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| Fisher~Age 2 |
Celebrating Fisher's first decade.
Two
Whole
Hands
!
WE LOVE YOU BUDDY!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Romney/Ryan Rally Too
Casting a glance up as we walked across to the rally- that's Mrs. Tingle's large lettering :)
Safety First!
Learning about the process first hand...
Taking pictures in the sun=abstract cropping
All Heads Are In The Shot... but not all eyes...
Paul Ryan came to Fernandina Beach today.
The Opening Act (thumb pickin' music)
The BrewCrew @ Main Beach
Romney/Ryan Rally~Main Beach Park~Fernandina Beach
Little Patriot
Flag Waving Is Fun
Ryan Arrives...
...Flags Start Waving
Paul Ryan
::SPEECH::
::GO VOTE::
Romney/Ryan Rally
Word spreads quickly in a small town. The rumor that Paul Ryan was coming to town was no exception... you could literally watch the word spread from person to person yesterday, as we watched the stage and enormous flag fill in Main Beach Park.
Secret Service was spotted and security kept a vigil over the set up all night.
We registered last night and printed tickets this morning...
A neighbor brought shared banners with those of us who wanted one.
(another neighbor is voting Obama -this may be uncomfortable for her...)
We are walking over now...
To Be Continued....
Dancing On The Moon
As Logan practiced for her first audition, Rye convinced her to take a small dance break on the moon:
ChooChoo Bird
Rye joined the big girls in a little cheer practice at one of the Brewer Brothers' recent games:
The Call Back
When I had originally talked to the AMTC judge during Logan's audition, she had made a few comments that seemed to tip her hand that she would be calling back, possibly even the same evening. When I went to bed without a phone call, I thought perhaps I had misread her intentions.
We started to move into the new week without expecting a call back and with a nod toward what fun we had had going to the audition.
But while we were in church yesterday, she left a message on my voice mail and I caught up with her after a few rounds of phone tag. These were her conclusions:
Logan is a cute girl with a cute voice. She doesn't have the pitch of the caliber they need but perhaps it is something she can pursue in the coming years. Because she didn't really meet their standards, she couldn't get a call back for singing.
However, she is receiving a call back for acting and modeling. Her judge thought she had a natural timing and lean towards acting. She had asked for the modeling based on her own judgement that Logan may do well- I am guessing for things such as catalogs, advertisements, et al
The next step are The Bridge- a series of weekend classes held in Atlanta (or New York or LA or a handful of other locations...in case we have family in any of those places that may help alleviate some travel expense) Once she completes The Bridge, she will take part in a professional photo shoot and be given 3 talent showcases of her choice at their SHINE event in Orlando (where network scouts, directors & producers & casting agents are invited)
The deposit is $500
The remaining balance is slightly under 5K and can be made in installments.
There is a full time military and/or ministry discount (Uncle Nick, want to adopt Logan for a year?) and some kind of fundraising that has been mentioned but not explained in detail.
When I explained I would have to go home and talk with her dad about it, and have him on board regarding finances, there was no pressure to act now or lose our spot. We were encouraged to take our time and prayerfully consider what we thought was best to do. We were encouraged to not enter a financial hardship nor proceed if we weren't all on the same page (in other words- they did not seem money hungry to me)
Unfortunately, that's where this story ends. We've not made a decision yet...Someone will be following up with us in the coming days. The judge was kind enough to give her cell number and the invitation to call her if we needed anything or had any questions.
Whether Logan attends The Bridge or not, I know this weekend has boosted her confidence and I am sure more auditions are in her future.
We started to move into the new week without expecting a call back and with a nod toward what fun we had had going to the audition.
But while we were in church yesterday, she left a message on my voice mail and I caught up with her after a few rounds of phone tag. These were her conclusions:
Logan is a cute girl with a cute voice. She doesn't have the pitch of the caliber they need but perhaps it is something she can pursue in the coming years. Because she didn't really meet their standards, she couldn't get a call back for singing.
However, she is receiving a call back for acting and modeling. Her judge thought she had a natural timing and lean towards acting. She had asked for the modeling based on her own judgement that Logan may do well- I am guessing for things such as catalogs, advertisements, et al
The next step are The Bridge- a series of weekend classes held in Atlanta (or New York or LA or a handful of other locations...in case we have family in any of those places that may help alleviate some travel expense) Once she completes The Bridge, she will take part in a professional photo shoot and be given 3 talent showcases of her choice at their SHINE event in Orlando (where network scouts, directors & producers & casting agents are invited)
The deposit is $500
The remaining balance is slightly under 5K and can be made in installments.
