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As of this past weekend, wheat harvest is done and the beans are planted. Two checks off our summer list. We made many more trips out to the field after our little family date in the combine.
Some of our trips were to drop off a certain little boy who wanted to ride along and some where to drop off food for a certain hungry farmer. Levi liked to help me pack the lunches. And he really liked to help when it meant packing his lunch too. He loved the days he got to be dropped off and eat lunch with daddy. Some families around here make hot meals and bring them out to the field. It still blows me away how those wives manage to get a delicious hot meal out to the field. Maybe I will really be a “real farmwife” when I can do that. We are more of a cold meal kind of family…like sandwiches, chips, fruit…just think school sack lunch.

After we delivered Joel’s lunch we hung out with him for awhile waiting for the combine to come back around. Levi was in distress because he wanted to be out in the middle of the field like his mama.
It is getting so hard to take a picture of both boys together. By the time I finally get Griffin to smile, Levi has usually come up with a better plan than smiling for a picture. This time he was trying to get his brother to drink some milk. I think they both thought it was a pretty good idea.
Good thing they are still cute even when they don’t smile. Their daddy is cute too. Thanks for smiling for my picture, babe!
The combine finally made it back to us and Levi was super excited. He has already mastered his farmer wave.
Joel said that this is the best wheat harvest that the farm has ever had. Definitely something to be thankful for!
The combine dumped the wheat into the grain cart and then the grain cart dumped into the truck. Levi had to get into the tractor to help and then he even got to ride along in the truck with Joel. He doesn’t like to miss out on any of the action. He even prefers to ride in the blue semi truck instead of the white one…and he make his preferences known! So funny.
At the end of wheat harvest we celebrated by having a little picnic with some of Joel’s family.

We ended the night by eating huge bowls of homemade ice cream.
A great wheat harvest and homemade ice cream. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Now we are ready to slow down a little around here…at least until corn harvest!
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  • Auntie EM - Congrats on the great harvest. City girl here would be as fascinated with all the going’s on and the big equipment as your Levi. Hope you get to check off lots of summer things off your list and have a summer full of wonderful memories.ReplyCancel

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  • Diana - I want to hear your love story… reading your last couple posts I find myself wondering, how did the “city girl” become the farmer’s wife? Maybe it’s already here on the blog, you can just direct me, but I am so curious about it. I’ve followed your blog since Cora was sick, and I feel like I know your children and you as a mom, but what about the couple? The wife? I’d love to hear that if you’re willing to share. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Kate - This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - I’m an farm girl stuck in a city and I love that you share your farm life. Thank you!ReplyCancel

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  • Kate - Love reading about farm life. We are Kansans (Inman) transplanted to NM, and though we are still involved in Ag, it’s a whole other world here in the land of irrigation. I feel like I’m at home when I read these posts. And like Diana asked, want to share the love story? 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Lauri - I wan to hear your story too. Very jealous of your laid back lifestyle.ReplyCancel

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  • Vicki - I hope that Levi never outgrows crossing his feet when he sits down:)!ReplyCancel

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  • Rich and Carolyn Dewey - Great photos documenting your wonderful harvest! It makes it very real for we city folks! Love your three handsome men! Such a precious family! Blessings!ReplyCancel

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  • Evan and Nicole - I love love love your blog. Always have. I’ve been a follower since Cora’s passing. I feel like I know you… 🙂 and that we could go get coffee together! Thank you for all that you share! — Your heart is precious!

    Love From Texas,
    The Gooch FamilyReplyCancel

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  • Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Congratulations on a great harvest! That is fantasticReplyCancel

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  • Beth Ann - Glad for your plentiful wheat harvest. That homemade ice cream looks SO delicious. Oh…and I’m thinking cold meals are better on hot days anyway, right? If you filled his belly with warm food he’d just be hot and tired after. 😉 Great pictures of your adorable boys!ReplyCancel

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  • Kenzie44 - The wheat fields in Kansas this year were just a gift from God. The farmers have needed a good year and I think they got it. So happy for your family. The fields were such an amazing golden this year that I found myself wanting to just wander around in the fields and I love this time of year in Kansas. Thanks for sharing your family from so many different angles. You are allowing God to use you in terrific ways. God Bless.ReplyCancel

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  • Briony - That looks like so much fun! Wheat harvesting, homemade ice-cream, picnics by a lake. OOoh! I am jealous. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - LOVE your blog…read all your new posts. Your boys are precious. I have two boys…they would love to go to the farm, too!

