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I had no idea that frozen yogurt is now called froyo. I guess that goes to show I don’t get out much. In an effort to stay somewhat cool, I am now calling frozen yogurt froyo. You can too…if you want to be cool like me. 🙂

There is a new froyo place in Wichita that we tried out last night. It is called Orange Leaf and it is so yummy. You probably already know about Orange Leaf…we tend to be a little behind in Kansas…but just in case, here is what you do:

1. Choose your flavor (or flavors) of froyo.
I chose chocolate, vanilla, and coffee.
2. Stand in line to add your toppings…
…there are so many toppings to choose from and everything is self-serve.
I chose heath bar. 
I like to keep it simple.
3. Weigh your froyo and pay.
This could be scary if you are topping happy like my husband.
4. Enjoy your froyo creation!
Make sure you scrape every last bite off the bottom of your cup.
It is that good.
Levi loved Orange Leaf.
Who would have guessed?
My sis and brother-in-law came along too.
I am not sure what this face means,
but Loren thought his froyo was delicious…promise.
We will definitely be back.
Next week is all about Levi…
his birthday pictures, birthday party details and lots more.
See you then.
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  • Anonymous - Yum Yum..and yogurt is healthy right?!
    Can’t wait to read about Levi’s bday!

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Stef - they have tons of these places in the town we used to live in, in California! When we moved up to Washington State, we were so bummed to find there’s NONE up here 🙁

    I keep thinking about opening up one of my own 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Jenny - Your hair looks super cute!

    We have a really fun place like that here in Richmond, VA…it’s called Sweet FROG and what I especially love about it is that “FROG” stands for “fully relying on God. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • sassy - love it froyo! Ha!!!! In Canada EVERYTHING is frozen right now! We love frozen yogurtinteh summer but the only options in our city are healthy ones…look slike I might need to bring my own! Can’t wait for b-day pics!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I guess I don’t get out much either because I didn’t know it was called froyo! It looks yummy-I wish we had one by us!ReplyCancel

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  • AshleyAnn - We have Cherry Berry here…same thing. My kids favorite topping is sprinkles…which weigh nothing. It works out great for me. I didn’t know it was called froyo either.ReplyCancel

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  • Raven - I live in Kansas City and we just got introduced to this whole “self-serve” thing this past summer…the first was called Peachwave, then Orangeleaf, and now there are tons…anyway, let’s just say that my sister and I and our kids spent a LOT of time at Peachwave this summer!!ReplyCancel

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  • Alex(andra) - They finally put one in the Manhattan area for all us K-State kids. I’m very much in love with it. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • lauren haddox - can’t wait to see levi’s birthday pics! 🙂 i’m still at point where i can’t imagine giving my little one cake?!?!? he gags on ANYTHING with texture! but we’ve still got 2 months til the big ONE! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - Jess, where is this place in Wichita? Let me know tomorrow ok?ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy M. Harris - orange leaf is super cool. did they play christian music? your hair is cute wavy. you are just a pretty girl no matter what.ReplyCancel

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  • Katie&Greg - Here in St. Louis its called FroYo. Creative, I know! Glad you enjoyed it and welcome to the froyo world! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - Orange Leaf is super fun. I was like you and only got heath bar, but I was like Joel in the fact that I was “topping happy.” hehe. It was a little too much toffee for one bowl of ice cream . . . but SO YUMMY. Ian gave me a gift card in my stocking and I was very excited. 🙂 Looks like you had fun! See you tomorrow!ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - I live in Australia and we don’t have anything like that. But it looks GREAT. And were those Reese’s pieces I spied in one of the photos? How I love, love, loooooooove Reese’s.ReplyCancel

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  • Deborah - I’ve been begging Rob, my husband, all night to go and now I see photos. I am not happy 🙁 lol It would be worse if you had put mini carob chips on top of cheesecake mixed with tart and then took a photo. Good thing THAT didn’t happen. I might go for breakfast.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I didn’t know it was called froyo either. We don’t have an Orange Leaf here so I guess Kansas isn’t as far behind as Indiana.ReplyCancel

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  • Ellen Grant - So I am trying to cut back on sweets, and I probably didn’t need to read this! Even if it IS called froyo, I’m sure that doesn’t subtract any calories. Hip as it might be =)
    Here we have Menchie’s and Sweet CeCe’s which look exactly the same. SO yummy!!ReplyCancel

