diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index c9bb7c2..0a82cef 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -17,3 +17,4 @@ build/
 *.egg-info/
 
 .venv
+unittest-output.log
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/capsulflask/__init__.py b/capsulflask/__init__.py
index f685bf8..ddf18cf 100644
--- a/capsulflask/__init__.py
+++ b/capsulflask/__init__.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ from flask import current_app
 from apscheduler.schedulers.background import BackgroundScheduler
 
 
-from capsulflask.shared import my_exec_info_message
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 from capsulflask import hub_model, spoke_model, cli
 from capsulflask.btcpay import client as btcpay
 from capsulflask.http_client import MyHTTPClient
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ def create_app():
   app = Flask(__name__)
 
   app.config.from_mapping(
-    TESTING=config.get("TESTING", False),
+    TESTING=config.get("TESTING", "False").lower() in ['true', '1', 't', 'y', 'yes'],
     BASE_URL=config.get("BASE_URL", "http://localhost:5000"),
     SECRET_KEY=config.get("SECRET_KEY", "dev"),
     HUB_MODE_ENABLED=config.get("HUB_MODE_ENABLED", "True").lower() in ['true', '1', 't', 'y', 'yes'],
@@ -96,28 +96,21 @@ def create_app():
 
   app.config['HUB_URL'] = config.get("HUB_URL", app.config['BASE_URL'])
 
-  log_filters = {
-    'setLogLevelToDebugForHeartbeatRelatedMessages': {
-        '()': SetLogLevelToDebugForHeartbeatRelatedMessagesFilter,
-    }
-  }
-  if app.config['TESTING'] != False:
-    log_filters['captureLogOutputDuringTests'] = {
-        '()': CaptureLogOutputDuringTestsFilter,
-    }
-  
-
   logging_dict_config({
     'version': 1,
     'formatters': {'default': {
       'format': '[%(asctime)s] %(levelname)s in %(module)s: %(message)s',
     }},
-    'filters': log_filters,
+    'filters': {
+      'setLogLevelToDebugForHeartbeatRelatedMessages': {
+          '()': SetLogLevelToDebugForHeartbeatRelatedMessagesFilter,
+      }
+    },
     'handlers': {'wsgi': {
       'class': 'logging.StreamHandler',
       'stream': 'ext://flask.logging.wsgi_errors_stream',
       'formatter': 'default',
-      'filters': list(log_filters.keys())
+      'filters': ['setLogLevelToDebugForHeartbeatRelatedMessages']
     }},
     'root': {
       'level': app.config['LOG_LEVEL'],
@@ -125,11 +118,11 @@ def create_app():
     }
   })
 
-  # app.logger.critical("critical")
-  # app.logger.error("error")
-  # app.logger.warning("warning")
-  # app.logger.info("info")
-  # app.logger.debug("debug")
+  # mylog_critical(app, "critical")
+  # mylog_error(app, "error")
+  # mylog_warning(app, "warning")
+  # mylog_info(app, "info")
+  # mylog_debug(app, "debug")
 
   stripe.api_key = app.config['STRIPE_SECRET_KEY']
   stripe.api_version = app.config['STRIPE_API_VERSION']
@@ -137,7 +130,7 @@ def create_app():
   if app.config['MAIL_SERVER'] != "":
     app.config['FLASK_MAIL_INSTANCE'] = Mail(app)
   else:
-    app.logger.warning("No MAIL_SERVER configured. capsul will simply print emails to stdout.")
+    mylog_warning(app, "No MAIL_SERVER configured. capsul will simply print emails to stdout.")
     app.config['FLASK_MAIL_INSTANCE'] = StdoutMockFlaskMail()
 
   app.config['HTTP_CLIENT'] = MyHTTPClient(timeout_seconds=int(app.config['INTERNAL_HTTP_TIMEOUT_SECONDS']))
@@ -148,7 +141,7 @@ def create_app():
       app.config['BTCPAY_CLIENT'] = btcpay.Client(api_uri=app.config['BTCPAY_URL'], pem=app.config['BTCPAY_PRIVATE_KEY'])
       app.config['BTCPAY_ENABLED'] = True
     except:
-      app.logger.warning("unable to create btcpay client. Capsul will work fine except cryptocurrency payments will not work. The error was: " + my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info()))
+      mylog_warning(app, "unable to create btcpay client. Capsul will work fine except cryptocurrency payments will not work. The error was: " + my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info()))
 