    I was on Pinterest and a pic of your boys in the football uniform and football came up! Caught my eye! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Beth - How fun! I just showed my 3 biggest boys (6, 4, and 2.5) your farming pictures. They were SO excited….”Oh my gosh, that is SO COOL!”
    I can only imagine how awesome it is for little boys (and big boys too, ha) in real life.ReplyCancel

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  • Lesley - I grew up in Wichita and my folks would drive me out to our wheat farm in Cheney every summer to watch the harvest. I’m now living in DC with my hubby (a farm boy from TN), and our new little man, and your posts are really reminding me of how much I loved those trips to Cheney. In a few years when our guy knows what’s what, I cannot wait to give him the full wheat harvest treatment! Thank you so much for sharing your harvest with all of us and reminding me how much I love and miss my home in KS.ReplyCancel

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  • Creole Wisdom - That first photo made my heart pitter patter. How beautiful! Nice work Jess.

    I’m so glad your harvest has been plentiful this year. Praise God!ReplyCancel

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  • Cathy - I fell in love with your growing family when Cora was just a baby. While we’ve never met, I love that blogging has brought you into my life! You have adorable kids and your husband is HOT! (Coming from a Mom who thinks her own is hot too, so it’s meant as a compliment and nothing more 🙂

    I’d love to hear more of your days as a city girl and some of the changes you’ve made since moving to the country!ReplyCancel

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  • Kiley - Just curious if you have ever used a crockpot? This invention is FANTASTIC. Put a bunch of things together in the morning. Set it. Forget it. You could start something before bed and have it ready for the morning/afternoon for lunch. Its a great way to have a hot lunch ready without worrying about the hassle of actually finding time to cook it. We do that a lot in this part of the woods (RI) in the winter time. With 5 kids and one on the way. It saves me so much time!!

    Good luck!!

    KileyReplyCancel

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  • Jody - I totally thought wheat was taller. LOLReplyCancel

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  • Sara, NV - Your posts make me want to pack up and move to a farm! My dad grew up on a farm, and I always imagined it was just like your pictures. What an amazing way to grow up for two little boys.ReplyCancel

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  • Miss G - Jess, We had a huge hail storm a couple of weeks ago and our garden got smashed flat. It was so sad. I couldn’t help but think of the farmers and specifically y’all (you’re the only farmers I really “know”) though and hope that you were not hit with anything similar and be thankful that ours was just a little garden not necessary for our livelihood. I am so glad that your harvest was so great! What a blessing from our good Lord.

    Also, just wanted to update on the 30 days challenge. I am hanging in there! I have had prayer and time in the Word everyday since I joined although it has taken different forms some days (naptime instead of first thing, praying in my mind rather than journaling, etc.) due to traveling, some busy days, etc. but I am proud to be persevering! Thanks so much for the challenge!

    One day you just may take a hot lunch out to the field but don’t let Satan for a second tell you that you are anything less than a wonderful wife to your Joel no matter what kind of lunch you take. This coming from someone who recently found myself thinking that I didn’t “deserve” to have nice things like pine nuts if I was just going to burn them while toasting them. urgg . . . he throws fiery darts of lies that are not worth a second of our time, energy or emotion.

    off to clean up the garage a bit! KellyReplyCancel

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  • Tina - That is so great you had a good wheat harvest! My husband and I farm and own a grain cart dealership and you are the first farmers from TX to northern KS that have said that they have had a good year. We haven’t heard of anyone with yields above 50 and test weights have been in the mid-50s. So happy for your family!!!ReplyCancel

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On the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend Joel asked me if I could help him take the combine out to the field. I was a little surprised because other than bringing food and little boys out to the field, I really don’t help out much around the farm. I am not one of those farm wives…at least not yet. So we headed over to the farm with the boys and he told me I was going to drive his pickup truck and pull the combine header (the long thing on the front of the combine that cuts the wheat) out to the field while he drove the combine. What?! That is a big responsibility for this little city girl turned farmer’s wife. I have never driven anything that big before. I mean, I’ve driven Joel’s truck but not while pulling an extra 30 feet of equipment that could take out a car…or a house if I wasn’t careful. He gave me a few turning instructions and we were off. Thankfully the field wasn’t too far. I successfully made my two turns without plowing anything over. Griffin even got to ride along and witness the day I became a true farm wife. I think he was proud of his mama. 😉
After Joel hooked up the header we all piled into the combine to test out the wheat.
This was Griffin’s first ride. He screamed when we first got in…I think he was a little scared. I sat him on the floor next to Levi to watch the action and Levi held his hand.
Melt my heart.
I hope these brothers grow up to be best friends.
Levi told Griffin all about wheat harvest and everything that was going on. I wish I would have written down some of the things he was saying. He would say things like, “That’s the wheat, Griffin!” and then  look at Griffin and laugh. Griffin just took it all in.
Both boys had their eyes glued on daddy and everything he was doing. Wheat harvest is awesome…but they really think their daddy is awesome.
That night we had a family date in the combine. They were sweet moments with my boys that I will never forget.
Griffin’s first combine experience started out a little rough, but by the end he was loving it. I have a feeling that pretty soon Joel will have two boys begging to go to work with him.
It is so funny to hear Levi talk about the farm. Sometimes I think he knows more than I do from spending time with his daddy. And I’m pretty sure before I know it he will be the one hauling the combine header out to the field. 
Just so you know…most of the farm wives around here would think it was no big deal to haul the combine header to the field. They are hardcore. But to me…big deal. The day I felt like I became a real farm wife. And I just had to brag to someone! 🙂
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  • Judy - I love the pictures of the boys holding hands! Just precious! Pretty soon they’ll be having wrestling matches 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Donna C. - I have been reading your blog for several years and I just have to tell you what a bright spot it is for me. I am also the mama of 2 farm boys (little farm and the boys are now 29 and 25) and I remember how much they used to ride on the tractor with daddy. Thanks for sharing your lives with us. I feel as if I know all of you and am delighted whenever you post. Your children are so sweet.ReplyCancel

