This morning when we pulled out of our driveway and headed to church, we got to do so as a family of four. What a sweet thing to take our baby girl to Sunday church for the first time! God gave us a lot of grace and our morning was much calmer than I thought it would be. We were only five minutes late and we still got to make the obligatory stop at Shipley’s Donuts.
Here’s Annabeth in her first Sunday dress. I can’t even describe the joy I felt when I got her all dressed. She was the most precious thing since Jackson on his first Sunday. Do I need to tell you how much I love those Mary Jane socks?
Ready to go!
While Curtis was in the Shipley’s getting our breakfast, Jackson asked me about my wedding rings. For some reason I thought it would be fun to try to explain marriage to my three-year-old. I said, “One day you’ll find a pretty girl who loves Jesus and loves you and you’ll marry her.” Then his face lit up and he asked excitedly, “Who is it? Who is it? Who is it, Mommy?” He must have said it ten times. I told him I didn’t know, but Jesus already has her picked out. I hope I remember to tell that story one day at his rehearsal dinner. Okay, I have to change the subject now before I get emotional and have to admit to my husband that I’m crying about our son getting married.
On the way home, we were right behind my parents’ car and I thought about all the years that my original family of four drove that same route home in Dad’s grey Impala. And now there we were with our family of four. It was simultaneously weird and wonderful. I could go on about how the years will pass like the blink of an eye before my son and daughter are doing the same thing with whoever it is Jesus has picked out for them. But I changed the subject, remember?
Here’s my little two-month-old with Big Pink Bear. She didn’t cry this time!
In fact, we got smiles! These are the first real ones I’ve ever caught on camera. 
Okay, that outfit is just the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. She is just adorable. I am expecting my fourth baby in 3 days and I already have 3 boys. These pics made me hope even more for a girl.
Awwww…love her smile! And love, love the pics of you and Jackson!
Oh this brings back such sweet memories. Seems like just yesterday….
Love the pics. Annabeth is adorable, and the ones of you and Jackson are so sweet!
You and Jackson look so much alike in those pictures. Something about your smiles….
And thinking about weddings makes ME want to cry. I wish we could bottle time. I would dearly love it if God would give us the ability in heaven to roam back through our lives and live those wonderful moments again. Once doesn’t seem enough.
(Will you explain Shipley’s for us non-Texans sometime? I’m a bit of a donut freak, so I would love that.)
the little socks are too cute!! not as cute as anna beth, though! my sister has a new little girl, too, and my mom made a poodle skirt for her and found crocheted oxford saddle shoes (is that what they’re called??) online somewhere. adorable 🙂
lplive in new orleans was wonderful this weekend…the crowd loved the pics your mom showed of your kids!!
How sweet. I remember my four year old and I having the same conversation. He was trying to figure out where in our house his wife would sleep. and I told him he would have his own house. He was NOT happy about that idea. He asked how he would know who his wife was, and I told him Jesus would let him know. So He siad, I am gonna ask. He bowed his head and started praying and then stopped and said: Her name is Jennifer Crystal! I about fainted. I know no one named Jennifer or Crystal, either does he….so I have no clue where he got that name. But we have laughed about it over the years…he is now 10, and I keep my eye out if anyone named Jennifer shows up in our lives!
O Amanda! It’s so good to see pictures of your 2 kids. They’re darlin’. And YES time seems to vanish without warning, so after you’ve done all the “mommy” duties done, lay in the floor, turn upside down, dance all over, sing out loud, play games, just ENJOY all you can get into one day. Life is precious -don’t dare miss a moment!
P.S. In yesterday’s blog is that your mom’s brother or sister? I can’t remember. Carla
Wow! I was thinking just today about how days fly by and then I read this and saw how you were kind of feeling the same way. How it is wierd and wonderful and emotional all wrapped up in one.
Annabeth is so precious, that pink bow is so cute!! Jackson is such a cutie pie, a sweet pic of the boy and his Mama!
Annabeth is adorable! I love the pictures of her smiling. I think they are the ones that Beth showed us at the event in New Orleans. She told that precious story of Jackson trying so hard to open her hand to get that hot wheel in there! Can’t get any sweeter than that!
