The Macs » Blog

I have a new best friend.
I know it might come as a surprise to you…
especially if you are already one of my sweet friends.
Don’t worry, I am not replacing you.
This best friend is just for the kitchen.
After eight long years {just kidding, it really hasn’t been THAT bad},
my hubby and sweet son bought me the BEST gift ever.
I now spend a lot less time in the kitchen
and I see the tops of my counters much more frequently.
That is why we have become best friends.
Are you jumping up and down now like I was?
Yep, this is my FIRST dishwasher.
It has been beyond amazing.
I had no idea what I was missing out on.
Joel and I used to always joke about wishing 
that the “dish fairy” would come to our house while we were sleeping.
And now it is like she REALLY does come to our house.
With the push of a button, I wake up to clean dishes.
Awesome.
* * * * * * * * * *
Besides the change in our kitchen,
another change is coming my way this weekend.
I will tell you all about it on Monday.
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  • Miranda Young - Super exciting!!! I KNOW it will be my best friend too when we finally put one in our kitchen too!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sharon - They are great! It’s one friend you won’t want to be without again! LOLReplyCancel

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  • Kathryn - We got our first one about 18 months ago. Maytag. It is a great machine. Except, we’ve just learned it has been recalled due to a problem in the wiring that has started house fires. !!!

    Be sure to send the card in so they can notify you if something like this comes up.

    Enjoy your new labor saving device. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Heather at Blessed Little Nest - not only does it do your dishes, but it looks really pretty, too! love that gumball machine!ReplyCancel

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  • { J } - I grew up with one in my parents’ house and never gave it a second thought. Until I lived in a house with a teeny tiny kitchen and no dishwasher. I felt like I spent half my life washing dishes and towel-drying them. Now I never take one for granted! They say appliances aren’t properly romantic gifts, but clearly it makes your life easier and was incredibly thoughtful. Good job, Joel & Levi.ReplyCancel

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  • Erica - congrats! dishwashers are the best! now if they can make machines to put the dishes away after they are clean, i would be a happy lady 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - I LOVE it!! Congrats to you 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - Oh man. Pretty sure I was a little nervous about this post. THEN, I realized…it truly was you VERY BEST friend…and I have no jealousy WHATSOEVER about it. SOOO happy for you! Can’t believe you have made it all these years. And I LOVE the counter above it 🙂 I don’t think I have EVER seen it without the dish rack! You did make me nervous again on more changes though. (heehee) Can your best friend from Colorado still come to see you soon? 🙂 Love and hugs!ReplyCancel

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  • Erica - Congratulations! I dream about a dishwasher every day, unfortunately they are hard to find in our city and extremely expensive, so it will be a long time before we ever get one. I will say the entire time we were in the states I rarely washed dishes, it was beautiful and was always thankful, to be able to load up those dirty dishes and press start.ReplyCancel

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  • Carla - I hear ya. We installed one in our kitchen when the house was being built but I always felt too guilty using it when it was just the two of us. Now that we are four, it gets alot of use!! I still get a thrill loading it up and pressing on. Instant clean worktops 🙂 Love your gumball machine…I thought thats what you were talking about initially 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • L ~ S - I am waiting for my best friend to show up! It was promised with our move…we had a few other priorities, so I agreed that if it came in 2-3 months, I will still be happy. The gumball machine is adorable…ReplyCancel

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  • Florida Blog Chick - Yay! I love it. Very nice. Congrats hon!ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - Oh, happy day! Women across America are rejoicing with and for you!ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - Jess, you’re crazy! I can’t believe you didn’t have one.

    You know who else didn’t have one for years? Cristy H. at church. With all those kids, she did the dishes by hand!!