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  • Auntie EM - You really are a farm wife now. So cute with Levi holding brother’s hand. Sweeett. You do have such a darling family. I like many others have never met you but your blog, your words of wisdom, your cute family, your Cora, your faith in God…..draw me to you. You have helped me realize how important family is and I have drawn strength from your faith. Thanks for sharing a small piece of your life with us. Way to go, farm girl. Yes haw!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Amanda - ahhh, I love these pictures! I think there is just something so special about life on the farm as a family! Not sure what, because I don’t get to live it. But there’s something in the stories you tell, and the pictures that is just so special! It makes my heart all warm inside – the boys holding hands, you becoming a real farm wife and a family date night in the combine. I love it!

    I have a feeling this may just be the beginning of your farm wife adventures!ReplyCancel

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  • Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Oh, way to go Jess! That is amazing!ReplyCancel

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  • LocalvoreFarmGirl - I am the farm wife and my husband is becoming the farm husband 🙂 He brags about his stories driving tractors and semi’s for the first time.
    My brother is the main farmer and just had his fourth daughter. While I am very thankful for his beautiful daughters… it sorta breaks my heart just a little he doesn’t have a son to just watch over him like the boys with Joel.
    The picture of the boys holding hands…. break my heart even more! cutest moment EVER!!!ReplyCancel

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  • onlymehere - Awesome and the boys are so adorable! I love how Levi was telling Griffin all about what his daddy was doing with the wheat and holding his hand so he wouldn’t be scared. Precious memories.ReplyCancel

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  • meg duerksen - i am SO emotional this year about harvest!! i have no farm experience at all and this year moving out to the country has just rocked my world. talking tonight with family that just finished their harvest and he said it was the best he’s ever had….EVER. and said “what a blessing” i got tears in my eyes! i am in love with harvest. 🙂 and with these pictures. good for you for driving that truck. i bet joel was pretty proud.ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - Love the pics Jess! And to this City dweller, it would be a big deal to me too. Anything beyond backing my car up the driveway is a HUGE deal. Hooray you!

    Michelle xReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - These pictures are perfect.
    Those of the boys holding hands… melting my heart.
    Good grief the cuteness overload going on here.ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - PS. Yay for being an official farmer wife. I would have been scared to death pulling that huge thing!ReplyCancel

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  • TimandCeri - the boys holding hands. you must frame that. soooo sweet! You rock farm girl, there is no way I could have done that!ReplyCancel

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  • Carla - That’s just so sweet the way Levi is with his little brother. My girl is like that with her little bro (sometimes!) and its just so sweet to hear her teaching him her take on the world 🙂 I can’t imagine how exciting wheat harvest is for your boys. You know, your posts about the farm are even exciting for my two year old, he sits up on my knee shouting “huge tractor, huge tractor” lol. Kansas tractors seem wayyyy bigger than Irish ones. I guess that makes sense though, what with Kansas farms being bigger than Irish ones. Well done on the Combine Head Pulling feat, much kudos!ReplyCancel

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  • Brooke - I just love this. The pictures are so sweet and what a way to kick off your farm wife status.ReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - SO precious! What a great role model these boys have in both of you! They will grow up to be hard workers & good boys 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • flower power momma - good job farm-wife-mommy.ReplyCancel

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  • Jenna - My hubby’s dream is to have a farm someday. Adorable pictures!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • meg - Those pictures of them holding hands is too sweet!!ReplyCancel

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  • Lauri - OMG, melt my heart! These pics are way to cute!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Suzanne - Way to go, Jess! And Levi holding Griffin’s hand is the sweetest thing, oh my goodness!!!ReplyCancel

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  • anne - Love this so much. Those boys are so precious! My boys are 7 & almost 4 and they are best friends (who do fight as well!) 🙂 Nothing makes me happier than seeing them love each other so much. I have no doubt your boys will do the same!!ReplyCancel

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  • Creole Wisdom - That WOULD be intimidating to drive. I can hardly handle my stepdad’s pickup truck. Whew!