     # only start the scheduler and attempt to migrate the database if we are running the app.
     # otherwise we are running a CLI command.
@@ -159,7 +152,7 @@ def create_app():
       ('test' in command_line)
     )
 
-    app.logger.info(f"is_running_server: {is_running_server}")
+    mylog_info(app, f"is_running_server: {is_running_server}")
 
     if app.config['HUB_MODE_ENABLED']:
       if app.config['HUB_MODEL'] == "capsul-flask":
@@ -252,7 +245,7 @@ def url_for_with_cache_bust(endpoint, **values):
 
 class StdoutMockFlaskMail:
   def send(self, message: Message):
-    current_app.logger.info(f"Email would have been sent if configured:\n\nto: {','.join(message.recipients)}\nsubject: {message.subject}\nbody:\n\n{message.body}\n\n")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"Email would have been sent if configured:\n\nto: {','.join(message.recipients)}\nsubject: {message.subject}\nbody:\n\n{message.body}\n\n")
 
 class SetLogLevelToDebugForHeartbeatRelatedMessagesFilter(logging.Filter):
   def isHeartbeatRelatedString(self, thing):
@@ -279,13 +272,4 @@ class SetLogLevelToDebugForHeartbeatRelatedMessagesFilter(logging.Filter):
     return True
 
 
-class CaptureLogOutputDuringTestsFilter(logging.Filter):
-  def filter(self, record):
-    file_object = open('unittest-output.log', 'a')
-    file_object.write("%s" % record.msg)
-    for arg in record.args:
-      file_object.write("%s" % arg)
 
-    file_object.write("\n")
-    file_object.close()
-    return True
diff --git a/capsulflask/admin.py b/capsulflask/admin.py
index 50cc61e..f183a58 100644
--- a/capsulflask/admin.py
+++ b/capsulflask/admin.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from nanoid import generate
 from capsulflask.metrics import durations as metric_durations
 from capsulflask.auth import admin_account_required
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
-from capsulflask.shared import my_exec_info_message
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 bp = Blueprint("admin", __name__, url_prefix="/admin")
 
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ def index():
               )
               network['allocations'].append(allocation)
             else:
-              current_app.logger.warning(f"/admin: capsul {vm['id']} has public_ipv4 {vm['public_ipv4']} which is out of range for its host network {host_id} {network['network_name']} {network['public_ipv4_cidr_block']}")
+              mylog_warning(current_app, f"/admin: capsul {vm['id']} has public_ipv4 {vm['public_ipv4']} which is out of range for its host network {host_id} {network['network_name']} {network['public_ipv4_cidr_block']}")
 
     display_hosts.append(display_host)
 
diff --git a/capsulflask/auth.py b/capsulflask/auth.py
index 6e4caa1..2621620 100644
--- a/capsulflask/auth.py
+++ b/capsulflask/auth.py
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ from flask_mail import Message
 from werkzeug.exceptions import abort
 
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 bp = Blueprint("auth", __name__, url_prefix="/auth")
 
diff --git a/capsulflask/cli.py b/capsulflask/cli.py
index f13c304..c3f29cc 100644
--- a/capsulflask/cli.py
+++ b/capsulflask/cli.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ from psycopg2 import ProgrammingError
 from flask_mail import Message
 
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
-from capsulflask.shared import my_exec_info_message
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 from capsulflask.console import get_account_balance
 
 bp = Blueprint('cli', __name__)
@@ -68,19 +68,19 @@ def sql_script(f, c):
 def cron_task():
 
   # make sure btcpay payments get completed (in case we miss a webhook), otherwise invalidate the payment
-  current_app.logger.info("cron_task: starting clean_up_unresolved_btcpay_invoices")
+  mylog_info(current_app, "cron_task: starting clean_up_unresolved_btcpay_invoices")
   clean_up_unresolved_btcpay_invoices()
-  current_app.logger.info("cron_task: finished clean_up_unresolved_btcpay_invoices")
+  mylog_info(current_app, "cron_task: finished clean_up_unresolved_btcpay_invoices")
 
