Wednesday, July 11, 2007

20 Things About Jackson

1) He has 10 teeth with three on the way.
2) When he takes a bath, the water must be running the entire time.
3) Preferably the freezing cold water, which he gleefully splashes on himself.
4) He hates getting out of the water.
5) He likes to watch himself kick and scream in the bathroom mirror.
5) The lowest point of the day is getting him dressed.
6) I usually put mousse in his hair (for the fauxhawk) and he tries to steal the bottle away from me and get some of the leftovers in his mouth.
7) It hurts his feelings when I clip his fingernails.
8) He likes to read and eat books.
9) He has some incredible dance moves. He has no inhibition.
10) We have Jackson's Dance Party in his room every night. Daddy plays the guitar or we listen to Hillsong United and David Crowder.
11) His second favorite game after hide and seek is steal the pillow from mommy.
12) He just discovered the fun of opening and shutting doors. But thankfully he can't turn a door knob yet.
13) A few nights ago he got on the floor and snuggled with Beckham. I hate myself for not getting a picture.
14) Lately when I try to get a kiss he slaps me or grabs my mouth.
15) It hurts. (See #7.)
16) He is officially only taking one nap a day and I actually like it.
17) He really likes to play with disposable cups. After he crumples them, he brings them to me to straighten out.
18) If he never had another toy besides a ball, he probably wouldn't mind.
19) People are constantly telling me what a happy boy he is.
20) I can't believe I get to be his mommy.

And 5 Things About Me
1) I think it's cruddy when people leave critical, contentious, or hurtful comments on blogs, especially when they do so anonymously. If you're willing to say it, own it. And maybe provide a way for the blog owner to reply to you privately.
2) Today was my first experience taking my child to Chuck E. Cheese.
3) Then I went to Barnes and Noble and bought Bringing Up Boys and Dare to Discipline.
4) I'm enrolled in MOPS for the fall.
5) I thought motherhood was hard when I had an infant, but I'm just now starting to realize why people say being a mom is the hardest job in the world. It will take a lot more than sleep to bring up my toddler in the way he should go.

75 comments:

  1. Your line about "bringing up boys" cracked me up..i can so relate..2 is hard with a boy (probably a girl too i dont know) just do your best but dont stress too much..it is hard but as you know it is so worth it..remember he doesnt have to be perfect and neither do you...From 18 months to 2.5 years i was constanly stressing over discipline but lately (as we approach age 3) things have started clicking and seem to be getting a tad easier..Hang in there! Joy comes in the morning;;

    BLESSINGS!

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  2. We did Chuck E Cheese last night for Tabor's 4th b-day...I posted some pics.

    You are a great Mommy with a great big heart who loves her husband and God and family so much...that's all it takes. The books add some detail, but I think that with the materials you have to bring to the table, you will do just fine.
    Love in Him,
    Holly

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  3. I've got "The Strong Willed Child" if you need to borrow it. I use it as a daily reference. I'll let you know in about 20 years if it worked.

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  4. Love your list on Jackson...so adorable and so true.

    Just bought Toddlerwise...I think the 100th time that Ava hit me in the face is when I drove myself to Barnes & Noble to purchase it.

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  5. He likes to 'read and eat' books!

    I babysat tonight for a 3 year old and I need a recovery therapy plan. Let me know if your book has anything! :)

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  6. Amanda,

    Loved your lists. What a wonderful glimpse into your life! So glad you survived Chuck E. Cheese!! And I'm glad (she says with a tiny bit of regret) I don't have to go there anymore!! Books are great, but from what I've read here on your blog, sounds like you're already doing a mighty fine job Mommy!! I'm also sure Jackson would say the same if he could. Enjoy the Mommy moments.

    Love and laughter,
    ~Cheryl

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  7. ok I loved your blog before but now even more! I am so excited you joined MOPS (can you tell I am the coordinator of a MOPS group) anyhow, I hope you love it. I have been a reader for a month or so and you crack me up! keep up the great work and sorry you get some bad comments, I dont get I enjoy reading so much. ok sorry rambling...

