Megan Misses Gracie

Megan and her friend Brooklynn at a Primary party

Megan has been crying about, thinking about, talking about and drawing about Gracie Gledhill who passed away March 2, 2009. She says she misses her friend Gracie.

Even our Hangman games shows she was thinking about Gracie.

Grandpa and Grandma McKell

My Grandpa McKell saves his change and gives it to my kids - always with a cute note!

I wanted to get this picture on my post...It's one of my favorite of my Grandma and Grandpa McKell.

The many crazy outfits created by Megan

There was a time when Megan loved to wear Derek's underwear on her head.
This outfit is classic Megan

I think she's wearing 3 hats with this outfit

Megan has always loved hats of any kind

There's Derek's underwear again...and Derek's boots.

Mid March Updates

Meg enjoying Jake's swim practice! (It's a little freaky how Megan sleeps with her eyes partially open, even when I try to close them over and over again) Jake participating in Crazy Hair Day at school

This used to be Derek's very special door hanger - a souvenir from ESPN Sportscenter store in Las Vegas. As you can see, a graffiti artist who shall remain nameless changed "Sportscenter" to "Disney Channel."

Derek working hard at Scouts

Cowgirl Megan at Derek's Blue and Gold Banquet

Meg and her very handsome nail technician

Gracie's Funeral

After Gracie's funeral on March 7, it has taken a while to feel normal again. (Megan still cries every day for her "friend" Gracie) It was an amazing funeral I will always remember. White and pink balloons were let off at Gracie's grave - one for every day she lived. It was beautiful to watch. At the grave site, it was freezing cold with a bitter wind - but once the balloons were let go, the wind stopped and the sun came out for about 5 minutes. The entire day was incredible - just like Miss Gracie!

Gracie - you will be missed

but you will ALWAYS be remembered!

Angel Gracie

Gracie Jean Gledhill

March 20, 2008 - March 2, 2009

Sweet Gracie passed away yesterday. We are so heartbroken for her family. She was loved by so many. Michele and Tom valued every minute they had with her - it showed in their actions, in their words, in their faith, and in their absolute devotion to her.

I will always remember Gracie like she was in these pictures. She loved to listen to us talk at our lunches with the ladies. She loved to watch her mom. Everywhere Michele went, Gracie followed her with those big beautiful eyes of hers.

Gracie fought hard to be here as long as she could. Eleven months does not seem long enough, but look what she did with those eleven months! When I was on Gracie's blog Monday night, it was frozen for a while because of the many Gracie fans who were sharing their love for Gracie and her family. (thegledhillfamily.blogspot.com)

Gracie Girl - you will always have a part of me.

Gracie Girl

This is Gracie post transplant. I hate this picture but it is reality. Sometimes life stinks! Sweet Gracie received a heart transplant on February 22nd, and she is not doing well. The doctors don't know what went wrong. She is now on an ECMO (full life support) machine...She can stay on this anywhere from 2-4 weeks while she waits for a second heart. We are still praying for Miss Gracie that she will receive a second heart!!! Gracie's mom and dad have been strengthed by everyone's love and prayers...Keep them coming!!!

Gracie's new heart!!!!!

Gracie's family got the call last night that there is a heart available for her. I just read her blog and saw that the doctors started her transplant surgery about noon today! What a miracle this is!!!! The faith of her family has been tested and tested. Faith always precedes the miracle. Gracie will still need a lot of prayers as she recovers from this surgery. My heart breaks for the donor family, and I am in awe of the love they have shown through their sadness and their loss. If they had any idea what happiness they have brought to Gracie's family and friends............

Vegas and Valentine's Day

Family picture at the top of the Stratosphere - 109 stories high

The kids at a Globetrotters Game
Alan and Meg
Derek and Hunter after a big game - Their basketball team went undefeated and are now getting ready to compete in a tournament. Yippee...more games! Now there will literally be no break between basketball and baseball.
I found this note in an envelope addressed to "Melanie Powel" in our mailbox without a stamp or an address. Megan told me she put it there so Melanie could have it for Valentine's Day. I took a picture of it before we gave it to Melanie.

Meg and her favorite person in the world...Mel

Meg's Valentine's Day party at school - She was excited to have dad there!

Just a cute picture of Meg

Jake and his dream car

Jake, Meg and Derek at the top of the Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas - not a great picture, but that was some view!!! Nat and Alan - celebrating Valentine's Day in style Derek in his own personal heaven, the ESPN Zone store in Vegas (as soon as the camera came out, Megan ran up the stairs as fast as she could in order to get in the picture)

Prayers for Gracie

Gracie Gledhill is the daughter of my incredible friend Michele. Gracie has just been placed on a heart transplant list. This sweet little girl was born with a heart defect (HLHS) and has been through so much in her short little life. She has proven over and over again to be a fighter! She is fighting again while she waits for a new heart at Primary Children's Hospital. Her family has shown so much faith through this trial - faith during the good times and the bad times. We are all hoping for another miracle for Gracie...Please include her in your prayers. Gracie's story has touched so many lives, including mine. Michele and Tom have shared their journey with everyone through their blog - www.thegledhillfamily.blogspot.com. I can't wait to blog about Gracie's new heart!!! That will be a good day!

January stuff

Derek and Matthew and the favorite scout leaders, Mike and Lois Mortensen

Derek earned his Webelos badge (Thanks to the Mortensens)
Derek pinning mom after he got his Webelo badge (This mom didn't do anything to deserve the "mom" pin - I'm kinda lazy when it comes to scout stuff) However, I did let him pin me for all of the other many things I do for Derek on a daily basis (haha)

I like my neighbors so much that we go out to dinner to catch up. I guess it would be just as easy to walk outside and say "Hey" but not as fun.

Taco dressed up in a Hannah Montana outfit - It must have been a slow day that day.

Meg and Alan

The cheering section at Derek's basketball game

Meggie went to the funnest birthday party where they painted her face and did her hair in the cutest updo.

Meg at Taryn's party (She is in the front right)

Well it's basketball season again. There's our Derek "Lucky 13" going after the ball. Derek is also "Lucky 13" in baseball.

We got to visit with my 90-year old Grandpa McKell while the kids where off track. This sweet grandpa of mine is now recovering from being kicked and thrown by one of his ungrateful cows. He is recovering well and continues to keep his amazing positive attitude about everything that happens to him!