   # notify when funds run out
-  current_app.logger.info("cron_task: starting notify_users_about_account_balance")
+  mylog_info(current_app, "cron_task: starting notify_users_about_account_balance")
   notify_users_about_account_balance()
-  current_app.logger.info("cron_task: finished notify_users_about_account_balance")
+  mylog_info(current_app, "cron_task: finished notify_users_about_account_balance")
 
   # make sure vm system and DB are synced
-  current_app.logger.info("cron_task: starting ensure_vms_and_db_are_synced")
+  mylog_info(current_app, "cron_task: starting ensure_vms_and_db_are_synced")
   ensure_vms_and_db_are_synced()
-  current_app.logger.info("cron_task: finished ensure_vms_and_db_are_synced")
+  mylog_info(current_app, "cron_task: finished ensure_vms_and_db_are_synced")
 
 
 
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ def clean_up_unresolved_btcpay_invoices():
     try:
       btcpay_invoice = current_app.config['BTCPAY_CLIENT'].get_invoice(invoice_id)
     except:
-      current_app.logger.error(f"""
+      mylog_error(current_app, f"""
         error was thrown when contacting btcpay server for invoice {invoice_id}:
         {my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())}"""
       )
@@ -101,13 +101,13 @@ def clean_up_unresolved_btcpay_invoices():
     days = float((datetime.now() - unresolved_invoice['created']).total_seconds())/float(60*60*24)
 
     if btcpay_invoice['status'] == "complete":
-      current_app.logger.info(
+      mylog_info(current_app, 
         f"resolving btcpay invoice {invoice_id} "
         f"({unresolved_invoice['email']}, ${unresolved_invoice['dollars']}) as completed "
       )
       get_model().btcpay_invoice_resolved(invoice_id, True)
     elif days >= 1:
-      current_app.logger.info(
+      mylog_info(current_app, 
         f"resolving btcpay invoice {invoice_id} "
         f"({unresolved_invoice['email']}, ${unresolved_invoice['dollars']}) as invalidated, "
         f"btcpay server invoice status: {btcpay_invoice['status']}"
@@ -236,7 +236,7 @@ def notify_users_about_account_balance():
         index_to_send = i
     
     if index_to_send > -1:
-      current_app.logger.info(f"cron_task: sending {warnings[index_to_send]['id']} warning email to {account['email']}.")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"cron_task: sending {warnings[index_to_send]['id']} warning email to {account['email']}.")
       get_body = warnings[index_to_send]['get_body']
       get_subject = warnings[index_to_send]['get_subject']
       current_app.config["FLASK_MAIL_INSTANCE"].send(
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ def notify_users_about_account_balance():
       get_model().set_account_balance_warning(account['email'], warnings[index_to_send]['id'])
       if index_to_send == len(warnings)-1:
         for vm in vms:
-          current_app.logger.warning(f"cron_task: deleting {vm['id']} ( {account['email']} ) due to negative account balance.")
+          mylog_warning(current_app, f"cron_task: deleting {vm['id']} ( {account['email']} ) due to negative account balance.")
           current_app.config["HUB_MODEL"].destroy(email=account["email"], id=vm['id'])
           get_model().delete_vm(email=account["email"], id=vm['id'])
 
@@ -282,9 +282,9 @@ def ensure_vms_and_db_are_synced():
     email_addresses_raw = current_app.config['ADMIN_EMAIL_ADDRESSES'].split(",")
     email_addresses = list(filter(lambda x: len(x) > 6, map(lambda x: x.strip(), email_addresses_raw ) ))
 
-    current_app.logger.info(f"cron_task: sending inconsistency warning email to {','.join(email_addresses)}:")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"cron_task: sending inconsistency warning email to {','.join(email_addresses)}:")
     for error in errors:
-      current_app.logger.info(f"cron_task:      {error}.")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"cron_task:      {error}.")
       
