Mary Theresa Kowalewski

My beloved Grandma...

Thank you for all the warm memories. You are greatly missed.


Grandpa & Grandma 1977.

I'm Okay...

So I had a bit of a breakdown today. I decided to catch up on my blog reading, because I've been sadly neglecting them. As I read some of my friends' stories, I couldn't stop the tears from falling. I quickly wiped the tears away, and decided to take my dishes downstairs. As I was putting my cup in the sink, I realized that I wasn't letting myself deal with the pain I was feeling. I have all this emotion just below the surface, but I keep pushing it down deeper. Occasionally, tears will surface, but I don't dwell on them for long. Unfortunately this is a pattern that I taught myself at a very young age. Just be okay...I'm okay. It's so much easier for me to cry over a movie or a song, then to really take a look at my own heart and where my own pain comes from. I learned about this pattern of dealing with things in my life a couple years ago. I guess just because I know about it doesn't mean that I'm all fixed, huh. Darn. I decided to take this to my blog for two reasons. One, it forces me to process, and two, because maybe if it's out there in the blog-o-sphere, I will hold myself more accountable to dealing with my emotions in a healthier way. By the way, after I put my cup in the sink, I fell to floor sobbing. I cried for my pain and my friend's loss...and I prayed for His comfort. Well, thanks for listening to me.

Sparky Gets a Makeover!

Well, I guess it's just a haircut, but he sure seems like a different dog. We have to get him shaved because his curly, fluffy hair gets so matted. He also gets VERY hot...imagine wearing a sweater that you can't take off. I love fluffy, cuddly Sparky, but skinny mini Sparky is just as cute...at least to me he is. :)

Sparky Before:



Sparky After:


Quick weight loss strategy...he had to look good for swimsuit season.


Spartacus is a coward. He got scared when I started taking his picture, so he hid under the futon. (And no, that thing next to him is not a cup that I had no idea was underneath the futon.)

The Macs

Cora's story is still being spread and shared with new people. Hearts are being touched by her life and the faith of her parents every day. This past week they were featured in their local newspaper and on a Wichita news station. (Check out the article here and the news clip here.)

In both Jess & Joel were able to share about their faith in Christ. It's amazing to me how many people have heard about the Father by Jess & Joel being willing to share their story through a time of the worst suffering imaginable. I am truly humbled by their love of Jesus.

Thank you Jess & Joel for being the honest, kind-hearted people that you are. I am so blessed to call you my friends.

Birthday Wishes...

Today is Cora's birthday. Tim and I went to the park and released pink balloons to celebrate the short, but beautiful life that this amazing little girl had. Sweet Cora Paige, we miss you so very much. As each day passes, we are that much closer to seeing you again.

Cora Paige Memorial Playground

I saw on Julie & Laura's blogs that several people on Etsy are donating all the proceeds for certain items to the Cora Paige Memorial Playground Fund. It is overwhelming to me how many lives this little girl's story and her parents' faith have touched. I think the playground is a beautiful memorial for Cora.

If you haven't donated already...well, even if you have...you should go check out Etsy for all the Cora Paige items.

I bought a cute little blue tulip ring, and will remember precious Cora every time I look at it.

For more information about the Memorial Playground visit CoraPaige.com

Please continue to keep Jess & Joel in your prayers. We love you and miss you sweet baby Cora.

Cora Paige...

I have put off this entry all day, because it's so hard to believe that sweet baby Cora is no longer with us. There will be a celebration of her life on Tuesday. For more information please visit: http://themcclenahans.blogspot.com/

Also, Tim wrote her a lullaby: http://www.newmusicmonday.com/

Words cannot express how much this little girl will be missed. We love you, Cora.