Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow. We have a full day planned with family. I am excited to spend time with everyone and to EAT! We can start are diets later, right?! I wish we could see everyone but it's just too hard with so much family. But Christmas is just around the corner and we plan on trying to visit everyone before then.

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Madison has been a busy girl lately....SHE'S A WALKER! I swear it happened over night! I thought it would be harder with her walking but I like it. I can let her down and hold her hand instead of carrying her everywhere. She LOVES walking... Sometimes she walks and runs into things because she is looking down at her feet cuz she thinks it's so cool! It has been amazing watching her grow and develop into a toddler. I love this stage...well, actually, I love every stage!

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Chris and I want to start working out and eating healthier before we try for #2. We need to be able to workout at home. Does anyone have any suggestions for workout/nutrition programs? We were looking at p90x, has anyone used it? Is it good?

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*If you want to donate to a wonderful charity this year in place of one or two gifts here are some suggestions...

If you live in Michigan...Hearts of Hope

or

Congenital Heart Information Network

or

Donate to this family...The story starts here.

(By the way Lydia, is their oldest daughter) AMAZING!

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*Updated pics to come!*

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**Does anyone know why I can't put spaces in between my paragraphs or tab for the beginning of the paragraph? I do it when I am making the post but when I publish it goes away and is all smashed together. I have to put little stars to separate...annoying! HELP!

Madi's Healthy Heart Day!

One year ago today our beautiful baby endured the fight of her life....for her life! As she giggles and laughs and romps around here today I find my heart so full of emotions! She is one LOVED baby! We would like to thank everyone that has prayed for our precious girl. Our entire family feels so blessed!
My parents sent us this video montage for Madi's Healthy Heart Day......enjoy!

Baby Love at OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Healthy Heart Day Madison!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Catch up post #1 (Birthday & Halloween)

**FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY**

Some of the Birthday party guests

BEFORE CAKE...

AFTER CAKE...

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HALLOWEEN

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RANDOMS

Hearts of Hope

We went to a Hearts of Hope event today at a farm. It was so much fun! It was so wonderful to see so many heart families all together. We met and reconnected with many families that have gone through what we have gone through. I am excited to be a part of such an awesome group! Here are some pics from today...

Heart Mommies and their heart babies!

Princess Lindsey looked amazing...she is truely a miracle!

Madi wanted to steal her toy!

**Stay tuned for Birthday pics...sorry I am slow getting those because I didn't take any picture myself, so i have to collect them from everyone.

Dad

I was just informed tonight that my Dad actually reads my blog! This surprises me because my Dad has never been a computer guy. I didn't even know he knew how to turn it on! Well, I guess he is growing up because my mom said he checks his email everyday and checks my blog. SO...if I would have known this I would have most definitely posted this on his birthday (which was Oct. 10th)...



Dear Dad,

I am so blessed to have an amazing father like you. Growing up not only did you provide for our family, you were completely involved in everything in our lives. You never missed a dance recital, choir concert, or cheesy musical that I was in. You taught me to throw a baseball, ride my bike and pump the gas in my car. You even brushed my hair every night when I was little because mom was too rough! You are the same way with your Granddaughter. You drive home for lunch (eating your lunch on the way) on the days that Mom is watching her so you can play with her for an hour. You spend hours building a swing for her in your backyard. You are also a great father-in-law to my husband (who has so much respect for you). You have helped him with lots of home improvements and have took the time to teach Chris things, which he really appreciates. You are funny (just like me), generous (just like me), thoughtful (just like me), good looking (just like me) and cocky (just like me)!!! THANK YOU for being truly the most amazing dad, father-in-law and Papa anyone could ever ask for. HAPPY 40 something (plus or minus 10 or so years) BIRTHDAY!


I love you,
Shannon

Birthday Pictures

*Photography by Madison's Grandpa and Ronda...didn't they do such a great job?!