The Growing Caldwell Family

​Charlie’s basketball season was a struggle. He learned that basketball is not his sport; his coach was well-intentioned but had a style that intent dated him; and his team lost every game but the last one. They scored with 12 seconds on the clock! He really wanted to quit and there were some tears shed over having to go to practice. I am glad he had the chance to feel some of the joy of winning. I hope he learned something about perseverance and seeing your commitments through to the end. 

The birthday joy continued on Saturday when we prepared for her party.  She felt so pleased in this blouse from Aunt Barbara and Uncle Les and wearing her birthday sash.  She was eager to celebrate with her close friends, Chloe, Chase, Emory, and Marcela.  For her party, we did a scavenger hunt followed by dinner at a favorite Italian restaurant. Lovie was so helpful going with me to plan the scavenger hunt for the party.  Nay, Charlie, and Livy were one team and they won the scavenger hunt! Sarah Graves and her friends had a fun time running around Smyrna Market Village snapping pics! Having the party at a restaurant kept the prep simple, but we couldn’t resist a few personal touches to make it special! They were so grown up sitting at their own table and they enjoyed themselves doing it! Another wish! After dinner, we went to Lovie and Pops’ to open gifts from friends. Livy couldn’t wait to give Sissy this Barbie she knew she already loves! So thankful Sarah Graves could be celebrate

It felt like a blink and Sarah Graves was turning 12! Leading up to her birthday she said she wanted to stay 11 because she liked it so much. I get that because I feel that way about each of their birthdays.  She was very happy with the way the elves decorated her chair in a Mardi Gras theme! Some homemade doughnuts with whipped cream made for a yummy start to the day! She chose Cheesecake Factory for her birthday dinner and everyone enjoyed her pick! A new necklace from Lovie and Pops. She loved the festive look of her cheesecake and the taste was even better! After dinner, she opened her gifts from family. She was so pleased to open her own sloth from Grancy and Ger Ger!  She loved Charlie and Livy's and was very excited to have one of her own.  Crafting fun from Grandaddy and MeMe! She appreciated the electric circuit set from Charlie. Letting her give him a kiss may have been a gift in itself! Silly girl trying to bite into her gift card from Gramma! Loving this cute shirt from

I feel like the older the kids get, I pick up the camera less often to catch little moments in our lives. Here are a few I snapped of everyday life.  All the socker boppers and the moon shoes at one time! This girl is ready to bounce! Harrison and Charlie looking very dapper before cotillion. Sis has been putting her new doughnut pan to good use! She has made red velvet, oreo, and cinnamon sugar doughnuts for us! All very tasty, but the cinnamon ones are the best! This sloth heavy hugger was a Christmas gift that was well received. Charlie got a kick out of dressing it in some of the baby doll clothes! Bacon Bits as he is named was left to take a nap on the sofa looking quite dashing in his tux! He scared me to death when I caught sight of his head out of the corner of my eye when I thought I was home alone! Sarah Graves started confirmation classes and it has been a beautiful opportunity for her to develop some new friendships with other girls at church. She already knew several boys

Finally, on January 8th we were able to celebrate Christmas at Lovie and Pops'!  When Charlie asked me what we were doing on the weekend and I told him we were exchanging gifts with Lovie and Pops he said, "Yes, we finally get Christmas!"Even though I felt like we had a lovely Christmas just the four of us, I know what he was feeling! We finally had Livy's family birthday celebration! After a yummy lunch of favorite finger foods, we were ready to open gifts! Pops admired SG's sweatshirt and now he has one of his own! Speks were an exciting gift! A soft polo in his favorite color! The kids loved their gifts and were happy to give gifts too, but they were especially happy to all be together after several weeks of being apart! Fun to test out new toys!