Lov'n this Girl

"Babies are such a nice way to start people."
--Don Herrold

Tessa is such a sweet girl. We took these photos a month ago. and She is four months old now. Renee's baby will be three months before I meet her and Susie's boy will be five months! So photos are priceless for preserving the moments.
I am thoroughly enjoying Tessa and I can't wait for her to spend time with family this summer.

Sisters

Here are some of my special sisters and a good quote I saw, modified a bit...

"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of.
You know wherever you go, she'll still be there."

I'm grateful for those relationships, familial and not! I'm missing you! And thanks for sticking around!

p.s. I enjoyed getting wedding photos out. I think it is a great idea to re-live those memories around Valentine's Day!

We love Missionaries and our dear friend Robert

Here's a photo of our Elders and friends, watching the Christmas devotional.
Missionaries carry a great spirit. We are grateful for the service they give.


We met Robert a few months ago when he started meeting with the Elders. He is from Latvia and came here to join his brother and see America. He found the Church! He decided to be baptized a week and a half ago. We really enjoyed the time we got to spend with him. It was a blessing to see him be receptive to the Spirit. It was also amazing to see his countenance brighten as he is finding peace in the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


Jared took Robert to the airport this morning. He is traveling to Germany to live with his dad and find new opportunities for work and growth in the church. Another friend is far away! :( --but we hope to keep in touch with him.

We are in the trenches

I had to get this shot as I changed diapers for two. Not for much longer though! We are Potty Training! Slowly but surely. I think...

And no I didn't stage the shot. I didn't even realize they were both posing the same. I remember I was telling Jordan to take his hand out of his mouth and not even paying attention to Tessa.

Michael's busy-ness

Michael LOVES his school! He also enjoys practicing reading and writing at home. He likes to make "books" with his artwork and words. He remembers (nearly) all of his creations and I have realized that I have to keep them. --So we have stacks of his works. I wanted to share some of my latest favorites:

Because of some letter reversal :) and misspellings, I will clarify.
This page says "The" little cat can dance and the little cat called mom

This next work using a snowflake stamp was found under the Christmas tree for "M" and "D." and another one for "Dad."
--Some priceless efforts from Michael.

Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails

Sometimes we take quick walks around our neighborhood. Today I came home with the stroller basket full of precious sticks, leaves and rocks. Jordan added the rocks to his collection in the entry table drawer. I discovered his spot a few weeks ago. We also have a display of dozens of seeds, fallen from the palm trees, on the living room shelf.



This is some of the daily excitement for our two boys.

Good luck to my sister in law, Susie, who is expecting her variety of little boy in few weeks! and Congratulations to my big sister, Rachel! She just learned last week that she has one coming to her in June!
I am also very excited for a friend whose adoption of a little boy will go through in February!

Flora of Florida

I love these trees on the way to Michael's preschool.
Jordan "agreed" to be my model for the photography of them....



The first week of January felt like early fall--with just a slight chill in the air. Jordan's sweatshirt and jeans found their way to the closet. Then we had some really chilly days the week before last. Change is always nice... Sad, but I am already anticipating the humid and hot spring and trying to squeeze in more trips to the park.