Happy Birthday Mason!

Our little man had a BIG day today. We all did.
He's ONE now!

I have lots of pictures to share...but I'm exhausted and we're leaving by 8 in the morning for a 2 hour trip to surprise my Grandma for her 90th birthday. Her birthday is actually today, the same as Mason's. He's one. She's 90. So cool.

Happy Birthday Grandma!


I have the pictures from today downloaded and am working on editing a bunch...so for now, I'll leave you with a video of our big boy having fun with his cake.
None of us expected this. He's been so finicky with touching his food. He definitely surprised us and he DEFINITELY ate more cake than anyone else at his party!

Happy Birthday Mason...you are a true blessing! We love you lots!

my little man

This little guy turns one today. (I have to say today, because it's 12:30am)

It's hard to believe.
Very bittersweet.
I keep looking at him and thinking he does not seem near as big as Taylor did when she was one. He's my baby.

I'm up late tonight baking the cake...as usual.
Tomorrow I'll frost and decorate...my first experience with tips.

This last week he has showed more and more of the "BOY" in him.

His newest talent...


Standing on a vehicle with wheels.
That rolls back and forth with the slightest movement.
He really does have good balance.
But he's definitely taken some tumbles...and gets right back up and does it again!

Jewels for Cora

I told Jess the other day, that we know nothing we can do will take their pain away.

There are people EVERYWHERE doing things for Cora, for Joel and Jess. Almost as if we're all fighting to get her back. It's hard to explain the emotions and reasons for why we're doing what we're doing....I explained to her that it may just be the love we have for them. I also told her that when there are no words.....we just act. Because there ARE no words. There is nothing we can say to take their pain away. And we all know that. So we act. Because that's what we can do.

So because there are no words......we're acting.

The Lord has laid it on my heart to use my Premier Jewelry Business for Cora.
I helped the Boy Scouts with fundraising a few years ago. I was very happy to do that.
Nothing else has come along since then....for me to use my business in this way.

This time it's personal. It's close to home.
And this is what I have to give.

I knew I couldn't do it alone. So I have some awesome girls helping me with all of it, and more and more girls getting on board each day!
The night is about FAR more than jewelry.
There will be jewelry, there will be a fashion show with the jewelry and some spring fashion tips....and a chance to buy jewelry, to raise money for Joel and Jess.

But there will be more.
We want to honor Cora.
We want to share her story and allow people to leave a different person than they came.
We don't have all the details worked out yet. And this is where I have LOTS of help from others.
But I'm sure I will share the details of the night after it all happens...for all of you far away who can't be there.

I'm praying hard about this event. I'm very overwhelmed by it....so many emotions and details. I always want things to be perfect....and bigger than I can imagine. I'm so overwhelmed that I'm 99% sure that my sister-in-law, Stefanie, who graciously offered, is going to be doing most, if not ALL, of the "jewelry show" part of the night. I've done almost 250 jewelry shows in the last 5 years so you'd think this would be the easy part of the night for me. I just think I'll be scared to death. We'll see. I just don't want anything about this night to be about me.

I have to keep reminding myself that this night will be in God's hands. Big or small....we WILL be able to give to Joel and Jess and we WILL honor and remember Cora on her SPECIAL DAY!

The invitations are out....


March 5th is the day that Cora would have been celebrating her first birthday. We know this will be a very hard day for Joel and Jess. We know this will be a sensitive day all around. But after getting the blessing from Jess and her mom, we decided that we wanted to bring people together this night. Rather than being busy with our normal, routine lives...we wanted to make this night about Cora.

We are asking everyone to continue to pass the invitation to all of their friends and family, and then on and on. We know people everywhere have been praying for our friends. We want them to be able to do something, to come to this event, and be there to help honor Cora and do something impactful for Joel and Jess.

If you are viewing this right now, and you are close by....you are invited, whether you got this invitation by email or not. You can leave a comment for me and I can send you an invitation that you can email onto your friends and family as well.

What better way to remember a little princess....than with JEWELS!

so sweet

This little girl is in LOVE with her daddy.

Wouldn't you be too?


This isn't the first time he's done this.
And NEITHER time I had anything to do with.
One time I was completely gone.
This time I came into the room and found them like this.


I will say, I think it's been Taylor's idea. I just don't think Dave would THINK of this and initiate this on his own.

