Heavenly Peace

 

My grandmother, Ava Marlin, Memaw, as we affectionately referred to her has gone to be with Jesus. She had been sick for a little over a month. Although, it was extremely hard to give her up, she is now resting with her Maker. I am so thankful for the 28 years I was able to spend with her. She was truly a wonderful lady!

Girls night out

 

 

 

Last Friday night, we celebrated the "Last Fling before the Ring"! Some of Jen's Bridesmaids planned a super fun Bachelorette Party for her. We had so much fun. We had a shower, ate Mexican,and headed to Nashville for some fun. I cannot believe baby girl will be married in 12 days!!!Whoa!!!

Happy Big 3-0

 

Jesse's 30th Birthday was today! Wow, thirty. What a huge milestone. Happy Birthday Honey. You are one of the three greatest things that has ever happened to me! I love you so much!!!
Amanda, Will, and Caroline

9 months

 

Baby girl,
It is hard to believe that I have now spent as much time with you outside in this great big world as I carried you inside of me. You are so big and so special. You are growing so fast and learning so many new things. You make Daddy and I so proud of you. You weigh 20 pounds and you are 27 1/2 inches tall. You can feed yourself puffs and fruit now. You are a crawling maniac and you are pulling up and cruising around the coffee table and couch. You love your big brother and he loves you too. You constantly giggle at each other and you love to chase him from room to room. We love you so much and can't wait to see what next month brings!

Happy Mother's Day

 

 

 

Today was really special. It was my fourth Mother's Day and I was surrounded by those that I love. It was such a great present to have Jesse home from his trip and to have my little sister in town. Mother's Day is such a special day and it has taken on such a deep meaning to me in the past few years.

I have the world's greatest mother. I know, everyone says that, but in my case, it is totally true. She is an extraordinary woman and I strive daily to be more like her. She has taught me so much from practical things such as how to scramble an egg, to more necessary things, such as NEVER EVER leave the house without lipstick, and she has taught me matters of the heart, such as how to love deeply and care for others. I could never repay her and you know what, she would never ask me too. And that, is the most valuable lesson of all, selflessness. Thank you Mom. Hope today was wonderful.

TO MY ADORABLE KIDDOS- Will and Caroline
Thank you for the smiles, the laughs, the hugs, the challenges...you are making me a better person daily. I love you both with every beat of my heart.

To the other special women in my life...you know who you are...thanks for the inspiration!

He is home

 

 

Our daddy is back and we are so glad to have him home. Jesse is the glue that holds our little family together and we missed him terribly this week. I was so glad to see him at the airport. I was so excited about seeing him that I forgot my camera. My friend Tiff, took some pics so I will try to get those from her but here is a pic of the kiddos waiting on their daddies and a pic of Jesse and the kiddos wearing their presents from Nicaragua. We are so glad to have you home and we are so proud of you!!! Bebe, Thanks for riding to the airport with me and thanks for being such a good mom to my husband, you helped to make him the wonderful man he is today. Happy Mother's Day!

Favorite Fotos Friday

 

 

 

 

Passing the time

While Jesse has been in Nicaragua on a Mission Trip, we have been stuck in Seattle, I mean Tennessee. It has rained cats and dogs and we have watched many movies and logged serious time on the train table. The clouds parted and it cleared up for a bit today, so we bolted outside for a little fun. Well, fun is a relative term. We drew on the side walk with chalk. For me this was quite miserable, as the sound and feeling give me the hibeejebbees(an understatement). But Will thought it was seriously fun, so I put aside my dislike for chalk just to see his sweet smile. Hurry home Daddy and go away rain!

Wordless Wednesday and Daddy update

 

We talked to Jesse the other night. It was so good to hear his voice. It still amazes me how clearly you can hear each other, so many miles away. His enthusiasm was contagious and I found myself listening and wishing I was there too. He was able to see some of the children that he met last year! They are working too though and he said it is so hot. Maybe some of that warm weather will come our way soon!

We have been keeping a secret...

We have been waiting until we were for sure...

Until we knew it was going to happen...

We could hardly contain our excitement...

WE ARE POTTYING in the POTTY!!!!Thank you, Jesus. I have prayed for this for months!!!

 

And just a little cuteness!