Sing Along, everyone!

The sounds of music have been filling the air lately, and I don't mean the Julie Andrews musical (no disrespect intended--I totally visited most of the shooting locations for that movie, by the way. I have an awesome picture of the gazebo in which "Sixteen going on Seventeen" was sung. But I digress).
Yes, you may have figured out by the goofy reference above that it is Amy posting, not Tony. I have a couple glorious weeks of vacation from work, and so I am finally making a contribution at home. Or rather, a contribution online. My messy piled up clothes still attest to my limited contributions at home. Though I did lots of baking last week. I have a great recipe for peanut butter covered chocolate bon bons. YUM! Oops--digressing again.
So, music! While I married into musical talent, my musical appreciation was fostered in my youth and has only been growing over the years. And the past month has given lots of excuses for musical enjoyment. Read as I break down why Christmas time means great music (in no particular order):
#1) Christmastime means busting out the TSO--for those of you uninitiated, that's "Trans-Siberian Orchestra." Yeah, they play all kinds of rockin' Christmas music. In all seriousness, "O Holy Night" is, for me, more touching as a soaring guitar solo than when even an amazing soprano like Charlotte Church sings it. But it seems wierd to play as we drive around in March.
#2) Christmastime means Tony plays Christmas carols on the guitar while we gather 'round as a family to sing them. Yes, I sing too. Maybe that's less cause for rejoicing. But nothing beats the kiddies dancing around the living room in the light of the Christmas tree, belting out all five verses of "We Three Kings" and Aaron, like his brother did before him, actually becomes my Little Drummer Boy.
#3) Christmastime means Aidan's birthday (just a few days before) which, this year, meant a gift of music selected just for him from Aunt Sarah and Uncle Aaron. Aidan has been kind enough to share with the family.
#4) More gifts of music--Christmastime this year meant Annika getting a "real," full sized guitar from Papa and Vava.
#5) Christmastime meant watching Tony set up a stereo in his nephew Tony's room on Christmas Day. I forgot how cute he is when assembling stereo equipment!
#6) Christmastime means more time at home to play "Rockband" as a family--a gift last year from the Rediskes that has proven to be addictively good fun for the whole family. Furthermore, Santa knew how much we would enjoy "Rockband 2"--with more songs and the "no fail" setting--and so he got it for us for Christmas. Yeah!
#7) Christmastime meant my Mom getting out the big metal chimes and all the Pierce collective ringing them in sequence to create Christmas carol magic.
#8) Christmastime meant my loving husband reluctantly indulged me by bringing his guitar to family festivities and he and my brother played carols in a beautiful guitar duet.
#9) Christmastime meant Chris Rediske would be compiling "Honest Pete's" collection of the best music of 2008, which 2-disc set we just received in the mail today!
#10) Christmastime this year also brought "Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog" to our home in DVD form (having previously been enjoyed as a download). Tony and I laughed aloud watching "Commentary! The Musical." While the kids are still a bit young to enjoy the complete beauty of this dark comedy, they do like the music. Nothing quite like your five-year-old singing "A Man's Gotta Do What a Man's Gotta Do" from the back of your minivan, and then weeping when the song changes because he wants more Dr. Horrible.

Yes, Christmastime means good music. Let's ring in another year!

Shiny!

For all my fellow Browncoats (fans o' Firefly), you gots to check out this here link to the 'verse. http://www.fireflyshipworks.com/2008/11/map-of-the-verse/

YES WE CAN!

more later...

Can We?

Half of 16 Candles

Its hard to believe it, but several weekends ago we celebrated the 8th birthday of one Miss Annika Caston. It was an intimate event wherein there was the customary exchanging of gifts and consuming of frosting covered baked goods. And soon after said birthday, we all gathered together again for her baptism.

Thanks to everyone who attended and helped to make Annika's baptism an extra special event. Its funny, my own birthdays never seem to bother me or cause me to suddenly notice how fast time is speeding by, but watching how fast my kids are growing kind of freaks me out.

First Day at Preschool

No...not for me, silly, for Mr. Aidan.



Much to the relief of his apprehensive parents, the young lad took to preschool like a fish to water. His only disappointment seems to lie in the fact that he can't go for 10 hours a day. Oh, and he was a little saddened to learn that Mrs. Laurie doesn't actually live in her classroom anxiously awaiting the return of her students the next day.

Monterey, Hey Hey!

