Sunday, March 23, 2008

Easter '08

I know this is very late coming, but Happy Easter everyone! He is risen! What a blessed people we are to have a Savior who would give His own life for us and then be raised again! I'm so thankful to know that He has put everything under His feet - even death.

This was a particularly sweet Easter because, well, every holiday seems to be sweeter with a toddler. I had seen many neat things for Jackson's Easter basket, but I never bought anything because he was always with me. I did spy this really cool pre-made basket with cars and trucks in it. I thought it would be perfect and I planned to go back for it on my next shopping trip. I never mentioned it to Curt, but he saw it a few days later and brought it home. It was a big hit with Jackson.

Curt also bought Jackson a kite and that could be its own post. As we like to say, the kite was a "we" gift more than a "me" gift. Hubs could not, would not wait to fly it at the park. Today was the day. We had a toddler in tow, a very strong and large golden retriever on a leash, and a man who was determined to get his $3 grocery store kite to fly even though he lost a key flight component in the grass. Help me, Jesus. Jackson and I also had a little mishap at the park in which we both ended up with our feet submerged in pond water. I was letting Jackson throw pine cones into the pond and we got a little too close. Oops.

Tonight I attempted to wash my first load of laundry in our new house, but apparently the drain wasn't hooked up right. You know where this is going. Minutes later we had an inch of water covering our whole laundry room, kitchen, and breakfast room. It was threatening to take over the living room, which is currently without any furniture. Curt's new TV (The Precious) and my laptop (Also The Precious) were both sitting on the floor. I am so thankful that we weren't in another room when it happened!

Dramatic stories are always more fun to blog about, but I don't want to misrepresent what's been going on with us. We are doing great. Unpacking was a long process and it's actually not completely done, but almost. This morning was the first morning that I woke up to an orderly kitchen and that was a breath of fresh air. I will have to do a post on my new house later, but OH MY WORD I LOVE IT! And our neighborhood is like a dream. We are beyond blessed. We cannot figure out how we landed here. It was just the Lord!

Here are some pictures from Jackson's third Easter.

My cawrs! Trucks! Fast cawrs! Easter basket.


The Mexican candy that was in the bottom of it. The marshmallows were good, but I'm not sure we can hang with chile flavored lollipops.


Did I mention that the kite was made in the likeness of a falcon?


The Mister enjoying his new tow truck, car, and fork lift.


Jackson got some bunny ears for his noggin...


...and loved them.


The little man actually got to eat his candy this year, unlike last year when he had less teeth and a mean, controlling mommy.




Happiness is eating strawberries for lunch and following them up with Reese's cups - all the while having post-nap bed head.


We got to do our Easter egg hunt in this beautiful yard...


...which happens to belong to these two. Yep, our new town is my old town - Houston!


Another reason why this was a particularly sweet Easter is that this was the first one we've spent at my parents' house in at least five years. We worshipped this morning at HFBC and got to be in the sanctuary one last Sunday before it is completely renovated. That was bittersweet, as was the moment when we picked up Jackson from the nursery and he asked for Ella. *Tear*

I'll leave you with this little nugget of TMI. I am having some kind of allergy attack right now and my throat is itching and burning like crazy. I just want to take a toothbrush and scratch the itch. I know that sounds gross and insane, but I've gotten so desperate before that I've done it. And I learned a very valuable lesson. Never scratch your throat with a toothbrush or you will end up with a nickel-sized ulcer in that very spot. I've never been in so much pain except for February 17, 2006, when I birthed a baby from my loins. Have a good night, y'all, and take your Claritin.

92 comments:

Big Mama said...

I have always said that no Easter celebration is complete without a falcon kite.

So happy for y'all that you've landed back in Houston.

Anonymous said...

Well I have been reading your blog for awhile, but finally taking time to comment because- I feel your pain re: the itchy throat!! I HATE that feeling- and there is nothing you can do (or should apparently- after your toothbrush incident)- to scratch that itch!

