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Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

This year Mother’s Day was so special and so hard all at the same time.  We dedicated Levi at church on Sunday. Two years ago we were standing on that same stage dedicating Cora. Man, that was a scary thing to do again. It shouldn’t have been scary. Of course we wouldn’t want our Levi’s life in anyone else’s hands but the Lord’s. He loves Levi even more than we do. But as we have had to trust God with loosing our first sweet baby, I think we are tempted to just want to partially trust God with Levi. We are tempted to say, “Ok, God…we trust you with Levi’s life as long as you promise to keep him safe and healthy.” So, to stand on that stage and publicly dedicate Levi’s life to the Lord, choosing to fully trust God and to raise Levi with open hands, was hard. Why do we as parents try to hang on when we know that our children are much better off in the Lord’s hands than in our own? Why do we have a hard time trusting when we know our Heavenly Father loves us deeply and passionately? 
And standing next to all the other families dedicating their children…that was tough. We were the only ones up there with one child. All the other babies had their siblings standing up there with them. That was hard for me. I struggled to hold the tears. I wish little Cora could have been standing beside her brother on his special day. I wish we could have been together as a family. Someday…

This is what we wrote about Levi for the dedication…

Levi means “joined”. We love the meaning of this name as our family has felt everything but joined since Levi’s big sister Cora went to heaven. We know that even though our family will never seem complete here on earth we will one day be “joined” together again because of the hope we have in Christ.

Jerald is after Joel’s dad, Jerry.  Jerry is one of the kindest, God-fearing men we know. He is a hard worker, is dedicated to serving the Lord in both his occupation and his every day life, and has such a servant’s heart. Anyone who knows Joel’s dad would understand why we would also want our son to have this name.

We chose Malachi 2:4-6 for Levi. We are praying that Levi would grow up to be a man who walks in uprightness and who stands in awe of our Lord’s name.

Levi is such a blessing to us. He is a sweet little boy and has brought many smiles and lots of laughter to our house again. We realize more than ever that every day with Levi is a gift. Today, as we dedicate Levi to the Lord, we are praying that we would be faithful to raise him with open hands.

Levi wasn’t too excited about our Mother’s Day photo together. The poor little guy was so tired and he didn’t really want anything to do with pictures. 

And guess who else was dedicated with Levi? Sweet Miss Calla. Doesn’t she look great? What a sweetie-pie. After church we celebrated Levi and Calla with lunch at my parent’s house. It was so special to be surrounded by our friends and family. My mom is a rock-star and is the best hostess. I hope I am just like her someday. Thanks mom and dad for opening your home to all of us!

I kept forgetting to get a family picture. I knew we should have taken one at church, but I thought, “Oh well, we’ll just take one later”. By the end of the afternoon, Levi was so grouchy and Joel had already changed his clothes. This was the best we could do! Thanks for the pictures Ian!
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  • Trish - Bless your hearts. You are such an inspiration. Love, prayers, and hugs to you both…ReplyCancel

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  • All Doll(ed) Up - love the picture! it is precious! I need one for my fridge!ReplyCancel

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  • Marla Taviano - My friend Amy (and her hubby Billy) dedicated their 2-month-old Gregor this Sunday too. And she, too, was missing her baby boy’s big sister. Abigail went to heaven on March 6 of last year. Such a bittersweet day. I continue to pray for you and Joel. And that family picture is just stunning, hooded sweatshirt and all. Hugs!ReplyCancel

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  • Caroline - I know what you mean about letting go. It has been a fear ever since I became a mom. I think it has to do with feeling this love for someone we have never experienced before and we are scared to loose it. I guess that is how God feels about us. He loves us so much that He probably is scared to loose us, to sin, satan, drugs, any distraction of life. We are lucky to have him and to know our children and ourselves will one day be with Him.

    Not sure if this makes since, so ignore it if it sounds crazy.

