A birthday bash

On June19th Rigg turned one year old!

So the Captain and I threw a birthday bash!  It was a tish bit big for a first birthday party...but it was my first time to celebrate a year with my child...so hog wild I went!!

Rigg did well in the"spotlight". He really had no idea what was happening...but really enjoyed the cake! All those new toys weren't to shabby either.

Thanks to all those who came and tolerated the heat and loved on my sweet boy! It was a wonderful day and the memories are worth a little sweat!

on Rigg's health

Rigg is doing much better.

He had Rosiola (sp?) a virus that causes fever for 3 or 4 days then a rash. His fever is gone and now so is the pretty red rash... almost back to normal. I say almost because he is still pretty whinny and tired. however he is also breaking in some MEGA molars. So I think that is cause for some whining...

It is interesting to note that Caden had Rosiola right before she died. It was what caused her fever and rash...however on the day she broke out into her rash (when the virus has run its course) she went into a seizure and never came out of it.  The BIG difference is Caden would not eat and was EXTREMELY lethargic. I think I have mentioned this before, but the best theory is a metabolic disease. So the not eating and the lethargy plays into that. It is just a theory as they cannot prove anything...but this is also the reason specialists watch over Rigg the way they do...and FYI all of his tests and and blood work have come back clear.

Because this was so similar a situation to Caden's, I watched closely over Rigg. He was always alert and even though he felt badly, he was still a good eater. I think it is amazing how God keeps showing me how He is the one in control. I would not have wanted this situation, I would not have chosen for my son to get sick. But God, in His infinite wisdom, knows what we need, knows what we need to go through, knows how we need to learn. He knows how trust is built and how Faith is encouraged. He knows that by putting our feet to the fire we will turn to Him and hopefully glean wisdom and understanding for our situations.

I promise I am going to post birthday party pictures soon...

a week and a half is not too late... right?

trust

Last weekend couldn't have gone better. Rigg's birthday was wonderful, then Father's Day went by without a hitch. It wasn't until Monday that the smooth ride started to get a bit jerky.

I took Rigg to his 1 year check up. He has been teething BIG TIME! So when he felt a little warm.. I assumed teeth... the Doc looked him over, declared he looked great (just BIG! 25+ lbs. and 34 inches tall!) and proceeded with shots.
When he woke up from his morning nap with a fever...I assumed shots. We went about our day and his fever kept getting worse. Trying not to panic, I called the doc on call, he said we were doing all we could and to keep a close eye on him. Rigg's fever broke during the night... I assumed the shots were running their course and it was over.
Well the fever came back full force Tuesday afternoon. By 4:45 it was 105. I called the Dr. He said he would wait after hours til I could get to the office... he wanted to see the little guy.
As I was driving to the office, I prayed. I voiced (out loud) my fear and concern for my son.  It is an interesting thing, fear... always close enough to touch and the hardest thing in the world to ignore.
Rigg's fever had dropped by the time we got the the doc's office and he was acting so much better. The Doc thought it was too high to be from the shots... it is probably a virus.

As I was driving home, I prayed. I just thanked God for His provision. For a doctor who will stay after hours, who cares for me and my family, for medicine that was helping my son, for listening to me rant and voice my all to constant fear, and for calming my heart with a son who rebounds with laughs and giggles. I thanked God that no matter what the circumstance, I could trust in Him.

As I finished praying I thought about what it really means to trust in God.
Just because I trust in God does that mean my son will always be OK? nope.
Does it mean that I can rub a magic lamp, pray and ask for what I want and God, like a genie, just grants my wish? nope.

It simply means I have trust in who God is. His character and His word are unfailing.

*I Know God will always be with me...because He is faithful.
Psalm 138:2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.

*I know God will calm my heart... because He is the only one who can provide peace.
Psalm 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

*I know God loves for me... because God sent His Son to die to save my life.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

*I know God will give direction... Because He has promised...and God is truth.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

*I know God will hold me up in times of trouble...because He is the Sustainer and Great Provider.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.


*I know God is in control of all things...because He is the creator and all things are His to control.
Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

I trust in God, not because I think it will get me what I want, I know that is not always the case. I trust in God because He is trustworthy and He will always give me what I need...and what is best for me, even when it is hard to see or understand. His plan is always greater and always best. But most importantly...He is God, and He has the right to do whatever He wants, whenever He wants...and because He is good, and He loves me... I can rest in His decisions for my life. My only prayer is that I can point people to Him and that despite my stumblings and grumblings I can bring Him the glory He so rightfully deserves.
 
So even at my worst, when fear and doubt roll over me like great waves, I can take my troubles to God and trust in Him and in His decision for me...because He has been faithful to me before and I know He will be faithful again...no mater what my future holds...fevers or sickness, or death... When my God is with me, everything will be OK.

A Father's Day re-do

One of my favorite things about my husband is how absolutly extrodinary he is. Not in a famous, flashy, uber talented sort of way, but in an loyal, hardworking, dependable, caring, servant kind of way. That and, well, he is perfect for me... I love that too!

