therapy
Crafting isn't making that hole in my heart go away, but it sure helps. It is good to have something to do. It is good to spend time with my mom. It is good to be crafty. We are working hard to get all of our projects done and our etsy shop open.
I will let you know when the shop is open. Coming soon!
posted by the mcclenahans @ 1:21 PM
99 Comments:
SO SO CUTE...LOVING IT ALL! We know that nothing will replace the hole..NOTHING...but I'm so glad you are finding something to spend time doing, something that can bring you a little joy!
I can't wait!!! It all looks cute..
I too am glad that you are filling your time w/ something...especially w/ someone who I am sure loves you so much. I continue to pray for you all.
HI I just came across your site while drinking my morning coffee...I have never expirenced what you and your husband have been thru and i cannot say much only sorry for your loss. It takes time to heal but remember Cora is looking down with a smile. Stay strong.
By the way the items are very very cute!
Beautiful! How wonderful that you've found a way to fill your time and share experiences with your mom...and created such beautiful pieces to boot. You are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the coming months. I can't wait to hear the details of the Cora Playground. It is going to be amazing!
OH so cute!!!! I am glad you are keeping busy. It is very hard, when I lost Faith, I deep cleaned everything over and over. Nothing seemed to be clean enough. I still pray for you guys and Cora!
So beautiful and cute! I know we have never met - I just happened upon your blog one day through another...but you are on my mind each day and your sweet Cora. She is beautiful. You are in my prayers daily.
CUTE STUFF!!! I love that little cupcake :)
Even though your heart will never beat the same again, it's good to find a constructive way to use your energy. Each of these little adorable items are a tribute to your precious angel...they're made with love.
HORRAY! CAN'T WAIT!
YES! i just can't wait!
already it looks so cute! so now i know who took the that pink apple fabric from charolette's....
i was looking for it.
:)
it was wonderful to see you yesterday and give you a hug (or ten). i'm sorry if it was too many hugs. so good to see you even it was hard. it had to be so hard for you both. you are brave.
and so strong.
so loved.
still praying all day for you.
You are in my prayers. I just told my Mom the story about Cora last night. We both cried together and we've never even met you! Love and pain can be felt around the world.
Can't wait!
Adorable!!
I've been praying for you to have a distraction. Nothing will fill that hole until you see Cora again, but distractions can be a good thing, I think.
That cupcake tee - I made the same one for Camryn. ;-) Love it!
Faith, family and friends...
McClenahans: You, your families, and your entire (and ever growing!) circle of friends are nothing short of amazing and inspiring.
Wow, that is so cute, you guys are going to town!!
You guys are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
everything is adorable!!! i love all of it! you guys are so talented! i'm so glad you can spend this time with your mom and make these beautiful things with your hands!! you all are in our prayers daily!
Your amazing story of faith and love has touched my heart forever. I keep crying and I don't even know your family. I will never take for granted another hug, kiss, moment forever. I am sorry for your loss and thankful for the Plan of Happiness. May you continue to blessed by the love and comfort of our Savior.
Amazing how God can use a vast community of bloggers and etsy to provide a special, meaningful way to keep your hands busy. Looking forward to seeing your goodies.
Tried not to cry but I did anyway. I'm so sorry for your loss, and am astounded at your bravery and how you are creating a legacy out of all this.
Wish you tons of success in your etsy shop, and most of all strength for the future.
Wow those are sooooo cute and of course I am going to want to order some of it for Jaylee! Glad to hear you are keeping busy!
Take care and know I am thinking of you ALWAYS! Give your mom a squeeze for me!
love ya,
AMIE
I think is the first post of yours that hasn't made me cry.
But if I look too long at those little dresses and barrettes, I'll start.
So glad God is giving you something to work on while your heart slowly heals.
Love and hugs!!
I am so glad you have an outlet to help you work through this time of adjustment. I am sure it is a blessing to your mom as well I look forward to see more of your projects! I am still praying for you and your family!
hooray :)
Just keeping your hands busy and working on something probably feels so good.
And LOOK how crafty the two of you are!! Those little dresses are beautiful and that onesie is stinking adorable!! Keep it coming!!
I cannot wait to see all the adorable items. I wll have to get my hands on some of them!
My family is still praying for you. I am still Etsying...(????) Away for your precious Cora.
I have been meaning to send you this...
We can't know why the lily has so brief a time to bloom in the warmth of sunlight's kiss upon it's face, before it folds it's fragrance in and bids the world good night to rest it's beauty in a gentler place.
But we can know that nothing that is loved is ever lost, and no one who has ever touched a heart can really pass away, because some beauty lingers on in each memory of which they've been a part.
We continue to pray for you every day. Peace to you -
Friends in Cincinnati
Oh my goodness, I love everything you and your mom have made! I get tears in my eyes each time I read your blog, but it's not all sadness. I am in awe of your spirit to take each day, each minute at a time. Without ever meeting you or Joel or Cora, my heart will forever hold a special place for each of you.
