{ Faces of...Emma Claire }

I don’t usually get too personal on the business side of things, but I felt these words laid on my heart last night. To Emma: When you look back on My Mommy Journal and you see that I missed a day here and there…don’t be upset, your life is well documented in word and in image. You are a part of me and the reason I love photography, so I will cherish your life here too ~ This is my heart in word to you…

I received an email from your teacher, Ms. Courtney, last night about the way you light up her Tuesday/Thursday class and what a joy you were to her…so I thought I would write you a little note to tell you what a joy you are to me! I know I tell you all the time, but sometimes it doesn’t seem like it’s enough.

You are so smart and pretty and witty and funny! Your logic and thought astounds me, and your stubbornness makes me laugh…sometimes…:) You’ve grown into such an amazing little lady already, and your Poppy and I are so proud of the wonderful person you are becoming.

There will definitely be those days in your life when you will ‘hate’ mom and dad and take joy in testing our direction. There will even be times when we ourselves are sure we are horrendous parents; but for now we delight in the moments when you call out to one of us from the other room just to say “I love you SO, SO much!” or when you run into the room and say “Can I give you a kiss?” and when you try so clandestinely to squeeze between us in bed and then quietly ask one of us to "Move over..." :)

I want you to know that you are passionately prayed for each and every day – for safety and protection in this crazy jungle of life; for continued nurturing and encouragement by people who love you, for wisdom and peace in the challenges that are sure to come your way…but most of all, for you to know with all of your heart how truly special you are to me and Poppy, but amazingly and even more special to the One who created you and blessed our lives with you. He loves you more that you can ever imagine, and we pray that you will know Him personally and deeply and passionately…that is our prayer for you!

You are His prized creation, the apple of His eye
There's no one else in the world who could take your place
Just the thought of you brings a smile to His face
God loves you with amazing grace
You are a treasure; worth more than anything under the sun or the moon
God’s greatest treasure is the treasure of you
~ Steven Curtis Chapman

This last one cracks me up...this is the warm up before playing catch with her Poppy...:)