Good luck with the rest of the unpacking! And have a great time being back "home" and close to family. :)

Kristin said...

Happy Easter Amanda! Glad to know you are getting settled in. I was so hoping you were at least going to get to be closer to your parents, and the same town, WOW...I bet Bibby is so excited! I will continue to pray as you adjust to life back in Houston!
~Kristin

Shaking it up and making waves! said...

Congrats on arriving at your new home. Settle in well. I'm sure your parents are so thankful to have Jackson (I mean all of you) closer.

Marc and Charity said...

That is so great that you are back in Houston, and near your family! What a fun Easter memory!

Have a blessed week!

Tara D. said...

Sounds like God's provision for your new "home" is perfect. I had a hunch it was Houston. :-) Enjoy your new house and being so close to family. And tell us about your hubby's new gig when you get a chance. Happy Belated Easter!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Amanda! How wonderful to be home!!! Happy Easter!!!
Kim in Cincy

Anonymous said...

Amanda,

Such a great post and I cannot tell you how I was waiting with heart beating faster and faster for the bit REVEAL of where you were living.

Interestingly enough, when you said you were moving a few weeks ago I was concerned for your Mom -- wondering if she was losing two daughters to far away places in one season of life.

How fun that you are back in Houston!

Have a good week and I hope that itcy throat goes away!! Goodness -- I have an ibuprofen allergy, but it has never caused such a thing!! I can't even imagine! But believe me -- the reaction I get makes me look like Princess Fiona in Shrek post evil spell. So, maybe an itchy throat might be the lesser of two evils....I don't know!

Blessings,
Dori

Heather said...

Glad you guys are getting settled and I know it must be wonderful to be close to your parents. I'm sure they are enjoying more time with Jackson. (by the way that is a name we are thinking of for #3 if it is a boy - it's a maiden name on Hubby's side of the family.)

Happy Easter!

Kelly said...

Happy Easter! I'm glad you love your new house! It's so nice to move into a new house and have it all clean and organized. Great way to start over!
And I'm glad to hear you are in Houston - I'm sure it's nice to be close to family and I'm sure you already have friends there which makes it easier.
(Although I still wish you would have ended up in NW AR! ;-)

Angela said...

I'm so happy for you. I'm glad you didn't move too far from family and friends. Good luck setting up house and getting back to normal in Houston. Take Care.

Unknown said...

Somehow I knew you may be moving closer to the Bibby...:)

And is it even fair someone who can break open the Word like she can should also have such mad gardening skillz? My goodness, that yard is like heaven.

So excited for you in this new season of your lives. God bless you, and I mean abundantly bless you, Amanda!

Lisa

Unknown said...

Oh my word! God is so good (all the time)!! AHHHHHHHHHH I can't believe you are in Houston! ROCK ON! (I'm excited for y'all, can you tell???) I thought I recognized that back patio as your mama's! Wow wow wow - Awesome.

I loved the pictures, but I love hearing more that you're closer to your folks.

I'm glad y'all had a great Easter. Our former pastor and wife visited our church yesterday, and that brought on a whole slew of tears that I couldn't stop! (I go to a Methodist church where we have the "preacher shuffle" every few years.)

I look forward to hearing more adventures now that you are in your new place :D!

Love, Cathy

Anonymous said...

OH, I'm so excited for all of you! I was wondering if the move would take you closer to home.

Your little guy looks so sweet checking out his Easter Basket.

Dana said...

Welcome back to H town! Enjoyed your Easter post...bet your Mom is about to pee herself with delight that you are in the same town now. Blessing upon blessings on you and your family during this transition! Love from a fellow H town girl!

Anonymous said...

Looks like fun! It does get so much more fun as they get older, doesn't it?!

Anonymous said...

