Our big baby

This weekend was a busy one. The biggest news is that this BIG girl finally got her first tooth!!!!

Saturday she was just acting a little off. Very snuggly  a little puffy in the eyes, and a sniffly nose. And sure enough it led to the discovery of her first little chomper!

We are pretty excited about it over here.

 This means not far away there will be A LOT more experimenting with different food! (ya know, like real "big people" food) 

She continued into today with the snuggles and 

that is a symptom we are all loving. In celebration we  licked a couple of new items: a pickle....loved it, a potato chip....a little unsure, and a favorite mommy's slice of pizza. yumm.

I can not believe that this little girl of ours is turning 9 MONTHS on Tuesday this week. That makes for one big girl with her own personality. 

A couple of other symptoms is the ever flowing drool seen below and the many, MANY yawns followed by naps. We don't mind this either. 

                  

We love this girl more and more everyday and although we are sooo missing our little tiny 6 pound baby, and are also very excited for the future Ellamae to tell us all her dreams in life, we love the now. And pray to always enjoy the now. Because if we don't it will be gone before we know it. 

True Story

When I was in grade school, my dad told me a story that I will never forget:

He said that when my parents were younger things were a little tight when it came to money. They were young and had the five of us kids. My dad said they were debating on whether they would be able to afford giving a little extra to church every week. They realized that the Lord will provide and decided on giving five dollars more with their offering each week. 

So when Sunday came, they put five dollars more in the plate. They had to pick up a few groceries after church. As my dad was walking into the supermarket he stopped in his footsteps when he heard a

 "crunch"

He lifted his foot and looked down to find a five dollar bill scrunched up. 

After he finished the story he looked at me smiling and said, "The Lord will Provide"

Day in the park

There are a couple signs of spring around here. And it got us in the mood to go to the park. I ahve been dying to get Ellamae in a swing, and by the shrills and squeals you can see how much she loved it! Although the park was a little taken over by flooding puddles and muddy areas, the birds chirping and the happy baby made it more than worth it. Enjoy the new little video below:

day in the park

Painting for a Meaningful Purpose

I have recently finished a few paintings that will be auctioned off at an event to collect funds at my church. My husband and I, having a young family and all, don't have much extra money to give to church besides our normal offering. I am so happy to be able to serve the Lord and give to Him by using my talents.

Snapdragons - Acrylic on stretched canvas

Happiest happy Easter

We had such a happy week here. For soo many different reasons.

Jake had to go to school for the week to do a little continuing education that his job sent him too. This means I got to cut out of work early every day to spend more time with Ellamae. We did all sorts of fun stuff like take lots of walks, jumped and danced to mom's music (we listened to the kind daddy doesn't care for- musical soundtracks and big band records), and read lots of books. Also it was the best because Jake would get done with school and be home in time for supper so the three of us had every night together. I got to plan meals that took a little bit of more time to prepare and I have to say, I actually loved it. Did I mention that Ellamae and I took a nap every day (yes both of us). (( can't tell you how much i enjoyed that))

We went to church Maundy Thursday and Good Friday all leading up to that happy Easter morning. Jake did have the whole weekend off so I was extra happy. I also got some painting in this week. Yeh!

Side note: Ella seems to be growing up so much. It is bittersweet but I honestly love her more everyday. It will be so fun to be experiencing a new season with her and I can't wait to get some sidewalk chalk out and play with her in the sand at the beach!

We were lucky to have time with both sides of our family over the weekend. It was the perfect day to eat our guts full. It's nice when you hop around from family to family because you get to eat amazing meals at every stop. (Especially when they cook like my mom) Ellamae got spoiled of course (baby's first Easter) she received some books, sand toys and some adorable outfits. Also the softest stuffed bunny. Jake and I got a little candy And flowers for ourselves (well the flowers were for me)
But of course The best thing we received from this happiest Easter week is the resurrection of Christ which means a happily ever after for real in heaven one day. Alleluia! He's risen and we will rise too!
I hope you had a happiest happy Easter too!