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I just had to post a few more…there is something so special about watching these two as brothers. The can drive me crazy with all their fighting and wrestling but they love each other fiercely. I am so thankful they have each other.
This is definitely a new favorite. Happy Friday!
Dear Levi, At three years old you are joyful, encouraging, a leader, and cautious. God knew we needed a joyful little boy who always has a smile on his face and we are so thankful for the joy you bring to our family! It amazes me how that joyful personality of yours just continues to grow. You are always making us laugh and smile…and you seem to make everyone around you smile too. You are also all about making a joyful noise. We sing together all the time and I often hear you singing to yourself or along with the radio. You love watching the worship band at church and pretending to have your own band at home. You will assign everyone an instrument and then we all rock! You have the cutest little way you play an air guitar. I love it. Your favorite song right now is “Bless the Lord”. And if you hear one of mom’s favorite songs you always say, “Mom! It’s your song!”
You are an encourager. You are always the first to tell us “good job” or “that’s cute mom”. You are definitely your brothers biggest cheerleader. You get so excited when he does something new or says a word. I often will hear you telling Griffin good job or calling me to see something Griffin is doing.
You are a leader. You are always coming up with plans and assigning us jobs. You like to be in charge. We are working on reminding you that mama and daddy are actually in charge. Obedience is hard, I know. You are really good at telling your brother what to do too. You can be bossy at times, but most of the time you just talk to Griffin and tell him about everything that is going on. He likes to do whatever you are doing so he usually just follows right along. It might be one of the reasons your brother hasn’t started talking much yet…you are always doing enough talking for both of you!
You are cautious. You like to know what you are getting into and are not one to take risks very often. That is one of the reasons it took you so long to get enough courage to try climbing out of your crib. You often watch other kids before you are willing to try something new. You like things to be predictable and you like to know the plan for the day.
I am so thankful for you, Levi. I pray that God would use your joyful spirit to bring encouragement to many as you grow. Love, Mama * * * * * And just a few more things I don’t want to forget… :: You are very verbal and remember everything. You talk all the time. I love having conversations with you because you say the funniest things. I am also amazed by the things you are starting to understand. We have been memorizing verses and I can’t believe how quickly you remember…you are better at memorizing than your mama! :: You adore your daddy. You love being his little helper and doing jobs with him. You especially love when you get to tag along at the farm. You would stay at the farm all day if you could. Your eyes light up when daddy gets home from work each day. You always ask him, “Are you going to stay home all night?”. Recently after we got back from a trip I asked if you missed me. You told me, “No, I just missed my daddy”. You did reassure me that Griffin missed me though. :: You remind me more and more of your daddy each day…both in looks and in personality. People often say you are a little Joel with blonde hair. He is a pretty great role model and I’m so glad you have him to look up to! :: You love being outside. You love playing in your sand box, swinging on the tire swing, riding bikes, digging in the garden, playing in any mud or puddles you can find, throwing balls, mowing, and going on walks. :: If we are stuck inside you like playing tractors, playdoh, drawing, painting, legos and putting puzzles together. This winter we built our first fort inside. Ever since then you ask if you can tear our couch apart every single day. My living room has never been the same since! :: You really like movies now. Your favorites are Veggie Tales, Curious George, Bernstein Bears and Cars. :: You are becoming more and more independent. You are potty trained, you are starting to want to dress yourself, you sleep in a big boy bed, and we often hear you say that you can do something by yourself. It is hard to believe that you are getting old enough to not need me as much anymore. :: You say so many funny things and I know I am forgetting so much. One of my favorites is when you tell me you love me all the way to China each night. I love you all the way to China too.
