Disney cruise - Part 1

We returned this morning from our cruise. We had an amazing time, this was the first cruise any of us had ever been on so we wasn't sure what to expect. Disney Cruise line is the way to go! The service was amazing, not to mention the food!

The lighting wasn't good, and I didn't have my good camera that night. But trust me..the food was GOOD!


The ship was huge and had everything you could imagine on it, from water slides to teen clubs, two movie theaters..

The aqua duck was McKinley's favorite but she wasn't tall enough to ride on her own so David rode that slide I can't tell you how many times with her:)  (FYI: I am not a big water slide person)

It was clear and part of it went off the boat over the ocean..

the mickey mouse pool

And did I mention there was ice cream.....24hrs a day???

We got to visit with all the Disney characters too:)

went to a few movies

And SOMEONE was very curious:

And ever night we came back to our room to find a new animal:

And Then there was the kids club..Both McKinley & Madison LOVED it! They asked to go all the time.

I will do part 2 tomorrow, Bahamas .

randomness

So If you haven't heard yet, we celebrated our 10 year anniversary at our wonderful church on May 9th. And then David graduated with his doctorate degree the following week so our church is giving us a 2 month sabbatical....YAY! Thursday was David's last day at work and we've just been hanging around the house doing some boring home ownership things:) But I did paint & re do the girls bathroom. I have been wanting to paint their bathroom ever since we bought the house almost 2 years ago. And when I say "I painted the girls bathroom" I mean David painted the girls bathroom..Just wanted to make that clear:)But I was the project manager:)!

 I just snapped a few pics with my phone..I am not good at IPhone pictures, sorry:(

So it went from a blue to a gray with yellow & gray chevron. I was happy with the way it turned out.

The onto Sunday:

Ready for church with these two crazies!

This was our last Sunday at our church till August so the church had a reception for us to celebrate David's hard work on his Doctorate.

And then yesterday we had family photos made.. Here are a few:

I'm still waiting on the rest, but I am very happy how they turned out. It;s been almost 2 years since we had a family picture so it was time, must to David's dismay...He is worse than the kids when it comes to getting pictures made:)


We officially start our family fun on Thursday...First up....A Disney cruise!! I am SO excited!!!!


Happy Tuesday!

MELISSA

Graduation #3

Last night was our final graduation of the year, and it was by far the most emotional one. Morgan is NOT a very emotional girl so I was not really prepared for what I encountered last night.

I believe that it finally hit Morgan last night that she will not see most of these kids again. She has been with this same group since she was 3!!

Mrs. Crowson & Mrs. White

There were a LOT of tears. We practically had to drag Morgan out of the reception at midnight last night!

The cake

receiving my rose

Now we can officially start our summer!

Happy Summer!

Graduation (2)

Yesterday we got to watch Madison walk across the stage & graduate from preschool. Each milestone she makes is a testament to God of his amazing plan for her life.

Madison did great & ROCKED the stage as always:) . After they sang a few songs they had to say their name in the microphone and say something they loved/thankful for. I must admit I get really nervous when Madison has a microphone to say whatever she has on her mind....We really never know what's going on in that head of hers....So as each child went they were saying things like "the beach" "pizza" "alligators " and then it was Madison's turn and what she said melted my heart!

In that moment all the struggles and challenges that we have endured these last 18 months were ALL WORTH IT!  My little girl at the age of 4 never had a mommy and now that she does it means so much to her. It was truly a moment I will never forget.

I have to say a huge Thank you to Mrs. Knight ;)! Anne teaching her class was totally a GOD thing. I am so very thankful that He knew exactly what & who Madison needed her first year in school. Anne, you are the best! You went above & beyond for her this year and I will be forever grateful.


And tonight, Morgan's 8th grade graduation! Whew

Happy Friday!

MELISSA

Dr. In The House

This past Saturday my amazing husband graduated from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with his Doctorate!!! That is such a huge accomplishment for anyone, but to see how hard he has worked these past 4 years and how much he's had on his plate...Senior Pastor of a growing church, adopting Madison, and just having a young family that's always busy whew, I don't know how he did it all.

It was a lovely ceremony and I am so thankful that we all got to go support him. Last week I had the stomach flu and was really sick and then on Thursday David's grandfather passed away in Alabama. But God worked it all out and we were able to fly to N.O. Friday, go to graduation on Saturday, then rent a car & drive to Alabama so David could speak at the funeral on Monday.  Did I mention life was busy?

Our Family!

David's Dad & his wife, Linda

Some of our amazing friends surprised us & flew up to New Orleans....Blessed!

We also had some good food in the short time we were in New Orleans (Beignet's at Cafe Du Monde and a fancy dinner at Brennan's Steakhouse with steak, shrimp and grits, and a few awesome desserts)!

In all, it as a great time for David and our family...thanks for allowing me to brag a little.

Blessings--Melissa

Mothers day!

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom!

I was very fortunate to grow up with parents who loved me and loved God more. I had a great childhood and I couldn't ask for a better mom. Thanks, Mom for putting up with me:)


Friday I had my Mother's Day breakfast for McKinley's class:

She sang to me, served me breakfast, and wrote a journal all about me!

And this morning I woke up to breakfast in bed:) McKinley has such a sweet heart and she really wanted to make my day special...and she sure did.

Special K cereal & Iced coffee..YUM!

And as I have had many hugs & kisses from Madison today, I can't help but think of the woman who gave birth to her. I pray she somehow knows that the little girl she gave birth to 5 years ago is loved beyond measure.

Happy Mother's Day!

Melissa