Oh I can hardly wait!!!!!! These things all look adorable!
Still praying for you and your family...
Courtney
Hello, I just read all your blogs about Cora and I am crying like a baby. I just want you to know that I lost a child several years ago and I can relate. Nothing will ever fill the hole you now have in your soul, but you will feel better - believe me it happens.
The funny thing is, as I am crying my two-year old is asking me, "okay mom," and giving me kisses. Children are such a joy!
Good luck with your etsy venture, I will be looking for you, I have a shop myself!
My best to you and your family.
Your etsy stuff looks like it is so cute. What a great tribute to your sweetie this playground will be...with so many hearts touched by her working on it with you! ((hugs)) and prayers to you-
Angie in Wichita
You're doing an awesome job!! I can't wait!!
This is how my jewelry design started....as therapy! It still is. If there is anything you need to help get your and your mothers shop off the ground, let me know! You and your family are in my prayers. Take care and I look forward to your Grand Opening!
Warmly,
Leslie
I've been praying for you ... no, you don't know me, but that's doesn't matter. The prayer request for Cora came to me via friends ... my husband and I recently had twins and both were in the NICU for several weeks. One of our boys had to undergo surger yat 40 days old. We had to come to grips that we might not get to take that one home. Having dealt with hard circumstances also, you blog page was sent onto us because people thought we'd understand your thoughts and emotions. We were fortunate to be able to bring home our son in the end ... but Cora is in a MUCH better home. :o) I love you and am praying for continued healing for you guys. My name is Karis King, and I'm from Nebraska. We know Anyd and Julie Friesen.
Look at how crafty you are! I'm not crafy, but I can buy stuff (hehe)! Can't wait to see your shop up and running. I have a feeling you're going to be super busy because that cute stuff is going to be gone before you know it! I'm betting, less than a week :)
Great stuff, can't wait until you join our etsy family!
yeah for crafting...sometimes chocolate and crafting work well together too!
and i'm telling you, i can't wait to see those dresses/romper thingys!! yeah!
Everything so far looks SO adorable. Looks like I'll have to talk my hubby into having another girl! :D I am so glad that you have found something special to do. Still praying for you!
Hugs and prayers,
Heather~ On the Homefront
Cute Cute Cute..No it won't fillthe hole in your heart but it will help get you through the day.I have contributed to the Cora Paige playground on numerous things..wonder if my baby boy(8 months)would mind wearing that cupcake tee :)How proud your Cora is of her Mommy and Grammy!
Kim(alabama)
Wow your creative juices are flowing today...and me likey what I see. Very cute stuff mama. I cant wait to see finished product..... keep us posted.
Much love and hugs
I can already tell I will be making fun purchases for Cora's playground. I can see those cute dresses and I'm ready to buy. Also love the cupcake tee!!! I'm glad you have found something to keep you busy. I hope little waves of our Heavenly Father's Glory come over you often, especially on the harder days.
I LOVE those little dresses! Too bad Aaron won't let me put Eli in one! So glad you are enjoying your time with your mom! It was good to see you yesterday!
Hello, I am a new reader of your blog. Those dresses are adorable! Even though I don't know you, my heart breaks for you. Reading your story makes me think of all I take for granted with my two precious children. I'll be praying for you.
Such cute stuff!! I can hardly wait till you open your shop!!
Oh boy! Those are so sweet!! Keep up the great work. I am sure nothing will ever even come close to replacing your sweet Cora (I LOVE her name!) but it is fun to see the "therapy" you create.
Oh, if you want to offer some blog love/support to another mommy with a very sick baby, go to www.thegledhillfamily.blogspot.com Little Gracie has an amazing story but is in need of ALL the prayers she can get. She just turned 11 months old. Thanks in advance if you check her out and pray for her.
**In case you are thinking that you have no clue who I am , you are right.I am just another stranger whose life has been touched by your precious daughter.
Moving forward doesn't mean forgetting...it just means healing.
I can't wait to see your store. I'm already eyeing that cupcake onesie. I hope you will consider making one that will fit a 24 month old! :)
Audrey
Those things are beautiful!
I am praying for you guys RIGHT NOW! I pray you feel a peace that only HE can give!
I can't wait to see more! It all looks awesome!!! HUGS!
I can not wait to SHOP!!!! I am so excited....I already posting about it on my blog...so excited....
Oh! My! Gosh! That stuff is adorable!!! Looking forward to seeing your shop!
What sweet memories you are making with your mom!!
I designed and sewed my first ever garment last year after my Ellie died. It was a graduation dress for my sister who loves vintage style. We had a great time together and I was able to keep my mind and hands busy!!
Prayers continually!
