This is going to be one of those slice-of-life posts.
-I just heard the classic words eventually uttered by every older sibling.
Jackson: (Sitting in a chair in the living room.) Stop bothering me, Annabeth!
Annabeth: (Sitting next to me on the couch, making no noise.) Blink, blink.
Mommy: What is Annabeth doing to bother you?
Jackson: She’s looking at me!
-Yesterday we started Annabeth on cereal.
Here are some pictures of her playing with her spoon this morning while Jackson and I ate our breakfast.
Baby Girl loves her thumb.
Maybe she will grow to love the spoon.
Or figure out how to love both at the same time.
-The kids and I had a crazy week last week. We had fun, but Annabeth’s nap habits went all awry and I could hardly get her to sleep all weekend. She only wanted to sleep when I was trying to feed her. Ugh! This week we’re having Nap Bootcamp. I’ve resolved to go nowhere during the day and focus on getting Annabeth back into a routine. I read somewhere that routines should be like rubber bands – they can be flexible and stretch out a bit, but then they should snap back into place. We had stretched so much that there was no snapping back into place. Hopefully by next week we’ll have a pattern down and be able to enjoy some flexibility.
-Today my mom is in Illinois speaking to a group of people about the new book she’s been writing. This weekend she’ll be at the Deeper Still event in Greensboro, NC, and then she has another out of town speaking engagement early next week. She’s also getting very close to wrapping up this new book. I know she would really appreciate your prayers.
-You have no idea how many tears I cried while I read through the comments on He’s Into the Details. These were a couple of my favorites.
When I read the topic that you posed for discussion I couldn’t help pausing to add my own “God is in the details” story. I was in the midst of my freshman year of college at a university in California, and struggling a bit to say the least. My family had just been transferred to Houston so I was feeling homesick. The ache in my heart kept pushing me to find comfort in a past high school relationship that was both unhealthy and forbidden by my parents. Not wanting to disobey my parents, I rationalized that talking to this person on the phone wasn’t “seeing” them again. One night after a long telephone conversation with this forbidden person I went to bed feeling sick inside. I felt trapped in a hole. I was lonely. I was directly disobeying my parents. I was hiding these secret conversations from my roommate, since knowing my past experiences with this individual she most certainly wouldn’t approve. I desperately wanted to be rescued and freed from the ache I felt inside and the constant pulls of temptation that I felt too weak to rise above. The very next day I struggled through the day and finally called my mom. She said that she had been waiting for me to call her. I began to cry and say that I was struggling and she told me this…
The night before (remember I was in CA and my mom was in TX), she was awakened by a noise in the kitchen. She went out and realized that she heard my voice coming from the answering machine. She went over and listened. She could hear that I was talking to a male, but she couldn’t make out what he was saying. One thing’s for sure, my voice was loud and clear. Confused, she picked up the phone. The answering machine clicked off and there was only a dial tone. While she felt worried, more than anything, she felt the need to pray for me. She spent a long while on her knees praying over me that night. She sensed God telling her that what He had just done was for me, not for her.
When I called the next day, she already knew that I was struggling. As she relayed the story to me I was speechless. My God loved me so much that He would cross telephone wires from CA to TX so that someone would know I was struggling! I still get chill bumps when I recall that miracle. When I returned home later that year for Spring Break I had the chance to listen to the recording. There I was on my parents machine in TX having a conversation on the phone in CA. Needless to say, I could go on and on about all of the changes that resulted from that evening long ago. One thing is for sure, I know without a shadow of a doubt that our God is willing to go to great lengths and weave miraculous details together to remind us of His love.
Courtney
____
I was battling a prescription drug addiction that I was able to keep secret from my husband and children. I was falling apart inside and begging God to speak to me, punish me even, and just speak!
I dropped my kids off at Wednesday night church just like every other week and looked down at my feet to walk as quickly as possible out to my car. I walked in hidden shame. Suddenly as loud as a firecracker in my ear I heard this woman’s voice say “I’m talking to you! Do you hear me, are you listening? You, right there, I’m talking to you!” In shock I turned around and peeked into a small room where the voice came from and there was a video on with a cute little blond pointing her finger at me. She said it again “I’m talking to you.” I sat down scared to death. I hear you Lord, what do you want me to hear from this feisty lady?
