Braves Home Opener vs. Pirates

The Braves' home opener is tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates with Tom Glavine as the starting pitcher for the Braves. Wish we could be there, but I have a guys Bible study on Monday nights. Anyway, there is a lot of excitement around here that the Braves might be back in the hunt for another title this year. Of course, every team can say that this time of year, right? So, we'll see you September and see where things stand then. Until then, "Go Braves!"

Cinderella Ballet

BLOG NEWS FLASH: This is our 100th post. Not much in the larger world of blogging, but something for us to celebrate nonetheless! :0)

On Sunday afternoon, Kristy and Ann Ferris attended Perimeter Church's Academy of the Arts ballet performance of Cinderella at the Wesleyan Auditorium. AF had several friends in the ballet, which made it especially fun to attend. Ann Ferris had aspirations of being a professional ballerina years ago when we lived in Tupelo. Below are a few pictures of AF participating in a December 2002 city-wide performance of the Nutcracker in front of over 1,000 people (Yes, there were a lot of proud moms and dads there that night!). Since living in Tupelo, she has not had access to classical ballet, so her training was short lived. But since she has such fond memories as a little girl, she still loves the art and the atmosphere of the ballet.

Demonstrating good ballet form.

Ann Ferris is in the center.

The following pics are of her recital from spring, 2003.

Receiving the traditional flowers of appreciation after a recital.

I remember this as if it were yesterday.

Sarah Wynn Over the Vent

Sarah Wynn stood over the floor vent today, the result being quite funny. At least she thought so! :0)

Schaeffer's Latest Game

In yesterday's soccer game, Schaeffer scored his team's only goal, which lasted until mid-way through the second half, when the other team finally punched the ball in for the tie. Then, just before the final whistle (literally with 2 seconds to go in the game), an opposing player scored off of a really great kick that went through the defense and into the corner of the goal. Schaeffer also played goalie for about 1/3 of the game (see picture), trying to protect the 1-0 lead. He stopped all shots on goal and had a few really good feeds. He wasn't expecting to play in goal, but enjoyed wearing the yellow jersey for a while.

Sarah Wynn Reads First Book

Tonight Sarah Wynn read her first book. It is called simply, "Mat," the first in the Bob Book Series. We all celebrated with her, and, as you can see, SW is pretty fired up herself.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Today I hiked Amicalola Falls State Park (about 45 miles or sonorth of our house), known for Amicalola Falls, the tallest waterfall (729 feet) east of the Mississippi River. It was a bit hazy, so the "scenic pics" do not do the landscape justice. But the videos below give a sense of the big falls and the creek that flows below. About a five mile hike toward the beginning of the Appalachian Trial is a unique, back-country Inn called the Len Foote Hike Inn. Maybe one day...

Here are some highlights.

This shot was taken on the hike up to the top of the falls.

This is the top section, and man, the guy behind the camera is seriously winded.

A self-portrait near the top.

The view over the valley from the top of the falls. Unfortunately, the haze cuts out an entire range of mountains in the background.

A "scenic view" (so much better on a clear, hazeless day) from the eastern trail coming down from the falls. For a few minutes the sun broke through and each ridge came alive with light. Beautiful. Click on the picture if you'd like to see a bit more detail.

This signifies the entry to the "approach" to the 2,000-plus mile Appalachian Trail. The actual southern terminus of the AT is at Mt. Springer, 8.5 miles ahead. Notice that the sign indicates that the northern terminus is at Mt. Katahdin, Maine, 2,108.5 miles away. Maybe I'll block off an entire weekend and do the whole thing. :0)

This video is of the upper section of the falls. Awesome!


This video is of the creek below the falls.

Princess Sarah Wynn

This past Wednesday, Kristy took Sarah Wynn with her to "The Homeschool Hangout" bookstore. Sarah Wynn loves playing with the puzzles and looking at the children's books. This week, she wanted to go as "Princess Sarah Wynn," with dress, gloves, red shoes and all. Here she is by and in her "carriage."

Fender Bender

Late yesterday afternoon, as Kristy and the kids were pulling out of Perimeter, a truck made a u-turn and the two vehicles collided. A witness described what happened to the police, claiming that the truck made an illegal u-turn after Kristy had begun her turn. Anyway, we are thankful that no one was injured, although the van's left corner got crunched.

So Long Chikezie

Thursday, March 27, is a day of lament in the Caston home. Chikezie was Sarah Wynn's favorite participant on American Idol, but last night he sang his farewell. And don't worry, we have a DVR, so we are able to skip the commercials. If you have a TV but don't have a DVR or Tivo, get it. It is worth every penny. Anyway, this morning when she found out that Chikezie had been "eliminated" from the competition, she shed a few tears of sadness. Maybe we'll have to take her to see him when the AI Tour comes to Atlanta. While most four-year-olds will be at the Sesame Street show in Marietta, the preacher's four-year-old will be rockin' with American Idol at the Philip's Arena downtown! :0)

Making Room for Life

I recently read a book by Randy Frazee called Making Room for Life: Trading Chaotic Lifestyles for Connected Relationships. Although some of Frazee's exegetical points may not be airtight, his thesis is worth considering, not to mention a number of practical suggestions that he makes. Our family is in the process of making a number of experimental changes to our life routine along the lines of the "Hebrew Day Planner." What am I talking about? Find out in a helpful review here. And if your interest is piqued, get the book here.

However, with anything that promotes "good ideas/applications/suggestions," we have to be careful not to turn them into legalisms. But neither do we want exceptions to become the rule. Anyway, the main thing I have gleaned is that I need to work hard, and then put it down so that I can engage my family without distraction. The concept behind the Hebrew Day Planner is proving to be a big, big help.

