There will always be people who speak out of ignorance. I remember the McPhails from TRF and when they started Sparrow. Now I have the privilege of working with CJ through my work as co-ordinator for The Cheney Family Place which is a "home away from home" for people who either have someone in the hospital or are patients themselves. I have to say that we are so Thankful to have CJ help us raise funds for us. He had a fire in his eyes when he talked about Cheney and why we do what we do. I know this blessing on his family will ignite him even more.

Thanks for this, Gena!

The Sparrow Clubs helped my family so much. I remember meeting the McPhails @ Dancing with the RV stars, thinking to myself, they are amazing people... I sooooooooooooo wish that people would not judge!! I know in my heart the McPhails were the right people for this. They are my hero's, and so are the Sampson's;)

My husband has also run into nay-sayers out yonder and it has taken everything he has had not to get in their faces, since we too know CJ and Lindsay and feel they deserve everything they are getting. You hit the nail on the head when you said everyone has a story and unless you know their story first hand, SHUT UP!! Wow! Guess your rant is contagious!! Congrats again McPhails! Proud to call you friends.

I am one of Emilie Sampsons friends from high school and she was posting all this wonderful stuff on this makeover...so, through some searching on facebook I came across Lindsay's facebook page, then yours Gena, then Earth Monkey's blog...etc. I am so touch by this story and Lindsay's family that I wish only the best for everyone and I hope this new home is everything and MORE for this family!!!!! Unfortunately, there are ALWAYS going to be people out there who are judgemental and try to bring others down...please, try not let it get to you. What you guys are doing for the McPhail family is beyond wonderful!! This family deserves the makeover and it doesn't matter what anybody says!!!!!!!

On a side note, I absolutely LOVE your Earth monkey's blog...it is so really and funny!! Definately when I get some money saved up I would love to buy some Earth Monkey stuff for my new little girl Zoey, almost 5 months old. I listed a link on my own blog for your Earth Monkey's site so hopefully this will get even more people buying your great stuff!! Plus I am starting up my own little business making Hair Bow holders and Hair Bows and, because of Emilie and Lindsay's wonderful families, I am going to try to make an Autism Awareness hair bow to sell and give the profits to Autism Research :) I am so happy for this Makeover and I can't wait to see the episode!!! Keep up all the GREAT work and sending love from Sacramento California!!!!!!!

Take Care, Angela Langford

You are a great friend to this family. Great job sticking up for your friends and doing what is right. I LOVE what you said about walking in someones shoes. Seriously more people need to hear this. I think you taught those stinkers a lesson....well hopefully they will think twice about talking about something they know nothing about. You are a breath of fresh air:)

It's sad to see such disappointing statements said about such an amazing gift being given to anyone. I was just talking to my mom about this last night after reading some of the comments on the facebook site... it's just sad. I wish that people in the community would just understand that even if it doesn't directly affect them, that this is a gift given to your community, after from what I hear a year of many losses in the community you would think that such a blessing would be appreciated by all. I think the perfect family was picked for this, and they need to answer to no one, the disrespect thats heard should be ignored and the talk thats talked should be shunned. Blessings to Earth Monkey's, The McPhails, as well as your family Gina... you ladies do things right and that's what's seen. God is good!!

Well said and kuddos to you for standing up for your friend. It is a sad fact that there has been, and always will be, those who speak their "truth" without any thought as to the damage that they may cause. I wanted to share what my dear friend's husband posted on FB:

FYI--For those of you following the local events currently underway with Extreme Home Makeover and the McPhail family. 7 years ago the kids at Scenic Middle School adopted Ryan as thier first Sparrow. C.J. and classmates of Ryans built a deck in our back yard for Ryan could go out and spend quality time with his Dog!! Hats off to the kids of Scenic, C.J. and the McPhail family and the staff of EHMO!!

Amen Gina! I live in Southern California but am originally from Oregon and went to high school with Lindsay. I was so excited that I knew of the family that was choosen. When discussing it with others from the same area I was shocked at what some said also. Not so much about her but that her family is well off so why didn't they just build her a house. I was stunned! Are some people so miserable in their own lives that they can't be happy for someone else when luck finally goes there way? Maybe people in her family or more fortunate, I don't know but it is obvious that Lindsay and C.J. are amazing people doing awesome things for others and are totally deserving of this!!

Well, I am happy to say that I must be hiding under a rock.... or working too many hours at the house, I have not heard about these negative comments.. of course I haven't had any time to do any reading, or watching tv :) My husband is a lead on the job site, he has put in many many many hours, and for the most part it has been a positive experience. I have been so impressed at how well everybody has been working together! It is like a dance trying to move down the hallways, but a fun dance!

I know we are all excited to have this project come to an end, and see the reveal! My kids are going to be happy to have Daddy home!

God is good, and in ALL things! I pray that the Lord will put his loving grace and protection around the McPhails and the the light of the Lord will shine through them!