Turns out a woman named Beth Moore was teaching about breaking free from addiction on a T.V. with no one in the room watching. Wow. I learned a lot that night.
I’m free from that addiction. Thank you for following the call on your life. God used you to heal me. Now, can you do something about my over eating?
Ladies, thank you all so much for sharing your stories. They were incredibly encouraging and faith-building.
“Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.”
Psalm 36:5-10 (NIV)
So has PaPa shared some moon pie yet?
God really is good, and his timing is perfect.
I love the photos of Annabeth… in some she really does look like her big brother. And those blue eyes! How can you stand it, mamma, they must break your heart anew each day. 🙂
Your work on this blog always blesses us Amanda, thanks for sharing with us.
What an AWSOME God we serve. This story gives me chills. God IS in the little things. Thank you for sharing this post.
Sweet post! Oh, that baby girl looks SO much like her adorable big brother! Good luck with nap bootcamp. We were horrible with all our sleep stuff when ours were little. The oldest has been married a month and the youngest is about to head off to college for sophomore year and they don't seem to have sleep issues! Blessings to you and yours!
Those pictures are adorable! and I love the she's bothering me comment HAHA I've said that before about my little brother 🙂
Thank You for posting those stories. I was truly intrigued by the telephone wires one!!! How awesome is that??!!! Sometimes we forget that God is STILL working MIRACLES just as big as those in the Bible,they have just been tailored to the modern day lifestyle changes.
Thank you so much for sharing 😀
~Shayla
PS Please come check out my blog for "Worship Wednesday" today's song is truly amazing!
God is GOOD!
The pics of Annabeth are precious and the ice on the cake were those amazing stories!!! 🙂
Thanks for posting those 2 witnesses to God's unfailing and wonderful love. The pictures were aweseome!!!
GG2002
Can't believe Annabeth is bothering Jackson already 🙂 Let the games begin 🙂
Amanda,
Baby girl is so adorable! Thank you for sharing the "slice of life" photos. I will definitely be praying for your mom through all the activities she needs to get through! Is there anything specific we can be praying for? I will be praying for you & the kids during nap bootcamp this week also. Thank you for keeping us involved in your lives! I love all of you! Joan
That was a great post Amanda. I remember when my oldest was nearly 3 years old and his younger brother came to live with us (they were in foster care at ther time) and every time the younger grabbed something the older would say "Stop! I was here first." I was glad when the adoption went through and they were both mine.
My sister and I both sucked our thumbs growing up…my mom always say that "thumbsuckers are the best babies!" Given this information (and having it been proved true over and over) I'm sure Annabeth will be back on track in no time! Your family is such a blessing to the world.
Amen to those posts!! I have goose bumps all over!! He is so good! I am so thankful to the One who knows every single strand of hair on my head and everyone that has ever fallen to the ground!!
I am dying for that book to come out!! Prayers!!!
Also, that sweet Annabeth! I was a thumb sucker! I did everything to try to live vicariously through mine and get her to suck her thumb…to no avail. I am kidding…but I just think nothing is cuter!!
I am dying over here that he said, "she is looking at me!!" I love what your mom said one time about not having a child for your other child!! 😉
I sit in tears and chills running all over my arms as I ponder over the story of the young woman. My, God is a MIGHTY God. What a blessing it is to be His. My oh my. That was good stuff.
That is one PRECIOUS baby girl! I love the last picture with both finger and spoon in her mouth. too cute.
And, Mr. Jackson, SOOO glad that you have already figured out that, even when a girl seems to be quiet and staring blankly, she is ALWAYS up to something!
Annabeth looks so much like Jackson. First time I have thought she did. She is adorable.
Those testimonies will rip your heart out! Hope great is our God!
Leah
I am getting geared up for Deeper Still this weekend!!
Three cheers for our God! Love you, Lord!!
Amanda, I was touched to see that you had included my story at the end of today's post. I have never left a comment on the LPM blog but God was so clear yesterday that I had to share that story. It's one of those stories that doesn't come up in day to day conversations, but it is one that I love to share. It's one of those moments that God declared as His.
BTW my husband and I attended the Water's Edge Sunday School class from 2003-2006. Our relationship went from just friends to dating to married during that time, so that class always holds a special place in my heart as it was the constant in our relationship through all of those years!
You're a wise woman who knows how to balance the importance of routines and naptimes and yet allow yourselves flexibility when needed! What a wonderful mom you are!
