Phat Tony's Silly Blog

Unrelated to the post below this one...

2011-07-18T12:38:00.000-07:00

If you ever give Sarah unmonitored access to your computer, be very sure you have logged yourself out of your Google account. Otherwise you may need to spend hours and hours coming up with plans for completely over the top revenge.

Tee Hee!

2011-07-15T22:58:00.001-07:00

I am Tony Baloney. And I am a silly, silly man! (giggle!)

This Championship Season

2011-04-07T12:27:00.001-07:00

Annika decided that she wanted to switch from taekwondo to a team sport several months ago, so we signed her up for the winter season of CYBL basketball. Although she was at first a bit overwhelmed at being a beginner at something again, she soon adopted her dad's basketball attitude of "might makes right." Annika also discovered that hard work and hustle count for quite alot on the court and you could have time to bring your skills up to par if you bust your butt. She was lucky enough to land on a team that not only had some very talented kids, but also a coach that is good enough to be teaching the game several levels above where he is. The only thing that went wrong as the season progressed was that I never got a chance to teach my daughter how to deal with losing as her team finished undefeated. Those kids worked hard and gave up their Friday nights for an extra voluntary 2 hour practice and learned to run the pick and roll better than the Jerry Sloan led Utah Jazz. Congratulations to an awesome team who enjoyed the spoils that result when you outwork your opponents by a wide margin.

And If I...

2011-02-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

show you my dark side, will you still hold me tonight? And if I open my heart to you, show you my weak side, what would you do?
-The Final Cut

So it seems that keeping a blog is an odd proposition for someone who is, at times, insanely private and not driven to sharing. I often think of things that I find interesting, or odd, or frightening that I would like to explore through writing and having conversations. But when I sit down to begin I almost immediately am overwhelmed with the feeling that keeping my mouth shut and my fingers silent is most likely the better course of action. It also seems as though on those rare occasions that I am ready to open up a bit on a subject something far more important and immediate pops up to take over whatever time I would have used to write.

It's funny, I often catch myself assuming that the people in my life know and understand the way I feel about them until I realize that unless they have started to read minds, they wouldn't have any reason to know. (As a side note, if any of you have learned how to read minds...enter at your risk, no one here gets out alive.) I think that I am going to use a series of posts to attempt to, in some small way, remedy this.

A month or two back I posted a my Facebook status update: "I have the best sisters. Ever. Just thought you should know." And it is true. Most people are lucky if they have the influence of one awesome sister and I have four. Rebecca, Joanne, Laura, and Sarah. Four beautiful, intelligent, and loving women each strong in their own way. Neither my family or I would be in the place we are at today if it wasn't for the help of my sisters. And I truly would be remiss if I didn't add Andrea Rediske to this list. It's not for nothing that my children have always referred to her as their aunt. The fact that they have all found a way to be strong in a world that too often does not respect or protect its young women is a constant source of inspiration. I love all of you and I wish that I could do more for you than a silly post on a silly blog.

Captain Moroni WakeUp Call

2010-09-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Along with our ward film, we also got to make a commercial.
This one I did write lines for. It is for Captain Moroni Wake-Up Calls. Everyone in it is from one family in our ward, even the daughter who doesn't appear on screen does the voice-over. They were great to work with. It was fun.
It's up on YouTube, too. I'll see if I can figure out how to put a link on here.

A Franciscan Blessing

2010-09-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

I found this quote from a Franciscan blessing over at The Faithful Dissident and thought it was worth sharing here. So enjoy, or don't, as it pleases you.

“May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers,
half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

AMEN.”

Amy's Ward Film

2010-09-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

Amy recently shot a 5 minute documentary/profile for our ward's entry into the stake film festival. She did a great job and I thought I would post it here for all y'alls to see.

Hey Chris...

2010-08-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Don't touch my cat or I'll break your fingers.

Roky Erickson

2010-05-19T09:16:00.001-07:00

Roky Erickson with Okkerville River, I think I have been waiting for you my entire life. Thank you for your time.

Willpower

2010-05-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

Willpower is a tricky thing. Over the course of my life I have, at times, done things that take a great deal of willpower. I have quit smoking, quit drinking, and I once abstained from fast food for an entire year. But I am still fat and can't to seem to follow a budget to save my life (or my house.) I used to believe that willpower was an absolute, either you had it or you didn't. That clearly is not the case. It does not make much sense, however, for willpower to be transient. Why is it that I was able to get from just over 400 lbs to just under 300, but I can't seem to break from my current range of 290-310? How was I able to drive by a Carls Jr. without ordering a Big Carl for 365 days and now as soon as I am feeling too tired to cook, my car seems to pull into the drive-thru of its own volition? So maybe willpower is a pool, like battery power, that can be depleted an recharged. Great. Where do I plug in? Or mayhap willpower is a muscle that can be trained but exhausted if pushed too far. Yeah, I was doing great but then I sprained my willpower.

