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Last year I read Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper. I was just beginning to think through this idea of being more intentional with my family…and that included developing God-centered traditions. I loved this book. I might need to read it every year…just as a reminder. It is such a good guide as we seek to cultivate in our children a deep love for God in both our “everyday” and “especially” traditions.

One of the “especially” traditions that Noel talks about in her book is Easter. She has so many great ideas. Although Levi is still really young, I wanted to try to start our Easter traditions this year. Noel and her family have a Resurrection Tree at Easter. They hang symbols on the tree that remind them of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. My friend Julie is also doing a Resurrection Tree with her kids. She has a great post that includes passages and symbols to use with the tree. I thought that the Resurrection Tree might be a little over Levi’s head this year, but I still wanted to try using the symbol idea. So, we are basically doing the same thing except with Resurrection Eggs.

I gathered up all my supplies today and got everything ready.ย I basically used Julie’s passages and symbols (thanks Julie!) and tweaked them a little to work for us. I have twelve eggs, so we will start on Wednesday.

Day 1: Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-9)
Symbol: donkey

Day 2: Jesus washes the disciples feet (John 13:1-20)
Symbol: washcloth

Day 3: Passover (Luke 22:7-23)
Symbol: saltine cracker

Day 4: Jesus Prays on Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39-46)
Symbol: praying hands

Day 5: Jesus Arrested (Luke 22:47-54)
Symbol: flashlight (darkness)

Day 6: Peter’s Denial (Matthew 26:69-75)
Symbol: rooster

Day 7: Judas Returns Silver (Matthew 27:3-9)
Symbol: 3 silver coins

Day 8: Jesus before Pilate (John 18:28-32)
Symbol: crown for a king

Day 9: Jesus to be Crucified (John 19:1-16)
Symbol: crown of thorns

Day 10: Crucifixion (John 19:17-37)
Symbol: cross/nails

Day 11: Jesus is Buried (John 19:38-42)
Symbol: rock

Day 12: Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10)
Symbol: empty egg

I know a lot of this will still be over Levi’s head, but it is amazing what these young kiddos already understand. I think he will know what most of the symbols are. I want to read the passages together as a family, but also use Levi’s Bible to show him pictures and tell the story of Easter.

I also asked my friend Jill if she had any recommendations for Easter books for Levi (she always has great ideas). She recommended What is Easter by Michelle Adams.

It comes in a board book which will be perfect! The last page reads:

Okay, now I get it.
The Easter Bunny is okay,
And Easter eggs are fun.
But Easter’s not about that stuff.
It’s all about God’s son.

I am excited to be more intentional as Easter approaches this year. And what about me? I am working on memorizing Isaiah 53. I have been studying Isaiah in BSF this year and we studied this chapter a few weeks ago. Perfect timing with Easter around the corner. I have been thinking a lot about this question that was asked in my study notes that week:

How often do you stop everything you are doing to thank God for His incredible plan to save sinners through the sacrificial death of His Son in their place and on their behalf?

What about you? What are you doing to prepare for Easter?
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  • Anonymous - Great post. We own “What is Easter” We love it and read it all year long! Levi will love it too!
    Great Ideas! I am excited you shared these and want to do something similar! I just love Easter… it’s such an emotional, wonderful opportunity to be intimate with Christ!

    -a regular blog follower ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Stephanie - I just love this idea. What a neat way to incorporate a younger child in this season (and a good reminder for us as well). Thanks for sharing! Hope you are feeling well. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Erin - I love the idea of a Resurrection tree! All of your crafts always inspire me – I can’t wait to use them someday with my family.

    My preparation for Easter this year is all about preparing to become a family, as I’m due to have a little boy (he will be our firstborn, though not our first – I had a miscarriage about 2 1/2 years ago) on April 26th. I’m actually really hoping he’ll come a couple days early on Easter Sunday. I think it would be so symbolic and beautiful for my little boy to enter the world on the day that we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection!ReplyCancel

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  • Rebecca @ The Inspired Organizer - Jess, I love this idea and I love your symbols and scripture references that tell the story. What did you find for the flashlight that will fit in an egg? I see all the other symbols in your photo, but not that one.ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - we do the resurrection egg hunt with our kids and they love it! Each year we have more questions and each year we get into deeper, fun conversations. I love it.ReplyCancel

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  • danielle @ take heart - thank you so much for sharing this! i will be doing it with my boys ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - We do the same thing here but we added extras and have a basket with 16 eggs. We lost a couple of the eggs when the kids wanted an egg hunt. We have no idea where they went to. We love that one book!ReplyCancel

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  • Kelly - I bought the “What is Easter” book right before my little guy was born last year. The “What is Christmas” & “What is Thanksgiving” books are really good too! I saw one at target today that was called “The Story of Easter” too. I love books that explain how the secular part of a holiday is fun, but not what is is all about! ๐Ÿ™‚ Looking forward to doing the Resurrection Eggs with my Munchkin next year.ReplyCancel

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  • The Muncies - I posted a while back with a few ideas — maybe they’ll help! I’m a big believer in starting early — gives you a few years to get your routine down and build the tradition before they realize you’re new at this parenting thing! ๐Ÿ™‚

    http://themunciefamily.blogspot.com/2011/03/easter-traditions.htmlReplyCancel

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  • Sadie - Great post! I love this! I have been thinking of some ideas, and this is great. Thanks for posting!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristi - My family and I have the book you mentioned and we love it!! They pull it out to read it year round. Love the idea for the resurrection tree!!ReplyCancel

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  • Suzanne - Thank you! I have been wanting to do this with my children – this is just what I needed to get going on it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I love Michelle Adams books. I did a post a while back on her christmas book and she emailed me and sent me two books. one was what is Easter? love it. love the traditionsReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Thank you for the inspiration.

    Would you share what Bible Levi has? I would like to find one with pictures for my two-year-old.

