For those of you who don't already know, Chase got sent back to the Lake County Captains on July 29th. He got the news while the Indians were on a road trip, so he had to fly from Winston-Salem, NC to Cleveland, OH with only the stuff he had packed for their one week trip. And he's been living off of that for over two weeks now (He did make a trip to Wal-mart for clean socks and underwear, tho). Haha!
This news put us in kind of a bad position, because we were only a couple days away from August, and in order to get out of paying rent for that month, we had to be moved out before the 1st...and Chase wasn't coming back to Kinston. We had to make a quick decision that I would not be going to Ohio with him for the month left in the season--it just didn't make sense for us to move all of our stuff up there and get an apartment for such a short period of time. So, I was going to pack up our stuff and take it back to Georgia.
What would we do without family? After I got the news, I called a person I knew I could count on--Mom. She and my brother, Ian, were able to come up on SUPER DUPER short notice to help me get moved out. Aren't they just amazing? They drove up to Kinston Friday night, and we packed up the cars, cleaned the apartment, and were on our way out of town by lunch time on Saturday. I don't know what we would have done without their help! (Except maybe be out a month's rent!)
This kind of lifestyle can be very difficult. It was heartbreaking to find out that I wouldn't be seeing Chase in 3 days, like expected, but that I really didn't know when I would see him again. I realize that may seem a little dramatic, but in the moment, before I had time to process anything, it felt like my little world was ending.
But don't worry, because now, I have a ticket to go up and visit him on August 31st. It still feels like forever away, but at least I have a date to count down to. And I am in Georgia, surrounded by our wonderful family and friends, who are great sources of support and distraction.
Please pray for us as we are apart--that is never easy. And pray that Chase's little bag of clothing lasts him until I can come up-haha!
Going with the flow,
Caitlin
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
taming the terrible tongue tirade (complete with tongue twisters)
Those of you who read this blog regularly know that I normally don't rant and complain often. And those who know me also know that I don't get angry very often. And yelling...that just doesn't happen...ever. But, there's been something that is bothering me lately and this is a good outlet.
It's hard for me to think of another profession in which one performs almost entirely in the public eye like Chase does every day (maybe a politician would compare). While it can have its good moments--others are quick to congratulate when you are doing well, it unfortunately has its downfalls, too.
It seems more and more that people are coming to the games, not to cheer on the team, but for entertainment. I know that is what baseball is about--fun, games, entertainment. However, when that entertainment becomes making fun of and taunting the players and coaches, I believe that crosses the line. And we are not talking about kids--these are grown men and women. It seems that there is little respect for the time and effort these players and coaches put in and the level of skill it takes for them to compete here.
It is the hardest thing to sit in the stands and have to listen to people criticize and belittle my husband and his teammates when what I really would like to do is to ask them to be quiet (rather impolitely), inform them that the person that they are referring to is my husband, and tell them how much more entertaining it would be to watch THEM go down on that field and try to hit the baseball! I mean really...do they honestly think they could do a better job that these players? Because they way the carry on, it sure seems like it.
But, that would not be very Christ-like of me to do or say. So I just sit; I try to tune it out.
Baseball is a hard game to play. Even the BEST of the BEST are lucky to succeed at getting a hit 30% of the time. Therefore, it's very easy to get frustrated and upset when you are failing more than succeeding; especially when you have silly (and sometimes drunk) people yelling at you whenever you don't.
USA Today--The hardest thing to do in sports: getting bat to meet ball
I would like to think that this issue may be the worst at this level-being that hardly anyone has a loyalty to a minor league team and so those who come mostly do for the entertainment/social aspect. In college ball, as well as in the bigs, most go to support "their" team, or they at least feel some sense of respect for the players.
I know there will be criticizing and taunting at every level of athletic competition. Competition can certainly bring out the worst in people, can't it? Whether Chase does make it to the Big Leagues, or if it's our son or daughter playing T-ball, I'm sure we will have to face it in the future. That doesn't make it alright. And this sort of disrespect for other people is certainly something that we will NOT want to teach our children (Lord willing that we have some one day).
Alright, enough with the angry rambling. It's not all bad--it's sweet and endearing to hear the little girl behind me say "Oh, I like Chase, he's cute!" (not so sweet and endearing if the girl isn't so little), or hear the boy on my row scream, "Go Chase Burnette!" when he is up to bat. I hope these children won't learn to disrespect the players from adults that may be sitting around them in the future.