Oh Precious one I “Hear You”- How can we phantom this brief gift of our lives?- thank you for sharing your special moment with us- I remember riding in the rear of my parents’ auto under the back rear window, savoring the ride home and looking at the stars with my parents in the front seat(too dangerous today). I’m almost 60 and this still strikes my heart in manner that cannot be explained.Somehow we know how special those that surround us are in our lives- whether they meet our needs or not- Bless you and I pray the Kingdom of our Lord over You and the ministry of your family- I am humbled to have the privilege to be ministered by each of you. Lots of Love and the Blessing of Ashar your Mom has shared with us- Lots of Happiness and Fun!
I think she looks just like her Pawpaw in that second picture with the bear 🙂
You have a beautiful family.
( and what a lucky girl Jesus already has picked out for your boy )
Oh, Amanda! Just look at those gorgeous fat thighs!!! My Jordan’s look like that (and then some).
My six-year-old daughter is becoming increasingly interested in boyfriends and marriage. Can you believe it??? We’re NOT ready for this. Thank goodness she has a Godly daddy who is showing her what kind of man to wait for. And now is the time to teach her who she is in Christ and what kind of man He wants her to seek.
Oh, I miss those days of first church trips! She is so precious in her dressy dress and bow…and the socks, of course! My boys are very excited to get married one day as well, too cute!
Love it! My 4 year old told me he was going to marry me. I told him I was already married and he told me to “just take off my wedding rings”. So sweet.
I’ve always told my girls (since they were 3 or 4) that when they met the man they wanted to marry they had to ask him two questions- 1. Do you have Jesus in your heart and 2. Will you live next door to my mom?
Sounds like a wonderful Sunday!! I am loving sweet Annabeth’s socks!! Too precious!
Loved the story about Jackson needing to know who he was going to marry! Definitely one for the rehearsal dinner!!
Thanks for the pics! She’s growing soo fast!
Nikki
Just precious and darling. And I love the idea of Jesus already picking out one’s spouse. I never really thought of it like that. I find your story terribly sweet in the best way. Bless
I love Annabeth’s fashion statement – part preppy with the outfit, and most certainly “Aretha Franklin does the Inauguration” with that darlin’ bow on her sweet head. Too cute!
Warm in Alaska.
She is too cute, and how fun to be able to have those kinds of conversations.
Just today my oldest said, “I sure wish we had another baby, I want another little sister.” My youngest who is 2 1/2 now said “I want a little brother.” Either way we’re going to have to wait for daddy to come back home!
Children are such a blessing and delight(most of the time, right?).
I’m glad you’re in a season now where there are more and more sweet times instead of those early weeks that can be trying while everyone is adjusting. Things will only get better- and soon!
Love, Rebekah
Precious outfits on Annabeth! You look great!!!
i *adore* Annabeth’s outfit! and those socks are pre-CIOUS!
oh and happy 2nd month birthday, Annabeth!!! My grandson, Tatino, turned 1 month old last week! 🙂
God bless you all !!
maria cristina
How can “precious” not even begin to describe that baby? Beyond precious. Ultimate preciousness! What a beautiful baby. I understand Beth’s expression of being dileriously happy.
And Jackson’s going to make the best big brother I think.
Thanks for sharing!
Oh, I just want to pick her up and squeeze her–that Annabeth is adorable. So it Mr. Jackson…what a little man. God bless your family, Amanda!
Leah
All of these photos are memories are so sweet. Yes, be sure to remember that story for Jackson’s rehearsal dinner one day. (: And those rolls on sweet Annabeth’s legs are adorable!
Cherish every moment with your babies. Don’t blink…they’ll be all grown up on you! But every stage in their lives brings such joy and precious memories – my son, Matthew is 25 and my daughter is 21. I can’t wait to be a grandmother!!
You have adorable children, Amanda and they are so blessed to have a wonderful mother like you.
A sweet Sunday indeed. I think Annabeth looks like you. Are you hearing that often? Both of them are just precious!! I hope things with Jackson are better.
What a sweet memory – and the idea of our lives being parallel with our parents’ is almost overwhelming…it truly highlights the importance of parents leaving their kids a legacy of faith. Thanks for sharing the pictures from the camera and those from your heart.