    Thanks again for sharing your traditions!ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - We were invited to an egg hunt at our neighbors house about 5 years ago… She did the resurrection egg hunt and told all the kids the story of the resurrection.. It was such a wonderful and sweet idea! My kids remember it so well!ReplyCancel

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  • HannahM - I agree! We cannot do enough to communicate the importance of Easter to our children! Even while they are young. We did an Easter Tree too, this year. It has turned out to be a great thing for my little ones!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - There was a Sunday School class where the teachers gave each child a plastic egg on Palm Sunday.ย  The teachers asked their students to bring the plastic eggs back the next Sunday with something in their egg that represented Easter.ย  The two teachers encouraged the kids to do the assignment themselves – not to get help from anyone in their family.ย  They were worried about one little boy – he had special needs and they thought maybe he was confused by the egg that didn’t have anything in it.ย  They planned to call his parents during the week.ย 

    The next week the teachers realized they both thought the other would call the little boys parents. Disappointed in themselves, the teachers were soon distracted and thrilled that everyone had remembered to bring back their egg.ย  Kids were excited to show a bunny eraser, a piece of candy, tulip petals to represent Spring, Easter grass and finally one little girl had put a necklace with a cross in her egg.ย  After all of the kids had shared, the teachers looked at each, knowing that the kids had a lot to learn about Easter.ย  Then one of the kids pointed out the little boy they had worried about hadn’t opened his egg.ย  He was sitting quietly holding on to his plastic egg with both hands.ย  When he opened it both of the teachers sighed.ย  He hadn’t put anything in the egg.ย  One of them finally whispered, “Honey, did you not understand you were supposed to bring back something in the egg that makes you think of Easter.”ย  He smiled and replied. “My egg is about Easter.”ย  The second teacher said, “But your egg is empty.”ย  “I know,” he said, “it’s the tomb.”ย 

    Happy Easter!ย ReplyCancel

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  • Al's World - I love this idea!!!! I am in BSF and I have loved that we are studying what have been during this season! It has made it come alive for me! Thanks for sharing! Hope you are feeling good!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Cindy - I love that you are starting this with Levi while he is so young! My girls love the Resurrection Eggs and look forward to getting them out every year! This year, we are just using the entire set to tell the story over and over again during the weeks leading up to Easter and are actually doing our Easter Tree filled with God’s Promises instead. Honestly, it was inspired by your post on The Shelter of God’s Promises (haven’t read the book yet, but it’s on my reading list!). For the giveaway, you asked to tell of one of God’s promises that you are standing under today. I wondered what my children would tell me if I asked them. They weren’t sure what to say. And I knew more than anything that I wanted them to be able to call so many of God’s promises to mind. So the eggs that we open daily are filled with one of God’s Promises, a scripture verse, and an activity to do to share God’s love as we prepare our hearts for Easter. Thanks for the inspiration! I love your blog!!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - We do the Resurrection eggs every year, too, and it’s so interesting to see how much more he comprehends the next year. I think we started two years ago, when he was 2. By the way, thanks for the reminder — I got them down from the cupboard today!
    AlyssaReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - That is a great book! We love it. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Lyssa at Living Simple in the South - Jes
    I love this! I made some R Eggs last week and little Weston and I have been doing them after breakfast each morning (he is Levi’s age)
    It has been wonderful and I have reaped joy fromit that I didnt expect!
    Thanks for sharing
    LyssReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - Maybe you’ve heard of this, but I just thought of you when I saw it.

    http://faithfulprovisions.com/2010/03/29/empty-tomb-cookies-2/ReplyCancel

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This little boy is full of personality.
He is constantly keeping me on my toes and making me laugh.
Just like his dad.
Before I met Joel I was super serious.
That might be why he felt it fitting to call me the “fun hater”.
Joel opened my eyes to a lot of fun I was missing out on while I was busy being serious.ย 
He made me laugh more than I ever had before.
That true, deep joy is one of my favorite characteristics about Joel.
I love that he can find joy in most any situation.
And I love that Levi seems to be taking after his daddy.
I laugh a lot these days between both of my boys.
I pray that Levi would grow up to be a man full of genuine joy;
true joy–the kind that can only be found in Christ.
But no matter how fun-loving you are,
it is always hard when bath time is over.
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
* * * * * * * * *
Funny story. I was taking these pictures one night when Joel was working late and I was letting Levi take an extra long bath. He was being so silly. I was sitting on the floor and could only see his face peeking over the tub. All of a sudden he was really quiet. I peeked over the edge of the tub to find poop floating all over. I mean lots of poop. Yuck! That hasn’t happened since he was a newborn…and it is much more gross when they are this age. I scooped Levi out of the tub. He peered over the edge as his mama squeamishly fished the poop out and cleaned the tub. He thought it was great. He must not have realized that his pregnant mama was about to throw up. We filled the tub back up and went back to making silly faces. It is a good thing he is so cute!!
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  • Aimee - Awe! I love the photos! He is so darling!ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - I love, love, love his silly faces! What great memories (except for the poo part, perhaps). Your joy-filled boys are pretty special. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Vera - This might be one of the best blog posts I have ever read. Ever. These pictures are priceless!!ReplyCancel

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  • Annie - Oh my gosh…that is hilarious! Well, it’s funny until it happens to me, which I’m sure my time will come! ๐Ÿ˜‰ He is just so precious and silly!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - oh my goodness, his little teeth are so cute!ReplyCancel

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  • Jenny - LOVE these pics-that first one melts my heart! Sorry about the poo!!!ReplyCancel

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  • flower power momma - It’s delightful to see the many faces of Levi. He is a busy and charming boy.
    Great pictures.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Ha Ha. That same thing happened to me one time. B was about 2…I think. I didn’t catch it right away and she “fished” it out herself! Super yuck!
    Those pix are adorable.

    http://www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - Gorgeous pics! What a sweet boy. And your appreciation of your husband’s humor is wonderful. Never lose that!ReplyCancel

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  • Leah - Sweet, silly boys! I love the pics! We have a poo story as well – when Caleb was around the same age…funny how it’s just a part of their lives…

    Also, we are way excited for your #3! Congratulations from the Stutzmans’! ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • The Ormons - Those are great pictures… love them…ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin Stegent - Precious pictures! And the poop things has happened around here a few times. Yeah, not so fun for a pregnant woman! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I am so glad my husband is a plumber and is typically cool with taking care of the gross stuff!!! ๐Ÿ˜€ReplyCancel

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  • Meg - He is super cute, that is great that Joel is that other half for you!