May 2, 2013 - 2:03 am
He is SO handsome. And makes me feel so old as I remember praying so fervently for all to be ok on the day he was born. Beautifully written Jess. M x [Reply]
May 2, 2013 - 8:42 am
Jess, your boys are just precious. Little Levi seems like such a fun little man to be around! And you are such a great mama! I don’t have kids yet, but when I do, I hope to be like you in the way I love my kids and model Christ to them. You and Joel do a great job! [Reply]
May 2, 2013 - 12:48 pm
He is so darling. I love how sweet and genuine you are to them and how you keep christ as your foundation. [Reply]
May 2, 2013 - 4:05 pm
Adorable. I still remember finding your blog through Pinterest. Right about the time you did Griffin’s two month photos. My little boy was just past a month at the time, so from that moment on I did his monthly photo. Am so grateful for finding that – having those photographs is wonderful. Thank you for sharing Sian and baby Elis from Wales, UK. [Reply]
May 3, 2013 - 11:56 am
Your boys are both so adorable but I have been smitten with Levi since he was a little baby! Something about him just made me smile! I always enjoy seeing the pictures of him going to the farm as it reminds me of my “little boy” who is now 22 and how much he loved going to the farm with his grandpa. That “little boy” has grown up to be a farmer and is learning to take over his Grandpa’s farm! Levi and Griffin are really blessed to have such wonderful,God loving parents! I so enjoy your blog and hope you continue it for years to come! [Reply] I have been meaning to do a 3 year and 18 month update on Levi and Griffin. I planned on doing a little photo shoot with them but getting them both outside in nice clothes without ending up covered in mud was too much to ask. So, last week when we were on a walk we stopped at their favorite spot and I took a few pictures while they played. This is so them right now. Sweatpants and sweatshirts, boots, and finding as much water and dirt to play in as possible. This little adventure ended with a bath…of course. Today is all about Griffin and tomorrow is all about Levi.
Sweet Griffin. At eighteen months you are determined, serious, funny, and brave. You have driven me to my knees as I seek God’s wisdom to know how to train up a determined little boy like you in the way he should go. I pray that someday I look back and see that these precious days were the beginnings of a young man who is determined to follow hard after Christ and boldly share His love with many.
Most people who first meet you think that you are pretty serious. They don’t see your funny side until they have won you over. You love your family. Your brother is your best friend and you want to do everything he does…and I mean everything. You are definitely a mama’s boy but if your daddy takes you outside to play or to visit the farm you love the time you get to spend with him.
You are funny. Your faces are hilarious. I didn’t catch it on this day, but so often you have your little lips pursed. It’s your determined face. You can go from all out screaming to a big cheesy grin in a matter of moments. Some might call that moody.
You are brave. You are still pretty wobbly on your feet but it sure doesn’t stop you. You are willing to try everything your brother does and more. It seems like every day you acquire a few more bumps and bruises on your head. You love tackling and wrestling with your brother. You two are always up to something. I feel like I am constantly following you around trying to keep you safe. I guess that’s a mama’s job, right?
You keep us laughing and on our toes, little man, and I am so thankful that you are in our family. I love you so much! Love, Mama * * * * * And just a few more things that I don’t want to forget… :: You use a few signs and say essential (ha!) words like duck, moo, yuck, mama, dada, ee (Levi), and it sounds like you are trying to say a few other names. The rest of the time you just point and grunt or cry because we can’t understand you…your brother can usually figure out what you want. Thank goodness for brothers. :: You love to read and sing together. You love animals so anything with an animal (especially cows) is your favorite. :: Your eyes are definitely greenish-brown. Your right eye is more brown and your left eye is more green/gray. :: You have a crazy sweet tooth. You love candy and always want a drink of pop if mama or daddy are drinking one. You would only eat sweets if we let you and are a very picky and stubborn eater. Right now your favorites are any kind of fruit, eggs, smoothies, macaroni & cheese, and rice. Just in the last few weeks you have started finally trying a few new things. :: You have a hilarious beauty pageant type wave. Just in the last week you started to hold your hand still when you wave…we call it a farmer’s wave. I think I’m going to miss the beauty pageant wave though. :: You blow kisses with a loud “muuuuh” sound. You give high fives and you love to clap and dance. You recognize when some of our favorite songs come on and get a huge grin when you hear them. You love to play the piano and join in on your brother’s band. :: You still do better if you can take a short little nap in the morning but you are mostly only taking an afternoon nap now. You sleep through the night but still occasionally wake up and cry for a drink. You are an early riser. I’m still trying to get used to that. You always want your paci, blanket, and a drink when you are tired or it is bedtime. We are going to have to work on getting rid of that paci this summer! :: You love being outside playing in the sandbox, riding your bike, or digging in the dirt. You love driving around tractors and trucks. You love water and mud and love to get dirty. You are definitely all boy! * * * * * If you want to see Levi at 18 months click here. I always think it’s fun to compare and see how much they have changed!
