Happy Labor Day!

So...I was showing some friends my blog the other day. I realized how terrible I have been about posting. I think I have 3 times in the last 6 months. So- I am going to try to do it more often. Here is a post from today- I gotta start somewhere! Our Labor Day Adventure.

Aren't they the cutest!

Here is my favorite one.....

They are growing up so fast!

Love you all.

~melissa

Couple Pics of our weekend

We had a busy weekend...kept the kids very busy....the did great and had a blast!

Love, Melissa

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Happy 40th to my dear friend, Lisa. We are planning a big celebration this weekend....Its going to be a blast! She is an awesome person- we all love her dearly!

Chandlers First Day of Middle School

I cannot believe Chandler is in Middle School. Isnt he handsome!

Daisy went with us to take Chandler on his first day. Isn't she cute in her doggie booster seat!

Praying we have a good year!
love, Melissas

Julie's Married!

Julie and Jamie are married!! Here are a couple of pictures..I took alot- so many I am having issues loading them!

He is a pic of all five of us:

Me and my boys!

We had our sitter come down and watch the kids after....we had a Blast!

Congratulations to my little sis! May the happiness they feel today, continue always.

love, Melissa

Fathers Day

Fathers Day started with Breakfast in bed for Chad. Next, he got to open gifts!

He got an outdoor speaker, a flatscreen small TV, boxers, a homemade tye from Brayden, and his annual DAD photo and cards.

Next...he had to mow the lawn with a push mower we borrowed from a friend. He hasnt had to mow our lawn in 9 years! And he had to on Fathers day!

Because, Chad and I decided to have a Father's Day Cookout. I am so glad we did!

We all had a blast. It was a nice day celebrating with friends and most of all - Celebrating the amazing fathers. The kids seemed to have a good time too...they stayed very busy!

Here is a picture of the girls....the guys were off playing a competitive game of basketball...we let them...being that it was "their day"!

The big boys caught a fish! And here is a picture of some sleeping kids at 12am!

To Chad. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for all you are. Thank you for what you do for us, daily. You are our Rock, the pillar of this family. I RESPECT you - will all I am. The boys and I love you so much. We are so blessed to have you.

To My Dad. Today you gave me a scare. He had a scary accident (a fall) - so he had to stay home for the weekend...away from one of us- and had to care for himself. So to him, be careful...and I love you - you are the best- I am so grateful to have you.

Off to sleep...we are meeting friends to swim at 10am!

Love you all~melissa

I can't believe Its been a year.

It's been a year since my mother died. This time last year...we walked away from her hospital bed- swollen from tears, in total disbelief. So sad, that she took her last breath- in complete shock. Praying that, despite taking her own life, that she was going Home, to be with the Lord- to her final destination. Wondering the repercussions of the role we played, in ending her life, spiritually and emotionally. Yet feeling good, of the strength I had during those long days- the words and prayers I said. The overwhelming shock and sadness of it all - yet happiness of being there for/with her.

I always thought I would know how I felt on that day...how I would feel now- truly each day is different.

I will never forget- how frail she looked. Her fear yet her courage, assuring me to end her misery. The loud roar she wailed when the priest said you are forgiven of your sins. The last squeeze of my hand she gave me. Her tears, when I prayed. Her nod, when I told her it was okay to go. Her smile, when I told her I forgave her for every wrong doing, most of all- for exiting this life before her time and at her own doing...the still of the world when she took that final breath...walking out of her room without a mother.

I will never forget- Her long hair, Her smile...the peace sign she always gave...her hippie style.
Her handwriting, the way she called me Pudgey, how proud she was of us. How she listened..(until she had something to say), her encouragement...Her love of animals. Our weekly talks and our her monthly packages...her love of tye dye, her spirit, and her love of the Lord. Her jokes that weren't that funny...the way she told the same story over and over, how excited she was when I would send her pictures...and chocolate, our talks, her advice.

I will never forget her, I will never forget that week or day. She taught me alot when she was alive, more during her death and even more after. This past year, has been hard for me- but I am a firm believer in this gracious road the Lord has me on...I feel so blessed, that He loves me so much.

Thank you all for being who you are in my life this past year.
I love you all.
~melissa

Its been so long....

It has been about 3 months since I have written on my blog...life has really crazy!

I just cant find the time!

Let's See...here's a couple updates that I can think of:

Bray had his surgery- and handled it all like a big boy, Chad's Grandmother Gail had her surgery- that gave us all a scare....

Chandler just became a real Scout- of course he chose a troop that is an hour away & they meet once a week. He has been going through alot the past 8 months- We started a Neuro Rehab program with him last week- its a 3 month rigorous program. Right now we are TOTALLY changing everything we are eating...so that's been fun! He is very busy with baseball, as well.

Chad and I are busy with Monavie- an antioxidant drink that I have been drinking for over a year- I went to Texas for it, that was alot of fun. We hit gold in the business last week. We are having a blast hanging out with our close friends and making money together! He is working less, due to the program commitment with Chandler. Chad's Grandma Maebelle died just before we left for Ohio for Easter-we all know she is in a better place. We have been going to an awesome Church near our gym- we love it! A couple of our friends attend so we tried it- we have gone every Sunday since!

I had a beautiful mothers day with friends at a festival, we stayed from 10 to 6 ...I think it was the best one I have ever had. I missed my mom, but it was a day that I really felt loved. And the beautiful ring my wonderful husband bought me, helped! We are still doing our couple Bible Study- we are inching along! So busy I havent had time to take many pictures!

There is so much happening and going on...I am not sure how I could catch this blog up!

But what I do know- is the last year has been tough (for us and close friends)I have learned so much...most of all, that I can't do this Life without the Lord, that he wants me to be broken - not perfect...so He can walk beside me and pick me up when I am down- He has not and never has forsaken me. He is teaching me so much! Most of all, about parenting. I have been through so many challenges in that area- He has definitely changed my mind/heart- I am so blessed!

Please pray for Chandler, we have been on a journey so far- pray that He helps him be the boy He made him to be, that his mind and heart are opened- to Him and that this program works! And for Chad and I, for hope and patience.

Love you all- Melissa

Happy 12th Anniversary!

I have not had time to keep up with posting on my blog. Though our anniversary was a week ago...I still wanted to post something!




We had a nice and very busy anniversary weekend. We had lunch with the Pahutas, dinner out alone and then time with friends...(Happy Birthday Vicki!)



I cannot believe its been 12 years. Chad is the love my life, I don't know what I would do without him. Though I may seem tough sometimes, Chad is truly my rock. Chad and I are doing a bible study with another couple, its been really nice, opening up in new and different ways together...I am excited about the lifetime we have ahead of us and so grateful for the life we have had- I am so blessed.

(though I looked pregnant, I wore a dress my good friend Amee gave me...she spoils me!)

Love you all, and I am looking forward to 12 more years!

~Melissa