There is a full time military and/or ministry discount (Uncle Nick, want to adopt Logan for a year?) and some kind of fundraising that has been mentioned but not explained in detail.
When I explained I would have to go home and talk with her dad about it, and have him on board regarding finances, there was no pressure to act now or lose our spot. We were encouraged to take our time and prayerfully consider what we thought was best to do. We were encouraged to not enter a financial hardship nor proceed if we weren't all on the same page (in other words- they did not seem money hungry to me)
Unfortunately, that's where this story ends. We've not made a decision yet...Someone will be following up with us in the coming days. The judge was kind enough to give her cell number and the invitation to call her if we needed anything or had any questions.
Time Will Tell.
(It Always Does)
Whether Logan attends The Bridge or not, I know this weekend has boosted her confidence and I am sure more auditions are in her future.
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| Logan's First Audition |
Logan's PreAudition Practice
As I mentioned in the previous post, Logan found out less than 24 hours prior, that AMTC was in town for auditions. With very little time to deliberate, she picked a song and a monologue to sample for her "judge"
She didn't truly settle on which pieces she would use until about one hour before these practice videos were taken. I took them to give her feedback as she practiced... and also, to have my sweet girl singing and acting and being brave on film :oP
We have about a dozen or more takes of both, but I chose only two of either discipline to share. In all, she probably had appx. an hour and a half of practice time before the real audition. I may be biased, but I think she did a stellar job in that short amount of time. It does make me think that she would be well served by in-depth coaching from people who know singing and acting (as opposed to my off-key-no-acting-still-in-my-own-shell-self)
Song ~"I Wish We'd All Been Ready"~ (she'd never heard this song before that morning)
Monologue~Because Of Winn Dixie~
I did not film Logan during her actual audition- I was too busy wrangling a run around Rye. But the judge/coach had Logan read an additional script and sing Happy Birthday- she then asked Logan to model walk, even though Logan had not signed up for modeling...All the while, the judge is taking notes but not sharing any feedback with us.
We left knowing that if they liked anything they had seen, we would receive a call back before 5 PM the next day...if we hadn't heard by then, don't take it personal, God has a plan for us and He's merely protecting us from getting off His track :)
NEXT UP: Waiting For A Call Back
She didn't truly settle on which pieces she would use until about one hour before these practice videos were taken. I took them to give her feedback as she practiced... and also, to have my sweet girl singing and acting and being brave on film :oP
We have about a dozen or more takes of both, but I chose only two of either discipline to share. In all, she probably had appx. an hour and a half of practice time before the real audition. I may be biased, but I think she did a stellar job in that short amount of time. It does make me think that she would be well served by in-depth coaching from people who know singing and acting (as opposed to my off-key-no-acting-still-in-my-own-shell-self)
Song ~"I Wish We'd All Been Ready"~ (she'd never heard this song before that morning)
Monologue~Because Of Winn Dixie~
I did not film Logan during her actual audition- I was too busy wrangling a run around Rye. But the judge/coach had Logan read an additional script and sing Happy Birthday- she then asked Logan to model walk, even though Logan had not signed up for modeling...All the while, the judge is taking notes but not sharing any feedback with us.
We left knowing that if they liked anything they had seen, we would receive a call back before 5 PM the next day...if we hadn't heard by then, don't take it personal, God has a plan for us and He's merely protecting us from getting off His track :)
NEXT UP: Waiting For A Call Back
The Audition
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| Logan Aleece Brewer |
This is Logan.
She has always wanted to be Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
Literally.
She has asked to dye her hair bright red.
She has threatened to change her name legally once she is of age.
And at least one costume in the past consisted of a mermaid's tail.
So, it should come as no surprise that Logan also wants to "sing and dance"
I believe wanting to act is just another way to end up as Ariel on stage someday :)
And the singing... well, we all remember that singing mermaid... and the big ideas she planted in little girls' heads:
"Wish I could be.... part of that world..."
Logan has "dreamed" of acting or singing or just somehow ending up "on the Disney Channel", but based on her shy nature, we have never really pursued it.
Not to mention, we didn't feel like a career in that industry is always an easy companion with maintaining certain standards.