    Love Levi, he looks adorable. And it is great to see Calla too!ReplyCancel

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  • Marie - I love your family picture. Both of my friends delivered babies 3 days apart and they are both dedicating their now 3 month old babies this Sunday at our church. One of them just found out that her cancer may be back so she has had to stop nursing her daughter in order to have a full body scan that involves drinking a radioactive iodine solution to detect any cancer growth. Anyways, I have a hard time finding words to comfort her but Praise God that she knows the Lord and we can just pray together and bear one another’s burdens. You have an incredible story that God so beautifully orchestrated…even though it involves tragedy, it is bringing people to Jesus Christ. Blessings! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Heather | Cookie Mondays - I LOVE the last photo of the 3 of you! That boy is going to outgrow you very soon 🙂

    xxReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I think it is a great family picture! Joel actually looks great in his sweatshirt. Of course, don’t tell him that I said that:)
    We were thinking of you guys a lot on Sunday! I remember when you dedicated Cora. I don’t know why. Maybe we had a family function or something around then. Anyway, can’t wait to see you guys this weekend! Drive safe! AndiReplyCancel

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  • teresa - thanks so much for your mother’s day/baby dedication post. i appreciate how you share your heart, your struggles and your faith …. it all brings honor & glory to your Father.

    ((((hugs)))ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - I have a confession, Jess. Whenever I see a family pic of you guys, I place Cora’s face right there IN the picture. It helps that you have pictures of her right there on the side bar… I mentally slide it over and there you are… the 4 of you.
    I thought about you lots on Mother’s Day. Wasn’t sure how your day would go and I imagined along with the sweet, wonderfulness, there would be deep, deep sorrow as well.

    -StefReplyCancel

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  • The Fishers - I cannot imagine the mixed emotions you must have felt this Mother’s Day. Many prayers for your family. I think your family picture is precious!ReplyCancel

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  • Micah - You are amazing, Jess. I’m so proud of you. You know first hand that “WITH God all things are possible.” Love those pictures. You have the most adorable family. XOXOReplyCancel

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  • Tamara - What a beautiful post from a beautiful mother. You are more amazing then you will ever realize, you bring so much hope and inspiration to me and I’m sure all your readers.ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - What a wonderful way to spend your first mother’s day with Levi.
    I cannot fully imagine how difficult the day must have been for you, but I thank you for continuing to share your journey with us. Thank you for letting us complete strangers in to have a glimpse of your sweet family.

    With love and prayers,
    XO*Tricia

    P.S. Frame that photo of the three of you! It’s wonderful! 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I’ve read your blog since late last year, and though I read weekly, I don’t post very often. I thought of you on Mother’s Day, with your precious little – well, maybe not so little 🙂 – Levi, but without your sweet Cora, and hoped for peace and love that day. I am so glad you had a special family day, and just know that Cora was watching over all of you as you dedicated her little brother. I hope you still feel her all around you in little ways, each and every day. God Bless your beautiful family!

    JaclinReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - You guys are amazing!! Levi is growing sooo fast. Such a cutie. The family pic is great…sweatshirt and all!ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren Kelly - Just beautiful!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • JuliaVP - My heart breaks for you and rejoices with you at the same time. I am so thankful for your honesty as you continue to grieve. And I’m so thankful that you are clinging to the comforter. Won’t it be an amazing day when your whole family is together with Jesus!ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - beautiful.
    all of it.
    love you guys.ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - Thanks for sharing your heart with us. Happy Mother’s Day. I’ll keep praying for your sweet family.ReplyCancel

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  • Sheryl from Colorado - What a beautiful little family you have. Your little Levi is one of the cutest baby boys I have ever seen. I am so happy to see such beautiful smiles on all your faces. God is GOOD and He will provide every need for you!
    Oh and do you need me to add a “Levi” to your “Cora” bracelet? I would be happy to do that for you!ReplyCancel

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  • Jennifer - I love that last picture! You know, my favorite thing is to dress my kids in their “real” clothes, even for formal pictures. Pretty clothes make for pretty pictures. I love those too. But pictures in my kids’ favorite outfits? That’s a cute picture that comes with memories attached. So don’t sweat the informal clothes. When Levi’s all grown, he’ll be able to look at that picture and see the same dad that he saw every day of his life. Happy Mother’s Day!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Thanks for sharing..As usual you are so very graceful…Love the pictures…Levi is a doll…

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Mindy M. Harris - honored to share in your and the Johnson’s celebrations on mother’s day.ReplyCancel

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  • Jenifer's Journey - I love the pictures and my preys are with you guys Cora will always be with yall in spirit but I know yall want her there in personReplyCancel