Please, the next time you go to a sporting event--whether it be your child's soccer game, a high school football game, or a Braves game, show respect for the players and coaches by minding your tongue. And teach your kids to respect them, too. Just because the players are competing publicly, they shouldn't become targets for public ridicule. How would you feel if the player being taunted or criticized was your child or husband?
Thanks for reading my little diatribe. It sure feels better to get it out there.
And now for the tongue twisters : ) This post needs something to lighten it up.
Even though this has nothing to do with anything...here we go, take a whack at these:
Ed had edited it.
Give Mr. Snipe's wife's knife a swipe.
Red leather, yellow leather.
The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick.
Betty Botter bought some butter,
"But," she said, "this butter's bitter.
If I bake this bitter butter,
It will make my batter bitter.
But a bit of better butter -
That would make my batter better."
So she bought a bit of butter,
Better than her bitter butter,
And she baked it in her batter,
And the batter was not bitter.
So 'twas better Betty Botter
Bought a bit of better butter.
Three free throws.
If you need even more practice taming that tongue of yours, you can click here.
Love to everyone,
Caitlin
It's hard for me to think of another profession in which one performs almost entirely in the public eye like Chase does every day (maybe a politician would compare). While it can have its good moments--others are quick to congratulate when you are doing well, it unfortunately has its downfalls, too.
It seems more and more that people are coming to the games, not to cheer on the team, but for entertainment. I know that is what baseball is about--fun, games, entertainment. However, when that entertainment becomes making fun of and taunting the players and coaches, I believe that crosses the line. And we are not talking about kids--these are grown men and women. It seems that there is little respect for the time and effort these players and coaches put in and the level of skill it takes for them to compete here.
It is the hardest thing to sit in the stands and have to listen to people criticize and belittle my husband and his teammates when what I really would like to do is to ask them to be quiet (rather impolitely), inform them that the person that they are referring to is my husband, and tell them how much more entertaining it would be to watch THEM go down on that field and try to hit the baseball! I mean really...do they honestly think they could do a better job that these players? Because they way the carry on, it sure seems like it.
But, that would not be very Christ-like of me to do or say. So I just sit; I try to tune it out.
Baseball is a hard game to play. Even the BEST of the BEST are lucky to succeed at getting a hit 30% of the time. Therefore, it's very easy to get frustrated and upset when you are failing more than succeeding; especially when you have silly (and sometimes drunk) people yelling at you whenever you don't.
USA Today--The hardest thing to do in sports: getting bat to meet ball
I would like to think that this issue may be the worst at this level-being that hardly anyone has a loyalty to a minor league team and so those who come mostly do for the entertainment/social aspect. In college ball, as well as in the bigs, most go to support "their" team, or they at least feel some sense of respect for the players.
I know there will be criticizing and taunting at every level of athletic competition. Competition can certainly bring out the worst in people, can't it? Whether Chase does make it to the Big Leagues, or if it's our son or daughter playing T-ball, I'm sure we will have to face it in the future. That doesn't make it alright. And this sort of disrespect for other people is certainly something that we will NOT want to teach our children (Lord willing that we have some one day).
Alright, enough with the angry rambling. It's not all bad--it's sweet and endearing to hear the little girl behind me say "Oh, I like Chase, he's cute!" (not so sweet and endearing if the girl isn't so little), or hear the boy on my row scream, "Go Chase Burnette!" when he is up to bat. I hope these children won't learn to disrespect the players from adults that may be sitting around them in the future.
Please, the next time you go to a sporting event--whether it be your child's soccer game, a high school football game, or a Braves game, show respect for the players and coaches by minding your tongue. And teach your kids to respect them, too. Just because the players are competing publicly, they shouldn't become targets for public ridicule. How would you feel if the player being taunted or criticized was your child or husband?
James 2: 2ff English Standard Version
"2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things...8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?"
Thanks for reading my little diatribe. It sure feels better to get it out there.
And now for the tongue twisters : ) This post needs something to lighten it up.
Even though this has nothing to do with anything...here we go, take a whack at these:
Ed had edited it.
