As you all have probably noticed, Madison never stops smiling, shes always happy and looking on the bright side of things, she is so genuinely happy when good things happen for other people, she is not afraid to be herself, and jumping...always jumping.

I often wonder how different life, and the world would be if more people were like her. I'm sure you see it in your children too. Pure happiness, laughter, giving, faith, caring. Our house would be so empty without her laughter.

And for those who think I'm partial, Ethan has refused to let me make a mushy video about him, let alone post it for the world to see! Let him know how much you would love to see one, and maybe he'll change his mind!

This is a video we made for the Smiths when they moved. We were so sad to see them go because of all the memories we shared. I've always planned to keep it updated, maybe this blog will be my motivator. Although we originally made it for the Smiths, when we watch it, there are so many other families in it that we miss, like the Petersons and the Spears, the McMillans. I think there might even be some Linkes in the 4th of July pictures. We miss seeing you guys everyday!! "Those were the best days of our lives"!!

I also chose this song because, ever since the boys were just tiny-little, they've wanted to start a band together, and that is the main reason Ethan takes guitar lessons. Hopefully someday they can make it happen!!

Valentine Box

Madison was determined not to wait ‘till the last minute this year to get her valentine box ready...I on the other hand felt it could wait. So she took matters into her own hands and created it right on the kitchen floor! It turned out great. When did she get big enough to do these things herself?

Harry Potter??

Well, he may look like his dad, but he inherited my eyes. Ethan got glasses this week, and he's actually pretty excited about them! The doctor said he only needs them for school to see the board a little better, but for everything else he should be fine. But he won't take them off. I predict this excitement will fade quickly. And any of you who know him, know exactly what I mean. But for now he's our little Harry Potter.

The Kids

I'm not sure how much I like how this turned out... I might do it again

Raul

He's our hero! He's so busy everyday, it seems like we don't see him very much. But he works so hard at everything he does, and we're proud to have him as our dad!

We're flamingo crazy!

When we lived in Majestic Meadows my friends and I would sit outside from sun up 'till sun down, watching the kids, exchanging recipes, venting our frustrations, practicing Yoga moves :), singing, laughing, crocheting, complaining, breaking into houses (don't ask) stealing tulips (again, better if you don't know) breaking up fights between Madison and Tyler, (they used to growl and bite each other)eating otter pops, picnicing, screaming across the yard at our kids, except for Julie, she never quite got that part, ("Alexandria, neowww") When Jen would get a call, (UNIDEN!)you'd often hear her say "...just sittin' outside bein' a yard ornament." And that's what we all were a bunch of flamingos decorating the yard all day. Julie, Jen, Becky, Holly, Rhonda, Hailey, Valerie, Keli, and the occasional visitor. When Julie moved to Kentucky is when we really started using flamingos as a way to remember each other, and the good times we had.






If you know anything about Madison and I, it's that we love flamingos!!! So for Madison's 9th birthday party it's was no surprise when she picked a flamingo theme, complete with water games and a snack shack. All her friends got to dress up in something pink and get their picture taken. It was fabulous!! April 2007







Jen's Fabulous Flamingo Scrapbook room!







Madison's stuffed flamingo "Flam", he seems to find himself in a lot of funny situations.




Madison's flamingo costume '05