I thought I would share a few pictures from our most excellent weekend trip to my favorite place on this planet Earth. Thanks to my super generous parental units, we were treated to a stay in a hotel that was directly on the beach. Please to be enjoying the picture that I took looking out through our window upon awakening Saturday morning.

Not too shabby, eh? And then I wandered down the breezeway outside our room and came upon this....

And just for the sake of honoring symmetry here is the view turned around and looking back down the breezeway....

It is time to figure out how to move here...anyone got a million bucks I can borrow?

I am not alone...

http://mormonsformarriage.com/

This is not a primer for debate, just a link for those few who believe like I do and most likely feel isolated and alone. The above linked website is for those who oppose CA Proposition 8.

Haircut Numero Uno!

So the boy has finally undergone the first haircutting experience of his young and eventful life. We figured it was time when he started being able to chew on his bangs. You will now notice and appreciate his awesomeness.

Father's Day Love (or, Amy finally says something)

Father’s Day has just passed, and it seems fitting that my first official contribution to the family blog is a tribute to some awesome dads.

(This, by the way, is not Phat Tony but is his lovely wife, Amy.)

First, I will begin with my own Daddy . . . Donald Pierce. As a child, I think I was only aware of how much fun we had together, and that you loved me. As I have grown, I have recognized your sensitivity and intelligence, your work ethic and gift for leadership. You have become the great patriarch of our family, and the adored grandpa. I know that my faith in a loving Father in Heaven was first founded through my experiencing the love of my wonderful father on earth. Uga Muga Pals forever!

Next, my Dad of 11+ years now . . . Marshall Caston. Your example of strength and loyalty shaped my husband into the man I was privileged to marry. Your kindness and generosity continue to benefit me and all our family. I am glad we live close enough to have you in our lives regularly. I am honored to have taken your family name.

My brother, Chris Rediske. That there is no end to your silliness is enjoyed by your children and mine alike. Strangely, your presence also brings a sense of peace; I have always loved that about you. Your strength is unassuming, but invaluable to your family, and ours. So when are you going to move back to California, you twit?

My brother, Tracy. It is strange to look at my third grade class picture and realize how long you have been part of my life. You are smart and hilarious and I am continually amazed at how many ways in which you are talented. I am most impressed, however, by the dedication you show as husband and father. I see it in the choices you make, and I heard it in your voice just the other day, when you said “I miss my girls.”

My brother, Aaron. You may not have fathered any children, but you have raised some, and your nurturing influence is sensed and sought after by dozens of nieces, nephews, sunbeams, and countless other small ones (and no, I don't mean midgets). It is a gift, may you enjoy it, for my children surely enjoy being with you.

My oldest and yet newest brother, Christian. Again with the “not technically a father,” and yet having a place in the nurturing of my children. I am glad you moved out here, though I know it was a sacrifice for you, because you get to be more a part of our family’s life. We love you, my kiddies love you, and I trust you with them. And that is a higher compliment than I can properly explain.

Lastly, my strength, my soul, my Tony. I have so many reasons to love you, I cannot begin to write them. Long before you gave me my beautiful children, you became an essential part of me. I am grateful it is your example of hard work and self-discipline that our children see daily. They flourish under your care. We all benefit from your patience, your tireless work for us, your many unheralded acts of love. Chief among them: the repeated sacrificing of your own needs and desires, and the thousand times you have my overlooked faults and forgiven me. Du liebst mir im Herzehn.

Hey Tracy...

I got something for you.

Congrats, Bro!

Get Your Affairs In Order

In what can only be considered one of the signs of an impending apocalypse, Tony and Tracy teamed up this Monday past for a doubles exhibition match against Frank and Christian. Not only did they team up, but they were victorious over their opponents. Tony was reported to be amazed at seeing up close how effective Tracy's cheating could be. Despite becoming dizzy at several points in the match due to the proximity of Tracy's alcohol soaked and foul stenched fans, our intrepid hero dug deep and launched rocket serve after rocket serve to secure victory for the "team." When approached for comment, one of Tracy's fans mustered up a mumbled "Do you like monkeys?" and then passed out. The entire tennis watching world waits with their breath held for tonights' continuation of the Balls on Fire Summer Series '08.

All hail me!