Amanda,
Congratulations on your new home and your new location!! Your precious mom and dad must be beside themselves overflowing with joy. I love it when God blesses His children in such a sweet way. On your last Sunday, my wonderful husband announced his resignation in our church. He is a bivocational music minister and felt God's leading that it was time to step down. We never want to give God second best and his full time job duties are ever increasing. We love our church family, my dad is the pastor, there have been no problems, but what a tough decision! Needless to say, through my tears and learning to trust God in this new way, I have been praying for you and your family too!

Joyfully,
Kristi

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

I am so excited you're in Houston! I wondered where you were going.

And, may I just say that Jackson has excellent taste in holiday candy? I may have spent some quality time with some Reese's Cups myself this past weekend. Maybe.

Hillary said...

I'm glad you had a great Easter! Jackson looks so grown up!!
Oh to be back home...isn't it great! The Lord has allowed for me to do the same thing, after I get married in September.
Can't wait to see pictures of your new crib!

Deidre said...

That Jackson is the cutest! I squealed when I read your new home town is Houston. How cool! I can't wait to learn more about where the Lord has moved you. Our Lord is so neat!

Anonymous said...

That is so great that you get to live close to your parents! Atleast you're not too terribly far from Ella and Ava. It looks like Jackson had a wonderful Easter!

Sandi said...

Welcome home, Joneses, welcome home!!!

I love keeping up with the Joneses and I am so glad you are back in the big H.

Also, welcome to high concentrations of pollen. It's EVERYWHERE! That could be the reason for your throat ailment.

Hugs and love to all of you.

Heather said...

I think I remember you guys getting a bounce house for Jackson for christmas? Where did you get it? we are thinking of getting one to use for Pace's 2nd birthday and figured we could buy one and use it for other occasions instead of renting one ... so, where did you guys get it from if you don't mind me asking? Does it have room for more than just Jackson? Thanks

JenB said...

Woohoo! Houston! You sneaky little bloggy girl! How awesome for you to be back there. I know BeBe isn't excited one bit! Very cool.

Jennifer

Anonymous said...

This is funny! My whole family took my two-year-old niece to a local school and flew her "Cars" kite this weekend. Which really means my six foot two inch brother flew the "Cars" kite...THE WHOLE TIME WE WERE THERE! It was hilarious, but he had a blast. Oh, and you should try gargling with some salt water. Make sure it's as warm as you can comfortably stand it, and pretty salty. It'll help the itch and the sting.

Holly said...

OH, you're tricky!

I have been secretly praying it was Houston. I am so happy it is Houston!!

What blessed times you have ahead. Mm mmm mm!

Vicki Courtney said...

Jackson is so adorable and looking more like a little boy than a baby every day. What fun to go to HFBC! Tell Greg Matte "hi" for me when you see him!

As a sufferer of Austin allergies, I will be lifting you up in prayer. It's misery.

Becky Kiser said...

How fun! Welcome back home! We'll see you around I'm sure!! :)

Rose said...

WOW how amazing, how GREAT is our GOD indeed, your back home!!! Welcome to Houston, Houston weather also welcomed you with allergies, that's the official welcome that you're home ;)

Patty said...

How awesome of God to place you all back in Houston!! I have been in HFBC and the sancutary is beautiful. It was back in the Summer during a weekend conference. Everyone was so nice and welcomed us with open arms!

The pictures of Jackson are so cute! Love the kite and the Easter basket! I am happy you are enjoying your new home! It must be the thing to happen with the washer and new homes. It happened to me during the 1st week in our new home. It was all over the kitchen floor.
I want to share some good news with you, during our Maundy Thursday service a lady who had never been in church came with her friend that night and after the service she gave her heart to God and she got to participate in her first Lord's Supper!!
Have a great Monday!!
Love,
Patty

Darlene R. said...

Oh, I'm so happy for you guys! What a great move!
As for the Easter candy - we have it coming out of our ears!

I take my Claritin-D almost all year round. Arrrggg!! Allergies!!

So glad you had a Happy Easter!

Sunni at The Flying Mum said...

Your parent's backyard is amazing!