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  • Christina - You ask these questions at the beginning of your post…they are so honest. I have struggled today, and other times during my life, with those things. I can say that I trust God, that He is all good, that He knows best and works in the world for His glory. And yet, why is there so much bad? I know the answer, the fall, and all that, but it is still hard. A dad in our town committed suicide two days ago, leaving a wife and three young daughters…I found myself praying that God would hold them close, help them to know He would not abandon them. Do they already feel that way? Did He momentarily? These are the things I struggle with. It makes me long even more for the time when, as you say, we are with Him in eternity.
    Your pictures are always wonderful…he is such a handsome little guy! Thank you for sharing such a special day. I’m sorry for writing some of the above…just relating to the questions of trust.ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa Joy - God bless you abundantly!
    I needed these words today: “Why do we as parents try to hang on when we know that our children are much better off in the Lord’s hands than in our own? Why do we have a hard time trusting when we know our Heavenly Father loves us deeply and passionately? “
    Thank you! (((hugs)))ReplyCancel

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  • Sue - Well done! What a huge hurdle to get over! But you’ve done it and you can be so proud of yourselves for having done it so bravely and so trustfully. Levi is a very lucky boy to have such wonderful parents…

    Sue xReplyCancel

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  • Kristin Stegent - I love the family pic even though Joel had already changed. Great picture of you guys!!

    Can’t imagine how hard Mother’s Day was for you…and dedicating Levi. Thank you for sharing on your struggle to trust God completely with Levi. I could understand that being SO hard! You guys are great…ReplyCancel

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  • Polka Dot Moon - Many blessing to you, Joel and sweet Levi! Cora is always in my prayers too!

    Beautiful picture 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Melissa - I found your blog through Amy Jones and have followed it regularly but never posted. Your story is such an inspiration. After all you have been faced with you continue to praise Him, and I know that is not always easy. I needed these words today “Why do we as parents try to hang on when we know that our children are much better off in the Lord’s hands than in our own? Why do we have a hard time trusting when we know our Heavenly Father loves us deeply and passionately?” My sweet baby girl Katelyn goes in for open heart surgery Thursday morning and I am not doing well with it. I know God is in control and this is all part of His wonderful plan, but I am struggling with trusting Him. I keep hearing your words over and over since I have read this post. Thanks for sharing. May God bless your family.

    MelissaReplyCancel

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  • ricky - Jessica! You look so gorgeous in your picture! What a beautiful photo!
    ~Kristen & RickyReplyCancel

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Wow…I have been bad at keeping up on this blogging thing.
I have lots to tell you.
Like Levi and I have been busy getting in shape.
Or, I have been busy getting in shape.
Levi has just been along for the ride.
He looks cute with his rolls.
I don’t so much.
But he is a great companion.
And Lucy comes along too.
Lucy is our dog.
She LOVES to go on walks.
She goes crazy whenever I pull out the stroller.
Lucy has been very happy that I am trying to get back into shape too.
The weather has been beautiful.
Except for the windy days.
Usually on the windy days we just stay inside.
Kansas wind is yucky.
I laughed when I saw these two pictures of Levi…
He was wearing the same sweatshirt in both of them.
And they were only taken about three weeks apart.
Look how much he grew!
Or maybe his sweatshirt just shrunk?!
Crazy boy.
*
Well, most of my motivation for getting back in shape was because 
I had some friends holding my accountable.
That was a good thing.
Because I am pretty sure I wouldn’t have started running again on my own.
We all signed up to run a 5k.
I ran a 5k a few years ago.
Before my babies.
It was a little harder for me to get in shape this time.
I started running only four weeks before the race.
And I had lots of aches and pains.
I wasn’t sure if I could run the whole thing.
But here is proof that I finished.
I am in the pink.
I was so proud of myself…
and all the girls who ran with me.
And here we all are after the race.
I am so thankful for these girls.
They are all so sweet.
And encouraging.
And they helped me get back in shape!
Now I just need something to motivate me to keep running…
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  • John and Elisa Seaba - Way to go girl!! The best motivation to keep running is to just sign up for another race 🙂 (and then your hooked)ReplyCancel

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  • Diana - WHAT rolls? I see no rolls! LOL! You look beautiful, Jess. =)

    Here’s your motivation…. think about Levi beginning to run…. LOL! You will have to be in shape to keep up with him pretty soon. 😉

    He is so cute!!