So in honor of Father's Day this year, I am going to re-post one of my favorite posts about the Captain...enjoy!

How do I tell him?
A long, long time ago, in a far away land, a princess had a chance meeting with a boy. He was handsome and charming. They sat and talked about life and what they wanted from it. Then it began to rain, and the princess knew she must leave. Later, after the wet clothes were long gone and the rain had all but soaked the countryside, the princess thought often of the young man, his face, his voice and his dreams. Little did she know she was as much a part of his future as he was of hers...

OK, so it was not that long ago...about 6 years and, well, not a prince and princess, per se, but me and the Captain...and not a far away land, necessarily, but 3 hours south of home...and not a chance meeting, we were staying with friends, and actually, went down together...but the rest of it is true...

So the summer we went on the mission trip to Bulgaria (and yes for whoever asked, it was Sofia) we went on a weekend trip to a friends house...about 10 of us. One evening, I was swimming in the pool, trying to persuade the Captain to join me, but he has this thing about swimming in pools, well a thing about swim wear actually, which I still do not understand...I digress. Anyhoo...we were chatting and talking about life...as you might recall from an earlier post, I had just broken up with a very serious, long time boyfriend...so I was rather intrigued with where God and my life would take me...because it, life, had changed so dramatically in such a short period of time. During the course of our musings, the Captain said something that I have recalled many a time over the last few years. I am sure of all the things the Captain has said to me, many of which he would be delighted if I could but conjure up at the appropriate occasion, this is not one he might remember...but I do. I think because I had never heard anyone say it. Most people, when talking about life, want something fantastic, they want fortune, or fame or, well, something extraordinary. But the Captain told me, when he thinks about what he wants for his life, he wants to "be an average Joe". He went on to explain that he did not want fortune or fame, but what he wanted was a close relationship with Christ. A solid marriage, to be a good dad to his kids and a loyal friend...to work a steady job, pay all his bills on time and "not stand out".

Since that conversation, I have fallen in love and married the Captain. And I have replayed that conversation in my head multiple times since.

The first time I really screwed up after we were married, and he immediately forgave me...and I thought... How do I tell him?

All the times he sent me flowers to work for no reason at all...and made all the other women green with envy...how do I tell him?

When he let me buy a dress just because " it called to me" even though he had to sacrifice something he might have "needed"...how do I tell him?

When I told him he was going to be a daddy for the first time and he raised a triumphant fist in the air...how do I tell him?
When he loved and kissed on his baby girl...how do I tell him?

When she died, all too soon...and he cried, and yet, was still a rock for me...how do I tell him?

When we got pregnant again and he smiled and cried at the good news...How do I tell him?

When he was told he had a brain tumor, and when asked if he was scared, his response was, only for me and what I was going to have to go through...how do I tell him?

When he had to work really hard to recover from surgery, and he never complained...how do I tell him?

When he held his son for the first time and thanked Jesus for a healthy baby boy...how do I tell him?

When he sits alone every morning with his coffee and his bible...how do I tell him?

When he comes home from work every day, tired, and still does the dishes or mows the lawn...how do I tell him?

How do I tell him that he left average in the dust a long time ago...

the big Rigg is 1

My little man turns 1 today. I cannot believe it is here. And yet, at the same time we are praising Jesus we are able to celebrate a birthday with our son... together. What a huge milestone and blessing!

Rigg, you have warmed our heart with your dimples, won us over again and again with your infectious laugh, and brought us to our knees in overwhelming gratitude to our Saviour with just your wonderful presence.

Happy Birthday my sweet, sweet boy!

We love you!

In other news

oh my goodness...

Have you forgotten about me?

I wouldn't blame you, I have been uber neglectful.

I will just say, in my defense, I am pregnant... and tired. And to tell the truth...not feeling all that swell. But, not complaining because the source of ickiness is a blessing and joy I would never complain about!
I have already contracted pregnancy brain. Andy and I went to run errands the other day...we were almost to our destination when I let out a small scream in the car. When Andy asked me what was wrong, I replied that I had no shoes, I was still wearing my house slippers... I am still not hearing the end of it!

Nothing has been resolved with the Captain's case yet. Keep praying. Hopefully we will have some news soon. I promise to keep you updated.

In much more delightful news... Rigg turns 1 on Saturday! I cannot believe it! He is such a funny little guy. Always moving and smiling.

Right now he can: Clap, wave, point, give kisses, and we are working on high fives... he almost has it down.

He also has10 teeth! I found 2 molars the other day...

My little man is not so little any more either... over 25 pounds and over 32 inches tall... a big Rigg for sure!

the incarceration of the Captain

If you thought those Chastains had some stories to tell, you have yet to hear the latest, crazy, unreal happenings in the Captain's life.