But recently, one of Logan's dear cousins (and friend) (and fellow Pink Bedroom Junior Society Club Member) was cast in an upcoming television show.
Her cousin's success added to the positive effect on her confidence and comfort in front of people that have resulted from UpWard Cheer, helped Logan muster enough courage to go to an audition herself.
On Friday, she asked me, "Couldn't I just search for auditions online and see if anything decent (wholesome) comes up?"
I told her I didn't see why not.
She jumped online immediately.
What she discovered was that Actors, Musicians, & Talent for Christ (AMTC) was in town... the very next day.
We looked at their web site, we talked to Coach Dad once the boy's game had ended and with only a few hours to go before the audition, Logan chose a song and a monologue to use at the audition.
The audition was across town, on the other side of The Big City ( I so hate driving there!) and directly following her game... so we knew we'd be hustling to make it - and we were right- we ran about 15 minutes late- (a fact NOT helped in the least by Google Maps and the truck's GPS conspiring together to send us 15 minutes in the direction of a back entrance when 2 minutes of straight driving would have gotten us to the front gate (Grrr!)
But, we had called and they had assured us we would be fine to come on and sit in on the informational meeting. You see, we knew from the beginning that the audition was to be accepted/invited to the talent management company... not for any one specific role. The information session was to make sure everyone was clear on that, to put forth the Christian foundation of the company as well as highlight some of their "success" stories.
I have tried to balance everything I've seen and experienced against those who claim that this set up is a scam. I have seen modeling agencies use a similar format where the audition was a front for taking modeling classes.. I have concluded that this set up is likely the way AMTC generates the necessary revenue to operate their company, but not necessarily a scam...more like those Art Institute Aptitude tests...maybe you're good at it...maybe not... if so, there's a course you can take and further develop your skills and knowledge...if not, ah, well... what did you lose?
Because no money was asked to audition and all of the information was shared before auditions occurred, there was no feel of bait and switch or high pressure obligation.
We chose to do the audition because of the aforementioned courage that had been mustered... even a community theatre audition is good for someone who needs practice... so, to that end, because there was no initial cost, we really had nothing to lose.
From a spiritual standpoint, I believe in the founder's sincerity when she shares her conversion story, but I can also understand why some people have claimed it was just a convenient re-branding scheme...especially in light that they are now a non-profit ministry. Only the founder and God know for certain, but we must take people at their word unless and until they give us a reason to doubt them. The emphasis on prayer and God's will in roles that work out or do not as well as the focus on modesty and age appropriate materials made me comfortable with the organization. I do not believe we are aligned completely theologically- it appears that there is a more charismatic slant to the leadership at AMTC- but I didn't hear anything that would cause me concern over Logan taking classes from them or being in their company...
Coming Up: Logan's Pre-Audition Practice
R.I.P. REPTAR
Reptar the Birthday Fish did what fish do best; he died.
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| REPTAR, The Dearly Departed (no worries, he's still alive in well in this candid shot from the family album) |
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| RIP~TAR, Reptar's Stand In Think anyone will notice? Reptar went to Fishy Heaven earlier in the week and Chandler handled it well...as well as these things can be handled, anyway. So, I'm not trying to fool him, but, there were a few double takes when he woke up to find this paper fish memorial sitting on the kitchen counter. |
In his morning fogginess, he had to get right up to the bowl to be sure it wasn't a real fish.
I made this little "memorial " night light out of Reptar's abandoned bowl.
("Who said shrine?!" A shrine would have candles... it's not a shrine!)
I made it because no other fish will be moving into Reptar's quarters... we have all agreed, No More Pets!
("Who said shrine?!" A shrine would have candles... it's not a shrine!)
I made it because no other fish will be moving into Reptar's quarters... we have all agreed, No More Pets!
Rest In Peace, Reptar.
You were a wonderful reminder of why we swore off fishy pets the last time...
...okay...the last two times...
As For Me and My House
I came across this video while looking for another song this morning... I like it.
As a wife who desires godly leadership, watching this portrayal of men "cross the line of decision" to lay aside "sins which so easily beset"...it is especially beautiful.
As a wife who desires godly leadership, watching this portrayal of men "cross the line of decision" to lay aside "sins which so easily beset"...it is especially beautiful.
The video put me in the mindset of things that God has brought our family through as well as things He is still perfecting in our home...things that may never actually be perfect, but are mercifully under His grace.
