Ordinary Life

Tonight,  I saw an unanticipated result of our current administration's influence on today's youth. Chandler was describing an efficiency report for Fort Stewart that he had accidentally  "over-seen" while we were in Savannah recently. His grandfather, an engineering contractor for McLean, had some reports lying on a desk, in a closed binder in the same room the boys were bunking. Total happenstance report reading,  really. What Chan was impressed by was the efficiency of the Army as detailed in the report.He was describing how the report listed amount of wattage used per army barrack. And that's when I spotted it.  He said " Army Buh-Rocks " Bunk houses by this name would be the current President of the United States. (And I'm pretty sure he didn't serve...)  We often tease ChanMan about his creative pronunciation skills, and it is a homonym, so, I won't devote any more of this post to something that may embarrass him. However, it is an ide...

Do Not Microwave.  Not A Mere Suggestion (as Fisher learned while making Maruchan Cup O' Noodles for lunch) The whole house smells of burnt... days later. And inexplicably, I'm craving popcorn. (not burnt)

   Happy Eleventh Birthday, Fisher Kai! You are a wonderful part of our family. It is a joy to watch you grow and explore your world.  We love you! 

She said "I NEED A PARTY HAT!"  We sometimes call our anniversary a "Family Birthday". Especially during seasons where sitters are scarce and we will be celebrating with the entire family. This was one of those celebrations. We have been very busy with baseball & the business and our family's 'birthday' fell during a particularly Extra Busy Weekend. On Wednesday night, as everyone was busy with Duck Dynasty (I tuned in from my dish washing station in the kitchen) I secretly concocted one of Clay's preferred treats: Jello Cake. (He's forever in the debt of his mother in law for the passing down of this recipe :)  One thing about Jell-O cake is that it calls for Whipped topping- an element that always makes for a decorating challenge... a blank, white, slippery canvas to be improved upon.  I began to rifle through Riley's small plastic toys for something quirky when I came to these two finger puppets. I was quickly inspired to dress them up...

If you have already gotten a Christmas card from our family in the mail, you will recognize right away that this is our actual Christmas card's cover. (Unless you already live in Florida, then you got something a little different) Once you click on the links, you will see that the letter is the same as well. If you have not received a card in the mail, it is either delayed due to the antiquity of our local post office or ...well, I was running low on stamps, see... and I knew that I planned to send this here virtual one... so... please enjoy this version and know we love you very much! Even if you did receive a tangible card in your mailbox, there is a slideshow of the children in the virtual card. Rather than try to get one good shot of the children all looking in the same direction at the same time, I had the realization that I could hit the continuous shot button and improve my odds...2000+ still shots later, I had another realization that a movie would be easier and after...

Fisher chose doughnut holes for breakfast on his birthday. Don't worry- he shared his breakfast with the whole crew :)  First Round of Wish Blowing His chosen cake flavor was Carrot and his hoped for theme was Avengers  (I always reserve the right to surprise/override themes in the event they prove to be too challenging ;)  If it doesn't have icing carrots, it isn't a carrot cake- these were tucked around the back :) ((Fisher was startled to learn this year that ACTUAL carrots go in a carrot cake...)) Some bakeries/grocery stores will sell you just the topper kit from the cake book... life saver (I couldn't draw ONE Avenger to save my life, much less all of them...much less, in icing) This one could also have been purchased on Amazon, but it was cheaper and quicker to buy it from the bakery...plus no shipping & handling issues. The nifty topper even lights up... Let the second round of Wish Blowing begin... only two candles this time :)  When asked, Fisher said h...

Fisher~Age 2 Celebrating Fisher's first decade. Two Whole Hands ! WE LOVE YOU BUDDY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Chandler & Fisher are playing Babe Ruth Ball.  Tomorrow is Opening Day. Two games, opposite fields, identical start times... this should be fun! On the bright side, Logan cheers early in the AM...and finishes just in time to catch her brothers' games. Dear God, Thank You For Coffee. AMEN. :)  Chandler @ a recent practice Coach Dad encourages Chan before bat Florida: The Other Rain Forest

...are you gonna win today? ....You know all you gotta do is put your mind to it, do it do it ... UPWARDS! ::Repeat ONE MILLION times:: Seriously. Around our house these days, even the boys are walking around sing-song-ing cheer chants. Like chewing gum ground into shag carpet...(yes, first hand analogy) the lilting cheers are just stuck...and good. Logan's first game was Saturday. She's loving it and already sad that her cheer career ends the same year it began (UpWards stops at age 12 and we are unaware of local options that include both an honorable atmosphere and a lot of clothes ;)  Thankfully, the Brewer Brothers and * Coach Dad   weren't due on the ball field this past weekend and were able to be there. The coming weekends between now and November aren't always so pleasantly blended...  Fisher was a big help with Riley- they played catch with her new bouncy ball. (She seriously loves the ball... I have to pry it from her hands to put her to bed...she doesn'...

Where does the time go? (circa 2005!) The BrewCrew has 3 new junior bloggers... Meet:   Chandler-age 12 (going on 13) of CHANDLER'S CORNER & THE BANTAM BOARD Logan-age 11 of LoLo's LOFT (there's LOL in there!)  Fisher-age 9 of FISH TALES   Our junior bloggers will also be contributing to the school's blog project: ALETHEIA ANTHEM ...this oughta be fun!