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  • the whyte house - froyo, huh? guess we no longer recycle and reuse vintage, but also the names of things! i live like 3 minutes from there and i just saw the sign for the first time on friday…and had no idea what it was!! lol. thanks for keeping me updated on what’s happening in my neighborhood! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Ellen - I love Orange Leaf!! We recently (in the past 8 months, maybe?) got one in the mall I like to frequent, and I LOVE it!! I had never heard of such a thing before, and it’s perfect. 🙂 Glad to know the love is spread around!ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - i have heard ALL good things about this place.
    can’t wait to try it.ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa - We have a place like this where I live in TN, but it’s called YOLO. The mango kind is our favorite:)ReplyCancel

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  • Allison - Yep, I too did not know that froyo stood for frozen yogurt, so I guess I’m out of the loop as well! My boss said she had some as a snack & I looked at her with what I assume was a very blank expression. But I’m just not convinced that I could pull off the “froyo” lingo! ;o)ReplyCancel

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  • The Scott Family - After reading this I googled Orange Leaf and discovered there is one 5 minutes from my house!!! My hubby and I went yesterday and we LOVED it. Absolutely delicious! Thanks for the tip!ReplyCancel

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  • emily - oh yes. froyo.

    my favorite thing on this planet.ReplyCancel

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  • Krystal - I’m a Heath-topping girl, too! Well, Oreos are pretty good if I can’t have my toffee.ReplyCancel

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…make sure your pantry is closed.
A certain someone likes to help himself to snacks now.
Graham crackers are his favorite.
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  • Shelly - Love it! he is toooo sweet!

    I have never commented but have followed you for a while. I have 4 little boys and they are so fun! Onery but fun! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Sadie - Love this age don’t you!? They are so fun and know how to make you smile! He’s so cute with slobber and crackers all over him!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Love, love love that little boy!ReplyCancel

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  • 609rollinghillsdr - did you seriously leave him unmonitored long enough to get the graham crackers out all by himself!?!?!? Oh my goodness Jess!

    Oh, well, I guess that’s better than the bag of dark chocolate Mason found before he even let me know he was out of bed this morning. At least I didn’t have to feed him breakfast.ReplyCancel

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  • songskatesang - OH, he is precious. I’d like to sit on the floor and eat graham crackers with him!ReplyCancel

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  • Kelly - Love it! So sweet!ReplyCancel

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  • Patrice - Love those pictures! How sweet!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Levi can stop by my house anytime! I am sure my 3 year old son would be happy to eat crackers with him. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - dully noted…I’ll be sure to stock up 🙂 love him.ReplyCancel

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  • E Truitt - Too cute!
    You really take wonderful photos!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - our two year old daughter STILL does this! We bolt out of bed when we hear her up in the morning… knowing our food is being ravished 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Annie-Staten - Awwww!! He is so darling! Our little guy (11 months old) gets all his nutrition by gtube, but we discovered at his last feeding therapy appt that he will munch on graham crackers! So for the past week, we give him some everyday and he is chowing down on those suckers! Yay for graham crackers!ReplyCancel

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  • The Sieberts - haha. too cute! maybe you need to get higher shelves… ;o)ReplyCancel

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  • Kristi REDISKE - He is so adorable-how can you ever get upset with that little guy? I just want to hug him-I am a grandma so of course thats what I want to do. You take great pics-do you have a super fancy camera? Just wondering.ReplyCancel

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  • raypartyoffive - He’s welcome to my house anytime and I’ll be sure I have my pantry stocked up with lots of graham crakers!!!

    So cute!ReplyCancel

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  • onlymehere - These pictures are priceless! He can stop by my house anytime and raid the pantry with my two granddaughters bz they love graham crackers too, lol! He’s growing so darn fast and gets cuter every day.
    CindyReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - What a sweet boy… and just to give you a heads up, it doesn’t get much better. 🙂 My 2 1/2 year old still does the same thing… I finally placed a basket of his snacks on the bottom shelf so that if/when he got in there, I knew what he could reach, and what he was getting. And my 8 mos old just loves to play with the pantry door when it’s left open. Both of mine are boys, so maybe it’s a boy thing. 🙂 Making sweet memories every day!!ReplyCancel

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  • Nicoolmama - He is welcome in my pantry anytime!! What a cutie…I bet he just brings so much joy to your life!