    {hugz} and blessings!ReplyCancel

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  • Christina - That is so wonderful! That’s what I need…friends to keep me accountable! That is definitely the way to go.
    I loved your line about the rolls, although I agree with Diana-you are a lovely woman! We see ourselves with those crazy glasses, though, don’t we? 🙂
    As always, your little man is adorable.
    Congratulations on your race…that is a great accomplishment!ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - good for you!! my baby is 19 months old and I know for sure I could not run a 5K right now.
    The picture of Levi smiling with the hoodie on is SO darn cute. Wow. Adorable boy!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Great job! great friends help keep us motivated 🙂 Levi is growing so much…love the puppy,I bet Levi will love him when he gets a little bigger.

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Julie - I am so proud of you for doing this. I wish I was a friend who could motivate you to run instead of to eat more cupcakes. Ha!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Marla Taviano - Woooohoooo!!! That’s awesome! I’ve decided to get in shape too. I have that same stroller, and I pushed my 4-year-old around the block 5 times in it this morning. I have a loooong way to go before I can do a 5K.ReplyCancel

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  • Whimsical Creations - Way to go!!

    Happy Mother’s Day to you. =DReplyCancel

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  • the hanzlicek's - i saw your group at the emma creek – a group of you walked by our truck when you pulled up and i recognized a bunch of you from grace!ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - You’re such a tiny little thing, I’m sure you’ve never had “rolls”. Well maybe when you were pregnant.. Ha!

    I’m so proud of you girls for doing this!ReplyCancel

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  • Abbie - That is great!

    I am running one in June… my first one. :/ I hope I can do it! Anyway, to keep motivated I am going to try to run one every month for a year starting next year! We’ll see how it goes…ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - Congrats on the 5K. My youngest just turned 3 and I know that I definitely am not in shape to run a 5K. Nowhere near! It must feel wonderful.

    With love and prayers,
    XO*TriciaReplyCancel

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  • Kelly - Great job! and I love the pictures of Levi and Lucy…that is cool you have a black lab two (I have two of them and they are my ‘kids!’) Mine love to get out there and run/walk/play too!ReplyCancel

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  • Kelly - good for you! One of my goals is to run a marathon, but like you, after two kids its hard to find motivation! You go girl!ReplyCancel

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  • Trisha Thomas - Congrats – Very exciting! You look great and Levi is just so much cuteness!ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - it was AWESOME!!
    you encouraged me with just a smile. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Jenifer's Journey - Congrades girl on the 5k…and Levi is to cuteReplyCancel

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  • Christina - I was just thinking about you…I hope your day tomorrow is a good one. Levi is so darling. I pray you are surrounded by and spend time with all those who love you the most, and who can celebrate the day with you, as well as remember. With joy amidst all the rest. 🙂 I hope that came across the right way.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY SWEET MOMMA! You are in my thoughts and prayers…

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Sue - WOW! Levi is getting so big. Been a while since I stopped by here and I had to giggle at the pics of him in the same top – amazing. He looks happy and healthy though and that’s great. You’re looking fantastic too, well done on working so hard at getting back into shape and running. I still have 5kgs of baby fat to lose and my son’s nearly 6…ReplyCancel

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  • purejoy - i’m proud of you too!! yay for accountability partners! and levi is such a chunky little love! so adorable!ReplyCancel

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  • Lexie Loo & Dylan Too - Way to go!!! What a great accomplishment for you!ReplyCancel

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Today you are…
So sweet. 
You stare at me with those deep eyes and I love it.
You make me feel like one very special mama.

So big.
I’m not sure how much you are weighing these days, but it is a lot.
I know…because I have to carry you around.
You have almost outgrown all your 3-6 month clothes,
and are starting to wear 6-12 month clothes now.
You are wearing size 3 diapers.
You are full of those cute baby rolls.

So happy.
You have the best smiles.
You are happy as long as someone is paying attention to you.
But you are pretty content the rest of the time too.
You are giggling just a little if we try really hard.
No full-out laughs yet though.

So stuffy.
You got your first cold this month.
And it just seems to keep hanging on.
You have been coughing and your poor nose is so stuffy.
Not to mention it has disrupted your awesome sleeping skills.

So playful.
You are pulling and grabbing all your toys now.
You like to have something in your hand.
And then you always try to put it in your mouth.

So drool-y.
You drool all the time and blow bubbles too.
The front of your shirt is always wet.
You try really hard to stick your whole fist in your mouth.

