PARTY TIME

Megan and friends at Sam's party. Meg was so excited for this party that she was packed and in her favorite cherry swim suit 3 hours before the party started - which made for a long morning for both of us. Every 5 minutes for 3 hours I was asked if it was time to go yet. By the time we left, she said "FINALLY!!!"

The Amazing Gracie Gledhill

Michele and Gracie
Gracie

Miss Gracie Gledhill - the cutest 8-month old I have ever seen! Gracie is the daughter of my long-time friend, Michele. This little miracle girl has survived a major heart surgery and is getting ready for another one. She is a beautiful, tough little girl who has been through a lot and has also blessed a lot of people with her story. I had the chance to eat lunch with Michele last week and hang out with Gracie. She is the most beautiful baby with the most expressive eyes. When Gracie isn't keeping a constant eye on Michele, she will completely focus on whoever is talking like she is part of the conversation. This sweet little girl is so loved by so many!

The Adventures of Megan

Megan all wrapped up Derek toilet papering Megan - I had to add some breathing space for her - something Derek seemed to overlook!

Look away if you are queasy! Well guess what...I am queasy too but I couldn't look away! Here's a little injury Megan received on a morning I was getting ready to visit my dad at the ICU. According to Derek, I let out a few swear words when I first saw this (it was much bloodier before those lovely staples went in). She says she walked into a wall. Who knows - Derek and I just heard the screaming afterward. When the Doctor was shaving the area to be stapled, I started to cry and said "It took a year to grow out her bangs!" I guess it will take at least that long to grow this beautiful bald patch out. Megan did report the boys in her class thought the staples were really cool!

P.S. Megan says "That hurt"

My Dad, The Toughest GUY I Know

I don't have a picture to go with this story because we didn't think to take pictures of what was happening because it was too stressful. My dad was experiencing what he thought was a bad case of pneumonia on October 30. He made it to an Instacare and completely scared that doctor because his oxygen was sooo low. The Instacare Dr. called 911 to transport him to St. Mark's Hospital. Lucky for us, some amazing doctors caught on that this might be a heart problem. They were able to diagnose that a heart valve was leaking and quickly got him into surgery to replace a heart valve. The doctors (and nurses) seemed pretty surprised that my dad was able to survive everything that went on...but you have to know my dad. He is a fighter and he is tough! He got out of the hospital on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and is getting stronger every day. He is doing great and never even filled his pain medication prescription! I have learned many things from this experience...mostly I feel incredible gratitiude and love for my dad! I have discovered that life can change in an instant. During this stressful time, I have felt the strength that comes from faith and prayer. I am sure that our family has been blessed with a miracle, and I feel incredibly blessed and humbled by that!
I have to give a shout out to my Alan who took over for me this week so I could spend time with my dad (including being a room mom at a 5th grade Halloween party and getting a neighbor to do Megan's hair for Halloween). Alan can bring home the bacon AND fry it up in a pan! Thank you Alan!!! And I have to mention my amazing sister, Melanie, who is always there for everybody when they need her! And my dad's wife Janet who is doing her job and my dad's job at the same time...I truly have an amazing family!