Hi from Emma Rae

Emma wanted to get right in front of the camera to say hi:)

Just a quick post to say that I would love to have some extra prayers in the next few days.

Thanks so much!

♥ Tessa Rae

15 month-new words!

Just in the last few days she is saying so much! I'm going to try and remember as much as I can:P
* UNCA- "uncle"
* NOSE
* TOES
* EYES
* NIGH- "nice"
* BAA-what the sheep says
* PLEASE

So if we add in the other words she says; mama, dada, nana, uh-oh, no no, hi, nigh-night, the sounds for puppy, kitty, piggy, and birdie, and the signs for 'more' and 'all done': our little girls says 20 words! I don't think that's too shabby for 15 months old:) And in addition to saying nose, eyes, and toes, she can point to them; as well as pointing to her belly button:)
We're so proud!

15 months (one day short actually:)

playing at the park!
look how long my hair is getting!:D

pretty in plaid on a walk around town:)

Sweet & Sour

I think our little Emma could be a commercial for those "sour patch kids" candy!
Today she was doing some rather 'sour' things, (a.k.a biting or hitting me,) and then almost before I had time to scold her, she would follow up with her new 'recovery gesture' we will call it. (We have been trying to teach Emma to be "nice" to the kitties, puppies, and babies; by saying"niiiiiice kitty" or "nniiiiiice puppy.) And when she does it right we praise her.
Well tonight she followed up a bite into my shoulder with, "niiiiiiii mama" and a stroke of her hand down my face....:P
Darn it, it worked too:)

Family Prayers

Why is prayer usually one of the last things we think of doing when it should be the very first? I personally know the power of prayer, yet I struggle to simply take the time to do it. I have been feeling so convicted of this lately, as I feel this life does such a good job of keeping my mind busy with thoughts, feelings, worries, and day-to-day tasks. I feel like God has been trying to tell me that it would be so much easier to deal with it all if I would just stop for a few moments to take it to Him.
With all this on my brain, we've been trying to do better as a family at praying together. We now have a little girl growing up with her eyes on us, watching and listening to all we say and do. I want her to grow up less like her mommy in how see takes all her cares and concerns, and all that she deals with everyday to Jesus and not try and control it all herself. Even more importantly, what kind of relationship can we ALL have with Christ if we rarely take time to talk to Him, share with Him, and listen to what He wants to tell us!
Last night as we were getting ready to eat supper, we paused and asked Emma if we should pray before we eat.....she looked at us, smiled, and folded her hands together perfectly. After thanking God for our food she stretched her hands up and said "YAAAY!". (We must be doing ok:)

The Cutest Little Girl

hot and sweaty from playing at the park, but still adorable!:)

all squinty at the 4th of July parade:)

Just try and tell me she isn't absolutely beautiful!
We are so in love with this little girl!!! She is the light of our lives these days and we are having such a great time as a family of 3!