January

We celebrated Brian's birthday with as much fanfare that could be had on a Sunday! We were just happy to have him home for the afternoon. One of the presents he got was new phones for the house. Our old phones didn't have a mute or speakerphone on them and there have been numerous times he has wanted to take conference calls which are later in the afternoon/early evening at home. Some of you bright minds out there might be asking yourself why doesn't he use his cell? Those bright minds have never tried to use their cell phones at our house- we live in the ultimate black hole of cell phone coverage. Yes I know we should be in the digital age, but it like the Flinstones around here.... anyway, one of the phones the set came with was a rugged water proof phone which is neon green ( all of the boys new favorite one). Brandon remarks, "That's great dad, you can take your calls in the bathtub now!" Note to all those who do call the house, just don't ask where Brian is when you are talking to him!

We love him- he is a great dad, father, husband and friend. His ability to keep things straight and take care of everything that is on his plate right now amazes me!

A sidenote: I've come to a new conclusion on why we have been counseled to have dinner as a family- because that is when the boys see him, and then he's off again. FHE is another inspired program, besides teaching our children and stregthening our family ties we can count on Brian being home on Monday night!

PINEWOOD DERBY:

The two cars from the Teuschers this year: The Tornado- Matthew (top); The Predator- Brandon (bottom)

The best part of this picture is Andrew in the background- willing with all his might Brandon's car down the track. Andrew is the third boy from the left on the first row of chairs. Brandon's car is winning in the bottom of the picture.

The boys did well with their cars this year. It's taken a few years to learn how to make a car that will race well. Matthew got 1st place in the Wolf Den this year. Zach is the lucky one being at the end- his cars will be flying down the track. We are a quarter of the way through Pinewood Derby cars- 4 down 8 to go.

Grandma Teuscher even sent Pinewood Derby neckerchiefs- a fun addition to the afternoon.