2014 means 16 years for Madison...

Sixteen years ago we became parents for the first time - we had no clue what was ahead!  The years have flown by with Madison Joy!  It is a truly fulfilling process to watch a child grow, develop, and turn into someone you are amazed by!  Truly we are proud to be Madison's parents and she often leaves us speechless! Here is a review of her 15th year - leading into the big 16!

Madison on the beach - one of her favorite places...

I am fairly sure if you asked Madison what one of her favorite things was it would be EVAC.  Truly this opportunity to compete in sports with other wonderful families has been a blessing for us beyond measure.  Last year at the last minute Madison decided to go out for basketball not ever having played before and she is developing into a great player!  Last season she played on JV and this year she was excited to make Varsity and play with some of her close friends.  This fall she also decided to try volleyball and enjoyed that.  We all love watching Madison play and improve and love her enthusiasm and determination to work at her sport.  Probably most gratifying however has been the rich and deep friendships Madison has found with her teammates!

Some of Madison's volleyball pals...

Sweet basketball friends (on the day they surprised her for her birthday)

Another passion for Madison is aerial.  I will admit - Madison will try things I never would!   I am so glad!  This is her third year working at aerial and it is exhilarating to watch her!  Part of what has made this special is doing it with one of her friends, Hannah and then being in the same arts school as Allie.

the "coffin"

This summer Madison enjoyed volunteering at Hope Women's Center in Apache Junction.  Oftentimes she took a friend with her and they would organize closets, help with events, etc.  Over a period of several months Madison and Dawson (a friend from BB) worked to re-decorate the Executive Office.  They planned, shopped, and painted.  One day our executive director went to work in the old office and the next day it was transformed "extreme makeover" style!  It was so fun to watch the big reveal after several month's worth of work.  I love that Madison likes to volunteer at a place I love : )

Dawson, Tammy, and Madison...

This year is Madison's third year in Classical Conversations and she is halfway through Challenge 1! We love how Challenge exposes us to so many different disciplines.  Writing short stories, Science fair, Mock Trial, Economics, Shakespeare, and Philosophy are just a few of the subjects she has studied this year.  Even though science fair was not her favorite, Madison won the CC fair and then went to the state competition.  Good experience : )  Mock trial however was one of her favorites!  She embraced the role of the prosecuting attorney and performed amazingly in a real courtroom in front of a genuine judge!

Madison and her "mold project"

Prosecuting attorneys...

One of the things I love most about Madison is her versatility.  One minute she can fix her sister's ballet bun and makeup just right and then next she is playing football with the boys.  She whips up yummy muffins, cookies, and dinner!  Madison also continues to love teaching and working with the kids at church, in CC, and her cousins.  I always joke that she is like the Pied Piper - little children just do what she says!  Maddie is always game to organize, decorate, or rearrange.  When I am in need of an extra hand I can count on her - and often she is more calm and collected than me!  Over the next years it will be fun to see which of her passions she decides to pursue - and what the next chapter of her life will be like.  We are trying to savor these last years with her at home and hope they last as long as possible...she is irreplaceable!

 Madison loves to travel and dreams of going places far away!

 Madison, Amanda, Emma, and Ryan

Double digits for Allison in 2014...

Allie and her beloved ballet teacher, Miss Stella

As 2014 draws to close I need to make sure I have finished the birthday blogs!  Craziness kept me from sitting still long enough to write but before the year is over here is a review of Allie's year...

Ballet has to top her list as one of her favorite activities.  Even though she is only going to class one hour a week it is her passion.  Miss Stella begs to have her more but for now it is all the time I can humanly get her there!  This is her third year dancing and wow has she improved.  Everyone loves her beautiful smile and gorgeous form!

Oh  how I love this picture!!!!

So another passion for Allison would be attending EVAC sporting events to cheer on her siblings.  EVAC stands for East Valley Athletes for Christ.  It is the organization the kids compete with in the Canyon Athletic Association which is a Charter School league.  I don't know more dedicated fans than Allie and Jon!  They love going to the games and cheering with all the other families.  Recently as we drove into the parking lot of our home gym Allie said "Nothing makes me more happy than coming here!"  So funny - and such a blessing that the whole family loves this activity so much.

                                Allie's pals Leah and Claire                       Allie likes to take pics just like mom.....

We enjoyed a trip to Sedona with my aunt, uncle, and cousin and then a big trip to Portland Oregon.  Allie savors so many relationships and is so good at capturing and enjoying each moment and not worrying about worthless details.  I love how she genuinely cares about each person she is spending time with!  It makes my heart sing...

Allie and Paige

                               Allie and Lucia on the beach                       Allie and Ayisha - a lifelong friend....

This year Allie and Jon and I also started attending Classical Conversations with Madison and Ryan.  Allie loves working on her History, Science, Latin, Grammar, Math, and Timeline memory work!  She is also participating in Essentials which includes Grammar, Excellence in Writing, and Math.  I have been so proud of her writing progress as well as her willingness to try new things in class.  I am so thankful that Allie enjoys all her school subjects!

