The Joy of "15"....

 Fifteen years ago today Merl and I became parents for the first time.  Madison Joy was a dream of a first baby...content and happy most of the time!  Good thing since we had no clue what we were doing!    Sort of strange that often the first borns grow up to be extra capable and independent despite the fact that the parents are usually trying to figure each stage out with no experience...Well either way we have ourselves one amazing young lady we are proud to call our daughter!  One of the words I often hear people use to describe her is "versatile."  That she is... and as I reflect on the last year there are other words that come to mind...

Like brave and willing to try new things...this year at the last minute, Madison decided to try out for basketball.  She did not know any of the 20 girls at the try-out but she boldly went in and gave it her all.  The result?  Making the JV team and a new group of friends and experiences!  The smile on her face that first game was contagious...

Madison is always ready for a game of football or soccer with the guys if that is what is going on at the moment.  She is not only a body - but an asset to the team!  

Even though she loves the intense and fast paced sports, Madison is still enjoying working on her aerial pieces and delights in the performances.  Like in her other activities - part of what makes aerial fun is being in class with a good friend from church...sharing life experiences with friends/family is important to her.

Madison is a gifted cook/baker.  Since she has become independent in the kitchen I no longer am the one baking the cupcakes/cookies/cakes in the house - especially for special occasions!  She loves hospitality and is ALWAYS up for us having guests and pitches in.  She is also the ultimate party planner - throwing awesome parties for her siblings and now getting involved in planning and executing special parties at church.

Baby shower at church....

Jonathan's 6th birthday party...

This is Madison's second year in Classical Conversations.  We have seen such encouraging growth in her self-discipline and studies.  She enjoys most of her subjects and especially shines on independent projects.  

Madison's final geography masterpiece in May...

Madison loves to serve at church and at Hope Women's Center - she loves pulling in her friends and now her younger sister to come with her.  It is a privilege for her to be able to serve alongside her peers as well as other godly women who can encourage her.

This summer Madison decided to try her hand at her own business at the Homeschool Convention.  She named it "The Mango Tree" and it was quite lucrative!  While she loved preparing the handmade bracelets and lip balm and selling them - she is not sure she liked having to stay at her booth the entire two days!  Too much else to miss out on!  Great experience either way....

In February it was a dream come true for Madison and I to visit Oregon where our life long friends now live.  What an absolute joy to be with them and watch their friendship continue even over the miles. Friends are never replaced and always missed - and treasured at the same time.  I appreciate how Madison has learned to live in the moment and embrace and love those she is with!

The bookclub we began several years ago is still going.  The group changes from year to year due to families moving, etc. but hosting our month is always a highlight for Madison to plan and enjoy.  It is a lovely group of ladies...

 Family time is also another favorite of Madison's.  She never complains about visiting family and does a great job relating to whatever age she is with.  She loves her cousins on both sides so much!

Versatile, capable, independent, opinionated, hospitable, positive, joyful - that is the girl that the Lord has given us! Yes she has her disappointments and struggles but it is usually Madison who is telling her mother to not worry, "it will be fine..." or to look at the positive side of something.  Makes it all the more remarkable that when she was born, this was the scripture we picked for her - not knowing at all what her personality or life would be....

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

 Happy Birthday, dear Madison - you are inspiring and a joy for us!

Last year of single digits for our sweet Allie...

Another year has whipped by - I am so thankful to have pictures to document the events!  Allie is growing and changing into an amazing young lady with a heart bent toward Jesus and ministering to others...here is a quick review of her year....

Ballet is still one of Allie's first loves...it is her fourth semester at Experience Arts School and she had the opportunity to move up to a new class this year.  Allison works hard to improve and lives for the semester end performances...!

Allie adores her ballet teacher, Miss Stella.  Miss Stella has a heart for Jesus and her little students.  She radiates joy...

 Allie is becoming quite the all-around athlete - and will try any sport!  This summer she played tennis while on vacation, played football with Ryan (so he could learn his plays), and she will play soccer if needed, too!  In May, Allison ran her first 5K with mom and the rest of the family!  She is working to improve her time in the mile at PE each week.  She loves to run!   : )

Allie has a heart to serve and help!  She has been waiting for the opportunity to help volunteer at Hope Women's Center with Madison and her turn finally came.  On the way out after the evening, she said "I wish we could do that every night!"

 Allison and her side-kick - Jonathan is Allie's friend and classmate...I am so thankful for their friendship and enjoyment of one another.  They spend MANY waking hours together!

Allie is blessed to have her grandparents fairly close by - and she cherishes her time with them.  Allison is particularly gifted in the area of encouragement and friendship.  She is selfless in many of her relationships and many children in her classes, at church, and in our life are blessed by her ability to sense the need for a friend - for kindness and grace.  What a gift.  It is fun to see Allison's character shape into a girl who digs deeper when faced with trials and difficulty...she is an inspiration and we love her so much!

Happy 9th Birthday to Allison, we love you!

It's been awhile...

It makes me sad that it's been so long since I've kept the blog up...writing about the days and documenting our life events with photos.  It was my way of scrapbooking!  Life got away from me!  Not in a bad way - but I just couldn't squeeze another moment in to do it...

Maybe in 2014?  

Either way...birthday blogs are coming....