Sunshine Praises

Finding Hidden Rainbows in Everyday Life

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In the Land of Lollipops

May 15, 2020 By Melanie

In 1996 after my friend Jenny died, we placed a tall white wooden cross at the accident site. It was such a powerful healing moment. Not only did all of her friends come out to the site but  the first responders who had tended to her at the accident scene also joined us. The cross… [Read More]

To Accept the Things We Cannot Change…

August 25, 2019 By Melanie

Coach Terry, Two years ago, when we were getting ready to move to Florida, I stumbled across your gym. I Googled some pictures, checked out your social media and sent an email. I can remember Amanda calling me back. I had two very unhappy kids in the car and I was making my way through… [Read More]

Adoption: Language Deprivation and your MCC

November 30, 2017 By Melanie

While perusing adoption Facebook groups, I regularly come across a particular type of post. “My husband and I are starting the adoption process, we are looking for a young, minor needs girl ages 0-3. What are some minor needs that you would recommend that don’t require surgery or life long care.” Inevitably someone will ALWAYS… [Read More]

The Day She No Longer Felt Adopted

October 5, 2017 By Melanie

This morning Lydia stood in the bathroom. She was wearing one of my favorite shirts I bought for her before she came home from China. The shirt is mint green and says “Do Small Things with Great Love.” It is a little small now but it still fits her or maybe it was too big before… [Read More]

Our Disney’s Preschool Playdate: Creating Inclusive Parties #DisneyKids

May 16, 2017 By Melanie

Disclaimer: I received free products in order to host a #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate. The opinions expressed are my own. One of the challenges of having a child with special needs is finding opportunities for enjoyable an fun play-dates. While my kids are fortunate that they have a large peer group at school, it is often… [Read More]

To My Daughter’s Cheer Coaches

April 26, 2017 By Melanie

Lulu was just 4 years old, I took her to first all-star cheer gym. The gym had a little picket fence separating the sitting area from the large blue spring floor. There was no AC in the gym, the doors were open and mega fans were drowning out the noise on the floor. She stood mesmerized. Her little toes pressed… [Read More]

Movie Praise: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast #BeOurGuest

April 5, 2017 By Melanie

In our house Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the most loved, most watched, most reenacted movie ever. It has fueled countless hours of dress-up, dancing and sing-a-longs and more costume replacements than even imaginable. It is THE pinnacle of our Disney movie collection. The cornerstone on which we hang all of our tiaras. As you can… [Read More]

Book Praise: Real MVP Kids Celebrates Diversity in a new Children’s Book Series

March 15, 2017 By Melanie

One of the great things about being in adoption groups is getting to know a variety of families. A few weeks ago another mom shared a new children’s book series that hopes to expose children to a variety cultures, abilities and experiences. After checking out their Kickstarter campaign, I reached out to one of the… [Read More]

Hong Kong Disney’s Hollywood Hotel Review

February 24, 2017 By Melanie

Last fall, during our adoption, our family had the wonderful adventure of spending a day at Hong Kong Disney before returning home. Being the ENORMOUS Disney family that we are, we knew that we couldn’t be that close to an international Disney park and not make the effort to visit. Be sure to have a plan A… [Read More]

Routine Car Seat Care! Our Diono Disappointment

January 30, 2017 By Melanie

Today, I am a self proclaimed, Facebook over preaching, parking lot stalking car seat zealot advocate. It wasn’t always the case, I was once very naïve to the important of car seat safety. I turned my oldest around at 11 months and he was in a high-back booster the day he turned three. So I get… [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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