And this year Ava's candy intake was not monitored, and was a free-for-all candy day. Possibly having to do with her incident last night.

Kelly @ Love Well said...

I don't have scientific proof, but I believe Cadbury Eggs can cure that throat itching problem.

Glad you had a GREAT Easter. I'm so glad this move means you'll be closer to family. That's a precious gift.

Anonymous said...

Praise God. I love reading your blog and I just know as a Mom/Gram myself what a blessing it is to have your little ones closeby.

What a special Easter for your family. Enjoy your new home and may the Lord bless you all as you do His work.

Anonymous said...

Oh Amanda, I could not stop the three tears from falling when you said that your new town is our old town. I LOVE IT! I also moved away from home for 3.5 years and came back to my hometown with my husband. I'm so happy for you and the rest of your family...oh to be near my mom is one of my biggest blessings!

Anonymous said...

Can I tell you I nearly got tears in my eyes when I saw you are back "home" with Mom and Dad. For them to be at all of Jackson's activities will be just perfect. And you won't have to pay a babysitter:) My prayer list for our upcoming list is a mile long. When we told our pastor how much we didn't want to leave the church he said "God is good and the Kingdom is big. You'll love another."

Unknown said...

Oh YAY for you all! Such fun news!

Emmy said...

Welcome Home!

I am so HAPPY for you all! My heart sang with JOY to hear you all are back in Houston!

Oh- I know that your Mom has been doing some Praise Dancing! I would be! Know your Dad is thrilled too!

He is Risen!

So thrilled for you all! God Bless- Emmy

Dionna said...

Back in Houston! Here I thought you were leaving Texas. I bet your mom and dad are so thrilled to have you and their grandson so close again!
I'm jealous of those flowers! My bulbs are almost ready to bloom here but we don't quite have the weather for all the trees and flowers to bloom and turn green yet.

kittyhox said...

He is risen indeed!

Congratulations on your move back to Houston! That must make your move bitterSWEET, rather than just plain ole bittersweet.

Nancy Mon said...

Don't be like Michelle. In using your tooth brush on the back of the throat, don't overstimulate your uvula nerve and then faint.

Happy to have you back in Houston.

Fran said...

You did not just say that you landed back in Houston??!!!!!

I wish you could have seen or heard my gasp with a smile when I read that part!!!!

HALLELUJAH!!

I know you are overjoyed and probably a little overwhelmed too.
Still praying for ya! And, Happy Easter Jones family. May He continue to be the thrill of your heart and the love of your life.

Big hugs~
Fran

Krystal said...

I wonder what jacks was thinking when ella didnt show up in the nursery? The red door misses you! Can't wait to come visit! We are coming down for missions in June!

Anonymous said...

Loved the cute pics of Jackson! I agree chili flavored lollipops probably NOT good! Good thing you were able to stop the flood before it hit the living room! That happened to me just last week ugg! Took forever to mop up!! Hopefully my washer & dryer won't fall thru the floor someday! (not the first flood).
Glad you're close to family and friends!

Anonymous said...

Dear Amanda -

Congratulations on being back in Houston! What a blessing from the Lord.

Much love,
Sharon, NC

Sister Lynn said...

HAPPY EASTER!

We had an incredible Easter at the convent - you can read about it here.

http://www.clydemonastery.org/serendipity/index.php?/archives/15-Christos-Anesti!-Alithos-Anesti!.html

So glad to hear you are back in Houston - I am sure it will be a joyful time for all of you.

Blessings,
Sister Lynn

Ashley said...

Oh my word, I bet Bibby is just out of words excited you are living so close! Hope you are getting settled in nicely and enjoying being close to your mom and dad.

Jackson is getting so big! He is the cutest thing.

mariel said...

yeah! There is no place like home, is there? I was hoping you were moving closer to your mama! I am blessed to live near my parents, and it is a sweet blessing to share holidays with grandparents when you have little ones!!

Blessings to you all!! (PS great pic of your mom and dad!! not to mention the ADORABLE bed head on your little gift!)

ncmama said...

