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hello 2012

A new year…2012. My mind is racing with resolutions, goals, and hopes for a new year. I love the idea of a fresh start, but being the perfectionist that I am, I am kicking myself for not having a list of goals all written out and ready to start on January 1st. And now it is January 2nd and I feel like I am behind already!

Last night was a little wake up call for me as we started the new year. A reminder of what is important. A reminder of the Rock in whom I need to be constantly grounding my life in. A few moments of perspective.

We spent the evening celebrating Levi’s birthday surrounded by family. My baby boy is TWO today! I love birthdays. We never got to celebrate a birthday with our sweet girl, so the two years we have been able to celebrate of Levi’s life have been such a gift…and I like to make a big deal of it! Levi was so excited for his birthday which made it even more fun to plan a special party just for him. Our house was filled with party decorations, noise, laughter, and lots of cousins eating way too much sugar. I went to bed completely exhausted but with a heart full of joy as I thanked God for my sweet two year old boy.

At 2:30 in the morning Joel and I awoke to Griffin choking in his bassinet. We both jumped out of bed and I picked him up. It seemed like he was having a really hard time breathing. My kids have had respiratory infections before but this seemed so different. We have a breathing machine so we gave him a treatment and it seemed to help a little. He still sounded pretty bad so we called the ER and talked to the pediatrician on call. I prayed that the Lord would make it very clear to us whether we should go ahead and take Griffin to the ER or see a big improvement in his breathing and stay home. One of those moments when you need wisdom…and you need wisdom fast. Thankfully, after the pediatrician’s guidance, his breathing slowed down, he relaxed, and went to sleep. He is doing so much better today. Thank you, Jesus. Talk about scary. It is during those panicky moments when my mind flashes through moments of being in the hospital with Cora. If I’m not careful I think of the worst. If I’m not careful I fail to trust God. As I struggled to calm down and go back to sleep, I had to remind myself to keep my mind fixed on Him.


So…in just a few hours we went from such joy and celebration to fear and wondering if we would be spending the rest of the night in the ER. Our circumstances can change so fast, even in the comfort of our own home. This morning I was paging through a journal I have kept this past year. I wanted to remind myself of the things the Lord had taught me in 2011. I came across these words I had written down from Psalm 62:

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken


Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation


Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge


One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.

I needed to hear those words this morning. And I need to write those words on my heart as I look forward to all that God has in store for me and my family this coming year. Whatever this year holds I can be sure of this:

God is…
my salvation
my rock
my fortress
my hope
trustworthy
my refuge
strongΒ 
loving
In Him alone we can find…
rest
salvation
security
stability
hope
refuge
strength
love

God is the Rock that I want to stand on as we plunge into 2012. I had big plans for today. A house to clean, Christmas decorations to put away, blog posts to write, goals to begin, and a birthday to celebrate. But instead we ate lots of leftover cupcakes to celebrate Levi’s birthday and I held Griffin as much as I could. I was just so grateful for my boys…nothing else on my to-do list seemed to be as important as spending time with them.


I think I am ready for 2012…and I guess if I’m not I’d better get ready because we are two days into it already! I want to choose to find security and stability in my Rock. I want to rest in the One who loves me and in whom my hope is found. I want to find strength for each day of 2012 in Him alone…no matter what the day holds.

And just in case you are wondering…
There is lots to catch you up on here at The Macs. You can look forward to these upcoming posts: Griffin at 3 months, Christmas, Levi turns two, Levi’s second birthday, a little progress on Griffin’s room, journaling for my boys, and maybe a few thoughts on some goals I have for the year. And if there is something you are wanting to know…leave a comment and maybe I’ll answer your question in an upcoming post too.

Happy New Year!

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  • Mallory - Happy birthday Levi, and I’m glad Griffin is okay!

    I very well may have missed it, but I don’t think you ever told us how you chose Griffin’s name. I’m very curious about names, so could you please answer this, or leave a link to where the answer is if I missed it? Thanks!ReplyCancel

  • Jody - Happy New Year!

    I love a fresh start. It just feels so good. I didn’t make any resolutions other than just to finish the goals I made back on my birthday – all 32 of them. Some completed. Some in progress. Some to be started.

    My sister has had a “big” party for my niece’s two birthdays. Some people in the family made comments about it. But I say if she wants to celebrate big, then celebrate big. I think going through the loss of our dad 12 years ago has made us even more appreciative of not just my niece & the joy she brings to us but of just life itself. My dad’s passing was very sudden (I finally wrote a little about it the other night: http://fotojojo.blogspot.com/2011/12/best-gift.html) so we understand that someone might not be here the next day or even the next hour. I can’t wait to see Levi’s 2nd birthday. Emmy’s was Olivia so we also had lots of red.ReplyCancel

  • The Moffats - HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEVI!!!!!! Can’t believe he is 2 today (still counts Colorado time)!! He is changing soooo much and already looks so much older in these pics!!! LOVE the pictures of him by his “2”!!! So sorry you had such a scare with Griffin πŸ™ Glad that he is feeling better. Love and hugs. Look forward to catching up soon. I know you guys have been busy with the celebrations!ReplyCancel

  • Stef - I love your blog, Jess. Never disappointed when I come here. I get a bette glimpse at who you are and who God is.