    That poop story is hilarious!ReplyCancel

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  • marietta - So funny…he is so cute…love following your blog!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - These pictures are so sweet, Jess! Love that you captured this moment! (thank you for not capturing the poo part.) ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Jen - Oh, he is SOOOO cute!!!! Thank you for sharing him with us!! I can only imagine the amount of wonderful joy he brings to you. It’s beautiful! I love all of the pictures in this series, but my favorite one seems to be the second one. EVERYTHING about it just makes me laugh out loud!! His entire face is involved in that expression and he’s just TOO CUTE!! Love it! Thanks again for sharing!ReplyCancel

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  • Kate B. - I feel for you! When I was pregnant with my #2 and my #1 was still a baby (yikes) I had a similar poop situation. . . except that I DID throw up in the tub full of a baby and her poop. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - What a sweetie.
    And gross. Tub poop is somehow way grosser than diaper poop.ReplyCancel

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  • Paula - he is just so adorable and to have a personality to match is even more awesome! I remember when my daughter was 16 months old.. taking her out of the tub, lifted her up.. she looked down and said: “EWWW, doop!”.. I did the same thing you did, cleaned the tub and put her back in to clean her up… She is 23 now but I still remember that like it was yesterday!ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - Jill did that when she was that age. Josh was in the tub with her and he began yelling “Logs! Mommy, logs!” Such sweet pictures of my little boyfriend!ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Those photos are absolutely fabulous! He is SO adorable! The story? OMG…blech!!! Glad you made it through though. Good thing he’s adorable right?!ReplyCancel

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  • Raven - Your little Levi is PRECIOUS. Being just totally superficial for the moment, what a GOOD LOOKING LITTLE BOY! That aside, his spirit shows through in these pictures. You can tell how good you take care of him through how he comes across in every picture you take. He is adorable. Love your little Cora also, and excited to hear and learn more about the new baby!!ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - We’ve been through the floating poop, too. YUCK! I guess it relaxes them & when you gotta go, you gotta go!!
    He is SOOO cute!ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Corey was sitting beside me when I was reading your blog. He has now stolen your nickname and started calling me “Fun Hater.” Thanks a lot. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Nicolle - He is definitely a joy-bringer. When we subbed in Ladybugs last Sun. – his smile lit up the whole room – more than once. His sweet “chuckle” made us all laugh and filled us with joy.ReplyCancel

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  • Eryn - He is so so cute! What a sweet little boy! ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Sheryl - precious memories!ReplyCancel

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  • Danielle - What great pics!!! Made me smile. I’m way more serious than my sweetie and so thankful he makes me lighten up somedays. They are really good for us!ReplyCancel

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  • Micah - Your little guy is so incredibly adorable.ReplyCancel

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  • willowcreek - He is just sooo cute! I love the black and white.ReplyCancel

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  • Sam - Ha ha! I remember doing that waaaay too often with my kids! Great memories:-)ReplyCancel

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I haven’t been taking the monthly pregnancy pictures like I did with Levi. I keep forgetting. So, I figured I better hurry and take at least a few because the baby bump is rapidly growing. This week I am actually fifteen weeks. But, I thought I would go back a few weeks and give you a little pregnancy update. I think I will take a picture every trimester this time instead. If I can remember.

*I found out that I was pregnant on January 22. As we sat at the table that evening Joel mentioned how cool it was that we found out about our third little miracle on that day. And then it clicked. January 22. The day we found out Cora had cancer and checked her into the hospital. The day our world was rocked to the core. The day that started us down a journey of pain and heartache that we would never have dreamed would be part of our story. It was such a huge reminder to us that God understands our grief, even two years later. A reminder of God’s great compassion and unfailing love towards us. Our awesome God cares about the little details of our lives, like dates that bring back a lot of painful memories. We could have found out the day before or the day after. What a blessing to be rejoicing because of new life on that day. That positive pregnancy test on January 22 is something I will never forget.

Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.
Lamentations 3:32

*I am 15 weeks along. My official due date is September 24th. I have been feeling some of the normal yuckiness that pregnancy brings, but otherwise I have been feeling great. Very similar to my other two pregnancies. The past few weeks I have finally been getting my energy back. But I am sure with a busy little boy, being tired is just part of my normal life now. I’d better get used to it!

*We have never found out whether we were having a boy or girl…but we are thinking we might want to know this time. Joel wants to know for sure. I keep going back and forth thinking maybe I will regret finding out. I loved being surprised with the other two. I guess we still have time to decide…

We are so excited about this new little one that will be joining our family before we know it. I can’t tell you what it feels like to think about having two of my children together in our home. It is surreal. With each family transition comes many emotions and of course some fears. So, we are trusting God once again to guide us each step of the way. I can’t wait to share this new part of our journey with you!

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  • songskatesang - What a beautiful verse. Praise God for His faithfulness.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - It helped my older child to adjust to be able to talk about “baby brother” and what he and “baby brother would do together. I think it made things easier for him to pre-bond.ReplyCancel

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  • Annie - You look so beautiful in this picture…you are simply glowing!ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - You look just fabulous and I keep praying for you daily! How ironic Jan. 22nd is…God is amazing. Here’s to a great pregnancy for you and thanks for having us all along on the journey!ReplyCancel

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  • Jenni Lynn - What a blessing! your exact due date is the same exact due date as me!ReplyCancel

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  • Jen - You look SO beautiful in this picture!! I can’t even begin to imagine the full depth of fears that you face, but I’m SO thankful for your trust in God. I can imagine that even with that trust there are still so many moments of anger and doubt, but thankful that we’re never asked for more than our best (even if it’s terrible!) in that particular moment. Keep on keeping on, friend!! Thank you for continuing to share your journey!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Erica - so excited for you guys! you look adorable! i am due just 9 days before you with my 3rd baby as well. i think it would be fun for you guys to find out this time, but that is coming from someone who is too impatient to wait that long ๐Ÿ˜‰ in fact, we find out a week from today! God’s blessings all over you with this new little miracle in your life. levi will be the BEST big brother!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Beck - Congratulations! I love to follow your blog, and what a happy post this is. We have four children. We didn’t find out the gender with the first two, and pleased we had the surprise. Like you, we had a boy and a girl. With the third and fourth pregnancies, we thought it would be fun to find out, and so we did. They were both little boys. It was totally different to know. Sure the surprise was nice, but so was talking to my baby by name. I remember when we had Elijah, our fourth baby, I talked to him all through the labour. Somehow, it just felt special, just as special as a surprise. So, from someone who has tried it both ways, I would say either way is just as exciting! Keep well, and enjoy these special days. Love Beck xxReplyCancel

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  • Elisabeth - Our family recently learned we will be welcoming a new baby into our family December 1st.

