The Macs » Blog

Today we remember the doctor announcing, “It’s a girl!”
Today we remember the instant love we felt when we first met our daughter.
Today we remember carefully choosing her name…just for her.
Today we remember bringing her home for the first time.

Today we remember transitioning to a family of three.

Today we remember her smiles.
Today we remember the day we dedicated her to the Lord.
Today we remember her sweet temperament.
Today we remember being so proud to be her parents.
Today we remember all the firsts.
Today we remember the giggles.
Today we remember hearing her say “dada” and “mama”.
Today we remember the baths.
Today we remember our trips together.
Today we remember her bedtime routine.
Today we remember curling up in the rocking chair and reading together.
Today we remember how much she loved her striped blanket and pacifier.
Today we remember her pretty hair and little barrettes.
Today we remember how her daddy taught her to high five.
Today we remember feeling like we couldn’t love her any more.
Today we remember the moment our world was turned upside down.
Today we remember fighting for her life.
Today we remember holding her little hand and stroking her hair.
Today we remember how sick our baby was.
Today we remember the surgeries.
Today we remember facing the hard reality of cancer.
Today we remember begging the Lord to heal her.
Today we remember the prayers poured out for our daughter.
Today we remember that our little girl was loved by so many.
Today we remember saying goodbye far too soon.
Today we remember walking out of the hospital without her.
Today we remember feeling pain & heartache like we didn’t even know existed.
Today we remember a huge outpouring of love.
Today we remember the many, many tears.
Today we remember seeking the Lord’s strength to move forward.
Today we remember how far God has brought us two years later.

And today we remember God’s faithfulness to us through it all.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
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  • Rob and Corrie - Today…I’m praying for y’all!ReplyCancel

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  • Todd and Courtney - oh sweet Cora. Her name is still on my sidebar to your blog. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years – over 2 years that I have kept up with ya’ll and prayed faithfully for your family. She is so beautiful.ReplyCancel

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  • JESSICA - Beautifully stated – you are so eloquent!! Even though I didn’t know Cora, I feel like I did. Joel and Levi are so lucky to have you.

    Today, I choose to remember what a great lady you are. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Jessica - So beautiful. Praying for you with tears in my eyes.ReplyCancel

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  • Jessica - I have no clue why my post has linked to yours, except I was on my blog and just clicked from my sidebar to yours. So sorry. Trying to figure out how to remove the link…ReplyCancel

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  • Christa - Cora is beautiful. Praying for you and your husband today.ReplyCancel

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  • purejoy - today we remember too.

    {{hugs}} from tennesseeReplyCancel

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  • The Fishers - Saying many prayers for all of you and remembering your beautiful Cora.

    Blessings from WA.ReplyCancel

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  • Jenae - Praying for you all!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah Johnson - Been thinking of your family all day today. Praying for continued healing and God’s comfort.

    Marc, Sarah, and MarleighReplyCancel

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  • Chelsy - I pray as tears stream down my face. As a mother to a little girl myself, I cannot imagine your loss.ReplyCancel

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  • Gail - Beautiful post–I know you remember her all the time. You are such wonderful parents–hurting and hoping with you today!ReplyCancel

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  • Jody - So beautiful…someday that painful part will fade to the background and all the good memories will shine brighter…until then I pray God will comfort your family.ReplyCancel

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  • ej236 - Praying for you all and can not even imagine what you are feeling. So beautiful.ReplyCancel

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  • Melody - In tears for you as you remember your beautiful little girl. The world would never be the same once she came into it! Praying for you guys.ReplyCancel

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  • Ashley and Garrett - I am absolutely thinking of sweet Cora today…

    It is a beautiful snowy day…yet it’s bitterly cold and sad…ReplyCancel

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  • Erin Tagle - Wow. Beautiful. Praying for you and your family.ReplyCancel

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  • Polka Dot Moon - Cora and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. Especially today.ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - blessings to you today.

    Love you!ReplyCancel

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  • Holly - ♥ Cora ♥ReplyCancel

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  • Our Family of 5 - Praying for your family today.ReplyCancel

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  • Lori - God bless you and your family today. What a wonderful reunion you will have in heaven someday!ReplyCancel

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  • anne - Remembering and grieving with you. Love to all of you!ReplyCancel

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  • Mormishmom - I remember finding your blog two years ago . . . thoughts and prayers for you and your family.ReplyCancel

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  • Devon - beautifully said….thinking of you.ReplyCancel

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  • Selena - Oh, how she earned her angel wings… she was just beautiful… just like you, Jess, both inside and out. Thank you for the continual inspiration even through your broken-heartedness… and thank you for sharing our Lord with the world. May our prayers bring you comfort, and may His love, and the promise of Heaven, embrace you and Joel on this day. Love that little brother up… he is adorable, too!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Kimberley - she was such a beautiful baby girl. sending prayers to your sweet family.ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - thinking and praying for you todayReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - Praying for peace for your family.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Your grace and love moves me and inspires me.ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - What a beautiful post to remember your sweet baby girlReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I pray for you and your family and share the sadness but I rejoice because today also marks a day of new birth for Cora. Our faith teaches that Cora lives and that you will see her again.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - So many precious memories, yet some of them are just plain hard. Your Cora is beautiful and perfect and is as precious to you today as she was the day she was born. My heart is with you today. I pray you will feel the love she has for you, your husband and your darling little son. The Lord is taking good care of her until you meet again and He is mindful of your sorrow. You are an amazing woman. You were put in a role you did not want or ask for but you continue in faith, trust, love, and devotion to your family and to God. You inspire me to want to do better, to be better, and to never take for granted my blessings. {{{Hugs from SLC Utah}}}ReplyCancel

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  • Sara - God Bless you today and everyday! I am praying for you and your family today!ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - Yes, I remembered too this morning. He IS close to the brokenhearted and promises never to leave us. What a Comforter!!ReplyCancel

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  • Trisha Larson - Today…I remember too!