    I am a mama of three boys myself and if you ever need a sitter. Just saying. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Wendy - Hi Jess, I’ve read your blog for a while but never commented — I had to come out of lurking to say that your babies are just beautiful, and that little Levi with his graham crackers is hilarious! What a little character! I love that look like, “okay, Mom, I got it. I’m a big boy.” 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea - What a lucky mama to have such a delightfully adorable little boy. Enjoy all these moments, messy crumbs included!ReplyCancel

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  • Alyssa - he’s like a little puppy! so sweet.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Jessica better bring him to Sharley and Bob’s this summer, he and Gidget can “shop” the kitchen and pantry!
    He’s such an adorable bundle of JOY!!
    love and Happy New YearReplyCancel

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  • Raining Pearls - I am loving this and would be blessed if he (and you) ever stopped by. my pantry will be stocked with graham crackers for him!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - I absolutely adore his sweet self helping himself to his Christmas gift.ReplyCancel

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  • Leah - Sneaky little cutie pie 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Allen and Debby Graber - My little Elijah found his Nana’s pantry and the graham crackers in it (with some help from Nana of course). He would go to the pantry and point and grunt. So cute! We keep lots of graham crackers at the nursery for Levi and his friends!ReplyCancel

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  • Mindy M. Harris - levi is scrumptious, much like that graham.ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - Oops, I didnt realize I was logged in with my username for our blog for the house, silly me.ReplyCancel

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  • Kaytlinn's Blog through Mommy's eyes!! - he is super adorable! 🙂 I have been following for a LONG time 🙂 And you guys are always in our prayers…You are such a wonderful family! Surely Cora is SO super proud of you all!ReplyCancel

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  • Janet - My word, how Levi has grown!ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Another scrumptious baby…just like Gretchie! His little toes curled up at the end are just adorable too. Who doesn’t like graham crackers? They taste the best when you are not feeling well…like in a hospital!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Smiled! Needed a smile today thanks for giving it to me. And I would so stock up on graham crackers if there was the slightest chance that your Levi would come by(In Alabama of course)

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Amy - chubby little baby fingers are my favorite! Especially when they’re holding onto something so tightly.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah B - oooh he can come and crash my pantry any day with that sweet face! what a doll.

    http://first-day-of-the-rest-of-your-life.blogspot.com/ReplyCancel

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  • Our Lives - LOL! My almost three years old was with me when we read this post and he immediately ran to our pantry to himself a treat!ReplyCancel

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How do you feel about the coming of a new year? Sometimes I hate that time keeps moving forward. It is painful. I want to rewind my life back to the time when we were holding our baby girl, to the days when we were still laughing and playing with Cora. A time when we didn’t know the heartache of losing a child. But I also love the fresh start that a new year brings. I love looking back on how the Lord has worked in my life over the past year. I love the excitement of thinking about what God is going to do in the year to come. I love thinking about growing closer to Him in the days ahead. I like to think of it as moving further away from a very dark time in my life and moving closer to eternity with Jesus (and seeing my baby girl again)!

2010 coming to a close is something that I am still trying to grasp. When I really stop and think about it, I am amazed that we have even made it to where we are today. Honestly, there were some days that I didn’t even know if I could make it through the day, let alone through a whole year. Looking back, I would describe 2009 as a year of grief. It was a year of unexpected tragedy. A year of saying goodbye. A year that we would have never imagined would be part of our story. A year that we wish we could erase. A year of learning to continue on this journey God has called us to without Cora. A year that we never could have made it through without clinging to the Lord and finding strength in Him. A year that is a testimony of His strength being made perfect through our weaknesses.

When I look back on this past year, I would describe 2010 as a year of letting go. 2010 was met with much joy as we welcomed Levi into our family and much heartache as we continued to work through losing Cora. And with all of those mixed emotions there was, and continues to be, a lot of letting go. Letting go of our dreams for Cora, letting go of Levi growing up with his big sister, letting go of Cora’s room as it became Levi’s room, letting go of our family of four as we sent out our Christmas card with only three family members pictured, and letting go of places and things that held such precious memories of Cora. Just when we think we are done letting go it seems that something else comes up that we are forced to let go of and grieve again. I read recently that we will face letting go in some form our whole lives and eventually we will have to let go of everything. But with the pain of letting go also comes the joy and freedom of holding loosely to the things that ultimately belong to God. It means holding with an open hand the things and people here on earth that we love and holding on to the HOPE that we have of eternity with Jesus…a HOPE that we never have to let go of.

