Thursday, November 20, 2008

Soldier goes home

Several of you have e-mailed me to check on me because I haven't posted since Monday ( I know - strange!) I have been in the great state of Texas the last 3 days for my grandfather's funeral - we just got home. I'm sorry if I haven't responded to your e-mails, left comments or haven't taken your requests for the prayer blog - I have just been out of touch. BUT I'm back!

My grandfather had a wonderful funeral. My dad did the major portion of it and he did such a great job. You can imagine how hard it would be to do your own dad's funeral. As much as we will miss Poppie - it's hard to be too sad when you know he is in heaven having the time of his life. I'm pretty sure he would NEVER choose to come back to this life. So we celebrate with him.
He had a military grave site burial and that is always so special. I'm so proud to have two grandfathers who served in the War World 2 and my Poppie also spent his life serving his country. I'm so thankful to live in the United States and it is men like him who have made this nation "the land of the free and the home of the brave".

It was also so good to see so much of my family that I rarely get to see. We took this picture of my grandma and her grandchildren (except my cousin Kenneth - he was there but somehow he escaped this picture?)
Last night we got to go see my brother Chris and his new wife Carrie's new house they recently bought. I was so excited to get the tour. They bought the CUTEST house built in the 50's near White Rock Lake. They have it fixed up soooo cute! I just loved it. This was them greeting us at the front door!
I had to take a picture of Carrie's closet because she is the most neat and organized person I have ever met - which is why we were so glad she married Chris (neat is not in his vocabulary). Everything was so perfect and color coded. I would be so ashamed for ya'll to see my closet. Every time I walk in there I just shake my head at it. ha! We all went out to eat at this great Mexican place last night. It was fun to be together with our whole little family. I'm so excited for Harper to meet her Aunt and Uncle!
I love Arkansas so much but every time I go to Dallas - I get the bug to want to move there. I just love Dallas. (maybe because I was born there - it's in my blood).
Scott and I headed home today. We took our time getting home because it is not the most comfortable thing to ride in the car all day at 8 months pregnant. So we made a few stops - like at Braum's for ice cream sundaes. :-)
I had to share this - when we got home today - I had a package. Since next week is Thanksgiving - I thought I would show you what Miss Harper will be sporting at Turkey day next year. Oh I can't wait!!!! I'm going to put a little orange turtleneck under it and some cute tights. I may not be able to eat any pie I'll be so busy looking at how cute she is!

50 comments:

TheDPGang said...

What a great tribute to your Poppie...how neat!

Adorable dress. You will have to let us know where we can get one of those cute "turkey day" dress.

Linda said...

Glad you were able to go and made it back safely. I am with you I bet once anyone hits the streets of gold with the Father they probably never look back. Adorable dress for Harper.
Blessings,
Linda

Karie said...

So sorry to hear about your poppie. I have been thinking about you and your family. I can relate with how you are feeling as I have recently lost two grandparents. Such a cute dress for Harper (where do you find such cute things?) Can't wait to see her in all of her new clothes.
Thoughts and prayers to you,
Karie

The Garners said...

I'm so glad you're back safely. It looks like it was such a nice, memorable service for your Grandfather.

Just Terrific said...

I'm so sorry about the loss of your Grandpa. I'm am soooo thankful for godly men and for those who have served their country. Oh, my! It makes me so proud and humble. God bless you and your family.

I love the little turkey dress! How sweet! My first grandchild ( a boy!) is due this Tuesday on the 25th. Of course, who knows when the little guy will make his apprearance???? I also teach fifth grade, so I've had detailed plans for days now. My class is sooo excited! They are trying to be so helpful by helping me keep everything really organized in our classroom. It's so cute! You'd think that they were on "stand-by", too :)

Anyway, my daughter has the cutest little jammies from Carter's that have little turkeys all over them for him to wear home from the hospital. There is a little hat that says "Lil' Turkey" on it. She figures that he'll arrive close enough to Thanksgiving for these to be appropriate.

I check on you every day to see how you're doing. Glad things are going well. My daughter has done so well. I can't wait for the little sweet pea to arrive ;)

Unknown said...

Sorry for the loss of your grandpa, but it looks like you have so many other things to be thankful for during this time. Cute little pillow dress. I"ve always thought of buying one, where was that one from? Take care, enjoy your pregnancy (it looks like you already do).

In His Army said...

Glad you guys made it back! I've been missing hearing from you! I glad your Poppie's funeral was a celebration--we've been praying for you guys.

And that dress is too adorbale!

Staci said...

Welcome home! What a nice tribute to your Poppie!

That dress is ridiculously cute! Little brown boots would be top it off!

Heather said...