    Hugs,
    TrishaReplyCancel

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  • Lloyd Sisters - Praying for.you today….my heart aches for you today…ReplyCancel

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  • Marsha - What a precious life and a precious legacy that Cora’s life is. Praying for you!

    MarshaReplyCancel

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  • Sarah B - Praying for your family today. Such a blessed little girl to have you as her mom.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Praying for you today.ReplyCancel

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  • Heather - Praying for you all tonight…what a sweet sweet sweet dedication to a sweet girl!

    love loveReplyCancel

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  • Cora - Praying for your family today. Cora is beautiful! Blessings from AR.ReplyCancel

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  • Ruth - Thinking of Cora with you today. May God’s peace be with you.ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - Precious Jess:
    You’ve shared your heart, life, pain and joy with us for two years on this journey. I’m amazed (and thankful) at the faithfulness of God to your family. He is enough. He IS enough.ReplyCancel

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  • Becky - So poignant and beautiful. Remembering Cora and your entire family in prayer today.ReplyCancel

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  • Thomas - Wow! So touching.
    I love reading your blog. It’s my favorite!But my most painful too.I am a mom to three little boys and my youngest reminds me so much of your little Cora. He makes a lot of the same facial expressions.
    I remember exactly where I was when I checked your blog that morning and read that she had gone home. I was so shocked. I too had been begging the Lord to heal her. I was heartbroken for you. I remember praying..”Lord how are they going to go on without her? How are they going to survive the unthinkable? Please give them another baby soon. Not to take away the pain but to make it bearable. Please fill their arms.” I miss her so much and I didn’t even know her. She is so precious. I am so glad you have Levi.He is a wonderful blessing. And one day soon you will be with Cora again. Until then keep pressing on.

    Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I pray for you and your family often. You are an inspiration to me.

    And thank you for showing us more pictures of her! I LOVE seeing pictures of her!

    Cora B.ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Praying for God’s grace for this moment. My heart hurts so badly for you. But there is a Comforter. Thank you Lord.ReplyCancel

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  • Carpenter's - Praying for you and your family! I lean on this scripture and know you will too. James 1:2-3ReplyCancel

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  • Trish - sending you hugs today! I still have your thank you postcard on my fridge… every time I fill up my water bottle or grab something to eat I see you and your husband and sweet Cora. I often say a little prayer for you!ReplyCancel

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  • Allison - Keeping your family & sweet, precious Cora in my thoughts & prayers.ReplyCancel

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  • We Three Smiths + 1 - All of our prayers, love and hugs today. We’ve kept up with you and your sweet family since the day I heard Cora’s name for the first time. I continue to be in awe of your strength and love…please know that there are so many of us who pray for you despite never having met you!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Today I remember too.Thank you for sharing your sweet Cora with us. Lots of prayers still going up.

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Jane's In The Jungle - Today Jess, we all remember…Cora and His love for all of you.ReplyCancel

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  • Stephanie - So sad and sorry for your pain today, but I am also so very thankful for the witness you have been to so many. You have been so faithful to all that God has given you even when it hurts. You are inspiring and encouraging Jess.ReplyCancel

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  • The Sieberts - hugs :o)ReplyCancel

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  • Angela - I have read your blog ever since Cora got sick. I have three sons, and every time I see pictures of Cora or read about her, I have to keep myself from crying. I’m not always successful. I’m so dreadfully sorry that you lost your sweet daughter. I’m so sorry that this is your reality. I’m just so sorry.ReplyCancel

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  • Jackie - Praying for your family. I am a friend of Kristy McClenahans and I have been following your blog ever since she told me about your family and your sweet little girl Cora! Praying you feel God’s arms wrapped around you today.ReplyCancel

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  • Melinda@This Mama's Heart - Praying for your family today.ReplyCancel

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  • Kahla - Sending prayers. Two years has gone so fast, it seems like just yesterday I heard and started following your stories. So many prayers for y’all and Cora went out. My heart still aches for you.ReplyCancel

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  • Wanting What I Have - Sweet, sweet, sweet baby Cora. I am praying for you tonight.ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - I thought of you several times today. I remember so much about that morning. Hugs to you, sweet friend!ReplyCancel

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  • Robin in Benton - Such a beautiful expression of all of your memories of a beautiful baby girl. As so many others have said I can’t believe that it’s been two years. Praying for you today and always.ReplyCancel

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  • Cristy - ((Hugs)) and prayers for you today…

    CristyReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Remembering your sweet Cora. Hugs..ReplyCancel

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  • Lane - This is so precious and has meant SO much to me today. I actually wrote a blog post about how this post really changed my way of thinking and how I will NOT take any time with my daughter for granted.ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - Prayers for you all, especially today, from our little family in Australia.

    I prayed for a miracle when Cora was sick. I cried when you posted that she had gone to Jesus. I have been inspired by your posts so many times over the last 2+ years. And I thank you for sharing your journey Jess.

