Fella's Cake Bake 2013

This year's theme was "Patriotic".  Our first thought was to make a flag, but then we decided that that would be too easy and everybody else would probably be making flags as well.

Almost immediately, Ethan suggested making the president - and we were off.  Believe it or not, all we needed from the grocery store was frosting, mini-marshmallows and gingerbread marshmallows for the eyes and nose and special Mike & Ike candies for the tie.

And, just like that, we had...

President Obama

- 24 February 2013

New Moves

"Dad!"

As I sat on the kitchen floor, Logan bounded up to me with a look of unparallelled glee and excitement.

"After I finish eating my chocolate Rice Krispies," he clapped, "I'm going to show you a new dance I can do!"

"Great," I replied, to his disappearing backside.

"...on the coffee table," he shouted.

Wait, what?

Alright, while you're finishing breakfast, I'll grab my shoes and wallet and the emergency room punch card.

- 21 January 2013

Wolf Blitzer

"I bet he has wrinkly old butt cheeks."

And I bet that I never want to find out.  That's the news.  Good night everyone.

- 31 December 2012

When You're Right, You're Right

On Christmas Day, there had been an ongoing debate about which one of us would pilot the journey home.  The driving snow and icy roads were of little concern - our combined 44 years of driving experience had seen us through greater challenges.  Instead, our dilemma was centered around who had more sleep - whose headache was worse - which person's medication bore the pharmaceutical advisory, "should not operate heavy machinery," versus, "do not drive."

I won.

"Just remember, I can drive at any time," Ashley reminded me, as I climbed back into the car having filled up the gas tank.

"Well, if you see me crying while I'm driving, that might be an indication that you should be driving instead," I replied.

She was not amused.

"I would very much like for you to pull over before that happens," she said, grabbing my arm.

"As would I, my dear," I said, looking over at her and smiling.  "I was just trying to find a little humor," I added, hoping to break the tension.

There was an awkward pause, during which Ashley gazed at me, desperately trying to decide whether or not I was serious.   You could practically hear the questions tumbling around in her head.  Would he start crying?  Will he pull over?  Which suitcase did I pack the straight jacket in?  Is there enough room in the back for his body if I just kill him now?

Ethan's voice floated up from the back seat.

"Well," he said of my attempted humor, "it's somewhere but it's not here."

- 25 December 2012

Christmas Eve Mass

"Wow!  That was good church!" Logan announced, as we pulled out of the parking lot when mass had ended.

I completely agree.  Which part did you like the best?  The part where you "helped" the ushers, rolled around on the floor, sat in everyone's lap, loudly critiqued the choir/songs/ugly hats or your continuous obsession about the people sitting in the balcony and how God must have flown them up there to sit?

Just wondering.

- 24 December 2012

Mrs. Nutty

I was keeping Ethan company while he took a shower (I was playing on my iPhone) - a job normally, and sacredly, reserved for his brother who was off spending the night at a friend's house.

"Dad, can I add something to my list?" he asked, from under the spray of water.

He was, of course, referring to his Christmas wish list.

"Like what?" I asked, rolling my eyes and thinking that, by this date, it was all pretty much a done deal.

"Like another nutcracker so that Mr. Nutty won't be lonely.  Then he'll have a friend.  You know...like a girl," he said, not wanting to use the word girlfriend, but wanting to send a clear message all the same.

I just about died.  He wants his nutcracker to find love.  I love that kid!

- 21 December 2012

Feeding Time at the Zoo

The look of mingled fear and desperation?  Oh, that's because Logan isn't providing food fast enough for the cat's liking.  Did I also remember to mention that Oliver is bigger than Logan?

- 6 December 2012