Dress rehearsal and KDAS recital

We put Raylee in dance this past August at KDAS so she could dance with her cousin Brently. She has mostly loved her class and her dance friends! Mostly she loved wearing the outfits ;) 

Anytime we have a choir performance at the church, Raylee dances and spins and takes over the whole stage! Quite dramatically, even. I've had several people tell me "That girl loves the stage." Or "She's headed for Broadway!" So naturally I was so pumped to see her dance at recital! I just knew she would get up there and immediately feel at home and do her thing! What crazy expectations we Mamas have! 

We had dress rehearsal the Wednesday before and she did exactly as I'd hoped! She knew the steps, stayed in her spot (which had previously been a problem) and was so cute! I was so excited to see the ballet next. That's when she acted exactly as I was afraid she would. After a good 30 seconds of spinning like a mad woman, she takes off to center stage and does her own little Raylee dance (all while the other girls are dancing so sweetly) then takes off running all over the stage! Well at least she was comfortable! 

    The little ballerinas waiting backstage.

During the few days before the recital, I coached her about staying in her spot. So when the day came, I had high hopes of cuteness overload. She gets onstage for her tap dance, waves and smiles.... Then the lights come on. Deer in headlights. Poor girl didn't move! The few times she did, she checked to make sure she was on her spot, then wouldn't get off even the slightest bit. I felt SO terrible! I killed her sweet, spunky spirit! The ballet was about the same. She was so scared of those bright lights. I told her how beautiful and sweet she was and how very proud I was of her. She did look really cute! And overall she said she had fun. That's all that mattered to me :) 

Beauty and the Beast

This time last year, we were in full swing of performances of Seussical the Musical. I played Mrs.Mayor. The reception from the community was so positive and incredible! We had a blast! It was then we found out that this years musical would be Beauty and the Beast. I knew immediately I wanted to be apart of it and I wanted Mrs. Potts! I mean, she had the best song in the whole show, right?! ;) 

              Me and my Who babies

                    Seussical 2014

I was blown away when I was cast as Mrs. Potts this past January. The whole process this year was much more exhausting and long due to some sad and unforeseen circumstances, but I'm SO glad I was apart of it. We SOLD OUT twice during this run and the whole town was buzzing about it! I have always loved being on stage (I started on on the same stage as this one about 25 years ago!) and I couldn't be prouder of the work we did!

Here's a few stage shots I got from SAU's Facebook page:

Obviously the costumes were AMAZING! 

Of course, my biggest fans were there to cheer me on! :) 

Snow Day!

Of course, it's been awhile since I've updated! Our computer had been on the fritz so I haven't had much opportunity. I've just downloaded the Blogger app (on my brand new iPhone... Woo!) so we'll see how this goes!

We've had some awesome weather this week! I absolutely love snow. It just makes everything so magical. Kids even play together in the street again like we used to when I was younger. You don't see that much anymore! And the best part about snow days is that Daddy gets to stay home with us! We always have more fun when he's home! 

We didn't stay out long because it was just so cold! But here are a few pictures of our fun!

First Sleepover

Raylee's cousins came to stay the night with us a few days ago while their parents were at work. They had so much fun that when they asked Raylee to come stay the night with them, I (reluctantly) let her go! We have a nightly routine at home that she pretty much depends on, and she still climbs in bed with us in the middle of the night, so I was a little worried about how she would do without us there. We talked about it all day and she was SO excited! She kept assuring me that she would not cry and she would be happy! She even said "Mommy, don't worry. If I need something, I'll ask Mrs. Devan." I mean, really? When did she get big enough to tell me something like that?! Anyway, the whole ride to their house she was absolutely pumped and told me over and over about how she wouldn't cry and she would have fun and be happy. So we dropped her off and told them to call us even in the middle of the night if she needed us. LD and I rented a movie, came home and grilled steaks, and settled in for the night.