Meet Dr. Jeffrey Gallups

This is Dr. Jeffrey Gallups. He is the facial plastic surgeon who is monitoring Sarah Wynn's progress following the wound she sustained to her face last fall. Today we met with him for her six month check up, and he says she is doing well and that we're going to stay the course. According to his prognosis, after the redness goes down, the scar will not be very noticeable. However, he is leaving open the possibility for a revision if we want to pursue that option, though he does not think we'll go that direction, nor does he recommend that now. We'll just have to wait a couple of years and see. Anyway, I wanted to post his picture as a tribute, because he has an incredible "bedside manner," and treats Sarah Wynn like a princess. Also, he is showing considerable character, since he could recommend a revision and make a lot of money on it. So thanks, Dr. Gallups, for treating our little girl with such kindness, and being someone that we can trust.

King of Four Square

Although both Ann Ferris and Schaeffer are pros at Four Square, today after Classical Conversations about 12 boys played Four Square in the rec room, and I got to witness Schaeffer rule in the King square (server position) for most of the game. Way to go King Schaeffer!

EDITORIAL NOTE: Okay, Kristy has reminded me that we are teaching our children to serve others, not to rule them. But interestingly, the role of the King position in Four Square is to serve. Hmmm... I wonder what gospel oriented applications/connections we can squeeze out of that analogy.

Easter Sunday: Worship, Picnics, Kites, Bubbles, Eggs, Etc.

Today, after an awesome, awesome morning of gathered worship at Perimeter, we joined several families for a picnic, kite fly (it was a world class kite day!) and easter egg hunt in the city part of Alpharetta, GA (a northern suburb of Atlanta). Here are some highlights.

Sarah Wynn counts her egg collection.

Sarah Wynn and friends get ready to blow some serious bubbles.

Just couldn't wait to get home to eat her chocolate eggs. Can you blame her?

Ann Ferris and friends. Notice the great playfort in the background. It is hugemongous. :0)

Some of the picnic/egg hunt/kite fly crew.
Or as I like to call this one, "Schaeffer and the Ladies." :0)

Sarah Wynn and Daddy flying a kite.

The picnic (again, notice the fun playfort).

Here is a partial pic of the kids in their "Easter outfits" (Sorry, the vertical shot didn't turn out very well). Ann Ferris' dress is so classic. Sarah Wynn thought hers was for a princess. And Schaeffer had on some seersucker slacks- very sharp. Even though on most Sundays folks dress casual at Perimeter (only visitors wear ties :0), Atlanta still has enough southern influence that many folks still dress up a bit on Easter.

Schaeffer Scores, but Leopards Lose

On a perfect day for soccer (sunny and in the 70s), Schaeffer scored his team's only goal off of a fantastic center pass from teammate, Daniel. But in the end, it was not enough, and the Leopards fell from the ranks of the unbeaten. Undefeated seasons are hard to come by these days, aren't they? :0)

His upcoming game is next Saturday. I'll be sure to provide a post-game report.

Crawfords Visit from Jackson, MS

Last night (Wednesday) friends from Jackson, MS, Jack and Libby Crawford, with their children, Adam, Vann, Thad and Sayley, came over to our house to eat and watch the Ole Miss UC-Santa Barbara NIT b'ball game. It may not be the BIG dance, but it's still a jig. Jack was my roommate at Ole Miss and a fraternity brother in Sigma Chi, while Libby was Kristy's "big sister" in Chi Omega. Our unions have created a new fraternal called Sigma Chi Omega. :0) The Crawfords were in Atlanta for spring break, and spent most of their time at Stone Mountain Park, which is the most visited attraction in Georgia (with the possible short-term exception of folks going d'town to look at the tornado damage). It was so good to see old friends! Here are some highlights...

The dads

The big kids (minus the 2 little ones) enjoying supper on the porch.

The adults watching the game, or American Idol...

The boys watching the game, or American Idol...

The littles, Sarah Wynn and Sayley

Orthodontist

Today I took Ann Ferris and Schaeffer for an orthodontist consultation. Ann Ferris is ready, and will get braces in the next few months. Schaeffer is still a year or two away. You can make out your checks to "The Caston Braces Fund." Unfortunately, gifts are not tax-deductible. :0)

19 Deer

Recently we saw 19 deer (15 doe and 4 bucks) in the next door neighbor's backyard eating the feed he puts out. The video doesn't do the scene justice (for you can only see about half the deer), but you'll get the idea. This was filmed from our bedroom window.

Tornado in D'town Atlanta

We're okay. Thanks for those of you who called out of concern. The truth is that some friends of ours from Mississippi were in more danger than we were. They were at the State game in the Georgia Dome, which took a good bit of damage from the storm. We were at home about 25 miles north of downtown.

The Birthday Boy

Today was Schaeffer's 10th birthday, which now means that we only have one left in single digits. We began the day with a breakfast of donuts and muffins, and gave him some of his gifts then. But waited until this afternoon for the "biggie," which was my old Fort Apache play set that I loved as a little boy. My grandfather boxed it up over twenty years ago for me to give to my son. I wish he were alive to be here for the unveiling. See the pics below of him setting it up. We are so thankful that God gave us Schaeffer. He is a very special boy, with very special sisters, too. :0)

B'day breakfast. Donuts, muffins...

...and oh yeah, and we also had a ham. :0)

Blowing out his b'day candle on his donut (the cake comes later in his b'day week).

Best friends.

Sarah Wynn's hero.

Unwrapping Fort Apache!

One of Schaeffer's first set ups.

A close up of a battle scene.