May 1, 2013 - 3:10 pm
happy 18 month-ish griffin! what a cute boy! i remember those picturs of levi at 18 mos. sweet precious boys. [Reply]
May 1, 2013 - 6:00 pm
go broncos! love the old school logo!!! he is adorable! [Reply]
May 1, 2013 - 11:43 pm
What a doll! His personality and development sounds just like our youngest (also 18 months). Maybe it is a third child thing [Reply]
May 2, 2013 - 8:43 am
He is just too cute! [Reply]
May 2, 2013 - 10:33 am
He is just so dang cute! Stubborn boys! That is my life right now. I have 17 month stubborn one, and we just got custody of my husband’s 8 year old son, and he is also giving us a run for our money in the stubborn department! haha God bless little boys. [Reply] Have you seen the Lisa Leonard Collection at DaySpring? I am a huge Lisa Leonard fan and I love that she has partnered with DaySpring. Here are a few of my favorites:
I also love that you can build your own necklace. Customize a silver or gold chain necklace by adding meaningful charms, gems and stones – your initials, your kids initials, or spell out a family name. Or personalize a necklace or bracelet by adding something to it! I have the Well With My Soul Necklace and added a “c” charm and stone. It is a reminder of my Cora and that even though it doesn’t always feel well with my heart it is always well with my soul. DaySpring also just sent me the beautiful Gold Chevron Necklace. I love it so much. I meant to get some pictures of it but never did. * * * So…are you ready to shop for Mother’s Day? Or maybe just for yourself? DaySpring is offering my readers 25% off the entire Lisa Leonard collection through Monday, April 29th at midnight CST. Use code MACS25 You can also get free shipping on purchases over $30. Use code shipping30 There are some other great sales and monthly deals going on right now too…so make sure you shop around while you are there!
April 26, 2013 - 10:46 am
Thank you for this! I got the “It Is Well With My Soul” {a hymn that the LORD has used in my life, as well} necklace and “Redeemed” picnic basket {which I’ve kept my eye on since you first introduced us to the “Redeemed” collection…picnic baskets make GREAT toy boxes! ;o}…then I threw in the “Fullness of Joy” message board so I could get free shipping! [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 4:16 pm
Corrie-So glad you found some things…DaySpring is so great! [Reply] You might remember that a few years ago we had the opportunity to attend David and Nancy Guthrie’s Respite Retreat. It was such an emotional weekend but played a huge role in the healing process for us. You can read a little more about that weekend here and here.
Fast forward to this past weekend and we were back in Nashville for another retreat. This time it was a reunion. On our way to the clubhouse the first evening Joel and I were marveling at the different place we were at this time around. Our first Respite Retreat was eight months after Cora died. We thought we might be a little crazy flying to Nashville to spend the weekend with other grieving parents we had never met, but we knew we needed something. I was pregnant with Levi but we didn’t know he was a boy. We both were convinced he was another girl. Our house was still horribly quiet. Our hearts were still totally broken and the tears were still constantly flowing. Every day. We were still trying to make sense of God’s character in context of our tragedy. We were clinging to God as our Great Comforter but still confused by what He was allowing to happen in our lives. I remember being so thankful to be with people who just “got it”, people I could be real with. While our hearts continue to ache, the Lord has been so faithfully redeeming our story and healing our brokenness. Thank you, Lord, for your work in our lives. Thank you, Lord, for the place you’ve brought us to today. It is by Your sufficient grace alone that we are still standing.