     current_app.config["FLASK_MAIL_INSTANCE"].send(
         Message(
diff --git a/capsulflask/console.py b/capsulflask/console.py
index 3ca1528..18c99d7 100644
--- a/capsulflask/console.py
+++ b/capsulflask/console.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ from nanoid import generate
 from capsulflask.metrics import durations as metric_durations
 from capsulflask.auth import account_required
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
-from capsulflask.shared import my_exec_info_message
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 from capsulflask.payment import poll_btcpay_session
 from capsulflask import cli
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ def double_check_capsul_address(id, ipv4, get_ssh_host_keys):
     if result != None and result.ssh_host_keys != None and get_ssh_host_keys:
       get_model().update_vm_ssh_host_keys(email=session["account"], id=id, ssh_host_keys=result.ssh_host_keys)
   except:
-    current_app.logger.error(f"""
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"""
       the virtualization model threw an error in double_check_capsul_address of {id}:
       {my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())}"""
     )
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ def detail(id):
           delete=True
         )
       else:
-        current_app.logger.info(f"deleting {vm['id']} per user request ({session['account']})")
+        mylog_info(current_app, f"deleting {vm['id']} per user request ({session['account']})")
         current_app.config["HUB_MODEL"].destroy(email=session['account'], id=id)
         get_model().delete_vm(email=session['account'], id=id)
 
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ def detail(id):
           force_stop=True,
         )
       else:
-        current_app.logger.info(f"force stopping {vm['id']} per user request ({session['account']})")
+        mylog_info(current_app, f"force stopping {vm['id']} per user request ({session['account']})")
         current_app.config["HUB_MODEL"].vm_state_command(email=session['account'], id=id, command="force-stop")
 
         vm["state"] = "stopped"
@@ -195,9 +195,12 @@ def detail(id):
 @account_required
 def create():
 
-  raise "console.create()!"
+  #raise "console.create()!"
+  # file_object = open('unittest-output.log', 'a')
+  # file_object.write("console.create()!\n")
+  # file_object.close()
 
-  current_app.logger.error("console.create()!")
+  mylog_error(current_app, "console.create()!")
 
   vm_sizes = get_model().vm_sizes_dict()
   operating_systems = get_model().operating_systems_dict()
@@ -281,7 +284,7 @@ def create():
     flash(error)
 
   if not capacity_avaliable:
-    current_app.logger.warning(f"when capsul capacity is restored, send an email to {session['account']}")
+    mylog_warning(current_app, f"when capsul capacity is restored, send an email to {session['account']}")
 
   return render_template(
     "create-capsul.html",
diff --git a/capsulflask/db.py b/capsulflask/db.py
index 5f3eaa1..a39bd66 100644
--- a/capsulflask/db.py
+++ b/capsulflask/db.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from flask import current_app
 from flask import g
 
 from capsulflask.db_model import DBModel
-from capsulflask.shared import my_exec_info_message
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 def init_app(app, is_running_server):
 
@@ -28,11 +28,11 @@ def init_app(app, is_running_server):
 
   schemaMigrations = {}
   schemaMigrationsPath = join(app.root_path, 'schema_migrations')
-  app.logger.info("loading schema migration scripts from {}".format(schemaMigrationsPath))
+  mylog_info(app, "loading schema migration scripts from {}".format(schemaMigrationsPath))
   for filename in listdir(schemaMigrationsPath):
     result = re.search(r"^\d+_(up|down)", filename)
     if not result:
-      app.logger.error(f"schemaVersion {filename} must match ^\\d+_(up|down). exiting.")
+      mylog_error(app, f"schemaVersion {filename} must match ^\\d+_(up|down). exiting.")
       exit(1)
     key = result.group()
     with open(join(schemaMigrationsPath, filename), 'rb') as file:
@@ -57,12 +57,12 @@ def init_app(app, is_running_server):
       hasSchemaVersionTable = True
 
   if hasSchemaVersionTable == False:
-    app.logger.info("no table named schemaversion found in the {} schema. running migration 01_up".format(app.config['DATABASE_SCHEMA']))
+    mylog_info(app, "no table named schemaversion found in the {} schema. running migration 01_up".format(app.config['DATABASE_SCHEMA']))
     try:
       cursor.execute(schemaMigrations["01_up"])
       connection.commit()
     except:
-      app.logger.error("unable to create the schemaversion table because: {}".format(my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())))
+      mylog_error(app, "unable to create the schemaversion table because: {}".format(my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())))
       exit(1)
     actionWasTaken = True
 
