he or she is included in everything. They quietly observe you as you help with therapies, put oxygen masks back in place and hold hands during tests or doctor visits. Your parents recognize every time you perch yourself on the counter to help prep medicines or bring them a diaper, a syringe or whatever else they need. You do such a crazy amazing job helping your parents. It surely takes a wonderful little boy or girl to do what you do on a daily basis. I’m sure they tell you thank you, but sometimes if they don’t just know they are beyond thankful for you. 

But most important of all, my dear one, the reason you are going to rock this life: You know true love, you know true heartache and you know what’s truly important. You have lived a life that takes a strong heart and a strong mind. You will mature much faster than your schoolmates (don’t be too hard on them), you’ll exhibit compassion that astounds others, you’ll know more about healthcare than 95 percent of adults you pass on the street, and you will most definitely have a wicked sense of humor that will enable you to keep life joyful no matter what. When you were introduced to your sibling with complex needs for the first time, that moment in time is pinned in the stars, for it was then that your destiny was determined. You will be an awesome human being and you’re going to change lives for the better… all because you were the sibling of a child with special needs. Rock on, my brave friend.

All my love,

The momma of a child like you and your special sibling

This post first appeared on Mommies of Miracles.

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Sugarplam Shenanigans & Other Advent Happenings

Our Advent has been wonderful so far. With only ten days until Christmas, I am happy to report all gifts have been purchased and wrapped, the kids have been on their best behavior thanks to our Elf on the Shelf, Sugarplum, and these last days can be spent relaxing and enjoying the rest of Advent counting down until Christmas. 

On my Instagram account I have been doing an Advent countdown, highlighting some of the things we've done each day. {If you want to follow me on Instagram you can find me by searching for @jessagusta}. This post will cover most of what I've posted there. 

Ella enjoyed a Burgerville lunch and a seasonal favorite: the mocha peppermint milkshake. Pure heaven in a cup!

I spend my evenings wrapping and organizing while the family snoozes. 

Recently I was shopping at New Seasons and saw some Paperwhite and Amaryllis bulbs so I had to purchase some to add to our simply decorated home. 

Flowers add so much warmth and homey-ness to a room.

One morning, Sugarplum brought candy canes for the kids. They were thrilled with a sugary, seasonal treat!

We recently had our family photos taken at our parish for the new directory. This one was our favorite of the bunch.

Sugarplum taking a bath in marshmallows and leaving a hot cocoa gift for the kids.

I snuck away a couple times to finish some shopping for the family.

Last week the kids had a mini-session with my photographer friend, Brienne Morris. I've known Brienne since high school and on her facebook page {https://www.facebook.com/briennekristenphotography} she posted a thirty minute mini-session, so I jumped on the chance to have our kids photographed by her. It was so wonderful to spend some time with her and visit her comfy home-studio. The photo above I took before we left for the photo shoot and the photo on the bottom is one of the sneak peaks Brienne posted to her page. It's my favorite. Thank you Brienne, for squeezing us into your schedule and making us feel right at home in your studio!!

Presents wrapped, tree decorated, nativity up...it looks like Christmas at our house!

One morning we found Sugarplum gazing on the nativity which started a great conversation on the importance of Christmas with the kids. 

Another morning Sugarplum brought a new Christmas DVD for the kids...The Berenstain Bears Christmas Tree

Jeff surprised us last weekend by putting up some lights around the garage! He had said he didn't want to hang any this year, so even just a few make me so happy!!

Last weekend we found Sugarplum lounging in a hammock, reading a book. Must be nice to relax while the toy elves work overtime!

Coffee just tastes better when it's consumed out of a Santa mug

Today we found Sugarplum on the bicycle bookends bringing Christmas books for us to read!

We've decided not to send out Christmas cards this year as most of our friends and family know what's going on with us through social media. Instead, we donated the money we would have used on cards and stamps to the Giving Tree at Holy Redeemer which provides gifts and toys to needy families in our area. We also made a donation to St. Vincent de Paul which provides food and clothing to the needy. I always look forward to sending and receiving cards and we've been blessed to receive several cards already, so I just wanted to let everyone (who reads this) know that while you won't receive a Christmas card from us this year, we love you all dearly and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with blessings and joy! 

Advent Begins {Decking the Halls}

Our new family tradition

Our stocking hang a little too close to the fire when hanging from the mantle, so this spot is much less dangerous

I spent the majority of Thanksgiving weekend (the beginning of Advent) decking the halls with our Christmas decorations. Typically it only takes me a day to get everything out and placed where I want it, but this year the decorating took three days. I think it was because I was so indecisive in what I wanted to display. In years past, our living and dining room seems cluttered with Christmas decor, so this year I spent some time discerning what should be displayed and what can stay in boxes. I wanted a more simple feel this year and I think I achieved it with fresh floral: paper whites, eucalyptus, and amaryllis; the nativity front and center, and just small touches of Christmas here and there. 

We also added an Elf on the Shelf to our Advent tradition this year. Yesterday (December 1st) our youngest was pretty naughty, mischievous, and sneaky so I thought it was time to introduce Santa's elfin helper to keep naughty behavior in check and to promote the nice behavior we so appreciate. Sugarplum joined us today on the second day of Advent and I am happy to report that Ella's behavior has been stellar all day. I am sure Sugarplum will bring treats for the kids tomorrow for being good for mommy, especially since I had work to complete this afternoon. 

Wishing you a happy Advent season!