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  8. I'm so glad you're joining MOPS! It is an incredible ministry. It was a lifesaver for me as a new Mom. It is also an incredible evangelistic tool. I was just talking this week with a friend who was telling me a "success story" from MOPS. I've seen many myself. If you can't tell I'm pretty passionate about it.

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  9. Anonymous2:34 AM

    I have a 19 month old son. God blessed us with this sweet little boy after trying to start a family for over 10 years. I got pregnant and God gave us this miracle. When I read your blog, I feel like you and I are on the same page of our lives. All the same things happening at the same time. Isn't motherhood the best? When people ask me what my career is now, I proudly say "mother". I've had some great, important jobs over the last 10 years, but none of them compare to what I get to do now. Thanks for your honesty and your humor. Wish you lived next door!
    Rhonda

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  10. I love reading about you and Jackson. Brings back so many memories. All those books are good...read them over and over! I promise you will barely blink and Jackson will be taller than you.
    Love,
    angie

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  11. We have read bringing up boys ... great book though in the first few chapters you may say "I'll think about that one later" You'll understand when you get to that point :) I just couldn't think about THAT with my litte boy so litte. :)

    Another good book is Raising Great Kids by Drs. Cloud and Townsend. Our church is doing a class now on Raising great Preschoolers and this is the book we are using. They have a workbook to go along with the book for ages 0-5. It's a GREAT book on raising kids of Character not just good kids. It has really helped us parent. Just thought I'd throw it out there if you haven't read it :)

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  12. Love your list.... whenever I write down anything like this about my girls, my heart just overflows at what God has blessed me with- being a Mom is HARD, but, wow, to think God allowed me to do this. He is awesome, hm!?

    And I used to hate it when they were babies and people would tell me it gets harder, not easier, but they were so right. Now there are things beyond my control- friendships, school, their own personalities... and I just want to make it all better. Praise God I have Him to help!

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  13. Anonymous8:24 AM

    How clever, Amanda! Why should I expect anything different from your brilliant mind??!!
    You've actually inspired me and I'm off to make the same kind of list for each of my 3 kids. Thanks for the inspiration!
    Kelli in Ohio

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  14. Oh girl...we thank you so much for sharing details about Jackson - he is such a cutie pie and I love it that he reads and eats books - so good the the digestive system. :) Bringing up Boys is a great book! The videos were good too.
    Chuck E Cheese??? Did he just love it or freak out by it? :)
    Sorry about the comments - some people just don't care and that's sad.

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  15. Anonymous8:52 AM

    Hi Amanda~ I bought the same books when our son was the same age as Jackson. We had a girl first and then a boy. Our daughter is now 11 and our son in 7. I remember those toddler years as the beginning of God saying, "you must rely on Me to parent". Also, if you or anyone else is interested in other books, 'King Me' by Steve Farrar is excellent for Dad's/son's and 'What a Daughter Needs from Her Dad' (Farris) for Dad's and daughters. These are books that you will refer to over and over. Especially as your kids get older.

    Love your blog and your heart.
    Annette

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  16. Amanda! I am currently listening to my son (19 months old) try, as always, to open the back door. A few months ago, Asher would SCREAM, as if in pain, when we were getting him dressed. He's better now. There's hope. Asher is a happy boy too, which is a special treat from the Lord because #1, I don't deserve it, and #2, Asher translates from Hebrew to "happy" or "blessed!" Oh, and a ball!! Why were ridiculous dollar amounts spent on blinking, beeping, flipping, spinning toys when Asher's pick is his $1 ball from Target? For our dance parties, besides daddy on guitar and Hillsong United (no I'm not kidding), we like the house dj to spin a little iWorship Kids (by Integrity)...recommend it!

    My husband and I took Bringing Up Boys as a Bible study before Asher was born. Loved it! (Although I felt very alone and scared one week ago for Asher's first HOUR-LONG screaming fit over milk. What do I do?)

    As I said in my one and only other post, I so enjoy your blog and am grateful for the ministry you provide through it! Thank you! You sound like the best mom!

