My Papaw Caldwell

My sweet Papaw Caldwell went to be with the Lord on November 12. He left this world a little after 4 am on a Sunday.  I thought that was fitting, seeing as how he was a preacher for over 60 years.  Papaw was 81 years old and had just celebrated his birthday at the end of October, which was the last day I spoke with him. When I called him, we talked about how great this life is.  He told me that when he leaves this world, he will leave here being so thankful that he came. He talked about the mountains and the valleys that we’ve all faced and that God always helps us in need. He again told me how proud he was of me (he never hung up the phone without saying that ;) and then proceeded to remind me how much he loved me and my precious family.  When we were hanging up the phone he didn’t tell me good-bye, he said “I love you Kia, and we’ll catch up soon.”  I knew when I hung up the phone that would be the last time I would talk to him.

Papaw battled Parkinson’s for many years, he had chronic kidney problems, and had 20% usage of his heart.  Towards the end of his life here on earth, he became non-responsive and his body just eventually shut down. He was not in pain, as hospice had come in to make sure he was comfortable. 

My sweet sister described Papaw the best. “To some he was the senator. To others the preacher.  To me, he was simply Papaw. The guy who used to keep 15 sticks of unwrapped Freedent gum in his pocket.  The man who used to sing Elvira at the top of his lungs while dancing around the living room. The man who could talk his way out of a ticket without skipping a beat.  The man who knew people all over the world and who told the best stories.  The man who loved my Nana fiercely for decades.  He never missed an opportunity to tell his grandkids how much he loved them and how proud he was of each of us.” 

Sweet Papaw, I know that when you walked through those pearly gates the angels were singing and you were dancing.  I hope they were singing “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” just for you. We will miss you tremendously down here, but know that this good-bye is not forever.  I look forward to the day when I will see you again...in HEAVEN.  Where there are no tears, no pain, no sorrow.

I love you Papaw, and we’ll catch up soon!!

A Harvest of Memories

We enjoyed the Craft Fairs at War Eagle on the weekend of October 21st.

We had a GNO to celebrate Tara's birthday at the end of October.

Below are lots of pictures of my kiddos dressed up for Halloween at MDO.

The kids had a parade at MDO on Halloween and got to dress up. They had a lot of fun!

We lasted about an hour actually trick-or-treating in the neighborhood before it started to rain. The kids had fun but were tired from such a busy day. 

And I'm including this just to have documentation of it, but this sweet baby boy of mine fell a few weeks ago and hit the window sill with his mouth.  He hit so hard that he knocked both his front teeth and another one to the left of his front teeth straight up into his gums.  He has no front teeth now, and it breaks my heart.  We went to see Dr. Caple and all three were not loose, they were rooted. We will go back for X-rays in December to see if there is damage done to the permanent teeth. His baby teeth will either push themselves back down, or they will die and we will have to have them pulled. I cannot imagine how painful that must have been for him.  It was one of my toughest Mommy moments to date. :(

And we are now rid of the pacifier.  He hasn't been able to have it due to the pain it causes his mouth.  I guess there is a little bit of a silver lining. ;)

Chihuly in the Forest

Crystal Bridges is a beautiful place that our community is so fortunate to have in our backyard. There has been an exhibit here for almost 6 months that I haven’t had a chance to see, and was DYING to. Dale Chihuly makes everything you see out of glass.  It’s truly amazing! I wanted to see it at night, because everything is lit up. Thankfully, I have an awesome hubby who agreed to take me. 

We went to eat at Eleven, the restaurant in Crystal Bridges, which was delicious and then saw the exhibit once it was dark.  I can honestly say it was one of my favorite date nights we’ve ever been on. 

My Little Monsters

I just had to recap all the previous Halloween costumes that my kiddos have rocked over the years.  Time is flying and when I look back at these pictures, I just want it to slow down so they can stay little ;)

2013 - my little ladybug

2014 - my little pumpkin

2014 - my little pink elephant

2015 - my little lion

2015 - my banana split

2016 - my little spider

2016 - my little butterfly

2017 - my little choo-choo train

2017 - my sweet rainbow

Every year keeps getting better and better.