The Macs » Blog

The Wildes - Thanks Jess, and Grammy too. The items are beautiful, each of them. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Thinking and praying for you in Wisconsin.ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - I have finally secured a beautiful Cora dress! Thank you for the obvious time and effort you put into these dresses.
Praying for you in Batavia!

God Bless,
The Hunecke Family
Batavia ILReplyCancel

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Lesli - OM MY!!!I went out for one hour and when I came back my size 3t was of course gone!! I have been hitting the refresh button for days now waiting for these fourth of July dresses… I am so bummed.. I knew I shouldn’t have went to target..lol….

Way to go!!!ReplyCancel

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maryann - finally….i got my carina a cora dress! whoo hoo!

thanks for your hard work on making them!!ReplyCancel

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The Moffats - ummm…could you add 3 months to that super cute 18 month boys flag shirt next time? 🙂 *wink* Soooo close…I almost bought it anyway and was going to stuff Hunter into it 🙂 REALLY cute stuff! Love and hugs…always.ReplyCancel

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Misty Rice - Okay, I was coming over to say hi BEFORE you posted. I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you so much tonight. I was rocking my little girl, and you and Cora came to mind and I started to bawl.

I made a mental note to come and leave you a comment letting you know that I prayed and cried for you tonight. I hope that you have a peaceful nights sleep. I hurt for you tonight, so maybe God will allow me to take some of that from you and you can go to sleep with comfort.

The red, white and blue stuff is fabulous…and I was out shopping for Morgan’s red, white and blue outfit, but I think I just found it.

God bless mommy….

NightReplyCancel

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PamperingBeki - Gone!!

You guys are the best.

It was good to see you today.ReplyCancel

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Alisha - This is like the 5th time I’ve tried and failed to get my 14 month old daughter a dress. Keep making and selling…we are waiting 🙂ReplyCancel

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Enos Family - WOW! I think you guys might hold the record for fastest sales on ETSY…seriously! Amazing!
I bought one of your earlier dresses (lemons) for a friend. Her little girl is two months old and wore it to my son’s 4th birthday. It was sooo cute on her! I am now obsessed with getting my daughter one. Too slow tonight, but will keep watching!
I think of you and your family often. Bless you all.ReplyCancel

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Julie - Oh Jess! I love all of your 4th of July creations. I was hoping to snatch a flag onesie, but wasn’t quick enough either. 🙂 What special things! Love you and am praying for you every day.ReplyCancel

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Trasie Bressler - I know that one of these times I am going to get a dress for my Ellee……Keep making those adorable dresses and hopefully soon I will get to them in time.

Many Many Blessings,
Trasie BresslerReplyCancel

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Mindy M. Harris - So sad to have missed another round! Thinking of and praying for you. I’m friends with Julie J!ReplyCancel

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Kristi - I missed it again!! One day I will get a Cora dress :). You and your mom are so creative! Thank you for sharing your creativity with all of us!ReplyCancel

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Nikki Sherer Burns - My mom purchased a Cora dress for me last month… after me calling her in the night to tell her they were up. When it came in I was at her house, happened to check the mail and tried to run/waddle my pregnant self up her driveway… We were both tickled when we opened it. It is gorgeous! You are in our prayers daily. God bless from lower Alabama!ReplyCancel

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judith - Visiting your shop from Scotland in the hope of dressing my wee Millie in a Cora dress and spreading a piece of the Cora magic over here. Your choice of colour and style are so gorgeous and your bravery and spirit are inspirational. Think of your family often, Jude. xReplyCancel

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athans' family - I checked yesterday afternoon and there was nothing!! I missed it again….so sad! It looks cute as always. I can’t wait until the day I can finally get something! 🙂ReplyCancel

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These Are The Days - LOVED the dresses…..of course I checked all day long to see if they were up and then went out to water my flowers…..saw they were up and all the larger sizes….GONE! Oh well, maybe next time. You both are so talented!ReplyCancel

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Gale - My daughter is an 18 year old single mama of twins (girl/boy) and I really want to get them a matching set of Cora (in the 18 month size). She works two jobs to make ends meet but this is something I would like to surprise her with. I can’t ever seem to get in on this…any suggestions?? I know that you are so sweet to make these. Congrats on the announcement of your pregnancy…God is good!!ReplyCancel

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The Mershawn's - Yep, I’ll be waiting for one too!! I’m always too slow…:) Thanks for the fun. Hope you guys are doing okay.ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - Congrats to the winners!

You and Grammy are wonderful!

Thinking of and praying for you all!

KimReplyCancel

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TRICIA @boutellefamilyzoo - What a great give-a-way! Congrats to all of the lucky winners! I’m off to check out Cora’s. Maybe sometime here I’ll be quick enough to get something. 😉
With Love and prayers,
*TriciaReplyCancel

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Sarah - Just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for picking me!! I’m soooo excited to get one of the first dresses for my daughter!! I’ve tried so many times to buy something, but like so many others, I’ve fallen to short. 🙁 I can’t thank you enough!! Your family is a true inspiration!! Thank you again!!

Always praying in Nebraska!ReplyCancel

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mommaof4wife2r - i love reading your blog…have for a very long time…this is really awesome. thank you so much for sharing the stories…great.ReplyCancel

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Karina - Congratulations to the winners! And kudos to you and your mom for reading over five hundred posts!! I agree, I can see a lot of Cora in your baby pic, whereas previously I thought Cora looked a lot more like Joel. 🙂ReplyCancel

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Robyn - I have commented a time or two before but let me just say I so admire you and your strength. I still say a prayer for you and think of you often. I cannot even imagine how you get through the day. I am so glad to hear the playground will be started soon.

I know you may not have time to answer this. I have been checking your store for the 4th of July dresses. I have 3 girls to buy for so everything I do, X3. A great problem to have but gets a little expensive. I was curious if you use a pattern or just kind of gather up the material to fit the tank when making a dress? I have a machine and would love to make my 3 one, if I can’t afford to buy them once you list. I don’t plan on selling on ETSy or anywhere, just curious if you might share how to make these cutie pie dresses. Thanks-ReplyCancel

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wicker0407 - What a great giveaway congrats to all the winners. Jess you and Joel are still in my thoughts and prayers always!
Summer & Family in CaliforniaReplyCancel

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Whimsical Creations - congrats to the winners!!ReplyCancel

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Robin in Benton - Thinking of you and praying for you this morning.ReplyCancel

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These Are The Days - Let me start by saying I LOVE YOUR DRESSES!!!! Okay now that that’s been said….my favorite 4th of July memory……

In 2007 my husband was sent to Iraq for 6 months, he was a firefighter in the Air Force. Of course he left in May and was gone all summer long. My girls were 2 and 6 months old at the time. Needless to say it was a bit crazy at my house. 🙂 But my husband was able to call on the 4th of July and chat with me and the girls for quite awhile and that made my whole summer!!! To see their faces light up at the sound of his voice was too much. And then to watch the fireworks and spend the day with the rest of my family completed the picture. I was and still am so proud of him for what he did, even though he’ll never admit it was a big deal. 4th of July has new meaning for me ever since then. Erin M. (These are the days)ReplyCancel

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Robin in Benton - Love these they are so cute!!!!! Guess when you put them out there I’m going to have buy two now – one for my granddaughter that just turned one year – and one for the new one that is due any day!

Every year we go to Burlingame KS where my husband’s aunt and uncle have a place out in the country. Pretty much all the family is there – and lots of friends too! There’s fried chicken, ham and usually barbecued brisket too along with potato salad, cole slaw and lots of other good things! Then when it gets pretty dark we take all the kids outside and with some adult (?) supervision they get to set off fireworks. It’s a great time spent with family!

Hugs to you, you’re in my thoughts and prayersReplyCancel

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The Gava Family - I have read your blog for some time now and I have never commented because I just don’t have the words. I admire what you have done and I think of you and your beautiful family often.
I love all the dresses you have made, so cute!

My favorite thing about the 4th is that it is my wedding anniversary (well actually on July 3rd). This year we will be celebrating 10 yrs with family, friends and fireworks.ReplyCancel

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Kelly - This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyCancel

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Kari - These dresses are adorable. My daughter is 12, so she can’t wear these, but we have a neighbor across the street that has a newborn baby girl. They just built their house and her husband got laid off. If I win one I’ll give it to her.

One of my favorite 4th of July’s was when I in elementary school (I’m not sure what year it was) we went to Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. There was a small lake with a bridge that led to a gazebo in the middle of the lake. We sat in the gazebo in the middle of the lake and watched the fireworks shot off from the side of the mountain. It was beautiful! The crisp mountain air and the echo from the fireworks through the mountains was amazing! It was an old time 4th of July with icecream & games. After I got married I found out that my husbands family used to go there for the 4th of July also. We might have met way back and never even knew it! Interesting huh.ReplyCancel

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lovinsanta - So so so cute!

Our tradition is we go to my aunt/uncle’s for a family pool party and GREAT food. Then we play outdoor games and then have our own firework display.

Thanks.

Heather in INReplyCancel

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The Di Vito's - My Cousin was born on June 29th, My Uncle was born on July 4th, and my Grandfather(Who served in WWII, now deceased) was born on July 7. For as long as I can remember, My whole family got togther every year to celebrate my family members birthdays, and our wonderful Country’s Birthday. We would cook out great food, have a ton of Birthday cake, swim all day, and do fireworks at night. After my Grandfather passed away a few years ago, we all scattered, but I will always remember all the great times we had.ReplyCancel

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daugherty06 - Each year for 4th of July growing up my dad’s side of the family would come over for a big picnic. His mother’s side is Italian so there is always lots of food and lots of cousins 🙂 At the end of the night my dad, cousin, and uncle would put on a fireworks show they’d prepared to mesh with the music they jammed. It’s always a fun time and now I’m happy to share these memories with my children.

I stumbled across your blog right around February. I haven’t stopped praying about your family since. Your story has truly touched our family and made us closer to God. Our family structure is closer than ever and I thank you for sharing you story with us. May God Bless You Eternally!! Much Love from our family to yours!

Jill
jilldaugherty03@yahoo.comReplyCancel

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Rockin Baby Ryan - You and Cora look just alike in those pics! How adorable!

About 5 years ago my family began a tradition of a “4th of July cake bake-off”. All participants bake and decorate a one-of-a-kind 4th of July festive cake. At our 4th bash we have a big taste test and vote based on looks and taste. Needless to say, we have plenty of dessert (for about a week!) Last year we had 8 entries!
The winner receives not only bragging rights but also a trophy of Uncle Sam they keep in their home for the next year!
It is a fun way to have a little competition and see how creative everyone can get. This last Christmas my mother in law informed me she already had her idea for this year!

Thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration in your walk with God throughout your toughest time.ReplyCancel

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C. Beth - I grew up in Arizona where fireworks are illegal. I moved to Texas, and imagine my surprise when ordinary citizens were putting up fireworks that looked like the ones our city would do! I guess everything’s bigger in Texas.ReplyCancel

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Maria - My husband is in the Air Force! We don’t have a little girl yet but maybe someday. Until then, I will let my friend borrow the dresses if I win. They are super cute!ReplyCancel

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Our Family - The clothes are so cute… we’re big fans of patriotic things too!!

My favorite 4th of July memories are from when I was a little girl and our family (cousins, aunts, uncles, etc) would go up to our grandparents’ cottage. We would have the big meal, swim all day long, and then shoot the fireworks off the pier once it got dark. To this day, we tease Uncle Randy about the firecracker that chased him back up the pier. 🙂ReplyCancel

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Anne Griffin - I think there is nothing more spectacular than fireworks. I grew up in Wichita so we had amazing displays every year and it was a really big deal for our family. Now, every time I see fireworks, it makes me homesick for my family and for Kansas.ReplyCancel

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Lollipoplin - You store is so adorable! I love the giveaway idea. God Bless America!ReplyCancel

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Heather - Oh, those dresses are the cutest.thing.EVER!