I think I may have to change the name of my blog to The Victor's Page, as I have triumphed yet again on the cracked asphalt field of battle. And this time I didn't even try very hard. So that would bring the summer series record to 3 victories and one loss. It has, however, come to my attention that in an interview posted today, scurrilous and unfair accusations have been made by Tracy. Apparently he has "proof" that I am a Russian robot built specifically to destroy puny, girly named Americans in matches of tennis. Please. My features are clearly more East German than Russian. Come back soon to read my interview with the greatest living tennis player on my side of the street...me.

It Is On!

Alright faithful readers, the 2008 Balls On Fire tennis tournament has officially begun. This blog will be the home of unbiased and even handed reporting. Unlike the missives put up at theprimatecage.blogspot.com by three ill fed monkeys chained to 1 broken IBM Selectric typewriter, the truth can be found here. Truths like the fact that Tony traveled back in time earlier this month to complete a victorious tenth win to conclude the 2007 summer series. Or the fact that Tony is currently leading the '08 series despite the poisoning of his water by one of Tracy's midget ninjas. Or even the sad truth that Tony let Tracy win their last match on Friday so he wouldn't cry his way to the swimming pool in front of his wife and child. On Tuesday this mighty battle will resume and a new, even cooler than the pink, purple water will debut.

Meet The Castons (Part 2)

And that's all I have to say about that.

Mother's Day Love

As Mother's Day approaches I thought I would use this here page to drop some public love for the mothers in and around my life. I know this is just a holiday made up by Hallmark to sell more greeting cards and we should make sure our mothers feel the love everyday, but there's nothing wrong with taking one day to pile on extra good feelings. With that being said here comes some call outs for the super duper moms who make my world a better place.

My Awesome Wife, Amy Caston...The love of my life and mother of my 3 wonderful children, there are not words to describe everything she means to me. She is the slayer of dragons and the winner of bread. She is the heart soul of our household and we owe her everything. I love you Fishlady. Forever.

My Mommo, Janis Caston...As strong a woman as there is, she took in two children who needed a home and love, and provided both. A person of integrity and an example of what one can accomplish through determination and hard work, you have to love anyone who has been able to put up with me for 34 years. And I do.

My Other Mommo, Flo Pierce...Not only has Flo brought 4 of the most amazing women ever into the world, but she then accepted four odd, somewhat questionable young lads into her family with open arms. We would all be better people if we more closely followed her daily example.

My Sister, Rebecca Caston...I promise I would have put you on here, Becky, even if you hadn't named your firstborn son after me. Being a single mom is the hardest thing in the world I can think of being, and I am very proud of you.

My Other Sister, Andrea Rediske...She can kick your butt. And my butt. Andrea is the living personification of a strong woman. And not just physically. She has overcome so much and even manages to keep Chris in line occasionally.

My Sister-in-Law, Laura Constantine...is the smartest person I know. And she has raised one of the awesomest kids I know. And she hasn't offed Tracy in sleep yet. Wow. Your strength in supporting your family is an inspiration.

My Sister-in-Law, Sarah Thomas...You may not have children of your own quite yet, but I couldn't imagine a better person for my children to look up to. You are one of my best friends. Thank you for being you.

My Sister-in-Law, Joanne Welch...Again, you may not have any o' your own rugrats running amok yet, but your help in raising my little rugrats has been great. My kids love you and they are great judges of character.

In closing I would like to say that this list is in no way encompassing of all of the great examples of motherhood that I have seen. These are a few of the women who's examples I hold dear, and I wanted to thank them. Christy, Amanda, Lynette, Suzanne, and every other mother who puts the lives of their children before even their own, thank you. The world owes you a debt of gratitude.

Religiosity For May

Every time I get frustrated with the state of American politics and think about withdrawing from the system, I remember these words from Proverbs Chapter 16..."It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it." Even if it feels like your vote means nothing, remember that foolish and angry leaders endanger us all. Vote. And consider your vote carefully. Do not be led into the trap of voting for the lesser of two evils as that still leaves you voting for evil. We have more than two parties despite what the media would have you believe, so if you aren't satisfied with your choices from the "big two" then broaden your research. Demand more from those who would determine the future of your children and grandchildren. Sermon over...Seacrest out.

Meet the Castons (Part 1)

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so if you don't mind I'm not going to type anything clever down here as I just typed like 10,000 words. Peace.

Welcome!

Welcome one and all to the first official post on Phat Tony's blah blah blah. Anyone want to bet on whether or not it's also the last? Oh well...it beats MySpace, right? Look for pictures of my super awesome family to come very soon.