FYI

Before complaining to your computer geek husband for a day and a half that your computer won't come out of hibernation check to make sure it's even turned on!

Heaven in a coffee mug, even for non-coffee drinkers!

The mugs waiting to bake...


After 3 minutes in the microwave.



Coffee Mug Chocolate Cake:
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips(optional, I like using the mini chips for this one)
a small splash of vanilla
1 coffee mug (large)

Rather than mixing these in the mug, I used a bowl.
Add dry ingredients, and mix well
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, depending on the size of the mug you use. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired

School casualty

I'm not sure how clear it is, but therer is a scrape between his eyes, on the tip of his nose and his right eye is bruised and slightly swollen. Apparently the "cool" way to leave a playhouse at school is to trip and use your face to break the fall. He had a bloody nose and was all scraped up when I picked him up yesterday. Overnight it got a lot better!

Taylor Swift, the perfect way to start the morning.

The Ferris Family is embarking on a new "adventure". The older 2 boys are starting to develop an opinion about music. They love the "Bibe School songs" which is a CD my old youth pastor and his wife put together and then performed some of the songs at VBS 2 summers ago. They also really like Taylor Swift, an 18 yr old country star who rights most of the songs she performs. This morning Cooper finished breakfast and his reading early so he was rewarded with the music of his choice. Apparently Taylor Swift is just what the doctor ordered on this cold morning!

HOO-RAH Chris!!

If you don't know someone in the military to pray for, I have a few names I can give you: My brother is in the Army National Guard, my 2 cousins are in the Air Force, and a high school buddy is a chaplain in Illinois Army National Guard.

And now I'm proud to announce that we can add my xbox buddy, Chris to the list. Yesterday, he reported to duty in Texas as a Chaplian in the Missiouri Army National Guard, and as a friend, I couldn't be more proud-- and thankful that guys like my brother, cousins, and friends serve our country, so I can stay at home.

I'm thankful for their sacrifice, so I don't have to sacrifice time with my wife and kids. I'm thankful of the gift that every man and woman in uniform gives me, the ability to play baseball with Cooper, Nintendo with Nelson, wrestle with Maddox, and hold my baby Olivia.

So here's to all those we know in the military. Go Guard- Go Chris!

What a morning... and it's only 8:30!

Every child woke up before 6:15AM this morning. Good grief, I need a nap and I've barely started my morning.

Olivia has also had enough of the crazy morning and her crazy brothers.


Maddox sat on the potty this morning! He even put poop in it.




Maddox emptied his bookcase and sat in his bed reading books for 10 minutes. (It took half that time to empty the shelves)



These crazy kids were outside 20 minutes early, waiting for the bus. They were so excited to ride to school together. (It was an early dismissal day)

PSA: Olivia shouldn't run out of clothes anytime soon.

The clothes that start at the purple shirt and go back are all summer and next fall. I purchased those, that's why there is no pink. From the purple shirt forward are all gifts that should keep her warm and cozy until the spring.

All about Maddox

Taking a minute out of his busy day to read Nelson's library book. He loves books!


All smiles with his new fridge farm. He knows how to put the animals together correctly, but choses not to. They are much funnier when mis-matched.

Since turning 2, Maddox doesn't think he needs a booster. He really doesn't think it's necessary when eating leftover birthday cake.

Happy Birthday Maddox (and Evan)!

A picture of the cake, complete with a truck!


Enjoying the yummy birthday cake


Sitting with Evan, his cousin and the other birthday boy.


Showing off his new DVD and bit truck.


Patting his lap to make Pat-Pat Rocket blast off.

Tour of Olivia

While we were in Chicago for the weekend my dad's cousin, Bonnie through a great party for my extended family to meet Olivia. She loved the attention. Bonnie had an amazing party. All the food was pink, most of the people wore pink, and she even had her husbands bassinet (which was beautiful! The bedding was handmade by his grandmother) set up in the living room for Olivia to lay in. (she only layed in it for about 5 minutes, otherwise she was held)


Sitting pretty on Grandma's lap. Sophie was there to make sure I was having a good time.


Sitting with Aunt Sheila and cousin Sophie. They sure love me a lot!


Snoozing with Grandpa after a long day of meeting everyone!