    God Bless you, Joel, Cora and Levi.ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - I’m still praying, I will never, never, ever forget your sweet girl…she changed my life for sure. Many hugs and love sent out to you right now. Stay strong and thank you for posting such a sweet post, she was a gem just like you all are. I’m proud to be able to keep checking in on you all.ReplyCancel

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  • Kim @ Peace of my Heart - So beautiful. Thinking of you today as you remember your sweet Cora.ReplyCancel

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  • The Koehns - You and your family have given the world so much through your faith in God. Thank you for your inspirational strength! You all are often in my thoughts. God bless.

    AmberReplyCancel

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  • amy d - you have such a beautiful way with words…sending hugs through all the snow!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - such wonderful memories tucked away forever in your hearts <3
    Hugs and love to you and your family today and always.ReplyCancel

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  • Heather Overton - Beautiful….To God be all the glory….he’s holding your little one right now!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I have been thinking of and praying for ur family a lot over the past few weeks.ReplyCancel

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  • Erica - Praying for you today especially. What a gift Cora still is!ReplyCancel

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  • A - praying for you and your family this weekReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - your daughter and my son share a birthday, only he was born on the same day in 2006.this is why i remember her often.

    also i remember her because, as you said, they share a sweet temperament. and because february 8 has always been my favourite day, it is a holiday here, a day of free cultural festivals, and i count it as the first day of spring. it is bitter, even feels inappropriate. i do love cora.

    i can see the power of jesus in your story, because of you, your happines with your son, i know there is joy to be found even after the greatest sorrow.thank you.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Hugs and prayers from Indiana.ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - Special memories, Jess. Praying for peace, comfort, and joy!!ReplyCancel

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  • Jennay - Those memories will carry on for a lifetime and beyond! Cora was very lucky to have you both as parents! As always, sending my thoughts and prayers!ReplyCancel

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  • Just Beachy - Tears for you and {{hugs}} for youReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Oh Jess…loving you and your sweet family. xoReplyCancel

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  • Kristin Stegent - She’s so precious…

    Praying for you guys today.ReplyCancel

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  • ml - Praying for you today.ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - Praying so hard for you today!
    God Bless that BEAUTIFUL baby!!ReplyCancel

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  • MFuglseth - Saying a little prayer for comfort and knowing Cora is in a better place and you will see her again one day.
    What a beautiful little girl and she was very lucky to have had you as her mommy!
    Take Care!
    MollyReplyCancel

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  • Julie - What a beautiful post…for your beautiful daughter. I know we have never met…but your sweet Cora has forever touched my heart. Remembering her…always.

    Hugs and prayers from Indiana!ReplyCancel

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  • AshleyAnn - The love of a parent is a powerful thing…the love of your Father is an almighty thing. Truly, Cora Paige has been a messenger of her loving God.ReplyCancel

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  • Brittany - prayers for your sweet familyReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - We’re all praying and thinking about y’all today!!! What a blessing sweet Cora was!!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Karina - More tears here. Hugs to you, Jess.ReplyCancel

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  • Wolfpacker's Angel - We’ve left the hospital with empty arms as well. Remembering Cora and your family.ReplyCancel

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  • E Truitt - You are in my prayers. How sorry I am for your loss, but how how impressed I am with your strength and courage and willingness to share with others. May God Bless your family.ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - Praying and thanking God for all of the ways that he has blessed your sweet family.

    xo*triciaReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - love you all.ReplyCancel

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  • Tina Coleman - Continuing to pray as you miss Cora! God still sees and He knows! Thanking God for Levi today, too! A little bit of healing taking place.ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Today I remembered the day we met and the love you all showed us even though you were filled with pain and sorrow. I said a prayer and shed tears today remembering how precious she was, And the impact that Cora continues to have on us! Love to you all today and always! Sending hugs!

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  • Melissa Joy - Today we remember your precious family in our prayers. Thank you for allowing us the privilege to bring you before our Father’s throne. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Cora with us. Thank you for sharing the Gospel with us here.
    I know my children are dancing in the streets with Cora today.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Today I feel your pain…Today I remember her tooReplyCancel

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  • The Buchanan Family - Thoughts of your family often cross my mind. Prayers.ReplyCancel

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  • Marla Taviano - Tears for you and Joel. I’ll never forget you, sweet, beautiful Cora. Praying for you guys today!!ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea - Missing her with you…which may seem a little strange since we’ve never met. But maybe that’s part of the beauty and grace of prayer – I’m grateful God has enabled me to pray for your family and thank you for sharing the beauty of your lives even in the pain.

    Love in Christ,
    AndreaReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - thank you for sharing some of your special memories. i remember the rainbow that God sent after Cora’s graveside service. In contrast, now two years later…the snow is deep and the countryside is pure white. Thank you for reminding us how faithful God has been. the pictures of Levi are always so dear.ReplyCancel

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  • Ethansmom08 - Praying for you and your family…I will never forget Cora and her legacy. What a beautiful angel!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - you are in my thoughts and prayers.ReplyCancel

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  • nichole - Praying for your precious family today. Today, I thank you for the person in Christ that you are, for the witness you are to others with your love and faithfulness to Him. May you feel comfort and peace today!ReplyCancel

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  • Tara - Lots of prayers sent your way…she is a beautiful girl:)ReplyCancel

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  • Pilgrim Days - very sweet post. praying for you today. thankful for God’s faithfulness to you.ReplyCancel

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  • Mommy2QTPies - What a beautiful post to honor your daughter. I bet she is smiling down on you today, and everyday. ((hugs))ReplyCancel

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  • ashley - Cora’s story and short life touches my heart today as much as it did 2 years ago when I first started following your journey. May God give you peace and comfort today. She is a beautiful angel.ReplyCancel

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  • G. - Remembering your lovely Cora.
    And will never forget.