I have been praying for you and your family, because I knew that's where you were. I used to live in North Texas, and I am just like you...I love AR but anytime I am in Dallas-area I want to pack my bags!!! They just have so much cool stuff! :)
Glad you are back safe and sound...and that you had a good visit with your family.

Immeasurably More Mama said...

I'm so glad you got home safely and that all went well with your Poppie's funeral.

The Turkey Day dress is adorable! Now I need to add ribbon to the bottom of my niece's dress!

Amanda said...

I'm so thankful that the funeral went well. What a blessing. And I bet your bro's house is soooooo neat.

Elizabeth said...

Hey Kelly, I just began my blog today! I was checking Jessica, Jennifer, Jenna, and your blog daily so I finally decided to join in the fun. I feel like I know each and every one of you girls. You are such an awesome person and I can't wait to see Harper. I hope you check out my blog and love it as much as I love yours.

Olde Town Style Guide said...

Kelly,

I found your site last week and I am so inspired by your faith and devotion to your family. You are going to be a beautiful, strong and wonderful mother!

I have to say that I was really starting to get worried since we hadn't heard from you in a few days! I forgot about your Poppie (which you had told us about). I am so sorry that he was not able to see Harper but I am glad he is in a better place. I know he will be there for Harper's birth...right there with you!

Glad you made it back safe! It is good to have you back!

julie & joe said...

Glad you are home safe! Funerals are a sad/happy time. It is happy to see relatives you don't see so often.

The dress is too cute! We are going to have to have a girl some day. Boy clothes are just not that cute once you are past one year.

Stephanie Kay said...

My dad preached has preached the funerals of my mom's parents and his mom. He said the hard ones were the ones that it was unclear if they really knew Jesus. It's such a comfort to know when our loved one is in heaven!

Nancy Hood said...

A beautiful tribute and your sister in law looks like she could be your sister! Glad your trip was a safe one and that memories were made~

Kara said...

I'm so glad everything went well for you on such an emotional trip. We had a full military funeral for my Grandfather and it was sooooo touching. It gave me chills to see the men salute his casket and honor him in such a special way. It makes you feel so proud but so humble at the same time. But isn't it wonderful to know Jesus welcomed that soldier home!

P.S.
That turkey dress is too stinkin' cute!!

P.S.S.
I would suggest a laptop if you don't have one, and a hospital with WIFI because you are going to send people into withdrawals when you are in the hospital! Oh, and Blogger better prepare for the overload when that first picture of Harper is posted! Do you think they can handle it????

Jacquie said...

Glad y'all made it back safely. What an honor for your Dad to be able to do his father's funeral. And the military aspect is just so moving!!

Chris and Carrie are just the CUTEST couple! (I'm thinking Carrie's closet looks JUST like mine! ha!)

Lori said...

So sorry to hear about your grandfather, but glad to hear his life was such a blessed one. My grandfather was also a WWII vet, his birthday is even on Veterans Day, and he passed away right before the twins were born.

I always feel he is close to them, and it really overwhelms any sadness I might have. I hope the same for you :)

Mab said...

I just love the name Poppie for your granddad. What a wonderful man he must have been. I know you were proud of him. Love the pictures of your family. And your sis-in-law's closet is the best!!!
(I want a closet just like that one!) And of course, LOVE LOVE LOVE that turkey dress. :)

Unknown said...

The dress is precious!

The Milams said...

I didn't know you were a true Dallasite! No wonder I think you're so cool!!!:)

Jennifer said...

Glad you made it home safe! I know that car ride felt LONG! We went to Destin when I was 28 weeks pregnant and that car ride about did me in, so I can imagine that you were probably tired from the drive!

I think Chris and Carrie are the cutest couple! And I love, love the turkey dress!

Anonymous said...

Im so sorry Kelly for your loss. I know he will be missed. It was nice that yall were able to spend some family time together. Take care~

Rathi said...

Glad you made it home safely! Boy did those sundaes look yummy.. I sure do miss Braums. For some reason we don't get them here.. I totally understand the Dallas comment.. My parents are there and it's such a great place. Love Harper's dress, she will look so cute in that next year! Have a great Friday and weekend!

Kaitlyn said...

I'm glad you're home safe, that sundae looks like a very delicious side trip! I already can't wait to see Harper in her dress :)

KRISTEN'S PALACE said...

i just started reading your blog & i love your postings, i'm so sorry for your loss, I too had a poppie & he to past away & was also a war world 2 veteran, thanks for the post! it brought back amazing memories for me. God bless :)

{K} said...

I'm so sorry about your grandfather but I'm glad he had a nice funeral.

For some reason I always thought you lived in Texas... silly me.

That's an adorable Turkey Day outfit for Harper!

Jenna said...

Ya'll have been on my mind and in my prayers the last few days. I am glad to hear that funeral went well and that ya'll made it home safe and sound. That was some precious cargo traveling around!