    SO thankful Griffen is ok! What a complete scare. God is so good.ReplyCancel

  • The Farmers - That is so scary. Situations like that really puts things in perspective. I’m glad you were able to put off your to do list to spend qt with your babies. That’s hard for a mom to do but offend needed. The chores can wait.ReplyCancel

  • Lisa - Happy Birthday Mr. Levi, and thank God Griffin is okay!

    All the best for 2012 dear Mac Family πŸ™‚

    Best wishes, Lisa from GermanyReplyCancel

  • Mum2twopreciousgifts - I can remember checking in on your blog SO often around when Levi was due. I felt like a very badly behaved crazy woman πŸ™‚ And when I saw an update that he was here, he was fine as well as devastatingly gorgeous, I sat and cried tears of thankfulness to God. How can that be two years ago? Where does time fly?

    Alleluia that Griffin is ok. You are so right Jess than without health, nothing else matters.

    God Bless you all.

    Michelle xxxxReplyCancel

  • Annabel - Happy Birthday Levi! 2 already?!?! He looks so grown up in those pictures Jess, your boys really are very sweet. I’m so glad Griffin is okay, that must have been really scary. Praising God for your two beautiful boys.

    Love from Annabel, Birmingham UKReplyCancel

  • Andrea - Hi Jess!
    It’s always a blessing to read your posts. Your choice to enjoy the day with your boys over tackling your “to do” list spoke to me. I don’t know why I have such amnesia that I keep forgetting time with my children reaps more benefits than crossing out items.

    So glad to hear Griffin’s breathing improved…my heart was racing with mother-worry as I read you post.

    Happy Birthday to Levi too! From these pictures it looks like another amazing party.ReplyCancel

  • EricaG - Happy New Year! We had one of those scary moments on the morning before Christmas Eve. Our little Charlotte ended up at the ER with a high fever and labored breathing. All is well now, but I won’t soon forget that cold terror in my heart. As for New Year’s goals: I like to think of the whole month of January as a time for reflecting and planning. See, you aren’t behind!ReplyCancel

  • Tara Long - I love making a big deal of birthdays too. I don’t see any reason NOT to celebrate(BIG) the day someone you love came into the world. Its a great day!!
    Happy Birthday Levi! Your boys are so cute!
    Thank goodness Griffin is fine. I hate those scares. And it does feel so hard to listen to the still small voice of God that helps us know what to do , when we are so scared and panicky on the outside!
    Also, when I have days like that when I didn’t do all my “to do’s” I like to remember that the greatest thing we can do IS be a mother. There is a video message I just LOVE and it helps me remember that we are doing what God wants us to be.
    http://youtu.be/WbYLKVgwztY
    It makes me tear up every time! But in a good way!

    -Tara Long -mom of two sweet boysReplyCancel

  • Auntie EM - I am continually inspired by your faith and trust in Him whom we owe everything to. Happy Birthday Levi!!! I also want to know: do you have a wall that is an entire blackboard? How do you get your inspriation for the cute pixs of your children. You are an amazing person. Thanks for sharing your life and your loves with us.ReplyCancel

  • Susy M. - Happy New Year. Happy Birthday Levi. It sounds like Griffin had croup….Poor guy. Thanking God that they are both fine. God bless you and your family in the New Year.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - So glad Griffin is ok! Happy Birthday to your sweet Levi! We too celebrate with big bday parties. I look forward to all of your blog post to come. I was curious to see how his room was coming along πŸ˜‰
    Happy New Year to you and your family! Thank you for sharing your life and your sweet family with us.

    KimReplyCancel

  • meg duerksen - i hate that kind of stuff!
    on scott’s 6th birthday he fell off the top bunk in the middle of the night and cut his chin open and had to spend hours int he ER for stitches. ugh.
    not as severe as choking but still a yucky way to finish a birthday.

    can’t wait to see what 2012 brings for the Macs. πŸ™‚ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - Hi, I am a new reader. To be honest, I can’t remember how I found your blog, but I am glad I did! Your post are so inspiring and I can’t wait to read more! I love your photography skills and your boys are adorable! I would love to know what kind of camera you use and where you get your ideas from! The birthday pics are SO CUTE! I also can’t wait to see pictures of your boys rooms!ReplyCancel

  • Jamie - I love your blog! I’ve been wondering: Where did you get the fabric for Griffin’s red/blue quilt? It’s awesome. Thanks!ReplyCancel

  • L ~ S - Your post made me feel much better. Today I had alot I ‘should have’ done, but I chilled and held my baby. He is having a hard time adjusting to not as much attention as when we were on vacaton. I feel the same as you, I had wanted to not only have my goals written down by now, but to have started. I decided my 2012 starts NEXT monday.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - I’ve also been waiting for the post on choosing Griffin’s name!
    Happy New Year to all the Macs:)ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer - Happy 2nd birthday, Levi! I don’t comment much but have been reading since Cora’s hospital stay.