@@ -70,24 +70,24 @@ def init_app(app, is_running_server):
   schemaVersion = cursor.fetchall()[0][0]
 
   if schemaVersion > desiredSchemaVersion:
-    app.logger.critical("schemaVersion ({}) > desiredSchemaVersion ({}). schema downgrades are not supported yet. exiting.".format(
+    mylog_critical(app, "schemaVersion ({}) > desiredSchemaVersion ({}). schema downgrades are not supported yet. exiting.".format(
       schemaVersion, desiredSchemaVersion
     ))
     exit(1)
 
   while schemaVersion < desiredSchemaVersion:
     migrationKey = "%02d_up" % (schemaVersion+1)
-    app.logger.info("schemaVersion ({}) < desiredSchemaVersion ({}). running migration {}".format(
+    mylog_info(app, "schemaVersion ({}) < desiredSchemaVersion ({}). running migration {}".format(
       schemaVersion, desiredSchemaVersion, migrationKey
     ))
     try:
       cursor.execute(schemaMigrations[migrationKey])
       connection.commit()
     except KeyError:
-      app.logger.critical("missing schema migration script: {}_xyz.sql".format(migrationKey))
+      mylog_critical(app, "missing schema migration script: {}_xyz.sql".format(migrationKey))
       exit(1)
     except:
-      app.logger.critical("unable to execute the schema migration {} because: {}".format(migrationKey, my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())))
+      mylog_critical(app, "unable to execute the schema migration {} because: {}".format(migrationKey, my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())))
       exit(1)
     actionWasTaken = True
 
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ def init_app(app, is_running_server):
     versionFromDatabase = cursor.fetchall()[0][0]
 
     if schemaVersion != versionFromDatabase:
-      app.logger.critical("incorrect schema version value \"{}\" after running migration {}, expected \"{}\". exiting.".format(
+      mylog_critical(app, "incorrect schema version value \"{}\" after running migration {}, expected \"{}\". exiting.".format(
         versionFromDatabase,
         migrationKey,
         schemaVersion
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ def init_app(app, is_running_server):
 
   app.config['PSYCOPG2_CONNECTION_POOL'].putconn(connection)
 
-  app.logger.info("{} current schemaVersion: \"{}\"".format(
+  mylog_info(app, "{} current schemaVersion: \"{}\"".format(
     ("schema migration completed." if actionWasTaken else "schema is already up to date. "), schemaVersion
   ))
 
diff --git a/capsulflask/db_model.py b/capsulflask/db_model.py
index 9d31aba..bcf955e 100644
--- a/capsulflask/db_model.py
+++ b/capsulflask/db_model.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from nanoid import generate
 from flask import current_app
 from typing import List
 
-from capsulflask.shared import OnlineHost
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 
 class DBModel:
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ class DBModel:
     row = self.cursor.fetchone()
     if row:
       if int(row[1]) != int(dollars):
-        current_app.logger.warning(f"""
+        mylog_warning(current_app, f"""
           {payment_type} gave us a completed payment session with a different dollar amount than what we had recorded!!
           id: {id}
           account: {row[0]}
diff --git a/capsulflask/http_client.py b/capsulflask/http_client.py
index 201a392..98c1c33 100644
--- a/capsulflask/http_client.py
+++ b/capsulflask/http_client.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import threading
 import aiohttp
 import asyncio
 from flask import current_app
-from capsulflask.shared import OnlineHost, my_exec_info_message
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 from typing import List
 
 class HTTPResult:
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ class MyHTTPClient:
     toReturn = []
     for individualResult in fromOtherThread:
       if individualResult.error != None and individualResult.error != "":
-        current_app.logger.error(individualResult.error)
+        mylog_error(current_app, individualResult.error)
       toReturn.append(individualResult.http_result)
 
     return toReturn
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ class MyHTTPClient:
     future = run_coroutine(self.do_http(method=method, url=url, body=body, authorization_header=authorization_header))
     fromOtherThread = future.result()
     if fromOtherThread.error != None and fromOtherThread.error != "":
-      current_app.logger.error(fromOtherThread.error)
+      mylog_error(current_app, fromOtherThread.error)
     return fromOtherThread.http_result
 
   def get_client_session(self):
diff --git a/capsulflask/hub_api.py b/capsulflask/hub_api.py
index 634ec21..feeccbc 100644
--- a/capsulflask/hub_api.py
+++ b/capsulflask/hub_api.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from flask import request, make_response
 from werkzeug.exceptions import abort
 