My heart is just so happy for you all as you move back home closer to family! We are still 6 1/2 and 9 hours away from each side of our family and it gets harder and harder as my little boys get older. They're old enough now to ask me when we can see them again and wonder why we live so far away.

I am quite envious of your mother's beautiful flowers! We had 4 inches of snow up here on Good Friday. Is that insane or what?!

I so sympathize with the terrible allergies you are facing. Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream and Zyrtec helped me more than anything else. :)

Happy Easter!

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

When I have my itchy throat, I make obnoxious noises that I can't even describe. It makes babies cry, makes my kids plug their ears, and makes my hubs roll his eyes. But it feels REAL GOOD.

Yeah for you back in Houston! :) So happy for you!

Anonymous said...

How perfect that God ordained for you to be in the old sanctuary one last time! And on Easter! Just amazing. So happy for you and for your parents! The adventures of Bibby and Jackson shall commence "local style!" So happy for you and Curtis. May God richly bless your new home in your hometown.

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Happy Easter to you. How wonderful that you moved back to Houston. Can you believe there is another move in our future but I don't know when or where. I haven't even posted it on my blog yet because my heart is still very disillusioned, but the professor's job here will no longer be. It ends in May. Praise God we serve a Wonderful Creator who has a plan laid out for us. I'm not worried because I rest in that truth, but I am hurt about the situation. Best to you! Angela

BethAnne said...

AWESOME! How fun that you are back home. Oh the benefits of being near the parents! Think of the free babysitter, the shopping trips, the trips to Starbucks! It truly was a glorious Easter for you guys! I bet your mom is ecstatic! And I daresay Jackson will love living close to her as well. He will have such wonderful memories of spending time with your parents - every kid should have special grandparent memories! Isn't God amazing to plan for you guys to live closer? Congratulations!

(Oh and those flowers are beautiful in her yard....I wish our spring was here already)

Lauren said...

Ohmygosh. That is gross and painful about the ulcer!

Yay about the new house!

And He is risen, indeed!

Lauren said...

LOL to Nancy Mon's comment!!!!!

Jenna said...

So glad ya'll had a great Easter and are getting settled in! That is so awesome that you'll be back in Houston close to family. I can only imagine y'all's joy--especially Bibby's!

The Mister & The Bibster teaming up in the same town! What could be better?

Hope ya'll have a great week and hope the throat itch situation has a happy ending really soon! Feel better :)

valerie said...

Amanda,
So glad to hear that you're near your parents. How special for all of you.
Looks like Jackson had a great Easter. I know your parents were thrilled!
Praying for your throat!
Valerie

Steph V said...

He has risen indeed! Happy Easter girl!

Welcome home!!! I have thought of you 3 over the last week sooo much! I am glad you are loving your nreighborhood...it is great and has awesome parks!!

Best of luck on finishing the packing!! It's so much fun when it's all done and you can really enjoy it!

connorcolesmom said...

YEAH - you are home!
I am so excited that you will be back near your mom and dad. There is nothing like living near family :)
I look forward to seeing more pictures of your home and hearing about all God has been blessing you with over the past few weeks :)
Much love,
Kim

Honeycutt Family said...

Amanda,
HAPPY EASTER!
I bet your mother is beyond thrilled for y'all to be living so close to her now! :)
In Him,
Jen

Leslie Maddox said...

My husband and I recently moved, too, and are still unpacking. First things to get in order were the kitchen and bathroom! Isn't it fun to see how your old furniture looks in a new house?

Anonymous said...

I've been waiting (not so) patiently to find out where you were headed. Now I'll keep waiting to find out what God has called Curt to do in Houston. Loved the pictures! Happy Day After Easter!

~Jodi~ said...

