Sunshine Praises

Finding Hidden Rainbows in Everyday Life

  • Home
  • About
  • Media
  • Policies
  • Sunshine State
    • St. Augustine
  • Central Ohio
    • Buckeye Bloggers
  • Praises
  • Giveaways
  • Faith
  • Deafness
    • Sign Language
  • Parenting
    • Cloth Diapers
    • Ohio Cloth Diaper Stores
  • Disney
  • Adoption
    • Timeline
    • Deaf Adoption Advocacy
    • Infertility
    • Wishing for Rainbows
  • Run Happy
You are here: Home / About

About

Hi, my name is Melanie. Once a Florida grown transplanted Buckeye, after 17 years, I have made my way back to my happy place, the Sunshine State. Nothing makes me happier than eating Old Bay Shrimp by the water in our new, old town of Saint Augustine. Well, unless of course it’s eating a Dole Whip at Disney surrounded by pixie dust and magic.

I started blogging in May of 2009 as a way to feed my perpetual addiction to research and online learning.  I tend to become the “expert” on all kinds of things and my friends start telling their friends who start asking me about stuff, so why not create my own space for oversharing.

In my everyday life, I am a certified sign language interpreter. I have a background in Deaf Education and a Masters in Interpretation.  I have worked in all types of venues and really love what I do.

The hubs and I have been married for over 15 years. We have 4 amazing, talented and awesome children. Three from my womb and one from across the ocean. You can read more about our infertility, loss and adoption stories here on the blog.

I hope my postings and praises bring a bit of joy into your everyday life.

Don't Miss a Post!

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up.

sunshinepraises

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

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
Lulu was blessed with a #tristynbaileystrong Boo 👻 bucket last week! She loves that someone chose her and sends a BIG thanks! With a day left to go…we prepped our own Boo bucket to drop off tonight. Hoping to continue to spread Tristyn’s beautiful light. #aquabowsforever #friendship #cheersisters 
—
As an adult who tragically lost her best friend 25 years ago and still loves to spread her smile around, it warms my heart to see how all of Tristyn’s friends keep her memory alive. 💗
Thank you @signingmomof2 for helping this ASL #sig Thank you @signingmomof2 for helping this ASL #signingstarbucks mug make its way to my home! 

Not only is this mug awesome because of it’s ASL features, it’s also amazing because it was designed by a Deaf Chinese artist who shares the same Chinese name as Lydia. (Yi)

Lydia and I got to talk about @yiillustration365days talent, watch some videos of her work and discuss how they share a name. 

Exposing Ly to cultural mirrors are a huge part of helping her develop a strong sense of self and being proud of her identity as a Deaf Chinese American. 

#transracialadoption #deaf #deafkidsrock #ASL #signlanguage #starbuckssigningstore #artist #Deafartist
She’s so stinking cute! #rescuedkitten #bottlef She’s so stinking cute!  #rescuedkitten #bottlefedbaby
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Beautiful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in