A Month of First Grade, Family, and Gratitude
I can’t let another week go by without pausing to say a huge, sparkly THANK YOU.
To every single person who has donated, purchased art, or simply sent your thoughts, prayers, good vibes, and hugs — you have no idea how much it means. Every bit of support has carried me through the tough days and reminded me that this little village really is full of love.
First Grade Life
We’ve now officially survived (and thrived!) through a full month of first grade. The boys love learning so much, but by the end of the day they come home completely wiped out. They kick back, sigh dramatically, and declare that it’s time to rest their feet. Honestly, I feel like I should have the newspaper, a cup of coffee, and some slippers ready so they can be kings of the house.
Well, scratch the robe — these kids live in their underwear and think it’s the peak of luxury living. 🤣
Family & Friend Surprises
Last weekend was one of those rare ones where life lined up perfectly. I got to see my baby brother Travis and his wife Abbey, plus a whole crew: Jerritt, Matt, Katya, and the nephews and niece. My heart was already so full — and then came the best surprise: my old buddy Bixler showed up at Doc’s! It’s been at least 10 years since we’ve seen each other, but in true Bixler fashion, we picked right up like no time had passed. Short, sweet, and unforgettable — the kind of visit that reminds me how deeply rooted I am in family and friendship.
Health Update
Today was my third treatment in this third round — and let me just say, I feel like I’ve been run over by a pack of NFL linebackers who showed absolutely no mercy. 🏈💥 The lower dose has helped compared to last time, but chemo still has a way of flattening me. I’m taking it one day, one nap, and one prayer at a time, hoping this adjustment makes things a little gentler moving forward.
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Through it all, I’m holding onto the joy, the laughter, and the community that makes Calli’s Village possible. Thank you for walking with us through this wild chapter — and for helping me keep the boys in snacks, markers, and way too much underwear-based lounging. 😉
With love and gratitude,
Calli
Where We Are Now: A New Chapter in the Journey.
It all begins with an idea.
Hey Village,
If you’ve made your way here, thank you. Whether you’ve known me for years, or just stumbled across this page because someone shared it, I’m truly grateful you’re here.
I wanted this first blog to be an honest update, part catch-up, part current snapshot, and part joy-bomb. Because the past few years have been a lot. And yet, here we are.
The Cliff Notes Version of the Last 2.5 Years
In case you missed the dramatic plot twist: in late 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. One minute I was figuring out dinner, the next I was fighting for my life with a whiteboard full of words like “palliative care” and “chemo protocol.”
Since then, there’s been surgery (multiple), chemo (lots), HIPEC (Google it, it’s wild), and miracles (thank God for those). I’ve walked back from the edge more than once, and I’ve done it surrounded by love, my mom Sandy, my boys, my people, and now, maybe even you.
Where We’re At Now
Right now, I’m back on chemo. The kind that hits hard and takes no prisoners. I’m losing my hair again (which really should come with a free spa day or at least some glitter, but I digress).
Meanwhile, my twin boys, William and Parker, are gearing up to start first grade. They’re wild, sweet, brilliant, chaotic, and the reason I get out of bed, even on days when bed feels like a good place to hide. We’re also navigating broken bones (one trampoline park incident too many) and infected bug bites (because Texas).
It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s beautiful.
And yes, it’s exhausting.
A Bright Spot: The Trip of a Lifetime
Before this latest round of treatment, my mom and I took the most amazing trip: a 10-day Viking river cruise through Europe. We walked the cobblestone streets of Budapest and Vienna, stuffed ourselves with pastries in Passau, and I even flirted with a 24-year-old Hungarian goulash instructor named Robert. (What? A girl’s still got it.)
I wore cute dresses. I laughed. I walked 6 miles in one day , and didn’t even care that my legs hated me for it. I lived. Really lived.
That trip was proof: life doesn’t stop being beautiful, even when it’s hard.
Why This Blog and Shop Exists
Talia, my brilliant, big-hearted friend , came up with this idea to turn my art into something more. So, we created this little corner of the internet where you can follow along, support if you’re able, and maybe even pick up a hand-drawn flower bouquet or a bracelet covered in emotional glitter.
Your support lets me keep focusing on what matters most: healing, loving my boys, and finding magic in the mess.
More soon, friends. But for now , thank you. For being here, for caring, for helping hold me up.
We really do heal better when we do it together.
With love and glitter,
Calli