    (Yes Cristy, if you read this I’m talking about you…)

    That is my one demand in a home. It MUST have a dishwasher.ReplyCancel

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  • Rach - NICE!!ReplyCancel

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  • Debbie S. - We just recently put in a dishwasher too…it’s made such a difference in my life!!! My kids used to call us the “paper people” because I would only let them eat off of paper plates and use plastic utensils..nothing that needed washed!! Enjoy!ReplyCancel

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  • Laura - I can totally relate. I had been married 8 years before living some where that had a dishwasher. I HATE washing dishes and was SO excited when moved to a place that had one. Can’t imagine going back. I love mine too! Congrats!ReplyCancel

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  • Erin - Oh man, I’m jealous! Congrats on your new best friend. Someday I hope to be blessed with just such a new best friend myself 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - Dishwashers are amazing, aren’t they? We got our first one about 6 years ago. Three houses and two states later, I don’t think that I could Survive without it. Seriously. Enjoy! Ooh, and can’t wait for the news.

    XO*TriciaReplyCancel

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  • Monica - That is awesome!!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - seriously, I think you need to put that gumball machine behind closed doors – at least when my kids come over, ok? Otherwise you are going to seem way cooler than me because you let them have gumballs whenever they want.ReplyCancel

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  • The Mershawn's - Yep. They’re nice. Especially if you have the kind that really does clean your dishes, without you having to clean them first;)….and if it’s quiet enough to run with you in the same room without you losing your mind…then you’ve definitely got yourself a winner! But, I’d still take my little ol’ goofy dishwasher over none at all any day!!!

    Yay for Happy Birthday’s!ReplyCancel

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  • Karina - The house I’m in has my first dishwasher too (it has been three years now), so I can very much relate. Yay for the dish fairy!!

    What came your way this weekend…? Can’t wait to find out…ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Here’s a WOOT WOOT for your new dishwasher! I’ve had my new one for about a year and four months and man, it truly is a beautiful thing..it’s running right now as I type! Can’t wait to hear your news! Many continued blessings to you all cause I just love you and your sweet family!ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - oh you poor thing?!!
    you never had a dishwasher?

    i am SO HAPPY for you!

    you looked SO CUTE at church today!ReplyCancel

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  • Mindee@ourfrontdoor - I went without one for six months once and the JOY when I finally got a new dishwasher was immense. I can imagine yours is even greater for having gone without for so long. Congrats.ReplyCancel

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  • Megs - Getting excited for a practical gift like this is when I “officially” knew I was an adult. For a combined Christmas and Birthday gift (they are days apart) my parents got me a Dyson Animal Vac, it has been/is one of my favorite gifts ever!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - Oh, girl… a whole new world awaits you, haha!!!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Keshka - Can’t wait to hear the news–and congrats on the dishwasher! I also resisted for a long time, but now I don’;t know what was taking me so long!ReplyCancel

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  • in a world surrounded by men - I read your blog all the time, but don’t comment often. But, when I saw that you have stainless steel appliances (congrats on the dishwasher, btw), I had to share this new cleaning tip that will save you much frustration and money.

    Don’t buy those expensive stainless steel cleaners. BABY OIL is the best cleaner for stainless steel. I couldn’t get grease spots off my stove and all the dumb cleaners didn’t work. Found that baby oil cleans and leaves them shiny without streaks. A little oil on a dry cloth and if you get too much on, then wipe with a dry cloth.

    Now Levi can touch them all he wants!ReplyCancel

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Yesterday Levi and I went out to pick corn.
We weren’t picking sweet corn from the garden this time.
This was serious corn picking.
And I’m pretty sure it might have been Levi’s best day ever.
Every time Levi sees his dad his arms start pumping up and down wildly.
It is pretty funny.
But when he saw his dad AND this huge combine he was REALLY excited.
It must be a boy thing.
He sat on the floor of the cab and checked everything out.
He really liked looking out the window.
I think we left a few finger prints behind too.
When we were dumping the corn, Levi got to drive.
This was his favorite part.
He tried to touch EVERYTHING.
Seriously, this child never stops moving.
And he doesn’t stop talking very often either.
I think he might talk as much as his dad.
Levi didn’t like sitting with me quite as much.
He kept lunging across the seat to touch all the controls.
He really wanted to drive.
There is nothing better than an evening of combining with dad.
Can you feel the excitement?
Posted in: family , farming , levi
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  • Morgan Paige - so sweet!ReplyCancel

