Do you see anything odd about this picture?
The man loves his basketball shorts...even in 7 inches of snow...
Do you think they make thermal basketball shorts? Might be warmer...|:)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Mr. Independant
My little boy
Is getting so big
and becoming so independant
He can now do this!
And he is loving it!
Monday, January 4, 2010
resolved
I never make new year's resolutions. NEVER. Really, it is because I do not want to make one, then fail at it...so if I just never make one, I cannot fail. This has always seemed like a good plan to me.
Most new year's resolutions seem revolve around food...and trying not to eat it, or sweating it off...or resolving to eat only celery stalks for lunch...this is SO not me. I am a lover of all things eatible and have no will power to stay away form such treats. Nor do I intend to.
This year however the Captain and I made a joint resolution that did, in fact, revolve around food. We even shook on it! So now we are in for the long haul. A promise made is a promise kept in the Chastain household...we are people of integrity, a man and woman of our word. Our word is our bond kind of thing. So a resolution we made, and we are resolved to see it through.
Oh, you want to know what it is...OK.
We were eating out on our "big Christmas date" and got to talking about all the places we have never eaten...(in our city, not the world...that would be quite a long list)...so we decided that it would be a great idea to go one new place to eat every month. So this year we resolved to eat more...so to speak.
So if you know any great places to eat ( for a reasonable price of course) let us know...as I said before...we shook on it, so now we are locked into the deal...being the honerable and upstanding kinda people we are. So we will just have to eat our way through this year... (Ahh, sweeter words have never been uttered!)
Wish us luck!
Most new year's resolutions seem revolve around food...and trying not to eat it, or sweating it off...or resolving to eat only celery stalks for lunch...this is SO not me. I am a lover of all things eatible and have no will power to stay away form such treats. Nor do I intend to.
This year however the Captain and I made a joint resolution that did, in fact, revolve around food. We even shook on it! So now we are in for the long haul. A promise made is a promise kept in the Chastain household...we are people of integrity, a man and woman of our word. Our word is our bond kind of thing. So a resolution we made, and we are resolved to see it through.
Oh, you want to know what it is...OK.
We were eating out on our "big Christmas date" and got to talking about all the places we have never eaten...(in our city, not the world...that would be quite a long list)...so we decided that it would be a great idea to go one new place to eat every month. So this year we resolved to eat more...so to speak.
So if you know any great places to eat ( for a reasonable price of course) let us know...as I said before...we shook on it, so now we are locked into the deal...being the honerable and upstanding kinda people we are. So we will just have to eat our way through this year... (Ahh, sweeter words have never been uttered!)
Wish us luck!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Trust
Oh my goodness...yesterday I got to have lunch out like a real grown up person. I Know!!! You are just as stunned as I am right?! Andy watched Rigg...because he is off work on vacation (Andy not Rigg) and let me go have a leisurely lunch with my friend Mindy.
It. was. fabulous!
2 whole hours of uninterrupted conversation. We got to finish one…or two. I cannot remember the last time that happened. Again…It. was. fabulous!
I was telling her how hard it was having Rigg sick this past week or so. If I am honest…and I always try to be honest…it was harder having Rigg sick then it was when Andy was in the hospital for his surgery. Sounds a bit off, doesn’t it? I think it is because I knew I had no control what-so-ever over Andy or the outcome of his brain surgery…and with Rigg, I feel like because he is here and I am his mom, I should be able to make it better. That and having to re-live a baby with a fever was no fun. ( Rigg is doing much better now…and because of that, so are his parents…I might even be considered legally sane again in just a few short days!)
When Rigg was his worst…a fever, a nasty cough, that, if let alone, would become hard and deep enough he would gag and then puke…I was a total mess. It was such a struggle for me to give him and his health…his life, to God. To trust God enough to give Rigg over. I wanted to hold on, I wanted that control…and I had no power over his sickness. I was helpless at the wheel, yet still gripping it and refusing to let go and give control to the One who could steer us out of trouble. It seems crazy, after all the Captain and I have been through, to not be able to give it up to God. There were times when I would pray and say God take this worry and fear away, and then 3 seconds later I was having to pray the same thing again. Every second of every day was a battle over my thoughts and emotions. I wanted God to have it…but I kept taking it back. I was so tired. Physically because of lack of sleep, and mentally for the tug-of-war I was playing with God.