I don’t know what 2011 will hold for my family or for yours, but I do know that each day of this year is a gift. I want to be intentional with each day that the Lord gives me. And I can be confident that whatever this year brings, I can trust Him. He is trustworthy.

I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands.
Psalm 31:14-15
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  • Chelsy - What a beautiful post. I needed to hear this today. Trusting in Him and letting go of things I cannot control is proving very challenging for me these days.ReplyCancel

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  • Sadie - Amazing post. Well said. I hope this year brings many joys for you. God can do so much. I am new to your blog (been reading it for about 2months) and I truly enjoy reading it and hearing you discuss God. God is so big and so great.ReplyCancel

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  • Sue - Beautifully written. I have chill bumps.ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - God bless you guys, Jess. You’re in my prayers daily.
    Thank you for keeping this blog and taking us on a glimpse of your journey with you.ReplyCancel

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  • Mandi - That was such a beautiful, heartfelt post. I pray that God will bless you immensely in 2011. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - Beautiful, Jess. I’m continually amazed, encouraged, and challenged when I see your faithfulness and God’s plan for you, joel, levi, and cora. I pray God’s richest blessings for you all this new year and thank God for you. Cora has impacted so many people and will be remembered…even as time ticks on. The ripples will continue for many, many years.ReplyCancel

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  • Diane - I don’t normally comment but I love reading your blog everyday. Not only for the adorable pictures of the cutest baby boy but for the sharing of what is going on in your life and your heart. You always get me thinking or at least smiling. You are a blessing. Everyday. And I just wanted to thank you for that.ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - Thanks for sharing your heart. This post was a blessing to me as there has been much loss and loss my family knows is coming without a miracle. “Holding loosely to the things that belong to God” is a perfect phrase for this time in my life. I think it’s going up on my bathroom mirror. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Ruth Abel - I want to second what everyone else has already said. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Your example is a challenging one, and your testimony is an encouragement. God bless you!ReplyCancel

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  • Bev - WOW, what an absolutely beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness and the power of His love through the greatest heartache in the world! Thank you so much for sharing and God bless you for your strong testimony of faithReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - wise woman.
    love reading your thoughts jess.ReplyCancel

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  • Tiffany - very moving. thank you for this message. it’s one that i really needed to hear today.ReplyCancel

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  • lauren haddox - jess, you are an amazing individual!!! thank you for sharing with us! i continue to pray for your sweet family.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - wow this is so beautiful. i love reading your blog, you’re so honest. your faith in God is unbelievable, may He bless all your family.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your heart and encouraging others in the process!!ReplyCancel

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  • Marla Taviano - This is just beautiful, Jess. My heart aches for you and yet rejoices as God heals your hearts bit by bit. I, too, can’t wait to meet Cora in heaven!ReplyCancel

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  • A Family of Love - Beautiful! I needed to hear this today! I am always encouraged by your posts. Thank You!ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - Love you, Jess!ReplyCancel

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  • Trisha Larson - I can relate…to it all. Except I am one year ahead on the grief cycle.

    You are not alone!

    Hugs,
    TrishaReplyCancel

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  • Kylie and crew. - Jess….those are beautiful words. Your dependence on Jesus is powerful. I love your grace and humility. I know that Jesus is so blessed by you and your heart. You truly are amazing.ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - Oh, thank you for putting my journey into words: grief followed by letting go. How do people walk this journey without the love and comfort of God? I have no idea.
    You inspire me with your honesty, bravery and faith that God is/will be enough.ReplyCancel

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  • AshleyAnn - You have gift for writing…your blog is real, inspiring, and has Jesus all over it.ReplyCancel

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  • Isaac and Mommy - Beautiful words. They melted into my heart and lifted my soul. Thank you for having the courage to write them.ReplyCancel

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  • Elisabeth - As usual you’ve brought me to tears. My son went to heaven in 2009 too. You’ve been such a help for me I can’t even tell you. I am so very thankful for your blog.

    I wish I could go back and have a different OB so that my son would’ve had a chance of being born alive.

