According to Ava: Goggles are pronounced “googles” and elevators are “alligators”
- “Boys look like wild things”
- “If you can read this, you’re too close” (we were playing Candy-Land and she insisted that she was reading one of the cards)
- “The sun is warmer than a blanket.”
- “Let’s talk about our days!”
- “That’s complicated.”
- Ava: I wrote a letter to my Grandma and Grandpa. Me: Really? What did it say? Ava: If you can read this, then you’re too close. (This conversation happened at the dinner table with her Grandparents sitting right beside her)
- “Hey mom, What’s up? What’s happenin? What’s the word?” (complete with hand gesture)
- “I’m perking up my ears!”…she can actually move her ears without touching them…it’s a family thing 🙂
- This isn’t really an “Ava-ism” but if you ever hear her sing (which is rare because it’s the one thing that she’s shy about) it’s HILARIOUS! She has this operatic vibrato that makes her whole head move. So.stinking. funny 🙂
- When I asked her what she wanted for breakfast, Ava replied “I want a Grande Macchiato”. That’s my girl 🙂
Beautiful Things 
Hi Jess. I continue to read your blog and today I just felt like I wanted to chat back a little. While I try to type this my eyes burn from the mascara that stings when my eyes tear up a little. My tears are for you, but honestly, they are also a release for me too. I so deeply feel your pain and so deeply love your dedication to keeping a hearing heart for the love and guidance of our Incredible God.
For almost three decades I have also mourned the loss of my husband and the lonliness of raising my children alone. My loss was abandonment rather than death so we add the rejection factor in there as well as the continual decision to stay away….ongoing rejection. But the result is the same in many ways. I appreciate your honesty so much. As I read your thoughts I tear up in agreement with all those emotions that I never had the courage to admit nor air. I know you are making yourself vulnerable to all of us who read your blog and that takes a courage I feared. I know it is healthy. And I think you need to know how it blesses us who you may otherwise never know.
One of Josiah’s deepest desires was to know that his life made a difference in the lives of others – for God’s kingdom. I know that God oftentimes saves our rewards for eternity and that we should not seek out our own reward. But when you are not seeking it yourself and someone else lets you know how valuable you are, then it’s just a blessing….with a reward still to come. I am confident that Josiah already knows now how he impacted so many lives that he never imagined. And with no seeking on your own – I just want you to know that you make a difference in my life. You make me admit and agree to many of the same pains – even though my children are all grown up. I do miss all those things – even still – that you are experiencing. And yet, I am on the other side – in a manner of speaking. God has truly proven faithful. It doesn’t always remove the pain, but restores my sanity.
One thing that I repeat quite often….. Recalling Jesus in the Garden and His desire to please His Father, yet still asking if there be another way…. nonetheless…. The Father’s will, not His. He said: “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” In the same way, when I wonder why my life was full of all the trials it was, I find myself reminded that the God of the Universe, the Creator of everything…. Who knows me and loves me intimately, fashioned a life JUST for me – and who could possible fashion a better plan than Almighty God? Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me too?
I love you, Jess…. I love your testimony and your vulnerability and your courage and your steadfastness and your honesty. How the Heavenly Father must be so pleased with you! I will continue to pray that He ministers to you as you minister to all of us…. and that He will encompass you with every blessing and peace and encouragement and strength. And that He will fill in every gap that you will continually be so aware of as you train up your precious children.
Just know that you still have and will continue to have an army of people praying for you.
She is hilarious 🙂
It sounds like she’s been reading the words on the sideview mirrors on your cars — doesn’t it say “If you can read this you’re too close?” or something like that 🙂
And she’s right — the sun HAS been warmer than a blanket lately 🙂
So.stinkin.funny. is absolutely right. And she left out CARAMEL in the grande macchiato. Thanks for the laughs!
Operatic vibrato…..too too funny 🙂 Maybe she’s got a career ahead of her ….in opera…?! 🙂
And I am super impressed that she can pronounce Macchiato 🙂 She’s learned from the best, I have no doubt!
Ava…you crack us up! 🙂 Jude and I got some good giggles! We love you and miss you sweetie! By the way, love your hat! 🙂 Setting new beach style standards!
Been thinking of you all today so much….lot’s and lot’s and lots of memories! Loves, prayers and hugs sent your way~~~
your girl is so cute…u are so blessed…you and your little ones are in my prayers
Oh, how fun!!! She’s such a sweetie. You never have a dull moment with her around.