So, so cute! Love what you are doing! Cannot wait to shop your Etsy store!!!
Thinking about you and praying for you daily in IL.
nadia
These are so cute! I am happy to hear you are joining Etsy, I have an (empty) Etsy shop too... I'm trying to think up something special to make to donate to the cause.
Oh! So cute. I love the colors...the fabrics.
I am so glad you are keeping busy and sharing some time with your mom. I've been praying for you all since I heard about Cora through etsy. I also have a shop there and am honored to donate towards Cora's Playground, and I look forward to having you join our great community.
Those look adorable! I can't wait to see what you and your mom have come up with!!
You and yours are still in our thoughts and prayers. *hugs*
Can't wait to see your shop!! Love the fabric patterns and colors :)
Nothing will ever replace beautiful Cora, but I'm so glad to see you are doing something creative and getting to spend time with your mom.
Hi Jess, My name is Danielle. I live in upstate New York and I came across Cora's story on Etsy yesterday and have spent the evening reading your blog and your friends and families blogs. My heart goes out to you and your husband. My prayer for you and your family is that the Lord will wrap His arms around you and provide comfort like you have never known. I pray you feel His mercies new every morning and I pray that you are daily reminded that you will see your precious daughter again because of the blood that flowed down the cross. Your unwavering faith in Christ is inspiring and challenging to my husband and I and I would hope and pray that I could stand as strong in my faith in our creator as you are. Know that we are thinking of you, praying for you and excited for you to be reunited with Cora one sweet day.
Love, Danielle
So cute Jess! I love making those onesie dresses. And the fabric you used- adorable! They will sell like hotckaes for sure! :)
Cristy
Wow this stuff is adorable. I can't wait until your shop is open.
When I lost someone very dear to me, I spent months cutting out squares and then sewed quilts for my kids; it was incredibly therapeutic. Nothing fills an empty hole, but I found moments of peace and joy. I'm so thankful that you are finding the same. The preview items are just lovely; I can't wait to see your shop open! May God continue to hold you and Joel close, and may His mercies be new every morning, His grace everlasting. Bless you~~
Those are wonderful! Distractions are fantastic. HUGS!
I am so glad to hear you are starting an Etsy shop! I found out about Cora Paige and your family a couple weeks ago and my heart goes out to you. I am so glad to see you doing something on Etsy to help with the healing. Can't wait to see what you come up with! Will definitely be buying some things for my little girl, Emelie Paige.
So adorable! I have bought a couple of Cora Etsy things and have a link from my blog, but now I'm really excited about your own shop opening. I just want you to know, y'll have been so much in my prayers.
Beautiful!!! Can't wait to order some for Ava.
I was reading a blog yesterday and they also lost their little girl. The mom made a quilt with all of her daughter favorite dresses. I thought that it was so nice. Something to remember her daughter and some days just sleeping with the quilt probably felt very good.
Had to share ,sorry.
Ok Again you and your mom are doing great work and I can't wait for your store to open.
You are in my prayers. May God bless you and hold you tightly in His loving care.
What fun stuff, Jess! And you get to do it with your mom too! Know that we are praying for you and tell Joel we said hi!
Oh, Jess. The items you and your mom made look wonderful!
Aunt Barb
These are so cute!! So glad your Etsy store will be up and running soon.
Dawn
I haven't commented lately but I've been keeping you in my prayers. I can't imagine what you're going through and just want you to know that your precious baby girl made a difference in my life! I will always remember her sweet and beautiful face..Thank you for sharing her with me! I love the clips that you have pics of and are going to put on Etsy..I can't wait until you open your shop up. I'm going to be one of the first buyers :)From one mommy to another all my love and prayers!
we lost my dad 2 years ago, and afterward my mom came to stay for a bit. I taught her how to make hairbows and it immediately became therapy....I cannot begin to guess how many hairbows were hanging around my craft room!
I can't wait to see your site!
I just read your entire blog from the beginning & am sitting here in tears. I can't imagine the pain you are going through and have no words to say except that I admire your faith, your strength and your courage to face each day. Your baby girl is beautiful - thank you for sharing your story.
Oh I am so excited for you! I'm new to Etsy and I just love it. Crafting truly is good therapy. Feels good to be creative and complete a project. I'm so looking forward to checking out your new shop!
your daughter has touched my heart and so has your faith in Jesus. I am looking forward to the day when i can meet her in heaven and tell her how her precious life touched my heart. I will be praying for you sweet sister in Christ.
I left a comment last week and would love to connect with you. We lost our baby boy 11 months ago. He would be turning one next week. I spent 25 days in the ICU with him as he fought a heart defect so I really understand what you've been through. It's a tough journey and connecting with others that "get it" was really helpful for me. Please email me if you would like to. Our story can be found at www.nathanryanlarson.blogspot.com and my email is trisha_larson@yahoo.com.
