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consider what he has done

I’ve missed this little space of mine. Life with three boys has been a little…well…WILD. With Joel being so busy on the farm (fall is his busiest time of year) and all of us adjusting to our new rolls in this growing family (some having a harder time with that adjustment than others), sometimes I get a little overwhelmed with this task God has given me. Overwhelmed because it’s crazy hard some days and overwhelmed because I am crazy blessed. Three boys, who would have thought?! So after taking a break from this little blog (not even on purpose) it is hard to know where to pick it back up again. That in itself is overwhelming and makes me just want to close my laptop and go find a place to hide. I’m sure the boys would find me in five seconds though. Haha.

Most days I wonder if I should even keep writing here, if the season of this blog is over and there are more important things I should be doing. And while there are definitely days that is true and things have changed, I keep hearing God remind me that he is still teaching me so much…and that is what I need to write down and share. Not because this blog is really that great, but because He deserves all the glory for the things He is doing in my family. I want to continue to proclaim what the Lord has done and continues to do…whether that be in my home, to my friends, to strangers I meet at the grocery store, or on this blog. And this is a place that I can do just that.

So, because I really don’t know where to pick up from since the last time we talked, here are a few things we have been up to lately…

jake

Jake is growing so fast…which reminds me, I need to post his three month photo…right after I actually remember to take it. He is the sweetest, most easy going baby. He has rolls like you wouldn’t believe but that just makes you want to squeeze him more. I could snuggle him all day.

jake love

I am not the only one who loves to snuggle Jake. I often hear one of the boys asking if they can hold Jake. They love him. We all love him. other happenings

And while Jake is taking up a lot of our time lately, we have been up to a few other things…the boys have been saving the world in our backyard, Levi learned to ride a bike, Jake went for his first tractor ride, Griffin finally got out for some fresh air after being sick with pneumonia (no fun!), Daddy and Uncle Owen put up a new-to-us swing set, we went to the state fair, the boys have been logging in plenty of tractor time, we’ve been getting ready for fall, and we celebrated Griffin’s third birthday.

I have lots more to share and I’m sure I will get caught up in time. So keep checking back every once in awhile. In the meantime I will keep lovin’ on these sweet boys of mine…and when I have a few free moments (does that ever happen with three boys?!) I will keep writing about our crazy life on the farm. I will consider the great things God continues to do in my little family. And I urge you to do the same!

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

1 Samuel 12:24

You can keep up with us by following me (@jessmcclenahan) on Instagram too!

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  • Lea - Oh, I can only imagine how little time you have for blogging right now. But, these little boys will grow up in no time and then you will have time all for yourself. It’s fun reading and sharing in the lives of young Moms that are truly “doing it right” and raising future adults to make a difference in this world. Blessings to you as you continue on……….ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Thanks for the encouragement, Lea!

  • gin - Your family is lovely. and i love seeing yall grow physically and spiritually. God loves you and it shows! please don’t stop blogging , I love checking in on you.ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Thanks for checking in on us, Gin. 🙂

  • elma - Oh your little one is so beautiful!! Yes your days are so busy but they sure grow up fast don’t they?? I have eight Blessings and I just don’t know where the time went!!ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Thank you, Elma!

  • Toni :0) - I always love checking in on your sweet family. Looks like everyone is enjoying baby brother and soaking in some gorgeous fall days. Blog when you can, we are all still here and praying for you. Continue savoring these precious moments because they sure are fleeting.ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Hi Toni. Thanks for checking in on us. I so appreciate your prayers!!

    • Jess - Hi Toni. Thanks for checking in on us. I so appreciate your prayers!!ReplyCancel

  • Carley - For what it’s worth, your blog is one of my favorites. Your insight into parenting and God’s truth always stirs me to chase harder after the Lord. Clearly, I would understand if this season of blogging is over…but I hope you will continue to share. You are such an encouragement and truth-speaker to us moms.ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Awww, thanks so much Carley. That has always been my prayer with this blog…that I would be a truth-speaker and encourage others to press harder into Jesus. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement.