    GenevieveReplyCancel

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  • The Morris Family - I was wondering where you got the mouths for the sticks for Levi’s bd party! Did you find them to download?? I have found some but thought these looked better for younger children!! If you could e-mail me I would be so grateful.

    Thank you,
    CindyReplyCancel

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  • Lori Wiltse - My son shares the same birth date as Cora. Cora went to heaven on my daughter’s bday. I thought of you, Joel, & Levi all day yesterday. Last week, I happened to drive by a playground in Wichita with the same type of equipmt as Cora’s playground. It made me think of her precious lil chubby cheeks, gorgeous smile, & her parents who are amazing followers of Christ. I know so many lives have been changed by sweet Cora. I am thankful to be one of them, but so very sorry that her time here was so short. I pray that your family continues to be so richly blessed. Thank you for letting us all be a part of this journey with you. Love in Christ, LoriReplyCancel

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  • Megan - I am remembering your beautiful girl with you…especially today. Cora is an inspiration to so many and I thank you for sharing her with us. I know that nothing any of us can say will take away your pain, but I just wanted you to know that Cora’s story has forever changed me and I will continue to lift your family up in prayer.ReplyCancel

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  • Erica - i still remember this day 2 years ago, and the heartbreak that i felt for you. i cried reading this post just as i cried reading your post that day. how far God has brought you is both encouraging and beautiful.ReplyCancel

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  • Sara - Thinking of you…Your sweet Cora stays on my mind and I pray for you family daily.ReplyCancel

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  • jennifer rogers - oh happy birthday sweet little girl, your time here on earth was way too brief, but through your short time here you have, through your parents loss and great faith, have taught oh so many of us to be thankful for our blessings, to hug our children a little longer, to enjoy every minute we have with our precious ones and to have faith beyond measure. Happy Birthday Cora and thank you from the bottom of my heart.ReplyCancel

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  • Miss Em - Cora is still so very much on my heart and I can’t believe it has been 2 years. I bought a pink flower shortly after she passed for her playground and it is a permenant fixture on my son’s shelf. It is a constant reminder to me of how precious our children are and how great God is.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - i think about your baby girl often…but especially this week. praying for you and your sweet family. God bless.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Praying for you all.ReplyCancel

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  • nlnlsheils - Jess, I stumbled across your blog a year ago and fell in love with your family. You have given me such inspiration. Sending love and prayers that your days will be filled with precious memories.
    Lynn in Grand Marais, MNReplyCancel

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  • Lora - So beautiful! You are so eloquent with words that must be so hard to put down. My heart aches for you and I think of your family often. (((HUGS)))ReplyCancel

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  • Tara - so beautiful. i know that i will never forget reading her story. your story. and i will always remember how it changed me and the way that i love forever.ReplyCancel

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  • Rachel - Praying for you!ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - Sending hugs! I continue to pray for you and Joel, and sweet Levi as well! God’s love is enduring and He will continue to carry you.ReplyCancel

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Not only did I have an incredibly hard time deciding which hats to keep for Levi, finding a home for these cute hats proved to be a challenge as well. My original plan was to donate them to the Pediatric Oncologist who treated Cora. When I called his office they told me that they really didn’t have a need for hats right now. I was a little bummed, but hopefully that means either they have had lots of donations or they aren’t treating as many kids right now…which would be even better. They directed me to a few local hospitals and gave me some other ideas, but every place I called wasn’t in need of hats.
I was getting a little worried that it would be summer before I found a place for these hats. Last week I decided to try Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City again. I had tried leaving a message before and never heard back, but this time I actually got to talk to someone. Great news…she said they would love to have the hats. They give a hat to each new patient at the Cancer Center. So they will finally be sent off this week. Hooray! But before we pack them up, Levi was forced against his will begging to give you a hat fashion show.
Roma
I am packing up ten beautiful knit hats to send to Children’s Mercy. Levi couldn’t model them all because some of the hats were for girls and a few wouldn’t fit on his huge head! Trust me, they were all adorable. Thank you Kathryn, Carissa, Roma and Amber for donating these hats. I love that Levi and I can pass on your kindness to bless the sweet kids in Kansas City who are facing the horrible realities of cancer. And although I wanted to send the hats a long time ago, it is especially sweet to send them this week as we remember Cora.
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  • Amber - I think it was a wonderful idea to donate the hats! If they say they ever need more just let me know, I’d be happy to whip up some more! And Levi looks adorable in all the hats!ReplyCancel

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  • A - he is such a great model!ReplyCancel

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  • Hanni - Cute hats and such a cute little model. I am so glad CMH could take them. That is a great idea. We actually know a little guy there right now fighting quite the fight. Maybe he’ll get one. I will definately let you know if he does. If not, the children that do will love them and so will their parents. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Carisa - yay! glad they are going to a good home! I’m already praying that each recipient is encouraged through this gift.ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - those hats are super cute! and, I love where you decided to send them 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Jess,

    SO SWEET! What a great tribute once again for CORA and the other SWEET BABIES! The kids will love the hats! and of course LEVI looked ADORABLE in them!
    Have a great week! Stay warm and give the boys a hug!