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  • Andrea - WOW. He is such a sweet looking baby, and already a wee farmer too!ReplyCancel

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  • Todd and Courtney - oh my how sweet. He looks so much like Cora to me. The pictures of him driving to drive are so cute.ReplyCancel

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  • Wendy - We love corn 🙂

    But love that smile more!ReplyCancel

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  • Erica - oh. my. gosh. this is SO cute!! levi is a doll & my boys would be just as excited to ride on a combine too!ReplyCancel

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  • Erica - What a sweet picture of him and Joel. How fun that Joel’s already teaching him the ropes.ReplyCancel

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  • Florida Blog Chick - Oh how cute!!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - Super duper cute photos. Michel just asked me yesterday if you all had harvested yet. This would be harvesting, right? Hahaha. (Aren’t you impressed with my farm knowledge?)
    Hunter is going to think these pictures are awesome. He might suffer from a tiny bit of jealousy though!

    I have a feeling Levi might share a certain love of tractors (John Deere, of course) with his daddy. Gotta love the genuine smile -and sheer happiness- on both he & Joel’s faces!

    Levi just keeps getting cuter and cuter and cuter!ReplyCancel

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  • Melinda - How sweet! He is such an adorable, happy little boy. Looking at his pictures, you can’t help but smile along with him 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - Seriously, Jess, sweet Levi is just adorable! His face is so full of joy.

    Hope yall are doing well!ReplyCancel

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  • Maureen - Love that last picture! What kind of camera do you have?ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I just LOVE these pictures!!! His chunky little hands on the window are sooo cute!! I can just about imagine the amazement on his face, too!! Looks like you’ve go another farmer in the family!! He’s such a handsome little guy!!ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - He is so cute! Your pictures in this post are so precious!!ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - You and Levi are adorable together. I LOVE the picture of him with his Daddy and yes I could feel the excitement just by looking at it.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - You clearly have a B O Y!ReplyCancel

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  • Debbie - It really is a boy thing! We live in the city. But my brother-in-law is a farmer down south (independence). Every time we go see them (my family), all my son wants to do is go look at the combines/tractors! It is too funny!ReplyCancel

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  • Tara - sweetest.post.ever!ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - I love that last picture. Oh, my word! The stiff little arms crack me up.

    I remember combining with my Papaw and it was so much fun. Your boys look like they are having the time of their lives.ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - Too CUTE!!!!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • E Truitt - My goodness! He is SO adorable! Great pictures too.ReplyCancel

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  • Natalie at Our Old Southern House - you should frame that last one–too cute!!ReplyCancel

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  • Rach - Little farmer in the making!ReplyCancel

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  • Sheryl - He is too cute! You really can see the excitement and almost hear the baby talk in the pic with him and Joel.ReplyCancel

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  • Leah - Oh my goodness, that last one with Joel is so precious 🙂 Levi looks so proud to be sitting with his daddy.ReplyCancel

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  • Sheila - Precious and Priceless. Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Love the chubby little hands and the crease around the wrist!ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - he is so big!

    i think joel may need to take annie out there!
    she would LOVE that.

    🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Jen - He is just one of THE CUTEST babies I have ever seen!! THANK YOU for sharing his sweet little face with us! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Mershawn's - He’s SO fun:). My baby boy is never still either…sometimes I get a little concerned…hehe. But man, are they cute!ReplyCancel

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  • lauren haddox - this is something most little boys only get to dream about…BIG tractors! how much fun! and what is it about boys with their daddy’s…my little one does the same thing when my husband walks in the door!ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - My baby (3) is STILL talking about the time he got to ride in the “tombine”.