The 4th of July is my favorite holiday of the year because it is the ONE time that my entire family gets together. Since we were little, my aunt and uncle have had a huge backyard BBQ in honor of the 4th. It has evolved SO much over the years. All of us kids have “recruited” our college friends, adult frineds, and more to join in the fun. We are driving in from Kansas, I have college friends from iowa making the trip… one year, my friend from GERMANY even joined us. That’s what a great time we have! It’s tradition for my mom to make her famous firecracker wings and taco salad every year. We start at 11:00 or so, and easily surpass that 12 hour mark! I am looking forward to seeing everyone is a few weeks! Yeah for the 4th!ReplyCancel

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Mandy - Our family’s favorite 4th of July tradition is to invite all of our family & friends over for a simple BBQ & S’mores! We are able to have fireworks in our neighborhood, so once it gets dark, we sit back, relax & watch the beauty of it all! My father spent 20+ years in the Air Force & we definitely don’t take our country or our freedom for granted! Thank you!ReplyCancel

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Molly - Our family tradition on the 4th of July is to eat watermelon and hot dogs and go to a Durham Bulls baseball game and watch the fireworks after. Hope you all are having an awesome week!!!
~Molly PReplyCancel

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oh, the places you'll go... - It’s so pretty Jess!!!! I’m super patriotic too and I almost screamed with delight when I saw these!!! I’m so proud to be an American in France. Love you!!ReplyCancel

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Melanie - I love those dresses. Everything you all make is so beautiful and such a great tribute to your beatuful baby as well as our amazing country. Tell your dad THANKS for his service!
My favorite Fourth memory was when I was young and we had a group of friends and family together to set off fireworks as only can be done out in the country. One of the men had a bit much to drink and thought it would be funny to put a whole string of Black Cats down my dad’s pants. Turns out, it wasn’t really all that funny once the popping stops.ReplyCancel

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jill w - aahhhh. july 4 celebrations. we lived in the country and all of my mom’s family lived in the city, so they would all come to our house for fireworks, food, and fun !! cranking home made ice cream, the boys chasing the girls with sparklers, and the big boys setting the wheat fields on fire !! ooppss, that wasnt a good memory ! but we always had family over and i so miss those days..

thanks for the opportunity to win an adorable dress, for a good friend of mine who lets me play granma to her baby girl..

still praying for your hurting hearts.

jill in wichitaReplyCancel

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The Richardson's - What beautiful dresses!!

My favorite tradition as a kid was getting together with family for homemade ice cream and cake while watching the local fireworks. Our town was quite small (less than 1000) and my aunt and uncle owned the only fireworks stand in town. So we would usually go to town early and help sell fireworks and whatever didn’t sell we would get to shoot off that night.ReplyCancel

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Amanda Wheeler - Adorable giveaways!

My husband and I love to go to the harbor in Salem, MA (winter island) to watch the fireworks. We sit on the docks and have a picnic and can see four different towns do their fireworks at the same time. It’s really cool!ReplyCancel

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Sherree - These dresses are adorable. Our 4th of July tradition is a family bbq and fireworks.ReplyCancel

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Kelly - Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays growing up. It is even more so now because my husband graduated from The United States Military Academy at Westpoint and served in the Army for 6 years, so I have an even greater appreciation of those that serve and sacrifice for our country. I grew up in a little town in Texas, called Belton, and we have the largest 4th of July parade in the state. We always started the morning out with a big brunch, followed by the parade. Then my dad would take us swimming, bowling, putt-putting, or to a movie. We would also always go the carnival. Then we would go to a friends house and cook out and shoot off fireworks. I have such happy memories of this holiday, and hope to recreate that for my daughter as well. Happy Fourth of July!!!ReplyCancel

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Shelley - My favorite 4th of July memory was when I was 17 we were able to go to Santa Barbara, which was special since we could never afford that kind of stuff. And the whole beach was covered with people sitting next to each other. When the lights started, I looked around and was amazed that everyone on that beach was all looking up at the same time, and it was so beautiful to see that through all the ugly and differences we can always find a place to come together. Just like we did on Sept. 11, just like we when in the future.ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - Those dresses are adorable!!!
Last year had to be the best 4th of July thus far. My husband and I bought our house 2 years ago and our city has a big fireworks display which we can see from our house so all the family comes over. We all hang out and have a really good time just enjoying each other’s company. Last year was the first with our daughter (she was 2 months old. Even though she fell asleep before the fireworks I held her while they were going off. It was fantastic!
Ashley-TNReplyCancel

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The Richardson's - The dresses are absolutely beautiful!!

Our 4th of July tradition growing up was having homemade ice cream and cake while watching the local fireworks. The town we lived in was quite small (less than 1000) and my aunt and uncle owned the only fireworks stand in town. Us kids would usually go to town early to help sell fireworks and then would get to shoot off whatever didn’t sell that evening.ReplyCancel

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Lil Missy - oh my, those are cute cute cute!!! I bought a Cora dress from you a few weeks ago and I can’t wait to get another one (if I’m lucky enough).

My favorite childhood July 4th memory is hanging out in our driveway, my mom, dad and brother, and popping firecrackers. Kinda cheesey but it’s a memory that sticks with me!ReplyCancel

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Jenn - How fun! Our family tradition was to have a cookout and then drive to our local junior college where they had a big fireworks show every year. We would set up chairs and watch the show and it was always a great time with family and friends! Great clothes!ReplyCancel

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Mama Sons - Oh Im so excited.
Every year we get together with our closes friends and BBQ and wait for the sun togo down and then we light fireworks for hours.. This is my favorite holiday!ReplyCancel

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Melissa.M.Loss - I have the most awesome 4th Memory for you! We waited so long so so long for our son we had been trying for 4 years and we lost a daughter when I was 18 weeks pregnant. So we didn’t think we would ever have more children. Then Nov 2007 I found I was pregnant! Scared is an understatement!! We had so many scares so many times they said our son wasn’t going to make it so many times they said the drieded words your losing your baby Melissa but he was tuff and after 3 1/2 months of bed rest I was ready to meet My Rainbow baby My Miracle My Son I begged god to protect him! He was suppose to be born on June 22nd but his lungs weren’t ready then again on the 29th and the 3rd I was so scared and disappointed each time. Well my doctor said I am forcing a team to work on the 4th of July you are going to have this little guy! So 4 am and the phone rings Guess who?The hospital saying they have to push my c back to 3!! So I get there at 1 and get prepped and go to the er a little after 3 and it felt like for ever but or Miracle our Rainbow baby Our son was born at 4:03pm July 4th 2008 At a perfect 6 pounds 10oz and 19 inches long At 37.2 weeks(due date was off)healthy and perfect in every way!! We love him so so much and that is the best 4th of July! Thank you!!ReplyCancel

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Lindsey - Everyone says they love 4th of July for the fireworks – but I love it for THE MUSIC!

When I was about 10 years old and until I graduated high school, my family would go to our local outdoor amphitheater on the 4th: we brought picnic lunch and dinner, sat out on the grass while the San Francisco Symphony (and lots of different musical guests) played all day and into the evening. There was always lots of activities – face painting, bubble stations – and we would eat, sing, dance, and play until fireworks at 9. Then we would snuggle in our blankets while the musicians played all the patriotic classics (souza in particular!) while the fireworks went off overhead.

The memory is especially dear to me this year, as my grandmother who created the “tradition” because of her love of patriotic music has been dying a very long, lingering death these past three months. The memories of happy, healthy times makes the process of a rather long and painful passing a little easier, remembering all the family traditions she created for us to carry on for the rest of our lives.ReplyCancel

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Candice - Those dresses are SO cute!

On July 4, 2001, my husband and I became officially “together.” We tried to get married on our anniversary three years later, but it was a Sunday. In Mexico, they won’t marry you on a Sunday, so we got married on July 5, 2004. Every year we celebrate our anniversay July 4th and 5th. 🙂ReplyCancel

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Chrystal J - My husband is a cop and so he has to work every 4th of July so we(Me and our 2 children) go to the city he works in and find out where he is stationed at that moment and watch the fireworks with him.That is until he gets called out because someone is acting crazy =)ReplyCancel

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Landen and family - Our 4th of July tradition is going camping and watching the fireworks while sitting around the campfire. It’s an awesome time!

I love the patriotic dresses and shirts!

Thanks for the chance to win!ReplyCancel

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wee - What a fabulous idea!!! I love your items and have never been able to get onto Etsy in time to purchase them.ReplyCancel

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Donna - Too cute! My only girl (that has 3 brothers) loves all things frilly.ReplyCancel

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THE MCPHERSON FAMILY - Fourth of July – one of my favorite holidays! I have been wanting to leave a comment for awhile now – but never have the “right” words. I’m not really posting for the freebie – although I LOVE all your beautiful Cora dresses and such :0)

I live 1,167 miles away from my family – When I started having my own family – it became harder to get home – especially after having triplets. We decided when our boys (the three) were 9 months old – that we were going to make the trip – I needed some of my family time. We drove the 20 hours with four small kids – and had the best time. This year will be our fourth year – of special family fun – and always remembering those who sacrifice sooo much! God bless them!

I continue to lift your family up in prayer!ReplyCancel

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michelle - The items are beautiful!!! I hope I can get some of them before they sell out!!! on w/ the memories and traditions…
A tradition we have is attending the parade, it is a GREAT parade w/ lots of candy to collect. I can’t say this is my favorite…but it is my most memorable 4th…last year I had my little boy the end of June and was not able to got to our usual parade. My husband decided he would still go and take our little girl…this was an emotional thing b/c she had never wanted to leave w/o me before and she was torn about what to do w/ this parade. She really wanted to go to the parade but felt bad about leaving me. Needless to say we both ended up in tears, but she went to the parade and ended up w/ 80 dum dums! She enjoyed herself and it was milestone in her growing up. Bittersweet.ReplyCancel

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Kristen - First off your dresses are beautiful!

My favorite tradition would be our July 4th family cookout! It always starts on the 3rd with everyone spending the day on the beach. Then on the 4th we cookout and eat LOTS of food!ReplyCancel

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The Pelts - My favorite 4th of July memory centers around the fact that my church’s youth choir used to embark on our annual choir tour during that week. My sophomore year of high school, our trip was to Canada, and due to the schedule, we were still in Canada on the 4th. That means no real “celebration”. My mom was on the trip with us as a chaperone, and she made us a flag cake with strawberries and blueberries to help make us feel “at home”. What a great memory!

Blessings on you,
Mary BethReplyCancel

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Kristi REDISKE - Ok-I think my favorite 4th of July memory was about 21 years ago we went to the Celebration at Wichita State University-We went with family-but we also took our 2 children Kristin who was 5 at the time, Benjamin who was 1 1/2 and also with us was my sisters daughter Kristi who was 5 1/2. They had alot of fun with the pre show stuff but then when the show was about to begin my husband put Ben on his shoulders-well-the flyover of the airplanes came, it was the bombers so it was really loud, Ben about strangled Mike, then Kristi ended up hiding under a blanket for the fireworks because then she was scared- the rest of us loved it, made us proud to be Americans and live in a free country and be able to celebrate and worship our God-Thanks to all those who gave their lives for our freedom. I also want to thankyou for the chance at the giveaway-its fun.ReplyCancel

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Holly - In 2002, my bff and I went to Red, White, and Boom in Columbus, OH and we had such a good time. We ate lots of food and the fireworks were amazing!! We don’t get to see each other much now since we live in diff states but I enjoy the memoriesReplyCancel

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Carrie - My favorite 4th of July memory is going to the 4th of July parade with my Dad’s side of the family in Virginia and then at the end of the night watching the fireworks from the bed of my Dad’s pick up truck!ReplyCancel

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Chris, Molly, and Baby - LOVE all the cute stuff! I have a little girl that is two days older than your sweet Cora and I’m expecting another little girl in October who we are naming after my Aunt who passed of Brain cancer. I’ve tried and tried to get a dress but I”m always too late.
My husband is active duty Army and we are stationed at Ft. Leavenworth (not too far from you) and are moving this week to Ft. Carson Colorado. He is deploying in July for six months for his third tour.
Every Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Fourth of July we attend ceremonies and parades, even before we had our little girl. In fact I just did several posts on my own blog about Memorial Day. Anyway, I would be so honored to have my little girl wear one of your dresses or shirts this Fourth of July.
I pray for your family daily.
May God Bless you,
MollyReplyCancel

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wicker0407 - Great idea and the items are amazing as usual! I also LOVE the 4th it holds special meaning for our family as it is also my sisters birthday. I have many memories as a child going to picnic all day and stay up late to see the fireworks. I think my favorite was last year though. My son was 4 and it was the first year he was REALLY excited for the fireworks he was able to stay awake the whole time and was not scared by the sounds he was just amazed to seee it and he has been asking for the last few months when is July 4th he vividly rememrbs it an is so excited for it again. We have started the same tradition now with our kids we head to the park where they do the fireworks we bring blankets and food and we just enjoy eachothers company and the magic of the day, can’t wait!
Just wanted to know you are still in my prayers Always and hope each day is getting a little easier for you.
Summer & Family in CaliforniaReplyCancel

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Bri!!! - I left on a service mission for my church for 18 months on July 5th, 2000. That July 4th before I left was a special one because I knew it would be the last time for a while I would be with all of my family. We went to “The Stadium of Fire” which is always a special experience. It is very patriotic and inspiring. I LOVE the 4th of July and I would LOVE to get one of your giveaway items. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I often am in tears when I read your posts. You inspire me.ReplyCancel

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MariaSoleil - I really love your new dresses.

This 4th of July is going to be special for us because my husband will be home for it! He is a Marine living at Camp Pendleton preparing to go back to Iraq. In the meantime I hold down the fort with our 3 kids.