About 11:30, my phone rang. When I saw it was from Devan, I knew we were about to go get Miss Priss! Raylee was on the other end and I could hear her poor sobs. She could barely catch her breath! I asked what was wrong and she could barely get out that she "just wanted to come home!" Well of course I was out of the door in 2 seconds flat! She apparently told Devan "I didn't want to sleep here. I just wanted to play last night!" And when Devan told her she was sorry, Raylee said "It's okay, it's not your fault." Lol! It was so late when we got home, I just put her in my bed with me until LD came to bed (he's a night owl) and we got to snuggle for awhile.

Even though she didn't make it all night, I'm glad she tried and had fun for awhile. And I secretly liked that she wanted us so badly! :)

Little Visitor

As most people know, I'm a stay-at-home mom and I love it! But really we've had to make a lot of sacrifices in order for me to stay home, though that doesn't really matter to us. We feel that this is what's right for our family, even if it means I have to drive an outdated van! So to make up for some of the money we're missing by me not working, I occasionally keep kids in my home. We usually have Ray's cousins a couple times a week and sometimes I'll randomly help out a momma in need.

This week we had 2 visitors, a 4 year old and a sweet little 8 week old baby. I was so in baby heaven! This little sweetie was the perfect baby! She slept, ate, giggled and cooed, and repeat. What I was most amazed at was my sweet girl. She was totally in love with the baby. She wanted to feed her, hug and kiss her, hold her and even just stare at her! It made my heart swell to see Ray with her. At one point, the baby got really upset ( I think she had some tummy problems) and me and Ray sort of looked at each other in shock. It's been almost 3 years since I've had a little one like that around! I tried to comfort her but it wasn't really working so I tried a few things before deciding it was gas and it would just have to pass. She finally started to calm down a bit and when she did I noticed that Ray was standing right beside us and singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. She was trying to calm baby down. Oh, I can't tell you how precious it was. I fought back tears and told her it was working. The baby actually did stop crying and listen!

She's still talking about the baby and about her baby sister. She's even been pretending her baby dolls are her baby sisters. It breaks my heart even more to see her so excited about having a baby around. I long to give her a baby sister (or brother!). I told her we would have to talk to Jesus and trust that He hears us! So we'll just cling to Him and wait.

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires." - Psalm 37:4

 

Her favorite spot when baby was on the floor

 

Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12307925/?claim=xm8uyb4u7kw">Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Seussical

Back around last September, my friend's husband (who also happens to be SAU's theatre director) told me they would be doing Seussical the Musical this spring and told me I should audition. I sort of laughed it off, knowing I would be embarrassing myself if I did! I didn't really think much else about it until January, when auditions were getting closer. He told me again to audition, then told my husband about it. Well, that pretty much sealed my fate... My dear, sweet husband practically dragged me up there! I was so unbelievably nervous. Like, what on Earth am I doing here with all of these college kids, most of whom are majoring in theatre! Hello! Out of place!

When I got a call back for the next day, I was floored! And terrified! What do you do at a call back like this? I didn't know what the heck I was doing! So I went...and thought I bombed. Really, there were so many talented students and community members. I told myself I would be content with an ensemble part and that would be that. The list was going to be posted that next day and I very patiently (not) checked the website 20,000 times. I got a text from my friend saying the list was up and there it was... I was cast as Mrs. Mayor of Whoville! I was ecstatic! I was....freaking out!

As nervous as I was, this turned out to be the most amazing experience. It was a lot of work, nights away from my family for rehearsal, tears because I still thought I was making a fool of myself and lots and lots of laughter and fun. God knew I needed this in my life at that moment. Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved (LOVED!) being on stage and performing. I am still so humbled and amazed that I ever got a chance to be a part of such a fun and exciting show!

 

The Grinch!

 

My little "who" people

Me with JoJo and Mr. Mayor

The Sour Kangaroo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes!

I've decided to change things up a little. I want to post more regularly and I wanted things to be different and fresh for me. I want to post about everyday life and things on my heart... just to remember this time in my life and the little things I might otherwise forget!

I chose the name "Consider the Sparrows" because of the verse in Matthew 10; 

²⁹ Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny?^[a] Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent.^{[b] 30} But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. ³¹ So don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows.