    And now his entire bedroom is being decorated in John Deere. 😉

    Levi is so yummy!! He’s getting cuter by the day.ReplyCancel

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  • Bridget - How adorable is your baby boy!?!? It’s just too much! He looks so much like his daddy and so happy! My boys don’t sit still either–they’ve got ants in their pants. 🙂 You’re already harvesting corn? We’re probably a few weeks behind you up here. It’s been so wet that it’s too soon yet but the boys love to help combine and look forward to the day when they drive the truck to the elevator! My husband’s family still farms and we help out at harvest. It’s a great time, busy, but great!ReplyCancel

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  • jennifer - He is just TOO cute!!! And all boy, from what it sounds like!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - so adorable! I love his “little man” shorts too 🙂
    You’re in danger of making me WANT to move out to the country!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Love Love Love the pictures…You can almost feel the excitement on Levi’s face..

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Awwww….fabulous photos, sure looks like he had a great time! Happy weekend beautiful family!ReplyCancel

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  • Joy - The pic of you and Levi is the best!! I hope you frame it 🙂 I seriously can’t imagine how fun “combining with dad” is!! Loved this post 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Karen - hey there – could you do a post about how that combining thing works – for us city folk who dont know a thing about it? I think its incredible – that photo of all the corn spilling out – but I have NO IDEA how it all works – maybe you could show us…ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Oh lord, he is the sweetest thing ever!! I love his chubbiness!! What a doll!

    TressaReplyCancel

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  • Melissa - My sisters and I spent our summers on our Aunt & Uncle’s farm and these pictures bring back such memories! I have an 8 month old who is always on the move~ it is so fun to see them experience things for the first time! Love your blog 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Levi is just too much cuteness!!!! LOVE,LOVE, LOVE the last photo!!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Vera - These pictures are SO adorable!!ReplyCancel

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  • Country Roads - Seriously LOVE this post. My kids always looked forward to rides in the combine with their Dad and this brought back so many memories. You can tell Levi was loving EVERY minute!!

    Corn harvesting is my favorite season on the farm. Big days with a wonderful sense of accomplishment. However, you are way ahead of us. In SE NE, our harvest doesn’t typically start intil the end of September. You’ve really got me looking forward to it now!!ReplyCancel

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  • Patricia - OH MY GOSH ! He has to be the cutest baby on the planet !!!ReplyCancel

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  • Krystal - You can totally see the excitement in that last picture! LOVE IT!ReplyCancel

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A few weeks ago the fantastic Megan took Levi’s six month pictures.
Levi was a grinning fool.
Apparently, he loves the camera.
He is kind of a cheese ball like that.
I was so excited to get his pictures back yesterday.
I LOVE them all.
Here is a sneak peek for you:
I saved a few of my very favorites to maybe use for our Christmas card this year.
Now I just need to print some and put them on the walls.
Thank you Megan.
They are awesome like usual.
You did a great job capturing our chubby little guy’s personality.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Levi and I braved the heat this morning and went running.
I am about up to two miles now without stopping.
Yeah!
I still have a ways to go though.
I am thinking that today I am going to go off of pop.
I know I shouldn’t be drinking it anyway with Levi,
but if we are being honest…I do.
I don’t eat a ton of sugar, but pop is definitely a weakness for me.
Especially Dr. Pepper and Cherry Coke.
So, no pop until the race.
I figured if I wrote it on here you all would keep me accountable.
My husband is not a good “no drinking pop” accountability partner.
He likes it as much as I do. :o)
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  • Rach - What a handsome little man!ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - Dang he IS cute! He looks like so much fun, so smilely.ReplyCancel

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  • Ginger - Your son is a cutie! The pictures are beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Hey is yummilicious!!! I see you always wear the two silver bracelets. Do they have significant meaning? I LOVE pop too. Especially the burn of a ice cold Coke going down the throat. I’ve heard after a few weeks you don’t miss it but I haven’t made it that long to see!ReplyCancel