    I am a nanny, and the previous family I nannied for, their children had a lot of respiratory issues like that. After we call and be sure he doesn’t have to be taken to the ER, we would turn the shower on as hot as possible and sit with him in the steamy room. It helped SO much!ReplyCancel

  • Emily - I love how you quoted Psalm 62…it’s definitely one of my favorites and always a good reminder!

    Glad your little boy is okay!ReplyCancel

  • LauraD - Happy 2012! So glad baby Griffin is OK. Your post resonated with me as I read every word this morning. I am such a list-maker and love checking things off my list. So many times I’m guilty of making sure the household chores are done instead of spending quality time with my dauther. Although getting things done around the house is important, those things can wait. My time with my daughter is precious and I don’t want to miss a second. Thank you for speaking the words that I needed to hear. You are an amazing person and I wish the best for you and your family in 2012!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - I would also love for you to share some of your home/decor in a post. I love your style and would love to know where you get your furniture and decorations from!ReplyCancel

  • Meggie - Happy New Year to you too and Happy Birthday Levi! So thankful Griffin is okay! Love keeping up with you and your boys. =)ReplyCancel

  • Paula - Happy Birthday Levi! You are so precious! So glad Griffin is feeling better! Happy New Year! <3ReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Happy New Year to you all and Happy Birthday to sweet Levi! My big boy will be 2 on the 15th. Time flies when we’re having fun!
    Praying for Griffin and a good night sleep for all!ReplyCancel

  • Marsha - Rejoicing in a God that is so good….Happy Birthday Levi and praising God that Griffin is ok. You inspire me each time I read a post to draw nearer to Jesus! Have a blessed day!

    MarshaReplyCancel

  • Anne - Love your little family, so sorry for the scare with Griffin. I don’t know if others notice, but the photos of Griffin on this post look so much like Cora! I’m an older mom, just became a Granna, but had a baby in ICU with scary moments and you never forget…Thought I would share. You are a great Mommy to those beautiful boys and a beautiful angel in heaven.ReplyCancel

  • sassy - I love all your posts-you are so very inspiring!
    Reading your blog helps me to smile even at 3am as I hold my little one. (I have 2 boys too!)
    I LOVE your chalk board wall-can you give a how to? The pics of Levi with the balloons and hat…..leave me speechless!
    I also love the rounded edges on your photos you post but am clueless! Oh,please visit those Calgary relatives again-I am just a few hours away!ReplyCancel

  • Carrie - I love those pictures of Levi! So, so sweet. Thank you for sharing your heart…so encouraging to mine :).ReplyCancel

  • Maria - Hi Jess…I just love all your posts!!! Your boys are so darling!!!!! We just found out that we will be blessed with our fourth bambino..and our youngest just turned 1. Being that Levi and Griffin are so close in age…I wanted to ask you for any advice on balancing 2 small ones. My oldest Johnny who is now 13 and my sweetie Bella were 3 years apart so I really didnt have a hard time with them…but less than 1 year is kinda making me nervous…but excited too!!!! πŸ™‚ReplyCancel

  • Lyssa at Living Simple in the South - so cute, great post πŸ™‚
    Love the “two” pictures! Cant wait to see your party post, you are so creative. I made circle garland this year for Weston’s second birthday and it was a big hit!ReplyCancel

  • Jessica Matthews - I always end up in tears when I read your blog!

    I’m amazed at the way you trust God, it really makes me want to trust Him more.

    You also inspire me to cherish every single moment I get with my little guy. (He’s just a few weeks younger than Griffin.) There’s not a second when I’m with him that I wish I was doing something else or getting something done that needs doing. I’m not sure I would feel that way if I hadn’t come across your blog & read Cora’s story. Thanks for sharing your story with us.ReplyCancel

  • Miles - I love all your parties, you have such good ideas!! My little guy will be turning one Feb 1 and I’m trying to plan his party. I like the big number 2 you used for Levi’s 2nd bday. Where did you get it or how did you do it???ReplyCancel

  • teresa - Thankful your little Griffin is okay. And that your Levi enjoyed his 2nd birthday. Such darling pictures!!!ReplyCancel