So snugly.
You still love to be rocked to sleep.
Sometimes when you are really tired you fight it before falling asleep.
But if I rock you at just the right time you will talk to me for a few minutes
and then fall right to sleep.
I love those times we have together.
It will be something I always remember about you.
So cute!
Thanks Aunt Laura for taking these sweet pictures for us.
They will help us to always remember Levi at four months.
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Sorry I’ve been away.
When you are a farmer’s wife you never know 
when it will be time for a vacation.
Because our vacations are planned around the weather.
And the weather is very unpredictable.
Which means our vacations are unpredictable.
But that keeps us young and spontaneous, right??
So when the rain came, Joel said he was ready to go.
And off to Colorado we went.
I was so excited to spend time with one of my best-est friends.
And to meet this little guy…
My friend Laura had her second little boy three weeks ago. 
This is sweet Tanner. 
He is just precious. 
And so little…at least compared to my chunky monkey.
Laura and I have been friends since fourth grade.
We met when my family moved to Colorado,
and three years later we had to move away.
But Laura is one of those friends 
that you can pick up right where you left off,
no matter how long it’s been since you have seen each other.
I love that about her.
In fact she didn’t even hesitate when I called her on Friday
and asked if we could come on Saturday…
because she didn’t just have a baby or anything.

Oh my. 
Little Tanner makes Levi look humongous. 
Lately people have been telling me that he is a “healthy” little boy. 
I think that is their polite way of saying that is a HUGE three month old!
We didn’t do a very good job documenting our trip.
Probably because we were too busy holding the babies.
It was pretty laid back.
Just hanging out at the house.
And lots and lots of talking.
I did manage to document our one two trips to Chick-fil-A.

It was so yummy.
This is Tanner’s big brother, Hunter.
I am sure that I was chowing down my food just like Hunter was.
Luckily no one took a picture of me.

Levi loved his first trip to Chick-fil-A too.
How couldn’t he?

My mouth is watering just looking at these pictures.
Really, it wasn’t the hi-light of the trip. :o)
Chick-fil-A, will you PLEASE come to Wichita?

Laura and I did manage to sneak away to do a little shopping.
They had the biggest JOANNS I have ever seen.
It was awesome.
And I went to Home Goods for the first time.
I loved it.
Home Goods, will you PLEASE come to Wichita too?
Joel and Hunter hung out while we shopped.
Hunter loves his Uncle Joel.
It is really sweet.

I just love it when my friends marry guys 
who immediately click with my husband.
There is no forced hanging out just because the wives are friends.
I think Michael and Joel could be best friends 
even if Laura and I weren’t friends.
They are so much alike it is scary sometimes.
And they get in a lot of trouble when they are together.
But we always have lots of fun.

Hunter did so good with the babies.
He is a sweet boy.
And such a good big brother.

And here they are…
the boys.
Someday, these three will have a lot of fun running around together.
I hope they will be great friends.

Thanks Michael and Laura for letting us come on such short notice.
We loved our time together.
Come to Kansas soon!

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  • Anonymous - what a nice trip…Levi is so stinking cute!!!ReplyCancel

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  • The Sieberts - precious pictures!ReplyCancel

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  • Natalie - Aw Levi reminds me of MY Hunter, I was always told he was a “healthy” boy. He was 20lbs at 3 months.

    Great pictures and its so great to have an always friend 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Christina - Your pictures are amazing! So beautiful, all of them. What a fun trip for all of you…I just got back from a girls’ trip and it was so refreshing. I’m glad you had some good time with folks that you can just pick up with. There’s nothing like it!
    ha, my word verification is refula-which made me think of refuel…I hope that’s exactly what you were able to do!ReplyCancel

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  • Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend - What breath taking pictures….adorable…Have 2 great giveaways that I am drawing for on Sunday night
    http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com/2010/04/oh-happy-day-and-giveway-no-two.htmlReplyCancel

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  • NatalieDeltaGam - girl, we have TWO chick-fil-a’s where i live )in a
    sm ga town….not necessairly a good thing–we eat there too much!ReplyCancel

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  • Laura Ann - I have followed your blog forever and prayed for you guys constantly during your journey. I loved this post, because we also have a BIG BOY and he was about that same size at 3 months. Your son is PERFECT and BEAUTIFUL just like little Cora. So glad you guys got to get away from some R&R. I will continue to lift you up daily.ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - i love home goods.
    i miss it so much. yes….it needs to come to wichita!!

    levi looks like huge!
    that is so funny!ReplyCancel

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  • Dina - Looks like a fun trip. Not sure what I would do without a Chick Fil A.

