Melody

A mother by birth and adoption sharing - through photography, writing and humor - life with boys, autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol syndrome. Reminding you that kids with special needs are kids.

I am an energetic, fun-loving, fitness enthusiast who happens to be a wife and mom of four sons. Surprisingly, I am still sane...mostly.

I am married to my high school sweetheart who truly is the man of my dreams.

Our 27 year old son is a talented artist and an all around good guy. He recently proposed to his girlfriend at Disney World in the rose garden of Cinderella's Castle.

Our three younger sons are adorable, lovable, intelligent, fun and ALL BOY. They are gifted with special purposes...13 year old lives with Bipolar Disorder/ADHD all wrapped up in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome with a food allergy tossed in; 10 year old lives with Asperger's Syndrome, Asthma-allergies, Sensory Integration Disorder; and my other 10 year old lives with Cerebral Palsy/PDD-NOS which includes several co-morbid issues. I use the term special purposes because special needs indicates taking and they definitely give.

Our oldest son was born of my body. Our three younger sons were born of my heart. Just as our biological son, our younger sons were our children from the moment of their conception. God made them for us, there is no doubt, and we searched really hard to find them and bring them home.

I am an advocate for abused children, children with special purposes and the precious gift of adoption.

I am enthused about digital photography and am in the learning process. I love to learn and do so with a passion that has yet to fail me. My photoblog is under contruction. (Gee, it's been under construction for a long time.)

I love fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, foods cooked from scratch, CHOCOLATE and WINE. (who hit the caps?)

I am not in a good mood if a scheduled workout is missed, but I will exercise twice as hard the next day in order to regain my membership to the land of nice people.

I will go shopping with you anytime - if we leave the kids at home.

I am happiest outside with arms spread wide twirling underneath a clear blue sky OR splashing in mud puddles on a rainy day.

My mantra: Parenting is fun. This I repeat throughout each day just for reassurance. I do not use this mantra in my yoga and meditation practice as it breaks my focus by inducing uncontrollable laughter.

My life is never dull. My life is full of love.