    Kyler

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  17. Something tells me you already have it, but my favorite book about being a momma (female) raising a boy (male) is "Wild at Heart." It's not a parenting book, per say. But it has all the same principles as "Bringing up Boys" with a less clinical approach.

    And I remember hitting those toddler years too (about three years ago) and thinking, "OH! This is why parenting is so hard." I had such a good little baby. But after that first year, you have to start taking care of their bodies and souls.

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  18. hi amanda, i just love your blog. visit it every morning! just wanted to say i'm sorry you experienced hurtful comments from anonymous readers. that happened to me on my last blog and it really upset me. mean things said for seemingly no reason - no fun. know that your blog inspires many people and keep on goin' - don't let people like that get you down!

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  19. Oh Amanda - I understand about the bad comments - own up people... But what could they ever have harsh to say about your blogs - just weird to me.

    I have Bringing up Boys on CD - i didn't have time to read it because I kept getting pregnant. We got a TV in our room now and that stopped that from happeneing anymore. hee hee

    I love MOPS more than chocolate - ok, that is a lie. But I do love it. I speak at MOPS groups more than anything else. Funny thing about all this - Beauty and the Bedroom is my most requested topic... but then we got a TV remember. ha ha!

    Ok - I am being silly, acting like we are old friends... I am not that weird!!! Just silly today!

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  20. Love reading your thoughts! My husband and I are adopting two little boys - ages 2 1/2 and 22 months! They've been living with us for a month now and life is CRAZY! I appreciate your transparency and your willingness to share your heart. Being the mom of boys is awesome!

    We've been reading "bringing up boys" and it's great. I also recommend "Parenting with Love and Logic" and "Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood"

    God Bless!

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  21. hey amanda,
    i love your lists! you a wonderful momma, and jackson is one blessed little boy! one of my favorite books is "boundaries with kids" by cloud and townsend. it is very encouraging and helpful.
    ;) angie

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  22. My daughter liked to eat and read books too! Most of our board books are eaten somewhat....
    thankfully, she grew out of it! I am sure Jackson will too!
    I've also been looking into MOPS.
    I think it's a great program!

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  23. You'll love MOPS, Amanda! I joined our group last fall and it's been wonderful. There's such a feeling of family with all the women and it's so nice being with a group who is going through the same things you are. It's been such a blessing to me.

    Good luck with Jackson. Brady is into the ignoring phase right now (he's 2). You ask him to do something and he just sits there, even though you know he heard you. It's so frustrating!

    Have a great day!

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  24. Amanda, you make mommyhood sound so wonderful! We are several years away from that (God willingly) and I get so much encouragement from you! Thanks for sharing your love of your precious baby boy with us!

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  25. Great list, Amanda. I love the last line "I get to be his mommy". What a lucky little boy he is that you get to be his mommy. There's nothing like knowing how much God loves us when we look at our children. Blessings.

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  26. PS .. the book was reviewed and proofed by Elisa Morgan and the MOPS leadership team. It was a book talked about at MOPS last year but I had forgotten about it until the class this year.

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  27. I feel overwheled just thinking about the fact that I might actually have to start reading about discipline, etc. too. I don't know if I can do this stuff! What if I screw him up? Let me know if either of those books teaches step by step how not to mess up your kid! :) Oh yeah and it's true about the infant part not being as hard. That stage was less entertaining though.

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  28. Anonymous10:58 AM

    I hate the thought of people leaving nasty comments on your sweet blog! That's just wrong...

    Having 2 boys, ages 9 and 7, I can recommend a really cool book: The Dangerous Book for Boys. It has a gorgeous red old-timey cover and is filled with basically what every boy should know. It has essential slight-of-hand magic tricks, an entire section on girls, and how-to's on how to build a tree house and how to hunt and skin a rabbit. It's a thick book FILLED with great stuff, and my 9 year-old has already read it three times! He even quotes it to his younger brother, which is too hysterical!

    And have you read Dante's Inferno? Because my hubby and I are CERTAIN that one of the levels was, in fact, Chuck E. Cheese. I take my kids once every blue moon, but I always suffer nervous ticks for weeks afterwards.