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  • Kelly - So sweet! I always love your pictures! My little guy never sits still long enough to get a good one. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Sher - honoring your little girl’s life by sending homemade love to others – you amaze me!ReplyCancel

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  • susy - Thinking and praying for Cora tomorrow on the 2 year anniversary of her going to Heaven. Also, praying for you and Joel and adorable Levi to give you strength as you miss your little girl..ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Today I saw the most brilliant rainbow ever. The light that formed the rainbow is the same light that is all around you and me, but it takes the water droplets to fracture the light into such brilliance.
    Events like today’s spectacular rainbow make me remember your sweet baby Cora safe in heaven. May you see quiet, yet bold, reminders of her beauty and life, and of God’s sovereignty during these days of reflection.ReplyCancel

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  • The Morris Family - I was wondering if you could tell me where you found the photo props, the mouths. I looked a week or so ago and I i thought I found the same ones, but I failed to bookmark it? I found some others to print off but was wanting the ones like you had for younger children.
    Thanks, could you e-mail the info??

    Cindy
    13blessings@sbcglobal.netReplyCancel

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  • Carpenter's - Oh he is adorable!! I wish they came in my size! 🙂 I am just starting to need hats. The cancer center in KC is AMAZING and everyone I have encountered has been so wonderful. You are too sweet.ReplyCancel

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  • 1 Funky Woman - Hi there new follower through “Whatever” your little guy is darling. I love how many hats he has and you can tell he likes them. Great idea sending them off to a place where they will be loved!

    MeganReplyCancel

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  • purejoy - levi makes an adorable model. and those hats are so cute!! wish i had mad knitting skills! i can do a scarf and that’s about it! 🙂
    what a sweet blessing and a wonderful way to remember cora. she was a beautiful baby… so dearly loved by many. hugs to you, jess!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - That little guy is too cute! I love the dinosaur looking one (from Ambers), if only it were cold enough for hats here!

    Thinking of you today on sweet Cora’s 2nd heavenly anniversary, praying for your family as always.

    xoxo
    Krista
    aka babykatesmomReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - Praying for you today. 🙁ReplyCancel

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  • L ~ S - What a cute model! I love the first one. I am sure you have really made some people happy with the donated hats!ReplyCancel

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  • Megan - Praying for you today…ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Thinking of you today.ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Followed you for quite some time from Georgia. Praying for your heartache today…ReplyCancel

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  • Dena - Sending prayers and virtual hugs to you today!ReplyCancel

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  • AlishaB - Thinking of you today!
    I have been reading your blog for a few months and am so encouraged by the love and faith you show! Today would have been my brother’s 21st birthday but he passed away just over four years ago after having cancer for 8 months.
    Now having a son I could not imagine letting him go, like you had to with Cora. But only with the strength that God gives can we trust that He knows what is best! May you be strengthened especially today!ReplyCancel

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  • Townsend Crew - Thinking of you and your two sweet babies today! Thank you for the love, peace, joy… that you share with us! You are a blessing in my life!ReplyCancel

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Don’t you love getting unexpected mail?
I do. It is the best.
I love mail so much that I even asked a few of my friends to mail 
me their Christmas cards instead of putting them in my 
church mailbox and saving a stamp…I was joking…sort of.
I have pretty great friends because they actually did!
And when the UPS guy knocks at your door it is an even better day.
Especially when you live in the country and don’t get many visitors. 🙂
Levi got a surprise package for his birthday a few weeks ago.
We were so excited to open it.
And even more excited when we found new books inside.
Carrie, a sweet friend I have “met” through blogging, 
sent Levi her favorite boy books.
She has three boys…so she would know.
There was one for me…Wild Things.
And two for Levi…Little Boy and The Jesus Storybook Bible.
Levi is really into books right now.
He thought his present was great!
Little Boy is such an adorable book. 
I have heard great things about The Jesus Storybook Bible.
And I can’t wait to read Wild Things.
Do you have any books that your boys love?
She also sent this cute gray corduroy hat from Old Navy.
I tried so hard to get Levi to leave his hat on for a picture.
We wasn’t so sure about the hat.
I told him how cute he looked in it.
But he still wasn’t diggin’ having something on his head.
And then he was done with the hat.
(It looks like he had some leftover food in his mouth too…nice.)
Thanks for the thoughtful gift Carrie.
We love it!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
One more thing today…
Carrie is also sweet Kate’s aunt.
This family desperately needs our prayers right now.
On Tuesday Kate’s family received devastating news after her latest MRI.
The MRI showed new spots on Kate’s brain.
I can’t imagine the agony and pain Kate and her family are feeling 
right now as they decide what the next step in her treatment should be.
This is the kind of unexpected that you never want to hear.
Definitely not the news they were so hopeful for.
After getting to know Carrie a little through e-mails and 
following Holly’s blog, I feel such a connection with this family.
My heart aches for them.
I am begging the Lord to give the McRae’s a lifetime with their sweet Kate.
Will you join me in praying for Kate and her family?
You can read more on Holly’s blog here.
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  • Stef - I will be praying for Kate. Praying for God’s healing hand to be upon her and His comfort and unknowable joy to be IN her during all this.

    The hat is so cute on Levi. He gets more handsome every week!! Also, yes, we love surprise gifts. We moved away from both families 18 months ago and so old fashioned snail mail has become more and more popular. The kids love it.