    For over 3 years we tried to have a baby. Finally my doctor put me on some fertility drugs and in 2009 I learned on my birthday we’d welcome our first baby. Things went horribly wrong and our son was born into heaven in October 2009.

    Then for fourteen months we tried to have another. The past 3-4 months I wasn’t on the medication that allowed us to become pregnant with Luke because it made me so very sick. I used OPKs also to get pregnant last time. My husband was very sick in December and was in the hospital quite a bit.

    That new year’s eve I spent most of the night praying as I’d done every night since Luke went to heaven. And I got this wonderful answer “2011 a year of miracles”.

    I only told my husband about the answer I got. Then we went to church that sunday and the pastor’s theme for his sermon that day was “2011 a year of miracles”. I told my friend about it the next day and she got quite and said she got an email and then she forwarded it to me and the subject? “2011 a year of miracles”.

    On March 29th we found out we’re expecting a new baby due December 1st. Funny thing is when we got pregnant my husband wasn’t even supposed to be home he was scheduled to be out of town on business!

    It certainly is. My friend who has her two oldest in heaven (2 on earth) is expecting again and is due in June.

    I am so thrilled for you and your family!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - God’s goodness brings me to tears so many times and this post was a time that did that. I am overwhelmed by HIs goodness in turing that date into a sweet day for you. I bet there was a wee bit of celebration in Heaven too ๐Ÿ™‚ Cora is gonna be a big sister twice!! That’s very cool.

    I’m right behind you in my pregnancy! We found out on February 8th and I’m due October 20th. I’m gonna enjoy being pregnant with you ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - Also, yeah… you look great!ReplyCancel

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  • A - CUTE ๐Ÿ™‚ you are exactly one week ahead of me ๐Ÿ™‚ praying God will bring these babies here healthy and happy in the fall!ReplyCancel

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  • L ~ S - What a great photo idea! I may have to steal it. I know 5 people born on Sept 24th, it’s a good day!ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea - What a wonderful God!

    Continued prayers for health for you all.ReplyCancel

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  • Emily - so excited for your news!!!!!! and god has such wonderful timing on the day you found out – nice to have a HAPPY memory to put with that date now ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Rachael - Good Morning!! I am SO thrilled to be “doing this with you!” We are also having our third child, due September 29. Our son died last June of SIDS, so this has been a roller coaster for sure! We have not found out what we were having for the other 2, and for this baby we were on the fence. I think we wanted to “prepare his heart” in a way. Last weekend we decided that the absolute surprise and joy from the days they were born, literally the best moments of my life, were to precious. I can’t rob myself of that! Praying for you daily!ReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - Congratulations again. You look great! I am almost 28 weeks pregnant with our third child, and I often feel overwhelmed with a sense of God’s blessing. We decided not to find out boy/girl with any of our children, but like your husband, my hubby really wanted to know. He decided to let me make the call, and some days I wish I had said YES! We’ll know soon enough ๐Ÿ™‚ Take care.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - You look great. And I love that you speak from your heart.
    CarleyReplyCancel

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  • kristin fulghum - hi there,

    i’ve been reading your blog for awhile. i have a 14 month old little girl and am also pregnant again and due on sept. 14! too bad we don’t live in the same town! thanks for always being so honest and vulnerable. i really appreciate it. congratulations.ReplyCancel

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  • Emily - Congrats! What wonderful news! We are expecting our third little one right around the same time as you!ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - We are all excited to read about your journey & this 3rd miracle!
    Glad you are feeling good!ReplyCancel

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  • Baby Kate's Mom - Your little baby bump is so cute! I love God’s timing, what a special surprise to get on this 01/22. We found out the gender with our first and kept it a surprise with our second. I am glad I got to experience it both ways. If we are blessed with #3 we are going to find out but have the ultrasound tech write it down for us to open in private. Then (stealing someone else’s idea) we would do a gender reveal party and bake a cake dyed either pink or blue and frosted in white and then our family and friends would all find out at the same time when we cut into it.
    Enjoy this amazing time!ReplyCancel

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  • Kari - Congratulations! How amazing about the day you found out you were pregnant! God is truly WONDERFUL! My husband & I weren’t sure that we wanted to know with our second child, so we had the sonogram technician write it on a piece of paper & put it in an envelope. That way we could know when we wanted to, & eventually we did.ReplyCancel

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  • Emily - So excited for y’all! Very cute!ReplyCancel

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  • The Farmers - Praising the Lord for this news.ReplyCancel

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  • Perpetual Blind Date - So excited for your growing family. I love the creative ways God shows us he is thinking about us… makes me feel loved. Congrats again!ReplyCancel

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  • Erin - Congratulations! You and I have followed the same trail of kids. We had our daughter in May 2008, our son in November 2009, and another daughter due August 11.
    I rarely comment, but I love keeping up with your little guy! Many times I think, “I can totally relate.” Especially when it comes to digging things out of his mouth!
    This 3rd pregnancy is just FLYING by. It’s an amazing time for sure.ReplyCancel

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  • Karina - I am soooooo happy for you! About the baby, and about the way you found out on that exact day. It makes something beautiful out of something tragic.

    I found out the gender of each of my three babies as soon as I could – but I am impatient, and I don’t like surprises. Like some of your other comments, I loved the feeling of early bonding, naming, preparing. It gave me lots of time to dream about the baby in more detail. But mostly I just couldn’t wait, lol. I can’t wait for you to find out either – when you are ready.