Amanda,
So glad to hear that you guys are getting all settled in and that God has blessed you with a wonderful new home that you are loving! look forward to hearing more about it. you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I'm glad to hear you guys get to be closer to your parents! what a fun easter post you did! I had to smile at your dramatic story b/c we just got a new washer and dryer and have had issues getting it hooked up as well. I love the way you tell stories-you are great with words. I'm glad no precious possesions were ruined in the process.. oh and did the kite um ever fly?

Taylor said...

hello Itchy Throat. Amanda, in all my twenty-one years I do not recall this happening to me...but recently, yes just last week, I said to a friend, "my throat is literally 'itching!'...i want to take something and scratch it!" and here you are with the very same experience. the pollen must be extra potent this year.

aaannnddd...so. happy. for. you. about moving back to Houston. God is so good.

Love, Taylor

Erin Ward said...

Jackson is so big! and looking as sweet as ever!

Superchikk said...

I'm new here - and have just been reading your posts about ministry and moving. I can so relate. My husband is a minister (just recently moved to college/singles after 10 years with students), so I know what it's like to leave behind so many people you have poured your life into when God calls you somehwere new.

Good luck in Houston (I miss Texas terribly!).

Lindsee Lou said...

Welcome back to Houston, Amanda and family! I am sure you are all thrilled to pieces. Hopefully we will see you around. :)

As for the washer and dryer. Oh my gosh. So glad you caught it in time. It reminds me of one morning while I was in highschool and my big brother and I walked down stairs to the kitchen (you know to grab and go) and we suddenly stepped in a huge puddle of water. Our whole kitchen and living room was flooded due to the 28 year old ice maker in the freezer. One pipe busted and all was ruined. Joy! Obviously, my parents took care of it. But it was a mess!

As for the allergies. I have a way of scratching my throat with my tounge. I know, wierd. But, hey, it gets the job done. And Walatin (the cheapo brand of claritin) has been my BFF. Be gone, pollen, be gone.

Mauree said...

I stumbled onto your blog by way of Kellys Korner. We had that same experience with our washer when we moved into our house. Thankfully we only have tile in the kitchen and laundry room or it would have a been a bigger mess. We had no idea what was wrong. Nobody told us the movers wouldn't set up the washer and dryer. They just "placed" it where it should go. That is great to be back in Houston. I actually grew up there too! Moved to Arkansas for college and never went back. I can only imagine how happy Bibby is. I think my dad would give anything to be closer to the grandkids.

Cinde said...

The Texas Flowers! I was just over at Big Mama's blog and her Easter photos showed yellow columbines...your mama's yard is in bloom with all sorts of beautiful blossoms.
Our Easter morning in Colorado - 2 inches of fresh powder over the top of brown grass!
I am so jealous!

Profbaugh said...

Amanda,

Houston? Really???? Woo Hoo!! And a BIG PTL!!

Celebrating with you,
~Cheryl
St. Louis

Anonymous said...

I, too, was worried that Jackson, uh, I mean all of you, were moving further away from Bibby. I'm so happy my fears were unfounded. Everyone must be beside themselves with joy. When my parents moved to our town I don't think any of us slept for a week we were so excited!

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

Amanda - you have so been on my heart. I love when He does that for someone that I don't even know. I have been away from blogland for a few weeks because we too have moved....again! SO I just wanted you to kow I have been lifting you up and didn't even know what was going on. That is cool to me - and that is HIM!!!

Have a great week! Leigh

Them Chandlers said...

I was just thinking about you last night...wondering if you were going to make it. So glad you are!! Yay :) See you soon!!

Anonymous said...

Yay!!! Houston!!! Welcome back!!! I am so glad you are here and if I understand correctly you are also in a neighborhood with some friends. How blessed can you get!!!

Lisa Pierre said...

Welcome home! Let's do something together! Gutsy!

Amy T said...

How exciting! I am so glad you are getting settled and that you are "back home". I know that made it a bit easier leaving Irving, even though I also know you will still miss it, but now you will just have to take trips that way instead of the way you've been doing it, huh? Did that make sense? Anyway, I know your Mom has been just jumping for joy! How fun! And can't wait to hear about the new house. And so glad the two "precious"'s were saved! :)

Allison said...