    The Storybook Bible is our favorite!! Our 6 year old son is beginning to be able to read by himself from it and I love hearing him read it in his bed at night.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I love unexpected mail too! We will be praying for Kate.ReplyCancel

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  • Krystal - We like “I Love You Stinkyface” lolReplyCancel

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  • Townsend Crew - I’ve been praying for this sweet family since you posted this prayer request last year. My heart is breaking for them all! Thank you for again using Cora’s life for so much good: to bring prayers to another family in need.ReplyCancel

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  • Danise - I follow a couple of families on CaringBridge and Kate’s post was the most agonizing post from there in the last few days. We have met a few families through my son’s illness (a blood disorder, not cancer) and every story is unique – uplifting and devastating all at the same time. Borrowing (and paraphrasing) from St. Jude’s hospital: Be thankful for the healthy kids in your life and pray, pray, pray for the those who are not.ReplyCancel

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  • leiGh - We LOVE the Jesus Storybook Bible! Praying for little Kate.ReplyCancel

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  • L ~ S - I love getting mail! 🙂 Adorable hat!ReplyCancel

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  • Nicole - We have the Jesus Storybook Bible and my two older kids (7 and 4) absolutely love it (especially the 4 yr old). It is so worn out we’ve taped it together. I love how they describe every story (old and new testament) as a way for God to come into our lives and rescue us through His Son. Many of the stories bring tears to my eyes. Enjoy!ReplyCancel

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  • Rebecca - Oh, how I love books!!! My list could go on forever. One of our favorites is Dear Zoo. We just love it!! It’s very cute and great for learning animals. A close second would be Lemons Are Not Red. We first checked it out of the library, and we liked it so much that we wanted a copy of our own. I had to order it though, because I had no luck finding it at any of our big bookstores. And if you are ever in need of a great Christmas book, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree. THE BEST!! It is so cute.

    Praying for Kate, and thinking and praying for you, Joel, Levi and your families this week also.

    Hugs from Michigan.ReplyCancel

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  • Jane's In The Jungle - I saw the news about Kate on another blog, how devastating. I immediately sought the Lord in prayer.

    My boys loved any books with trucks and tractors…especially John Deere!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - JEss,

    I have been following Kate’s blog since you gave it out. I know I feel so sad for them and will continue to pray for them! LOVE all the photos of sweet Levi! He is sooooooo cute! I still just want to squeeze those cheeks! Love to you all!

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  • CherishedHearts Vintage - Prayers for Kate. Such a sweet face.

    As for the UPS man. I scream when he unexpectantly knocks on the door. Don’t know who is more frightened, him or the dogs!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Yay for unexpected mail!

    I’m so glad that Levi got that Storybook Bible, I had been wondering if he had it. We are absolutely loving it here – we read from it every day! I’m not sure who is loving it more – me or the kids! Some days I beg them to come read it with me. I can’t even believe how it gives even me such a better understanding of the way God unfolds his plan throughout history. It may be for kids – but it can speak wonders to us adults too!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries - super cute hat and great books. I will definitely pray for Kate and her family…

    I’m feeling lazy and don’t want to move, so I don’t know the exact title…but one of my favorite boy books is a devotional by Sheila Walsh for boys. It has the word warrior in it. And, it appeals to a boy’s warrior heart. Very cool.

    Blessings…ReplyCancel

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  • Lora - Unexpected mail is AWESOME! I have three boys and I would safely say that they all LOVE “Goodnight, Gorilla” and it’s really a great book because it doesn’t have a lot of words, but the illustrations are great! We also love “I love you, Stinky Face” as someone else recommended.

    My family has had it’s share of cancer and I still can’t imagine what Kate’s family is going through at this time. She will be in my thoughts.ReplyCancel

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  • Trish - I lol’d about the food in his mouth! I am saddened by the news of Kate… brings tears to my eyes.ReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - First, prayers coming for Kate!

    The Jesus Storybook Bible is so fantastic. It is an absolute favorite in our home. I’ve even shared portions of it with my Sr. High Sunday School class. The writing is fantastic, and the narrative so beautifully demonstrates how Christ is woven through the whole story of time. You will love it!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - “I’ll Love You Forever” is my favorite mommy-of-boys book. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • laney - …so many many people are praying for our sweet little kate…now through your blog more are praying today than yesterday!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - When my boys were young they liked the “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” series and the poem books by Jack Prelutski, especially “The Baby Uggs are hatching”.ReplyCancel

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  • Leah - Jess, I just bought the Wild Things book a few weeks back! I’ve only delved into parts of it (mostly the preschooler and discipline parts), but I think it will be an awesome insight on graceful ways to raise and nurture a boy…

    Thinking of you all this week…ReplyCancel

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  • Sue - Oh my word, Jess. I know you have mentioned Kate here before, but I’ve never been to read their story. I have spent all morning in tears as I read their story and looked through their photos. What an unimaginably tough journey to have to travel. They must feel so desperate. Thank you for sharing with me again, I will be regularly checking up on Kate’s progress and will keep them all in my thoughts…

    Loved the pictures of Levi, he’s such a cute, happy little guy.

    Take care,
    Sue xReplyCancel

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  • TimandCeri - Prayers said for Katie here. (I will have to read her story while I am not at work later this week) As for one our our fav books. I bet this one would be RIGHT up Mr Levi’s alley. And I bet you would have a fun photo shoot idea spun from it. It’s called Not a box. http://www.amazon.com/Not-Box-Antoinette-Portis/dp/0061123226 my son LOVES LOVES it. We have been reading it to him scince he was about 6 moths, and now he “reads along with us” And of course we have our very own box that lives in our living room. 🙂 We also love the Lama Lama books although if you do them read them through and think about some of the things that is in there. It’s harmless but all the sudden my son was saying things that I didn’t like, and it wasn’t until we were reading it that I discovered it was from the Lama books.ReplyCancel

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  • Drea - your little ones are so adorable, i enjoyed my 1st visit to your blog…

    http://www.dreawood.comReplyCancel

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  • jen christians - Praying for you today, and remembering sweet Cora…ReplyCancel

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  • Carlotta - I bought the Jesus Storybook for my boys about a year ago maybe? We’ve read it all the way through almost twice, using it as part of our bedtime ritual.