Your blog inspired me to start my own. *shameless plug in case you are interested – http://www.mariasoleil.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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Shana - I, too, come from a military family – my brother is in the Air Force recently deployed to the Middle East for 6-9 months. I was born in Rome, NY while my Dad was stationed there for the Air Force (not nearly as exotic, but still patriotic!) 🙂 My favorite memories of the 4th of July date back to my teen years. My BFF (we go back 20+ years) has a birthday on July 5th so every year I spent the 4th of July weekend with her at her grandparents’ house on the beach of Lake Ontario! We’d play in the sun and sand and “boy watch” and then watch nature’s fireworks (a.k.a. heat lightening) over the lake at night. It was fabulous! Thinking back to those days makes me feel young again!

As always, you are in my prayers! Your faith and strength have been an inspiration to me!ReplyCancel

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Robin in Benton - Joel and Jess:

If you ever doubt how many lives your families story has touched – just look at all the responses here – and how fast they came in after the original post. I am in awe. God has indeed used Cora’s life – and you guys – in a mighty way!ReplyCancel

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Mama10EE - How wonderful that you are doing something patriotic! I always seem to be a day late on your etsy things, so hopefully I can win one of these GORGEOUS dresses.

I too come from a military family. I was born in the Philippines to an Air Force fighter pilot (dad) and mom. We left Asia, traveled across the US from West Coast to East Coast, hopped another ocean to Germany, and I graduated from an international high school in Belgium in 1997. Being openly proud of our troops and patriotic is one of my “things”. My favorite 4th of July thing is something we are doing this year for the first time, and I am so excited to finally be doing it. This 4th of July my mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, husband 3 year old daughter, and I will be in Washington DC! We are going to spend the day there and see the fireworks from The Mall that evening. What makes it even better…our dear Belgian friends are flying over to the US to spend this day with us! (of course they will be actually spending 2 weeks here, but planned their entire trip around being in DC for the 4th of July). Hopefully THIS will become our tradition, as my brother lives in the DC suburbs.

Your Cora is so beautiful. I followed your blog for a few months before she passed away. Her birthday and mine are both in March. Even my husband, who does not normally read blogs, read yours. We fell in love with her name, and we both said that if our second child is a girl, she will be called Cora.

Cora’s playground is such a touching way for people to remember her and a permanent place for her to smile down on. God bless you both….and thank you for sharing your story of your gorgeous little girl.ReplyCancel

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Brianna - Such cute things!

My favorite and all time funniest memory was when we took a family vacation to the river and my Dad wanted to show off for all the grandkids and light off some fireworks on the house boat. (which we didn’t know were illegal) He started the fireworks off and the platform that he was lighting them on got knocked off and went into the water. They started shooting off in all different directions and into the dry brush causing small little fires. The whole family paniced and began to try to put out all the different fires before it turned into something HUGE. Everyone was screaming and going crazy. My Mom and sister froze and just began to pray. The police showed up on boat and took my Dad on the boat for questioning while all the Grandkids stood and watched and cried afraid Grandpa was heading to jail. Thank God the Police were understanding and let him go. Probably cause they got a good laugh watching the whole thing. That will be a 4th of July I will never forget. My Dad trying to be the nice Grandpa and almost starting a natural wildlife preserve on FIRE. 🙂 We didn’t think it was funny at the time but we all get a good laugh about it now.ReplyCancel

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Macalla Yi - Hi there! Love, Love, Love your dresses. I’ve been trying to get my hands on one for a while but always miss the chance.

I think of you and sweet Cora often. Thank you for sharing your last post.ReplyCancel

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The Oppold Family: - My favorite July 4th memory is July 4th 1997. My husband & I were in Boston for a long weekend away and were able to watch the celebration of our Nation’s Independence in a a historical place that had such an impact on getting us where we are today!ReplyCancel

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Tamara - We live in Michigan and every 4th of July we travel to West Virginia (where my MIL was born) to spend a week + in the mountains! We have family come from all over the US and just spend the time enjoying our loved ones. It’s so relaxing and wonderful.ReplyCancel

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Katie - Setting off fireworks with my Dad while growing up. One time we launched a faulty rocket that landed in my neighbor’s yard prior to going off. They weren’t home, and it set a small fire in their yard when it exploded. I had no idea my Dad could hurdle a 6ft fence until that evening – he hurdled it while my Mom got the hose. Needless to say, he easily put the fire out, covered any evidence with fresh pinestraw and the neighbors never knew a thing…we decided to lay off the fireworks for a little while after that 🙂ReplyCancel

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Isaac and Mommy - Beautiful Dresses and adorable things!

My favorite July 4th memory occurred when I was about 7. Being the oldest of 11 cousins, I was often trying to get them to do fun crafts, or staging little plays…on this particular fourth of July, I had all my cousins pic up flags and we had our own little parade, singing a “You’re a Grand ole Flag.” The littlest ones obviously didn’t know the words, so they marched saying “Yeah Yeah Yeah it’s the fourth of July!” 20 years later, the Aunts and Uncles are STILL talking about it!

I can’t wait to see your fourth of July stuff at Cora’s! What a beautiful way to honor your beautiful daughter.

You are all often in my thoughts and prayers.
Kate RossReplyCancel

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amyrogers1 - Family, Food, and fireworks! This year we are going to a baseball game, that promises to have the biggest firework display ever, with our awesome church family.

Thanks for the opportunity to win such cute items!ReplyCancel

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Claudia - 4th of July is not something we celebrated in Chile 🙂 That’s where I grew up but now that I am married to someone from this country and I live here we do celebrate.

One of our closest friends have a boy that was born on July 4th so every year we go to their house for a birthday/4th of July celebration, it’s a cookout, same friends meet every year, there are some people I know I’ll only see on this get together is fun and we look forward to play in the pool and have a good time together.

Love the dresses and how you are using your talents 🙂ReplyCancel

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Kristin Stegent - And oh my gosh, Cora looks just like you!ReplyCancel

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Megan - Love the dresses they are just beautiful!!

My family tradition is to go to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD (with my Grandparents who still live in Annapolis). We go out to the big rocks right by the water and the fire works are so close to that you can feel the boom from each fire work. It’s amazing!! So beautiful and even more amazing being right there where so many people graduate from the academy to then serve our Country. My Grandfather is actually a retired Master Chief from the Navy. He has a million hats that he wears that says that and you should see the recognition he gets, it’s so fun to watch and see how respectful people are to him.

My favorite memory would have to be when we took my son who was two at the time to the same spot I’d always gone growing up to see fire works (read above) and to see the enjoyment and surprise on his face for seeing up close fireworks in the sky for the first time and enjoying them. I’ll never forget that!ReplyCancel

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Lacey McKay - Cute! I check your blog daily and am never fast enough to buy a dress so I’d love to get one for my daughter, in memory of Miss Cora!

My favorite 4th of July memories are of lighting those worm things and throwing poppers with my cousins in small town America. I also remember one year, as a small child, my parents taking us to a golf course to watch the fireworks. I could see the reflection of them in the water and I remember being amazed by the short, perfect grass.ReplyCancel

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Team Manager - My favorite 4th of July memory is being on my honeymoon in the Blue Ridge mountains. We went to the local fireworks show. It was amazing! Best of all, I was snuggled up to my husband with a world of possibilities before us!ReplyCancel

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The Shupe's - My favorite 4th of July memories are cookouts and watching the fireworks in Redbud park!

Your dresses are so cute.

1st time commentor, long time reader. I think and pray for you and your family often!ReplyCancel

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shalen - your dresses are adorable… i have so enjoyed following your story from afar. such an inspiration in the midst of difficulty that i cannot even fathom. thanks for sharing your life and your adorable dresses with us all!ReplyCancel

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Christina H - Our July4th tradition is to head off to the beach and watch these amazing fireworks. We hang out there all day with friends and family grilling and swimming. Its a blast!!

Your whole family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. I stumbled upon your site accidentally and couldnt stop reading about your precious sweet daughter. I cried and cried then hugged my 8mo as tight as I could. Life is so very precious and it cant be taken for granted. Hopefully Ill catch your store with some dresses in it so I can actually purchase one! They sell out so quickly! WTG! 🙂

God Bless!ReplyCancel

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Stephanie Heintz - My family grew up in Florida and every summer we would go see the fireworks at the coast in this little town called Cedar Key. Fireworks over the ocean was the most amazing thing to me. I loved it and it has become one of my favorite memories.ReplyCancel

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Instant Family of 4 - Our tradition is simple but I love it. We always have a big cookout with family and friends and then we all watch fireworks together. I wouldn’t have it any other way.ReplyCancel

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JenniferNe - The Fourth of July to me always has been a special day. We celebrate as a family. That day everyone is together to remember all of those who have worked so for our Freedom. Now that I have children we continue the tradition. We eat, play and watch the fireworks together. My daughter said just yesterday that the 4th of July is her favorite holiday. Why? Because everyone sings “I am Proud to be an American” My husband was in the Army for 4 years, discharged for medical reasons, he would have been a lifer if not. Both of my nephews are currently serving. Mike is Afghanistan and Jimmy is just finishing basic training. God Bless!ReplyCancel

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blessedmomto7 - Seems like our 4th is always spent on the farm… WHEAT HARVEST is usually in full swing so my in-laws usually come up to help and we grill out. There is nothing like that day. Then we usually head in town (with or without daddy-depending on whether he is done cutting or not) to watch fireworks! We usually stay in the care since I have 6 little ones 😉 HUGS!ReplyCancel

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Christy - Your dresses are adorable!!
I have a ton of excellant 4th of July memories but I’d have to say I just love hanging out with family & celebrating the 4th.ReplyCancel

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vanessa - i got engaged on the 4th of July, so that is my best memory!!ReplyCancel

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Amanda - My nephew graduated from the Naval academy two years ago! Go Navy!!

I would also like to say that you are in my prayers =)ReplyCancel

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Andrea - My favorite 4th of July memory is from 2006. My husband had finished up his 6 year requirement with the US Army a year earlier and he was going to college (actually still is!). We went to Wichita to be with family for the weekend. On the spur of the moment we decided to go to a Wranglers game (baseball for those that are not from Kansas). When we got there we noticed a UH60 Black hawk in the parking lot(hard not to notice). My husband was with a medivac unit in the Army which uses Blackhawks. So, since we were familiar with them we went over to see who was there that day. It was actually the National Guard Unit out of Topeka/Salina. We currently live in Salina where he is attending school. On a side note, when my wonderful hubby decided to get out of the army and go to school I knew deep down it would not be forever. I knew that day he would probably sign up for the guard so he could work with his first love again–helicopters. During half time that night the black hawk was part of the program and landed on the field. It was amazing to see his face light up! We were all pretty emotional, as we had just finished 4 tough years of many months of separation due to the war. This was his first 4th of July in the US with us in several years. By October of that year (4 months later) he had joined the guard unit we met that memorable 4th of July.ReplyCancel

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Lauren - You guys are so inspiring and I think about your family often. Our favorite tradition so far is going to the top of our parking deck in Birmingham, AL and watching the fireworks show from the top of the mountain!ReplyCancel

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Danelle - What a great give away!! Thanks,

Our typical tradition, pre-kids, was always to go watch the fireworks over the lake with my 2 sisters and brother and their spouses. However, now that we have little munchkins to go with us now–the crowds have gotten too much to handle–so we always have a cook out with the entire family and let the kids roam at their will. I enjoy all the new changes and transitions that we undergo with all the added neices and nephews, and thank God that we have such a large family to enjoy every year at our July 4th celebrations.ReplyCancel

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Stacy - Oh how adorable. I truly truly look up to you guys and your faith in our Holy Father that we serve.

My fourth of july memory is one of the last memories made with my 16 month old daughter Bethanie. We always go camping at the lake, and it was her first time to go!! I was so excited for her to go and continue the tradition that had been passed on since I was a kid. She was our only child and the only grandchild and I knew that my parents would enjoy spending the time with her. She was able to see her first set of fireworks, and go to her first 4th of July picnic. This was my daughter’s last 4th of July as she passed away 17 days later, unexpectedly in an accident. Every July 4th we honor her at our family camping trip and remember the memories that we have of her that special year.ReplyCancel

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The Rouse House - Every time you upload to Etsy my google reader notifities me, albeit a little late! I’m watching for some burp clothes for a baby gift, but I’m excited for a chance to win something from Cora’s shop for my little girl!

Our family traditions on the 4th of July are very basic but include all the best things…Family, burgers on the grill, family, watermelon, family, fireworks, family, fun on the slip’n’slide, family…Like I said, all the best things!

