choices

01.08.13

I love the fresh start that January often brings. Although…I am just feeling like I have recovered from our family flu fiasco and can take some time to reflect over the past year a little more intentionally. While January rolls in with new beginnings it often brings with it a slight heaviness for me. Four years ago in January my life was turned upside down as I learned my baby girl had cancer. It was a new start, but down a path I never would have expected. The heaviness reminds me that I have a choice as I live out this year…2013. I want to choose joy. A joy that only comes as I choose to remain close to the Lord.

Reflect with me a little. This past year I was trying really hard to be intentional with my kids to prepare their hearts for holidays and for the everyday. But I often found my own heart distracted and occupied with other things. I hate that. And as I have been looking back over the year I think what it often came down to was my choices. There were days when I chose to put other things before my relationship with God. (Something that I am sure will always be a temptation!) Things that weren’t necessarily “bad things” in themselves, but there were days that these things became idols as I placed them above God. Yuck. It is really hard for me to admit that. It is really hard to admit that I have idols in my life. But I do. And that is sin that I need to repent of…and have repented of. When I can make time for Instagram, reading my favorite blogs, decorating my house, crafting late at night, watching a movie, play dates, or talking on the phone to a friend but can’t seem to find time to fill my mind with God’s Word…I am placing those things above God. And it all goes back to the choices I am making on a daily basis.

Am I choosing to live close to the world or am I choosing to live close to God?

We have been studying Genesis in BSF and a recent lesson on Abram and Lot really convicted me.

“People know us by our character, and our character is revealed by the choices we make. Poor choices show weak character and lead to regrettable consequences. Wise choices reveal reliance on God and lead to the assurance of His presence as we live to honor Him…

…Lot chose to live close to the ways of the world; Abram chose to live by the ways of God…

…Lot chose the immediate gratification of being surrounded by the comforts of the world–well-watered land (13:10) cities filled with activity (13:12) and a place of prestige (19:1)…

…Abram chose peace (13:8), humility (13:9), and remaining close and faithful to the Lord (13:4, 14:22), preparing him to handle responsibly the Lord’s gifts (13:2)…

…Which type of character describes you–the strong character of humble, wise, God-fearing Abram or the weak character of foolish, self-gratifying, world-following Lot?” (BSF notes, Genesis Lesson 14)

I could give you a list of my goals for this year, but it is really all about my choices. I want to choose to live by the ways of God this year. I want to be steadfast in my obedience to Him. I want to choose peace and humility and remaining close to the Lord over following the world and gratifying my own desires. But I can only remain close to the Lord if I am connected to Him. And I can only be connected to Him by spending time in His life giving Word and in prayer.

The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. John 6:63

So, what kind of choices are you making as we plunge into the New Year. Are you more like Abram or Lot? What goals have you set to remain close to the Lord, to be diligent in spending time daily in His Word? I want to remain close to Him this year and be prepared to handle responsibly the Lord’s gifts in my life…especially those two little boys that I have the privilege of being mama to. How about you?

Here are a few resources in case you need a little guidance in reading your Bible:

Bible Reading Plans-Revive Our Hearts

How Not to Read Your Bible in 2013-The Gospel Coalition

Bible Reading Plans-NavPress

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by Jess

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January 8, 2013 - 10:07 am

Samantha - Hi Jess!
I struggled with the same thing last year and my number one goal for the year is to spend time with God. My paster spoke on this very topic the week after Christmas and how “we get too busy for God.” I was convicted to the core that I put God as my last priority and not the first. So far the first 8 days of the year have been successful and everything else in life just seems to go a bit smoother. I asked God to help me to remember to take time for him and last night he did. I was getting ready for bed and was struck that my day had gotten away from me and I needed to take some time for Him. Thanks for sharing your heart. It’s always a comfort to know other people struggle in the same area’s as you do!

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January 8, 2013 - 11:29 am

Tiffany J - I love this post as I am guilty as well. Of putting other stuff in front of my time with God. Thank you for the encouragement!