    We can’t wait to one day be parents again.

    The book of hope has been such a comfort. I recommended it to a blogging friend who lost two of her kids in an accident and I am so happy to say she loves it.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Jess you amaze me. I read you blog and check often for a new posts with snapshots of your life and what you have to say. I pray and think of you often. I cant imagine what I would do if I were dealing with what you have dealt with. I just wanted to share that Cora can still be with you in your family photos, or at least in some of them. Just bring a framed picture of her with you. I came across a friend from high school I lost touch with who lost her daughter at the age of 3. they always have her picture with them in her pictures. I was heart warming to see the pictures of her kids holding the picture of her. She will always be a part of their family even though she isn’t with them anymore, as will Cora be a part of yours. Hugs!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Dear Jess

    What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing it.

    I am the Mum of a gorgeous daughter. And she has multiple disabilties. And although she looks ‘normal’ she has many, many health and behavioural issues. And although she is only 7, it is getting to the stage that we are finding daily life a major challenge.

    I often think about the hopes and dreams we had for her. Whilst I carried her, whilst she was a baby and up until the time of her diagnosis at age 2. And life seemed so simple then but now it is anything but simple.

    I know God has a plan. I know God sent her to us for a reason. I try so hard to be the Mum HE would want me to be. And I know what you mean about forever letting go.

    You inspire me enormously. Thank you.ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Jess, I love this post. I love all your posts, really, but when you write about navigating through the joy and the grief…oh it’s like you put into words how I feel. I am thankful for your words, your heart and your willingness to share.ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - May God continue to richly bless your beautiful family. Thank you for continuing to share your heart.

    xo*triciaReplyCancel

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  • Jane's In The Jungle - Thank you for this Jess. I needed to hear it.ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - Jess,

    Once again I am sitting here with tears in my eyes, you are sooooo STRONG! BLess you ALWAYS and thank you again for reminding me that no matter what we endure He is there for us and we can trust in him.

    Thanks for the card the pictures were ADORABLE!

    Love to you all!

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  • The Mershawn's - When I read your title to this post, it felt heavy. How do you let go? But, you are so right. Really that’s what our lives are about. Letting go. Nothing here BELONGS to us. It’s all a gift that can be taken away. He gives & takes away. What matters is trust. Trust in a God who never fails. Letting go is so hard in most areas of life, however I can I would think you’re living one of the hardest. Thanks for sharing that. Gave me new perspective as I let go of 2010 myself. Everyday is such a gift. Thanks for reminding us all of that…ReplyCancel

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  • Jenni Lynn - Thank you for writing this…. It has been an honor to read about your journey, even now as it continues. Your words, and strength in Christ have been a great example! Little did I know that many of your words would be so encouraging for my family as we are now walking through a sudden tragedy. Thank youReplyCancel

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  • Mikaela - Amazing. You always say it so well. I don’t know you but I have followed your blog since Cora has gone to be with Jesus (so I feel like I know you :O)) I can honestly say weekly, if not daily, Cora and your family pop in my head. I will remember her and forever be changed by her story for my lifetime. I’m thankful that you have chosen to live your journey in the “public eye”. I know the journey doesn’t always look or feel wonderful but you have so humbly and kindly shined the greatness of Jesus through it all. I am a better mom, wife, sister, friend and daughter because of your story. Keep shining your light for all to see. God is using you. I’m proud of you for pressing in to Him.ReplyCancel

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We spent New Years Day celebrating Christmas with my side of the family.
We went over in the morning for breakfast and got spoiled with so many presents.
 My mom made the mistake of letting the boys open these FIRST. It was like a repeat of last year with the foam bats. Once the Nerf guns came out, all present opening stopped.
 Certain people started running around the house and hiding. No one was safe.
 Levi even tried to help out. He was crawling around collecting all the darts.
 Owen was at a slight disadvantage with his torn ACL. Poor guy. There is no mercy in this family.
I had to sit by these two. Let’s just say I was watching my back.
 Finally Ellie stood up and tried to put a stop to the shooting. She said it was time to open more presents. We went back to present opening, but I am pretty sure the shooting never stopped…for the ENTIRE day.
 We also celebrated my grandpa’s birthday. Happy birthday grandpa!

 We had to keep the boys happy with graham crackers. It works every time.
 I don’t know what is happening in this picture. It looks like Tripp is in trouble, but I don’t think he was. He is looking so seriously at his dad in that goofy hat. Funny.