It fanned the flames of gratitude in my heart.
I am glad He hasn't stopped at mere salvation- as if that were any small wonder...Christ redeems, restores and refines me ... us.
Uncle Santa ?
The kids all enjoy Toca Boca apps... this particular 'snapshot' was the result of one child playing stylist on the Christmas Hair Salon app...
(not sure which kid, but it definitely wasn't Rye- she gives everyone pink hair)
I say "Is it just me or does he kind of favor someone we know...?"
Fisher says "...Uncle Ben, kind of..."
Logan says "...maybe just a little...from a distance..."
Chan says "...yeah, maybe a little, Big Time!..."
You Be The Judge:
See Also: Aunt Barbie
~*~
~*~
~*~On another, slightly related note- The new Toca Boca Band app looks like fun.
GOMER: A Modern Take
Last night, in our continuing journey through Experiencing God (or back thru, as it were for some) we covered God's desire for a relationship with us that is both real and intimate... the scriptural base for last night was Hosea...
Today, when the kids and I started to catch up on our archived DVR Wretched episodes, the topic was Depression--- we were told if we are depressed, we may consider reading our Old Testament... and where else, but Hosea... we were also reminded that we should read it with ourselves in the place of Gomer...
A video was shown throughout the television broadcast-apparently a sermon supplement for the included church/ sermon series below. It is a modern take on Hosea & Gomer - The Big Kids all thought it was an interesting story until I told them that they were Gomer...
"Oh, wow... o.k.... that's cool!" said one of my big kids... (not being Gomer, mind you... rather understanding how very, very loved they are by God.)
Today, when the kids and I started to catch up on our archived DVR Wretched episodes, the topic was Depression--- we were told if we are depressed, we may consider reading our Old Testament... and where else, but Hosea... we were also reminded that we should read it with ourselves in the place of Gomer...
A video was shown throughout the television broadcast-apparently a sermon supplement for the included church/ sermon series below. It is a modern take on Hosea & Gomer - The Big Kids all thought it was an interesting story until I told them that they were Gomer...
"Oh, wow... o.k.... that's cool!" said one of my big kids... (not being Gomer, mind you... rather understanding how very, very loved they are by God.)
Try it.
You might like it.
(this post has been updated to combine all 6 video clips in one post... and sans my attempt to share relevant examples from my life... )
(this post has been updated to combine all 6 video clips in one post... and sans my attempt to share relevant examples from my life... )
The Covenant Love of God (Hosea 1 - 2:1)
In this modern day telling of the book of Hosea, Hosea has entered into a covenant with Gomer just as God has entered into a covenant with his people, us. We have not merely broken God's law; we have broken God's heart. We have grieved him. Despite all our spiritual adultery, we cannot exhaust the love of God and we deserve to be shown "No Mercy" and called "Not My People", but because Jesus was shown no mercy and was forsaken by the Father, we can rest secure in God's love for us. There is nothing in us that can evoke the love of God, and there is nothing in us that can exhaust the love of God.
The Tough Love of God (Hosea 2:1-13)
In this modern day telling of the book of Hosea, Hosea has entered into a covenant with Gomer just as God has entered into a covenant with us, his people. We are adulterers, running to other lovers. God allows us to chase the wind, however, he does not walk away from us. He does not abandon us. He is ready to welcome us home. There is nothing in us that can evoke the love of God, and there is nothing in us that can exhaust the love of God. He will wait for us to return.
The Tender Love of God (Hosea 2:14-23)
Hosea shows tender love to his adulterous wife. Amidst her wayward heart he awaits for Gomer to return, alluring her back to himself, and speaking tenderly. It is almost scandalous how much God continues to love us despite our adultery. He does not abandon us, he puts his arms around us, and longs for us to come home.
Will we allow him to forgive us when we've strayed?
The Redeeming Love of God (Hosea 3)--- Gomer is wrapped up in the depth of her brokenness, and Hosea knows what it will take to get her back. Redemptive Love goes in eyes open, knowing everything. God does not redeem us based on goodness, but in spite of our badness. He knows the worst about us, but redeems us anyways. He offers us our ring back, beckoning us to come to back to him.
The Love of God: Our Response (Hosea 6) Gomer is battling her past while all the while Hosea beacons her home. The regret of her past haunts her and the choice sits in front of her. Hosea knows exactly where she's been and what she's done, and still he wants her heart. Often times the fear of acknowledging the depth of our brokenness keeps us from repentance. However, God sit's across from us as if saying, "I know where you've been, I know what you've done. Come to me".