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January 8, 2013 - 2:29 pm

Chelsa Knepp - I just read those same passages in Genesis this week! They really touched me as well. I want to be Abram and NOT like Lot. I’m really trying to dig into my Bible this year. Thanks for the encouragement!

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January 8, 2013 - 4:48 pm

Colleen - Hi Jess, I’ve been following your blog for a while now, and I’ve never commented or “introduced” myself, but I want you to know that you have encouraged me on many occasions and today is no exception. I love how honest and transparent your posts are. I am also a SAHM striving to raise my kiddos to know and love the Lord. Your adorable boys are blessed to have you as their mom. Now I want to encourage you… what you may think of as “just a blog” are often words of life to those are reading it, so thank you

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January 8, 2013 - 7:29 pm

Mary Ann - You asked the question: who will you be like? For me, I hope it is Abram, not Lot. I don’t want to look back and see that my life was wasted on stuff that didn’t matter. I want to look forward to new adventures and becoming a better person. Is it hard? Oh, yes. Every day is a challenge and every day brings successes and failures. But…in the end, the people we connect with, the lessons we learn and grow from, and the experiences we have, whether good or not so good, hopefully will help us grown and help us be closer to where we want to be. I lost my husband and both parents in 2008/2009 only 7 months apart. I thought my life had ended. But life always surprises us….my son got married and they had my little grandson in 2010. This little boy, this wonderful little creature, this amazing beautiful child saved me. He makes me want to be a better. He helps me focus on what is most important. He lets me know that life can be lived in the moment and that we don’t always have to look so far into the future to find joy. Yes, we need goals, we need to aspire to be better, we need to improve and stay close to the Lord. But we also need to think and become more like little children…more innocent, more forgiving, more joyful and in the moment. Now if only I could do that consistently!!! Thanks for inspiring us at the first of this new year. You are a wonderful example and truly someone who has endured trials and still finds purpose and joy in life. Thanks again.

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January 9, 2013 - 1:29 pm

Susannah - Thanks so much for this. It’s so easy to put daily life ahead of God. We need to be making daily life completely revolve around God in every aspect.

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January 9, 2013 - 7:01 pm

Melissa - Thanks for these words~ encouraging and real. I have chosen the words sacrifice & legacy this year and I try to set goals through-out the year that will help me & my family focus on doing those two things. We have been blessed with three little men in our house and I have been studying them a lot, praying and seeking what God would have me do in their lives to help lead them to Him. I also want to be a more effective help-mate to my husband! I can only know how to do those things better if I am making the time to be with God first :)

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January 13, 2013 - 11:01 am

Arianne - Thank You Jess for the encouragement and web links to reading through the Bible. I just printed two of them off and hope to dig in TODAY!! Been struggling too with the busyness of life and all I can say is the bigger the kids get the harder it is to maintain your walk of faith with our Lord!! So many distractions (or temptations should I say) to lure us away from our quiet time. Thank you again for sharing this!

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January 15, 2013 - 9:43 pm

Jess - Arianne-You are so welcome. How is it going? I’m working hard to fight off those distractions…hope you are too! :)

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January 15, 2013 - 9:45 pm

Jess - Melissa-Great words…you sound like a wonderful mama and wife!

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January 15, 2013 - 9:48 pm

Jess - Colleen-Thanks for introducing yourself. :) And thanks so much for the encouragement!

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december memories

01.06.13

Just a few more December memories that I don’t want to forget…

December brought lots of time reading Christmas books and adding pieces to our advent story board. Levi got really good at telling the Christmas story. We memorized a few verses and sang Christmas carols together too. Definitely one of my favorite parts of December.

December brought a new game for my boys. They traveled together from Kansas to Colorado to Bethlehem. Levi would push his cart full of the manger scene pieces and a few semi trucks. Griffin would follow closely behind on his little bike.

