Dad

This week has felt like an eternity.  Everyday I have to ask what day it is and I wake up confused and unsure of where I am.  We went to Forrest City last Friday to see my best friend, Connie.  Dad had been in the hospital for the past couple of weeks, in and out of the ICU.  He went in for a pinched nerve in his neck/shoulder that caused him weakness in his right arm, they wanted to rule out a stroke (which they did).  We decided to leave early on Friday so we could stop by to see Dad in the hospital.  He was sitting up talking to us, watching TV, looking at pictures and video of Eli on my phone, and trying to read his paper.  We had a good visit and then went on our way to FC.  On Sunday morning I got the phone call everyone dreads.  He had taken a turn for the worse and they didn't know how much time he had.  We hurried to Little Rock.  He passed away on Sunday at 7:45pm with a room full of people who loved him dearly.

I started this blog mainly for grandparents to see what Eli was up to and watch him grow.  Dad read my blog all the time.  He loved reading the stories about Eli and seeing the pictures of him.  I still feel like I'm blogging for him!  I'm sure he is watching Eli from heaven but hopefully he can read what I'm writing also!

The things that have brought me the most peace about losing my dad are hearing all the good memories people have of him.  He never met a stranger.  We are from a small town where everyone knows most everyone.  And EVERYONE knew my dad!  Everyone says he always had a smile on his face and this could not be any truer!  He loved to travel more than anything, well except for maybe the Razorbacks!  He was one of the most loyal and biggest Razorback fans I've ever known.  He's been to see them many different places and as far as Hawaii!  He loved music and passed that love on to me!  A few years ago we went to a Rolling Stones concert together.  I was completely jealous when he had FRONT ROW seats while Chad and I sat in the nose bleeds!  His spirit for life was contagious. He loved life and lived it to it's fullest.  Eli loved his "Pawpaw" so much and Dad just ate that up!  I haven't told Eli his Pawpaw is no longer with us.  I'm not sure he will understand and I don't really know how to explain it yet.  I'm afraid more than anything that Eli will forget his Pawpaw because he's so young.  Chad and I will do our best to always remind him how much Dad loved him.

Here is the obituary from the paper for those of you who haven't read it.... 

Ewell Wayne Weddington, of Bryant, Arkansas left this Earth on angel’s wings March 25, 2012. He was born December 3, 1948 in Forrest city, Arkansas to Raymond and Marlene Weddington.

Ewell was a man of many accomplishments.  After serving his country in the Air Force, he went on to work for Gulf Life insurance. 

Ewell was known for his likable personality, his never ending quest to find laughter in his day, and never meeting a stranger on his many encounters throughout life.

The people in the community of St. Francis County grew to know him as the “Little Debbie Man”, as he ran a successful route for over 20 years.  Ewell went on to invest and develop many more business ventures.   Ewell moved to Little Rock in 2001, married his wife Sheila, and opened up what is known today as the Tobacco Superstore in West Little Rock.  Ewell continued to build his tobacco business, where no customer was ever a stranger and people affectionately sought out a handshake and a hello. 

It is with great sadness that we have lost Ewell to this world. He is survived by his devoted wife Sheila, his brothers Larry (Linda) and Darrel, his daughters Robyn (Wayne), Keri (Chad), 3 step-daughters (son-in-law), 6 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.   He will be remembered by countless friends and extended family as a kind and generous friend.  His laughter and funny chats will be greatly missed.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures I've found of Dad.

As I said earlier, he loved the Razorbacks and tailgating.

This is probably my most cherished picture now.  This was taken at his wedding in October 2008.  I was 8 months pregnant with Eli at the time!

Dad and Sheila at their wedding

Eli was 3 weeks old here.  Eli was born the day before Dad's 60th birthday.



This is probably one of my favorite pictures of Dad and Eli.  Eli sure loved his Pawpaw and Pawpaw loved him!

More tailgating pictures!

As most of you know, dad became really sick exactly a year ago.  He was in the hospital for months.  We didn't think he would make it through but he proved to be a fighter!  This next picture is of Dad while he was in the hospital last year.  We went to visit him one day and took him outside to a little park like area so he could watch Eli run around.  We had a good time!

This was after Dad got out of the hospital last year.  He still hadn't put on much of the weight he had lost while in the hospital. 

Dad, Christmas 2011.

He couldn't miss the Cotton Bowl in January!

This is the last picture I have of him.  I wish I had so many more.  I miss him like crazy already.  I'm sure it will only get harder as time goes by and I go to pick up the phone to give him a call. 

I love and miss you, Dad!

Birthdays Galore

The month of March is birthdays galore for us.  Lots of little boys were born in March!  Eli has been to 3 birthday parties in the past two weeks.  If we lived in Connecticut I'm pretty sure we would have celebrated with Chad's brother and nephew, since it was their birthday as well!

This weekend my mom came to town for Matthew's (my nephew) birthday party.  He is turning 10 this year!  I can't believe he is going to be 10 years old!  I was in nursing school when he was born and was there for his birth.  I remember it like it was last year!

We went to Logan's Roadhouse to eat Friday evening.  They brought him a dessert and yelled really loudly and embarrassed him.  That's what happens when it's your birthday!  I don't think he cared so much since he got ice cream!

And he was nice enough to share his birthday ice cream with Eli!