This comment is not about this post (but your pictures are adorable). My youngest is 7 and my oldest is 17 so I will remember those days through you pics. Thanks. Our siestas met today for Bible study as I was on vacation last week and since I am hostessing I thought it important for me to be here. We wanted to post but I can't leave a comment on last Tuesdays video post. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Shelly
[email protected]
Amanda, I just revel in your family stories! Your little Jackson is a total hoot. And I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again~ when your little Annabeth grins, it just fills me with laughter! She is absolutely precious 🙂
And I loved that you shared your favorites from the "Details" post. There were so many stories that gave me complete goosebumps, but I think my favorite was Megan's~ she shared that her oldest daughter was having a hard time with her daddy's death, and through her stepfather's boss they were able to find out that he'd accepted Christ just two weeks before he passed away. What comfort to that precious girl!! Here I go getting teary-eyed again.
Anyway, I love you and think you are hysterical. Please keep the happy pictures and stories coming 🙂
Well is she is not the CUTEST thing, I don't know who is.
these stories are AMAZING! how awesome is our God! chill bumps for sure!
I'm going to the Deeper Still event in Greensboro this weekend. I CANNOT WAIT!!!
The Journey Continues ~
I love reading your blogs~
Heartfelt and so loving!!!!
Amanda, After seeing the darling photos of Annabeth and reading the captions and blog, I am pleased to see that you have your priorities in check!!
Routine is everything!
Please let your mother know that this Siesta is
ON MY KNEE'S IN PRAYER FOR HER DURING THIS FULL SCHEDULE OF INTERVIEWS,SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND FINISHING OF A BOOK.
I will pray patience, calming spirit, routine, rest, more hours in your day ~ laughing ~ so that you can cuddle up with Curtis and give him attention too!! 🙂
We Siesta's are here to uplift you in this time of motherhood and having ( What I used to call )
Barney brains or cotton candy fluff brains!!!
I pray for you daily Amanda!!!
with "Heaven bound" blessings,
Kim
ps ask your sister about our conversation
Looks like she might turn out to be left-handed!
I hadn't had a chance to read "God is in the details" comments yet. The beginning of your post made my heart smile – especially because we are expecting our first grandchild in January. And then – somewhere between the comments you shared from God in the Details, my heart overflowed through my eyes and down my cheeks.
God is still in the details in those comments because you will NEVER know just how much I needed to hear/read each one of those right this moment.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Kim . . . who is
Grafted by Grace (and thankful for it)
I love nap bootcamp! We do the same thing when life has gotten crazy and it is a blessing to all involved. It gives me a chance to catch up on laundry, bills, etc. by being "forsed" to stay home! Enjoy your weekend and I will pray the rountine contines!
Kelly
Clarksville, Tennessee
Your kids are too cute, Amanda!!! Good luck with nap bootcamp. If it's successful, maybe you could propose the idea to universities. College students everywhere would thank you, including myself. And your mom will definitely be in my prayers! God bless!
My girl's "look" at each other burst into tears and say things like " she's looking at me with a mean ugly face…look mom her eyes are squinty. Punish her!"
P.S. you are one fabulous mom Amanda…true heart of gold.I always love your posts.
Humbly His,
Allison
Thank you for the pictures of the kids! They are so precious.
I wish I'd have found this blog before. I would love to be able to share how God has used Beliving God, the Life Way Conference in Laramie, WY, and the Esther Bible study to speak directly to me. I believe God to me through Beth and that Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman was written just for me.
These pics are just adorable!! Enjoy this precious time and those darling words from "big brother!"
Hugs!
Susan
Lovely post Amanda…Naptime was always sacred at my house. The phones went off from 1-3pm and the sign went on the door, "do not disturb". There were days that I was flexible, but mostly naptime went undisturbed. It was hard, not sure if I would be ao rigid if I had to do it all over again, but it was what worked for me at the time.
I hope your mom will have all the energy that she needs for this upcoming busy time!!! Does she ever rest? To use her words, "ain't no high like the Most High". Guess she counting on Him to pull her through! She'll be ready for another vacation!
Oh man. That first story (about the phone call being recorded) cut me to the core. I needed to hear that right now.
Oh, I remember those necessary, desperate Nap Bootcamps. Good luck, sista. Just wait, you will one day be in my shoes with your youngest child about to start kindergarten. I can now say, it does go by so quickly!