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
-from capsulflask.shared import my_exec_info_message, authorized_as_hub
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 bp = Blueprint("hub", __name__, url_prefix="/hub")
 
@@ -21,19 +21,19 @@ def authorized_for_host(id):
 def ping_all_hosts_task():
   if authorized_as_hub(request.headers):
     all_hosts = get_model().get_all_hosts()
-    current_app.logger.debug(f"pinging {len(all_hosts)} hosts...")
+    mylog_debug(current_app, f"pinging {len(all_hosts)} hosts...")
     authorization_header = f"Bearer {current_app.config['HUB_TOKEN']}"
     results = current_app.config["HTTP_CLIENT"].do_multi_http_sync(all_hosts, "/spoke/heartbeat", None, authorization_header=authorization_header)
     for i in range(len(all_hosts)):
       host = all_hosts[i]
       result = results[i]
-      current_app.logger.debug(f"response from {host.id} ({host.url}): {result.status_code} {result.body}")
+      mylog_debug(current_app, f"response from {host.id} ({host.url}): {result.status_code} {result.body}")
       if result.status_code == 200:
         get_model().host_heartbeat(host.id)
         
     return "ok"
   else:
-    current_app.logger.warning(f"/hub/heartbeat-task returned 401: invalid hub token")
+    mylog_warning(current_app, f"/hub/heartbeat-task returned 401: invalid hub token")
     return abort(401, "invalid hub token")
  
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ def heartbeat(host_id):
   if authorized_for_host(host_id):
     return "ok"
   else:
-    current_app.logger.warning(f"/hub/heartbeat/{host_id} returned 401: invalid token")
+    mylog_warning(current_app, f"/hub/heartbeat/{host_id} returned 401: invalid token")
     return abort(401, "invalid host id or token")
 
 @bp.route("/claim-operation/<int:operation_id>/<string:host_id>", methods=("POST",))
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ def claim_operation(operation_id: int, host_id: str):
     payload_json = get_model().get_payload_json_from_host_operation(operation_id, host_id)
     if payload_json is None:
       error_message = f"{host_id} can't claim operation {operation_id} because host_operation row not found"
-      current_app.logger.error(error_message)
+      mylog_error(current_app, error_message)
       return abort(404, error_message)
 
     # right now if there is a can_claim_handler there needs to be a corresponding on_claimed_handler.
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ def claim_operation(operation_id: int, host_id: str):
 
     if error_message != "":
       error_message = f"{host_id} can't claim operation {operation_id} because {error_message}"
-      current_app.logger.error(error_message)
+      mylog_error(current_app, error_message)
       return abort(400, error_message)
 
     # we will only return this payload as json if claiming succeeds, so might as well do this now...
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ def claim_operation(operation_id: int, host_id: str):
 
     if error_message != "":
       error_message = f"{host_id} can't claim operation {operation_id} because {error_message}"
-      current_app.logger.error(error_message)
+      mylog_error(current_app, error_message)
       return abort(400, error_message)
 
     claimed = get_model().claim_operation(operation_id, host_id)
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ def claim_operation(operation_id: int, host_id: str):
     else:
       return abort(409, f"operation was already assigned to another host")
   else:
-    current_app.logger.warning(f"/hub/claim-operation/{operation_id}/{host_id} returned 401: invalid token")
+    mylog_warning(current_app, f"/hub/claim-operation/{operation_id}/{host_id} returned 401: invalid token")
     return abort(401, "invalid host id or token")
 
 def can_claim_create(payload, host_id) -> (str, str):
diff --git a/capsulflask/hub_model.py b/capsulflask/hub_model.py
index a20f00b..5ed5cf9 100644
--- a/capsulflask/hub_model.py
+++ b/capsulflask/hub_model.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ from subprocess import run
 
