A night at a Gala Event!

Last Night we got to go to an Autism Gala Event. It was really nice to have a night out with good friends. Chad and I are so blessed to have friends, that are so amazing. Sometimes we feel like sponges around them, taking in all their goodness....going home feeling so lucky- and full of joy that God put them in our lives. For a sounding board or advice- they are definitely my go to girls- for advice or a sounding board! For them, I am truly thankful!

The boys stayed overnight at my friend Roses- huge thanks to her for that! So nice knowing they are with a good friend, that loves and takes good care of them. She is truly like an aunt to them...and someone I thank God daily for - that he placed her in my life as well! Wow, how blessed am I!

love~ melissa

Fall Festival

Today we went to a fall festival with friends. We had a nice time- it's so nice having Chad home on weekdays- he gets to enjoy alot of these moments with the boys and their friends too!

Love~Melissa

Brayden's First Field Trip!

Today Brayden went on his first Field Trip with his Class. Chad got to go...
I went to MOPS. Here a couple of pictures Chad took! Our little Bray is getting older!

Sleepy Brayden

We have been so busy lately....poor Brayden has been so exhausted (but good)! So yesterday when we all got home, daddy gave him a treat - and he went in the dining room to catch a quick nap- on the floor!

So cute!

~melissa

Weekend away...

I went away this weekend with some friends, to a womens conference. We all had a really good time.

I love situations like this, where the Lord reveals Himself to me, so much. When I am able to see things so clearly. By His Grace, I have felt so good lately...better, healed and at peace. I have always had a comfort in his perfect plan, but lately - I am comforted by it! Having amazing friends, my family, MOPS, my current Bible Study group, the gospel class I am in, this weekend away....I am so blessed to be able to surround myself with all of this. The biggest thing I took away from this weekend- was..that everyday we are writing our own story- and I know, I want mine to be that I glorified God. And to try to not live in fear (this one I have been working on for awhile!)

My big prayer...was for Chandler. For those of you who know what we have been going through. I decided to back burner our decision - and pray over it this weekend. Chad and I talked tonight- with the help of my older sister (thank you sis!) and we made our decision. Please keep Chandler and us in your prayers- for the days ahead...most of all this week.

So ...they arent the best pics...oh well!

Love, ~melissa

My face painting skills....

I thought I was painting doggie faces....But, really they were bears!! Oh well, they look adorable, no matter what animal they are!!

~Melissa

Happy 6th Birthday Justin! (Just kidding!)

Wishing a Happy Birthday to my Brother!

The Kids Decided to "Rock Out" after we sung Happy Birthday....maybe they thought we sounded bad? Hmmm.......?

Love you Justin. Wishing you a new year of more ups then downs! This last year has

had alot of changes for you- I am so proud of you- and I pray you realize everyday

what a great person you are...and what a great family you have- though the down times seem bad, I hope you count the many blessings you do have!

Happy Birthday!
~melissa

Happy Birthday Patrick!

What a day today was! One Year ago...Bill and I were running the school picnic and Laura went into labor...with their 5th child! What a joy Patrick has been to us. We love Bill, Laura and all of the kids like they were family...But we will always have a soft spot for our little man Patrick...and he is family huh, I am his God Mommy! Here are a couple of pics of his one year bday Celebration.

Opening Gifts with his Mommy

Eating his cake with a fork!

Patrick trying to pin the "1" on the cupcake!

Me and my Patrick, is he cute or what!

What a Blessing he is to us! I thank God for this family daily! The are dear friends, that I know we will have for a lifetime. We were so glad to be a part of this special day...looking forward to many more birthdays ahead!

~Melissa

Bradyen can say Chandler!

Ever since Brayden was one, he has always called Chandler "Nagger" yeap...thats what he calls him! Chandlers baseball team has even cheered Chandler on by saying "Go Nagger"!! Nice Huh? We have tried everything to get him to stop, but its a habit! So recently- I challenged Brayden - that if he could say Chandler (naturally) for a week, He would get a transformer...he HE DID IT. Now he doesnt even remember Chandlers old name! Yipee!!

Here Chad told Bray to wipe off the breakfast table..and waiting there was his transformer!

Love, Melissa

Brayden's First Day of Pre Pre K

Brayden had his first Day of Pre Pre K, finally! He has been waiting and asking...since Chandler started awhile ago! He has alot of friends in the butterfly class. He is getting so big!

love, Melissa