And as for the testimonies, WOW. Yea, God! Thanks for this post.
Smiles,
Nicole
Amanda thanks for sharing with us little seista is so cute those big blue eyes of hers she is just precious. Sound like your mom has a full schedule will be in prayer for her I saw her on Life today with James and Betty Robinson wanted to watch tonight but our power is out at my house and probably several other people around me so I cannot watch her tonight. But I liked waht she spoke on this A.M. FINDING REFUGE IN THE STORM and how she said in Isaiah 32 1-4 she had taught on that before but something new always jumps off the page your mom is used by God in a mighty way she has touched my life deeply. Will be praying for her. Love to all of the moore's and jones and fitzpatricks you all rock and are amazing people. Carol Albuquerque, NM
Is there ANYTHING cuter than that precious picture of Annabeth sucking her little thumb??!??
Oh my goodness!!!
She is ADORABLE!!!!
Yes, the post just shows how awesome God is in every situation.
From the smallest detail to the largest.
Love you babygirl pictures.
I know your Mom's heart is full of grandmother love, I have 6 grandchildren, and it's a love that can't be explained…
i think she looks A LOT like her big bro!! both are adorable of course!! …and yes schedules are WONDERFUL!! we couldn't have gotten through the first year…or second…and working on the third without them! we do stretch it out sometimes…but not too many days in a row!! i would go CRAZY if we did that!!!!!!!
oh…and loved the results of the questions from curtis! funny!
Love those verses and love that God is really and truly "in the details!" My Avery Kate has just found her thumb…it is love at first suck!
Annabeth is precious! Keep the pics coming.
I will be praying for your mom! Talk about a full plate. Whew!
I will be attending Deeper Still this weekend with some ladies I know need some refreshment and a Word, myself included. I know it is going to be an amazing time! Wish you could be there! But it is probably good you will be home getting baby girl back on track!
Speaking of Deeper Still…
ANNOUNCEMENT: ANYONE COMING TO GREENSBORO FOR THE EVENT IS INVITED TO MEET FOR LUNCH THIS FRIDAY AT SMOKEY BONES BARBECUE 3302 HIGH POINT ROAD GREENSBORO, NC 27407 AT 11:00 A.M. (If possible rsvp to [email protected] just so I can have an idea of how big a table we need.)
Love ya sweet Amanda! Thanks for all you do!
Annabeth is getting so big and those eyes just make me smile! I like the pic where it looks like she may have stuck the spoon in a little too far! I love watching them discover new things.
I can so remember our daughter saying the same thing about her brother, 'He's looking at me!' I asked her why it bothered her–'it just does, MOM!!
I've really enjoyed reading all the comments from the last post,too! It feels so good to hear how God shows up in all our lives, what a warm feeling. 'Praying for your Mom this next week, that He's showing up for her in all her meetings and helping her wind down at night so she can get the rest she needs for her busy schedule.
Have a great weekend!
Annabeth is so precious!!!!!!!
God is so good.
Warm in Alaska.
Annabeth looks sooo much like Jackson..but a pink version of him! She's adorable!
Beth's in Illinois??? I'm in Illinois…I wish I could go have a latte with Beth! That would be a very good day!!
Beautiful baby…she looks like her brother. Enjoy them!
Kathy
Amanda,
Thanks for sharing those two stories. I read through some of them and was so blessed.
As for the darling pictures of Annabeth – it brings back SO many memories. I had 4 little ones under the age of six at one point. All I can say is:
He gently leads those who are with young.
Is 40:11
Heidi in Fayetteville, GA
I bet you Annabeth is rubbing on new teeth not yet sprung. Do you think? Of course, I would always think that, then it would months before they actually came, so who knows. I loved the "Annabeth is bothering me"
I also loved the post from He Is in the details. I couldn't read all of them because I became to overwhelmed. But the ones you shared absolutely blew me away.
Thank you, Precious Lord, for these sweet people who share their lives and their witness with us!
Bless them abundantly and keep them in your loving, everlasting arms!
AMEN
Gorgeous photos…. Everytime I think Annabeth can't get any cuter, and then, she does!
I am really excited to see this book when it comes out. I'm certain God will use it to do a mighty work in many lives. I'm praying for Beth as she works towards its completion.
Love,
Adrienne