Saturday was his birthday party.  He chose to have it at a local roller skating rink.  I was really looking forward to roller skating!  Chad and I grew up roller skating on the weekends.  And everyone had at least one birthday party at the skating rink!  I wasn't sure how Eli would do skating but I was excited to take him.  Let me just say... skating is NOT like riding a bike.  It doesn't come back to you like I thought it would!  We were all pretty wobbly at first!  But we finally caught on and were able to skate.  But whew!  It is a workout!

Here Chad was putting Eli's skates over his shoes.  Eli didn't know what was about to happen!

This picture is a little deceiving.  After a trip around the rink, Chad figured out Eli's skates were locked and the wheels weren't rolling.  He was just walking in the skates!

Chad unlocking Eli's skates...  let the fun begin!

Eli did pretty well for his first time skating!  He definitely had to hold someone's hand the whole time but that was no surprise.  I didn't expect him to just take off!

And here is Matthew on his skates!  It was only the second time he had ever skated!

Chad showing off his skating skills.

Chad and I both want to take Eli back skating now.  I think he loved it!

Mom showing off her mad skating skills.  I think she did the best out of everyone!

Eli loves his Mimi :)

The best part of birthday parties?  The cake and ice cream of course!

Saturday evening we just hung out at our house and cooked out.  While Chad was outside grilling he found some sparklers from last 4th of July in the garage.  Hopefully this year Eli will do better with fireworks!  He really liked the sparklers this time!

This has to be the sweetest picture ever!  Eli thinks Matthew is pretty awesome!  They were sitting on the couch watching a movie and holding hands!  Too sweet!

That was our weekend in a nutshell.  It was tons of fun!  Next weekend we are going to Forrest City to see my best friend, Connie and her kiddos.  I can't wait!  I've been looking forward to this for weeks now!

Until next time...

Oh yeah,  happy St. Patty's day!

Spring Has Sprung

The weather recently has been beautiful!  We are taking full advantage and playing outside as much as we can.  This morning Eli immediately wanted to go outside.  I didn't really pay much attention to what he was wearing (I was busy enjoying coffee and the Today show) but he kept insisting on going outside.

"Eli, you can't go outside without shoes."

"Okay, Mommy"... and he takes off running to his room.

This is how he comes back.  Pajama top, boxer briefs and black converse.  No socks.  And no pants.  He thought he was ready to go outside! 

Eli spent most of the morning and afternoon in the back yard.

And of course he wanted his best buddy, Jigs, outside with him.

Poor Jigs.  He's so good with Eli.  He lets him do whatever!

The other day we played in the front yard.  This is Eli's favorite thing to do outside... dig in the dirt with his tractors and dump trucks!

He always takes a break from digging to ride his bike.

I'm already dreading the days when it's too hot to go outside.  If it's this hot this early I'm afraid it's going to be a terribly hot summer!



3 Weeks Later

I know it's been 3 weeks since my last post.

Whatever.  I'm updating the blog now!

I really don't get on the computer near as often as I used to.  I usually use my phone to check email, facebook and twitter.  BTW, I have a twitter account now (follow me, @evans_keri.  I only have like 8 followers.  Sad.)  I'm still trying to figure it out.  There are a lot of symbols!

I hardly take pictures anymore.  I just don't feel like we have anything important going on and Eli usually runs from me when I have a camera in my hand.  Plus our point and shoot camera has died.  But don't worry!  I fixed that problem today!  I got a new camera!  I think I'm a little addicted to cameras. HA!  I like to have a nice camera (my DSLR) and a small point and shoot I can throw in my purse/pocket and take anywhere.  We are going to Florida with Chad's brother and SIL and their kids in a few short weeks.  I knew I wouldn't want to lug my big camera everywhere so I HAD to have a new one!  Wink, wink!  I love new electronics as much as any guy.  This is what I bought....

And yes, I got the blue one.  It was on sale.  I really didn't care what color it was!

Just for old time sake, these pictures are from my old point and shoot.  They were taken a couple days ago.  I will miss that camera.  It was one of my favorite cameras I've ever owned!

I couldn't believe Eli actually smiled for the camera!

And these are with my new camera!  Eli wasn't around so the dogs were my models ;)

They were thrilled.  Can't you tell?

Eli liked the blue color.  He said "mommy, I like the blue camera.  It's my favorite."  Everything is his favorite thing these days!

He actually wanted to smile and pose for the camera!

Maybe I should paint my other camera blue?

Why is Eli standing on an elliptical you ask?  That's because we just bought one!  He likes to pretend he's "exercising".  He must get that from his daddy and not his momma!  Anyway, we've talked about buying an elliptical for a long time.  I've been following this blog I found on pinterest.  This woman is hilarious!  She tells it like it is and she's very motivating.  I don't see how she does it.  She's a wife, mother of two very young kids, works full time, and she's training for a half marathon.  Whew, she makes me tired just thinking of her busy schedule.  But then I think, if she can do it so can I!  No, I'm not going to try to run a half marathon.  But I will start using our new elliptical.  Actually I started today.  My legs are already sore!  But I will work through the soreness!

I had to add this picture.  Josey has gotten so much better with Eli!  He used to not let Eli come anywhere close to him.  Now he will let him pet him for a short time.  

Okay, time for the news then bed!

Good night, all!