My sister got an old-school trapper keeper. Did you have one of these? I did in junior high. She was so excited. She is a major couponer and she is going to use it for coupons. So, if you see her in the store with that huge pink binder, don’t bother her. She is serious about her coupons!
Levi got some great wooden blocks. So fun.
There were lots of cousin hugs throughout the day. Levi isn’t so sure about them yet.
We tried so hard to get a cousin picture.
This is the best we could do.
And they were done.
What a wonderful Christmas we had. We are truly blessed. And what a gift to be able to celebrate with Levi this year. There were lots of memories made and now we are ready for a new year!
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  • Sarah - Yay! I am the first to leave a comment! I just want to say that seeing pictures of cutie pie Levi gives me baby fever! Love the pix and Happy New Year to you!ReplyCancel

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  • GabbyRM - Looks like a great day. Love the Trapper Keeper!ReplyCancel

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  • Erin Tagle - What a TRULY FABULOUSLY FUN way to ring in the New Year!ReplyCancel

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  • thesavingmomparents - Looks like you guys had so much fun! Please tell me where you got that adorable blue sweater Levi is wearing. I want one so bad for my blue eyed babes. I am always on the hunt for that shade of blue.
    Thanks ~JessicaReplyCancel

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  • Mindee@ourfrontdoor - Your parents home is just beautiful.

    I had to take a good, long look at that hat. It looks like real hair!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Your family is beautiful, loved looking at all the pictures.

    I want to hear how the binder goes for your sister… I’m a major couponer too. very serious business. I use envelopes for now. I just don’t know if I can do the whole carry around a binder thing… maybe I’m not serious enough 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Merrill - I love the very first picture of Levi. What a great picture!! Sound like you all had lots of fun, foam darts and all!ReplyCancel

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  • songskatesang - OH, Levi looks so cute in his sweater in front of the tree! Happy new year!ReplyCancel

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  • Betsy - Happy New Year! Levi is getting so big, love the first pic with his blue sweater!! I do have a question…what kind of camera do you own, all your pictures are so PERFECT! Please let me know, I’m looking to buy a new one and would love some advice. Thank you!
    You are truly blessed!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - hahaha! The nerf gun play made me LOL!!! I love it.
    Looks like you guys had a wonderful Christmas celebration!

    So what do you do on Christmas Day? do you each celebrate just with your own family? I like this idea of a New Year’s celebration.ReplyCancel

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  • Melinda - Your family looks like so much fun! Love the Broncos hat – my husband is a huge fan, I may have to find him one 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - So cute!

    Drew got 4 of those nerf guns for his birthday in December. Yeah, it’s a full war over here.
    By the way, if you get the ones with the suction cup darts, you can draw a bulls eye on a window with dry erase marker. Fun indoors in the middle of winter!

    Can’t wait to see the photos Ian took at Levi’s birthday. He is so good.ReplyCancel

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  • Marianne - Better late than never, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    p.s. You two make beautiful babies!ReplyCancel

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  • Miss G - Fun! I have that same wooden snowflake ornament over Levi’s head in the first picture. I love it. I also really like the polka dot wrapping paper. Looks like y’all had a wild and crazy, fun time! KellyReplyCancel

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  • NicXOXO - Looks like fun! We have tons (and I do mean tons) of Nerf guns and bullets and have frequent wars. The smallest kids are the arms dealers just like Levi! For the non-mobile in our group, we let them set up a fort of sorts so they have some protection and the little arms dealers bring them the bullets they find on the floor. So many memories!ReplyCancel

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Wow. 
It is hard to believe that today I can say I have a one year old.
Yesterday was Levi’s birthday.
His big day brought a lot of emotions with it,
but I can’t tell you how special it was to celebrate my sweet boy’s life.
What a gift.
Our friend Ian took pictures of Levi eating his cake and opening presents.
Here is a little peek.
I’ll post more pictures and details from the party soon.
Last night Joel and I got all his vehicles and tractors out of the boxes for him.
Our little man was very spoiled yesterday.
When he woke up they were all lined up on the coffee table.
He was pretty excited.
Today we are going to spend lots of time playing and relaxing.
It has been a crazy few weeks and we are tired!
I have so much still to post…
New Years Day (our last Christmas)
Levi’s birthday
and some goals I have for the New Year.
How is it 2011 already?
Happy New Year (just a little late!)
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  • Carla - First to leave a comment, go me 🙂
    Happy Birthday little Levi, we were thinking of you yesterday all the way over here in Ireland as we celebrated our little girl’s birthday. Hope you enjoyed your cake and have lots of fun with your tractors!ReplyCancel