God is offering us a covenant, a ring to slip on our finger. He knows your story, he walked with you thru it, and still he wants you. Will we accept it?
The Relentless Love of God (Hosea 14)
Finally Gomer has returned to Hosea. Sliding the ring back on her finger she has accepted his invitation to come back home and live back in the covenant she has made with him. Even though Hosea's love is unfailing for Gomer he can not save her from the consequences she must experience for the sin she has lived in. In-spite of all this, his love is relentless. He loves her, holds her and will not walk away from her. Thinking of this story in modern day human terms it is a very difficult story to embrace. Would we really ever be able to forgive someone who has caused that much hurt to themselves and to us? But God's love is beyond human love. It is relentless. God does not love us because of who we are or what we do, he loves us in-spite of it. One of the hardest parts of coming to God is accepting that his love covers all the brokeness we bring.
Listen to the sermon here: http://www.irvingbible.org/media/To read the complete here:http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hosea%2014&version=NIV
Written by: Rachael Currie and Josh ReadDirector: Josh ReadProducer: Rachael CurrieEditor: Josh ReadMusic: 0952 by Olafur ArnaldsHosea Character: Doug HaleGomer Character: Kameron DouglasDoctor: Rachael CurrieGomer's Lover: Richard CarpenterCinematographer: Cody DulockProduction Designer: Rachael CurrieAfter Effects: Cody Dulockhttp://www.youtube.com/JoshReadVideo
http://www.rachaelcurrie.com
http://www.dulockproductions.com
Rye's Reading Room
Last night, while everyone else was at the ball-field, Me and Rye rearranged her toys. We made a 'clubhouse' with the new play door that Grummy & Grandpa brought then filled it with pillows, sock monkeys and books. Here's Rye giving it a try before we finished setting everything up...
Logan Makes Oatmeal
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| Logan is a morning person... sometimes. Logan's oatmeal creation was a decidedly happy one. She wanted to share it with you. SMILE and have a nutritious day, ya'll. |
Grummy & Grandpa Visit
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| SUNNY SNAPSHOT |
On Saturday, we all got up early, ran hard and retired weary. We started with Logan's cheer :
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| PaPa was allowed to push Rye for 3 whole seconds before she protested... she took her own sweet time warming up to "Grummy & Grandpa" |
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| I'm smiling because I know they have FREE COFFEE inside :) |
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| LoLo & Lilly |
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| Logan Aleece |
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| Taking a break from the demanding world of cheerleading... |
Chandler & Fisher were on opposite fields, same start time for both games. We were able to base ourselves at the concession area and pivot between Brewer brothers. It was also an ideal spot for staying in the shade.
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| Chan @ Bat |
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| ... all the way home.... |
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| Snack Time |
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| Fisher stands ready |
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| Focused Fisher |
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| I'll get it! |
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| Chandler stands ready |
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| Run, Chan, Run |
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| Getting Sleepy |
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| Ready to Run |
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| Baseball is fun |
Chandler's Blue Team won 17-4
Fisher's Gold Team won 12-5
And we all know that winning is the only important thing, really. So, it was a good day ;)
On Sunday, it was SLIDERS for lunch...do have the pineapple casserole. Thanks again, Mom & Dad for the treat.
Kites above SLIDERS
The remainder of Sunday was for visiting.
*Grummy and Grandpa- that couple formerly known as Grammy and PaPa- had to go back home on Monday, but not before Grammy & LoLo took to the beach one last time:
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| Grammy finds a treasure in the sand |
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| Grummy in the Atlantic |
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| Fernandina Beach |
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| Sandy Feet |
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| Grammy & LoLo |
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| Happy Double Nickels Day PaPa! |
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| Fisher couldn't WAIT for PaPa to open his gift... I think he secretly hoped to try it :) |
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| Grummy always brings fun toys and games |
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| Chandler asked PaPa lots of technical questions about computers and programming |
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| Rye plays with all the fun new things that Grummy brought |
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| Grammy captured my giggling girls (hiding from the Hide-N-Seek Bunny) |
Ya'll come back now, ya hear?
:)
*RyeBird took her own sweet time warming up to both Grummy and Grandpa. When she finally did, she did it on her own terms... changing their names of endearment in the process..
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