It seems that willpower is ultimately, like so many things, a choice. And the important thing is keeping the size of the choices we need to make in proper proportion to our ability to make those choices. I think most likely willpower is the name we give to million little choices that seem easy individually but end up adding up to one big choice. If I had had made the big choice of "I will quit smoking!" but then didn't make the hundred much smaller choices not to have this drag on this cigarette, I would still be a chimney. Similarly, if I had to attempted to lose 100 lbs with one big choice, the enormity of the task would have been overwhelming. So the question is, now that I have reminded myself of this, can I hold on to it and start once again making all the little choices? And when the darker demons of my psyche come calling, and they always do, can I avoid doing so much damage that I completely sabotage further success?

Also, since I am talking choices...I choo choo choose you!

P.S. I wanted to reference the George Jones song "Choices" many times while writing this, but none of you jerks listen to country music and it would have been meaningless to you. I hope you are all happy with yourselves. Thank you for your time.

Day One...check

2010-05-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie post to say that day 1 was a success. The weights were lifted many times and with great vigor. I consumed proper amounts of nutritional food. I took Aidan to gymnastics and realized that if I attempted to follow him through one of his 1 1/2 hour long classes I would die. Painfully. Note to self: Make sure to add plenty of cardio to the plan. Perhaps it is time to dig up my ancient enemy on the courts of tennis wartime. Balls on Fire 2010! Coming shortly...my musings on willpower. Try to contain the anticipation.

Quick...Press Reboot!

2010-05-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

A year? Seriously...a year? I wish that I could claim some amazing run of exciting adventures and discoveries that prompted this layoff from typing words into my blog, but alas I cannot. I had considered putting up a blog that attempted to summarize the last year's events and stories. It turns out I'm just a bit too lazy for even that. So...stuff happened, people did things, and I got a bit fatter. Consider yourself updated.

So, you may ask, what has prompted my return to the blogosphere? Good question, I would reply, it sure is convenient that you asked me that. I find a need for a place to come to have people help me stay honest to my goals. So I need help from the tens of you who read this to keep me on the path to usefulness. Using updates on this here corner of Al Gore's internets, I hope to motivate myself to stick with my current plan for personal enbetterification. I am going to post both my goals and my progress, or lack thereof, every several days. If I fail to post in a timely manner and any of you suspect I am hiding with a bucket of fried chicken, three cheeseburgers, and a head full of depression and defeat, please take me to task. You can post comments here, on facebook, or text me. And please feel free to drop the hammer...no mollycoddling!

I shall return in a very short time to post the initial goals, stats, and plans, but for now I am off to lift heavy things repeatedly. Thank you for your time.

A New Hope

2009-06-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend, the kids attended a Star Wars themed birthday party. The party was great--the birthday kid's parents had planned all kinds of fun and games, had music playing, a light-saber shaped cake, even re-labeled the sodas "Yoda Soda" and "Vadar Juice." It was for a friend of Aidan's, but Annika and Aaron came, too, and all three were running about in their brown Jedi robes with foam light sabers saving the galaxy. All in all, very cute. Since then, Aidan has told his story of battling Darth Vadar to at least 3 people already, including the new family in church who happened to sit behind us today.

So, the kids are all hyped up for Star Wars. Even I am feeling nostalgic for the ol' Lucas magic. Plus, tonight Tony's out of town and I'm looking for a low-key way to keep them occupied, so into the DVD player went Episode 4. Crazy thing about this generation--there's so much existing knowledge that I actually had to prep my kids by explaining that this story takes place AFTER the Clone Wars and is about Luke Skywalker, Anakin's son. Throughout, Aidan asked questions like why they are called "storm troopers" rather than "clone troopers" and what happened to the Republic. There were several creatures on Tatooine that he wanted to know "what species are those?" and my own nerd knowledge failed me. Tony will have to fill in on his return.