    Levi is precious and both my boys were “healthy” boys and I loved it that way.ReplyCancel

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  • Sara - I love Levi, he is just so darling! He reminds me of my boys, they were little chubbers too! My middle child’s name is Tanner, he’s 5. I have never heard of another child named Tanner! Cute name to go with a cute boy!ReplyCancel

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  • Courtney - Looks like lots of fun! Levi is so adorable! The pics were wonderful of all of you! Glad you had fun!
    Courtney MayfieldReplyCancel

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  • Don, Aimee, Kaitlyn and Kysen - Gotta love those Colorado friends…I still have a best friend from when I was 4 years old when I lived in Colorado…moved to Nebraska when I was 8 and 22 years later, we are still great friends! I live back in Colorado now and she moved away, but still friends…such a pivital point in life to have lifetime friends! Glad you had fun in Colorado…we sure love it here in the mountains!ReplyCancel

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  • Jenni Lynn - we heart chick-fil-a too!! I am glad you got to enjoy some! looks like such a fun spontaneous trip! Do you have hobby lobby where you live? I hope so because it is the best craft store ever!ReplyCancel

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  • Alex(andra) - Adorable pictures!!! The friends that you can just pick back up with after a long time are the best ones.

    I’m all for Chick-Fil-A coming to Wichita! Even though I’m in Manhattan right now… but the Chick-Fil-A’s in the WSU student center and here at our student union just don’t cut it!ReplyCancel

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  • Mallory - *gasp* You don’t have Chick-Fil-A?!?!?! How have you lived this long?! 😀

    Adorable pictures. Glad you had a nice trip. And that picture of Tanner and Levi makes me laugh because Tanner does make Levi look huge. 🙂 Don’t worry, he’s beautiful no matter what size he is. Haha. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Candice - Levi is a chubby little thang, isn’t he? There is nothing more adorable than a chubby baby!!ReplyCancel

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  • Whimsical Creations - What a fun trip. Beautiful photos!!ReplyCancel

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  • Anne - I agree about the chick-fil-a’s!! I live in Colorado and there ARE everywhere here! We have even talked to the owner of one close to my house and told him that he should open one in Wichita (We have family there)!!

    Where in Colorado did you visit?

    I love HomeGoods too! Usually they are attached to TJ Maxx….

    Cute pics- Glad you had a good time!ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - awww- loved seeing all the pics again on the blog. can you please come back now? we miss you already 🙂 thanks again for making the loooong drive just to see us and spend time with us. love you bunches and bunches.ReplyCancel

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  • Bridgette - Hey! So glad you were able to get away on vacation! I was SHOCKED that Wichita didn’t have a Chick-fil-A! LOVE that place! My husband is from Kansas and we always laugh how it lacks the best of everything. So I researched for you. There is indeed a chick-fil-a in wichita.
    1845 Fairmount
    Wichita, KS 67260
    Licensed Location
    Limited hours and/or accessibility – please call first
    (316) 978-5830

    Not sure what the limited hours/accessibility means.. ha!ReplyCancel

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  • Robin in Benton - Love seeing pictures of the babies – Levi reminds me of our granddaughter Amelia – she has rolls on her rolls and will be 1 year old in another month – and then I look at her 2 year old sister Emi who has run all her rolls off and know that in a year all the pinchable chubbiness will be just a memory – Still praying for all of you every day – and glad to see you smiling. I still have Levi’s gift – I WILL get it to you one of these days – hopefully before he turns 1! Have a great week!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - YAY!! I’ve been waiting to see these pictures – although I’m still waiting to see the others of Levi too!

    I think I love Laura a lot – just because of how much you love her!
    Laura, can YOU please come to Wichita???

    And I don’t believe for a second that Joel gets into trouble.

    The picture of the boys is precious!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - The Chick-fil-a’s in the WSU student center.ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren Kelly - Sooo glad ya’ll were able to get away! Such sweet pics!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • TheHappyNeills - it IS coming to Wichita soon, so i’ve heard! west side.

    and there’s the tiny one at WSU.

    your family is precious!ReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Oh my are those ever some precious photographs. How wonderful that you got away for a bit and had some cherished friendship time. Yay for you! Levi may be chunky but he’s GORGEOUS…”LOVE EM’ U” as our Pediatrician always says!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - I am married to a farmer also, so I have to agree on the whole vacation thing! So many places I would like to go in the Spring and Fall but that doesn’t usually work out! Looks like you had a great time!ReplyCancel

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  • The Schilling's from Cimarron - I’M jealous! 🙂 ahaha
    TWO of my favorite girls got to hangout together! What an awesome trip! So glad you got to go and visit! Loved the pics! Take care and miss you!