    There were may times that it brought tears to my eyes just by speaking profound truths about God’s love and plan for us in the stories. God really used this straightforward storytelling version of the truths in the Bible to penetrate my heart. My boys enjoyed it too. Especially the Tower of Babel. Take care!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Oh my. So sweet dear Jess. Seeing Kate, brings me to tears. Thank you for your compassion and kindness. Much love to you – and little Levi is just too scrumptious for words. Rock on little Levi! Love – Carrie M.ReplyCancel

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I feel like I am still recovering from my weekend of crafting. Between the lack of sleep and now all of this icky, snowy weather, I am having trouble getting myself back into a routine. Everything on my calendar so far has been cancelled because of the snow, so Levi and I are just hanging out at home. He keeps telling me “bye-bye”, “bye-bye”. He wants to go somewhere so bad. He doesn’t like to stay put for very long. And he definitely doesn’t understand that it is way to cold to go outside. So confusing for a little guy.

I have been doing some major cleaning around here and as I clean, my head has been spinning with Valentines Day ideas. I thought it would be fun to send a Valentines Day card to Levi’s grandparents this year {I know, I am totally ruining the surprise}. I found this easy template from Persnickety Prints and within just a few minutes I had a Valentines Day card. The best part is that is was free. Perfect.

There are SO many cute ideas out there. Here are a few of my favorites:

Have a Heart Strings {I may need some hearts around my house this year}
Olliegraphic – Color Your Own Valentine {Is Levi too young to color?}
Heart Doily T-Shirt {Don’t worry…I won’t make Levi wear this…but so cute}
Valentine Gumball Necklace {I NEED another little girl}
Have a Ball Valentines {Ok…these are much more boyish…perfect}

Are you making anything fun for Valentines Day?

And just in case you are curious…Megan posted some fun pictures from our craft weekend and all the links to the crafts we made. You can check it out here.

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  • The Gunter Family - Oooh thanks for sharing that link to the free Valentine’s cards! My parents recently moved out of town and I know they’d love to receive one of these with my son’s picture!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Mershawn's - I made those hearts today. I love Ashley Ann’s ideas TOO. I love the “have a ball.” And, if Levi is anything like my baby boy, the coloring is hilarious. And the paper ALWAYS gets crumpled up & carried proudly around the room. Oh. And…coming from a Texas girl NOT enjoying this stuck inside cold weather…I’m with Levi. I’d even love to just run to Walmart. And that’s sayin’ somethin’. Ho hum…ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - Jess: i love seeing you among “your people”. You have such a loving community in your life with friends and family.
    My valentine crafts are classroom gifts for my students. (Mini-microwave popcorn bags with notes on them that say, “I’m popping up with Valentine wishes for you”.)
    You look happy in the pictures. Does my heart good.ReplyCancel

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  • Life With the Crazies - These are great ideas! I love them! Valentine’s is one of my favorite days.

    Here are a few ideas of mine 🙂
    http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/2011/01/take-over-tuesday-with-michaela-from-life-with-the-crazies/ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - What a sweet little boy you have! That gumball necklace is pretty sweet too, isn’t it? I’m thinking it’s about time to start working on some Valentine’s stuff around here, too! Here’s hoping for warm weather so all our kids can get out of the house and to BSF next week.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah B - I tried the have a heart strings and have gotten so many compliments on them! My version is on my blog. I also found an idea somewhere in bloggerland to modge podge a heart cut from material onto a decorator stone and write the kid’s names in sharpie. I never liked valentines until you all have given these great ideas!ReplyCancel

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  • Heather - Jess…I am making those gumball necklaces for my nieces…perfect idea!!

    HReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - My girls and I made a heart sun catcher with waxed paper and shredded crayons. love the cards!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - I love the gumball necklaces!!! If I make you one, will you wear it???ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea - I’ve been contemplating having a Valentine’s Day party this year and have been inspired by this post and, especially Levi’s birthday party that you did for decorations and fun stuff for kids. I’m thinking some of these projects would be great as part of our homeschool day too :). Today, my plan is to have our three oldest create mailboxes to go outside their bedrooms (or elsewhere in the house) for their valentines and anytime they feel in the mood to send some mail to their sibs.ReplyCancel

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  • Heather - Thank you for the free card idea! I downloaded it, but can’t get my pic in it! I know it’s a dumb question, but how do I get the pic in? Thanks for your help! HeatherReplyCancel

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  • dandee - Thank you for the kind mention, Jess! I’m so glad you like my “have a ball ” valentine idea.

    Kisses,
    DandeeReplyCancel

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  • nemmienooms - Long time lurker, rare poster – finally piping up…

    We bought lots of stickers and papers from the Target dollar bin, and did our Valentines while stuck at home earlier in the week. LOVE all the additional ideas you linked up to, thanks for that!