    The photos are perfect. I love that you capture farm life for the stuck-in-the-city people like me.

    Love the boys holding hands 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Emily - those pictures are simply precious! you definitely need to frame some of those!ReplyCancel

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  • Natalie - Love all the photos! And congratulations to becoming official….however, I already thought you were!!ReplyCancel

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  • Claudia - All I can say is “YOU ARE AWESOME”. I work at a desk and so does my husband but his dad and brother are the farmers, I’ve seen how much work it takes and I’m scared of tractors!! 🙂

    So on my side of the woods this is a big deal … Congratulations!!!ReplyCancel

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  • My name is Amee - You did an awesome job!! 🙂
    The pic of Levi holding Griffin’s hand is a Kodak Moment & you captured it!! So so sweet!
    Keep up the good work before you know it you might be driving the combine! 😉ReplyCancel

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  • Michelle - You really can capture the most precious moments with your boys! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - oh my goodness. possibly one of my favorite posts ever. seriously. the pictures are so great and the memory is so precious. levi holding griffins hand is just too much. and you…a REAL FARM WIFE!!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Dana at StrawberryTart! - Ahhh…Those boys are so sweet. What precious pictures to have forever.ReplyCancel

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  • Amy - Corey tells me that I’ll be able to drive the wheat truck next year. I’m not so sure. I think I’m allowed a couple years to ease my way into this whole “farm wife” thing. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • chrissiwithab - Love your pictures. Love that your husband makes time with the boys. My hubby still remembers doing farm chores with his dad. His mom packed a lunch and drove him out to the fields just as you do. You are making such great memories for you and yours. …enjoy your boys.ReplyCancel

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  • Faith - what a sweet sweet post right here. those boys are so precious! and how adorable that they were holding hands and levi was giving griffin lessons on farming 101! gahh loved it!ReplyCancel

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  • Cathy - I totally relate to you being something for years, yet still not feeling “official” until something happens… I’ve been the Mom to a boy for almost 3 years… and it didn’t feel like it until we had to take him to the ER for stitches this past weekend… Many people told me I was “officially” the Mother to a Boy 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Christina - The pics of the boys holding hands? So precious! I think this is one of the most beautiful posts you’ve written…very sweet moments with your boys, indeed!ReplyCancel

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  • Arianne - Love it! I hauled the header trailer this harvest also along with fixing lots of food!! Your boys will be begging to go!! It’s such an awesome time.
    Love the pic of Levi holding Griffin’s hand (and arm). Very precious!
    Don’t feel too bad about not doing much. The more you know, the more you get to do!! A few years ago I drove our combine for the first time in our 15 yrs of marriage (at the time). I loved it! Now my boys are trying to drive it.
    Blessings!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Just wait til you get to drive the combine 🙂 Its always fun seeing fellow farm kids riding in the combine with Daddy. We farm in southern Kansas, too, and finished harvest last Thursday!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I love rhe picture of Levi holding Griffin’s hand..PRECIOUS! :)…….Paula from NYReplyCancel

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  • Kara - Just think, next you’ll be firing up the tractor to pull a neighbor out of a snow drift. I love helping my husband on the farm. I was 18 when I became “farm wife material”. I went to visit my now husband on wheat harvest in Oklahoma. Nothing like trial by fire. I was expected to drive a header trailer that held 2 headers with a stick shift! No clue how to drive one of those. Of course I made it look like I did, but secretly the semi driver was coaching me over the 2 way radio and my hubs had no clue.ReplyCancel

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  • Kristen {a little ditty} - Love all the pics. The one of Levi holding Griffin’s hand is beyond precious. So sweet!ReplyCancel

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  • Bethany - Holy moly, yes you should brag! That is just too awesome!ReplyCancel

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  • Kristin - Super sweet post, love Levi holding Griffin’s hand! And, from someone who has never really been on a farm like yours, I think it’s a totally big deal to take on that huge thing…I didn’t even know what it was called if that says anything! Way to go!ReplyCancel

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  • Nicole - I don’t know why but these farm posts are making me tear up. What a precious family you have and your boys are blessed to have parents that love them so much. And like others said, that holding hands pic…love it! That’s a framer for sure!ReplyCancel

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  • Alex and Jill - Love this. The pics of your boys holding hands is beyond precious!! And you should brag…I remember bragging my first time parking an SUV without hitting anyone in the parking lot! Your story is way cooler. LOLReplyCancel