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  29. My 13 month old loooooves to read and eat books, too. :)

    What a cute list! We're signing up for MOPS this fall and I'm so excited because we don't have anything like Mother's/Kid's Day Out and I missed the boat on PEPS.

    I'm so sorry if you received a critical comment. People are sometimes so weird and mean spirited and cowardly when they can be anonymous. I hope you don't let the comment into your heart too much!

    Bringing Up Boys is great and we NEED to check out Dare to Discipline asap! ;)

    Bless you!

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  30. Amanda: Your blog this morning was so much fun to read...aren't our kids just the best things ever?!! You are going to love MOPS I think. I went last year to one here in Willard and LOVED it. Sadly, the church it was held in isn't doing it this next fall so I will have to find another one in Springfield (my church doesn't currently hold a MOPS group). You will have tons of fun! Love, Amanda

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  31. Amanda,
    I just wanted you to know that you are not alone in your 'baby bangs'. I've got 'em and I've got 'em bad. I had them the first time when my 3 year old was a few months old.......and I have them again now that I have a 9 month old! They make me crazy, crazy, crazy!!

    I'm enjoying your blog which I found from Big Mama. And...I found her from a comment she made on the LPM blog. Funny little circle!

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  32. Amen Sister about the anonymous mean comments!!!

    Sweet list about Jackson!! I love these lists and your monthly letters to him. And I love that a lot of those things about Jackson I've been able to experience with him too, like the dancing. :-)

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  33. Anonymous11:58 AM

    Amanda,

    I wish to reply to your comment about negative responses to blogs. No, I have not left any!! This is the first time I have left a comment on any of the blogs I have been reading, and enjoying, over the past few months (via LPM Blog). I'll try not to make this too lengthy. I am the mother of 3 grown children (a son (26) and 2 daughters (25 & 24)), I am rapidly approaching your own mother's age (August 27th), and am married to a wonderful man. I have been studying with your mom off and on for approximately 7 years now (ever since God brought Beth into my life via my daughter so that I could learn how to study His Word and know Him). I am thankful for all that He has taught me over these years. I have had many hurts to my heart from insensitive people who are not slow to speak, and I have been rather quick to respond in a not so wonderful way at times. God has taught me much through everything that comes my way. Just recently I was reading an abridged version of a book first published in 1870 (The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith) and there is a wonderful chapter entitled "The Chariots of God". Here is a quote that may help you when faced with the harsh criticism of others: "The great point is to recognize "chariots of God" in everything that comes to us, and to learn how to mount into these chariots. He may not command or originate the thing, but the moment we put it into His hands, it becomes His. He at once makes even bad things work together for good to all who trust Him. All He needs is to have it entirely committed to Him." "There is no need for anyone to walk for lack of chariots: That misunderstanding, that mortification, that unkindness, that disappointment, that loss, that defeat - all are chariots waiting to carry you to the very heights of victory you have longed to reach. Mount into them with thankful hearts, and He will "carry you in His arms." I do not have a blog at this time but I have been seriously contemplating one. I have grown to love so many of the women who share on the lpm blog, but I have had tremendous hurt in my life that keeps me from sharing myself with others. I am learning to ride in God's chariots,let Him fight the battles I cannot see, and not take offense at things other people may or may not do or say. The battle is not mine, but the Lord's. Hope you have a blessed day and enjoy every precious moment with your little one. They grow up so very fast. If you would like to respond to this in any way my email is pattismith57@yahoo.com, otherwise I'll be checking in on you from time to time. "Good news! Chariots a comin'!" In Christ, Patti

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  34. After UIL Choir contest, I used to take my kids to, I'm sure the same Chuck E. Cheese in a certain town that you live. I have never ever seen so many middle school girls freak out about that restaurant. They LOVE it. What they really love, is the picture machine. I have had my picture taken several times. But, the most favorite restaurant in the area is Crystal's Pizza. Whew! Congratulations on conquering C.E.C.

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  35. This makes me look forward to January, when I'll have my first!

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  36. Amanda, It is ashame that there are such negative, unhappy individuals out there.

    Know that you are such an amazing mother and person.

    Pity those that are so unhappy that they must push it on to you.

