Tons of Teeth!

In these pictures you can get a pretty good idea of all the teeth that Emma has now. She has four on the top, all poking through at least a little bit. On the bottom, the fourth one looks like it is just about to poke through.

What in the world can you do with all those teeth?

Eat your first double cheeseburger, of course!

(Emma did not eat the whole thing, nor is McDonalds normally part of her diet!)

Emma LOVES music

Completely unprompted. She just likes music.

Where did we go?

I know it has been a while since we've updated - I'm sorry!

Last week ended up being really packed. The worst part was that I got a nasty head cold that knocked me out until. Yesterday was the first day that I felt back to normal, and even then I've still been getting worn out quickly. We were dog and house sitting for our friends for several days last week while they were in the hospital having a baby! Emma enjoyed playing with their dogs, and we made the trip down to Dover to visit them Thursday evening and meet little Kellen!

Friday night we drove to Baltimore very late because Martin was leading our small group meeting for church. We arrived in Ellicott City a little before midnight! My birthday was Saturday and I started it off by getting a hair cut with Chrissy, who has been cutting my hair for a good 15 years or so. Martin surprised me by getting together with my parents to have extra family come to celebrate my birthday and have lunch. Oma, Martin's mom, my cousin Jen and her husband Joel and my aunt and uncle all were able to come. And Sarah and Becca called to say hi too!

Our snow is starting to disappear, thanks to a ton of rain yesterday and today. Spring may just be on its way!

Growing up

Emma is starting to look older. Maybe it's the hair, maybe it's that her face is losing that 'baby' look.


And her expressions are taking on her own little personality, too.

Fun Foods

We've had some fun things to eat while snowed in the last few days. Emma enjoyed her first taste of ice cream - which she loved!

Even before the first bite, she knew it was something special...

and just couldn't wait!

Saying "please" and waiting patiently

Big girl!

And then enjoying some homemade Cinnamon sugar bagels (more on that later!)

A favorite pasttime: shopping at Rite Aid

I know its a little weird, but let me explain. I was so excited when I went to Rite Aid on Monday because I had a killer plan that I had been sitting on since Thursday when my circular arrived. I got everything in this picture (6 cans of Pringles, Dove men's body wash, 4 AA rechargeable batteries and charger, 20 pack of dishwasher detergent, and pack of diapers)

for $3.22 plus I'm going to receive $10.50 in rebates and $15 as a Visa Check Card. That's a profit of over $22 plus all of that merchandise!

Wondering how I managed it? Well, this was an unusually amazing trip to Rite Aid, mainly because I had a $20 gift certificate to use (which I earned back in December for certain purchases at Rite Aid). I also had over $13 in coupons and many of the things I purchased were eligible for rebates that Rite Aid offers.

I guess its a weird hobby, but I love it! More details about how to get great deals at Rite Aid are on my blog Thrifty Living.

My little helper

Yesterday morning was such a fun time with Emma -- she helped me to a load of laundry! That's quite an accomplishment for someone who just turned 1 a few weeks ago.

Emma pushed the laundry basket down the hall while I pulled it. She sat on the floor and pulled clothes out and then handed them to me to put in the washer. I laid the hamper down so she could reach better, and she nearly crawled in! After all the clothes were in the washer, she enjoyed watching the water come in and the clothes spin around inside (we've got a great window that is just at her eye level). When the clothes were done in the washer, she helped me pull them out to put in the dryer.

I'm so thankful for mornings like yesterday. It was a great moment, and totally unprompted by me. I cant wait to see what else God will do in Emma's heart to grow her desire to help others!

Linking up to Chatting at the Sky.