I know better…but at times, I would almost try and bargain with Him… I would start a sentence in my head…God, if you just make him better, get him through this, then I… I would what exactly? What are you playing at, Cari?
God is not a God of games and manipulation. He is not standing over me with a wicked smile on His face waiting on me to crack…He wants me to succeed, He wants me to trust Him and rest in Hs character, which, the last time I checked…was all it claims to be. I have never found Him wanting…
I shared all of this with my friend. She shared with me that the was listening to a sermon recently and it brought up a similar thread. Moses asked God to show him His glory. (Ex. 33:18) Which is a huge thing to ask…and in the sermon the lady said, do you now why we do not ask this same thing from God? Because we believe a lie from Satan. We believe that if we ask God to show us and demonstrate His glory in our lives that it will be too much of a risk…it will cost us too much…God will demand more then we can give or want to let go of. Do you see the lie friends? God is a God of goodness, love, compassion, and mercy. He does things for our good. Suffering is a part of this fallen world…but to the Christian, suffering is never wasted. God brings about the good…because that is who He is…He is goodness.
I have been thinking about that conversation all night…I need not wait for the “other shoe to fall”. I need only to rest in God, who I know Him to be. If I trust in God, His name, His character…then I do not need to be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
It. was. fabulous!
2 whole hours of uninterrupted conversation. We got to finish one…or two. I cannot remember the last time that happened. Again…It. was. fabulous!
I was telling her how hard it was having Rigg sick this past week or so. If I am honest…and I always try to be honest…it was harder having Rigg sick then it was when Andy was in the hospital for his surgery. Sounds a bit off, doesn’t it? I think it is because I knew I had no control what-so-ever over Andy or the outcome of his brain surgery…and with Rigg, I feel like because he is here and I am his mom, I should be able to make it better. That and having to re-live a baby with a fever was no fun. ( Rigg is doing much better now…and because of that, so are his parents…I might even be considered legally sane again in just a few short days!)
When Rigg was his worst…a fever, a nasty cough, that, if let alone, would become hard and deep enough he would gag and then puke…I was a total mess. It was such a struggle for me to give him and his health…his life, to God. To trust God enough to give Rigg over. I wanted to hold on, I wanted that control…and I had no power over his sickness. I was helpless at the wheel, yet still gripping it and refusing to let go and give control to the One who could steer us out of trouble. It seems crazy, after all the Captain and I have been through, to not be able to give it up to God. There were times when I would pray and say God take this worry and fear away, and then 3 seconds later I was having to pray the same thing again. Every second of every day was a battle over my thoughts and emotions. I wanted God to have it…but I kept taking it back. I was so tired. Physically because of lack of sleep, and mentally for the tug-of-war I was playing with God.
I know better…but at times, I would almost try and bargain with Him… I would start a sentence in my head…God, if you just make him better, get him through this, then I… I would what exactly? What are you playing at, Cari?
God is not a God of games and manipulation. He is not standing over me with a wicked smile on His face waiting on me to crack…He wants me to succeed, He wants me to trust Him and rest in Hs character, which, the last time I checked…was all it claims to be. I have never found Him wanting…
I shared all of this with my friend. She shared with me that the was listening to a sermon recently and it brought up a similar thread. Moses asked God to show him His glory. (Ex. 33:18) Which is a huge thing to ask…and in the sermon the lady said, do you now why we do not ask this same thing from God? Because we believe a lie from Satan. We believe that if we ask God to show us and demonstrate His glory in our lives that it will be too much of a risk…it will cost us too much…God will demand more then we can give or want to let go of. Do you see the lie friends? God is a God of goodness, love, compassion, and mercy. He does things for our good. Suffering is a part of this fallen world…but to the Christian, suffering is never wasted. God brings about the good…because that is who He is…He is goodness.
I have been thinking about that conversation all night…I need not wait for the “other shoe to fall”. I need only to rest in God, who I know Him to be. If I trust in God, His name, His character…then I do not need to be afraid.
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
God knew what He was doing.