One day I found them both in the mudroom and a few minutes later realized they had hauled everything they could find in the house that they could carry along with them. It was quite the mess but they sure had fun. I hope next December brings many more trips to Bethlehem.

December brought cookie baking…star cookie baking.

Levi worked really hard.

Griffin just ate cookies.:)

December brought gingerbread house making with friends. There was lots of sugar consumed this day.

December brought a little crafting too. I am so glad that Levi likes to craft with me.

December brought lots of beautiful weather. We soaked up the sunshine. The boys loved being able to play outside. We are still adjusting to the cold weather that is keeping us cooped up in the house.

December also brought a few days of cold weather and snow! The boys got to build their first snowman with their daddy.

December brought lots of sickness too…but we aren’t going to talk about that! It was definitely a month full of memories.

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by Jess

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January 7, 2013 - 1:28 am

Kristin - So cute! And by the way, just thought I’d comment on your pictures, and I mean this in a complete complimentary way, they keep getting better and better! Not sure if you took a class or something of that nature, but they have been really great! :)

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January 7, 2013 - 3:51 am

Michelle from Australia - Tomorrow is day 1 of a forecast 7 day heatwave :( So if you could send us some snow whilst we are cooped up in the air conditioning and praying for temps under 100 degrees F, I’d appreciate it! M x

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January 7, 2013 - 12:57 pm

Saundra Fowler - I have been following your blog since sweet Cora passed away. As a grandmother I cannot even fathom the loss of a grandchild. Your grace, humility, and love for our God astounds me! I love reading your blog and watching you grow in the Lord. I agree with the above poster that your pictures are beautiful. Did you take a class with Ashley from Under the Sycamore? I have followed her blog for a long time also and have wanted to take her snapshot class. Also, I agree with a previous poster that you should make and sell your advent story board. It is precious and far better than anything I’ve seen online. Or give a step by step tutorial on how to make one…maybe in the future?

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January 7, 2013 - 2:59 pm

Jessica - Awesome memories! Levi is going to be quite the well-rounded boy with a farmer daddy, and a crafty mommy. Every woman’s dream! :)
Where did you get the cushion with rosettes in the 2nd picture? Is that your creation, or did you buy it? It’s beautiful! I’m looking for 4 new cushions for our couches in the living room and would really love something along those lines.

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January 7, 2013 - 7:58 pm

Julie Davis - I just have to say that you should really consider homeschooling. You would be so good at it!! I’ve been a reader of your blog for a long time and have thought this time and time again. Today I just had to comment (for the first time) after reading your response to their “Bethlehem trip.” We have 8 children (ages 1 – 17)and our oldest will graduate after this semester. I, too, am a teacher by trade. It has not always been easy, but it has been so worth it.
Anyway, something to think about! :)

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January 7, 2013 - 10:19 pm

Susannah - This is so great! It’s wonderful to make memories with little ones!

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January 12, 2013 - 4:11 pm

Stefanie - Your boys are adorable!

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January 15, 2013 - 9:49 pm

Jess - Jessica-it was from Target last year.

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January 15, 2013 - 9:51 pm

Jess - Saundra-Thank you! Yes, I took Ashley’s online SnapShop class. It is awesome and I learned so much!

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January 15, 2013 - 9:52 pm

Jess - Kristin-Thank you!!

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christmas wrap up

01.04.13

I know Christmas is way over but I had to post a few more pictures. It is more for me than for you. I have one more post with Christmas pictures, so if you are done with Christmas you can just skip these two and come back in a few days. But if you want to see two cute boys in monkey jammies you can keep reading.;)

We were going to celebrate our little family Christmas on Christmas day but instead we decided that getting the flu as a family would be more fun. Ha. We are cool like that. I think it was five days later when we were all actually feeling up to celebrating again.

We had a little “cake” for Jesus…and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus too.