What a great reminder this is that God loves us. Even someone as insignificant as me. I want this to be at the heart of all I say and do. Nothing else matters - not letters, numbers, reading, writing. If I don't teach my child that she is important to God, I haven't taught her a thing worth knowing.

His eye is on the sparrow... And I know He watches me!

It's okay, baby girl.

Sometimes, I can really stress myself out. Most of the time for no reason. I come from a long line of stresser-outers. And since I'm so prone to stress, staying at home with my 2-year-old can sometimes drive me to drinkin' (obviously, that statement was false. My dad used to always say it and I'm more like him than I want to admit sometimes!). As much as I love being home and knowing I'm the one taking care of her, it can weigh pretty heavily on me from time to time. I'm definitely an extrovert/people person so if I don't get a good amount of time talking to adults, I get a little crazy. And a few days ago, I'd had it. I didn't want to think about dishes and laundry and potty mishaps. I didn't want to clean another room or wonder what to cook. I wanted to sit and watch Netflix. And drink a Dr. Pepper. I knew I couldn't do those things, however, so I just sat and wallowed for a minute. And of course, before I got too deep into wallowing, I heard a thud. I sat up and waited for the cry. The one that would tell me if she was okay, or if I needed to prepare myself for an ER visit. She cried the "Hey I fell, and I'm going to live but I could really use a hug or something" cry so I went in, grabbed her up and kissed her, but it didn't help. She just kept sobbing and it broke my heart. I started to sing the song I've sang for her often since we brought her home from the hospital. Just a simple song I came up with in the middle of one of those sleepless nights. She got totally silent, just listening and snuggling. We moved to the couch and I let her watch a little TV. After we had been there a few minutes she asked "Mommy, what did you sing for me?" I told her it was the song I always sing when she's upset. She said "I really love that song. I love you, mommy." Oh boy, talk about melting this momma's heart.

I love that God gives us moments like that. Little, almost insignificant moments that refresh our souls and nurture our spirits. On a day when I felt like I could run away and be declared insane, God used a precious little moment to remind me of why I stay home. Why I want to spend my days pouring into the soul of that little girl. So she can one day grow up and understand what it's like to be loved unconditionally by her mommy and daddy. So she can have the confidence and courage to live out the will God has for her life. What a blessing these days are.

Hello 21st century!

Why hello, blog world! We are officially out of the dark ages here in the Chastain home - we have internet again after...wait for it...4 YEARS! Though our youth group thinks we're absolutely archaic for not having the World Wide Web, it's really been a blessing for our family. Not just financially, though obviously that helped! It's sort of been freeing not knowing much about the happenings of the world around us. We've now completely cut out cable and though I didn't think I could make it, it's now been almost 5 months and I don't miss it! Don't even want it back. My husband can be pretty smart when he wants to be :)

Just for updating purposes, we bought our first home back in November. Our precious girl will be 3 years old this summer (impossible!) and the hubby is still the youth minister at our church. And because apparently I just love to torture myself, I am also performing in a musical at our local university in 3 weeks! Good gravy, I need another 2 months to prepare for that! Anyway, blog world, I hope we can be friends and continue to be in each others lives. Maybe now that we've joined the 21st century again, that won't be a problem!

I posted this verse on my Facebook earlier, but it has just stuck in my heart so much that I'll post here too :)

"Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring you quietness with His love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy." Zephaniah 3:17
kcb86vwhbv6

Oh yeah...I have a blog!

I cannot believe I haven't posted in so long! I mean really...some of the biggest things to ever happen in my life have happened...and I didn't post about! Please forgive me blog world!

Well, I guess the most important thing (and the thing that most of you already know!) I should post is...I'm pregnant! I honestly can't believe it...but my growing belly says it's true! Our precious little girl is due July 1st! Her name will be Raylee...but we can't agree on a middle name yet so that's coming soon! God has blessed BIG time! I always assumed it would be hard for me to get pregnant. I just never expected to wake up one morning and think "maybe I should just check?" and it be positive! I promise you, I flipped out! But Larry Don and I couldn't be happier with what God is doing in our lives and can't wait to hold this sweet girl!