But oh my...if she asks....she gets it!



What a sweet, sweet relationship.

big boy carseat

Last weekend we decided to go ahead and move Mason into a big boy carseat.
He's not quite a year old....and I know we're really not suppossed to have him front-facing till then. But he DEFINITELY qualifies by weight. And who cares that we're just a few weeks early.

Well, hopefully no one cares.

Here's our big ALMOST ONE YEAR OLD!


It's just so funny to look back there and see my baby sitting like this! I just laugh every time.

And it's even more funny to look back and see them both together.

We didn't end up liking Taylor's seat very well...so we opted NOT to get matching ones.
I like Mason's better. Although he looks like he's being swallowed by it...I just feel better about how much it surrounds him. Actually, it surrounds him so much he can't really even look at his sister. Kind of funny.

And yes, I do realize we've gotta do something about miss Taylor's hair. I know it's pretty much crazy in every picture I take. It seems that I never take pictures when she has a bow in to keep her hair out of her face, or when she has a cute ponytail or pigtails. We need to get it cut...and I just don't see her doing well with that...so I'm stalling. In the mean time, you'll continue to see some crazy-hair pictures.

love is moving

Cora's story is continuing to spread....

There is now a great writeup (done by someone local) all about Joel, Jess and Cora...on Etsy's blog.

Love IS a movement...and this story is moving. Spreading to even more each day.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

From what I hear, the number of hits to Etsy's blog reaches into the millions each month.

So, Joel and Jess, who wondered how God would use their isolated, small town life to influence others....are literally reaching the world. Showing others what it's like to have faith and serve a God who is mightier than anything else on this earth. A God who brings them peace after experiencing a parent's worst nightmare. A God that they can praise in this storm.

This playground is going to be "heavenly".

keeping it real

Some of my favorite blogs are those that "keep it real"!
It's just nice to that not everyone has it as "put together" as sometimes our blogs lead people to believe!

I love to hear that other moms feed their kids canned fruit and veggies, and can't keep up with the duties of the house...or who just don't want to. I love to hear that other stay-at-home moms sometimes get bored or unmotivated to do the "work" we're supposed to be doing. It's nice to hear when others are asking questions, wondering why things happen, and sharing their vulnerability and lessons with others.

Of course, I know we're not going to share EVERYTHING in our blogs.
And for most of us, what goes on inside the walls of our homes really is a mystery to others...which is FINE!
But most of the time we share only our best pictures and tell only the stories that we think are worthy to share.

But sometimes it's just nice to know that others are running around with their heads chopped off, feeling lost and behind and psychotic, and stressed and emotional.....and everything in between.

Hopefully this picture can help you in some way.



Meet the never-ending disaster called our basement.
Honestly, I could probably take this exact same picture every 2-3 days.

Yes, 2 pieces of furniture are completely covered with piles of clean laundry.
And yes, those are snot rags on the coffee table, and some empty food wrappers.
And order forms from a jewelry show...spread out all over the table and strung out on the floor.

I can handle this for a short period of time...maybe 12-24 hours.
But pushing 24 hours, I begin to hyperventilate.
Sometimes it's just not worth cleaning up though. Because the next day, it happens all over again. Okay, maybe not the trash and the laundry, but definitely the toys.

So anyway...I challenge my blogger friends to show some of your "keeping it real photos"!
You can't leave me hanging in such a vulnerable state alone.

trying to find peace

I'll be playing a little catch up in these next few posts.

I've just had a really hard time knowing how to transition from my last posts to other things.
Part of me doesn't want to. Part of me feels guilty.
It's just so hard.

Same reason I'm struggling a little bit with this birthday party we have coming up...in just a week and a half. Very mixed emotions.
I want to celebrate. I DO feel very blessed and thankful. And I want my baby boy to have a wonderful birthday.
BUT, it's just not fair. It's not fair that our friends are in so much pain and should be celebrating their little girl's first birthday the same week.

I keep thinking of these verses...

"Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning"Psalm 30:5

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

These bring some peace...but it's still hard.

I think we'll blow some party horns for Cora....so she can hear us wishing her a happy birthday too! I'm sure her party in heaven will be WAY better than Mason's.

It's all just hard.

I know my family has been missing our usual posts. And I know they understand why they have been lacking.