    Looking forward to reading about your newest journey in motherhood…ReplyCancel

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  • Disney Freak - Such wonderful news. I too am 15 weeks!! We found out on January 24th and I’m due sept 29th!! Here’s hoping we both have an easy 5ish more months!ReplyCancel

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  • The Pressley Family - What a sweet post! It’s so funny how you can follow a blog and feel like you live right down the road from someone! I wish that were true. I would come eat dirt with Levi:) Congratulations on your new blessing to be!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Jess, you look adorable! We found out with both of our girls. Good luck. And I love the sweet little coincidence.ReplyCancel

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  • Susy M. - God is so good. May his blessings continue for all of you.ReplyCancel

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  • Amber - Isn’t God’s timing amazing? We have a 2-year old and a new baby on the way (due 10/31)! We found out the day my husband’s grandma passed away…within minutes of finding out she had gone to heaven! Like you said…we could have found out the day before or after, but it was meant for us to find peace amongst sadness on that day!

    Congratulations and blessings to you in your pregnancy!ReplyCancel

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  • MFuglseth - Thanks for sharing! My birthday is September 21st. I love September, it is such a beautiful month!!
    Congrats on your news and the new life that you have created.
    I love reading your blog, Levi is getting so BIG!
    Take Care!
    Molly ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - Look at your baby bump growing. It’s amazing to me how quickly the belly “pops” after the first. ๐Ÿ™‚ You look so cute!
    God is so faithful. You are a tremendous reminder of that truth.ReplyCancel

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  • CourtneyC - You look beautiful and glowing in this picture.

    I say not to find out but we didn’t with our daughter and LOVED the surprise. Maybe Joel can find out and keep it a secret from you.ReplyCancel

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  • Shelby - Beautiful. Been following your blog for a couple months now and am moved to my knees by your story and what God has done. So excited for you and your family. I too, am one not to find out what we are having. My first two children, we didn’t find out and the surprise what exactly what I wanted. We then lost one and a month later, we were expecting again. My husband and I went back and forth as to whether or not we would find out. We did……I wouldn’t change a thing. For us, it didn’t seem to take away or “spoil” the surprise and I so enjoyed calling her by her name…..Charlotte. Congratulations again and thank you for being so willing to share your heart.ReplyCancel

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  • Rich and Carolyn Dewey - I so very happy for you and Joel and little Levi too! God’s timing is right – all the time – even when we least expect it.

    Will be fun watching this little baby bump grow. Blessings!!ReplyCancel

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  • Tina - Jess,

    I totally understand what you mean about God being so good and caring about the little details of our lives. We lost our first baby on December 3rd. I didn’t think I could go through an anniversary of losing the baby – and God blessed us with a positive pregnancy test on December 2nd of the following year. What a blessing that was!

    Congrats and you are in my prayers!

    TinaReplyCancel

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  • Polka Dot Moon - You have a lovely pregnancy glow and look fabulous ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - your legs stay little in your pregnancies. not fair.
    you are beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • Lexie Loo & Dylan Too - Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you. I’m due about 6 weeks before you, and we decided against finding out the sex for the third time! I hope you continue to feel well!ReplyCancel

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  • Kendra - We were surprised by our first two and found out with the third, and if we have another? Surprise, all the way. There is nothing sweeter than that moment. The moment that my husband leaned down to tell me whether it was a boy or a girl.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - You look lovely! And what a special reminder that God remembers every day of our lives.ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - aaaah look at that little belly! you look so adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • Mory - With our first two boys, we found out the sex before they were born. With number three, I did not want to know but my husband did. So, what I (because I was the one enduring 9 months of pregnancy, figured I had the final say) decided to do, when we went in for the ultrasound, I took along an envelope. I had the technician write down the sex of the child and then seal it in the envelope. I came home and hid it in a place my husband would never find. Now, I had the option to know what it was, anytime I was ready. I did hold out though and made sure I packed the envelope in my hospital bag. After our third son was born, I opened the envelope and sure enough she had written ‘boy’ on it. My friends thought I was crazy for not opening the envelope. My husband drove me nuts. I finally told him I would give him 1 hour in the house and if he found the envelope, he could open it. I knew one couple that found out but did not tell another person. I know another couple that the husband found out but did not tell the wife, although I think she had a strong inkling what it was by his reaction to things, etc.ReplyCancel

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  • ASJ - I read your blog all the time but rarely comment. I guess I am what they call a “lurker”. Just wanted to say a BIG congratulations and thank you for sharing your story.ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - Dear Jess

    We found out with our second baby. we wanted our daughter to know she was going to have a little brother or sister. Brother as it turned out. So in her head she had quite a while to adjust to the idea of a baby boy. It also helped people who so generously gave us so many things as it was all coloured, tailored, focused on a boy.

    I was stunned when the scan person told me our son was a boy. For some reason, I had ‘expected’ another daughter. But after a nanosecond, I was excited and thrilled. After all, any baby is a gift from God.

    As I said to people, some people are surprised at finding out the gender in the delivery room. Others are surprised to find out at the scan appointment. Where ever the surprise is, it is still a wonderful moment. To me, it was just sensible and practical to find out as soon as I could. And I have no regrets.

    All the very, very best. I am so happy for your family.ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea Carmack - My name is Andrea, I live in Delaware. I have found you via Etsy just before Cora passed. I cried with you… for you and Joel.
    I was so happy for you both when Levi was on his way and born… more tears, but of joy!
    And again teas of joy over the new baby.
    I think you are an amazing mother, woman, sister, wife and friend to everyone who has the fortune of coming in contact with you.
    You take my breath away with your sprite and how strong you are.
    You dont know me from Adam, but I think of you often, and speak of you as a friend.
    I have to say that you have given me a hope of something bigger then all of us, that I have never had before.
    Thank you for letting me “know” you.ReplyCancel

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  • Jody - Congratulations!! I am so very excited for you & Joel. God is so good! If you can hold on one more day, September 25th is a wonderful day to bring new babies into the world…at least that’s what my mom said.