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  • { J } - So handsome! Love his outfits, too – looks like such a mini-dude. Good luck on kicking the “pop” (it’s “soda” where I’m from!) habit. I used to drink way too much Dr. Pepper, but I went cold-turkey a while ago and haven’t looked back since. Every now and then I try one, and I can’t even finish it…too syrupy sweet now. Don’t they say it takes 21 days to change a habit? You can definitely train your taste buds and cravings along with training for the run 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Brooke - I am running too and am on day 5 of no soda and it is hard. You can do it!!!! Levi is so adorable!!! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
    BrookeReplyCancel

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  • susy - He is adorable. I love the one he is sitting on the bench and you two behind him. God bless you all.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Love the pics! Can’t beleive that there are “better” ones 🙂
    Good luck on your running and giving up your “pop”…I live for my diet pepsi…

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Erin - I rarely comment, but couldn’t go without telling you that I LOVE the one of your guys on the bench! So precious!! And it took me a second to figure out what you were saying when you said you were “going off of pop,” since I live in Texas, the Land of Coke. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - love the pictures! He is so funny and so dang cute.

    Why didn’t you ask me to be your accountability partner for not drinking pop? Surely I’d make a good one, don’t you think?

    Actually maybe I should join you in your challenge – and maybe you should call me every hour to check in.ReplyCancel

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  • Rich and Carolyn Dewey - Great photos! You are all so photogenic and Levi “drips” personality!
    Blessings!ReplyCancel

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  • Trish - LOVE… you all are so photogenic!

    I’m in the same boat as you… love me some Dr. Pepper!ReplyCancel

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  • Natalie - He is great! I absolutley love him. I have been reading your blog for a year now and this is my first comment. I always am excited to read something new from you!ReplyCancel

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  • Bridget - He is SO cute! He seems so happy and wonderful. What a great looking family you have!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - Oh my goodness, I love them all! The last one is probably my favorite though! He looks so darn excited!!ReplyCancel

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  • capperson - He is sooo cute!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sharon - He is just beautiful! Happy belated Birthday to you!ReplyCancel

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  • Jane's In The Jungle - He is so adorable!!! Great family picture, the best!ReplyCancel

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  • k and c's mom - Your friend should win some kind of award for those pictures. HOW CUTE! The first one is like someone photoshopped your husband’s head on Levi’s body–they look so much alike. The family picture on the bench just steals your heart. WOW! Thanks for sharing all this joy!ReplyCancel

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  • Kathryn - He looks so much like his daddy. 🙂

    His eyes are the shape of yours, tho.

    Happy, happy pics.ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - Oh my word I can’t wait to see your favorite photos that you held back after seeing the awesome ones you put up for us to see on the blog. I am in love with his big smile!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Perfect Trio - good luck with the no soda drinking…i am so weak! i love my soda. mr. pibb, dr. pepper, moutain dew, all my faves!

    mr levi is just as cute as ever!!!ReplyCancel

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  • AshleyAnn - Totally jealous Megan got to photograph him…I WANT TO!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Bec - I’m attempting to quit drinking pop too! I’m switching from Dr. Pepper to Barq’s to cut back on the caffeine first. Then I switch to only drinking half the can until I don’t need it anymore. My husband is a big pop drinker so he isn’t much help either 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - cute! especially the red door one.

    Something I’ve noticed with both Cora and Levi… they both have such emotion in their eyes. When they’re happy, they look like happiness is just bubbling out. When they’re sad, you can see and feel the sadness, by looking into their eyes. You have beautiful children, Jess!ReplyCancel

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  • The Bonjour Family! - precious pics!!ReplyCancel

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  • Carla - Great pics, I wish I lived near enough for Megan to photograph my kids, her pics are always something special. Of course, doesn’t hurt that Levi is a gorgeous little man 🙂

    Good luck with the pop kicking 🙂 I find sparkling water with fruit juice mixed in is a great alternative. We don’t call it pop here, just whatever the name of the brand is, the older generation call it “minerals” oddly enough 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - Love seeing your pictures. They are beautiful!

