The Baptism

Isn't he the cutest?

The Baptism was truly beautiful! Chad and I were so honored to be choosen as Patricks Godparents.

He is such a joy, I hated to leave him afterwards! We truly love them all, they are like family to us. They are a blessing to us, God sent.

We also had a surprise 40th for Laura....it was alot of fun, she was truly surprised- with 5 kids- it was amazing that we pulled it off!



A day, we will never forget.


Love you all,

Melissa

odds and ends...

Life has certainly felt like a crazy race lately. I am starting to see an end to alot of projects I am working on, hoping things will calm down - to focus on other things.

This Is Brayden, having his Birthday Breakfast, a casserole with a #3 melting in it!

Here is a picture of Bray making his own cupcakes for his actual birthday....He had so many cakes over the weekend, we thought this would be nice. He is wearing his nerf glasses from Aunt Ju Ju, backwards of course!

Here is Brayden watching his cupcakes.

When we sung Bray Happy Birthday, he sung it to us! He had heard it so many times in the last couple of days.....

Here are My Silly Boys.... begging and waiting for a cupcake...

.....what Chad is doing, I cannot explain.

Brayden had his 3 year old checkup. They were amazed by the progress in his speech. Also, his Potty training...no accidents- he doesnt even wear a pull up for sleepy time- he decided he was done, and he was! He was able to count for them, say his colors, and draw a couple of shapes!! He weighed 39lbs. He is a big boy!

Brayden was so excited to leave the doctors office, we got to spend the day with baby Patrick.

Here are some photos of Bray's Party at school, on Tuesday...

It was a nice way to celebrate His day and my moms. They made him a cute birthday hat....

Brayden got his first note from a girl (in his class!)

Here the boys are playing with the moon sand from Felicia, they love it!! I just keep it out on the kitchen floor and they quietly play. Brayden has such an imagination so it's really cool...we are loving this stuff!

playdate at a coffee shop in town..sweet girl, she is so cute ...so I had to share.

okay all done. Love~Melissa

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today would have been my mothers 57th birthday. She loved birthdays...so I am sure she is celebrating in Heaven.

Its a really rough day for me. I miss her, I miss her voice, her laughter from my silly stories, her encouragement. I missed her call to tell Brayden happy birthday...I miss sending my goody package to her, her birthday package was the most fun for her and I.

Chad brought home some purple and white flowers in honor of my mother, they are beautiful. I put them in the vase, that held the flowers at the funeral that said "mother". I hope she can see them.



The past two weeks have been my worst, coming to terms with alot. The realization that mother took her own life. Because of Gods grace, she was revived and had her last week, which was amazing.... with us. The Lord didn't let her die, alone, on her kitchen floor. I am also coming to terms with her exit, the decisions we had to make as her children-letting her go and the image of her last breath. Praying everyday that she is in Heaven, hating the feeling of not being sure. There are alot of other in and outs to it all, but day by day I am dealing with it, some tougher then others.

The crazy thing is, I have learned to appreciate Gods goodness, to be grateful for everyday...I feel more blessed and grateful then I ever have...It is so amazing how He works.


I have learned so many lessons in this past year. The Lord has certainly taken me on a road. Though I wish my mom were still here, I am so grateful to Him for taking her out of her pain.

I love you all and I thank you for being the amazing people you are,
~Melissa

I love you Pocahontas (mom!) , Happy Birthday! Love Pudge

Brayden is Three!

Brayden had an event filled weekend with family and friends. He had two parties Sunday, one tonight and then one tomorrow at school!! He is having a blast...he's not going to know what to do when it all ends. He was such an angel through it all, it all went so smoothly, Chad and I couldn't believe it...good manners, fun play, and lots of kindness!

As for me, I cannot believe my baby is three, he is growing up to fast. He is such a light in my life. He certainly puts alot of laughter and smiles into our home (both boys do!)

Now, I am totally worn out...I have these parties complete, then I have one next weekend and one the weekend after that...both that I am planning as well...but all joyful occassions with friends and family.

Love you all, ~melissa

Our boys...

Our boys, I couldn't be more proud...I couldn't. They have really been my joy. They are both growing up so fast. With Life and all its crazy happenings, Chad and I thank the Lord daily for them and this amazing full life we have. It seems like everyday they are teaching me things!

Chandler has his first tennis match tomorrow, he will be so nervous I am sure, but I am also sure he will do great! He has just started DI, Destination Imagination...Its a huge commitment, but something he has always wanted to do. He was asked to be on the 6th grade time, wish is such an accomplishment. He is busy with Scouts, its very busy this year, Tammie has been such a help with that...He is also on the worship team at school. They sing in the school masses, he misses his time with his Faith Buddy, but would prefer to sing, he really enjoys it. Baseball has just ended, Chandler had his best season ever in the outfield on 3rd. He is really growing up....starting to really realize what life is all about.

Brayden is still in gymnastics and going to school twice a week, and lots of playdates in between. fully Potty trained...no problems in a week and doing great! He is about to start karate. He thinks he is already a Karate Master. He is starting to build & invent things, and watch science shows like big brother....he knows his shapes, colors, and some letters. He has such a fun spirit- that bring alot of laughter into our home!

How did we get so lucky!~Love, Melissa

Lots of Birthdays!

This weekend was full of birthdays and parties! We had a good time, so glad we got to share in some Happy occasions with good friends! Happy Birthday to all of you!

And Braydens is next....a week from today, he will be three, I cannot believe it...

He is so excited!

I got to spend time with my two good friend new babies this week...they are both around 3 weeks. I hadn't seen them both since the hospital, I couldnt believe how much they grew!

It was so hard to let them go, to cute! But I enjoy my sleep to much!

love you all,

have a good week.

~Melissa

Happy Birthday Niki!

Just wanted to post a Happy Birthday to my good friend Niki! I wish you the best today and always...you have been such a good friend, i had too! Have a good day...hope you enjoy the goodies I got ya!

Love, Melissa