    Have a great day!

    azt

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  37. My daughter dropped her morning nap at 18 mos., and I actually like it, too! She takes a good, long one at about 2PM now.

    I've been in MOPS for almost 2 years now, and I love it! I'm Publicity Chair this year, so I've gotta give it a shout-out, right?!

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  38. Amanda,
    The best books I ever read about rearing sons were the ones by James Dobson. He hits home every time. As for Chuck E. Cheese, my 15 year old and his buddies still like to go there for the arcade games...so they say...I know it's for the animated show!!!
    Enjoy,
    Jan

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  39. Anonymous1:07 PM

    noodle-
    Did Jaxadoodle like Chuck E?
    I took Emma there once and she started shaking, crying and screaming " I don't like him, I don't like him". She worried about that dadgum mouse the entire night and the next morning. Talk about wanting a mouse trap. I felt like the worst aunt ever. PTL,redemption came with the Dora swim doll and floaties for the cement pond...aka da pool

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  40. Anonymous1:16 PM

    How do you do it and read all these wonderful comments, too. You sound like a great mom. I have twins and one is Jackson, great name. Oh yes, it does get harder in some ways but easier in some, too. I have Bringing up Boys and have read a little, I just might pull it out. Great blog!!

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  41. Anonymous1:19 PM

    How do you did it and read all of these wonderful comments, too. You seem like a wonderful person and mom. I have twins (7) Jackson and Travis. Great name!! You have inspired me to pull out my copy of Bringing up Boys. An older couple went to see Dr. Dobson in Nashville and were staying at the hotel we were, had gotten two copies and offered my husband and I one. How nice!!

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  42. Love your lists! You are brave woman for attempting Chuck E Cheese! I haven't even dared with my 4 yo!

    Dare to Discipline was one of my favorite books to read, when my daugter was about Jackson's age. I need to re-read for raising our son!

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  43. Hi Amanda,

    I don't have kids so I just love reading about Jackson. This list was so cute - I could just SEE him displaying his own individual whims and preferences. Isn't it neat how God has created each of us with our own one-in-6-billion-people-on-the-planet-unique personality?

    I hate that some clueless people have left you hateful comments. Just know that the VAST majority of your readers love you and your writing to pieces!

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  44. Amanda, Courtney Schis and I are sitting in my office discussing life. OK, we are really looking through the Nord catalogue. We also talked blogs and we are secretly jealous of you...Courtney pours her life out in her blog and gets 7 comments. I work through dysfunctional family issues and get one comment to be funny. You post that Jackson blows chunks and 80 people comment with scripture reference and vague references to the Hebrew transliteration. We challenge you to write one word like snot, moist, creamy, goiter or something to that effect and see how many comments you get complete with love, kisses and moonbeams. We love you! Nancy and Court

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  45. Anonymous2:26 PM

    love the post! i'm sorry people left cruddy comments for you. so not fun to see what's lurking in the hearts of people who might even say they're believers. actually it's not fun to see what's in my own heart, so let me remove the plank in my own eye, first before i go off on a tirade. I'm sure you get a lot of traffic on your blog, since it's linked on everyone's site I know! :) That's got to bring in all types of readers.

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  46. Anonymous2:28 PM

    i agree with sunni on toddlerwise. good buy - just picked it up last night and have already read half of it. the classes that go along with that series (that beau & melissa s. and we did) are very helpful, too.

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  47. I've been sneaking peeks at your blog for about a month - you always make me laugh! I am a momma to a 2-almost 3- year old boy. And he proceeded to hit me and every other human being (or animal)he crossed paths with - whether he was happy or mad. I couldn't figure it out. I can say, as encouragement, that he finally stopped at 2 years and 8 months. None of the books I read and implemented made much difference. Just time. Best wishes for patience with your little one! He'll come through it!

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  48. i want to join nancy and courtney in the dare to put just one word. it would be great!

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  49. Anonymous3:14 PM

    What I love most about Jackson - that in about 1 of 3 stories, he blows chunks. I have one like that. He can throw up on command, when his nose is running, when he gets excited, etc. And never at convenient times - like in the 10th row of the Seattle Mariners game a week ago, out to our first nice dinner as a family in about 6 months, etc. What fun, huh? Keep up the good work - when I can laugh at your stories, I can laugh at myself, too!