You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Much love from this mommy’s heart to your mommy’s heart.ReplyCancel

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Stefanie in Birmingham - Jess,
You don’t know me but I have been following your blog. You story has touched my life and little COra was so sweet. I have tried every time to buy a Cora dress for my 2 year old little girl and every time they are sold out!! Which is a good thing. I love the Fourth of July. I am from Alaska and it is day light all the time then and we would have a neighborhood BBQ and play all night. Baseball, water balloon fights. It was so much fun. I know live in Alabama and miss those times with my family as they are still in Alaska.Your family is always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for sharing your story.ReplyCancel

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Mindy M. Harris - Oh, how awesome of you to do a giveaway. All of the prizes are awesome! Can you momma give a sewing class? I would attend! I am inheriting my husband’s grandma’s sewing machine! (Also, I’ve been praying for you all; Julie J. is a dear friend of mine!)
My favorite 4th of July memory involves my 2 sisters…we loved smoke bombs & would run through them, pretending to be the Wicked Witch of the West! I did it again for “old times’ sake” in 2003, and a piece of the bomb landed on my arm. I had to cover the scar on my wedding day, 16 days later!ReplyCancel

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Sarah - I must say…I’ve never won a thing before in my life, so I thought I’d give this a chance! I absolutely LOVE the 4th of July dresses!!

My fondest memories as a child are going with my parents to pick out the fireworks. I was always so excited to get the snaps and sparklers! I also loved making a mess with the black snakes with my brothers! We would participate in the towns activities (going to the parade and water fights and such) and then bbq with friends. We always ended the night by lighting off the fireworks.

I’m so proud to say that I have passed some of these memories on to my own children. They love to go and pick out snaps and sparklers and love going to the parades! We have started a tradition of bbqing with friends and lighting fireworks as well! I love watching their faces as the fireworks go up in the air. I just hope that I’m giving them the same fond memories that my parents gave to me!

Thank you for this great opportunity!!

Still praying for your family in Nebraska…

SarahReplyCancel

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Marsha - Oh my goodness…..I LOVE those dresses. I have always loved being an AMERICAN! My granddad and my husband both served in the military. Our family is always supportive of the military and we attend rallies to support our troops! God bless America!

My favorite 4th of July memory is watching fireworks and having a cookout with family and friends.

Continuing to keep you in my prayers. Love and prayers!

Marsha in VAReplyCancel

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Anonymous - I love your cute dresses!

My favorite memory is from when I was little. My family lived in a cul de sac where all the neighbors would all sit out & we’d set off fireworks. It was a special time of year for all the neighbors to get together.

Jess, I’m Andi Sands best friend from Seattle – I’ve been updated on your story from the beginning – I have constantly been praying for you!ReplyCancel

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Lodmell House - I absolutley love the dresses. My daughters would love it!
4th of July has always been a family holiday. We have a family reunion with fireworks and everything. This is why my husband and I got married on July 5th. We turned the family reunion into our rehearsal dinner, a barbeque on the family farm.
So the 4th is a very special holiday for our family. It will different this year without my brother, who is now in the marines and is stationed in Japan.ReplyCancel

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Micah - Oh. My. Goodness. This is the cutest stuff ever. Really. I thought you really outdid yourselves with the H.B. Pop Garden fabric (a favorite!), but this stuff is just adorable. My birthday is the 4th, so needless to say, it has always been my favorite holiday :).

It was so good to read your update below. I know it’s hard to write, and be really honest about your feelings, but I wonder all the time about how you are really doing. When people say you’re doing great, it’s because you are living and breathing, and for those of us who haven’t been through it, we wonder how you can continue doing those things after such a tragedy. You are still in my daily prayers, and I know that it is only by the grace of God that you will make it through.ReplyCancel

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Lori - Those dresses are adorable! You have such an eye for what looks nice together.

Favorite July 4 memory – I was in Atlanta on vacation with my family, and we were watching a 4th of July parade. Near the beginning of the parade, there were about 25 people carrying this massive American flag. When they went by, the wind caught the flag and blew it upwards, and I was sitting on the curb, and I looked up and all I could see were the stars and stripes with the sun shining through. It was so beautiful and it reminded me of what our celebration was all about.ReplyCancel

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Micah - That photo of you on your daddy’s back is priceless. 🙂ReplyCancel

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kristin - I love your dresses! I want a Cora dress so badly and they always sell so quickly I’ve never been able to buy one.

So far, my favorite 4th of July memory is pretty simple. We were at Myrtle Beach and my now 9 year old was 4 at the time and had never really experienced fireworks and the smile on her face went all the way to her eyes. You could see the reflection of the fireworks there and it was such a beautiful moment.

God Bless, Jess!ReplyCancel

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The Meineckes - My favorite 4th of July memory/tradition is going to Kansas to my in-laws house(we live in Texas), cooking out, making home made ice cream and watching fireworks with the whole family.

Thanks for continuing to bless me by your amazing strength and faith in our Lord. Still thinking about and praying for you everyday!ReplyCancel

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Don, Aimee, Kaitlyn and Kysen - Wow…what cute dresses! To pick just one 4th of July memory was really tough! My birthday is on July 1st so it always seems like the birthday festivities trickle into the 4th! LUCKY ME!
My most favorite 4th of July memory actually just took place last year. We were in the process of moving to Colorado and we had always heard that Estes Park had a fabulous 4th of July fesival. We had really never brought the kids to Estes Park (they were 20 months and 6 at the time) so we decided to give it a shot! All I have to say is wow! So many people celebrating the fact that we live in a free nation! That evening we took the kids to the fire work show on Lake Estes. As I gazed at the fireworks being lit up, it would brighten up the mountains in a way that I could not describe in words. Mountains to me are such a majestic thing anyways, but to see them in this kind of light, was even better. I always would tell my 6 year old that God carved each and every mountain by hand so that we could know how majectic He is! Kaitlyn looked at me that evening while the fire works were still going off and said, “Mom, God is shining his light down off that mountain!” Wow, what a comment by a 6 year old. I think that fireworks are representing God’s magnificant light in each of our hearts and the mountains are a symbol that helps me realize that we are not grand, but our majestic God is grand enough to put such beauty in our lives! The 4th of July is such a patriotic day in each of our lives that would not be possible without the freedom we first recieved from our Father suffering on the cross for our sins!ReplyCancel

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Michelle - You make ADORABLE clothes. If my hubby was employed I’d be buying things like crazy! 🙂 I’ve been following your blog & praying for you since my friend Andrea shared your story w/me! May you continue to feel the peace and strength that only the Lord can provide in times like this! Thanks, Michelle
(sunkistmas [at] gmail [dot] comReplyCancel

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Susan - So cute!!
We love taking our 3 kiddos to the town park for the bike parade (they decorate them and then ride around the track!) followed by watching the fireworks at night!
My daughter was born the night before Cora…we think of you guys every time she wears her Cora dress!ReplyCancel

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Kelly - I have been reading your blog for some time and I think of you often 🙂
That being said – I love these dresses and I hope that if I don’t win one I can get my little fingers on these hot numbers.
My husband and I are both from Canada and have been living in the US for 5 years. So the 4th of July has been something newer for us. We have some friends who live on a lake and we typically go to their home for a bbq and then go out in the boat for fireworks. It is a great holiday which brings a very proud feeling to be living in this county. Thanks for the giveaway!ReplyCancel

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Big W - My favorite 4th of July memory was made last year. When I found out I was pregnant the previous October, I calculated that my due date was the 4th of July. My doctor calculated it to be June 30th, but I really hoped for a 4th of July baby anyhow. As some mild complications arose, my doctor started recommending an induction. I resisted, feeling that everything would turn out as it was meant to be. Finally my doctor insisted on an induction on July 3, and said she hoped the baby was born that day so as to AVOID the holiday birthday. Well, the labor progressed and I finally started to push at 11:50 p.m. on July 3rd. When the baby was born, my first question was, “Is it a boy or a girl?” It was a boy! (We already had a little girl at home, so we were really excited to welcome a boy.) My second question was, “What time is it?” It was 12:01 a.m.! We got our 4th of July baby by 1 minute! For the rest of my life, it will be my favorite holiday, and my special guy will always have fireworks on his birthday!ReplyCancel

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Kari J - They are sooo cute, that is for sure!!

My favorite 4th of July memory-
I have so many it’s hard to choose just one but truthfully it also links into the tradition we had we I was little as well. I have loved the 4th of July as long as I can remember and this is why:
Every year on my dads birthday day, June 27th… the first day you can buy fireworks in Kansas… we would go down the road and stock up on every firework that I wanted. As I got older they of course got more and more dangours aka FUN!! Then you had to sit and wait. BUT the next fun time came on July 3rd… we would go down and buy streamers, flags, any kind of 4th of July decoration you could think of!!! Then that night all the neighbor hood kids would come out with their bikes and decorate them for the next day. The next morning was our annual Colins Park Parade, we would stand in line and ride our bikes around the park… along with fire trucks, kids in wagons, dogs dressed up, every thing you can imagine in a small parade!! After that we would have a block party, all the families would come out to bbq, talk, watch the kids to make sure no one got hurt! That night we would all walk, together, down to Washburn University, lay out blakets and set up chairs.. eat snacks and wait for dark. As dark set in we would watch the fireworks and listen to the music. As soon as it was over we would all walk back home, set off more fireworks, and after a long, long day… say goodnight to all our friends and neighbors and call it a day. I was very lucky to live in such a great neighborhood growing up, I still talk to a few of them, many years later but those 4th of July’s will always stay fresh in my mind and I hope that some day I can give my own children these kind of memories!

Thanks for putting up the contest and bringing back such great memories!! You’re still in my prayers!

-KariReplyCancel

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jennifer rogers - i love all of your things and I can never get to etsy fast enough to get any of them!

I would have to say that my favorite July 4th memory would have to be July 4th 2005 it was the last July 4th that my Dad would be alive for. I just remember him being so goofy and happy and playing with all of the kids and then it started to rain before we had time to light off all of the fireworks so the girls stood under umbrellas and the men all stood in the rain lighting the big fireworks off and my dad was right there in the middle of it. I just remember this as one of the last times that I saw my father so happy.ReplyCancel

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ccsandberg - I love your dresses. My favorite memory was 4 years ago this 4th of July when I got engaged to my hubby! I was so suprised and now every 4th of July I love remembering that day as we watch fireworks. God bless you and your family!ReplyCancel

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Chasity - My favorite memory would be the summer my entire extended family was at a local lake to watch the fireworks display, and the dock collapsed due to the unusually large amount of people on it. The water was shallow, so no one was hurt, in fact, my mom stayed in her chair and simply held her coffee cup above her head so she didn’t have to sacrifice her caffeine intake for the evening.

Your dresses are beyond beautiful.ReplyCancel

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Ashley - One of my favorite memories of 4th of July is my younger years, growing up always going to the lakehouse w/ my family and riding jet ski’s all day long, being gone for hours on end! Those were the days, I miss those so much.
I love your blog and have prayed for you and your family and think of you often!
I love all of the dresses you make as well!
Ashley
ashleyandcraig@msn.comReplyCancel

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Team Martins - These are so gorgeous, and I love the patriotism behind it all!

Favorite memory…
Being little and camping out in my parent’s big field… waiting for the neighbors to do their fireworks thing, so we could ooh and ahh over the beautiful lit up night sky. And the burgers and dogs and homemade potato salad didn’t hurt either!ReplyCancel

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heicoc - I love your dresses, but I never make it to the shop in time to get any!! It would be great to win one!!! Maybe you could do a tutorial on how you make them – they are so beautiful.

Anyhow my son’s birthday is July 1, 1997 so I would have to say my favorite memory around the 4th would be his birth. We celebrate his birthday usually on the 4th also, which is always fun. Most years when we are not on vacation, we head to the beach and watch fireworks from there.

Thanks for your blog!

Heidi
heicoc@yahoo.comReplyCancel

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Anonymous - Your dresses are SO sweet.
My favorite memory is as a child lighting sparklers with my Dad and five siblings on the 4th of July.

Thank you for this contest.
God bless!ReplyCancel

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The Mershawn's - Ha! I’m comment #205:). A little slow you think?! That’s a lot of people….

Since I have had such a terrible time trying to BUY a dress:), I’m so in for winning one! Woo-hoo!

I love the 4th of July for watermelon, swim suits, the smell of grilling out, banana pudding, homemade ice cream and fireworks. And, because there’s not another holiday in the summer, it makes it all the more grand. Plus, I’m a proud American girl, and it’s good to remember where we came from and how truly blessed we are.

Thanks Jess & Jess’ mom! Great idea, and even greater clothes:). Still praying for you guys….
AmberReplyCancel

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The Hams - My favorite 4th of July memory… My father was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and all of his family lived there. He later joined the Air Force and was stationed at Bolling AFB in Washington, D.C. when I was born. We lived there until I was 5 and every year we would go downtown and celebrate the 4th on the front steps of the Capitol – listening to the concert and watching the fireworks explode over the Tidal Basin of the Potomac River. It was beautiful and so wonderful to be able to be able to celebrate our nation’s independence in the capital. As I was growing up, we would go back every few years, but then life got busy and now we can’t ever all coordinate a trip together. Every year we watch the Capitol 4th on t.v. and wish so badly that we could be there in person again.