We finished our nativity story board…with hard hats on…just in case. Doing this story board with Levi was one of my favorite memories this Christmas season. He loved it and so did I.

And then we opened a few presents. The little things in their stockings were the hit though. Pez dispensers…

…and egg shakers. Sometimes it is just the little things that make them smile the most.

Griffin was really grumpy this morning, but we tried to be understanding since he had a rough Christmas with being sick and all.;)

Two days later we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family. It was a beautiful, snowy day. Griffin was watching the snow fall out the window.

My brother is engaged and getting married soon which meant we got to celebrate Christmas with my soon-to-be sister-in-law too.

And these cute nephews of mine both celebrated their first Christmas this year. They both even showed up in matching red stripey outfits.

We ate breakfast together and then opened presents.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out and doing fun things like decorating cookies.

I didn’t know if we would ever all feel good enough to take a family Christmas picture, but here we are. Not too bad. And that was Christmas 2012.

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by Jess

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January 4, 2013 - 7:44 pm

Susannah - Looks like you had a fun Christmas, even if it was late. :-)

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January 4, 2013 - 8:56 pm

Melanie Martini - Love your Christmas update and pictures! Your family is so sweet. So glad you are feeling better now. Happy 2013!

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January 4, 2013 - 9:31 pm

Michelle from Australia - Love the “two cute boys in monkey jammies”. I hope 2013 is a year of fabulous health and much happiness for Clan McClenahan! M x

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January 5, 2013 - 2:30 pm

Liz - It looks like a wonderful Christmas. I love that nativity storyboard. Did you make it yourself? I totally might have to steal that idea for next year. :)

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January 5, 2013 - 11:59 pm

Brady - Looks like a fun Christmas! Love their striped sweaters–my son has some like them from The Children’s Place :) Your family picture is too cute!

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January 7, 2013 - 11:48 am

Mary Ann - I love your pictures of your cute family. What joy!! That is what the season is all about, finding joy with family, friends, loved ones and remembering our Savior who makes it all possible. I hope you are all feeling much better and find ways to cope with the cold weather. Here is SLC Utah, it has been so very cold, in the single digits most nights. We also have very grey and yucky air so I find myself praying for a small storm to clear things up. Have a great day!!

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January 7, 2013 - 11:48 am

Mary Ann - I love your pictures of your cute family. What joy!! That is what the season is all about, finding joy with family, friends, loved ones and remembering our Savior who makes it all possible. I hope you are all feeling much better and find ways to cope with the cold weather. Here is SLC Utah, it has been so very cold, in the single digits most nights. We also have very grey and yucky air so I find myself praying for a small storm to clear things up. This is typical weather for our valley the week of Christmas and right around New Year’s. But with all the snow, it should help with the fire danger in the summer. Have a great day!!

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today

01.02.13

Today is our first day back to a somewhat normal routine. I am ready for that. We have been sick at our house since the Saturday before Christmas Eve. And while we still have SO much to be thankful for, this Christmas season was pretty exhausting. Memories were definitely made, just not the ones we were planning on!:)

Today my baby boy turns three. How that happened so fast, I have no idea, but he is such a blessing to our family. Time and time again over the past three years the Lord has used Levi to help heal our hearts and restore our joy. This little boy is such a gift to us. We are so grateful for the three years we have had the privilege of being his parents…and are praying for many more! So, today we celebrate him. We started the day with birthday pancakes with sprinkles. Levi loves any excuse to sing Happy Birthday. And hopefully after today I’ll be back to posting more frequently…and we will all stay healthy for awhile too!

Happy New Year!

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by Jess

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January 2, 2013 - 3:52 pm

babykatesmom - Happy 3rd birthday to your sweet little blessing!!!

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January 2, 2013 - 3:58 pm

Rebecca - Happy Happy Birthday Levi!

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January 2, 2013 - 4:18 pm

Lori Guggisberg - Happy Birthday Levi! Can’t believe he’s 3!