You must be loving all that space! Hey--I'm planning a shopping date with one of my friends from pearland at that new outlet mall kind of by you-- you and J will have to join us! Love ya, Allie

Kevin and Christie said...

Now that is a serious easter basket...Jude's will look sad comparably if I can ever get it posted! Hehe...I am glad you had a great Easter and that your house is coming together. I understand that feeling...I am still working on it!

Sharon Brumfield said...

I read all the time and do not comment much at all--but I have to say that I was really wondering where ya'll would land.
Glad ya'll landed home close to your Mom. I know it does her heart good.
One leaves and the other returns.
Oh happy day!
Sweet pictures.

Spicy Magnolia said...

Dear Amanda, I've been reading your blog for some time, and love how you share your life with us! I am always so encouraged and blessed; even when things are difficult and emotional, it is quite evident that you're walking through it with Jesus, and it's something I am greatly encouraged by.

I am so excited to hear you are back in Houston, and can't wait to hear more about how the Lord led you there. Even though I do not know you personally, I am truly grateful for you as my sister in Christ.

Ashley said...

YEA!! You're back in H-town! So, so happy for you guys! It is such a HUGE blessing to have those grandmothers close so they can just stop by and steal kisses from their grandbabies!

I hope your sinuses quickly ajust back to Houston too...the pollen (esp. the tree) is just aweful right now; over the last few weeks we partake in a new candy called Zyrtec!

Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Amanda!

As you know I am so excited that you all are back in Houston! Bella has her brother back! Well girlfriend get ready bc I am going to contact you about volleyball! (women actually gets "sets" to spike the ball - woohoo!!)

As for that allergy itchy throat I can relate! In fact next Wed I am having sinus and septum (deviated) nose surgery. My sinuses are just so out of control so the good old ENT said it is time!

Welcome Home Jones Family!

Helen (and Bella)

Kyle Taylor said...

I'm so thrilled for you getting to move back to Houston! Now, if only Melissa could get back home, you would have the "4 Moores" back together again:) Glad you had a great Easter, love the pics!

The Henrie Family said...

I am so happy for you and your mama!!! Of course, I am happy for you ALL but to be back in the same town as your mom must be wonderful! God is good!

Anonymous said...

oh my, the itchy throat must be that horrid humid Houston weather, I'm sure you'd be just fine if you were still here in Irving (he he!).
I know Easter was sooo much sweeter being with your sweet parents. Give Jacks and Curt hugs from the Clarks.

Unknown said...

Oh MY GOODNESS! Is your mother just beside herself thrilled to have her precious AJ, Fun-to-Pester Curt and Precious Tod, Jackson back in the city limits of ye Grand Old Houston??? I can only imagine... wait that's a song, and now it is your mom and dad thrilled to have their child closer to home I am sure.

God bless ya' girl! I bet you, too, are thrilled. Easter looks like a blast. We spent our with family too, though Good Friday was a little less than sober as we went to Best Buy and dropped nearly a $1,000 on his new "precious" his flat screen television that is barely two feet from the footboard on our bed! The cable man is coming tomorrow! We have lived without the luxury of extra channels for nearly all of ten years but with the new tv an antenna only picks up 2 - Yes, I said 2 channels... brilliant, crystal clear channels, but the limited viewing is more than he can bear so I will be welcoming the cable guy to install the needed HD channels so he can really kick back and enjoy his indulgence!

This may be TMI...

The highlight of our Easter was a precious time around our coffee table, doing Bible study about the death and resurrection of Jesus and then having an initimate time of family communion right in our living room and discussing what the blood and the body broken for us really means. Well... No matter what time my post logs in, it is 10:26 and time for me to run up the street and pick up my precious eldest daughter from work. Thanks for sharing, AJ! You are a treasure! Praying your allergies clear up soon!

God Bless!