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  50. I think it's stinky too when people leave mean comments. You may already know this, but you can ban anonymous comments from your blog. It might be worth doing if it starts happening frequently.
    ANYWAY, I loved your list for Jackson! It made me start thinking that I need to list things that I love about all 4 of my sweet kidlets. I kinda quit doing it (you know, the "baby book syndrome"...) after number 2. :(

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  51. Amanda, you seem like a great mom. Proof is your #19! Most very happy children have wonderful parents! So make sure during those hard moments that you remember, "This too shall pass!"
    I hope you don't get anymore rude comments. It is just unbelievable that people would feel the need to be unkind. But whatever right? I guess you just have to shake it all off! Keep being the amazing woman of God that you are, it honors Him!

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  52. Funny funny! My twin boys are just a few months younger, and they have some of the same favorites. Particularly eating books. Some of the toys they like are the plastic cool whip and/or butter dishes. Extremely expensive! Thanks for sharing!

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  53. Anonymous5:23 PM

    We love Crowder in our house! There are some great You Tube videos of Crowder and after bath time my two love to watch them. Just this morning my Ben (who's 5) was singing, word for word, OPEN SKIES, Is there nothing better than having you child sing praises to the King?!?

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  54. Anonymous6:18 PM

    I loved this post!
    I am in Dallas and my sisters-in-law and I are about to head to Preston Center. You know what's there!!!

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  55. Anonymous6:40 PM

    With 2 boys ages 5 and 3 - I know what you are saying about motherhood being hard. I think maybe girls are easier to deal with when they are little (like until they get to be 13), but what do I know? The good part about it is that people expect boys to be rambunctious (I have no idea how you spell that), so when you have boys who are sweet and polite everyone thinks they are the best thing since sliced bread. Dont you find that having a boy makes you partial to them?
    Anyway, here is a little encouragement (and I mean a little)......when they are 5 things get much easier. I could so list a thousand things that my kids have done that are mischevious, but none of them compare to how sweet those precious little boys are!

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  56. Anonymous6:50 PM

    I love you comments and I'm really sorry your heart was hurt by some meanie out there ((hug)).
    I'm thinking you have a blogging ministry Amanda - I see of the LPM girls here too!!! See you can't get away from us.

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  57. so so sweet! Wait till you have 2 boys ma'am. It's no picnic! :) But I wouldn't trade my bed-jumpin-monkey-boys for nuthin. :) David used to H-A-T-E when I clipped his nails. It was a major fight and I was always so afraid I'd cut him that I would wait a *bit* too long to do it. Finally my mom came to my rescue and would cut them. David never threw a fit for her. I think he fed off my fear! :( Oh well, the boy had cut nails and I wasn't traumatized. :) LOL!

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  58. Anonymous8:01 PM

    Hi Amanda,

    I've been enjoying your blog for about a month now, but I've never commented. I just wanted you to know that you are such a blessing! I have one son who is about to turn 5 (how on earth did that happen??). I, too, had baby bangs. Except I didn't realize what they were until I started reading your blog!

    There was so much that I felt like I had to learn on my own after we brought our son home. Books were a wonderful resource, but somethings were just not in there! Like how to find humor in everything. And oh, how I wish I would have found a blog like yours at the time. Just being able to tell stories and giggle about everything that happens! You haven't lived until your child throws up down your shirt and it pools in your unmentionables! And only another mom could find humor in a situation like that!

    I'm so sorry that people are leaving you negative comments. I can't imagine what for. I think that you are just brilliant and a wonderful mom. And Jackson really does look like the happiest baby on earth!

    Lots of hugs,
    Denise

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  59. I love when you talk about Jackson and the smallest details. You notice everything! Don't forget to make some popsicles out of juice for him to chew on when he is teething!

    I love your blog and I always look forward to reading it! You are an amazing person!