    • Jess - Awww, thanks so much Carley. That has always been my prayer with this blog…that I would be a truth-speaker and encourage others to press harder into Jesus. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement.ReplyCancel

  • Marcia - Jess, as a mother of three, now 25, 21, and 15, holding onto your own voice can be a concentrated effort. Good mama’s turn it all over to their babies. We just want to! I’m first and foremost 1. Honey/Babe (wife), 2. Mom/Mama/Hey woman who cooks me food (mother) 3. Daughter 4. Sister 5. Employee/Coworker 6. Friend. Sad how far down the line friend falls! Sometimes I get lost in all those labels. What is my voice? My thoughts and interests, separate and inclusive of the labels. I think your blog gives you that voice. It can sustain that part of you than can get a bit lost for the next 20 years or so. How God speaks to you, Jess. How Jess feels about all of the blessings or challenges in her life. I feel a connection to humanity through your blog. I’m shy and reserved at best. Checking your blog, finding a post, is much to me like meeting a friend for coffee. Maybe it’s selfish of me to wish you to continue, but we’re out here Jess. Hearing you, hearing your message, loving your family, making a whole other network of prayer and support directed your way. I hope you don’t give it up. You have no idea who I am, where I live, or what I’m like, but know that you change my days for the better, and I’m out here, cheering you on.ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Thanks for being my cheerleader, Marcia. You are so sweet!

    • Jess - Thanks for being my cheerleader, Marcia. You are so sweet!ReplyCancel

  • GB Jost - Oh Jess,
    I love your blog. I totally understand the chaos of what your feeling…having 3 myself. Write when you can, we will survive. To me your blog is a mini devotional. A reminder to never take for granted what God has given me. Blessings Jess…
    gbReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Thanks so much for the encouragement, GB. I miss you!! So good to be able to hug you and catch up a little at church today.

    • Jess - Thanks so much for the encouragement, GB. I miss you!! So good to be able to hug you and catch up a little at church today.ReplyCancel

  • Jennifer - Your little guys rolls are just awesome! Our middle daughter had rolls like that; boy, do I miss them! Thank you for taking the time to post. I really enjoy your blog and just love your perspective on life…so refreshing!ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Thanks so much, Jennifer. I love the rolls too. I could just squeeze him all day!!

    • Jess - Thanks so much, Jennifer. I love the rolls too. I could just squeeze him all day!!ReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - Hi Jess- Oh how I smiled when I just saw this email pop up in my inbox at work! I am having a tough day in that I am overwhelmed with problems I have created and some I haven’t. I was just sitting in my car during my lunch hour wondering how I am going to get through the next couple of months. Then I came in and read your post about being a momma. I am a momma to two boys. They are my greatest joy and blessings. I had cancer when I was 16 and the doctors told me I would never have children because the chemo would kill all of my eggs. The doctors wanted to harvest my eggs, thus delaying my chemo treatments by 6 months. I couldn’t imagine living with cancer in me for 6 extra months so I declined. I told myself that if God wanted me to be a mother, then I would be a mother. Whether I adopted, had them myself, or had a surrogate, I would become a mother. So you can imagine my surprise when I found out I was pregnant just 3 months after I got married. I couldn’t believe that God had granted me the greatest desire of my heart. It was funny because when my son was born he was 10 pounds. I took him to my oncologist to show him off and my doctor asked me where I got him. Where did I get him? I told the doctor that I had him! He was my biological child! The doctor then said “Shows you how much I know!” It was a moment that made me know, deep in my heart, how much God loves me. I know that God will be with me as I walk ahead in these coming months of uncertainty. I know that I will be ok, because I am a survivor. Thank you for sharing your stories and your sweet boys with all of us. You don’t know me from Adam, but I feel like I know you. We are two married women who love God and our families and are just trying to do the best we can each and every day. xoxoxReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Hi Elizabeth. Oh my goodness…what an amazing story of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life. Thanks so much for sharing. And yes, He will continue to be good in faithful through any difficulties you have ahead of you. Keep clinging to Him!