So cuuuute!! Can't wait to see all of it.
Glad to know your mom is working along side of you!
Oh my!! You are quite talented!!! Those orange clips with the flowers-I must have them for my Nora! I am very impressed! Can't wait to see the rest.
Can't wait for you store to open! Thanks for continuing to share your heart with all of us- still praying BIG!
Everything looks beautiful...can't wait to see what's in store for your shop! Keeping you in prayer...
My heart is broken for you, and when your Etsy shop is up and running, I will send my tribe over. May God hold you in his tender arms.
Wow.. Your stuff is beautiful. How nice that every little girl who wears one of those dresses or hair bows will be representing Cora. Lovely.
I can't wait to see what you've made! I made my purchase tonight to support Cora's Playground and even blogged about it to insipire others to do the same. May peace fill your hearts in the coming days.
You sound amazing. Not like you're fine, but like you're making it. It's so good that your mom can be with you. I checked out the stuff on Etsy the other day (I had never heard of that before a few days ago) and it was wild how much stuff was on there. How wonderful. I'm still crying on your behalf, but I'm so glad you have meaningful work to do, that you can see it that way. I, too, will keep praying for you guys. You are being held by Him!
oh my gosh!!!!! Look at you! It all looks so sweet. I thought I'd check in tonight to see if you had posted and I am amazed at what you've accomplished. Saying prayers (as always).
Aimee
So cute! I can't wait to see what the dresses are! I found your blog through another and your story has touched my heart to the core. I have prayed for you daily and also for your sweet Cora! God bless!
Jess,
I am so glad you have found a distraction... and with your mom no less! I'm sure it will be a blessing to both of you. I can't wait to browse your etsy shop - your pics are enticing!
I can't even begin to imagine how hard Sunday must have been for you. You and Joel are so strong - you may not feel like it, but you are.
I got my Cora flowers today from Beki. They are so beautiful. I pinned mine to my white curtains in the living room. It's so bright & vibrant - it's the first thing to catch your eye in that room. It's perfect.
Praying for you daily.
Christy Klein
Absolutely adorable! Look forward to seeing your shop open.
Everything is SO cute! I'm sure it's nice to have something to try to give you a little smile here and there...you continue to be in my prayers...
Beautiful, Jess!!! Can't wait till your shop is open, everything looks great - you got a lot done!! Looking forward to seeing you guys on Thursday.
Your items look amazing and I am looking foward to buying something in honor of your daughter...and Im really touched by the women on etsy I will also be buying some stuff from there...Blessings to you and your family.
Jess, your stuff is so, so cute!!! I love the dresses. How great to have your mom so close that you guys can work on this together. Praying for you all!
I'm glad you are able to get a little therapy through crafting, and look forward to seeing your shop open!
Everything in the pictures look adorable!
Thinking about you guys and praying for you daily!
I just found your site when I clicked on a Cora Paige Playground button. I spent the last hour reading through all of your posts - I laughed,I cried, I prayed. I am so sorry for your loss. Your craft projects look amazing and I can not wait to see your Etsy shop. My prayers are with you and your family. Cora was an absolute doll and it is obvious she was very well loved.
Soooo glad that crafting is giving you an outlet. I am continuing to pray for you and Joel every single day. I know that crafting and scrapbooking are my outlets, too. I think God is happy that we are productive as we soothe our souls.
I HAVE to have some of those ADORABLE dresses I saw in the pics you posted! What sizes are they going to be in? Cora's Playground Etsy shop has been so much fun. I have been ordering like crazy, and loving it!
Sendling love to ya!
Kelli <><<
God Bless YOU! HAVE fun with it... I think there's no better way to pass the time and get distracted then to pour your heart into a creative outlet of some sort- and it looks like you are creating beautiful things!
I wish you much love, peace and strength in this process! And happy crafting! I will do my part and try to sell as many goodies as I can so we can make your playground a DREAM COME TRUE!
holly
www.livingstonandporter.etsy.com
What a great way to channel your grief!! If I had a little girl I would totally buy something (unless you are doing boy stuff also!) I have a 17 month old right now. Bt the way, the slideshow was BEAUTIFUL!! You all will continue to be in my prayers :-)
I have been following your blog for some time and finally got the courage today to post a comment. I too had lost a daughter over three years ago, she was 15 months old, although under different circumstances. I also took up crafting, photography, most recently blogging and you name it for therapy...it really does help. Know that I am praying for you and your family as you embark on your journey after your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Our oldest son died almost 7 years ago. May I share with you what I learned about the 'hole in your heart' It is very real. Cora is part of your physical body and when she left this earth life, part of you(that piece of your heart)left too. Now you are adjusting to how you feel without that part of you around...you will feel her near as she checks in on you from time to time. Life is eternal! May God continue to bless and comfort you.
I love all of the dresses! You and your mom are very good.
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