Praying for you!
Iana HamReplyCancel

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Taryn - My Favorite 4th of July was when I was about 9-10 years old. We had the annual 4th of July neighborhood party at our house. We had lots of friends, food and fun. We also played in the pool all day. We ended the day with an awesome fireworks display. Looking back at pictures brings back such wonderful memories.

Everyday your sweet Cora is remembered and loved by so many. God Bless! TarynReplyCancel

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Darby - Oh Jess… what’s not to love!! The food, the family, the fun, the sun, the baby pools and watermelon… I love it all… especially our country!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!!ReplyCancel

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The Woodards - My favorite memory is getting together at my grandparents’ house to have our annual Fourth of July picnic and then shoot fireworks that night. My grandparents are very special to me so I will always remember getting together with them! Both of my grandfathers were in the army and one served in WWII. He was even shot in the leg while serving.
VERY cute clothes!ReplyCancel

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Amber - I want to start off by saying that your faith is so amazing! It is so great to see God working in your lives…even though it is not what you had planned. My best friend lost her baby a year ago and I’ve experienced 2nd hand with her how devestating it can be!! Your story has touched so many lives and we all appreciate you sharing your story and God’s journey in your lives with us!

My favorite 4th of July tradition: July 3rd a bunch of college friends always get together and BBQ, catch-up with life, and shoot off fireworks…we have a great time! We then spend the rest of the evening taking in the Sterling 4th of July festivities!!

Amber
Hutchinson, KSReplyCancel

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nessadee - Fireworks!! I loved all of the lame fireworks like the tanks and the little parachute men that came out of rockets.ReplyCancel

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Kendra - last year was fun–watched a movie with our extended family outside with a projector!ReplyCancel

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Krystle - My favorite 4th of July memory was when I got to go to Disney World when I was younger. So magical and SO fun. I hope we can do that for our daughter one day 🙂 I love the dresses. Beautiful!ReplyCancel

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JJC - i’ve wanted to comment for awhile but just haven’t even though i’ve been following your family’s story for well over a year. i have a little girl, emory, that was born just 3 days before your cora. she is our first baby just like cora is for your family. on emory’s birthday, march 2, i thought of you and prayed for you, even though we’ve never met. i think of your cora so often. maybe it is just because their birthdays are so close together.

i would love a cora dress…whether i win one or if i can be quick enough to buy one on etsy. 🙂

praying for your family each time i look at emory.ReplyCancel

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Jennifer - Celebrating the 4th is such a fun time with food, family and fireworks! I come from a small town in Mississippi. My favorite memory from the 4th is going to our hometown fireworks show. We’d sit out on blankets and wait until it got dark so that we could see the fireworks display. Always fun to see friends from school and socialize!

We are so blessed that we live in our great country. And we should never forgot the men and women who fought, are fighting and will fight to protect the freedom we so often take for granted!!ReplyCancel

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Miranda - How adorable!!! 4th of July is my favorite holiday!
The dresses are beautiful!! As well as the shirts, very cute.ReplyCancel

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Miss Em - What a wonderful give away!!!! I grew up where the 4th of July was always our family vacation. We took our camper to a local lake and camped out for a week with friends and family. Those were my best childhood memories and there were so many of them. I looked forward to the 4th of July every year. Since I moved away the 4th is not a big deal. I hope to make it one for my little ones.ReplyCancel

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Jason - traveling to iowa to visit family, eating watermelon and playing travel games the whole way there and back. and, of course, enjoying fabulous fireworks with loved ones.
i love the 4th of July, too!ReplyCancel

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Ashley - We live in Florida about a mile from the beach. Every year on the 4th of July, we get a hotel room at a beach resort. Our kids spend the day on the beach and in and out of the pool, and since they are little we can use the room for naps, cooling off and rest. Then we watch the fireworks on the beach and spend the night at the hotel so we don’t have to fight the traffic that’s leaving the beach after the fireworks! It’s a really great family day!

I’m sure you hear this every day, but you are an inspiration.ReplyCancel

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Tammy - I have been thinking of you often since I found your blog thru Etsy. I pray for you and your husband and family.

My favorite memories are simple ones. My family of 8 would barbeque. My dad and brothers would set off fireworks and my sisters and I would play with sparklers. I’m just thankful that we had each other.

I’m sure I will have new favorites as my girls grow and we make new memories.

Thanks for sharing your life and the life of Cora with others.ReplyCancel

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Amy - Last year we spent Fourth of July at my parent’s beach house and we watched fireworks far off in the distance all along the horizon. It was incredible. I hope to make that our new tradition! Thanks for the fun giveaway!

amykpaul AT gmail DOT comReplyCancel

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lindsay - I just started to read your blog and I love the dresses, so cute!! I am currently 30 weeks pregnant with a girl and I can’t wait to get a dress to dress her up in. Unfortunately everytime I log onto etsy your sold out. 🙁 So maybe this is my chance….;)

My favorite July 4th memory is when I was growing up. We were on our way to my grandparents house for dinner before the city fire works show and me and my mom were stuck in traffic. We ended up getting rear ended, luckily we were okay. But once we got to my grandparents the firt thing my grandma asked were “Are the pies okay?” this made my mom so mad. We still talk about her worrying about the pies and not us. But overall it was a great July 4th complete with food and firworks.ReplyCancel

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The Brack's - Growing up we always went to Lake Eufala and would either float on rafts by the dock or idle out on the ski boat or house boat and just hang out and watch the fireworks that our friends would set off. There are always fireworks going off in all directions so the whole skyline is lit up in all directions. That all was after having a big family cookout and a flag cake too of course!ReplyCancel

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Tara Provence - adorable!

okay, so my dad is a farmer in texas and i grew up on a farm in the middle of a cotton field. every fourth of july we go out to my parents for the whole day. that night we eat hamburgers, hot dogs, fruit pizza and homeade ice cream. then that night we all sit outside in our lawn chairs and watch my dad and grandad (and some of the kids) pop fireworks. from the front porch we can see the big fireworks show in the town closest to their house – which is like 15 miles away. so we oooooh and awwwwwe over each and every spectacular firework until late. i love the 4th.

and i love those dresses… so stinkin’ adorable!!!ReplyCancel

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Carrie - How sweet! I love them all and wish I could sew! Everytime I go to the etsy shop your all sold out so congrats on that! Our 4th of july tradition is a bbq with ribs and ofcourse the cake made with strawberries and blueberries like a flag and then we all hope on the boat to view the fireworks on the lake. It has to be one of my favorite holidays!!ReplyCancel

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deyoungsters - my favorite 4th memory: I used to compete horses when I was a little girl, and one year my sister and I decked our ponies out in red, white and blue ribbons and rode in a 4th of July Parade. We felt so patriotic! Afterwards there was a carnival, cookout, and fireworks show! Best 4th of July ever. 🙂

oh yay, everything you make is so adorable! I have my fingers crossed!ReplyCancel

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A Fun Family - I always love the big family get togethers we had (and still have now with my own kids)when I was growing up. We often drove all the way up the East coast from Florida to Maine to be with extended family on the 4th. I love to remember the big fireworks and cookouts and patriotic music! My husband is in the US AirForce so this tradition continues to be a family favorite for my kids as well.
May God continue to have grace on our country and may He truly Bless America.ReplyCancel

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Suzy Q - Our newest 4th of July tradition, since we moved to the Washington DC area, is to walk down to a park by the Potomac River and watch the big fireworks display at the Capitol lawn. We get a great view of the fireworks without all of the traffic and people.

Love the dresses and the 4th of July theme! I am guessing the pics are of you and your parents…very sweet!

Thinking of you often,
SuzanneReplyCancel

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Jaime - Adorable dresses! My favorite thing is to make a white cake and do a pattern of the flag with strawberries and blueberries!

jaime_reanne@comcast.netReplyCancel

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DollBaby - My favorite memory was that when I was little my family would go to visit my daddy’s family for the 4th of July. We lived 3 hours away from there so didn’t get up there too much so we always looked forward to the 4th of July. We would have a cookout with our family and then my parents would take us to watch the fireworks in the old Hill’s parking lot. It was so much fun. Simple but memorable.

The dresses are adorable. And can I just say I have tried to buy a dress for awhile now and I’m always just a little too late and they’ve all been scooped up. So thanks for the chance just to win one!ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - Adorable dresses!!! The 4th of July is my very favorite holiday! Mostly because, as I child I always thought the whole country was celebrating mine and my brother’s birthdays! I am a July 2nd baby, and my brother is a July 7th baby. We ALWAYS celebrate our birthdays together on the 4th…to this day. We even received a big box of fireworks every year as a gift to shoot off. What a fun time! And, when I hear “Proud to Be an American!” set to fireworks, well…I couldn’t feel more blessed to be living in such a great country.

Have fun with this giveaway! What a great idea! Blessings to you guys. I love the way you have honored your precious baby girl!

Chasity SchulerReplyCancel

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Allikaye's Mama - I love those dresses! Awesome! My fave memory is going to the parade in the morning…barbecue…water balloon fights…then fireworks…good ol fashion fun!ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - You never cease to AMAZE me…
Our family tradition is of course for the family to all get together and celebrate..we grill, do fireworks and before we eat we say a thanks of prayer to ALL of our service men and women, past and present..I am so very thankful for this wonderful country that we live in.

KimReplyCancel

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Mission of mamahood - I love your dresses – they are adorable!

My favorite fourth of july memories are simply the family backyard get togethers, with cookouts, games, and of course fireworks. It is such a time to enjoy the summer and to remember the blessings in your life.ReplyCancel

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Emily @ Little Home - Some of my favorite 4th of July memories are from pool parties at our family’s friends’ house growing up!ReplyCancel

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godfrey - I LOVE the Cora dresses!
We have a family tradition of getting together at the lake with my husband’s family. We grill out and just spending quality time together. It is so nice to see all the children playing and visiting with family we do not often see. We are so blessed to live in such a wonderful nation, full of men and women that are willing to give their lives so that my family and I are able to be together without fear.ReplyCancel

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angie c - How cute! Love the fabric!

Favorite memory–we spent many 4th of July’s at my aunt and uncles farm in Iowa–where most fireworks are not allowed– shooting off fireworks we drove to Missouri to buy! And then when it got late enough, from a bluff on the farm, we could watch the “big” fireworks show from three different surrounding towns at one time! It was so great to sit there with my cousins and see all that at one time!

hugs to you!ReplyCancel

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JulieA - Jess — You and your family are amazing. We have been praying for you since we heard about sweet Cora. I roomed with Esther Harder in college, and I know your sister-in-law Leah, because I work at the KS Heart Hospital.

A favorite memory of mine is simply being with family on the Fourth. As kids, we used to decorate our bikes and ride them in our neigborhood’s parade, complete with a real firetruck leading the way. Now with children of my own, the parade is fun in a different way.

You all are in our thoughts and prayers… what a witness to Christ’s love you have shown throughout the past several months!ReplyCancel

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Liz from WI - I love the picture of your mom and dad –your mom is still as beautiful now as she was then….and you (as a baby) and Cora look so much alike!

Favorite Memory

Our town in WI canceled their July 4th parade, so we held our own…and so many people came to watch the police had to block off two intersections!! I was the Queen for No Apparent Reason–but got to ride in a real convertible!ReplyCancel

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MomMom - Great idea! Also, you are on my mind and in my heart so often—especially when I see your blog and the picture of that precious little Cora. I know the pain must be almost unbearable but thankfully you have your faith in God to carry you.

My favorite memories of 4th of July are the ones I’ve spent with my family watching fireworks and being thankful for the freedom we have in our country. I, too, came from a very patriotic family. One thing that I am constantly reminded of is that freedom doesn’t come without a price. I reminded our grandchildren when we went to Washington DC that blood had to be shed for freedom that we enjoy in our country and blood had to be shed for us to have the freedom we have in Christ—the ultimate sacrifice. Those are my thoughts and memories of the Fourth of July.ReplyCancel

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GAMZu - I don’t think I have commented before, but I read your blog regularly. I just had to comment to tell you how much you (as a baby) and your sweet Cora look alike!

I had to go back and reread the post because I thought that was a picture of Cora in the backpack carrier.ReplyCancel

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The Langes - First off, I think Cora’s Playground is an amazing idea! My favorite memory of the 4th of July is spending it at my small towns annual bash. There were big wheel races, frog jumping contests, craft fairs, parades, carnival rides, dancing in the park and the evening was finished with beautiful fireworks. In my mind nothing beats the 4th in a small town!ReplyCancel

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William, Megan and Avery - My favorite 4th of July memory? Let’s see… I think I’ll just go with funny!

I was probably 4 or 5 (but definitely potty trained) and we were sitting on the grass ready to watch fireworks over the Arkansas River in Little Rock, when i had to pee… BAD! We had to have been really far from any bathroom, because my mom made me pee on one of my baby cousins diapers! It’s crazy that I remember that so well!! 🙂

Oh, and my family makes fun of me because I involuntarily jump/twitch every time a loud firework goes off. No joke. Every. Single. Time.