They are the absolute perfect age, though. When Obi Wan first walks up all be-robed, and they're asking "who's that?," then start putting it together and all, it's pretty cool. Annika remembers a bit more of the back story and enjoys being "in the know" but still doesn't know everything that's coming; Aaron runs around during the first 40 minutes or so, but is intrigued enough to eventually climb on my lap and watch it to the end. Aidan, of course, can hardly contain his interest. In the final flight battle, he has me pause it so he can go get one of his ships "just real quick."

Watching it was tremendously fun for me because, while they know a lot of Star Wars stuff, the kiddies are experiencing the excitement of the movie itself from innocence. They don't know that Han's going to come out of nowhere at the end and cover Luke so he can hit the Death Star. I don't think even Annika remembers about Luke and Leia being siblings, so they can watch Luke's crush on Leia without thinking--hmm, a little wierd. I totally want to watch the rest of the movies now, because the good bits ("Get this walking carpet out of my way!") are all new to them, and even the stuff I don't like so much as an adult will be enjoyable because they will love it. They will totally dig the ewoks--I did when I was 9 and I don't have a problem admitting it. When we watch Epsiode 1, Aidan won't care if that kid is a lame actor, he will be so busy identifying with Anakin behind the controls of the pod-racer. I imagine they will even enjoy (Force be with us) Jar Jar Binks.

Okay, one more jem: in the first part of the movie, Aidan wonders aloud why Luke doesn't bust out his light saber to fight off the Sand People; he calls out to the movie a couple of times for "more light saber action." When it gets to the point where Obi Wan is sneaking around the Death Star and Vadar senses him, and heads off to find his former master for a final showdown, Aidan responds "Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about! Light saber battle!"

The moment when the red and blue blades crossed--in what he calls "the big X"--was pure magic for him.

Perhaps I married Vadar--perhaps I just married a big sci-fi loving dork. But unquestionably, my young ones have much of their father in them. And so the Force passes to another generation.
--Queen Amidala

Ding Ding!

2009-05-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

Alright ladies and gents, this post could be perceived as somewhat off-color so consider yourself warned. Yesterday Aidan and Annika were playing in the front room, throwing squishy blocks at each other with as much speed as could be mustered by their little kid arms. Annika wound up a particularly strong shot and inevitably struck Aidan in is groinal area. He looked up at Annika and with his mastery of anatomical terms declared, "Hey, you almost hit me in my penis!" To which his older sister replied, "Ewwwwwwwww, gross Aidan...I would prefer if you used the term ding ding." Which would be funny enough by itself. After Aidan processed the request for a moment, he looked up at Annika and said, "OK Sissy, you almost hit me in my ding ding penis." And then he ran off to his bedroom with a gigantic grin.

Reason number 342...

2009-03-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

...that I am the luckiest man alive. On the way home from the doctor's earlier this week, I let the young lads enjoy some tasty, sugar filled "fruit" snacks in the back of the van. These particular globs of multi-colored gelatinous confections were shaped somewhat vaguely like characters from the world of Spongebob Squarepants. As I was listening to the new Decemberists album (super excellent, by the way) I hear Aidan talking to himself in the high pitched voice he uses to immitate cartoon voices. After turning down my rock and roll so as to better hear what is being said, I realize that Aidan having the fruit snacks plead before their lives before chomping down gleefully on them. To quote him as he held up a yellow Spongebob sugar bomb, "Nooooooooo! Please don't eat me, I am a lovable cartoon character...why are you doing this?" And then, "Chomp! Alright Squidward, you're next." Seriously, I love this kid.

Is this thing on?

2009-03-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

So apparently it has been months and months betwixt blog type postings for me here. I sure hope this doesn't mean the old heroin habit has gotten out of hand. Again. I think that in order to make sure I am still a functional addict, I will attempt the unheard of Once-A-Week-Post. I cannot promise any earth shaking revelations or well thought out opinions, but I can probably assure you that there will be letters typed in a progressive manner so as to form potentially grammatically correct sentences. Or not. We shall see. For now I will leave all who care with a hearty "Merry BDP Christmas" and a plan to return here again shortly with perhaps a more substantive post.

Sing Along, everyone!

2008-12-30T12:52:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

more later...

Can We?

2008-11-04T08:25:00.001-08:00

Half of 16 Candles

2008-10-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-04T08:21:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-09-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-08-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-06-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-12T13:39:00.001-07:00

I got something for you.

Congrats, Bro!

2008-05-30T09:04:00.001-07:00

Get Your Affairs In Order

2008-05-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-05-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-05-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-05-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

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

Mother's Day Love

2008-05-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-04-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-04-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

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.