So cute and sweet. How I wish I had a life of knowing Jesus – as you did with your parents. Mine still do not know Him. I have accepted that this is the life God had for me – to make me into who I am today, but when I read things like this, about traveling behind your parents from church, it does give my heart a squeeze. Maybe one day it will happen for me…
MaryJane Socks Rock – but the BIG bow – wow – her Grandmothers hair girl!! Too cute! And yes the years will pass way too fast. You only have 18 summers – that is not meant to discourage but to encourage – make them all count!
Jackson is a handsome man by the way.
I LOVE the socks. Love them. What a sweet memory.
a cute day to remember, thanks for sharing. I love those smiles too!
So adorable! Great post!
Too, too precious. The years just fly by. Enjoy them.
Forever His,
Lawan Rivera
Phil 4:8
Oh Amanda, what absolute joy! Thanks for sharing your sweet Sunday with us.
Katrinna
just absolutely beautiful! I cry too about weddings that are YEARS away. It’s a momma thing. =)
Why are thighs like that cute on a baby but not on us old women?
You made me cry because our children raising stories are so familiar. However, my babies, son is 18, senior in high school, daughter is 15, finishing freshman year, are much older than your babies.
They do grow up way too fast. I loved the story about you explaining marriage to Jackson. When days get rough, remember stories like that to help you get through those rough times.
You are very blessed and so are we!
Terrie
how cute! you look great!!! 🙂 i was wanting some pictures of sweet annabeth! thanks! our baby (4th) is due beginning august. it is also a girl. we have 2 girls and a boy! i was so convinced this one was a boy that i am a little confused that it is not! i’m so glad God chooses! God bless your family!
kimberly, alabama
oh, p.s. would you please pray for success as i go to do the diabetic screening today or maybe it is wednesday — really need to find that out!
thanks!
and God bless!
kimberly, alabama
Sweet pictures Amanda. Those babies are adorable.
I did get to share with my (now) daughters in law at their rehearsal dinners that I had prayed for them all of their lives. It was a wonderful moment. You are right little Siesta, in the blink of an eye they will be grown.
Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Patti
The pictures are precious and you look AMAZING!
So very, very sweet! I can’t think about my 4 year old starting kindergarten next year without bawling, much less think of her getting married!!!! Thanks for the pics!
How precious your children! Thank you for sharing.
Leanne
Since you have gone there…..to the times of the future….just take it all in while you can. I suggest pictures of everything and even scrapbooking/journaling. One day you shall have the opportunity to pass these memories on to these little ones, their spouses AND kids.
It is hard to see Jackson SO grown up now and “little” Annabeth will be there before you know it….it’s already 2 months!! 😉 They don’t little….your mom can testify to this….her little ones are not little any more either. You and Melissa are beautiful, sweet, smart young women…I’m sure your mom and dad glow with pride!! You look like you glow with pride with your little ones!
Take it all in while you can…tomorrow is right around the corner!
Precious and cute….your little ones are just precious and cute….could just eat them up!
Your children are so precious! Thank you for sharing. I think I could get used to a tradition of stopping for donuts before church 🙂
SHe is precious!
I have two girls and I can still remember their “first” Sunday dresses. So precious. AND THOSE SMILES!!!! Nothing like them…so sweet.
What a special moment with your son. 🙂 That made me get teary eyed!!
Happy Monday!
Steph.
Sweet. Enjoy the moments, and that’s all I’m saying before I get all emotional. Thanks for the pictures, and for sharing your lives. I hope you have a blessed day.
Much love,
Patti Hayes
I am crying I’ll have you know!
Annabeth looks like she has your smile! So precious and that is the sweetest story about Jackson.
Don’t worry about being emotional, trust me it never goes away! I had my eighteen year old daughter beside me in church yesterday. Two rows in front of us were new grandparents with their baby granddaughter. I could hardly pay attention. I kept trying to catch peeks of her all the while thinking about my own grown up girl next to me. O my goodness I could cry right now!
Amanda, too funny, but I was just given those Trumpette socks at a baby shower – for our baby girl. I had no idea (had never seen them), but everyone just adored them. I can’t wait to get them on baby Kate, too!