    And I’m proud of you for running. I know a pretty good friend you can hang out with who doesn’t drink pop, but the downside is that she eats TONS and TONS of sugar instead. You know, the 5 cupcake a day kinda girl. ha! Love you!ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - Oh my gosh…he needs to be a baby model. Couldn’t be any cuter 🙂 Great pictures!ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - SO cute. He knows how to work that camera!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Liberty Ruffles - It took me a minute to figure out what going off of pop meant. Ha!! Its a Coke! Or soda. SO funny!ReplyCancel

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  • Florida Blog Chick - He is absolutely gorgeous! What a happy boy. Great photos.ReplyCancel

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  • Enos Family - Your son is so adorable. I love keeping up on your life and am so happy to see you guys are doing well. Thanks for sharing!!ReplyCancel

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  • Vera - I told Meg when she posted it on her blog – that last picture is one of my all-time favorite pictures ever, it’s like you can just see the mommy and daddy love!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Tina - I love the pictures Jess. Thanks for sharing! He is so handsome…looks like your hubby. He looks similar to Cora as well. You can definitely tell they are brother and sister.

    I hope things continue to go well for you. It has been a long time since I last posted a comment on your page. Since then, I have had my own little miracle, Landon. He is a little over 2 weeks and I think he is going to be a very “healthy” baby like Levi. God is so good Jess.

    Take care!!!!

    TinaReplyCancel

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  • Lindsey - Your son is so beautiful! I just started following your blog. You’ve touched my heart so much and you seem like such a beautiful person yourself! Thank you for sharing your story.ReplyCancel

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  • Alaina - He is definitely his daddy’s boy!!!He looks just like Joel!ReplyCancel

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  • Courtney Mayfield - He is so stinkin’ cute! Where did you have the pics taken?
    Courtney MayfieldReplyCancel

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  • kareno - I have been reading your blog for a while and think Levi is the cutest baby. I saw him on Meg’s blog and had to show my 13 yo how cute he is. I just realized it was Levi when I saw your post.
    What a cutie!!! Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

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Hooray for the weekend!
There has been lots happening around here this week.
My birthday was on Wednesday.
It was a low-key day.
But that was okay with me.
I was thinking back to last year on my birthday…
how I didn’t even want to celebrate it.
I didn’t want to celebrate my birthday 
if Cora wasn’t here to celebrate hers.
It is still hard celebrating without her,
but this year I was so thankful to be spending the day with Levi.
Just doing normal everyday things
and enjoying every minute we had together.
Levi and Joel had flowers and a present 
waiting for me when I woke up.
And my family threw a little party for me too.
Those candles mark my entrance into the last year of my twenties.
We also celebrated my niece’s birthday 
and said goodbye to three siblings this week. 
It’s hard to believe that school is starting already. 
My brother and Joel’s sister left for college. 
Joel’s brother also went back home to China to teach English. 
All the goodbyes meant that we needed some 
family pictures while everyone was still around.

This is what happens when my family tries to take family pictures.
Nice pose boys.

Hope you have a relaxing, tree swinging kind of weekend.
* * * * * * * * * *
I am so excited that some of you are 
going to join us for the Run for Hope.
Yeah!
As I was trying to fix the logo on my last post
I accidently erased all the comments.
Just wanted you to know that I read them all!
Keep on running (or walking)…
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  • Annabel - Happy Birthday for Wednesday Jess! Hope that you enjoy your last year of being in your twenties! What an amazing age to be!

    That last picture of Levi is just soo cute! He’s truly beautiful!