    As I read your post, it reminded me of how God gave Seth to Eve following the death of Abel. I don’t know why, but I felt I should share that with you. I read once that if you offer to pray for someone, you shouldn’t wait unitl you get home…that you should pray right then with that person…so here is the prayer that I am praying right now for you:

    Lord, You are so good! You alone are the only one who knows the depth of pain this family has seen, for You have walked daily by their side. But You also know the joy they have experienced because You are the only that has given it to them. Lord, bless this new little baby that You are piecing together inside of Jess. May this child grow healthy and strong. Give Jess the energy she needs to tend to her family while she grows this precious miracle. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.ReplyCancel

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  • Geo - I totally got the shivers when you said about Jan 22nd being the same date you found out about Cora being ill.

    Im so Happy for you both, I cant believe i’ll be away in Vegas getting married when your due to have the bubba!! – argh im going to have to log onto the blog to check for an announcement! lol xReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - Yeah!! A preggo pic!! You are so cute when you are pregnant and I REALLY REALLY hope you follow through with finding out…please don’t torture your loved ones ๐Ÿ™‚ haha. Love the chalk board and your perfectly Jess handwritten 13 weeks ๐Ÿ™‚ Love and hugs. Bring your cute belly to Colorado soon, K? Maybe you could pack Levi and Joel too ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • sweatpantcouture.com - Congratulations on baby #3!!! And you look beautiful! I’m excited to see what you decide on finding out or not…we had one friend tell us it was a surprise either way ๐Ÿ™‚

    My prayer is that you have a wonderful pregnancy! Thanks so much for sharing & being vulnerable about the array of emotions…God is using your family is such an incomprehensible way.ReplyCancel

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  • Mary - I didn’t find out what I was having with my first two, but with the third I was SO tempted. I went back and forth for weeks, because I really wanted to know, but I was afraid I would regret finding out. So I waited with number three as well, and I will never regret waiting! I’ve also loved finding out upon arrival. Congratulations to you all on Baby #3! What a blessing!ReplyCancel

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  • Christina - You are so beautiful! And if you do find out, just think, it’s a surprise either way…just sooner rather than later. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - We had the u/s tech write down the sex of our baby and put it in an envelope..then took it to a store where we asked the clerk to put either a “little brother” or “little sister” onesie in the bag..she did, then we had our families over for a BBQ and had our 2.5 year old open the bag and pull out the onesie..so everyone found out at the same time. It was more fun than finding out lying on a table with an u/s wand up you know where!ReplyCancel

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  • Heather | Cookie Mondays - I remember when we bunked together at Meg’s talking about more kids. And you were pregnant! HA! ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Nicole - Congratulations! I’ve cried and prayed over your blog several times. Thank you for sharing your life so honestly.ReplyCancel

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  • Brooke - HOORAY! I have “known” you for a while now. I knew you even before I lost my son, Briar at 32 weeks in September. I found out in January that I am due September 23rd! So we are due very close ๐Ÿ™‚ And we are adopting from Ethiopia, so we will have another boy later next year. CONGRATS on your pregnancy!! So excited for you and your THIRD baby ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Brad - I loved what you did with the monthly pictures when you were pregnant with Levi, and I was determined to do that with my pregnancy. That was #4 for me, and guess what – I didn’t even get ONE picture!!! It was a nice thought though ;).

    Thank you for sharing your story of God’s providence. He doesn’t do anything by coincidence. Everything happens for a reason. He is so compassionate and His mercies are new every morning. Praise His name!ReplyCancel

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  • Micah - Sorry, that^^ was from me, and I forgot to sign my husband out first ๐Ÿ˜‰ReplyCancel

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  • Sam - You look lovely and so happy! It’s great to keep a photo record of your pregnancy. Kids love to look back on how they grew in your belly:-)ReplyCancel

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  • Bridget - Congratulations! That is fantastic news and I’m sure Levi will be an amazing big brother!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I’ve followed your blog for awhile and never commented. If you do find out here is a cute way a teacher and his wife revealed the gender of their baby. The ultrasound tech sealed the answer in an envelope which they took to a bakery. They made a pink cake. They had a party and revealed the news of a baby girl at a party for friends and family. Another friend took hers to a friend who will be making her cake.ReplyCancel

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There were a lot of other things I should have been doing this weekend,
like organizing papers (which I am still working on).
But Joel was planting corn and I needed something a little more fun to do.
So I decided to make some pillows for my living room.
This was the perfect project for a long weekend without my hubbyย 
and I am loving how they are turning out.
I have two made and several more to go…hopefully I’ll finish this week.
I also did this quick little project.
These are the birdies before (from Hobby Lobby).
And here they are after.
Now a place to hold a few pictures and our keys.
Joel told me that he was surprised I liked the birds.
He said they looked a little grandma-ish to him.
That made me kind of nervous.
No offense to any grandmas who are reading (grandmas are wonderful of course).
But, I am far too quickly approaching the big 3-0.
The last thing I want to do is age myself any quicker.
But I like the birds.
So, I am keeping them up…grandma-ish or not.
Don’t worry I didn’t spend the whole weekend inside crafting.
The only crafting that happens around here these days is when Mr. Levi is sleeping.
Levi and I spent plenty of time outside too.
We were lovin’ the sunshine, but this is how we felt about the wind…yuck!
We tried not to blow away while we played.
(Levi does actually blow over sometimes!)
Since it was too windy to plant anything in the garden,
we got out the shovels to play in the dirt instead.
Levi had to check out every tractor that was passing by.
He thinks every tractor is his daddy’s tractor.
Dirt everywhere.
In his shoes, in his pants, in his diaper…
everywhere.
Check out the hair.
The wind is even hard on a little guy’s hairdo.
Of course Levi thought he needed to taste the dirt too.
Joel said…why didn’t you stop him??
I figured he had to learn somehow.
I warned him that it was going to be yucky.
But he still thought he wanted to try.
He thought it was okay at first.
Just a few funny faces…but he kept eating.
And then he figured out that he should have listened to his mama.
You should always listen to your mama.
How was your weekend?
* * * * * * * * *
I am the featured blogger over at Life Rearranged today. Jeannett is doing a series on infant loss and miscarriage. Every Monday she is featuring a different blogger. If you have time, go back and read through the journeys of each of these amazing women. You will be encouraged, I promise. A reminder of God’s all sufficient grace. A reminder of the incredible hope He offers us even in our darkest hours. You can check it out here.
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  • Toni :O) - Okay, the picture of him crying over eating dirt is just too funny! I completely agree…they won’t learn until they try it and yepo, Mother’s do know best!! Your birds are very cute by the way, I love the pictures it holds. Take a photo of your pretty pillows when you’re all done, cause we wanna see them! Have a blessed week!ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea - The last picture of Levi is priceless ๐Ÿ™‚ I think I finally learned why babies put everything in their mouth (we just finished a homeschool unit on the body ๐Ÿ™‚ )- apparently our lips have a lot of nerve endings which makes them very sensitive to touch, hot/cold sensations etc. …like our fingers. So I guess it makes sense that little ones would be drawn to putting things to their lips where they get a lot of sensory info.