Some of Allison's other favorite activities include walks and runs with the family, rollerblading, playing basketball, cooking in the kitchen, visits to Grandma and Grandpa Spence, playing with the babies in our small group, putting on "shows" with Jonathan, and listening to audiobooks while she knits.  She enjoyed volunteering at Hope Women's Center a few times too!

          The sibs volunteering at a HWC event...

Allie and her bookclub friends...

Even though Allie has accomplished all kinds of fun things this year I am most proud and thankful for her generosity, perseverance, nurturing spirit, encouragement, and love.  Christ shines in her and we are so thankful to be her parents.  We love you, Allison Grace!

Oregon ~ Forever friends

The time you put into loving, listening, and investing - it comes back two-fold.  Really - what is life if you are just pursuing more money or the next thing or accomplishment?  One of our family goals has always been to nurture strong relationships with others.  We try to be together with others as much as we can.  Our life is rich!  The Lord has blessed us with so many wonderful friends!  

Some are lifetime friends - it is not always that your kids just "match up" - that they get along in a way that they disappear for hours and you don't hear a peep out of them...friends who don't consider turning on the TV or an electronic device.  They make up talent shows, or play in the yard, or just sit together in peace while they draw or read.  This is happiness!

So when these kinds of friends move away - there are tears and holes left that are never filled in an earthly way.  But the Lord has been so good - providing passions for all the kids (in Oregon & Arizona) to pursue that only exist where they live...joys for daily life.  It is good to see our friends happy in their new place - settled - quenched from the dryness of the desert.    

Would the kids still click after 3 years we wondered?  We mused about it for 30 seconds after the hello hugs.  These relationships are deep.  There is rest in knowing that there is no impressing that needs to happen.  Some friendships are safe - go ahead and be yourself - your imperfect self.  Because here there is grace, forgiveness, and acceptance.  These are relationships built on the foundations of Christ and who He is.  To God be the Glory - what pure joy!

Hiking...

Fun...

Dates and Maple/Bacon donuts...

Lots of dress up and posing...

Exploring...

Yelling, jumping, running....

Pure fun and happiness...

Lots of laughing...

and being silly...

Simply enjoying one another...

Trips like this sooth the soul!  It is good to see that the Lord is providing for our dear friends - Thank you for a most wonderful trip!  While there were many tears and it was hard to say goodbye - it is easier to leave knowing you are in good hands - the Lord provides new joys for you and a life that is rich. 

As we flew home leaving the good memories behind - what a blessing to know that we return to more relationships to cultivate.  The Lord has been faithful to provide - never replace - but provide new joys and friends to enjoy.  And we can always look toward a day when as believers we will fellowship ALL TOGETHER in the new EARTH.  No more separation and goodbyes!  He is Good! 

Oregon ~ Excursions

We took several short trips during our time in Oregon.  Some days it just worked better to spend half a day doing something.  There were so many things to see and do.  The last weekend we were in town we visited the Portland Market downtown...

The old buildings were cool to look at.  This is one in particular that Ryan enjoyed...

Not everyone is as into shopping as my two girls, but they had fun anyway...we could have a blast anywhere I think...

Another morning we went to Powell's book store.  Madison and I had a cow last time we came and visited here  and so had to take Merl, Ryan and Allie.  It is a new/used book store that takes up an entire city BLOCK!  Yes - and several stories high!  I love how once we get inside the kids just melt into the rows - excited about looking at the books that interest each other.  

Can't go to Portland and not go to Powell's!!!

Allie and I drifted through the picture books...this was about 10% of them...but finally settled in a section of Marguerite Henry books.  It was so fun to see her light up and see all the different types of copies of titles.  We even found an old signed copy of Misty.  Lots of treasures to be found here....

One of the last nights the parents had a date night at Cartlandia...When Amy and Steve lived in Arizona I don't think we EVER had a date night.  All of our kids were under the age of 11 or 12.  What a glorious thing to leave the older kids in charge of dinner/movie/bed and we were off!  So sweet how the older kids couldn't wait to send us out the door! Phoenix has an area like Cartlandia where there is an empty lot where bunches of food carts park and you wonder through and eat! 

Voodoo doughnuts is famous in Portland.  Just had to take a pic of the 80's rockers....No...they weren't with us!

Merl orders our dinner...great night with our friends having uninterrupted conversation!  We went home to a clean kitchen, younger kids asleep in bed, and older kids enjoying a "big kid" movie.  Awesome.

Oregon ~ Surf's up at Cannon Beach

After exploring the tide pools we decided to move down to Cannon beach so the older kids could boogie board.  This was an activity that was high on the list for our older two kids!  Thankfully, Emma and Amanda already had gear and knew where the waves worked!  

Off the four friends go - weren't they just 4 years old yesterday?  

The before shot....love these kids so much...!

Madison's #1 bucket list item - boogie boarding...she is so happy!

Off they go to catch the first few waves...

Don't worry about the others...they weren't suffering...

Freezing cold because of a hole in his suit, but still smiling...

So happy...

Love it...

A jellyfish!!!

Amanda

Emma

Luv...

Sheer joy...

and fun...

Love it...