Happy First Birthday, Jordan!

A year ago today you entered the world and filled our hearts with even more joy than we thought was possible. God had already blessed us with our firstborn Jonah, but He had more plans for our family. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by, but at the same time, it's hard to remember life before you were here. I love you so much Jordan. I love how you just adore Jonah. I love how you suck your left thumb and love your blankie. Everything about you. My greatest hope for you is that one day you give your precious heart to Jesus. That you trust Him and love Him. You are always safe with Him. Your daddy and I pray this everyday for you and Jonah.

As i am sitting here and reminising her birth story (you can read it here), i just have to laugh as i think about how exactly one year ago from this moment my water was breaking and i was waiting for todd to finish installing our gas range so i could go have this baby. Jordan arrived ten days before her due date (jonah was a week late and induced)... so it was quite a surprise that today, February 26th, would be her birthday. This day was already special in our family because Charlotte , my cousins first born daughter, was born five years earlier on February 26th.

Jordan and I just got home from a special birthday lunch with Charlotte, her siblings (jack and natalie june), and her mom Allison. (jonah was having fun at "school") Jordan and Charlotte sat next to each other and had a little gift exchange. it was too precious and i am so happy that they have something very special that will connect them forever (besides being family). I think it's so neat that Allison (one of my best friends in the world) and I welcomed our daughters into the world on the same day, only 5 years apart. Happy 6th Birthday Charlotte! Happy 1st Birthday Jordan!!

new camera

thank you mom and dad for this generous and unexpected gift. this was something they gave me today as a "celebratory" gift, marking the end of a very difficult time for me... (more to come on this topic.) viewing life through the lens of faith, not fear, is a much better place to be.

i love you guys!

The Cora Project

i recently became aware of Cora and her parents, "The Macs" through blogs I frequently visit. She would have turned one in early march, yet God had other plans for her and her family. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and went to be with Jesus only 3 weeks later. My heart is broken for this family i have never met-- maybe because i have a little girl whose first birthday is only a week before Cora's first birthday, maybe it's the common faith we share in Jesus Christ... regardless, my heart breaks for them. It is so encouraging to read about their faith and their trust in Christ even though their hearts are aching.

The article below explains their desire to build a playground in their daughter's memory, and how Etsy sellers have made items to raise money for this project. I have added a link on the sidebar that will take you directly to Etsy page for Cora's Project. i think this is such a wonderful idea and have enjoyed browsing the etsy shop that has been put together especially for Cora and her family. Please keep this family in your prayers.

You can read more about The Cora Project here And visit their family blog site, "The Macs", here






In a small town in the middle of Kansas, you get to know people pretty well. Everyone seems to know everyone's aunt, cousin, brother, dog, or teacher. So when we recently learned that Cora, the 10-month-old daughter of our friends, The McClenahans (aka "The Macs") was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, it rocked our community.

Cora's mom, Jessica, is a blogger and word quickly spread throughout the blogging community. Thousands of people began visiting their blog, leaving messages of love and encouragement.

Sadly, Cora Paige passed away only 3 short weeks after her diagnosis, but the strength and faith of her parents has spread and inspired people globally. In lieu of flowers at her memorial, The Macs asked for donations to be made to help build a playground in their baby girl's memory - Cora's Playground.

Etsy seller joyshope recognized a strong need among people who wanted to do something to help, but no one was quite sure what to do. She offered the simple suggestion on her blog, www.joyshope.com, that Etsy sellers make items to help raise money to build the playground. The idea exploded into something beautiful!

Now we are launching The Cora Playground Etsy project. Over fifty shops are donating their time, their love, and their creations to help a sweet family who many have never met, but have changed our lives and our hearts forever.

Please search Cora Paige to see the listings. Know that your purchase will send love to Kansas. It will help build a legacy, a playground for generations of children to enjoy. A legacy for a beautiful girl who's time on earth was much too short.

my tater-tot.

hello all! it's time to give my blog some lovin' since it's been forever and a day since i've blogged. i don't know what's gotten in to me and what i've been doing with all my time. seriously now.... two small kids just MAY take up your whole day. : )

last week we made home-made mashed potatoes. Jonah was Sooo interested and wanted a taste ("i want some!!!" code for hand it over). Apparently a taste was not enough....That's my little tater tot. Since his third birthday (january 5th) i feel like he has grown so much. He is saying different things, or i should say he is saying the RIGHT things, (it's now "Juice" instead of "JuiFe") and i have heard him on a number of occasions singing to himself. something new and sweet. i just love this kid. he makes me laugh all the time.

and look who is standing on her own AND will turn one in less than a week....

Yes i know, i can hardly stand it that she is standing :) She is growing too fast. She has turned into a little spitfire lately- always wanting what jonah is playing, eating every little piece of dirt or fuzz she finds on the floor, and is ALL OVER the dog. She loves Kinja the Ninja.

Well that's the short and sweet version of what's going on here the last few weeks. I will promise to post more soon!

Indpls Colts Jeff Saturday...

Colts Jeff Saturday to Speak on February 22nd
Indianapolis Colts Center Jeff Saturday is scheduled to speak at Heartland Church on Sunday February 22nd. Saturday will be joining us for both services. Come out and join us for an incredible opportunity. Jeff will be joined by his wife Karen and pastor Darryn Scheske.

Visit http://www.heartlandchurch.tv/for more information (or contact me)

Would love to see you there!!!