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Yay! I was so encouraged to know that some of you will be joining me for the 30 day challenge. I need the accountability too. Today was day three. How are you doing? I have been waking up early for my time with the Lord and it has been such a great way to start my day again. And wouldn’t you know…I have been handling these summer days so much better when I give my day to Him! I love how that works. 🙂
We have been spending lots of time out here this week. Joel has been leaving the house really early and working really late which means we have been trying to keep busy. It has been hot so it was the perfect week to pull out the pool.
 To say that Griffin loves the water is an understatement. I think he could sit in the pool for hours. He just splashes and splashes and smiles away.
 He also figured out how to pull down the side of the pool and eat the grass. Nice.
 He looks just like Cora in this picture. I think they could have been twins sometimes. They have so many similarities in looks and personality. It is such a blessing as I love that we can see so much of his sister in him. But man, it pulls at my heart when I glance across the room and feel like it could be my Cora sitting right there. Crazy. I am so thankful for that sweet little boy.
 We haven’t been spending all of our time in the pool. We have been making many trips to the wheat fields to visit daddy too. Levi has been combining, eating his lunch in the field, and riding in the trucks. He even came home with a handful of wheat one night that he could hardly part with. As of tonight, wheat harvest is officially over. Levi loved every minute of it…more on that later.
I was inspired by Megan to make a summer list with Levi this year. To tell you the truth we could have probably just written “farm with daddy” on this list and called it good. That is really all this boy wants to do. But he needs to have a little fun with his mama too, right? So we made a list.
*zoo  *sprinkler park  *art project  *big pool  *plant pumpkins  *popsicles  *family vacation somewhere (where should we go??)  *library  *water balloons  *wheat harvest  * Bible time  *homemade ice cream  *make moon sand  *movie night + popcorn  *potty training (Levi)  *memorize two verses  *little pool  *paint  *picnic at park  *4th of July party  *crawling + sleeping (Griffin)  *catch fire flies (oops! I just noticed I spelled that wrong)  *plant beans  *farm, farm, farm!

I have a short list for myself this summer too.
*quiet time (starting with the 30 day challenge)  *running  *finish Griffin’s room  *organize/print pictures  *read 2 books  *memorize Psalm 139  *end the summer with one boy who is potty trained and one boy who is sleeping through the night (nbd, right?!)

YAY for summer.
The YAY burlap banner was made by my sweet friend, Heather. 
Check out her shop she has the best custom burlap banners!
It’s not too late to join the 30 day challenge. I’d love to know if you are participating and how you are doing too. Make sure to leave a comment and let me know!
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  • Meggie - Love your summer list! (For you and the fam!) I’m starting the 30 day challenge too. =) Last summer I participated in the challenge and did great… then I had baby boy #2 in September and things got a little crazy and I pretty much neglected reading the Word. I still started my day in prayer but that was about it. Summmer days can be long and crazy around here with my patience running out fast, so I KNOW it’s SO important for me to give my days to the Lord and start my day in His Word. Thanks for doing this again!!ReplyCancel

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  • sthanlon - I love that he reminds us of Cora even if just in pictures to us that never met her but feel like we did through your blog. Every time I see a new pic of him, I say the same thing. God gave you that precious baby boy that has so many of her similarities as a way to brighten up your days by feeling her close to you again….I just know it! Enjoy and treasure it! And I am joining the challenge today!!! Thank you for inspiring us all!ReplyCancel

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  • DianeTaylor - OMG Levi really doess look like Cora – it is uncanny.

    Ok Jess – I am joining your 30 day challenge. I signed up for a free app on my phone to get daily bible updates delivered right to me. No excuses! My husband has been after me for months to get this app – he loves it. You can read the devotional for the day – or have to read to you if you prefer (this is what my husband does). You can get more in depth on the verse as well. Today is my first day and making that extra time in the quiet morning hours is so good for me. I need this time with God.

    Thank you for pushing me to do this.

    xo – DianeReplyCancel

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  • DianeTaylor - UPDATE: sorry jess, I meant Griffin in my comment. It must take your breath away sometimes.ReplyCancel

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  • Faith - Isn’t God so great and so funny like that? To give you Griffin but you also give you so much of Cora?! I love that!! And I love that there are scribbles on your summer bucket list on the chalk board!! I love that you didn’t redo it and you left the scribbles there!!! 🙂

    Doing well on my 30-day challenge. I am doing two devo: one by Rick Warren and the other by Greg Laurie. Those are on my phone so it’s easy for me. But I also have my Utmost for His Highest devo which I also recommend!ReplyCancel

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  • Creole Wisdom - I do my devotional before I get out of bed. It absolutely transforms my day. I love how it makes me feel and knowing that I’ve thought of God first thing. 🙂

    Griffin does look like the photos of Cora you’ve shared. How bittersweet for you and Joel. Just makes me want to reach through the screen and give you a hug.ReplyCancel

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  • Julie - Jess,
    Thanks for your 30 day challenge! I needed it! I have decided to read through Acts.
    Julie F.ReplyCancel

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  • Cathy - I’m on your bandwagon Jess 🙂 I downloaded a daily verse / devotion app for my iPhone, and I will take some time for me each morning to read and reflect on the verse – and before bed each night, I’ll spend time with our children talking with them about the verse for the day as well.