    Looking forward to seeing how your pillows turn out…and the birds are sweet. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Love it! I can’t believe Joel is planting corn…it is still wet and cold here, but all the farmers are “itching” to get into the fields.

    http://www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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  • Jeannett - honestly, i just want to squish that boy! he is so cute and you’re right…you should *always* listen to your mama. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Marianne - While I am not a grandma yet, it’s not for lack of wanting to be, but I’ll just have to be patient. The birds are not grandma-ish, although some are – like the fake ones sitting in flower arrangements. (I would paint the screw heads white too)

    I also love Levi learning about dirt – adorable!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsey - lol. you make dirt look so darn cute in all of your pictures! he is such a sweetie! Love the one of him in front of the old truck! Very cool!ReplyCancel

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  • Heather - Hahah, Levi is too adorable. Love the dirt eating.ReplyCancel

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  • alisha207 - Ahahaha!!! That last picture of Levi cracks me up!! And I love the first pic of him too! Gorgeous!
    And btw the birds are not grandma-ish, they’re awesome!ReplyCancel

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  • Jamie - I love the birds! The joke around church is that everything gets cuter when you “put a bird on it it”. I hope your husband grows to like it!

    Your little boy is adorable ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Meg - Such cute pictures, I am heading over to life rearranged to see your post there.ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - oooh man, listen to mama is right! that’s probably the cutest picture ever ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - I love the birds! I didn’t like them brown at all, but your change did them wonders!
    Also, the fabric for the pillows is amazing. I love how bright and cheery it is. Can’t wait to see them all finished.

    Levi is so cute… and getting so big! It goes by too fast.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - number one: you take the *best* friends.

    number two: you have the cutest little boy.

    number three: you are so stinkin’ creative!

    In spite of all you’ve been through, you still live a charmed life! God has blessed you!ReplyCancel

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  • Gail - I laughed when I read how Joel thought the birds were a little “grandma-ish”. Rob’s grandma actually gave us something almost identical to this several yrs back. I used it for a few yrs, but the hooks were too short and fat to hold much, so I eventually gave it away. Wish I had it now–you make it look cute! Love the pics of Levi–he’s a doll!ReplyCancel

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  • Janine - I don’t think your birds look “grandma” at all. In fact I think they look very “pottery barn”! Your son is so cute.ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - I absolutely adore that picture of Levi with the Chevy truck in the background. So precious. You have a great eye with your camera.
    Those birds are cute. I’m not that creative, but I love what you did with them.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Ha Love the last picture but he looks sooo big in the first picture ๐Ÿ™
    Congrats on the new baby Mac to come :)…and Thank you for continueing to share your life with us!

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - levi wears very cute clothes, even for playing in the dirt. wilder’s play clothes are very, uh, well loved.
    i like the birds. when are you 30? mine’s may 12th.ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - not grandma-ish.
    tell joel to be quiet! i have almost the same hooks and i am not grandma-ish either….i am sure of it.
    i love it.
    i have that card too.
    ๐Ÿ™‚

    oh joel…..so disappointed.

    maybe you should make him eat dirt.

    ha ha ha

    just kidding…i feel bad….i’m sorry joel….can we still be friends?ReplyCancel

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  • Ali - You take such amazing pictures! I love reading your blog =) congrats on #3!ReplyCancel

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  • Brittny - I can’t wait to see the new pillows! Please show them when you are finished. I’m a beginner sewer and so I’m always looking for new projects to try. Levi is so beautiful and precious and adorable and hilarious! I remember watching my little boy do all the same things when he was that age. He got his first “digger” when he was 14 months old and he hasn’t looked back. He’s five now. You have a beautiful family!!ReplyCancel

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  • Brittny - Oh! I forgot! Tell Joel that next time he wants to use the word “grandma’ when describing something you just picked out, repainted and attached to a wall to use the word “vintage” instead. And with a positive tone. That takes the “grandma” out of it! (And I love all grandmas too!) : )ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - This is one of your cutest posts yet. You totally “caught” Levi at this age. (Love the birds!)ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - Joel probably thinks they look grandma-ish because I have birds all over our house. Sheesh. Never really knew how he felt about that! (ha ha)ReplyCancel

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  • songskatesang - OH Jess, he is too cute! Yup, we should all listen to our mamma!ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - OH MY GOODNESS – Levi just keeps getting sooo big!! He looks really old in these pictures ๐Ÿ™ So funny that you let him eat the dirt…I was laughing really hard. Total role reversal for JOEL to be the one saying, “why didn’t you stop him?” hahahaha. I love all your craftiness. Maybe you need to come teach your friend some of your skills! And I REALLY love that “think of you” print by Cora’s picture. So perfect. Love and hugs. We should be semi-sane by the weekend when we are moved in! ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - That “eating dirt” last pic MUST be saved for when the boy is about 16!!
    Absolutely too adorable. Be sure to show us the pillows!!
    love ya all SharleyReplyCancel

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  • Watch Calder Grow! - Love the photo of Levi eating dirt! He sure is all boy. ๐Ÿ™‚

    You always have the most beautiful fabrics — can I ask where you get them?ReplyCancel

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  • Sara - my heart skipped a beat for a second…thought you were making dresses!

    pillows are super cute, too!ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - Cutest pic’s of your little man. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Sadie - I love the birds, and I’m 21, so we’re approaching old age together, apparently. ๐Ÿ™‚ my brothers approach to things like dirt when it comes to his son is “i bet he won’t do it again” … don’t think Levi will be trying it again soon!