We spent most of our time in this room talking about God’s sovereignty, prayer, fear, our kids, heaven and so much more. We heard each others stories, laughed together, cried together, worshiped together, talked about areas we’ve grown in and areas we still need to grow.
We studied God’s Word together and talked about how we filter out lies from Truth. I learned so much and came away with a renewed passion for being in the Word and a whole new list of books I want to read.
I started reading the book Wild Things on our way to Nashville. I read some aloud to Joel (he loves when I do that Wild Things (if you have boys you need to read this one!), Raising Girls (the boy version of Wild Things), Raising Boys & Girls (there is a DVD that goes with this one that you can use with a Bible study or small group), Intentional Parenting (this is the one I’m reading next!)
David and Nancy fed us lots of yummy food while we were there too. Saturday night they set up tables on the porch with flowers, candles and balloons. It was so nice to have time to just sit around and talk. I learned so much from these people too!
During dinner we each wrote on a balloon and then after dinner released all the balloons together. Each balloon represented a dearly loved child. It was a surrender to the Lord…releasing our precious children, whom we long to still be here with us, into His hands.
We sat at a table with Peter and Sarah on our first night at the retreat. Their sweet daughter, Annie, died from cancer when she was six months old. Our stories, though very different, had lots of similarities. We felt like we had been friends for years and were so thankful for their encouragement to us. We are trying to get them to move to Kansas now! Too bad Kansas doesn’t have a little more appeal.
I first “met” Deb through email. She wrote me when her son, Nathan, died suddenly. I remember reading her words and feeling so burdened for her…I had been in that place too. It is such a blessing to be able to use the things that God comforted us with during our sorrow to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). I remember as I was writing just praying that the Lord would use something I wrote to comfort this lady whom I had never met. Deb told me that she remembers that I told her to cling to Jesus…and that is what she did. Praise the Lord! It was such a blessing to meet you Deb!
And Nancy…it is hard to even describe to you how much this lady means to me. Through her books and the Respite Retreat she guided me to stand firm on Truth during the darkest days of my life. Her dedication to and passion for teaching God’s Word, constantly bringing people back to Truth in the midst of incredible loss, is a daily challenge to me. She is so real. Just like you would expect her to be after reading her books. And she is lots of fun too! Joel told her as we were taking this picture that I am one of her groupies.
The One Year Book of Hope (this was the first book I read by Nancy…I give it to everyone I know!), Holding onto Hope (a challenging journey through the book of Job), Hearing Jesus Speak into Your Sorrow (this book encourages you to allow Jesus to speak into the many questions that come with sorrow), Abundant Life Day Book (I started this daily devotional at the beginning of the year and have loved it too!) It is hard to share just four because all of Nancy’s books are so good. She also has a new Bible study series out…the first study is called The Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis. I need to find time to do these too! Thank you for the wonderful weekend, David and Nancy. We came away feeling refreshed, comforted, inspired by God’s Word and challenged in so many ways. The work God is doing in and through you is a blessing to so, so many…including us! If you have lost a child I highly recommend attending David and Nancy’s Respite Retreat. I know it is a little scary to think about going to Nashville to spend the weekend with other grieving parents you have never met, but you won’t regret it. David and Nancy are great. Go check it out…and feel free to email me if you have any questions. * * * * * One last thing… A reader recently wrote and let me know about some friends of hers that need our encouragement. Sam and Jason lost their daughter, Alice, a few weeks ago. Baby Alice was born still in the arms of Jesus just two weeks shy of her due date. They were so looking forward to becoming parents. Sam and Jason’s friends have created a website that many generous Etsy vendors have donated to. They are hoping that this will raise some money to help cover the costs of medical expenses and the unexpected bills that come with losing a child. Are you needing a gift? Maybe something for Mother’s Day? You can give a gift and support this sweet, hurting family all at the same time. Go here to visit Alice’s shop. They are adding new items every day. Praying for you guys as you miss your precious daughter. disclosure: amazon affiliate links used