That's really all that's going on in my life right now...it pretty much consumes all of it! So, I promise to try very hard to post about the little and random goings on more often! I'm sure you're just dying to know! :)

Does this still exist?

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long! Apparently, I had forgotten about this AGAIN! I'll try to be better! :)

So, let me just begin with saying...God is SO good! He has blessed us way beyond what we deserve this summer! He has put so many people in our path and blessed us through them...it's just unreal! What a mighty God we serve!

A few little updates...

I've lost 20 lbs. so far! I have SUCH a long way to go...and am far from where I should've been by this point (living with family doesn't do much for dieting!) but I'm still determined to hit my goal by summer!

We officially moved back to Magnolia! We really felt like God was calling us to surrender and stay...to drop our dreams and follow His. So, that's what we did! Pray for us as we look for a house and as I try to find a job!

Did I mention God is good? Not sure if I brought that up...just thought I'd put it out there! :)

So, I'll try to remember to post as interesting things happen! Not that they do regularly...but I'll still try!

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

It has begun...

Well, I worked really hard this week.... only to shed less than a pound! I was pretty upset about it this morning. I'm okay now, it's just so hard to try so hard and have little to show for it! 14 lbs gone is a good thing - but I wanted to be closer to 20 by now! Please, please send prayers my way! I don't want to give up or go backwards....this really NEEDS to happen!

Larry Don and I are officially moving back...for the summer anyway! We knew we were going to have to figure something out because this school is dumb and made us reapply for housing! Well, a few months ago, LD started to feel a pull towards youth ministry. I have always thought it would be good for him but he just wasn't so sure! He loves music, so he thought that teaching saxophone at the college level would be his #2 dream job (#1 being a touring musician!) so he kind of just ignored what he was feeling. A couple of months ago, we got word that Immanuel could need some help and LD met with Bro. Steven. They worked a few things out and now we will be headed to Magnolia to help with IBC's youth group! He won't be a leader or anything...he's just going to serve on the committee and help where needed! And eventually, this could be his career! We are so excited that God is moving us in this direction, though it's definitely one we didn't think we'd be going! So, now we have to get packed up and moved out within a WEEK! yikes....

Well, I didn't do so well this week! The Wii says weight lost is.....0.4 lbs. Ha! Oh well, I can just do better next week, right? Right! :)

I was reading my Bible the other day, and I had some verses blocked off. But for some reason, I didn't remember doing it! Now, everytime I read it I just get so excited!

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 9:38-39

Talk about amazing! I can't fathom anyone wanting to love me. I definitely can't fathom anyone who knew my inner thoughts and my sinful nature would ever love me! God loves us regardless of those things we don't want to admit to anyone else! I'm in awe of our beautiful Lord!

Well, we will be headed to Magnolia tomorrow for the weekend! We'll be getting some things ready for this summer. Hopefully I can let you know soon about what's going on in our lives! Things are pretty (scary) exciting!!

I'm reminding myself today that God will never give me more than I can handle. Sometimes, it seems I will buckle, but I know His hands are big enough for my troubles.

A little lighter...

Well, the first 12 lbs. are GONE! Thank the Lord! This definitely hasn't been easy, but it actually has been enjoyable! It's been so long since I've consistently lost weight (I'm losing 2 lbs. a week!) and I'm so excited to keep it up! I'm sure that plateau is coming, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there! Please pray for me as I continue on this journey!

To change the subject a little... I want to brag on my husband! Some really crazy things have been happening in my family the last several weeks, and it really has weighed heavily on me and my marriage. I can be such a woman sometimes - snapping at him for no reason, acting like he doesn't understand, etc. But I couldn't have married a better man! During those out-of-control moments, he will grab me up and hold me until I calm down. I always feel bad that he married into such a crazy mess, but he assures me that not only does he love me, he loves my wacky family! I have never met such a loving, godly man!

Oh, God! You really knew what you were doing!

A little trouble...

This really hasn't been a very good week. Or a very good few weeks.

