Sunshine Praises

Finding Hidden Rainbows in Everyday Life

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You are here: Home / Archives for Family

Planning a Kindness Filled Year (Free Printable)

December 28, 2016 By Melanie

Random Acts of Kindness We have all heard of them. Maybe we have been the recipient of having our coffee paid for in the line at Starbucks. Maybe we “elfed” a neighbors house during the holiday. Either way, we know that Random Acts of Kindness are small opportunities to make a large impact in the… [Read More]

Four Children’s Books on Chinese Celebrations

December 1, 2016 By Melanie

One of the most important choices we make as transracial/multicultural family is assuring that our both our biological and adopted children have an understanding and appreciation of all of the cultures that make up our family. One way to do this is by learning about and celebrating the traditions of the cultures. While we were in… [Read More]

Adoption: Beijing, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Hutongs and Acrobat Show

October 3, 2016 By Melanie

I had completely and totally planned to blog during our trip but trying to find an hour during the day that I wasn’t entertaining kids, eating, being a tourist or snuggling our new addition was almost impossible. So here I am trying to remember some of the details, share a bit about our trip most… [Read More]

Mother’s Day, Both Bitter & Sweet

May 8, 2016 By Melanie

This mother’s day has been so deeply contradictory. It has been both amazingly joyful and breathtakingly sad. I have struggled with missing my mother and and simultaneously celebrating being a mom. Missing a daughter I have not yet met and praying for a mother that gave the ultimate sacrifice for her child. It’s like a… [Read More]

Parenting Survey – Church Attendance & Special Needs Children

August 19, 2015 By Melanie

Disclaimer: I am using the term “special needs” to include children with a range of medical, physical and sensory disabilities. While I prefer to use positive and affirming choices, I believe “special needs” best defines the intentions of the survey. Have you ever looked around your church and realized that there are no families with special… [Read More]

Local Love: Ohio Renaissance Festival – Opens September 5th!

August 3, 2015 By Melanie

Disclaimer: We will be provided a family pack of tickets to attend this event and write a review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. Every once in awhile, I start to write a post and desperately wish I could dig out some old photos. I have the best picture of my husband with some… [Read More]

Dancing Into Tomorrow

July 9, 2015 By Melanie

It is one year today (July 9th) that my Mom succumbed to cancer. The anniversary of a death brings such a strange host of emotions. I don’t miss her more today than I did yesterday or that I will tomorrow. However the date still hangs over me like a dripping towel, it somehow needs to be… [Read More]

Toddlerdom & Disney: How to Make Your Trip More Enjoyable

May 26, 2015 By Melanie

Dis­clo­sure: My fam­ily was invited to the 2015 Dis­ney Social Media Moms Cel­e­bra­tion. I paid a con­fer­ence fee to attend and received discounted and com­pli­men­tary items from Walt Dis­ney World as part of the expe­ri­ence. I was not asked to write about the con­fer­ence or our fam­ily trip. All opin­ions and expe­ri­ences are entirely my… [Read More]

Adoption: Being Diligent

March 28, 2015 By Melanie

Early last fall, I shared with you that my family was considering expanding via international adoption. It was a thrilling few weeks with an overwhelming level information. I prayerfully knew that our family was meant to adopt from China and felt very comfortable with the agency that was recommended by a friend. At the time,… [Read More]

eMeals is Now Heart Healthy

February 16, 2015 By Melanie

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in my family. Specifically among the men. My dad, my uncle and even my older half brother’s have all dealt with heart issues at an early age. Eating a heart healthy diet can make a huge difference in someone’s life. I am thrilled to share… [Read More]

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sunshinepraises

Chasing hidden rainbows and sprinkling #PixieDust 🧚‍♀️ about:
🤟🏼 #SignLanguage
💙💛#cheermom
🍊🏝#FloridaMom
#DisneyMom
#Adoption
#Newfie

Lulu working on that tuck combo! #islandallstars 💙💛
Happiest of birthdays to our sweet girl! She’s f Happiest of birthdays to our sweet girl! She’s fiercely determined, loves chocolate ice cream and can hit a 3 pointer like no one’s business! She read 6,000 minutes this school year, received the PE award and made safety patrol for next year. 