April 25, 2013 - 7:30 pm
Thank you so much Jess. I so appreciate you linking the website. I’m so glad you were able to get away to this retreat. How neat to meat people who inspire you and get to spend time with others who have walked in your shoes. Your faith is so inspiring. [Reply]
April 25, 2013 - 10:08 pm
That’s awesome that you were able to have a reunion and a little getaway. I just love reading your blog. You are such an encouragement! I will definitely be checking some of those books out. [Reply]
April 25, 2013 - 10:29 pm
You are so precious. So precious! I love this sweetness and how amazing God is to bring us through hurts by connecting us up with others who have survived. Love this post. Blessings, [Reply]
April 25, 2013 - 11:10 pm
Thanks for the info. I wanted to look into these weekends while we would be in the states. I sent a request for an application. [Reply]
April 26, 2013 - 12:07 am
My daughter was stillborn three weeks before my due date almost 6 years ago! I wish I knew how to contact Sam and Jason. I helped me to speak with others who had similar experiences to mine. It is kind of a club that no one ever wants to be a part of, but when you are there are so many people who are here thT you can relate to! I don’t know if I will ever make it to a respite retreat, but I think it is an amazing thing! I look forward to finding the books you have mentioned! I have seen you a few times on Wednesday mornings when I go to pick my daughter up from preschool. [Reply]
April 26, 2013 - 4:04 am
Dear Jess, I have read your blog since Cora was in the hospital. I love reading your wise and challenging posts as well as your cute family stories. I had a dear friend from my husband’s seminary days who lost a baby girl to cancer and I told her about your blog and said I thought the two of you would be instant friends if you ever had the chance to meet. Funny thing, she was already following you. After she lost her precious daughter you wrote a post about Nancy Guthrie’s books and how much they were helping you. I emailed her and offered to buy her any of Nancy’s books that she thought would be helpful. Well, she had already read your post, too, and had ordered the books on her own. Anyways, I know this is getting long, but just this morning she facebooked me a picture with the title, “Guess who I met this weekend?” I opened it up to see you, Joel, Peter and Sarah!!! My sweet friend is Sarah! I can’t tell you how happy I was to see you two meet. Although I would give up any worldly thing I own for it to have been under different circumstances. But God brings beauty out of ashes. May God continue to bless you and Joel as He binds your wounds and heals your broken hearts. Thank you for the ministry you do through your blog. You have touched many lives and I am truly grateful for you. [Reply]
April 26, 2013 - 11:39 am
I can’t put “Intentional Parenting” down~ It’s amazing and practical! [Reply]
April 26, 2013 - 11:04 pm
Thank you for sharing Jess! I am so sorry we missed getting to come to the reunion. I would have loved seeing everyone. We did the Respite retreat 2 years ago and it had been 10 years since our son was killed in a car accident. This experience is like no other. Nancy and David are such a blessing. Just reading the comments, you can see how God uses each of us through our experience with loss. I never thought in a million years I would ever be doing anything like this. This is one club I never wanted to be a part of! But God had other plans and each day that goes by I see how He has used my son John’s going home to reach out to those in need. Sarah and Peter were at our retreat, I would have loved seeing them! Also I know Karla and Adam were there too! I hope we have the chance to meet. God bless you as I see God is truly using you on so many ways! By the way, we manage the Hiding Place in Clarksville TN. So y’all will have to come back sometime. I look forward to reading more! Blessings to you and your family! [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 4:14 pm
Melinda-I wish you could have been at the reunion too. I would have loved meeting you! Yes, I am so thankful that God redeems even the tragedy in our lives. We loved the Hiding Place and would LOVE to come back sometime! [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 4:15 pm
Sarah-I am so glad we met! [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 4:18 pm
