One of those moments....

I'm realizing that the day is filled with many different "moments." We could be having a great moment one minute and then all of a sudden we're all about to lose it! It hit me during one of the not so good moments yesterday to film this moment. So, lest you think that things are always fun and smooth-sailing here at the Chasteen household, I have proof to show you otherwise.

Carson got a little boo-boo outside and for whatever reason was being quite dramatic about it. Because Carson was crying Bryn was crying and then Lydia started to fuss as well. Enjoy:)

Baptism at the Lake

One of my favorite things we do as a church body is celebrate the ordinance of baptism at the Y-beach on Lake Hartwell. This Sunday evening we had a baptismal service and a I took a few pictures.

Carson & Reese listening to the music

Bailey & Ronnie

Carson & Will

Watching the baptisms from the beach

I couldn't actually "see" any of the baptisms because I was watching this beautiful girl

Carson's Birthday

We got Carson a new bike with training wheels for his birthday. He was very excited and right when he saw it he said, "awesome!"

We had the Finleys over for dinner and cake to celebrate Carson's birthday
Reese, Carson, Will, Bryn

Stu & Clark

Carson requested me to make a white cake with white icing. I'm not much of a baker so this was a big deal:)

Cayce & Lydia

Reese delivering the cake

Jeremy making sure he gets the piece he wants (don't mess with him and sweets)

I think Bryn enjoyed her cake

Happy Birthday Carson

Four years ago today Carson was born in Raleigh, NC at 3:27 am. He was a big boy weighing in at 9 lb 14 oz and 23 inches long! He has been such a joy to us since that wonderful day and we cannot imagine life without him. He is growing up so fast, it's hard to believe we have a 4 year old. He loves learning and asking "why" about everything as he learns. He still loves anything with wheels and he loves being read to. He also loves playing outside and exploring in the woods. We look forward to seeing what his fourth year of life holds. Thank you Jesus for this precious gift! We love you Carson, Happy Birthday!

Carson on his "birth"day

Carson's first birthday

Carson's second birthday

Carson's third birthday

Carson's fourth birthday

This morning Carson woke up to a room full of balloons (which he counted before coming out...22 in case you were wondering) and came out fully dressed, which he NEVER does. I asked him why he was dressed and he said he just wanted to get dressed for his birthday party:) He is so excited. He had a hard time falling asleep last night and he is full of questions about the day. We had a big breakfast and sung happy birthday to him. We love you Carson!

Bryn in the Newspaper

Yesterday our whole family had lunch at Jaycee park in downtown Clemson and there was a lady there taking pictures for the newspaper and Jeremy and Bryn made it in the paper! I have yet to see the real paper (Tara is bringing me a copy) but click here and you can see the online paper. Not the best expression on Bryn's face but still fun that she made the paper. This is the picture that is in the paper.

smiles & coos

Ainsley is home!

On Friday my family returned from China with my new niece, Ainsley! We are thrilled to have them back and so thankful to the Lord for safety and good health. I know they are eager to introduce her to her new home and begin their new life as a family of 5! Ainsley has truly blossomed since her "gotcha day" and we know she will only continue to blossom with every day. We are so excited to meet her in a few weeks! Welcome home family!

Clarke family of 5!

Andrea with her little china doll

This is a very special picture. I bought Ainsley this bathing suit during the summer of 2005 when my sister and her husband started the adoption process to get Ainsley. It is a 6-9 month bathing suit so we thought she wouldn't be able to wear it after hearing that she would be 16 months when they got her....but look at how good God is! She got to wear the bathing suit in China....and it fits perfectly! Isn't she adorable!

Beautiful smile....such a reward!

Proud parents of a new baby girl. We are so happy for you Andrea & Bryan, you have a beautiful daughter! We love her already!

Girlfriends

This weekend a group of my college girlfriends and I went to the mountains together. We stayed at Susan's family cabin in Cashiers and it was a sweet time of fellowship. I am so blessed and thankful for wonderful girlfriends from college. It is a joy to walk through life with these girls who spur me on and point me to Christ. Thanks for a special weekend girls, I love you!

Here we are! L to R: Sage (holding Lydia), Reagan, Liz, Cayce (holding Walker) & Susan

We did a lot of this....hanging out in our PJs talking...and lots of eating:) It was perfect!

Walker (Sage's second baby) & Lydia got to join us for the weekend. I enjoyed getting time away from home with just Lydia to enjoy this baby stage:)

Baby Walker and me...such a sweetie!

Susan on the rope swing...showing us how it's done!

Sage getting ready for her swing

Weeeeeeee

Cayce getting ready

Sage getting some sugar from her Walker

Carson Date

After months of talking about going on a date with Carson we finally went today! Carson has been asking to go on a date with me for awhile now and we said that we would go eat sushi when we went on our date. Needless to say the last few months have been a little crazy with getting back from Hilton Head, having a baby, and taking care of a newborn. Carson has been so patient as he has waited for this date. Krystal came to watch Bryn and Lydia so that we could finally have our special date. We had a sweet time together.

At the sushi restaurant

Carson getting lessons on how to use the chopsticks

Pouring his soy sauce in his dish

Taking his first bite of sushi

yummy!

Carson even tried the wasabi (very spicy) and pickled ginger (smells like laundry detergent). I warned him that I don't prefer either but that he could try them if he wanted to. He was so brave and quickly tried both.

This was the quick reaction after sampling the wasabi....not so good:)

Carson got to take a picture of mommy

Then we enjoyed something sweet at Sonic

Carson and I at the library. We enjoyed reading books together....one of his favorite things to do.

I love this little man. On our way to our date I called him my "sugar pie" and he told me not to call him that. I said but you're my "honey" and he said, "I know, but just call me Carson." He's growing up! This was a timely date and well worth the wait!

Game Time

Jeremy's brother and his family came to visit for one night and we enjoyed our time with them. It's always a joy to get time together with them. We all went to the Crosspoint tailgate before the football game today and then Jeremy, Jon, Carson & Ava went to the game while us mommies and little ones went back to the house and watched the game from home...much more comfortable if you ask me:)

Walking to the church to tailgate...quite the entourage

Me with my sweet girl in her cheer leading outfit

Our second picture of our family of 5

Jon (Jeremy's brother), Leigh, Ava & Emet

Lydia (1 1/2 months) & Emet (4 1/2 months)