    Thanks for the initiative 🙂 I’m excited to start tomorrow morning!!ReplyCancel

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  • Stephen and Lacie - The first thing I thought when I saw your post when Griffin was born, was that he looked SO much like Cora! I am with you there. My first baby (a girl)was stillborn at 37 weeks. I had another daughter a year later who looked NOTHING like her. 7 months ago, I had a little boy who is SO much like his oldest sister. I think in personality (as much as I could tell from the womb) as her as well! I find it to be bittersweet! I love looking at certain characteristics of my baby boy and being reminded of how beautiful my first baby was! Then it also reminds me of how much I feel I missed out on with her!ReplyCancel

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  • AlishaB - I love your summer to do list, I think I might do that too! And thanks for the reminder to be devoted to God first by spending time in the Word and prayer each day! Also… your kids (all 3!) are gorgeous, and from the pictures, yes Griffin really does look like Cora- what a special blessing!ReplyCancel

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  • Shana - I passed Joel on the road the other day – going from one field to the next – and realized how much I miss those days with my dad and grandpa. Big Green combines & tractors make my heart happy.ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - I love love love the pic of Joel with the boys 🙂 Sooo cute! I am joining the 30 days…late, of course. Love your YEA sign! Mine is hanging above my black bench when you walk in and it is so adorable and welcoming!! Love and hugs! I’ll try to call you today…sorry we haven’t connected 🙁 We’ve be sooooooo busy!ReplyCancel

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  • turue sona - Looks good, Lucas. Just make sure that the link to your other art blog opens in a new window, not the same one. Otherwise, it’s difficult to get back to.
    face paintingReplyCancel

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  • Auntie EM - I love summer too. It sounds like a wonderfully busy time for you and your family. What is moon sand? Whatever it is, it sounds fun. Your children are so cute as always. Little Griffim is fearless in the water and yes he is the replica of his big sissy. Levi is getting so grown up. ENJOY!!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah Swartzentruber - LOVE your summer list, and I would also LOVE to hear more about how you organize and store your photos. I am sooo behind on our family photo albums.ReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - I love seeing your boys on the farm. So sweet. I’m doing well with the challenge. I decided to work on Paul’s letters for this challenge. I dove into Romans to start because I always find it to be a gratifying read. I was resistant to getting a Kindle, but I must admit that it has made Bible study very simple!ReplyCancel

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Another month is over and summer is in full swing. How did that happen? I am feeling like time is flying by…leaving me behind and I can’t catch up. I have that “overwhelmed with everyday life” feeling. You know when you are doing a lot of things but you are not doing any of them very well. That’s me.

I could tell you about all the things I have going on but you probably wouldn’t feel sorry for me because the reality is EVERYONE is busy. I know. And I know that there are way bigger problems in this world than me feeling overwhelmed. That isn’t the point of this post anyway. When I stopped this past week and looked at all this messiness in my life I realized that the root of my problem is this: I am slowly pushing my time with the Lord on the back burner. I’m letting other things that aren’t as important steal my time.

Summer came, my Bible study ended, schedules changed and I didn’t have a plan…or I thought about a plan but didn’t act on it. I don’t want another day to go by without a plan. And I am feeling like another 30 day challenge is just what I need. I want to make my time with the Lord the priority of my day again. I want to give each one of these summer days to Him. It would have made more sense to start on June 1, but I am starting today, June 4.

30 days.

On the last day of BSF, the leaders sang, Ancient Words. I had never heard it before, but the words hit me so strongly that day as I thought about the power of God’s Word in my own life.

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world,
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
Words of life, words of home
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.
The Bible is God’s precious gift to me…to you. Yet so often I don’t treat it as a gift but more as an obligation that I will get to when it is convenient for me.
The Bible is God’s very words to me.
Words that reveal God’s heart.
Words that give life.
Words that give hope.
Words that give strength.
Words that help us cope.
Words that help us walk in this world.
Words that change us.
Have you experienced the changing power of God’s Word in your own life? I have. And yet I still struggle to keep my time in the Word a priority. I still allow the unimportant to crowd out the important. 
Through His Word I have experienced life…and hope…and joy…and strength…and the ability to cope in situations that I never thought I could live through. His words help me walk in a world that is full of so many hard things. 
God’s Word has changed me. And I want to continue to be changed…for the rest of my life…everyday.
So, before the summer slips by…
Today is the day.
I have a plan.
Everyday spend time alone with the Lord in His Word and in prayer.
For the next 30 days.
What to join me?
To find out more about the 30 day challenge check out these posts:
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  • Leatha - I want to join you in this 30 day challenge! Thank you for the accountability!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - joining!ReplyCancel

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  • Lauri - Me!ReplyCancel

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  • thelocolife - I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling this way!!!!!!