There are lots of things going on in my mind today, none of which should really be discussed via the internet. But one of the biggest things weighing down on me actually has to do with God's people. I've been hugely disappointed and embarrassed by the way some people are acting about things going on in the world. Someone almost convinced me that I should be worried or scared, and that maybe my "moral values" are being compromised. I really struggled with this. I honestly prayed and asked that God put nervousness or discomfort in my heart if it was how I should feel (dumb, right?) But, go figure, He never did. So instead I have begun to pray that the same comfort and peace that I feel - the same trust and faith I have in this huge, mighty God - would take over the feelings of fear and doubt in God's people. We have not been given a spirit of fear, right?

On a lighter note, one of the highlights of my life so far is getting to be married to the most level-headed, honest, and godly man that I have ever met. I can't imagine anyone being a better spiritual leader ( though I know there are more, ladies. isn't this how we all feel about our men :) I can't believe that the guy I started dating when I was 16, would be the man I would grow old with! How could I ever be more blessed?

Ouch...

So not being able to walk really isn't on my list of things to do! Stupid Wii Fit hula hoop. Though said Wii Fit did tell me I lost 2 more pounds, I still could do without the leg/butt spasms! The hubby is out getting my medication as we speak, so I'll be much better soon!

Larry Don and I are trying to make some big decisions. I think that's all our marriage has been - one big bag of decision making. Sometimes I wish God wouldn't give us other options! Though I know that's a little bit silly. Christianity, and life in general, is full of options. It would be nice if God would spell out the answers for us, though! I keep opening my Bible, hoping to see the answer right there. The funny thing is, all I keep seeing is this funny word - "faith." Last night, I opened up to: "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God." 1 Peter 1:21

Hmm...okay God. I will trust in You.

I always forget I have this!

We're here in Natchitoches, though we're already waiting on the day we get to leave! Louisiana is a strange place. I'm currently able to stay at home and be a housewife, which I actually enjoy! Who knew I'd actually want to stay home and clean! I've found that I really love to find things that need to be done, and do it! I'm afraid I've spoiled my husband in the process, though. :) I guess that's not such a bad thing! We have about one more year here, then hopefully we'll continue on somewhere else for Larry Don to pursue his DMA(doctorate of music arts.) It'll be fun to call him Dr. Chastain! I also recently joined Weight Watchers and I'm happy to announce that I'm a full 6 pounds lighter! Not a whole lot lost yet, but I've got a long road ahead of me!

Larry Don and I just recently celebrated 6 since we started dating! I honestly can't believe it's been that long. It only took us a month to realize we wanted to spend the rest of our lives with each other! Look forward to the story of our love in the next post!

This verse stood out to me today - enjoy!

"Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession." James 1:17-18

How amazing that God counts US his prized possession! Oh, Lord, we are not worthy!

Wow! I knew this would never be updated! I'll try a litttle harder this time! :)

I guess the biggest news in our lives is that we're moving! Larry Don will be attending Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA in the fall... and we, obviously, will be living there! We're very excited... and a little nervous/sad. We don't mind leaving Magnolia. We don't mind leaving our families (actually, we're kinda ready for it!) But we're extremely sad to leave our church family! Waterbrook has been such a blessing in our lives, and we're not sure there's any place like it! But we're trusting that God has a church family there for us to join with and enjoy serving with just as much!

Well, until next time! Who knows when!!

Irritation!

What a great weekend! We spent way too much money... but sometimes I think that's necessary!

Larry Don and I spent most of the day in Arkadelphia today. He had a lesson and we watched the Jazz Band play! It was pretty... well.. decent :) But my cause of irritation came from two young ladies who thought flirting with my husband would be a good way to begin the evening. Now, normally, I don't mind it. It makes me feel like I've got a good catch (which I knew already :D). However, these girls made it very hard for me to be nice. Why would they think it was okay to flirt with my husband AND snub me? Oh well. I guess life's kinda tough all around :)

I'm pretty excited about Thanksgiving, though! I get to see the grandma I haven't spoken to or seen in 4 years, even though she lives right here in Magnolia! Oh how interesting my life is. You really should ask me about it sometime.

Have a Great Turkey Day!