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January 2, 2013 - 4:22 pm

Shena - I bet Levi brings lots of smiles to your face! He seems like such a fun-loving little guy! I hope he has a wonderful birthday!!

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January 2, 2013 - 5:48 pm

Megan - Happy Birthday Levi! Time really does fly. And happy to hear everyone is feeling well again!

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January 2, 2013 - 5:59 pm

Heather S. - Happy Birthday to Levi! Much like you, today is our return to normal. Funny how good normal feels when *abnormal* means illness abounds! Praying you all stay healthy for a good long while!

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January 2, 2013 - 6:05 pm

Nancy - Happy Birthday, handsome Levi!

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January 2, 2013 - 6:10 pm

Mary Ann - Happy birthday sweet Levi. WOW….3 years old. Time does fly by fast. My little grandson will turn 3 in May and it has flown by very fast, too. What a joy Levi must be!! He has the cutest grin and when you catch him on camera, it shows what a fun, exciting personality he has. I can understand how he brought joy into your lives. Both your boys are adorable. I’m glad you are all on the mend and can now celebrate Levi’s birthday with gusto. Happy New Year and have fun!!!

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January 2, 2013 - 6:11 pm

Stef - Happy 3rd Birthday, Levi!!

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January 2, 2013 - 6:28 pm

Brittin Olson - Holy cow! Levi looks a whole year older too! Happy birthday little man!

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January 2, 2013 - 9:13 pm

Kate - Levi shares a birthday with my daughter. She turned 7 today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Levi, I hope this is a fantastic year for you!!

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January 3, 2013 - 9:26 am

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations - Happy Birthday to your little man! Time flies! :)

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January 3, 2013 - 12:52 pm

Amanda - I’m so sorry you had such a rough Christmas! We had one of those when Taylor and Mason were about that same age…and it did awful things to my attitude. I’m glad you are all better now. I guess it’s now our turn :-( Nothing like starting the new year off so poorly. Hope Levi had a great birthday! I’ve missed him!

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January 3, 2013 - 1:07 pm

Sharon - Happy Birthday sweet boy! I can’t believe he is three myself! I have enjoyed watching him grow. Thanks for sharing your beautiful blessings with us!

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January 4, 2013 - 12:14 am

Beth - how CUTE are those pancakes!

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January 4, 2013 - 1:00 am

katygirl - he is a doll, jess! we got the stomach flu too. glad you guys are better. happy new year!!

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christmas eve

12.27.12

This post could also be titled…”the day the flu hit the Macs”. Actually, Griffin started throwing up on Saturday night, but it didn’t last long so we were hoping it was just a reaction to his shots or some flukey thing. But Monday morning when we were packing up the car to go to my in-law’s house for Christmas Eve Joel started feeling yucky. As soon as we got there he decided to go back home and lay down…and then the puking began. I was so disappointed that we couldn’t be together on Christmas Eve…and even more sad for Joel that he had to miss his family’s Christmas. Such a bummer. But I decided that I needed to make the best of it and we ended having a wonderful day (except that we missed Joel a lot of course!).

Joel’s family always eats brunch together on Christmas Eve morning. My father-in-law reads the Christmas story and this year some of the cousins even helped him out.

They always have stocking gifts for the kids and adults. We are seriously spoiled every year.

This is Griffin’s “I’m excited about Christmas” face.:)

These three cousins had to hide while Papa and Bammy got out their gifts. I followed behind them to make sure they weren’t peeking and found them all like this.

The big surprise was a new bike for each of them. They were so excited.

Levi loves his new bike. He has been riding it all over the house because it has been so cold outside. Griffin is pretty sure that is is actually his bike…Levi is reassuring him over and over that it is his…and only his. We have a lot to learn about sharing this year.:)

We hung out all day, went to the Christmas Eve service at church, and then came back to my in-laws for dinner and presents. I didn’t get any family pictures because my hands were a little full without Joel there…and it wouldn’t have been a family picture anyway!