MeganReplyCancel

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patti@badmouth.net - my favorite 4th of july memory is sitting with my dad (who went to heaven when i was 9 years old) in our front yard and lighting sparklers. the cool old fashioned kind that were metal. i still love sparklers and light one for him every year.ReplyCancel

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Wendy Lierz - Leave it to you to think of others….

My favorite memory of 4th of July happened years ago, when I was a kid. Living in the country, we always watched the nightly firefly display and caught our fair share. It was nothing for our dad (my sister and I) to go fishing all day on the 4th. This one particualar year, we were so excited for him to come home from fishing so we could begin our 4th of July fun. We gathered on the back deck just waiting for dad to come out and show us all the fireworks he gathered on his way home. Much to our surprise, he forgot, by the time he remembered, everyone was closed. He met us out on the deck and said “are you ready” which we squealed yes. He said “okay, now watch closely. See that! Oh, there it goes again!” Laughing as he was saying it, we soon caught on that our fireworks that year, were put on by our nightly fireflies. To this day, when our children talk about how bad they have it….we laugh and say “oh yeah, well when I was young, we had to watch the fireflies on the 4th of July for entertainment!”ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - adorable. i always love to see what is new on your site!
i just love the 4th of july esp. b/c family is together and there is lots of picnic food which i LOVE!
thanks
laura
lauramarzen@yahoo.comReplyCancel

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Piper - I love your dresses! Praying for you and your sweet family.

Our new favorite tradition is to get together with our neighbors and have a huge block party. We didn’t have too many traditions when I was growing up, so I am looking forward to many parades and firework shows, decorated flag cakes, etc. in the future.

Thank you for such a great contest, and for being a wonderful inspiration!ReplyCancel

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jen k - What an awesome giveaway! Our fourth of July tradition consists of going to the coast with my whole family, renting a huge house on the beach and having a seafood feast followed by fireworks on the beach. It’s fabulous!ReplyCancel

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Courtney Kay - LOVE THE DRESSES!!!!! My fav. 4th of July was the year we had a float for church for the parade. We had a work day at a parishioner’s house who had horses and I got to assist my sister’s sister (adopted, long story, horribly abused)to ride a horse for the first timeReplyCancel

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kbaitinger - Those are just beautiful!!

Our town hosts a 4th celebration the weekend before the 4th, and it is in the park right across the street from our house. So, it is nice to just be able to sit in our driveway and watch the fireworks!!

Thinking of you and praying for you daily!ReplyCancel

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jenni - What beautiful dresses! Just gorgeous!

My husband is a youth pastor and does an inner city mission trip that always falls over July 4th. Our youth group takes the kids that they are ministering to that week and have their own little version of a 4th of July celebration. It is so precious to watch these children be a part of a larger family…everyone eating and laughing and enjoying each other. I love it!

I am praying continually…that He would continue to give you strength for each day and cover you with His love!!ReplyCancel

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Julia - My big chance to finally get a dress!!!

My favorite 4th memory is a recent one – a couple of years ago we went to Brevard, NC with my side of the family. We didn’t know it but, like many small towns, Brevard does the 4th in a big way. We found out there was a bike parade so we ran out to Walmart (don’t all good stories include Walmart?) and bought streamers and balloons and decorated our bikes. We had so much fun.ReplyCancel

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Unmistakably BLESSED - My Cameron-girl would LOVE one of your dresses . . . I keep trying to buy, but these other mommas keep beating me to etsy! I’ll keep trying!

Favorite Fourth of July . . . Not sure! Favorite tradition would be strawberries, blueberries and cool whip. Simple pleasures, courtesy of our stellar soldiers!ReplyCancel

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Jennifer Faulk - Those are adorable!

I’ve commented before, but it’s been a long while. My favorite 4th of July memory was from 2007. We were living in Okinawa, Japan where my husband was pastoring an international church. Most of the church members were US Marines stationed on the island, and we all got together and had a huge cookout at the parsonage to celebrate the holiday. Our oldest daughter was a few weeks away from turning one, and our youngest daughter was a few weeks away from being born. (She’s a Japanese-born American just like you! 🙂 We had so much fun, and it was, ironically enough, the most patriotic July 4th we ever had, even though it was half a world away. 🙂ReplyCancel

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dmeryan - Your dresses and other items are sooo cute. I know that Cora must be so proud of all the things that you have accomplised with this labor of love. Her playground is such a beautiful way to celebrate her life. And you have touched so many lives by your faith and sharing this journey – thank you!

As far as a 4th of July memory, this one is from my childhood. I grew up on a beef cattle farm and we always had a huge garden. On the 4th of July we had to harvest all the potatoes (you know how the work is never done on a farm!) – but then came the fun! We would swim in the pond and as soon as it got dark we would shoot off lots of fireworks.ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - When I was a kid, my whole family would BBQ, play outside, etc… but at dusk we’d all head out to the front lawn of my grandparents’ house. The city park was across the street, just past the HUGE hill/lawn of the church. My Grandpa would even let me and my two sisters cozy up, blankets and all, in the back of his pick-up truck. THEN, we’d rotate fireworks as they shot off… like, “Nichole this one’s yours. Jessica (my sis), your next”, and so on. It was so exciting to anticipate what kind of firework would be next for me… like it was made just for me! 🙂 (I liked the gold ones that fell like pixie dust!)
Those times were some of my fondest memories with my family!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO YOU AND YOURS!!!
~Nichole in TulsaReplyCancel

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Christie - I love 4th of JUly. It’s a great reason to get together with family and friend. Grill and have a barbaque.After dinner we sit out on our driveway and watch fireworks. This will be the first time my 2 year old daughter will really understand fireworks and i can’t wait.ReplyCancel

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Lindsey Claassen - My favorite July 4th memory is how much my dad loves fireworks. He absolutely turns into a little kid in a candy shop each year as he walks through the tents of fireworks. He loved purchasing TONS of fireworks and making the evening into a big to-do for us kids. As we got older I thought it might slow down and that he’d only done that b/c we were kids but he only seems to get worse each year. : ) I love to see him describing all he’s bought and asking everyone which one’s they want to light. And, he always saves a few back to shoot off a couple weeks later for my birthday!ReplyCancel

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Colbert Family - 4th of July memory…
When our first born who is now 5 was a year old, he was in a parade with my parents. We were so excited (and kind of nervous) while sitting and watching the parade, waiting for them to walk past us. By the time they walked past us, Jacob (our son) was sound asleep in his stroller. It was a cute memory for us as we sat with anticipation to see his face when he saw us sitting there anxiously waiting for him and then when he finally did reach us he was fast asleep 🙂ReplyCancel

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Lindsey - Aww the dresses are darling! First off I want you to know that I pray for you daily. The strength that you have is amazing and Cora lives through you!
I have two nieces, 9 Months and 23 Months, that are the loves of my life, blonde with blue eyes and their sparkle and daintiness reminds me so much of your Angel in Heaven!

We live on the “third coast” you know…TEXAS! Every year possible we make our way to Port Aransas “Port A” and watch the fireworks over the water. It is BEAUTIFUL! We will usually make it a day, stay on the beach and camp and do some shopping. By saying “We” I mean as many people from out family and our friends as possible. It is Lovely!
This is such an awesome idea and really promotes the cause!ReplyCancel

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Mandy - I loved the summer we rented a cabin in the Ozarks with my family. We spent the weekend in the pool at the resort (it was huge)!, but the thing that I thought was really fun was we walked to the little general store on the corner and scooped up EVERY 4th of July decoration we could find (even the cheesy ones) and decorated the cabin… ah, memories.ReplyCancel

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Beth - The dresses are so cute! The shirts, too!

I love cooking out with our neighbors on the 4th, and letting the little kids light up sparklers and the big kids (husbands) shoot off Roman Candles and “fireworks.”

I grew up riding on my Dad’s boat to the Naval Academy in Annapolis and watch the big fireworks from the boat. Pretty unique, but I still love the small festivities on my quiet street.ReplyCancel

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Rebecca - I too, am super patriotic. I even have a red, white and blue star tattoo on my big toe! I LOVE all things America and all things red, white and blue. The 4th of July is the best holiday!

I have great memories of just spending the 4th of July with my family. Backyard baseball, parades, swimming, sparklers, hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, and fireworks!ReplyCancel

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Kathy - Love your dresses- what a great giveaway.

My favorite July 4th memory was watching fireworks on our boat with our 7 month old son, who we had just adopted from Russia 1 month earlier. It was his first July 4th and he was a new citizen and we were a famly!
KathyReplyCancel

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dawn - Love the dresses — and I love how similar you and Cora look as babies!

We have family all over the place and these days, seem to spend the 4th somewhere different each year. However, when I was really young (and still had my mom) we camped all summer long. When the 4th finally rolled around, we’d put pants on for the first time in weeks, tons of bug spray — and head into town to sit by a lake and watch fireworks. The mosquitos were brutal — but I loved that night. 🙂 I lost my mom pretty young — but I think those memories will last a lifetime.ReplyCancel

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Deborah - The dresses are beautiful!

My favorite 4th of July tradition is the fireworks. When I was in college, a group of us would meet on the shores of Lake Michigan to watch the Chicago or Evanston fireworks every summer. I’m a small town girl, and it was always amazing to me to see all the people come out. I’ve enjoyed sharing fireworks with my kids.ReplyCancel

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Debbie S. - My favorite 4th of July tradition is every year we go to a BBQ at my oldest sons friends house. All of his buddies are there and they play wiffle ball and football until the local fireworks start. We are able to see the display from the yard and the boys always sit on top of the fence and watch. I love seeing all twelve boys enjoying the fireworks and just being together. I think we’re helping them create some pretty terrific memories…our boys of summer!!
I have been following your blog for a long time. Your faith inspires me. I love that you have put your energy into raising funds for a playground..I can’t think of any better way to honor Cora. I love the dresses and have been trying to buy a few for a long time but always miss out! Hopefully I’ll win one 😉

Debbie S
http://www.sdcbbc6.blogspot.comReplyCancel

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The Fisher Family - What a great idea! It looks like you received many responses!

When I was younger, we would get together on my dad’s side of the family every 4th of July. The kids would go swimming while the adults interact. We would play games and shoot off the little fireworks. As the sun set, we would head to Haysville for their annual fireworks show.

Over time, the family stopped getting together. Two years ago, I decided that I wanted my children to have wonderful 4th of July memories, so we hosted my dad’s side of the family together. It was neat to see the family come together again and share memories. We have been going on to 3 years now, and this year we are going to add relay games and so forth.

God bless..ReplyCancel

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Tami - Oh my gosh! Those are stinking adorable dresses! I don’t ever comment, but how could I resist those adorable dresses! =)
I’ve been following your blog since the day your precious Cora went to be with Jesus (I found your blog from Bring the Rain) I also lost a little girl, although we lost her the day she was born, but I can understand some of what you are going through. I love how you have invested your time and energy into such a wonderful fun project! Very inspirational.

1. Family tradition: We spend 4th of July with my parents and my brother’s family…picnic during the day, then attend the community fire works at a park in the evening.

2. Favorite 4th of July memory: When I was little (i.e. 6-10 yrs old), we would watch the fireworks from up on top of a hill with several other families from our church. As each firework went off, all my friends and I would yell at the top of our lungs silly things like: “Jesus rocks!” and “satan stinks!” and “God rules!” and “The devil drools!”
Silly, I know. But we sure had fun. =)ReplyCancel

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McArthur - Hi,
I am actually a dual citizen – officially live in Canada, but my mom’s side of the family is a lot like yours – grew up in a airforce family, lived in Japan and all over. Anyways, we would often be in California visiting our grandparents over the 4th of July holidays, and I remember always going to see my grandpa in the parade and then later going to the fireworks, which were always better than we had at home!ReplyCancel

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Jennifer W. - Best memory… laying on top of the car watching the fireworks in the sky with my dad. He’s been gone 15 years now and I still miss those nights.

That picture of you and your dad is beautiful. You look so much like Cora 🙂ReplyCancel

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Christina - You all are too sweet! A nice memory of the fourth of July is from last summer. My oldest was on my mother-in-law’s lap watching fireworks and she said she wished she could always be a kid so that she could sit on her lap and watch fireworks.ReplyCancel

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Gene and Annie - I love the 4th of July and all the memories that go with it! Some of my best memories are of my hometown where everyone gets together at the Highschool and watches them. I always get to see people that i don’t normally get to see anymore and it is just fun to watch kids play and run around!

The dresses are so cute!ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - I will keep it short…

Our family spends every 4th in Frisco, Colorado. Parades, popsicles, firecrackers and family! Can’t beat it!