    Love your site and your photos and your commitment 🙂 Thanks for all of it – you and your family are a true inspiration!ReplyCancel

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  • Maggie - I downloaded the templates for the valentines cards, but how do I get the picture on there?? What program do I need to use?ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I’ve been watching the “pray for Kate” site since seeing it on your blog. Kate needs some serious prayers right now. Perhaps you could add it to your blog to get the prayer warriors going.ReplyCancel

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  • sassy - super great ideas! Just what I needed!ReplyCancel

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  • nichole - I love all the craft ideas! What fun we will have:)ReplyCancel

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  • Megan - Love your blog! I am also wondering how to get my photo into the Valentines templates!ReplyCancel

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I spent the entire weekend with these fabulous ladies. 
It was awesome. 
We ate, shopped, crafted, and talked and talked and talked.
We stayed up way too late…at least too late for me. 
And I am tired today.
But it was SO much fun. 
Most of these ladies I have gotten to know through blogging. 
What a crazy thing this blog world can be sometimes. 
Wow. 
I am so blessed to know each one of these women. 
They all have different life stories and passions and such big hearts. 
I know that my voice as a blogger is largely a result of losing my sweet baby girl. 
And I couldn’t help but think that getting to spend the weekend 
with these amazing and talented women was a little gift from the Lord. 
A reminder that He continues to bring beauty out of ashes.
I did hate leaving my boys behind though. 
I missed them. 
And I was glad to go home and be mama and wife again.

Joel did such a great job with Levi of course. 
I didn’t worry one bit. 
And Levi loved the time with his daddy. 
I came home after being gone for only two days, 
and Levi had changed so much.
How does that happen in two days?
Daddy and Grandma taught him how to sign “more”.
This child never stops eating.
He wants more all the time.
And now he knows how to tell me. 🙂
He also is walking about ten times faster then when I left.
Slow down baby!
You are growing up too fast.
And just in case I don’t remember,
somebody likes to remind me how big he is.
I know…you are not a baby anymore.
You are SO big.
When we were outside last week he was throwing his ball around the yard.
Not a babyish thing to do at all.
Then he would bend down to pick it up.
So big.
He was trying to walk everywhere outside.
No crawling.
Even getting his first steps through the mud.
Before I know it he is going to be running up and down the driveway.
It was so nice to be outside so much last week.
But I’m pretty sure that the only sunshine we will be 
enjoying today is through these pictures.
Good thing we didn’t put the snowsuit away yet!
Oh well.
Sunshine or not,
today I am just thankful for…
new friends,
weekend get-aways,
and a sweet family to come home to.
Hope your Monday is great!
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  • Courtney - He is adorable! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - Is my 3 & 1/2 year old girl too old for him? HA! He is so precious! Glad you had fun with friends!!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - It’s such a fun thing that you get to join these girls for a weekend every once in awhile. I’m mildly envious. 😉 Levi is as scrumptious as ever.

    xo*triciaReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - yeah, you’re not kidding – he’s all of a sudden grown up! I can’t even believe how big he looks in these pictures. And isn’t it crazy how much they can change in just a few days from being away from them!

    Enjoy these next few wintry days- maybe Levi will cuddle up with you on the couch!ReplyCancel

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  • Wanting What I Have - What a great weekend! Your photos are beautiful! And I love the “hello” sampler.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Cora reveals herself so often…I can’t wait to hear more about your weekend.

    And holy cow! That little boy…those eyes……those cheeks. those little shoes…ReplyCancel

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  • E @ Oh! Apostrophe - I just love seeing pictures of your little Levi. What a joy 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - Very cute! You have been taking some really great pictures!ReplyCancel

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  • Kimberlee - I just loved getting to know you! And I love it that we know some of the same people. I hope we’ll bump into each other more often.

    And I love you’re embroidery craft…maybe someday I’ll be as good at this kind of thing as you are. A girl can dream, right? 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - jess i love spending time with you.

    i know you were missed at home.
    you made the cutest crafts!
    and it was fun getting to know more about you….again!ReplyCancel

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  • Todd and Courtney - Your 2 children are so precious!! Im glad you had such a nice visit with your friends. Its nice to get away sometimes.ReplyCancel

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  • Alex and Jill - He is just the cutest thing!!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - WOW, Jess! He looks so grown up in all these walking pictures! It is amazing how quickly they leave the baby stage and become “biggins” as our 6 year old calls it 🙂

    I’m glad you had girl time. Every Mama needs grown-up girl time 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Tara - smiling. he’s so stinkin’ cute. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Trish - Um… you are too cute! I LOVE your hello sign and I am so making this 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Raven - That little boy of yours is absolutely too cute for words. SO ADORABLE!ReplyCancel

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  • Miss G - I liked your embroidery hoop in the pic I saw of all of them and now I know it’s yours. Very cute!

    So big! Enjoy each and every minute of that cutie pie. Have a great day and stay warm. KellyReplyCancel

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  • Laura - that big boy is forever your baby!
    I loved seeing all of the pictures from the weekend at Meg’s…
    and I loved seeing you..how adorable you are!….

    glad you got away
    and glad you loved coming home

    I love this about your “craft post”
    as much as you loved your time away
    you were so happy to return home
    beautiful
    xoReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - Beautiful post! We did baby signing as well, and “more” is the one sign that both of my kids (2 1/2 & 5) still do! Of course, they use the word now, too, but some things just stick.ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - He is so stinking cute! Glad you had time away. It always makes me miss and cherish what I have.ReplyCancel

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  • Julia - OMG! You got to meet Ashley Ann in person. Was she awesome! I am in love with her!ReplyCancel

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  • Sadie - Glad you were able to enjoy your weekend! I am very jealous! Looks like fun! Love the new photos of Mr. Levi!ReplyCancel

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  • Kat - So glad you got to take part in that super fun and crafty weekend at Meg’s. Levi is so adorable.ReplyCancel

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