The cousins always get new jammies and put them on before present time. The littlest cousin was missing this year because he had to go to bed. It is fun to look back and see this group grow.

* 2008 *

* 2010 *

* 2011 *

* 2012 *

While looking back is so fun, I think looking back is sometimes one of the hardest things about the holidays for me. It is a reminder of someone who was in those cousin pictures who no longer is. Looking back floods my mind with thoughts of wondering what things would be like if Cora was still here and reminds me of the hole that is in these pictures…and constantly in my heart.

My in-laws helped me load up the car after a fun day with family and we went back home to check on daddy. I got everyone in bed and the house picked up and finally got into bed around midnight. Not too long after that is when the throw up began. First Levi, then me, and at one point three out of the four of us were throwing up at the same time. Nice. We didn’t get much sleep and it was definitely not the way I had hoped to spend our Christmas. I was tempted to be grumpy about the whole thing…I mean, Christmas day was pretty much ruined, right?! But as I lay in bed that morning and Levi rolled over and squeezed my hand, I was reminded of what a privilege it is to be his mama…to be up all night to give him comfort. It was definitely not glamorous or a picture perfect Christmas…but taking care of my sick baby, and being home with my sick family was a gift. I told Joel how thankful I was to be able to hold my boys on Christmas morning…sick and all…and he said he had a similar sense of thankfulness as he sat with them on the couch while I tried to catch up on my sleep. It wasn’t such a bad Christmas after all. We were together…and it was just the flu. Looking back also reminds me to be grateful for the little things.

So, we have postponed our little family Christmas and have one more big family Christmas to go. And then my Levi is turning three! Lots of partying to come.

Hope you all have had a wonderful and meaningful Christmas!

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by Jess

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December 27, 2012 - 3:07 am

JJ Kilduff - We had one of those the week before Christmas. My daughter had a tummy bug and she ended up missing her first natvity play at school! While I was really disappointed, I too reminded myself that it wasn’t the end of the world and that I was really grateful that I had her and here brother – even when they are keeping me awake all night! Thinking of you and wishing you a Merry Christmas and New Year. God bless. Love JJ from England x

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December 27, 2012 - 3:07 am

JJ Kilduff - We had one of those the week before Christmas. My daughter had a tummy bug and she ended up missing her first natvity play at school! While I was really disappointed, I too reminded myself that it wasn’t the end of the world and that I was really grateful that I had her and here brother – even when they are keeping me awake all night! Thinking of you and wishing you a Merry Christmas and New Year. God bless. Love JJ from England x

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December 27, 2012 - 4:14 am

Michelle from Australia - Get well prayers coming your way. Dare I say coming your way by the bucket load? :) Sorry Jess. Couldn’t resist! M x

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December 27, 2012 - 8:11 am

Amee - I’m so sorry to hear y’all where sick over the Holidays. I’m afraid I would have been grumpy about it but then probably would have had a change of heart like you. :)
I hope y’all are all better now and have a Merry Christmas (what’s left of it!)

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December 27, 2012 - 9:50 am

faith - awww so sorry to hear about the sickies in your house! praying for healing for all of you’s guys! and love the pictures of the kiddos hiding on the bed! great photos all around. merry christmas!

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December 27, 2012 - 3:09 pm

Karina - Very much like our Christmas! All three kids spent Christmas Eve throwing up, and we had to cancel dinner (there would have been ten of us at the table). Everyone came on Christmas Day instead and we just had twice as much food. I try to feel comforted at times like these, too – reminding myself that it is “only” the flu, and that we are all together, which is the main thing, with plenty to eat and plenty of presents under the tree. Enjoy your pajama time…even if it is punctuated by extra laundry!

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December 27, 2012 - 7:25 pm

Jody - Sorry to hear about your holiday. I was praying overtime that none of us would be sick this Christmas. My brother was home for the fist time in 15 months and will be deploying overseas just after New Year’s. Thankfully the worst we had was one with a bad cold. We just desperately needed some good memories to get us through the next 9+ months.