    Love ya,

    AMIEReplyCancel

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  • Laura - I believe there is also a Chick Fil A in Towne East MallReplyCancel

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  • Our Lives - My “healthy” boy just weighed in today at 38 pounds. He is 25 months old. 🙂
    So glad you had a little unexpected family vacation. Sometimes those are the best ones.ReplyCancel

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  • Heather - Jess,

    THERE IS A CHIC FIL A HERE!! It is on the WSU campus!! Not the greatest of places to meet with babies..there are no high chairs etc..but the food is GREAT!!

    I know i love Home Goods too!! I go everytime I go to New York

    Love the pics!!
    HeatherReplyCancel

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  • HisTreasuredPossession - You may have already heard, but CFA is coming to Wichita! It was in our paper this morning. Apparently they’re setting up at Central and Rock on the East side! Come on down!! =)ReplyCancel

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  • KristinGheen - Okay, I only know you through your blog – I am friends with Erin Hutton and started following your story in the beginning of 2009.

    I live in Colorado Springs and totally recognize your friends from this post! Laura’s mom just sold my house and Laura did the staging. What a crazy small world! I was scrolling down and thought, “Hmmm, that looks like the Chick Fil-A by my house…hmmm, that guy looks really familiar…wait a minute! I know those people!” Anyway, I just had to tell you that.

    Also, thank you so much for this blog. I appreciate your faithfulness to the Lord and openness to share your heart as you navigate through life’s trials and high points and everything in between. I feel like I know you well. Thanks again.ReplyCancel

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…to the top of the blog!
I love this one of Cora & Levi.
My two sweet babies.
I wish I could see them as brother and sister.
And it kills me that we can’t have a “complete” family picture.
I feel like I have our family picture with Cora,
and our family picture with Levi, 
and there should be someway to combine them.
Not like combine them with Photoshop.
Really combine them.
But I can’t.
I think that will always be hard for me.
So, Levi is now part of the blog banner.
Some of you have been bugging me to add him for weeks now.
And I want to assure you that it wasn’t because it was too hard 
or I didn’t want him up there that his pictures didn’t get added right away.
It was purely procrastination on my part.
I don’t know how to change the banner myself.
(I need someone to teach me all those tricks!)
And it took me awhile to get the pictures to Danielle.
I love seeing him up there now too.
Just like all of you!
Thanks for making Levi part of the blog banner Danielle!

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  • Christina - LOVE LOVE LOVE the new blog banner!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - LOVE LOVE LOVE the new blog banner…ESPECIALLY love the picture of Cora and Levi side by side…beautiful babies Momma!

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Vera - SO precious! Just like both your babies.ReplyCancel

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  • Kalyn - Love the new banner, It put a smile on my face!ReplyCancel

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  • Lauren Kelly - Just beautiful!! Love it!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Oh how beautiful….I am so happy to see both of your babies on here, it needed to be here 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Lindsay - Love the new banner! Both your kids are precious!ReplyCancel

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  • Tara - Love the new banner! I can completely understand that “procrastination.” Life is all a jumble when a new baby enters your life and it just makes getting things done quickly hard. You have beautiful babies, Joel and Jess. May God continue to bless you…HUGS!ReplyCancel

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  • Beki - TheRustedChain - I love that you procrastinate.
    It makes me feel better about myself.

    Ha!

    Love his sweet pictures on your blog. He is a doll.ReplyCancel

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  • Erica - yay for levi! he is such a doll! i love the photo of him on your sidebar too!ReplyCancel

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  • Beth McC. - I lvoe your sweet blog and all the pictures!ReplyCancel

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  • leel - so sweet to see him up there too. it must be hard, though. well done 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Tamara - I love it, I too wish nothing more for you then to have both your babies here with you 🙁

    http://www.tamara-camera.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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  • Toni :O) - Precious, Precious, Precious! I LOVE the picture of him on the right side…just gorgeous! As hard as that was to do, it’s totally worth it to see your two beautiful babes!ReplyCancel

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  • Tara - so cute! i love your font. they are precious!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - absolutely love it! You and Joel sure make precious precious babies.ReplyCancel

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  • Jane In The Jungle - Absolutely adorable…ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Well like everyone else has said I just love it!!! I also wish nothing more than for your family picture to have Cora and Levi together here on earth. They are both so beautiful and it is so sweet to have them right next to eachother on my computer screen.