Give Mr. Snipe's wife's knife a swipe.
Red leather, yellow leather.
The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick.
Betty Botter bought some butter,
"But," she said, "this butter's bitter.
If I bake this bitter butter,
It will make my batter bitter.
But a bit of better butter -
That would make my batter better."
So she bought a bit of butter,
Better than her bitter butter,
And she baked it in her batter,
And the batter was not bitter.
So 'twas better Betty Botter
Bought a bit of better butter.
Three free throws.
If you need even more practice taming that tongue of yours, you can click here.
Love to everyone,
Caitlin
Friday, June 17, 2011
Elise is a S-E-N-I-O-R?!?
Luckily for Chase and I, Elise rode back to Kinston with us after Niki and Chandler's wedding to spend the week. It's hard to believe that she is now a senior! As a means of celebrating that accomplishment (and trying to keep from being bored) we had some fun around town taking some senior pictures. Elise is so special to me and I loved getting to spend time with her doing this. She is so sweet, generous, and absolutely BEAUTIFUL inside and out--the best little sister ever! I love you, Elise!
Here is a preview of some of the pictures we took--enjoy!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Busy Bees
Well, it has been a busy couple weeks for us! Visitors, trip home, and Niki and Chandler's WEDDING!
In May, the Crafts stopped by to see us on their way to the Outer Banks. It was truly wonderful to see them! Holly came prepared with her cameras (Yes, camerasss) to take pictures-she is a wonderful photographer! We have missed them and all of our Chestnut Drive family so much! Thank you for coming to see us!
Also, Chase's grandparents came up for a spontaneous visit a couple weeks ago. We really loved getting to spend some time with them and enjoyed our talks! We are so glad you decided to come up!
I got to come home for a little over a week prior to Niki and Chandler's wedding. It worked out perfectly because Chase was going to be on a road trip for most of that time anyway. It was so nice to spend lots of time with my Quinn and Burnette families. I wish I had taken more pictures, but there's nothing I can do about it now... : ) One day while at home, we met my Mimi and Papa and cousins, Aaron and Austin, for a picnic lunch. Even though our original plans for a picnic by the pond were dashed by construction work, we still had fun.
Then, the highlight of the week at home was (of course) the wedding! It was absolutely beautiful and I am so honored that I got to be a part of it. Chase and I are just overflowing with happiness for Niki and Chandler. We love you! Again...wish I had taken some pictures....
You will just have to use your imagination when reading this post : )
And I wish I had gotten some pictures of Chase and I in our wedding attire...I believe that's the only time I've seen Chase in a tux (the men wore suits for our wedding)...not sure how long it will be until that happens again.
I know I have been bad about posting. I will try to be better, I promise!
Love to everyone,
Caitlin
In May, the Crafts stopped by to see us on their way to the Outer Banks. It was truly wonderful to see them! Holly came prepared with her cameras (Yes, camerasss) to take pictures-she is a wonderful photographer! We have missed them and all of our Chestnut Drive family so much! Thank you for coming to see us!
Also, Chase's grandparents came up for a spontaneous visit a couple weeks ago. We really loved getting to spend some time with them and enjoyed our talks! We are so glad you decided to come up!
I got to come home for a little over a week prior to Niki and Chandler's wedding. It worked out perfectly because Chase was going to be on a road trip for most of that time anyway. It was so nice to spend lots of time with my Quinn and Burnette families. I wish I had taken more pictures, but there's nothing I can do about it now... : ) One day while at home, we met my Mimi and Papa and cousins, Aaron and Austin, for a picnic lunch. Even though our original plans for a picnic by the pond were dashed by construction work, we still had fun.
Then, the highlight of the week at home was (of course) the wedding! It was absolutely beautiful and I am so honored that I got to be a part of it. Chase and I are just overflowing with happiness for Niki and Chandler. We love you! Again...wish I had taken some pictures....
You will just have to use your imagination when reading this post : )
And I wish I had gotten some pictures of Chase and I in our wedding attire...I believe that's the only time I've seen Chase in a tux (the men wore suits for our wedding)...not sure how long it will be until that happens again.
I know I have been bad about posting. I will try to be better, I promise!
Love to everyone,
Caitlin
Monday, May 16, 2011
The 'stache
Yes, we are in the middle of Mustache May.