    • Jess - Hi Elizabeth. Oh my goodness…what an amazing story of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life. Thanks so much for sharing. And yes, He will continue to be good in faithful through any difficulties you have ahead of you. Keep clinging to Him!ReplyCancel

  • Michelle from Australia - Loving the photos!! Wonderful update Jess. In future years, you’ll look back on these posts and be so glad you did them.ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    I know! I love looking back and remembering. 🙂

    • Jess - I know! I love looking back and remembering. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Wendy Trevino - Please continue to blog as you are able! I am always inspired by your walk with the Lord and the things you share.ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Thank you for your encouragement, Wendy!

  • Crystal - Please keep blogging. The Lord has used you in my life in more ways than I can count. Long before we knew we would have a child in heaven I read your blog. After losing our son I often think of posts you had written in your darkest days and I’m encouraged. Thank you.ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Hi Crystal. I am so, so sorry for the loss of your son. I know you miss him like crazy! And thank you for your kind words. I am always so, so thankful when I find out how God is using our journey of losing Cora and clinging to Him to encourage others. What a gift to know that our suffering is never wasted!

    • Jess - Hi Crystal. I am so, so sorry for the loss of your son. I know you miss him like crazy! And thank you for your kind words. I am always so, so thankful when I find out how God is using our journey of losing Cora and clinging to Him to encourage others. What a gift to know that our suffering is never wasted!ReplyCancel

  • Debby Graber - I was going to gab at you tonight – saw you as we were leaving the Trunk or Treat. But I couldn’t get my window rolled down as we were leaving. We had it set on lock for the grandkids! Adam was talking with Joel. Did the boys enjoy the treats in the church parking lot? I LOVE your blogs and your photos so am happy you can blog when you can. You young moms were the ones who encouraged me to blog so many years ago, remember? I can’t do it like you, but I do enjoy having this little photo diary!ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Hi Debby! Good to see you today. Yes, my boys looooved trunk or treating. Thanks for your encouragement…you have always been such a huge encouragement to me!

    • Jess - Hi Debby! Good to see you today. Yes, my boys looooved trunk or treating. Thanks for your encouragement…you have always been such a huge encouragement to me!ReplyCancel

  • Bethany - I’m so glad you’re still blogging. It is hard, but it is so worth it. I am hit or miss with my five babies, spread apart farther than yours, but I’m so glad to look back and see the memories. I love reading your blog and keeping up with your little family. Sweet Cora will never be forgotten and I love seeing all the pictures of the little boys. My family is mostly girls. 🙂ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Thanks for your kind words, Bethany. Yes, I love looking back at the memories too!

    • Jess - Thanks for your kind words, Bethany. Yes, I love looking back at the memories too!ReplyCancel

  • Donna - I have been reading your blog since started writing about Cora. I would very sadly miss your updates and the pictures of your adorable little cherubs.ReplyCancel

    Jess Reply:

    Thanks, Donna! 🙂

  • Julie - I love your blog! Please keep posting! It is such a bright spot in my day that I look forward to! I’m a mom of two living in Seattle. I have been following your blog since Cora. You have a beautiful family and I’ve always loved the idea of leading a farm life, so maybe I’m living through you vicariously. You have the most picturesque family and home! Have a lovely, blessed week. Hang in there! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Suzette - Don’t stop! I love catching little glimpses of your world. I have only one child (a boy) and he is almost driving age. I miss all the adventures you are having. Keep blogging…your family and your boys are adorable!ReplyCancel

  • Lori - Please keep this blog going! You are such a Godly woman – I have been reading since before griffin was born – I love your pictures, decorating ideas, party planning and what a strong woman you are. I have twin boys that are 19 years old now. Seeing your babies, warms my heart. You are reaching people, that is a blessing. LoriReplyCancel