Unknown said...

P. S. Amanda - my husband and I discovered an interesting truth about W/D connections when we moved into this house. Those hoses that they sell now for your washing machine are designed to keep flooding from happening. As I recall my husband bought the high dollar machine hoses when we moved a couple of years ago. In December we found ourselves moving again and when I went to wash a load of clothes found that the hot water worked just fine but there was not cold water. Hubby checked the connections and everything seemed to be in order - but it still would not work. I even called our landlord and told her about it - she couldn't figure it out either and was about to call the plumber when my husband disconnected the hoses and found the cold water to be put on backwards. The water would not flow through the pipe unless it was properly connected to the washing machine... I was grateful for that because we might of had a big mess of our own to clean up. I am not sure if this would have helped in your case, but it is an FYI for anyone with older machine hoses. Our hoses wore out once and shot water all over our laundry room. I am very thankful it was an ancient house with a laundry that had been added onto the original dwelling. The mess was localized to that concrete floor! It is absolutely no fun to clean up after an appliance made flood.

I think you have inspired a post about flooding houses... I have a couple of humdingers to tell. Blessings.

Amanda said...

Amanda,
I didn't get to go to Tues. night bible studies this time around, and I was completely bummed about it. We were so busy getting settled the first month of the study, and my hubbie was uncertain of my "driving by myself inside the beltway after dark" abilities... with good reason :-) This past month I have conquered the galleria, airport, and Memorial City Mall without getting lost! Wahoo! I think I have officially become a Houston driver? I'm definitely there when it starts back up in the fall. I bet you are so excited to be back near your parents, but I hear ya on leaving friends who you have shared such an exciting time in your life with. I bet Jackson's grandparents are beyond ecstatic!

The Ugly Beautiful said...

I am glad you're back home and that we got to meet and chat last night! Thanks for sharing your blog with me! Your honesty, real-ness, love for Jesus and cute pics of your boy are are a treat that you share with us and I am blessed! Hope to see you around back at HBFC! :)
P.S. I have perpetually lived with the title of allergy geek since I was born. A good trick that may work for the throat itch (and to save you from further throat damage since I am a Dental Asst. by trade) :) is to try and gargle with hydrogen peroxide and warm salt water, then stick a cough drop in your mouth which will kill the bad flavor from the peroxide and numb your throat long enough for any medication to kick in. Otherwise, I am well aware that our "snorting" (in order to itch our throats) tends to annoy people, so I have been told many times...to which I kindly reply, if you only knew my pain... Free advice from a fellow allergy sufferer :)
You are beautiful, Amanda!

Jan said...

Amanda,
I am SO SO happy for you and your sweet family. Isn't God good to give us the desires of our hearts?

I can smell your mom's alyssum (I think that is how it's spelled) from here. We're about three weeks behind y'all in bloom time.

Have a wonderful time with your family in your "old" town!

Jan

Katie said...

Oh what a cute picture of your parents, Amanda!!

Okay- you don't need to post this comment if you don't want- but me and my siestas are going to see your mom in Jacksonville tomorrow night!! YAY!! Just wanted to say thank you for "sharing" her all the years you have with so many women and sisters.

Tell her if she wants some gals her daughters' ages to buy her dinner- some gals who will NOT pick her brain on things, or expect her to get to know us in any way, but just some girls to eat a meal with and have a laugh with- she can contact me- Katie (www.mcdonnellplace.com) Kim (www.thedudleyfamily.blogspot.com) and Julie (www.martinmemories.blogspot.com)
:) :) :)

...and since I know she will be tired and there's like a 0.0000001% chance of that every happening, (okay let's be honest here, NO chance of that happening,) do tell her that we are so excited to "meet" her during the conference!

(BTW- random fact here, Emily Cavanaugh showed her and Sabrina around Canada for a conference a few years ago, and Emily and I are good friends from our Wheaton years... small world.)

Katie said...

Oh and Happy Easter to you and yours!! :)