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  • JESSICA - Happy Birthday, Levi! I’m glad you got spoiled, little man – you deserve it. My middle son celebrated his third birthday yesterday. Happy New Year!ReplyCancel

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  • songskatesang - Happy Birthday, Levi!ReplyCancel

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  • Cristin - Happy Birthday, Levi!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • kelli - looks like an amazing party to celebrate a pretty amazing little guy!ReplyCancel

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  • amanda - Happy Birthday Levi! I am so thankful you could celebrate him with your friends and family.ReplyCancel

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  • GabbyRM - Happy birthday to the little guy and happy new year to your family!ReplyCancel

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  • Peyton's Pages - Happy birthday, Levi! Can’t wait to see pictures of the party. He is such a handsome little guy! Blessings to you and your family this year!ReplyCancel

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  • Heather at Blessed Little Nest - happy new year to you and your family,
    and a big happy birthday to your sweet boy!
    xoxo-
    heatherReplyCancel

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  • The Pepper. - How sweet, it looks like he is enjoying all of his new toys:)
    I don’t know how were going to do it (with space) once Adrienne’s birthday is in march since she already has so many toys from Christmas!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - Happy Birthday, Levi!!!

    I knew this post was going to be emotional to read. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Levi’s 1st, but also feeling sad and torn at the same time {and I do feel bad for that}.

    These pictures look SO good! I love the one of you guys with him at the high chair – so adorable.

    Happy 1 year to you all!!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Happy Birthday Levi! What a special day yesterday must have been!
    Thinking of you in Florida!
    Krista
    aka babykatesmomReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - Happy Birthday to squishy Levi!!

    On the day he was born, the angels (and Cora) sang!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda @ DAES of Our Lives - Happy Birthday Levi! I can’t wait to see more pictures!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Happy Birthday Levi!!! Have fun with all those fun tractors!;)ReplyCancel

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  • Sadie - Can’t wait to see the photos! Happy Birthday Sweet Levi! Looks like an amazing day!ReplyCancel

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  • Brad, Kara, & Braden Janzen - I thought of you several times yesterday! Looks like you had a great day. Can’t wait to see some more pics! Give Levi a hug and wish him happy birthday from the Janzen family!ReplyCancel

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  • Melinda - Happy Birthday Levi! And Happy New Year to the family 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Jenny - I’ve been following your blog for awhile and I just had to say Happy Birthday to Levi! I’m praying 2011 brings your family much joy! Your sweet family deserves it!ReplyCancel

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  • Country Roads - Happy Birthday to Levi!

    He is going to have SOOO much fun playing with those farm toys!!ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - Happy Birthday, Levi. You look good in John Deere green!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - Happy, happy birthday sweet Levi!
    Special blessings to mommy and daddy as well. This was a very special day for them too.

    xo*triciaReplyCancel

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  • Auntie Mip - God bless your beautiful little Levi! God bless your beautiful little family! God love your beautiful little Cora!!!

    Jess you have such a wonderful spirit about you. You write so often of God’s grace and on this the day you get to say you have a one year old little boy, I just wanted to acknowledge the Grace of God I see in your beautiful spirit. Coming to your blog and reading your carefully chosen and poetic words is a respite from my day. I am so happy for you today.

    God bless you!ReplyCancel

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  • Sue - I’ve been away from my computer for a few weeks, so just catching up on all your blogging now. Seems like so much has been happening!! Happy birthday to little Levi, I can’t believe it’s been a year already – wow.

    Wishing you a very happy, blessed 2011!

    Sue xReplyCancel

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  • Erin - My 10 1/2 month old has those same pj’s Levi is wearing in the pic. So cute!

    Random question, what kind of a camera do you use? Your pictures are always SO great! I’m horrible at taking pictures…my son always moves so much, he ends up blurry all the time!ReplyCancel

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  • Polka Dot Moon - Happy Birthday sweet Levi!ReplyCancel

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