Pretty? No.
Outdated? Yes.
Necessary? Depends on who you ask.
Just another sacrifice that a baseball wife has to make--my preference and input concerning my husband's facial hair are surrendered 'for the cause.' Serious conversations are no longer possible (laughter is inevitable).
Let's all hope that Mustache May doesn't extend into 'Stache Season!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
A Weimar-who??
My mom, dad, and Elise got to come up this past weekend to spend time with us. It was so nice to have them up here for Mother's Day, and it just so happened that there was a big BBQ festival in town, too. The only thing missing was Ian!
On Saturday, we went down to the festival by the river and got some good food. Molly got to come and she was a big hit! She has lots of admirers wherever she goes. Whenever we take her out like that, we have to be prepared to answer lots of questions. A typical conversation goes like this:
What kind of a dog is that?
She's a Weimaraner.
A what?
A Weimaraner.
A Weimer-who?
A Weim-a-ran-er.
A Weim-a-ram-er?
At this point, I usually say, "Yep!" Haha. They will normally follow that with saying how pretty she is, or inquire about her name or temperament. She is definitely a good conversation starter : )
Later that evening at the games, the team wore special jerseys to be auctioned off to the highest bidder to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer. In the first game of the double header, Chase hit is first home run as a Kinston Indian!
 |
| In front of the CSS Neuse at the BBQ Festival |
 |
| Chowing down on some good North Carolina BBQ. Yum! |
 |
| Molly trying to sneak some : ) She got plenty, don't worry. |
 |
| Downtown Kinston |
 |
| At 'Historic Grainger Stadium' |
 |
| With Chase wearing his special jersey and after his first home run as an Indian! |
 |
| Minus mom, plus me |
 |
| Taking off their jerseys after the game to sign and give to the winners |
 |
| And Dad won Chase's : ) |
 |
| Rub my tummy!!! |
Thanks for reading! Love,
Caitlin
Caitlin
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Beginning of the End
Friday night marked the beginning of the last season for the Indians in Kinston. There was a great crowd! And the opening game couldn't have been more exciting. The Indians won in the 10th inning on a walk-off hit by second baseman Ronald Rivas. Chase will wear number 12 this season. It looks like he will be splitting time between first base and dh . He has started 3 out of the 4 games at first and is batting in the four spot.
Chase and I are mostly settled into our two bedroom townhouse (with a washer and dryer!). We have more room than we really need, but it's nice for Molly. Thanks to the Burnettes, who came up to visit for opening weekend, we have furniture to put in it, too! Haha. They were so wonderful to bring us up lots of stuff and were a GREAT help in getting everything situated. THANK YOU!!!
On Sunday, we went to the local church of Christ and they are so welcoming and friendly. Counting us, their attendance was 34 in the morning and around 12 that night. We were sorry to miss out on their afternoon potluck, but we had to change, take the dogs out (Addie's dog Spencer came to visit, too), and get to the field for the game. I'm sure it was delicious!
Here are some pictures from this past weekend:
Thanks for reading. Will update again soon!
Love,
Caitlin
Friday, April 1, 2011
Drumroll, Please!
Well, it looks like we will be heading to (with 99.99% confidence)....
...play video for the full effect...
KINSTON, NORTH CAROLINA!!
God is SO good. Chase and I are absolutely thrilled. Not only is this much closer to home, this is the next step up from where he ended last season. This also means we will be expecting visits from everyone!
Kinston is about 7.5 hours from Atlanta. The Kinston Indians are a member of the Carolina League and are the High A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians (for those who aren't as savvy with the baseball terms, like me, the levels of the minor leagues go like this:
Rookie League
Short Season A-Chase started here last year
Low A-He got moved up to this level at the end of last season
High A-He is starting here this year
Double A
Triple A
BIG LEAGUES).
They will play teams in the Carolinas, Virginia, and even Maryland. This is actually the last year that the Indians will be playing in Kinston. Next year, they will move to Zebulon, NC.
Rookie League
Short Season A-Chase started here last year
Low A-He got moved up to this level at the end of last season
High A-He is starting here this year
Double A
Triple A
BIG LEAGUES).
They will play teams in the Carolinas, Virginia, and even Maryland. This is actually the last year that the Indians will be playing in Kinston. Next year, they will move to Zebulon, NC.