Another year behind us...a new one starting before we can blink. It takes awhile to process a whole year. More time then I have these days.
I have enjoyed 2009. I have loathed 2009. I have laughed and cried through 2009 and I plan on looking back on this past year with slack-jawed amazment at what God has done.
As a Christmas gift for our parents I turned my blog into a book. I added only 4 extra writings. The one posted below is the first page of the book. It sums up how I feel about 2009...as I do about my life,
God knew what He was doing.
It started out so great, this life we started together. Wonderful wedding, the purchase of a new house…a dog. Then one day the news of an impending birth. A little girl. Happy grandmas and grandpas to be…even happier parents to be. Into the world came a gorgeous, plump, dark haired little wonder. Whose child was this? So chubby, so dark …so perfect. It was a continuation of something started long ago…a happy, wonderful life.
Then on an ordinary day, a sunny, warm, perfectly normal day, she went to Heaven. We all thought it was a little early for her to go. We were supposed to go first. It is the natural progression of things, but God knew what He was doing.
Just 4 short weeks later, a promise of hope arrived in the form of a new little life to anticipate and rejoice in. This time a baby boy. A chance to revel in all things blue. It was time to wrap our minds around trucks, balls and sports…to carefully balance joy and grief. A hard thing to do. But God knew what He was doing.
Suddenly the world was shaking. Fast. Hard. Wait, not the world. Just a man. A man who was supposed to be OK, strong, healthy. He was shaken not only in body…but rocked to the very core at the words “large mass” and “brain surgery.” Really, God? Now? But God knew what He was doing.
Recovery seemed difficult and trying at the time. Looking back it is but a blip on the radar scale. Flying colors is a good cliché to use for those 3-4 weeks. He sailed through occupational and speech therapy. He was back to his “old self” in no time. Recovery over…chemo ahead, 6 months. God knew what He was doing.
Baby boy arrived. Huge and perfect. He grew even bigger…and bigger. All smiles, belly laughs and a lover of football…already. He is a perfect balm for wounds still open. A hope for the future, a joy for today. God knew what He was doing.
It started out so great, this life we started together. It has run a different course than we planned. A different road was taken …a path less traveled by. It started out so great, so wonderful … and it continued to be so, because God knows what He is doing.
And even though you know the story from beginning to, well, present day. Here it is, in book form. Read, again, from the beginning. Laugh, cry, run your hands over the glossy pages of our precious baby girl, but in the end, look to Heaven and praise God for all the wonderful things He has done. Because He knows what He is doing.
I have enjoyed 2009. I have loathed 2009. I have laughed and cried through 2009 and I plan on looking back on this past year with slack-jawed amazment at what God has done.
As a Christmas gift for our parents I turned my blog into a book. I added only 4 extra writings. The one posted below is the first page of the book. It sums up how I feel about 2009...as I do about my life,
God knew what He was doing.
It started out so great, this life we started together. Wonderful wedding, the purchase of a new house…a dog. Then one day the news of an impending birth. A little girl. Happy grandmas and grandpas to be…even happier parents to be. Into the world came a gorgeous, plump, dark haired little wonder. Whose child was this? So chubby, so dark …so perfect. It was a continuation of something started long ago…a happy, wonderful life.
Then on an ordinary day, a sunny, warm, perfectly normal day, she went to Heaven. We all thought it was a little early for her to go. We were supposed to go first. It is the natural progression of things, but God knew what He was doing.
Just 4 short weeks later, a promise of hope arrived in the form of a new little life to anticipate and rejoice in. This time a baby boy. A chance to revel in all things blue. It was time to wrap our minds around trucks, balls and sports…to carefully balance joy and grief. A hard thing to do. But God knew what He was doing.
Suddenly the world was shaking. Fast. Hard. Wait, not the world. Just a man. A man who was supposed to be OK, strong, healthy. He was shaken not only in body…but rocked to the very core at the words “large mass” and “brain surgery.” Really, God? Now? But God knew what He was doing.
Recovery seemed difficult and trying at the time. Looking back it is but a blip on the radar scale. Flying colors is a good cliché to use for those 3-4 weeks. He sailed through occupational and speech therapy. He was back to his “old self” in no time. Recovery over…chemo ahead, 6 months. God knew what He was doing.