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December 27, 2012 - 11:51 pm

meg duerksen - that is horrible! good for you for keeping a good attitude! it had to be tough.
i doubt i would’ve been able to pull that off.

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December 28, 2012 - 4:33 pm

Sarah @ This Farm family's Life - Love the pictures! I don’t love that you had to battle the flu bug during Christmas! We had it the week before Christmas this year for a change. Normally we are sick at Christmas! I hope everyone is feeling better!

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December 31, 2012 - 10:37 am

Diane taylor - Hi Jess..oh my i am so sorry to hear about the flu bug invading your house on Christmas. I know exactly what you mean! I traveled 400 miles on Christmas eve to be with my family on Christmas Day (first time in 20 years this has happened but my husband felt strongly that we needed to grieve our first Christmas without Jonsthan together). Made it to my parents house with ease….and then at 11:30am on Christmas day i fractured my left ankle getting out of the car after church…i slipped on snow covered grass and my foot ended up facing out in the wrong direction….it was frightening and i knew it was badly broken. I had to have emergengy surgery ti fix it. Not my plan but it was just an accident. I sobbed and sobbed about ruining this planned day. I am home and looking at several weeks off my feet. My husband calls me the bionic woman with what they had to do to fix me up.

I wish us all peace in 2013. I am so ready to say good bye to 2012.

Hope you are all feeling better.

Xxoo Diane

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December 31, 2012 - 4:59 pm

Heather S. - Feeling your pain, Jess. At our house, all four of us woke up on Saturday with fevers and a cold. By Monday night 2 out of the 4 were vomitting. Then we had a little reprieve (while still coughing and blowing noses), and by Thursday night I was sick with the tummy bug all through Friday. It was miserable. I keep saying it was our best worst Christmas. It was the best because we were all together (husband off for the 2nd time in 10 years) and we were resting and hanging out a lot, not rushing around from place to place. But, the worst because, well, we were SICK! Praise God, though, like you said, it was JUST the flu. :) And we were together through it…and that makes it better. :)

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December 31, 2012 - 5:13 pm

Mary Ann - I hope your family is feeling better today so you can ring in the new year with a bang!! The pictures from Christmas’s past are so cute. I can’t begin to imagine the hole it leaves in your heart knowing your Cora is missing in the newer pictures. She is surely aware of her mama and misses you too. The love never, ever ends. I hope it brings you peace and comfort knowing that Cora is aware of you and will never forget you, just like you won’t ever forget about her. I too am so grateful for my family, my son and his cute wife, and mostly for my grandson who brought joy and love back into my life just when I needed it the most. Thank you (again) for sharing a bit of your life with us bloggers. Your words of wisdom and the love you have in your heart warms my heart with every one of your posts. May the Lord continue to bless and nuture you and yours and bring peace and joy to your lives always. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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January 1, 2013 - 11:57 pm

Alyssa - I just stumbled across your blog via Pinterest and I’m so so happy to have found you. You and your ADORABLE boys are a breath of fresh (godly) air in the big, vast, blogging universe. I’m looking forward to following along with your little family. :)

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January 2, 2013 - 10:17 am

Stefanie - Oh no! I’m so sorry you were all sick for Christmas! I’m glad you and the boys got to enjoy Christmas Ever first!

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January 2, 2013 - 9:07 pm

Kelly - It seems like “everyone” was sick over this Christmas. I know the flu hit our family. I was the only one who didn’t get it. Thankful for my ob who has kept on me about getting a flu shot. Hope you guys are all doing well now. Kelly

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January 3, 2013 - 8:18 pm

Katie - Our whole family was sick on Halloween this year, terribly with the flu. It was so horrible it was funny. And in a really weird way relaxing because there was nothing we could do but lay in bed…all 6 of us!! Just wanted you to know I could relate.

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