    I’m in!!! 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Cerissa - I’ve had the exact same feelings! I’ll happily be joining you!ReplyCancel

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  • Meghan - I am so in!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I’m joining in! Thanks for that little push!

    JanetReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I am joining the challenge!
    ChrisitnaReplyCancel

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  • Tara - for sure joining you!ReplyCancel

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  • Tammyz - I will join. 😀ReplyCancel

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  • The Stanfields - I’m up for this challenge! Thanks for this!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Me too!

    KimReplyCancel

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  • Suzanne - My heart, exactly. Joining!ReplyCancel

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  • Kelsey - Yes! This. EXACTLY! I relate to pretty much every single word of this post. Thanks for challenging us! I’m thrilled to participate!ReplyCancel

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  • Miss Harriet. - YES! This is exactly what I am needing. I joined you last time and need to join you again.
    Thanks for the encouragement to do so. 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I’m in… thank you!ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - God Bless you Jess. For being the gift you are to so many people. Many of us who are not fortunate to have ever had the pleasure of giving you a hug. But are inspired by you regardless.

    Michelle xReplyCancel

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  • Jackie - I’m in 🙂 thank you!ReplyCancel

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  • Faith - This is exactly what I needed!! I have been feeling the same way!! My quiet time feels more rushed- so I can get it done and get a quick fix but I need to really pause and spend time with Him! I want to join you too!!ReplyCancel

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  • Jody - For sure I’ll join you!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I have been reading your blog since the gloomy day in January when a friend recommended I go there and pray for your sweet Cora. It’s funny how the blog world is weird like that; I can know you but unless I comment–you’d never know it. I’m sorry about that. I too am a busy Mom. 4 kids (teenagers now) and on the awesome road we walk as believers in Christ.

    Can I give you a suggestion? When you are cleaning, feeding the boys or paying bills –find a sermon speaker (I tend to choose Joyce Meyer or Beth Moore) and I hook it up to speakers while I am doing all the stuff that keeps us busy. It is AMAZING how much it will impact your perspective (sometimes life at home can be lonely while our husbands are out working….blessed yes, buy sometimes lonely too. It’s in those moments that we can find AWESOME time to connect with God.)

    Give it a try. I promise you won’t regret it. And you can do it in addition to your time with God in the 30 Day Challenge!

    Blessings,
    BeckyReplyCancel

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  • The Preacher's Wife Musings - can i ask what will you be reading during this time? any particular place in the Bible you will be starting? this sounds like a wonderful opportunity for me to be a part of, especially since my newest one is up at 5am and I can never go back to sleep then! what a perfect time to be reading hte word.ReplyCancel

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  • chrissiwithab - I really love your honesty. I appreciate that you come to your blog and share your real self. Thanks for that. Your walk with the Lord inspires and I would love to join you in the 30 day challenge.ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - I really get this post! =) I loved the part about being overwhelmed with everyday life stuff. I sooo get that!!!
    I just started a plan. Check out youversion.com. It is holding me accountable and getting me in the Word daily! I am up for doing the challenge with you!!!
    Kristin Amato
    kma0405@att.netReplyCancel

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  • Auntie EM - Yes, I will take the challenge. I need the strength the words bring to my life. I like it when others inspire me to do better. Thanks!!ReplyCancel

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  • EricaG - I’m in! Starting June 6.ReplyCancel

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  • The Mershawn's - Yes! Last time you did this, my daily walk was in full force. Now, a pregnancy & a baby later, it is definitely lacking, & I’m so ready to change that but am just being lazy! Ugh…I get on my nerves sometimes;). Thanks for doing this…I’m ready!ReplyCancel

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  • Brenda - I’m starting a couple days late but I’m in. I need this. A couple weeks ago I finally listened to what God was telling my heart to make some changes in my eating – specifically to stop eating sweets about three times a day (breakfast, nap time and after my sweet one was in bed – anyone else do this?). I am reading Lysa Terkeurst’s book Made to Crave and feel like I am conquering my sugar craving and I know God is helping me in this because on my own I couldn’t do it but I don’t feel like I’m growing as close to Him as I want to and I can feel myself holding back from Him because I want to be in control of my own life (I know I’m not really but I’m sure I’m not the only one who has this internal struggle.)