Baby boy arrived. Huge and perfect. He grew even bigger…and bigger. All smiles, belly laughs and a lover of football…already. He is a perfect balm for wounds still open. A hope for the future, a joy for today. God knew what He was doing.
It started out so great, this life we started together. It has run a different course than we planned. A different road was taken …a path less traveled by. It started out so great, so wonderful … and it continued to be so, because God knows what He is doing.
And even though you know the story from beginning to, well, present day. Here it is, in book form. Read, again, from the beginning. Laugh, cry, run your hands over the glossy pages of our precious baby girl, but in the end, look to Heaven and praise God for all the wonderful things He has done. Because He knows what He is doing.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Breakdown 101
To successfully achieve this particular breakdown you will need the following: One exhausted mom, one sick babe, and a fairly recent crisis involving another sick baby.
Once all are accounted for you are on your way.
First the baby must be ill. Lots of nasty coughing resulting in poor attitude and general all-around unpleasantness. Add a low grade fever and some cough/gag induced vomiting and you are off to a good start. The uncomfortable ness of the cough and fever will cause said baby to wake multiple times in the middle of the night. This, in turn, will cause the mother to become very tired and “fed-up” with the situation in general. Add to this the constant worry about the child and his health because of past experiences and you are on your way.
Once all factors have come into play it is just a waiting game. A fussy baby who has just vomited on his mother who is dressed and ready to out to lunch with an out of town friend is sure to speed up the process. After calling to cancel and changing the baby for the 47th time the mother will most likely snap at her husband in a very unladylike and unchristian way. She should then proceed to storm about the house with angry/distraught tears streaming down her face.
When she gathers enough of herself together to try and feed the baby again she will begin the actual breakdown itself. Sobs and copious amounts of tears will present themselves as she sits on the floor of the nursery feeding the baby. Once baby is asleep she will slump out of the room with the energy and go-getting attitude of a sloth.
When eyes are red-rimmed and all the tears have been shed, you can consider the breakdown a success. Congratulations! You have just completed your first baby-is-sick-and-you-have-had-enough breakdown!
Once breakdown has occurred there are many things one could do as a follow up. The mother could sit and wallow in a self-induced pity party. She could become angry that this has happened and stomp about the area at hand slamming and throwing things. She could declare loudly that she needs some air and go out into the sub-degree weather for a walk. Or, if she is like our most recent subject, she could sniff her way into her bedroom, look sadly at her husband and cry some more saying she is tired and does not like it when her son is sick. If the mother follows this last option she will find loving arms and an encouraging pep talk. As well as a “get dressed and go meet your friend, it is not too late…I will take care of him.”
The mother will then swell with gratitude and love towards her husband. As she is gone having a wonderful lunch with said friend, the baby gets a well deserved, extra long nap and is in great spirits by the time the mother gets home. Extra prayers for the health of the baby and thanks to God for the provision of a loving husband and reprieve from worry and fear are a good way to end on an upswing.
Although worry and fear are a side effect of most child-is-sick induced breakdowns, it does not have to be. A good dose of trust in God’s character and scripture will keep them at bay.
Good luck!
Once all are accounted for you are on your way.
First the baby must be ill. Lots of nasty coughing resulting in poor attitude and general all-around unpleasantness. Add a low grade fever and some cough/gag induced vomiting and you are off to a good start. The uncomfortable ness of the cough and fever will cause said baby to wake multiple times in the middle of the night. This, in turn, will cause the mother to become very tired and “fed-up” with the situation in general. Add to this the constant worry about the child and his health because of past experiences and you are on your way.
Once all factors have come into play it is just a waiting game. A fussy baby who has just vomited on his mother who is dressed and ready to out to lunch with an out of town friend is sure to speed up the process. After calling to cancel and changing the baby for the 47th time the mother will most likely snap at her husband in a very unladylike and unchristian way. She should then proceed to storm about the house with angry/distraught tears streaming down her face.
When she gathers enough of herself together to try and feed the baby again she will begin the actual breakdown itself. Sobs and copious amounts of tears will present themselves as she sits on the floor of the nursery feeding the baby. Once baby is asleep she will slump out of the room with the energy and go-getting attitude of a sloth.