Lisa-Thanks for your sweet words. I am so thankful to have met Peter and Sarah. They were such an encouragement to us and we had lots of fun together! It’s is amazing how God intertwines our stories sometimes. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 4:19 pm
Lacie-I’ll look into that and let you know. You might see if there is any contact info on the website?? [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 4:20 pm
Erica-Yes! I actually thought of you guys while we were there. You need to go! [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 4:20 pm
Thanks, Sasha! [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 4:20 pm
Thanks, Elizabeth. Yes! Definitely check out some of those books…they are great! [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 4:21 pm
Creole-Of course! I will keep praying for your sweet friends. [Reply]
April 28, 2013 - 8:34 pm
I am so happy that we met at the respite reunion. Thanks again for being there for me when I was in such need. I am grateful to consider you a “real life” friend and not just someone who I know through the internet. Take care! [Reply]
April 29, 2013 - 7:48 am
[...] Originally posted at http://www.jessmcclenahan.com/2013/04/respite-retreat-reunion/ [...] [Reply]
April 29, 2013 - 10:09 am
Jess- your words are such an encouragement to me spiritually. We lost our third child unexpectedly while I was 5 mos. along, right before Christmas. It was so painful and I knew I needed to be in the Word but I didn’t want to. I was angry. I have followed your blog for quite awhile now and remembered all those times you clung to HIS truths even though you didn’t feel like it. He fills in and brings us through. And that’s what HE has done for me! I am 9 wks along with our 4th and go tom. morning for 1st US. I am nervous but putting it in the Lords hands. Thnks for being a blessing to so many! [Reply]
May 1, 2013 - 11:28 pm
I’m so glad you were able to attend the retreat reunion! I know it must have been very bittersweet to see those whom God brought together for no other reason than out of a common grief and love for Him. I am sure you were encouragement to so many other families as you always are to anyone you meet. And I’ve read “Wild Things” too…that chapter perfectly summarizes my two as well! There is one part of the book that kind of breaks my heart because I see it happening right before my eyes. The authors mentioned that little boys are pretty attached to their mamas during their young years, but around the age of 4 they really begin to gravitate towards Daddy and don’t want quite as much to do with Mom anymore. I have seen this happen with Caleb over the last year and while it makes me so happy that he has such an amazing example of a Daddy to look up to, it also makes me sad that he is growing up so fast! I’ll have to check out the Intentional Parenting book as well…I had to stop reading parenting books for a while because I was becoming a little too schizophrenic in my methods based on the current book sitting on my nightstand. [Reply]
May 6, 2013 - 9:38 pm
Jenae-Yes, it was bittersweet…but so good. I am noticing already that Levi is beginning to gravitate towards Joel so much more. In fact, when we got home from the retreat he told me that he just missed his daddy, not me. Ha! Thank goodness they have good daddies, right?! Hope you have a good week, friend! [Reply] |
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by Jess
Melissa - Where did you get Levi’s shirt? My son would love that!!
~Melissa
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Brittin Olson - Ahh… Two little boys so close in age is just precious! Hopefully they will stay best of friends!
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Nicole - They are so adorable! I love how much they cuddle with each other
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Gin - Sweet .
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creole wisdom - Both of your boys are just so precious! I am glad they get along well and have so much space to be outside– what little boy wouldn’t want to grow up on a farm? You’re a great mom, Jess. Levi and Griffin will love reading these entries years from now.
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Kristina - Reminds me of my boys who are 5 and 2.5 yrs old. The oldest is the leader and tells the younger what we are doing. The younger one follows along and wants to do what he does! There sure is something special about brothers!
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Rosa - Your boys are too adorable! Have a great weekend.
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Amber Koehn - LOVE!!!
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Jess - Melissa-It’s from gap.
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Stefanie - They are adorable!!!
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