    I’ve read your blog for about 18 months now and you’ve had me in laughter and in tears several times. I love reading your blog! It makes my day, your family are beautiful and I love finding out what you’ve all been up too. God bless you all! Much love xReplyCancel

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  • Cathy - Happy birthday! Levi is adorable.ReplyCancel

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  • mary - Wishing you a happy birthday. Love your blog and all the pics. Especially the one of the guys. Cute!!!

    It was nice visiting you. Have a blessed day.♥ReplyCancel

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  • Todd and Courtney - Happy Birthday! I’m sure Cora has a nice cupcake to eat for you in heaven 🙂 LOVE that last picture of Levi. He’s so sweet and cute!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - I cannot get over Levi’s most adorable smile! He is just one adorable boy. You have a beautiful family.
    I often look at your pictures and think *I bet Jess understands the joys of Motherhood more than most women do.* Sometimes I’m not sure we fully soak in and enjoy and cherish something until we realize what life is like without it 🙁

    I’m glad you had Mr. Levi to help you guys celebrate your birthday this year! (Happy Birthday!)ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - Happy Birthday! You have such a beautiful family!!ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - Happy belated birthday! It’s the last year of my twenties too and I am celebrating it!

    Levi is precious. I just love his big smiles.ReplyCancel

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  • Brooke King - Super cute picture of Levi clapping. Happy Birthday! I just turned 30 this year, and it’s really not that bad… 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Townsend Crew - Absolutely Bee-U-tiful picture of you, Jess, with your boys on your birthday! Hard to believe a gal with so few years on her body has so much heart and wisdom in her soul! Thank you for continually sharing your gifts with us! I’m strapping on my shoes and my new Couch to 5K (c25k) iphone app and getting running. Remind me if there is somewhere to send my donation. I’m sure you’ll have more posts as the day gets closer.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Happy Late birthday. Been reading your blog for awhile and love it. Somedays I cry, somedays I laugh and somedays I do both..lol
    Let me tell you Cora just jumped thru the screen and stole my heart and so does PRECIOUS, HANDSOME Levi…WOW, you make fabulous kids!!!!!!! Keep sharing 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Karina - A happy belated birthday to you, Jess! You are beautiful.ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - Hope you had a blessed birthday week. After my husband and I lost our son Leyton (a week before our due date), a close friend shared your blog with me. I have truly enjoyed reading how the Lord has been working in your family’s life. Quick question, where did you get the blanket Levi is laying on on the right side of your blog? I’m guessing you’re going to say you or someone made it for you but it is so beautiful. I love it!ReplyCancel

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  • Miss G - cupcakes for birthdays are always a wonderful thing! Happy Birthday!!! Kelly

    p.s. turning 30 was one of my most favorite birthdays so enjoy this year in your twenties but know 30 is really fun too. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren - Aw, so glad you had a sweet birthday!!! Wonderful pics 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - You share a birthday with my boy, Sawyer, who turned 2 Wednesday. Enjoy your 20s. I’m now knocking on the door of 31. 🙂 Love, Love, L-O-V-E the outdoor BBQ. We live in South Alabama and I have a few oak trees in my front yard that I’d LOVE to decorate with outdoor lighting. And, my parents have LOTS of mason jars. We actually drink from them quite a bit. 🙂 I’ve been eyeing the lights from Target for a while now and after seeing your post from the birthday bash, I’m about to go and place my order. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - I love all of the family photos! happy birthday, Jess. I’m so glad that you had a happy day with your sweet family.

    With love and prayers,
    XO*TriciaReplyCancel

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  • erica - Happy birthday! I LOVE all of your pictures! You have such an eye for the perfect shot.
    I am excited about getting to personally meet you at the run!ReplyCancel

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  • Momma H - Your family looks like a blast, Jess! What fun. And that you are all serving Christ is a real plus.
    Hope your birthday was very blessed. Levi is definitely in that category!ReplyCancel