    Thinking of you in FLA!
    God bless 🙂
    Krista
    aka babykatesmomReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - it’s beautiful.
    both ways.
    i wish you could have that complete picture too.
    so bad.ReplyCancel

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  • Micah - Precious. Danielle does such a great job. I wish I knew those tricks too…ReplyCancel

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  • Baylee and Blair's page - Love the new blog as well! I know this isn’t what you were thinking, but I have seen families who have lost a child take a picture of that child that is framed and HUGE and hold it in the picture with them.

    Hugs – TiffanyReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - LOVE it!!!!:)ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - The pictures of Levi just make me giggle. He is something. Always saying a prayer for ALL the Mac’s.ReplyCancel

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  • Stef - looks awesome! I’m so glad you kept both kids up there. Beautiful family <3ReplyCancel

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  • AshleyAnn - That just makes me very happy…such sweet pictures.ReplyCancel

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  • Tasha Roe - you have a beautiful family!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - They are both adorable. I like to read your blog. you always have such faith, and it has really opened my eyes. I have started praying again and I am looking for a church to go to with me and my children. I lost faith in god a long time ago, after everything in my life seemed to be horrible. I was a selfish teenager then and thought god couldn’t love me if he has let the one person who means anything in my life die when i need them most. and let somebody else abuse me every day. But I am older now with my own children and have thankfully learned that it has nothing to do with anything that i did, and i am finding god again. It’s important my kids know about god as well. So i guess this has nothing to do with the picture but thank you for sharing everything that you do in your blog.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Your strength is incredible. Remember, by loving Levi you are honoring your baby girl. Can’t imagine how much you miss her. I hope you always keep pictures of her on your blog. She is beautiful.ReplyCancel

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  • Margaret - the picture of Levi on the right side of your blog, and the picture of Cora with your mom that you posted for her birthday….. look like the same baby! I cant believe how much they look alike! (at least i think one is cora and the other levi!!) Love the new pics, stay strong!ReplyCancel

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  • Givinya De Elba - Oh that is SO GOOD Jess! I have been wondering and I didn’t want to bug you, but I’ve been thinking that Levi should git on up there in the banner!ReplyCancel

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  • Melinda - Beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • The Buchanan Family - love it!ReplyCancel

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  • Plain Jayne - Both of your children are beautiful!ReplyCancel

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  • Tricia - Happy and sad all at once. Your beautiful babies are the perfect introduction to your beautiful blog.

    XO*TriciaReplyCancel

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  • Christina - You know, I just want to thank you for continuing to share with us. I am crying yet again, and I so wish that there were a way to make that true for you. One day…
    Your babies are beautiful, indeed.
    The new banner is wonderful.ReplyCancel

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  • Diana - A blog banner full of LOVE! YES! BEAUTIFUL!

    I refreshed the page over and over to see them both.

    Now it feels RIGHT here!

    {hugz}ReplyCancel

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  • dg darling - So cute!

    Just thought I should let you know that I mentioned Cora on my blog today and put her pic up. Hope that’s ok…ReplyCancel

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  • Jenifer's Journey - love itReplyCancel

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  • Amy Ross - Jess,
    I have been reading your blog for awhile, this is mu first comment. I am so sorry for your loss and I am also truly amazed at your strength, at least what I can read from your blog. On the family photo, you could try having a picture(like in frame) of Cora in a current family photo. Families used to do this a long time ago, I’m talking great-great-grandparent era, but I always think it is a nice way to show that a loved one has been lost, but not totally. Just a thought!ReplyCancel

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  • Christine - So sweet 🙂 I love seeing both of your precious blessings up on the blog. I adore the quilt that Levi is lying on in the sidebar pic. Just gorgeous!

    May you be blessed today and always, Jess. I think of you guys often.ReplyCancel

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  • Allison - Aww, I love that one of Cora and Levi too. I should also mention that I love that quilt Levi is sleeping on in that picture — so cute!ReplyCancel

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  • onlymehere - He’s absolutely adorable! The new blog banner is great too. What a fun time too with friends. It seems my friends married guys my husband doesn’t particularly care for. Mostly that’s true for his friends too, I just don’t click with the wives. Lucky for both of you to have that!ReplyCancel

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