So for now, I'll leave you with a few pictures of Taylor.
We've had colds around here forever....they are hanging on WAY longer than usual.
Mason's been on antibiotics twice now...now that he's being treated for a sinus infection, hopefully this gets it!

Taylor's pretty much over her cold now. But it was bad for awhile...with a cough that kept us awake ALL night one night. It got so bad, it seemed like she wasn't even catching her breath very well. So needless to say, the Dr. started her on this...

You may be thinking...
"wow, she's good at that, holding it up herself and everything!"
Well, this wasn't her first time with this thing
Here she is exactly 2 years ago to the month...

At least we're getting some more use out of that expensive thing!

She didn't mind her treatments at all. In fact, before naps and bed, she'd say
"I nee take my bweeving machee wight now"

I'm impressed...a 2 year old, sitting, holding this thing, and not getting too terribly bored before it was finished.

Let's just hope Mason doesn't ever have to do these....I don't think they give you anything to strap the masks on with!

maybe you can get lucky

If you've never checked out my friend Bethany's blog (Graham Cracker Crumbs) from the list on my sidebar...you have to NOW!!!

She is doing an adorable giveaway!!

In fact, she's doing 3 giveaways...all you have to do is leave a comment.
Here's a sneak peak at just ONE of the things you can win!

SO STINKIN CUTE!!

I thought I was doing good to make Taylor some super simple, one type of ribbon, no extra loop kind of bows.

Oh well, I'd rather win it than make it anyway!

the good

A little glimpse into the GLORY that is already being seen through all of this pain.

This comment was left on Jess's blog last night at 11:16pm...

"...I don't see any good in this. But, I want you to know, that I am a questioner, a skeptic, when it comes to faith. My life is so good, with healthy children, and a healthy marriage and I cannot have faith like you. I wish I could, and I want to learn from you. If you can still have faith, after the worst thing possible to happen to parents happened to you, I really do believe God's hand is upon you. Please continue with your blog to inspire people like myself, who need these hard, hard lessons to open my eyes. Thank you for sharing Cora with the world, so I could have the chance to learn more about Jesus. I will never forget about your special baby."

It can be so easy to question this and wonder how God can really be good. But it would be even harder to get through all of this without God.

As stated at her service, Cora was a little "missionary"...but I feel that Joel and Jess's faith and testimony is proving them to be "missionaries" as well. We may never know all of the details of what's happening around this world because of Cora. But this comment left last night says so much. We all have questions, and we all wonder why this happened....but having God through it all is the ONLY way you can have peace and HOPE.

His glory will be revealed...as we are beginning to see already.
It's still not fair...why Cora?
God knows why and we don't have to understand.
Jess shared this verse on her blog...which I think sums it all up...

"My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:15-16

He has a plan for us all...it's already written out. He had a plan when Jess and Joel met many years ago, and when they were married, (and even before then, when he was uniting each of their families, and Jess and Joel were being raised) and when he gave them baby Cora....he was letting his plan unfold....and he KNEW that he was putting Cora in the most PERFECT place on this earth.

Not only does this make me wonder what his plan for me is, and makes me want to be truly open to it. But it also makes me wonder...what is his plan for my little ones? What is he preparing them for? His plan for all us if unfolding each and every day. We just have to let ourselves be willing to be molded and led to the place he wants us.

button for The Cora Playground

Here's a button you can add to your sidebar that will link directly to all items that are being sold on Etsy to raise funds for The Cora Playground.




Please add this button to your blog.
You can get the code at Julie's blog - here

HAVE FUN SHOPPING AND RAISING FUNDS FOR SWEET CORA!

coming together

I almost don't even have words for the way that the blog and now ETSY worlds are coming together for Cora.

If you read my previous post, you saw that Julie , started making these adorable flower headbands and pins to benefit Cora's Playground. After an overwhelming response, she is now calling any other Etsy sellers to help her with this cause.

Already, in such a short time, there are a handful of listings from different sellers, all for Cora Paige....and MORE TO COME!!!!

Please head over to Julie's blog and read about this AWESOME PLAN !


In fact, check out this ADORABLE little mommy apron I'll be picking up for Taylor! We'll be able to bake cookies together and think of Cora!