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  • Christina - I’m catching up a bit…but I just had to leave a comment. The “boys” picture made me laugh! It’s funny to know that they don’t outgrow that silliness. 🙂 My son and his cousin did a number on our efforts to take family pics last Thanksgiving, but we didn’t know it because we were all facing the camera (picture taken with timer), so they were up to their shenanigans and we couldn’t see them! Too funny.
    I am glad that you were able to have a good birthday!ReplyCancel

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I pulled out the running shoes again yesterday.
Thankfully it wasn’t five thousand degrees out like it has been.
The weather was so nice.
I have only run a few times since I ran a 5K back in April.
Oops.
I guess I need something to keep me motivated.
I have some new, very comfortable, running shoes 
thanks to the help of our friend Marc (he is a crazy good runner).
I found out that good running shoes make a BIG difference.
I also learned that you are not supposed to “slip” your shoes off.
Did you know that?
You are supposed to untie them and take them off.
If you slip them off it will break down the back of your shoe.
There is your running tip for the day (thanks Marc).
Guess who else is running?
Yep, even Joel is running now.
He really doesn’t like to run.
But I kind of guilted him into it.
I even used Cora to guilt him into running.
I know, it wasn’t very nice.
But how can he say no to doing something to remember sweet Cora?
He can’t.
That’s why he is running.
So why all this running?
The three of us (yes, even Levi) are going to be participating 
in the Run for Hope 5K to remember Cora.
I am really excited to do this as a family.
What is even more exciting is that you can join us too.
I would love to meet you and introduce you to Mr. Levi.
So, grab your running shoes and start training.
The whole family can come.
And if you are not a runner, that is okay.
You can walk too.
My family will be running to remember Cora.
You can run to honor or remember a loved one affected by cancer
or you can join us in remembering Cora.
After the race their will be a dinner and concert.
Andrew Peterson is coming to Grace!
I went to my first Andrew Peterson concert with Joel and Cora…
Cora was nine days old.
It was our first outing as a new family of three.
Such a good memory.
And the concert was amazing.
You have to come hear him!
Here is the schedule:
Run for Hope
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
Grace Community Church
Newton, KS
5pm – 5K walk/run
6pm – dinner
Luminaries to honor/remember loved ones
7:30pm – concert
Luminary walk
For more information or to register 
The early registration deadline is September 10th.
I am really excited about this event.
Cancer is awful.
And it has affected so many of us.
But we serve a God who offers us hope
even in the midst of suffering and tragedy.
I love the idea of extending hope to the community around us.
I love that this event will allow us to come together
and celebrate the hope that we have.
Okay, are you heading out the door to start training?
I hope to see lots of you there.
Leave a comment if you are going to join us.
See you September 18th!
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  • Anonymous - Happy, happy Birthday you sweet girl! I hope you had the best day!!! It sure was fun to see you this last weekend. I wish I would have thought to celebrate your big day then!
    I wish I could be at the race! We are going to Seattle that weekend and I couldn’t begin to keep up with Joel:)
    Give Levi a squeeze for me! He is my new favorite! I love that boys thighs!!!!
    Oh, and I’m still working on getting a projector. Don’t forget that you told me you would come help:)
    Happy Birthday!! AndiReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - This is the best idea! We participate in March of Dimes March for Babies every year in memory of our daughter Sarah! 2011 will be our 10th year. This year we had an extra team – Soldiers for Babies – my brother in law in Iraq created a team to help ours back home! AWESOME! We’ll be thinking of you on your day of running – it’s so hard to do, but so worth it! Bless you.

    Emily NewsomReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - How I wish that I could be there. I love that you guys are doing this as a family, in honor of Cora.

    With love and prayers,
    XO*TriciaReplyCancel

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  • Katie - I would love to take part in this if I lived closer…good luck with everything!ReplyCancel

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  • Miss G - Thank you for the running shoe tip! I always slip my shoes off. Oops. 🙂 This sounds like a great event. I’m very far away though in TX. KellyReplyCancel

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  • saucony - that makes me think for a bit, i like the idea and its concept..ReplyCancel

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