Happy Birthday 🎉🎈🎁🎂
👀 I spy this kid who came out in his very first 👀 I spy this kid who came out in his very first swim meet to win his heat in the 25m Free (8yo group)! 

First swim team, first meet! So proud of him for doing his best! 
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#deafkidsrock #deafcan #deafswimmer
We’ve also started Summer Swim Club! We have two We’ve also started Summer Swim Club! We have two signing coaches!
My little Z has a new sport! He’s learning track My little Z has a new sport! He’s learning track and field. Video is him running the 100m!
#deafkidscan #deafkidsrock
I’m kitten sittin’ this weekend and had a work I’m kitten sittin’ this weekend and had a work helper. Isn’t she the cutest?? 😝#kittensitten #kittenlove #hernameismeatball 😝
My BFFs and I made some crazy, stunning women! Pe My BFFs and I made some crazy, stunning women! 
Perks of living close to 95 is being a great place for a quick stretch and hug. 

Love these girls so much! #sunshinesisters ☀️
When your mama soul sister goes to Disney and spoi When your mama soul sister goes to Disney and spoils you with goodies!!! And feeds all your passions. #orangebird #squirrels #ILY #LunarNewYear
I am so proud of @islandcheerandtumbling Cheerabil I am so proud of @islandcheerandtumbling Cheerabilites Team Infinity! They are amazing and we had such a great time at @east_coast_championships in Jacksonville yesterday. This comp surely knows how to make their athletes feel special! Thank you ECC for being the best!
Happy 17th to the first one that called me mom! 🎂🎈🎉
Daytona STATE cheer weekend is over. It was a good Daytona STATE cheer weekend is over. It was a good competition but cold!
Little man passed 200 lines this week on his readi Little man passed 200 lines this week on his reading log. Reading at night is exhausting for his ADHD brain but we fight through. I’m so thankful for his TEAM at FSDB who work so hard with him. Deaf kids can read! #deafkidsrock #signlanguage #literacymatters #allthelanguage
When one of your besties is driving through and kn When one of your besties is driving through and knows you are right off the interstate, she plans 30 minutes for a hug and break! Two years is WAY to long to go without a visit! Thank you @southernsun74 for taking the time to love on me! 

See you in February!
My brain woke up at 4:30am - as I laid here, I tho My brain woke up at 4:30am - as I laid here, I thought about all the birthdays with you and all the ones that we have missed since you left us.

I’ve watched a lot of grief from the sidelines the past 6 months. I remember the days of counting Wednesdays then months, then years. And even though it’s been 26 years since we last celebrated your birthday, it feels like last year. 

There was no social media in 1996 but yet your smile and spirit continues to brighten lives. When people remember you, they do it with such love and joy. 

Oh my sweet Jenny - I miss your smile and your sunny outlook. I miss your goodness and light. 

Jenny and I bought these cute matching angels on our Christmas trip to the Galapagos. I haven’t thought of them in many years (I keep them stored away now after years of being in my car), but this morning as I sat in my grief they popped up in my mind. A broken wing, from a tragedy that still brings tears contrasted with the treasured moments of standing in a stall picking sweet matching angels for our Christmas gift to one another. 

Happy Birthday Sunshine ☀️
This kid is so stinking cute! #deafkidsrock #carse This kid is so stinking cute! #deafkidsrock #carselfies
Queen NoName is finally eat from a bowl? How do yo Queen NoName is finally eat from a bowl? How do you ask? Her kitten mousse is sprinkled with Lays Chips. #fedisbest #kittenstoo #bottlefedrescuekitty #sheloveschips
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