Most of you know where Andy was about a year ago. To refresh your memories let us harken back to the beginning of May 2009. Andy was recovering from brain surgery...a removal of a tumor on his left frontal lobe. The first week of May marked his first week back at work full time. He still could not drive, so I played chauffeur, and he was still having minor difficulty speaking, so he was not making calls or receiving them... just paper and computer work. Every night he would come home from work so tired he had just enough energy left to change clothes and drop into bed...this is usually the place where supper was served and eaten. Down time was a must and the Captain needed time without thought or distraction.

Also around this time, unbeknownst to us, a man of similar description to the Captain stole Andy's information and tried to obtain an illegal prescription... a class D felony. It would seem this man, not the Captain, got away, and all that was left in his wake was Andy's information... and a description that was similar to the Captain. So, on the 6th of May 2009 while we were home, and Andy was eating dinner in bed, recovering from a long exhausting day, a warrant for dangerous drugs was issued for my husbands arrest.

About a year later, the 4th of May 2010, Andy left early to go work-out before work. As he was approaching the workout center he was pulled over by a police officer. The reason: no official license plate, just a paper one...Andy's had been stolen off our car a week or so prior and we had not yet righted the situation. As the officer ran the Captains info... he discovered the warrant. He then preceded to handcuff the Captain and read him his rights. I received a call about 7:10 am from Andy, asking me to come get his car because he was being arrested... um, excuse me?

He told me as much as he could, which as maddenly little, and then I was talking with his arresting officer. Within 15 min I had Rigg and Richard in tow to go get the Captains car. I pulled up beside flashing lights and a sheriffs paddy wagon thinking this was all a big mistake and it would get fixed very soon...

I chatted with the officer who was kind enough to re-check the warrant... he even let me see it... it was Andy... But it couldn't have been Andy!!! A year ago he was recovering from brain surgery and he couldn't drive and I was a crazy lady who didn't let the man out of my sight!!! The nice officer assured me that my husband seemed like a nice guy...a steady job, a family man...it probably wasn't for meth or cocaine...but it could be for prescription drugs.... um, I do not think you are listening.... if you knew my husband you would think this is insane!

And then they carted the Captain away.

I was stunned. I didn't know what to do. What do you do when the world turns upside down?

I called my mom.

I called Andy's dad. I called everyone I knew in law enforcement. As the day progressed we found out someone had stolen Andy's identification...maybe his info from the hospital... who knows... we just knew Andy was innocent and being treated as if he were guilty of some huge crime. As we gathered bits and pieces of information Andy was being frisked, handcuffed, leg shackled, fingerprinted, had his mug shot taken, and thrown into a holding cell waiting to be extradited to the county the warrant was issued from. During all of this time he was given no information about why he was there or why he was being held. He was able to call... we had to pay for the privilege, but I got to hear his voice... and it sounded a bit hollow and shaky. I asked how he was doing...he said scared. It said Praise Jesus He made you big! He forced a laugh and said he was putting on his hard face and puffing out his chest hoping to be left alone.... I prayed for his safety.
He told me later that he was processed multiple times and each time they asked "any tattoos?" "any scars?" He said one time he was asked about tattoos in front of 2 or 3 guys who were tattooed from head to toe...he leaned in and whispered "no" hopping no one would look at him funny!

God was gracious to us in that we found a friend on the inside who was gathering info, pulling strings and calling in favors. I shudder to think what would have happened to the Captain without this man. From every source I talked to, I was told to expect Andy to sit in jail for 3 or4 days....3 or 4 days!!!!! For being innocent? CRAZY!!! Turns out, the county that he had to be extradited to only picks up their prisoners 2 or 3 times a month!!! One guy Andy was moved with had been waiting 5 days! God was in all the details, as officers were moving Andy and processing him they kept saying, "we never move people this fast..."
At 5 pm the Captain called again. He had been moved and was able to be bailed out... BAILED OUT!!! So at 7 pm on a Tuesday evening, I found myself seated across from Ed, from Easy Ed's bail bond services, paying money we do not have to bail my innocent husband out of jail for a crime he never committed.
Andy was released by 8:20 and we were in bed by10:30... but it is not over yet.
Andy has been to one court appearance, and we are hoping once our attorney gets the video, they will drop the case...pray the video is clear so they can see without a doubt that it is not Andy!

So there you have it, the incarceration of the Captain. Since then I have been filling our discussions with synonyms for jail. Asking Andy things like... what was it like in the slammer... good thing I was able to spring you from the clink... That guy looks like he might have been in the joint with you... One time, right before we fell asleep I yelled that there was a convict in my bed... And when he leaves in the mornings I politely ask he not get arrest that day.... I am busy!
Andy replies with a nod and some witty comment about now having street cred.

Although we are able to laugh and joke about this, it is a bit serious. Please pray for Andy. That the truth would come forth sooner rather then later and that his record would be as shinny and clean as it should be.
We are not sure what God is preparing us for...but it must be a doosey!