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This cute little boy named J.J. was only four years old a month ago…at least that’s what it seemed like to this mama!  But alas, time flew by like a shooting star leaving a sparkling trail of days, months, laughter-filled years, scraped knees ‘n’  tears, hugs ‘n’ kisses, bedtime prayers and piggy-back rides,  squirt-gun fights, birthday parties, pumpkin hunts and gleeful Christmas mornings. All the while this little boy learned the joy of family traditions.

We cheered for him (“that’s my boy!!”) at his baseball and football games, and through these team sports he learned the hard lessons of commitment and perseverance. We taught him to do his laundry,  helped him with his homework, taught him his “please and thank yous”  …how to say “I’m sorry” and to do the right thing, no matter what.  He gained  integrity.

We took him to church every Sunday and enjoyed a thousand meals around our kitchen table. He learned his manners, the importance of family values and to trust God.

These blessed days, months and laughter-filled years are wrapped up into one big happy memory as my son J.J. turns the page on a new chapter in his life-story from  boyhood to manhood. My hubby and I have been preparing him to be a man of honor so that one day he would be ready to become a very special girl’s future husband.  By the Grace of God…in spite of my many mishaps as a mama… in spite of the days I wish I could do over, to do better…I’m so very thankful for the good man my little boy has become.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

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When J.J. was four years old he came into my closet as I was putting my shoes on and looked up at me with his big brown eyes and said “Mama, when you grow down, will you marry me?”  (Of course my heart melted like butter on a hot biscuit! Oh honey! If that isn’t the sweetest thing! You can bet your bottom dollar I kissed his sticky face all over!) Well, God had a plan for my sweet little boy…He was raising up a beautiful girl that would become his future wife, the answer to our prayers.

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You see, ever since J.J. was just a wee little boy we began to pray for his future spouse, the girl he would someday marry. We prayed that the Lord would bless her, protect her, and raise her up to be a loving, compassionate, and joyful girl with a heart for God.

00000006 Around the same time, Tiffany’s parents were also praying for their little girl’s future husband…that He would grow up to be a good man. That he would love her “to the moon and back” and keep his promises. That he would cherish her, protect and provide for her, and most of all that He would love and serve God with his whole heart. img_1724-copy-500x3751

The Lord brought J.J. and Tiffany together….

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They fell in love…

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And on a beautiful sunny California day in June, under bright blue skies surrounded by roses and vineyards our prayers for our children were answered.

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Tiffany…the morning of her wedding day…preparing to “walk down to her future” with my son.

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My daughter Ashley, styling her future sister-in-law’s hair…

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My boys, Dusty and J.J. and their proud mama. They’ve been buddies since they were youngin’s…

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J.J. and Dusty…in a brotherly bonding moment. (Oh honey!)

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J.J. and his amazing friends…his groomsmen…

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Tiffany’s prayin’ mama…Rosemeri…

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That’s my boy! (And his Best Man, my other boy Dusty)

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My Summer Rose…lookin’ all grown up…

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My sister Sherry’s daughter Sophia and Tiffany’s cousins…

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J.J. has his eyes on his beautiful bride…

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They said “I do”

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Mr. and Mrs.

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I would like to introduce you to my new beautiful daughter-in-love, Tiffany Rose

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Adorable!

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My beautiful daughters Summer Rose and Ashley

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Dusty and Kimmy and soon to arrive Baby Boy Kade!

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Ashley, Glen and my adorable blue-eyed grandbaby Johnny!

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The Wedding Reception…

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J.J and little sister Summer Rose. At the reception all of the bridesmaids changed into their cowgirl boots…including yours truly. Tiffany wore bright yellow boots. I didn’t get a photo of it but I’m sure the photographer did!

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Tiffany made these streamers to wave during their exit to begin their honeymoon…

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I know that Tiffany’s parents would agree with me that it’s a little easier letting our “babies” go knowing they love each other “this big.”

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Thank you Sugar Pies for stopping by to share in this Happily Ever After family celebration. These are the moments when you stand back as a mama with joyful tears and thank the good Lord for His grace and guidance. I give God all of the glory!

Have a wonderful July 4th celebration Sugars!

God Bless your darlin’ hearts!

Aunt Ruthie

P.S. The songs playing during this blog post were part of the Wedding music. Carrie Underwood’s “Mama’s Song” was played while Tiffany’s mama and I were being seated.  And Scotty McCreery’s “I Love You This Big” was the song J.J. picked out for our Mama and Son dance. (I get all teary eyed everytime I hear it now!)

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