When eyes are red-rimmed and all the tears have been shed, you can consider the breakdown a success. Congratulations! You have just completed your first baby-is-sick-and-you-have-had-enough breakdown!
Once breakdown has occurred there are many things one could do as a follow up. The mother could sit and wallow in a self-induced pity party. She could become angry that this has happened and stomp about the area at hand slamming and throwing things. She could declare loudly that she needs some air and go out into the sub-degree weather for a walk. Or, if she is like our most recent subject, she could sniff her way into her bedroom, look sadly at her husband and cry some more saying she is tired and does not like it when her son is sick. If the mother follows this last option she will find loving arms and an encouraging pep talk. As well as a “get dressed and go meet your friend, it is not too late…I will take care of him.”
The mother will then swell with gratitude and love towards her husband. As she is gone having a wonderful lunch with said friend, the baby gets a well deserved, extra long nap and is in great spirits by the time the mother gets home. Extra prayers for the health of the baby and thanks to God for the provision of a loving husband and reprieve from worry and fear are a good way to end on an upswing.
Although worry and fear are a side effect of most child-is-sick induced breakdowns, it does not have to be. A good dose of trust in God’s character and scripture will keep them at bay.
Good luck!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
A big hit
Ahh, another Christmas is past and this year it was wonderful.
You may be wondering about my mom and her new coat...
It was a big hit!
And so goes all my hard work, oh well, it was worth it!
Another big hit... my new slippers! ( I am super excited aout these because my old ones aided in my recent trip...down my basement stairs. New slippers! yeah!!!)
Presents were a big hit for the big Rigg...he was surprizingly into it. He enjoyed watching the wrapping paper being torn and seeing what was inside.
I have been working on our parents presents for months. I turned my blog into a book. I designed the cover and did every page layout...it took forever. I was so stoked when they came in I did a happy dance in my living room. Needless to say, the books...a big hit!
But the biggest hit of all this Christmas... was this little guy.
We are so grateful to God for our family. Although Caden was missed greatly we rejoiced and thanked our Savoir for what we have. Our friends, our family and most importantly the promise of forever with Him. On that day the celebrating will far surpass any we have ever known.
You may be wondering about my mom and her new coat...
Thursday, December 24, 2009
I wonder if she will know...
Every year my dad asks me to shop for my mom. He gives me cash or card and sends me on my merry way to buy his presents for her. He is a great gift giver...but I think all the hustle and bustle this time of year keeps him from doing it himself. He is just not the type of guy to go to a crowded mall by himself and shop.
I look forward to it every year. My mom is fun to shop for, and because I have great taste, she is always very stylish after the holidays. :)
This year was no different. I got the cash and was ready to go, then I got an email from my mom. She asked me to tell dad that she would like a dress coat. OK, since I already had the $, and I was doing the shopping...dress coat noted.
The Captain was gracious enough to give up a date night and go to the mall and shop for my mom with me...he is a great guy! I had in mind the kind of coat I wanted to get my mom...but right before I purchased it I thought "I better call her and make sure this is what she had in mind.". So with all the stelth of a bull in a china shop I called and asked vauge questions about what she might want...I bought what I already had in my hand.
As I lay in bed that night a brilliant thought came to mind. If she already knows what dad is getting her...why not make if fun? So the next day I spent an hour and a half making my master piece. Just so you know...the coat is a beautiful winter white...but whan I was done it was a lovely shade of gold wrapping paper.
When I was finished the new wrapped coat sported wrapping paper pockets, wrapping paper buttons and a wrapping paper coller...oh and cuffs! It was excellent!
I wonder, when I bring it over on Christmas, if she will know what it is?
(Incidentally, I made my mom promise she wouldn't look at the blog until after Christmas...)
I look forward to it every year. My mom is fun to shop for, and because I have great taste, she is always very stylish after the holidays. :)
This year was no different. I got the cash and was ready to go, then I got an email from my mom. She asked me to tell dad that she would like a dress coat. OK, since I already had the $, and I was doing the shopping...dress coat noted.