    Thanks for being authentic!
    Much Love,
    Angie

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  60. Amanda, you are about the most precious mom ever! I know I don't have kids...but hearing your stories, and the love you have for Jackson, makes me very impatient! ;)

    I guess I better go on a date first! ;)

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  61. Amanda, I am so sorry anyone would write any mean message to you. The comment hit my "protective" nerve. I wish I could shield gentle souls, like you, from experiencing the cruel thoughtless unkindness in this world. I will add Jackson's blog as well as the LPM site to my prayer list. Blessings.

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  62. There are some places I don't dare go alone with the kids (4years, 2.5 years & 10 Months) yet. Chuck E Cheese is one of those! Right up there with the Children's Museum - they have a WATER room, very cool for DADs but a little unnerving for moms!

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  63. That is too sweet. You better print these out or something so he can see a copy of all these sweet notes and memories you share. What a treasure for him to have one day. Lucky boy!! And as far as mean comments go...if ya can't say anything nice, don't say it at all!! Didn't their mamma's teach them anything!:D We love ya and have NOTHING rude/mean to say!!

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  64. And I thought I was the only one who got those kind of comments. Know we all love you. I cant imagine what anyone would have to be mean about with you!

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  65. Anonymous9:53 AM

    I cannot imagine how hard it must be for someone to leave an ugly remark that could hurt you or someone you love. By blogging you are making yourself vulnerable, but I for one am so thankful to you and your mom for just that. It makes you real and I thank you for that. It makes me understand that we are all struggling out here and that we serve an amazing God.

    I don't agree with you 100% nor would you agree with me 100% on every thing, but I do agree with you that Jesus is Lord. I also pray that God heals your sweet, sweet heart and erases those hurts from your mind. Remember that the majority of us care very much for you.
    zoom

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  66. I think I need to borrow those books when you are done. I am getting tired of little slapping hands but I don't know what to do about it. By the way I am tagging you. You probably have been tagged already but maybe not.

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  67. Amanda,

    Something that you may want to check out...The Jesus Christ Show on KFI 640 AM in LA.

    It is a show as if Jesus is conducting it. Can be downloaded from the website. Done in a respectful manner.

    Let me know what you think.

    best,
    azt

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  68. Anonymous3:18 PM

    Hi there!

    So I'm not a mom, but I am a very involved auntie and stand-in mom from time to time. A number of my friends LOVE this book, and I recommend it to you:
    "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp.
    You can get it at a local bookstore, or at christianbook.com, or at http://www.shepherdpress.com.
    He stresses the importance not of (just) behavioral compliance, but of obedience from the heart. Root and fruit stuff. Something I need too!

    Lana

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  69. you are going to L.O.V.E. MOPS!!!! This past year was my first and it was so great!

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  70. You just put those ugly anonymous comments right where they belong... in the trash! People are wacked.

    I loved the Jackson list. I want to watch the dance moves. :)

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  71. miss amanda i just think the world of you. you are the sweetest mom and i just love your heart. thanks for making me excited about motherhood one day, and for giving us slightly younger ones a Godly example of how to do-the-thing right when we get there.

    you are a treasure!!

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  72. Hi, My name is Kelly and I just found your blog. My son is 16 months old and I can totally relate!! Especially , the part about never having another toy besides a ball!!My son is obsessed with anything round!
    He is our third and I have two girls, 5 and 4! I am so thankful the Lord blessed us with a boy and girls! It is such a joy!
    Discipline is becoming more apparent in our home with him! Bless his heart he can't get away with anything with his sisters!
    I look forward to reading more!

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  73. Yeah for MOPS! You'll love it, I hope. I've been in MOPS for 6 years, 3 as a steering team member. We're gearing up for year number 7! Enjoy! (Found you through a link at Big Mama)

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  74. Anonymous10:30 AM

    Are you sure you weren't writing about MY son? They sound so much alike...must be a boy thing. You sound like a great Mom. Keep up the good work.
    Emily

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  75. Thanks for sharing such sweet things about your son. Cherish every minute with him because it is true what they say about how fast it goes. It may not seem like it in the moment but before you know it he will be in school. I read somewhere that the days are long but the years are short. I find this to be very true.
    Blessings

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