Chase and the rest of the team will travel to Kinston on Sunday, April 3rd, from the Spring Training complex in Goodyear, AZ. I will be going up on Monday (YAY!!). Please keep us in your prayers as we look for a place to live and travel. We are so ready to be together again. I can't wait!
Here's some additional info for those who are curious:
City of Kinston website:
Wikipedia's take on Kinston:
The Tourist Guide (for when you come to visit):
Link to the Kinston Indians website:
Kinston Indians Schedule:
Love to everyone! More updates will follow once we get situated.
Caitlin
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Class Clown
Well, it's official. Molly is the WORST student in her puppy class.
I never thought I would be embarrassed by my dog. Children, yes, absolutely. But, dog? I guess it is good training for when we do venture into the world of parenthood.
There are three other puppies in her class. One, a 10 week old Black Lab, Riley, is already the "Teacher's Pet." He already knows how to sit and shake besides being ridiculously adorable. AND, he is already barking at the door to be let outside.
Meanwhile, Molly (now 4 months old) won't sit, is constantly barking, and is trying to play with the other dogs. The teacher classified Molly as a "jumper." In case you were wondering, that's not a good thing. She's so excited that she doesn't want to perform for the treat, she just wants to jump up and get it out of your hand. So....we have to stand on her leash so she can't jump. She does NOT like it. Needless to say, we have a longggg road ahead of us, but Molly is a very sweet dog and very smart. She caught onto "Sit" very quickly and we are working on the not jumping.
On another note, my mom, Elise and I have been working on starting an online business to sell products that we have hand-made. We will be selling from a blog, as well as on Etsy. We are very excited about getting it up and running because it's something that we will all enjoy. We love being crafty and creative. Final tweaks are still being made on the blog, but look for the link on Facebook soon!
Thanks for reading and love to everyone,
Cait
I never thought I would be embarrassed by my dog. Children, yes, absolutely. But, dog? I guess it is good training for when we do venture into the world of parenthood.
There are three other puppies in her class. One, a 10 week old Black Lab, Riley, is already the "Teacher's Pet." He already knows how to sit and shake besides being ridiculously adorable. AND, he is already barking at the door to be let outside.
Meanwhile, Molly (now 4 months old) won't sit, is constantly barking, and is trying to play with the other dogs. The teacher classified Molly as a "jumper." In case you were wondering, that's not a good thing. She's so excited that she doesn't want to perform for the treat, she just wants to jump up and get it out of your hand. So....we have to stand on her leash so she can't jump. She does NOT like it. Needless to say, we have a longggg road ahead of us, but Molly is a very sweet dog and very smart. She caught onto "Sit" very quickly and we are working on the not jumping.
But isn't she cute?
On another note, my mom, Elise and I have been working on starting an online business to sell products that we have hand-made. We will be selling from a blog, as well as on Etsy. We are very excited about getting it up and running because it's something that we will all enjoy. We love being crafty and creative. Final tweaks are still being made on the blog, but look for the link on Facebook soon!
Thanks for reading and love to everyone,
Cait
Thursday, January 6, 2011
New Year, New Adventures
We enjoyed our 'White Christmas' in Georgia! Molly didn't care very much for the snow. She had fun until she started shaking from the cold. I know how she feels. It's pretty to look at, but brrrrrrrr!
Chase and I celebrated our anniversary on January 1st. Hard to believe it's been over a year! It's gone by really fast. The year leading up to our wedding seemed to drag on forever. Funny, isn't it?
We found out that Chase has to report to Spring Training on March 11th. He's going to head out on March 8th to get there a few days early. The Indian's complex is in Goodyear, Arizona--the same place we went for the Fall Instructional League. He will be there for about a month (I think he will report to his team on April 3rd). Unfortunately, I'm not going to go with him on this trip. It's going to be hard to be apart for that long, but I know we can do it. Once he gets assigned to his team, I will meet him there.
Chase is working hard. Starting this week he has gone to working at the office until lunch, and then devoting the afternoon to baseball. On top of that, he is leading singing at church regularly and started teaching the high school class last week. He's juggling a lot and doing such a great job. I'm so proud of him!
Love to everyone,
Caitlin
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