    Anyway, one really long comment later, I am glad you are doing this challenge! Thanks, Jess! KellyReplyCancel

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  • Brooke Ramsey - Thank God for you! This is exactly what I need!ReplyCancel

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  • Amy G - Our VBS is starting next week and this week has been a busy one taking care of my 3-year-old and almost 2-year-old plus trying to learn the skits since I am helping with the drama. And every day I think how can I fit it all in, plus go back to the daily Bible reading I was doing? But maybe the better question is: How can I do this VBS thing and mom thing and wife thing and housekeeper thing and NOT go back to the Bible reading I was doing? Thanks for the challenge. Starting today. Also am wondering what exactly you are reading in the Bible.ReplyCancel

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  • Heather | Cookie Mondays - jess, thanks so much for featuring me! 🙂 and wow how that photo does look like cora…. sweet boy.

    happy summer!!ReplyCancel

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 We had a great weekend. Busy, but full of lots of fun things. I realized this weekend that I forgot how busy summer is. I was thinking that things were winding down and we would be enjoying a relaxing summer…but really the busyness is just beginning around here. Summer + farming = busy. And I am not even the one doing all the hard work!
 Wheat harvest started on Monday. This is the earliest harvest they have ever had. But even with harvest under way we managed to find time over the weekend to dip our toes in the water. We enjoyed spending time with both of our families and ate some really yummy food too.
Levi has been getting in on lots of the harvest fun. He thinks it is great and wishes he didn’t have to come home to take a nap or go to bed at night. This evening we ended up staying home and playing while daddy worked. It was tough prying him away from the harvest crew.

 There were combines and tractors and trucks driving around everywhere today. Busy, busy. Levi wasn’t the only one excited to watch the combine speed down our country road tonight. 

Somehow I managed to plan a garage sale the week of wheat harvest. I guess it is best to get all the craziness out of the way all at once, right? So tomorrow I am going to try to de-clutter the house as much as is possible in one day. (Does that tell you how prepared I am for the garage sale?) Wish me luck. I am trying to tell myself that it will all be worth it in the end.
Wheat harvest and garage sales. Let the busyness begin.
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  • Jenny - That last photo of Griffin is priceless! Love it 🙂 Good luck with the garage sale!ReplyCancel

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  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - When I look at the beautiful photos of Griffin, all I can see is Cora. Great post Jess.

    Michelle xReplyCancel

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  • Nancy - Precious pictures!!ReplyCancel

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  • Emily - those last two of griffin are so cute! it looks like he’ll be following in his brother’s and daddy’s footsteps very very soon!ReplyCancel

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  • My name is Amee - Loved the pics! Levi is such a big boy and Griffin looks so much like Cora in the last photo!! Amazing. 🙂
    Good luck at your yard sale!!! Make some $$$!!ReplyCancel

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  • esther - You have the cutest family ever!!
    EstherReplyCancel

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  • Holli Taylor - Where will your sale be jess? email me please
    stevesgirl378@gmail.comReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - You can do this Jess! You are amazing! Paula from NYReplyCancel

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  • Emily - Your boys are the cutest ever! I had to laugh during this post, because my boyfriend is a farmer and he has the same farmer’s tan; cloud white upper arms and legs 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • The Moffats - Sweet pictures and beautiful lighting! I LOVE the one with G watching the action 🙂 I bet Levi is loving every minute of this fun busy summer!!ReplyCancel

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  • Sarah - Beautiful pictures of your boys!
    I love Griffin’s face in the last one…and I like that little seat he’s in.ReplyCancel

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  • Miss G - We are joining in on a family garage sale Saturday after next and I don’t feel prepared either. 🙂 KellyReplyCancel

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  • Jackie - Your boys are so adorable! and could Griffin looks any more like Cora! What a wonderful reminder for you and your hubby, she was apart of your life and you will never forget her and with little Griffin looking so much like her it will be like having her around! So precious 🙂ReplyCancel

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  • Cathy - Summertime is one long, bright, warm, sunny day – or so it often seems. It’s full of bonfires, garage sales, swimming, picnics – and it gives us many reasons to celebrate each and every day!! I hope you find some time in yours to take LOTS of great pictures!!ReplyCancel

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  • Anonymous - Look what I found today on facebook on the wall of Miniprix -a romanian shop . I think this picture is yours, with Levi.
    https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150843062235880&set=a.386137300879.175179.87170810879&type=1&theaterReplyCancel

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  • Nikolai - I searched on the net for “the macs”(not to find this but for an other reason)…

    Sorry, but I have to say this:

    Whats wrong with you guys, posting the life of your children on the internet?

    …just think about it…ReplyCancel

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