L KellyReplyCancel

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Karly - PICK ME! PICK ME! PICK ME!
I LOVE THE FOURTH OF JULY… I LOVE THE FIREWORKS AND THE BBQS AND I LOVE LOVE LOVE CORAS DRESSES!
(OR AT LEAST LET ME BUY ONE… EVERYTIME I GO THERE EVERYTHING IS OUT OF STOCK… BOO!)ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - Cute, cute dresses!

We struggled with infertility for 8 yrs but always knew we would be blessed with a child(ren) someday and never lost hope. One yr my dear husband stopped by the mall and purchased a red, white and blue baby outfit (gender neutral)for the 4th and just randomly gave it to me. We weren’t expecting or anything, but he is very patriotic and LOVES celebrating the 4th!

Anyway, fast forward 2 YRS and TWO adopted boys later…I pulled out that little outfit and my youngest (3 months old at the time) fit perfectly into that outfit.

It was a precious moment and we had so much to be thankful for.

Thank for you blessing us with your heart and your sweet dresses. God Bless you and your family!

Marianna in KYReplyCancel

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stellafide - Gosh, all such pretty things! Cora sure has talented mama/Grandmama team! The whole family gets together for 4th of July–my mom is one of 7, all 14 aunts & uncles and 24 grandchildren all gather at Uncle Tim & Aunt Donna’s farm for splashing in the creek, horse rides, games, and lots of pie eating. What a great time to celebrate the freedom we enjoy. God bless the USA!ReplyCancel

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Becca - Thanks for the opportunity to win some of your precious dresses. It will remind me to pray for your family every time my daughter wears her dress! Thanks for sharing your difficult story as an encouragement to all of us that we too could get thru this if the Lord gives it to us.

My younger brother is in the Navy and I have a new-found appreciation for our freedom and the price it truly costs us to have that. Praise God that we live in the USA, at least for now!

My favorite July 4th memory is going to my grandparent’s house who live on a golf course in Arizona. We would take sparklers onto the 8th green and run around after dark and watch all the fireworks shows in the different areas of the city. We could see about 8 shows from their vantage point and I’ll never forget them! I can’t wait for my 3 year old to see fireworks for the first time this year.

beccaneck at yahoo dot comReplyCancel

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Jennifer - Adorable dresses! Keep hoping I can buy one if I am ever fast enough! My oldest daughter was born on the 4th of July sixteen years ago this year so that is definately my fondest July 4th memory. Praying for your family each and every day.ReplyCancel

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Corinne Doughan - Hmmm … I come from a broken home (my parents divorced when I was 5), so holidays were always hard.

But, our church family always had a church picnic on the 4th of July. We’d play games, go swimming and of course eat lots of food and then we’d end the night laying down on the green grass looking up at the fireworks in the sky. It always felt like a big family reunion. I guess those were times when I really understood what it meant to be in the family of God.ReplyCancel

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Brenda - The 4th of July is, hands down, my favorite holiday. Yep, even more than Christmas. Even though I live in a big city now, I grew up in a small town in the Midwest and look forward to taking my girls back to my hometown every year, just for the 4th of July!!! The good ole fashion hometown parade with decorated bikes, the lemonade, ice cream, fireworks and on and on. I LOVE everything about it. Just today I was shopping for their ‘special 4th of July outfits’ for this year. (I have a 4 year old, and an 8 month old). No luck. Such cute, cute dresses you and Grammy have made. I hope, hope, hope I can catch a dress this time (I am always too late) Anyway, we still talk about how Cora ‘was sick and had to go be with Jesus to be all better’ all the time with our 4-year old. We have a picture of Cora (that we received with an item we purchased through Etsy) on our refrigerator to be a constant reminder of how precious life truly is. I hope you are able to find some peace and happiness in your hearts this 4th of July.ReplyCancel

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Jenn - We always love to have homemade ice cream. My favorite memory is the first year I tried to make the homemade vanilla ice cream and I left out the vanilla! Ooops!ReplyCancel

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Aiden's Mommy - I love your blog and continue to check on you and pray for you often. What a lucky girl Cora was to have a mommy and daddy that loved her so much.

My favorite memory of the 4th was when I went to stay with my brother in Oregon. My niece and I sat on the roof of his house and watched an amazing firework show while we ate red vines. It felt magical because we were surrounded by trees and felt we were the only people around and then bam, beautiful colors would explode in the sky. It was like a dream!ReplyCancel

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Jane - wow these are beautiful. what is the fabric in the second dress – it’s stunning!

janelockrey(at)gmail(dot)comReplyCancel

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diana - Look at all of these comments! Nice. 🙂

Our tradition is heading to our local park and watching fireworks. Sigh. 🙂ReplyCancel

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Tami - Fifteen years ago – on July 2 – Chris and I were married 🙂 So, we were actually on our honeymoon on the 4th of July! One of my favorite 4th of July memories is that year! Chris is *quite* the pyro and couldn’t imagine not shooting fireworks off, so we bought up a TON on the outskirts of KC (our honeymoon destination) and shot them off in a park near the Plaza. I am pretty sure it was illegal 😉 That was a blast! But the best part of that memory was starting my married life with my best friend.
Thanks for the chance to win an adorable little Cora-something…ReplyCancel

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Lindsay - Our 4th of July tradition in the last 5 years has become a family trip to King’s Island. It has been so much fun having a few different friends every time and adding our babies as we go. Last year I went 7 months pregnant ( I wouldnt advise it!) And this year my Hudson will be going to ride along. We love spending the fun time together and enjoying an amusement park at the same time.

Thank you for all of your entries. They have been so uplifting and inspirational. Your blog has opened my eyes and pushed me closer to our Lord. Thank you again! I have not been able to get my hands on any Tripp Tee’s yet but am looking forward to another opportunity hopefully. 🙂 God Bless!ReplyCancel

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Kelly - My favorite 4th of July memory is when my husband and I would take his kids who were around 8 and 9 at the time to their grandparents place on the water, and they’d all have a blast lighting fireworks when it got dark, and our Australian cattle dog, Sassy, would be right there with the kids, she wasn’t afraid of the fireworks and would run after them…once even burned her lip a little! We could never get over how fearless that dog was! Also, we’d always have a great feast that day at my inlaws…
that was 18 years or so ago, but the memories still linger on!ReplyCancel

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Becky Wilkinson - I have loved reading all these posts. I have 2 young girls and think this is the perfect place to find the perfect 4th of July tradition. Some great ideas. So far we just have a family picnic and shoot off fireworks. Our girls still are not excited about the noise that comes with fireworks, getting better though.

As a young girl myself we always
went as a family and bought a large box of fireworks and always with the same family we would go to the local fairgrounds and shoot them off. And lets not forget the yummy picnic before hand. Lots of fun memories!!

From our family to yours, we hope you have a great 4th of JulyReplyCancel

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Townsend Crew - Wow! This invitation really brought us all out, huh! I don’t have any fantastic traditions for the holiday, but I’m amazed at how similar your baby picture is to Cora’s. Both beautiful girls!

Continually thinking and praying for you and wanting to hunt down the fool who is in charge of stamping those darn certificates and excuse me, kick their a** for you.

Always in our prayers,
Kate & family
LaGrange, ILReplyCancel

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Stacy Lord - Is that you on your daddy’s back? Wow, the picture of Cora and baby Jess are identical.
Growing up, our fourth of July tradition was small, but fun. We always had sparklers at dusk before the big firework show in our hometown. Then we would drive down by the river to watch the big show. We would listen to the radio show that went along with the display. Then afterwards, we went out into the country and set off the stash that we had purchased earlier in the day. Usually bottle rockets, black cats, fountains, and once in a while, for a real treat, we would buy one really big firework. That was it, but it was a great time.

Jess,
I check your blog all the time and continue to hold you and your family in my heart and mind. I pray that you and Joel are wrapped in the love that is sent your way each and every day from your family, friends, and stragers all around the world. God Bless you.ReplyCancel

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Team Hyde - Your dresses are so stinkin cute!!!

My favorite 4th of July memory would have to be last year as it was my due date! Watching the fireworks and wondering if all their popping was going to make me “pop”!ReplyCancel

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Amber - Our 4th of July tradition is that our family and friends all get together at Weatherby Lake, everyone brings food, we swim and play the day away. When it gets dark we all go sit by the lake to watch fireworks from the dam, and everyone eats a Tootsie Pop! I’m not even sure how the Toosie Pop thing started, but it’s definitely part of the tradition!ReplyCancel

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Bethany - My favorite 4th of July memory was last year. I was due with our daughter on June 30, so she was already five days late and I was pretty miserable.

Someone told me the fireworks scared their first-born out of them, so my husband and I packed up and went to the waterfront of our local lake to watch/listen to the fireworks. Aside from the mosquitos, we had a lovely time talking and watching families that we hoped to be someday.

Of course, it didn’t work – my daughter wasn’t born for another 10days (15 days late), but we had a wonderful time nonetheless.ReplyCancel

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Lacie and Stephen - My 4th of July memory didn’t happen with my family, but rather my neighbor’s family. I was at their house babysitting a lot when I was younger. It kept me out of a vilotale home situation. One year, they needed someone to help with their youngest who was a little over a year old at the time. They invited me to go with them! I was so excited. We went to the Branson area and had a blast! We went to Silver Dollar City. We went on a boat ride on the lake. We had great food! Then on the 4th, we went to a secluded cabin just over the border into Arkansas. We shot off fire works and had a great time! This was the first time I had seen the huge fireworks being shot off so close by! It was a blast! From that year on, MY family has spent a little extra to get the fireworks that shoot up into the air. I love inviting my own family over for grilled hotdogs and hamburgers. Then watching everyone’s fireworks and shooting off our own!ReplyCancel

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Ann - The dresses are adorable! We are praying for you!ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - Yay!! Everytime I go to Cora’s everything is already sold! I’m sure Cora would have looked adorable in all of these clothes! I still pray for you and your family daily. We just had friends that lost their little girl Sunday. She would have been 6 months old on Monday. How my heart continues to hurt for you and your family. Seeing that you are able to keep going through this time is an inspiration. You are stronger than you know! May God continue to bless you with a strong faith in Him.
Rhiannon in IndianaReplyCancel

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Christian Carroll Stewart - My favorite memory is camping with my family on the lake. We did it every year and I look forward to one day camping with my own children!ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - I love your dresses and it seems I always check your site too late to get one!

Growing up my grandparents had a cabin on a lake and every 4th of July, everyone would decorate their boats and have a parade around the lake!

marcie_anne99@hotmail.comReplyCancel

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ryanne - How fun! I love the sweet little dress that I purchased with your first sale. I was your fifth customer.
So far my most memorable 4th of July was two years ago when I invited over fifty people over for a BBQ. I bit off a little more than could chew.ReplyCancel

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Lesli - These are sooo cute!! If I do not win one I am definitely buying one!! Well, If I am not too late that is!!
When I was little, I just remember going to the fireworks.
Now that I have children, I always take them to the local parade and we have a cookout with our family.

I really enjoy your blog, you are such an inspiration to me and many others. May God continue to bless you and your family.ReplyCancel

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Dena Koehn - Fireworks!ReplyCancel

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Megan F. - I’m so excited for this giveaway. I love all of your dresses, but never get to them in time to buy them. My family and I don’t have a 4th of July tradition from the past, but we are starting something new this year. My 2 sisters live in different states so this year all of us with our spouses and my parents are going out to Colorado for the week of the 4th. It’s a tiny town in Colorado that does a lot of neat stuff for the fourth so we are way excited. Plus we haven’t been all together since Christmas. We are hoping that it is a tradition that we can keep up for the years to come.

Just wanted you to know that you and your husband are in our thoughts and prayers!

Megan F.ReplyCancel

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jenivana - Your dresses and shirts are so precious!

My favorite 4th mental snapshot is my 2 kids (2 and 4) at our 4th of July parade, dancing to the marching bands!ReplyCancel

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kelly_m_peck - Love, Love, Love your dresses! What I love about the Fourth of July is being with family and celebrating this great country we live in!

I pray for you and your family everyday! God Bless!ReplyCancel

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Holly Rubstello - I have many happy memories but really just watching the fireworks with my Mom, Dad and brother. We had so much fun. Also watching the fireworks over the beach in San Diego was nice too.

Those dresses are too cute!ReplyCancel

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The Ogdens - I love reading your blog and your etsy items are amazing!ReplyCancel

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A Full House - adorable dresses! one of my favorite memories is walking over to the state fairgrounds near our home and watching the fireworks from there!ReplyCancel

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Mrs. - My husband’s family is famous for hosting exchange students. Once they hosted a young man from Finland for the year, and he was thrilled with the Christmas tree. He enjoyed it so much that Aunt mary Alice left it up until March…and it looked pretty bad. they threw it in the yard. That 4th of July, they burned it and gathered around, singing Christmas carols. they told the exchange student (who LOVED it) that it was an AMerican tradition, to burn the Christmas tree, roast s’mores over the fire and sing Christmas carols. We do that every year now, and we throw in a rendition of God Bless America to boot.ReplyCancel

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Lisa Stewart - Those are wonderful give aways!

