Baby Doll

The Gracie Attitude

Characterized best by this picture.

Concentrated joy emitted from her being.

This little girl loves life.

Posin

Dancin

Recovery Mode

I'm grateful for food and shelter. And also, that the past week is over. I feel like I've been chewed up and spit out, left to find my way as a new, distorted being. A sweet offering was given to me by my wonderful husband. These monogrammed handkerchiefs of all my initials: MMM. Mel Marie Mck. I needed these this week and they have been and will continue to be my good friends for years and years; I can foresee this.

With the holidays coming up, I feel like I'm losing time. It slips in and out of my hands without my knowledge or understanding of where it went; forget about what was actually done with that time. I'm trying to find what brings me peace in the hours when chaos reigns over my thoughts and actions. Until then, I think I will be taking a break from blogging. For the grandparents, pictures will still be posted.

Robby is So Funny

The things that come out of his mouth are a cornucopia of hilarity.

I'm in the process of collecting a list.

Not to mention his expertise in foreign accents.

He's a genius.

The Best Potty Present Yet

It's a Sleeping Beauty book and . . .

. . . a Sleeping Beauty pillow!

She's been reading it in her room for about 45 minutes now.

Thanks Gramma Pam and Granpa Doctor!

Baby Boys

A cousin, sweet Angie, lost her baby boy, Lyle Jack Ward, last Saturday. He was just a little guy at 9 oz but I'm told he has a huge spirit.

I'm a firm believer in the faith moving mountains. My faith has moved the mountain of grief I feel every day. It doesn't take it away, it's just lifted for a little while. When it becomes necessary for me to grieve again, the mountain comes back and with faithful exertion, it is moved again; for a little while.

I've gained strength and courage through personal tragedy. I am taking my Aunt Mary's advice and filling my lamp with oil. The oil helps sustain me when the light goes out unexpectedly.

The initial pain of losing a child is just what you think it would be. Unbearable. Unbelievable. Unimaginable. Unacceptable. Then, when that has all been addressed, dealing with the situation is still necessary. Faith and prayer won't remove the pain or despair.

But Hope will. Hope to see that baby again. Hope for strength. Hope for support and love. Hope for survival and guidance.

". . .If I lose hope, then I lose Faith. If I lose Faith, then I lose eternal happiness. I do not ever want to lose hope. It is a most personal and precious possession that I must never give up, and never allow anyone or anything to take from me. . ." -Richard Holmes Gus Funeral Talk

It has never been said better.

Sunset Train Ride

On Friday, Robby, Gracie, my parents and I went up to Scottsdale to explore a little while my parents were visiting. We ended up at the Scottsdale Fashion Place Mall, people watching and window shopping at some super fancy stores. That was where the Barneys New York was located at which the picture below was taken. Probably the funnest part about that store was checking the ridiculous prices of the clothes. In the end, I got an amazing pair of black, matte heels at Nordstrom for my choir's performance Saturday night. Uh-mazing.

On our way to a kid friendly restaurant, we found a lovely little place called McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Have you ever been there? You really should go. It's an amazing place with a mini train to ride and some sweet park attractions. We had a beautiful romp around the park on the train during sunset which made for some awesome photo ops.

I love it when my parents come to town. Robby and my dad always have projects to work on around the house. This visit, they assembled and installed screens for a few of our windows. Meanwhile, my mom and I got some good bonding time Saturday night. I performed with my choir at the William Joseph concert at the Mesa Arts Center and she was able to come watch. He's a super talented pianist so she really enjoyed herself, being a music major and also very talented.

The whole trip was awesome and now I'm mentally ready to face the week. Who wants to play date?

Barneys New York: It's Not For Dorks

Wonderful times are being had with Gamma Pam and Granpa.

An account will be given after their trip has concluded.

But first, I have a special treat for all my fashionista friends.

Can anyone tell me the style and designer of the dress I'm wearing?

I forgot to look at the tag and write it all down.

All I remember is the purchase price which was $825.

A special feature on my blog and a personal poem will be written

for one lucky person who can give me

the style, designer, and a comment on this lovely little dress.

Be sure to get me the info before Sunday at Midnight.

I promise to make this worth your while.