The Captain was gracious enough to give up a date night and go to the mall and shop for my mom with me...he is a great guy! I had in mind the kind of coat I wanted to get my mom...but right before I purchased it I thought "I better call her and make sure this is what she had in mind.". So with all the stelth of a bull in a china shop I called and asked vauge questions about what she might want...I bought what I already had in my hand.
As I lay in bed that night a brilliant thought came to mind. If she already knows what dad is getting her...why not make if fun? So the next day I spent an hour and a half making my master piece. Just so you know...the coat is a beautiful winter white...but whan I was done it was a lovely shade of gold wrapping paper.
I wonder, when I bring it over on Christmas, if she will know what it is?
(Incidentally, I made my mom promise she wouldn't look at the blog until after Christmas...)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Merry Christmas!!!
I have been doing better...not worrying SO much. Thank you for all of your kind words of encouragement and prayers...it means ALOT!
Rigg is doing well. He is so smily and happy. This evening he entertained the room at large with giggles galore.
And my joy overflowith.
I was putzing around the house this morning. Getting very little done, to be honest. I went in to check on Rigg during his nap and found a sweet surprize. He has recently been reaching out and grabbing at obejects that are within his reach. He must have been playing a bit before he fell asleep because when I went in to check on him he was hugging a toy doggy. It was so sweet, I ran out to get the camera. He had moved a little bit by the time I got back, but I snapped a photo anyway...the sound and flash made him jump a little in his sleep...I immediatly hit the ground so he wouldn't see me and duck-walked out of the room. I laughed at my nerdyness. But I got the pic!
The Captain just informed me that for my Christmas present he is taking me to a very fancy shmancy hotel and out to eat tomorrow night. SUPER EXCITED!!! This is the first time EVER we have left a child overnight. We never did it with Caden (never had a reason to) and have not yet left the big Rigg. I am torn between elation over sleeping in and nervousness about being away from the babe...I think the sleep will win out in the end!
And then it is Christmas...where has time gone?!?!?!?
I love Christmas. It evokes warm, cuddly memories in me. I absolutly soak up the day itself. All the time sitting and laughing with family...and all the food...ahh, heaven on earth....
I am so thankful to have a Christian family, both mine and Andy's. It is wonderful to get together and share the same thoughts and feelings about the Holiday. To read the Christmas story...to pray and worship together on a day set aside to remember the baby, the baby who came to save us all. A baby who grew into a man who died on a cross for my sin. He took the penalty for my sin, my shame and because of His work I can live forever in Heaven. I am greatful for the baby. I am in awe of the way God chose to save the world. At Christmas I rejoice in the begining of the story that is still being written in the hearts of believers until His return.
And as I have said before...what a glorious day that will be.
I love Christmas, because it is not about me, it is all about Jesus and what He has done.
Merry Christmas and much love and peace to you this year.
Rigg is doing well. He is so smily and happy. This evening he entertained the room at large with giggles galore.
And my joy overflowith.
The Captain just informed me that for my Christmas present he is taking me to a very fancy shmancy hotel and out to eat tomorrow night. SUPER EXCITED!!! This is the first time EVER we have left a child overnight. We never did it with Caden (never had a reason to) and have not yet left the big Rigg. I am torn between elation over sleeping in and nervousness about being away from the babe...I think the sleep will win out in the end!
And then it is Christmas...where has time gone?!?!?!?
I love Christmas. It evokes warm, cuddly memories in me. I absolutly soak up the day itself. All the time sitting and laughing with family...and all the food...ahh, heaven on earth....
I am so thankful to have a Christian family, both mine and Andy's. It is wonderful to get together and share the same thoughts and feelings about the Holiday. To read the Christmas story...to pray and worship together on a day set aside to remember the baby, the baby who came to save us all. A baby who grew into a man who died on a cross for my sin. He took the penalty for my sin, my shame and because of His work I can live forever in Heaven. I am greatful for the baby. I am in awe of the way God chose to save the world. At Christmas I rejoice in the begining of the story that is still being written in the hearts of believers until His return.
And as I have said before...what a glorious day that will be.
I love Christmas, because it is not about me, it is all about Jesus and what He has done.
Merry Christmas and much love and peace to you this year.
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