Our family goes to the Mardi Gras by the Lake and watches a wonderful parade. The best part is the Shriners in their tiny motor cars! We eat watermelon, salute the service men and women and wave our American Flags!
LisaSReplyCancel

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The Smittcamp's - How fun!! This is my first time commenting. I know, shame on me! 🙂 What a blessing your words are to so many, especially me! One of my favorite things about your journey is the relationship you have with your mom. I can completely relate to having a mom that you love to spend any day with. We are so blessed to have the best moms and to have such a special and close friendship with them. God is good!!
You asked about family traditions…Our 4th of July family tradition is to go to my husband’s grandparents house to watch the BIG fireworks display that the school across the street puts on. My husband comes from a farming family and one of the best highlights is Grandpa’s homemade peach ice cream.
By the way, I LOVE YOUR CORA DRESSES! Adorable! I just can’t seem to get my hands on them. Who knows…maybe now. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. Stay strong…I can not imagine how people do this life without our amazing God! Praise the Lord we are HIS!!
~CherieReplyCancel

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Simon and Sara - Adorable things! I love them.

My favorite thing about 4th of July is being with family and celebrating this wonderful country we live in and those who valiantly serve our country!ReplyCancel

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Anonymous - I LOVE YOUR DRESSES and would love to win one!!

Our 4th of July tradition involves the whole family gathering at the lake for fireworks and great food. We had a special 4th of July 2 years ago as our daughter was due on the 4th and born on the 10th so now we celebrate her birthday will all things red, white, and blue that weekend. Wouldn’t one of your dresses look adorable on her that weekend??

I pray for your family daily and know what an inspiration you are to those around you.

Much love and hugs to you and your family!!

Robin

themosts@cox.netReplyCancel

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Ashley - My favorite memory of the 4th, is the first one spent with my husband. We live next to a mountain and there are several “parking” places up there. We went up and watched all the fireworks going off all over the entire valley.ReplyCancel

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Colby - Your dresses and shirts are absolutely adorable. I can never get to Cora’s quick enough to order one for myself!

Your Cora has changed my life. She is absolutely beautiful.

My favorite 4th of July memory was 10 years ago this year. My husband and I went out for the first time and have been together ever since. I LOVE this time of year, and thanks for thinking of such a great idea.

We are thinking of your family every day.

ColbyReplyCancel

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Jennifer - This are just so cute!

A favorite memory would have to be the first year we had our annual Neighborhood 4th of July party. We had all type of games for the kids and one was a water balloon toss. At the end of evening when were cleaning up the firework mess etc (around 1:00 AM) Amy D found a whole cooler of waterballoons that we forgot about – so since it was adults only left – we had a hugh fight. It felt so good after the long hot day. From that evening on – every 4th after the kids are in bed and the clean up is done. Water balloons apear for the adults.ReplyCancel

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Alicia - what a fantastic idea!!! The 4th of July is always my favorite time of year. This is mostly due to the fabulous weather and the large amount of time spent with family & friends. Growing up in a small town in Iowa, there was only 1 set of fireworks that would get set off each year and everyone from town would attend. There was always an all day picnic at the park that included games, food, music, and then fireworks. My parent’s lived right across the street from the park. My favorite July 4th tradition is laying out lawn chairs and blankets all over my parent’s front yard and watching the fireworks. We would spend all day attending the picnic. Then when the sun would set we would prepare the yard for everyone to watch, even other’s from town would set up a space in my parent’s yard or stop over for a burger or brat. These thoughts are many of the reasons that I currently miss living in the small town. The sense of community is always overwhelming and very comforting.ReplyCancel

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Amy - My favorite 4th of July memory was when I was 7 years old and my mom was pregnant with my little brother. They took me out to the local celebration. I’ll never forget sitting on the blanket that night and watching my mom’s belly bouncing around as the fireworks obviously startled my brother from inside the womb. To this day he is scared to death of fireworks and he is almost a 23 year old young man! It’s too funny to think back on that night and know the outcome. Needless to say when I was pregnant with my almost one year old Brenna (6/10/08) I didn’t go anywhere near fireworks to save her the torment! 🙂 Thanks for letting me share. I really wanted to BUY one of your dresses for months now. They are a challenge to catch!ReplyCancel

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Marianne - Long time follower, first time to comment…Love your blog and your courageousness.

We celebrate the 4th with good friends who surprised us all by getting married at our annual 4th of July party. Everyone was told to come to the barn for a treat, and boy were we surprised. Now we celebrate their anniversary every year.ReplyCancel

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April - We find fireworks! Something about fireworks gives me chill bumps.ReplyCancel

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heather - Looks like it’s gtting a little crowded around here… the dresses and shirts are sooo cute!
Favorite July 4 traditions are the parade (catching candy!), barbecue, fireworks (especially over the ocean, whenever possible!), and family. Cliche, but, even with the sunburn, I look forward to it every year.ReplyCancel

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Blueangels - My Hubby went to the Naval Academy too! 🙂 We have a pretty similar picture kissing at the stadium right as his bars are being put on. Maybe oneday my daughter will share it with everyone 🙂

One of my favorite memories is from the Naval Academy. I hadn’t seen my now DH for 2 months and I went out to visit during the summer. I only was able to see him during the fireworks. He took me to the waters edge and we sat there all cuddled up watching the fireworks over the Severna river. 🙂 The car alarms started to go off all over the place and you could barely hear yourself think, but I was just SOOO happy to be back in my midshipmans arms! 🙂 🙂

He proposed just a few months later 🙂ReplyCancel

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Liliana M - Oh..I’d love one!!!Thanks so much!!

My kiddos love the 4th of July!! They love the fireworks!!

little_bitty_boutique@suddenlink.netReplyCancel

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Margaret - Those are all so cute. I love the first dress.

My favorite 4th of July memories are of our family reunions. We have them in a little town in Texas where my mom grew up. She had 15 brothers and sisters, so they are huge reunions. The ones of us from out of town stay in cabins. They last the whole week. We have cookouts, swim in the Rio Grande, shoot off tons of fire works, play basketball in the school gym, and drive to look at all the scenery (it is mostly hills and has been left alone and not developed). There are always booths set up in the town square selling items, a dance, and a rodeo. It is so much fun.ReplyCancel

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Trasie Bressler - You are amazing!!!

My favorite 4th of July is every 4th of July. It’s a reminder of what an amazing country we live in and a time to reflect on the people that defend this great nation.ReplyCancel

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Karina - I am a Canadian so I really can’t compete in this giveaway, but those dresses are just beautiful and I am determined to get one eventually! Good luck sifting through over 400 comments to pick a winner!!!

WOW, your post about getting Cora’s birth certificates made me cry…Still sending you hugs, you are still a wonderful inspiration for me to love my family more each day.ReplyCancel

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Susan E. - My favorite memories of the fourth of July are having our big cookout at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. It was always a treat to go there and be with all our close friends and family, enjoying good food and fun and of course homemade ice cream!! We still have our celebration there, and I always look forward to seeing everyone and watching the fireworks. But being with my cousins and setting off all of our firecrackers when we were kids are just fun memories.

By the way, I received my Cora dress in the mail the other day and I absolutely LOVE it!! You ladies are doing a wonderful job, and I feel priveleged to have gotten one of your lovely dresses! Thank you so much! Much love to you and your family!ReplyCancel

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Andy and Jenni - Your blog is an inspiration to us (our daughter, barely two, was recently diagnosed with a rapidly progressing, fatal disease)
What a lovely way you and your mother have found to honor Cora. The dresses are too cute! My husband and I started dating on July 4th, so Independence day is even more meaningful for us.ReplyCancel

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Mommy of the Dynamic Duo - I love your items, unfortunatly I have not been able to get anything because they are always gone so fast!!

I love the fact that I am starting traditions with my family—4 year old little girl and one year old little boy. We spend the day together and even if it is raining we go somewhere (even if it is out curb) to see or light some of our own fireworks. Love seeing their faces!ReplyCancel

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Jessica - watching fireworks with family is my favorite part of the 4th of july. this year will be a little different though, as we recently moved to california and are away from family. it will just be the three of us…but then again, that is “our family”.ReplyCancel

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Wendy - ok! well, my FAV 4th of July memory is July, 3 years ago, my husband was right in the middle of a year long tour in Iraq. He is in the Army Reserves. He had left us in December and had only been home one day for Christmas, but had missed birthday’s and mother’s day, our anniversary, father’s day, my daughter’s first communion, and many other special days. However, he was able to come home 2 weeks for the 4th of July. It was so great! We had family come in from far away, and many, many, friends come and celebrate with us. We also celebrated my daughter’s birthday on the 4th that year. We had the house decked out for the fourth, and I felt soo patriotic that year, knowing what our family was giving up for our country. (along with many other families!). We ended the night with a big group of us going to see the firework show in the next town, and truly celebrated our GREAT country! wendyReplyCancel

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Sara - 458 comments!
yikes..my odds are getting slim.
BUT, my mom used to make matching patriotic outfits for all my cousins to wear on the 4th. We have lots of pictures of the crew in the red and whites…
I’d love for my daughter to have a new dress for the 4th 🙂ReplyCancel

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Create Joy Design Team - You do such beautiful work…I love it all!

I’ve been reading your blog for awhile, and want you to know you are being lifted up here in Texas. As a mom, I can only imagine what you’re going through…but I don’t have the right words. Just know you are prayed for often.

~JaclynReplyCancel

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Heather, Stan and the kids - This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyCancel

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Jen - My favorite memories because they blend in together. My family would all gather together for the fourth of July. We would all swim and cook out all day and tell stories. My brother was in the Air Force and I had one uncle that fought in Viet Nam and a great uncle that fought in Korea, they’d tell stories from their times at war. It was amazing how we’d all come together. At dusk they’d start with the fire works, saving the best for when it got really dark. I really miss those times.ReplyCancel

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Carrie/Florida - No story here… Just wanted to say that in the picture of you and your dad – Cora looked just like you as a baby!

The dresses are beautiful!ReplyCancel

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Elizabeth - My favorite 4th of July memory was the year that my siblings and I accidentally set our woods on fire while setting off fireworks. I’m one of 9 children (7 boys and 2 girls – all with the same parents – we aren’t catholic or mormon – my dad just dearly loves children and thought it was great fun to have us all) and we loved playing with fire all of our lives – not a good hobby. We set off about 11,326 bottle rockets that night (okay, maybe a slight exageration) and our woods (we lived on a farm) went right up in flames. Looking back on it, it was quite scary, but at the time my Dad handled it with great stride. “Come on kids, grab a bucket,” while running to the woods. All 10 of us (Dad included) were able to put the fire out after about 45 minutes of heated battle…no pun intended. All of our clothes were burned and marred and we reaked of smoke for days…but my gosh, it was so much fun. Only to a kid, right? The next week we accidentally set them off in the house. Dad didn’t take that one nearly as well.

I absolutely love your blog and find so much strength in your brutal honesty about your walk with God during this time. You have lots of prayers sent up from Atlanta.ReplyCancel

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HighlandGhillie - I just wanted to say how sweet those photos are.

I assume that is you in the backpack. What a beautiful baby!ReplyCancel

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Laura - Every 4th of July we go to a friend’s cottage on the lake. We spend the whole day there, playing horseshoes, laying in the sun, playing in the water, jetskiing and boating. We all bring dishes to pass, so we enjoy lots of good food and good grilling. When it gets dark all the houses around the light light off fireworks so you see wonderful displays all over. It’s always my favorite day of the year because of all the fun I mentioned, but mainly because of all the people there I love. I hope you can have a wonderful 4th this year. Much love…ReplyCancel

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Amy - I didn’t read through all of the comments so I am not sure if this has been said before, but the picture of you (adorable) on your dad’s back and the one of precious Cora look so much alike that it takes my breath away!!

Love the outfits, and THANK YOU for your patriotism! My husband is in the Army and we are moving to Okinawa, Japan soon. The 4th of July is my favorite holiday as well, and there is something about walking around in the heat, sweating, eating snowcones and funnel cakes, and ending the day wrapped in a blanket and watching fireworks that makes me look forward to that day every year.

You are both still in my prayers. Hugs to you both.

AmyReplyCancel

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Julie Brandon - I have 4 boys and I love to dress them the same. They are 9, 7, 5 and 16 months. My favorite of all was last year. All the bigs boys had on red golf shirts with navy shorts and the baby had on a red, white and blue plaid jumper… Boys can be cuties too…ReplyCancel

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Krystal - Bummer. Missed the deadline, though I’ll share my favorite anyway. My daughter was born on July 3 a few years back, and I spent a very happy Fourth of July holding her in the hospital and then having dinner with her birthmother and some family members. On July 5, we drove our girl from the hospital to her new life with us. Now every year our family celebrates our special-delivery girl over July 3, 4, and 5. What a blessing from God!ReplyCancel

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