You can go to http://www.etsy.com/ and just do a "cora paige" search....and see the listings that are up so far! But keep checking Julie's blog for the latest updates on this incredible plan for Cora's Playground!

For anyone who would like to contribute directly....go here to find out how you can contribute to this memorial.

I just have this feeling that this is going to be one MAGNIFICENT playground!

Flowers for Cora

If you read my previous post, I shared a book that Julie, over at Joy's Hope posted on her blog in honor of Cora.

I have never met Julie. I have just connected to her through another friend's blog.
Julie has lost a daughter as well.


You are not going to believe what Julie is doing now....FOR CORA!!!!

ALL PROCEEDS FOR THESE.....are going to CORA'S PLAYGROUND...

You can get a pin (above)...HOW CUTE pinned to a jean jacket or bag or ANYTHING!

Or a headband...You can see what they look like on if you go to her blog... ADORABLE!!!

So, PLEASE go to Julie's blog....and check out how you can purchase these.

Thanks Julie! This means a lot.

mommy, please don't cry

It's amazing how many people all over (the world) have been touched by Cora's story.

People who have never even met Cora....and they have showed their support.

That's what the body of Christ is suppossed to do.

It's nice to see it in action.

I do not know who this is, but she is connected to one of my friends.

After hearing about Cora today, she posted pictures of her tear-stained book.

Click here to read her words.

I stole her pictures to share this touching story with you.

One that many of you may have heard before.

Mommy, please don't cry...A beautiful angel carried me here!
I met Jesus today, Mommy! He cradled me in his big, strong arms. He made me feel so happy inside.

Mommy, please don't cry...When I fall it doesn't hurt! There are no tears in heaven.

When it's time to rest, angels tuck us in. I never get scared Mommy, there is no darkness here! Jesus is the light of heaven.

Someday, Mommy, we will hold each other tight! Then you will cradle me in your arms, and stroke my hair...And once again, our hearts will beat together.

Mommy, please don't cry....I'll wait right here for you.

Home with Jesus

Cora went home to be with Jesus this morning.
Our hearts are breaking for our friends.
We have so many questions and just wish we could make sense of this and understand.
But we KNOW God loves Cora and God loves her parents. He doesn't expect us to understand.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”Isaiah 55:8-9

We prayed for the cancer to be gone. And now it is. She is now perfect. Being held by our GREAT AND WONDERFUL GOD.

After spending time in prayer and sharing thoughts about this loss...We closed our Sunday School class this morning, with this song...

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

And that's what we must do. TRUST HIM.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:25-30

Yes, sweet Cora, you ARE an angel.
A beautiful one.
Singing and playing and LOVING your new little, perfect body.

please keep praying

Little Cora took a turn for the worst today. Please pray hard! Her mommy and daddy need prayers too.

Their blog has been updated www.themcclenahans.blogspot.com

You can read all the latest that is going on with Cora.

Please pray every chance you get. Pray for Jess and Joel's strength and that they will continue to rely on God to get them through this. Pray that they feel his embrace and have peace that he is the GREAT PHYSICIAN AND HEALER!

some fresh air

We are SO tired of being cooped up in the house all winter.

So we took full advantage of the beautiful weather last Saturday and met our friends for a park play date.

It was especially fun to take this little guy to the park.
He had a great time just strolling around like a BIG boy!


This pictures just makes me realize that I don't have a baby anymore.
I have 2 kiddos, who are starting to play together, follow each other around, laugh together and of course FIGHT together.



I'm sure Mason will follow this little guy (our friend Ollie) around and learn LOTS from him over the next years.

First thing's first....how to climb UP the slide.






We're suppossed to have some more of these nice days ahead...so hopefully we will get outside again soon!

history

This is a boring post....I'm doing it ONLY because I want to have this recorded in our 2009 blog book. And obviously I'm a little behind on blogging since this event took place probably almost 2 weeks ago by now.

Since this was historical and all, I thought Taylor would find these pictures interesting when she's grown.

We lounged in our pjs that day and just watched.
Well, we mostly played and watched every now and then.

2 years old, watching the Inaguration of President Obama.

In 2030, she'll be 23.

I wonder what she'll think?
I wonder what she'll have been taught about him in school?
I wonder what main event or action she'll know him by?
Will he have done all that he said he will?



a historical moment...

My question is....when they replay the tape in years to come, will they show the first inaguration or the second?