Caelin's 1st day of Preschool

We are so excited that Caelin is starting Preschool this year at John Wesley Methodist.  We know this is where she is meant to be already because her teacher's name is Mrs. Watts.  Watts was my Grandma's last name who Caelin Roe is named after.  So, God has guided us to this place.  The other classroom teacher is Mrs. Milam and they have been working together for over 10 years!  We came to the school a few days ago to meet the teachers and see the room.  Caelin was so excited to meet new friends and see her classroom.  The teachers had everything neatly organized with centers, individual activities and group time adventures.  I know this year will be a strong academic growing year for her!  I was also so excited to hear about all their projects, thematic units, and hands on experiences.  At meet the teacher and also the first day of school today, Caelin walked right in.  No reservations from this kiddo!  We practically had to slow her down and make her take pictures with us.  I watched as she walked in the door this morning with her confidence and waving to a friend she met just the other day.  I realized how much this world needs this confident being.  I know this world is already forever changed by her and I cannot wait to see what God does with her life.  Continue to be the strong willed, brave hearted, and friendly little girl, Caelin.  We will always be just a step behind watching you grow more beautiful each day!

Gangaw

It has been 6 years today since Grandma Watts "Gangaw" passed away.  I miss her every day.  I had a special bond with her and there is a reason Caelin is named after her with her middle name being Roe.  Gangaw was a special woman and had so many amazing traits.  She loved her instruments (especially the fiddle), Jack Daniels (black label only), coffee, singing, spoiling us when we visited, and writing letters.  I was the "apple of her eye", and she was the "peach of my heart".  We went together like peas and carrots and I will never forget her voice.  One of her favorite songs was "Just one Rose will do".  This morning I woke up and Charles and the kids had snuck out to get me coffee and a red rose.  I loved it and knowing that although they never met her, they love her still.  We miss you Gangaw.

Labor Day in Grapeland, TX

Had a great weekend "unplugging" from technology and life for a bit. We spent the weekend looking at the lake, fishing, playing cards, nature scavenger hunt, and even had a date to the Bluegrass Festival in Crockett, TX. Thank you God for the beauty in the simplest things. My favorite part was being behind the dam fishing.  This is the spot where we got engaged 12.5 years ago. Charles lit the entire path with candles and rose petals and both our Dad's and his Grandma (Mumps) helped set it all up.  Cade and Caelin both loved hearing the story.  I told them that my wedding ring was the best gift I ever got.  Cade then looked at me and said, "what about me?  I am pretty cute."  Very true Cade, ha.  This may have to be a new Labor Day weekend Tradition!

6 months without my Daddy

Wish I could say that the days get easier with Dad gone. Today was 6 months and I still wait for him to call daily. I know the hurt just means how special he was, so I try to hold on to that. No matter what, I will never be "healed" which is ok with me. It is the little things that hurt. Like trying to see a picture of him and having to scroll so far down in my photos, reminding me that he has been gone so long and time is going on without him. My biggest fear is that Cade and Caelin will not realize how great he was and that their memories of him will fade since they are younger.  I love that tonight Cade asked me out of the blue (without knowing today was the 6 month anniversary of his death) to tell him 4 funny stories of Papa.  I giggled through the tears as I told him about Hamburger hill in Brownswood, Dad throwing Mendy in I in the pool one freezing Jan day because we were arguing, Dad chasing Armadillos/catching them in trash cans in San Antonio, and how he never met a stranger.  Wish I had one last hug. Happy 6 months in Heaven sweet Daddy.