    I love the words of that card posted next to sweet Cora. you’re a beautiful momReplyCancel

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  • Krystal - Girl I LOVE the birds! I may now be making a trip to Hobby Lobby! Love them best white!

    And love your little guys pics! Priceless!

    Hey I have a question. Is that a chalkboard wall you are standing in front of in the week 13 pic? Did you use spray paint or regular chalk board paint (does that make sense?) I’d love to have a wall like that in my laundry room!ReplyCancel

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  • Martha - Oh, the dirt-eating! So funny. A future gourmet. At least it’s not as painful as chomping on sand!ReplyCancel

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  • teresa - oh buddy, you should ALWAYS listen to your mama.ReplyCancel

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  • Christina - Those pictures of him eating the dirt are too funny. Our oldest (now 10) went up to a short wall of sand that someone had fashioned at the beach and it was just the right height for her to stand, put her hands on it, and take a big bite out of it. She didn’t do that again! Hilarious the things they do, but as you say, maybe he’ll learn. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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Wow! Thank you so much for your many comments yesterday. It made my day to read through them all. Really, it did. What an awesome privilege it is when God entrusts us with a child. We are praising God for this new little life and are so excited for Levi to be a big brother. Thank you for rejoicing with us! I will keep you posted along the way…of course!
* * * * * * * * *
Levi has a deep love for cows. When he sees a cow, he moos. When you ask him where the cows are, he points and moos. When we read about cows, he moos at every cow picture.
Anytime we visit the farm, Levi will leap out of my arms to the first person who will take him straight to the cattle pens. The farm is this little boys dream world.
Joel got in a shipment of cattle last week and he told me to bring Levi to the farm so that he could watch them work the new calves. Basically working cattle means giving each new calf an ear tag and shots (that is a simple farmer’s wife explanation).
Levi got out of the car and started mooing immediately. He loved watching the cows…and his daddy too.
He had a front row seat as each calf came out of the shoot. He thought it was pretty great…for about five minutes.
And then he spotted his daddy’s four wheeler parked nearby. He left the cows and walked directly to it. I set him on the seat thinking that would keep him content for awhile.
It did until he realized that he couldn’t make it go. And that his mama doesn’t ride four wheelers like his daddy does. Bummer.
And then the uncontrollable tears came. A fit like I have never seem from him before.
And he never recovered. I tried to distract him with the cows, but he kept walking back to the four wheeler…pointing and crying. And we finally had to just go home. With no four wheeler ride.
Contentment is so hard…for all of us!
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  • Country Girl - This sounds just like Zethan. Moo-Moos are his absolute favorite and we have some newborn ones right now so he calls them “baby moo-moos” and if he even thinks he hears the four wheeler, he wants to “ride ride, ride, ride”. Farm boys are so fun!ReplyCancel

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  • Mindee@ourfrontdoor - I seriously love it when mamas document the fits. I wish I had thought of that. I’d like proof to show my teens now!ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Awwww…poor Levi….cute photos though and maybe Daddy will give him a ride sometime this week. Still so excited about your news yesterday…I think there’s a new spring in my step knowing what a blessing and miracle this truly is for you and your family…SO awesome! Have a GREAT day!ReplyCancel

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  • Todd and Courtney - I wanted to post a big congrats to you in case you couldn’t read all the comments yesterday ๐Ÿ™‚ Im so happy for you Jess! I love that your little Levi loves the cows. He’s too precious. My blog is now private but my email is CourtneyEStephenson at gmail . comReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - Love it! That fit is so cute. Our oldest threw a fit like that in S@ms Club when we made him walk away from a four wheeler. Funny, but they do become sweet memories.ReplyCancel

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  • Deb - So happy for you and your sweet family. Praying for a healthy pregnancy.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - love these pictures!

    If you need a lesson on driving a 4-wheeler I can teach you. I’m getting pretty good ๐Ÿ™‚ Then Levi will think you’re a little bit cooler.ReplyCancel

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  • MFuglseth - Wow, what a sweet little Levi! Congrats on your news, I love reading your blog.
    I will pray things go great for you!
    Love,
    Molly ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy Harris - awwww he’s so cute.
    your pictures are really good!ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea - That’s hilarious! I love how boys are just wired with an affinity for anything requiring a key or having buttons.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Awww! Poor Levi.
    I love that we can raise our kids on the farm!

    http://www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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  • hoosier68 - I’ve followed your blog for couple of years now. Part of my daily routine is to see what you have posted. The grandma in me predicted that Levi would soon be announcing a new sibling and I was right. Congratulations! Keeping you in my daily thoughts and prayers.ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - Bless his heart! That is definitely one of the hardest things about this stage you just can’t reason with them. I hope he calmed quickly once you left. Where did you get that adorable hoodie??ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Oh my goodness. Those are some sad, sad pictures. ๐Ÿ™‚ReplyCancel

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  • merlin - I could relate to Levi’s picture of disappointment. How often we, as adults, are left not getting what we want, not understanding why life isn’t going our way. Do you think God has a photo album of those moments? I’ve never thought about it until seeing this picture of Levi, but I know I’ve given God lots of photo opportunities and now I really pray “Come to me as little children” is meant literally.

    Levi, you are too cute. I would have taken you for a ride.ReplyCancel

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  • Sara - I jut scrolled down and saw your news. Congratulations on the new baby! How exciting!

    Ah, temper tantrums. Aren’t they fun? My daughter is a bit older than Levi and she can really throw a fit. Wow.

    He is so stinkin’ cute. Seriously adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • Meg - Haha, cute post. Love that he loves cows, he is so precious.

    Glad to hear there is no four wheeler riding–dangerous stuff.ReplyCancel

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  • Katie - Just wanted to say a few days congrats! How wonderfully amazing! Will be praying for you! Love from Stillwater, MN. Love, KatieReplyCancel

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  • Nan - I haven’t been by here in so long. What a great post to happen upon! Congratulations! May God bless and protect you and your new little one on the way!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - He is absolutely adorable, even when he’s crying! And on a second note….Congratulations on your new addition. I know Levi will make a fabulous big brother!ReplyCancel

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