Love the picture at the ice cream place - you look so CUTE! And the sundaes don't hurt my love for the picture either. :)

And lastly, Harper + Thanksgiving 09 + that DRESS = Cuteness that cannot be measured!

Leigh Ann said...

I do believe men like your grandfather were definitely the "greatest generation." I'm glad you got to see family while you were there. Kerrie and Chris are just SO cute. Oh, and as for that dress, PRECIOUS!

Melissa Stover said...

so sorry about your grandfather. i've been praying for your family this week.

Lianna Knight said...

We've missed you...so glad your back.

And you are right, Harper will be as cute as pie herself in that oufit :)

Robyn Beele said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. We are glad you are back safely. The Thanksgiving dress is so adorable!

Meredith said...

I am praying for you and thinking of you, Kelly! Remember that! Also, it is great you got to see your brother and sister-in-law's house! She is really organized. I love that Thanksgiving dress for little Harper! AWW!

Emily said...

Even though there are plenty of Braum's where I live (suburb of Dallas)...I always have to stop at the one in McAllister (I assume that is where you where?) on my way to Arkansas! Nothing like a delicious sundae to distract me from the bumpy Oklahoma highways-

The Allens said...

I didn't know you were born in Dallas. We moved from Fort Worth to Tyler this year, but spent about a decade working with many clients in Dallas. We're actually not huge Dallas fans - we LOVE Fort Worth.

I am, again, sorry about your grandfather. I am certain the service was beautiful.

Lauren said...

Kelly- The funeral service looks like it was beautiful. It's funny how when you don't post for a couple of days we go in panic mode, ha ha! I guess you can say we've become accustomed to your daily postings. We love you guys and glad you both made it home safe and sound and that you were able to get some good quality time in with your family.

Rebecca Jo said...

So true about not wanting to come back after having a taste of Heaven!

Glad you got to visit family - sorry it was on sad circumstances!

And love that dress - I still say, Harper is going to be the most stylish baby around!!!

Megan L Hutchings said...

What a wonderful tribute to your Poppie! I can't imagine how strong your dad had to be, but I know he did an amazing job ;).

Wow...Carrie's closet is impressive! I am going to aim for our closet to look like that when we move.

That dress is too cute!

Melissa said...

Kelly,

I know it was sad...but the funeral looks wonderful. I am sure your Dad is sad...it does not matter how old we are when we lose a parent..it is tough. I am just glad to see you are OK!! My Mom always said she just needed to hear from my sister and me. If she did not, she imagined the worst!! Like we were in a ditch somewhere. HA!!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Melissa

Erin said...

Kelly- I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandfather. I lost my Grandfather back in February. He was a Marine and have a very nice service, as it looked like your Grandfathers. I hope you are doing well.

Shannon said...

Glad your back! I'm sorry about your grandfather but am rejoicing with you for where he is.

CUTE dress!!

Chele said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It is always hard to lose a loved one near the holidays!

Harper's thanksgiving dress is absolutely adorable. Wish I would have had access to stuff like that when my baby girl was tiny!

Lastly, I love, love, love the ice cream picture. I was addicted to root beer floats my first pregnancy. I made my hubby stop after each lamaze class for one on the way home! ;)

PS Glad you were able to make the trip and be with your family during this time!

Ashlie said...

I'm so glad your Poppie's celebration service was a good one. And, it's always good to see extended family, even if it is under sad circumstances. You looked really cute for your drive home. I love that silver shirt! And Miss Harper will be the cutest turkey at the table next year in that little dress!

Jill said...

What a special service for your grandfather. My Dad preached his own father's funeral as well...I have no idea how he did it but it made the service even more special. I'm sure your Poppie was smiling down from Heaven on all of you!

That turkey dress is SO CUTE! Where did you get it? Harper is going to look adorable...just like her Mama! :)

Welcome home, girl!

TAFTY5 said...

I just wanted to say I sorry I am for your loss!
My next comment is a little werid!.....
Have you ever herd the Kenny Loggins song "Celebrate me home"?
The whole time I was reading your post that song was running through my head. I love that song!
Anyway....
Take care of yourself!

Amy said...

So sorry to hear about your Poppie!

but wanted to tell you that you should most definitely move to Dallas so we can be friends and go to Braum's together!

Oh and my Landry would totally want to play with Harper! I'm sure!

Ashley said...

I just KNEW you were a Texan...I knew it! You just look and act like one. :) I'm a Texan and I love it!

laura said...

I have been praying for your family this week. So glad you had a safe trip! What a beautiful time to celebrate your grandfather.

annalee said...

I know I am a few days late giving you this message but... what precious words about your grandfather. He obviously left an amazing legacy that will continue you through stories to Harper in the years to come!