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
 from capsulflask.http_client import HTTPResult
-from capsulflask.shared import VirtualizationInterface, VirtualMachine, OnlineHost, validate_capsul_id, my_exec_info_message
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 class MockHub(VirtualizationInterface):
   def __init__(self):
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ class MockHub(VirtualizationInterface):
 
   def create(self, email: str, id: str, os: str, size: str, template_image_file_name: str, vcpus: int, memory_mb: int, ssh_authorized_keys: list):
     validate_capsul_id(id)
-    current_app.logger.info(f"mock create: {id} for {email}")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"mock create: {id} for {email}")
     sleep(1)
     get_model().create_vm(
       email=email, 
@@ -56,10 +56,10 @@ class MockHub(VirtualizationInterface):
     )
 
   def destroy(self, email: str, id: str):
-    current_app.logger.info(f"mock destroy: {id} for {email}")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"mock destroy: {id} for {email}")
 
   def vm_state_command(self, email: str, id: str, command: str):
-    current_app.logger.info(f"mock {command}: {id} for {email}")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"mock {command}: {id} for {email}")
 
 
 class CapsulFlaskHub(VirtualizationInterface):
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ class CapsulFlaskHub(VirtualizationInterface):
           operation_desc = ""
           if operation_id:
             operation_desc = f"for operation {operation_id}"
-          current_app.logger.error(f"""error reading assignment_status {operation_desc} from host {host.id}: 
+          mylog_error(current_app, f"""error reading assignment_status {operation_desc} from host {host.id}: 
               result_is_json: {result_is_json}
               result_is_dict: {result_is_dict}
               result_has_status: {result_has_status}
@@ -183,10 +183,10 @@ class CapsulFlaskHub(VirtualizationInterface):
             except:
               all_valid = False
           if not all_valid:
-            current_app.logger.error(f"""error reading ids for list_ids operation, host {host.id}""")
+            mylog_error(current_app, f"""error reading ids for list_ids operation, host {host.id}""")
         else:
             result_json_string = json.dumps({"error_message": "invalid response, missing 'ids' list"})
-            current_app.logger.error(f"""missing 'ids' list for list_ids operation, host {host.id}""")
+            mylog_error(current_app, f"""missing 'ids' list for list_ids operation, host {host.id}""")
       except:
         # no need to do anything here since if it cant be parsed then generic_operation will handle it.
         pass
@@ -196,7 +196,7 @@ class CapsulFlaskHub(VirtualizationInterface):
   def create(self, email: str, id: str, os: str, size: str, template_image_file_name: str, vcpus: int, memory_mb: int, ssh_authorized_keys: list):
     validate_capsul_id(id)
     online_hosts = get_model().get_online_hosts()
-    current_app.logger.debug(f"hub_model.create(): ${len(online_hosts)} hosts")
+    mylog_debug(current_app, f"hub_model.create(): ${len(online_hosts)} hosts")
     payload = json.dumps(dict(
       type="create", 
       email=email, 
diff --git a/capsulflask/landing.py b/capsulflask/landing.py
index 9514d70..d81c043 100644
--- a/capsulflask/landing.py
+++ b/capsulflask/landing.py
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ from flask import render_template
 from flask import current_app
 
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 bp = Blueprint("landing", __name__, url_prefix="/")
 
diff --git a/capsulflask/metrics.py b/capsulflask/metrics.py
index 9d345b6..264ffcc 100644
--- a/capsulflask/metrics.py
+++ b/capsulflask/metrics.py
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ from werkzeug.exceptions import abort
 
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
 from capsulflask.auth import account_required
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 mutex = Lock()
 bp = Blueprint("metrics", __name__, url_prefix="/metrics")
@@ -143,7 +144,7 @@ def get_plot_bytes(metric, capsulid, duration, size):
 
 def draw_plot_png_bytes(data, scale, size_x=3, size_y=1):
 
-  #current_app.logger.info(json.dumps(data, indent=4, default=str))
+  #mylog_info(current_app, json.dumps(data, indent=4, default=str))
 
   pyplot.style.use("seaborn-dark")
   fig, my_plot = pyplot.subplots(figsize=(size_x, size_y)) 
diff --git a/capsulflask/payment.py b/capsulflask/payment.py
index 3c41cd9..1aefa65 100644
--- a/capsulflask/payment.py
+++ b/capsulflask/payment.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ from werkzeug.exceptions import abort
 from capsulflask.auth import account_required
 
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
-from capsulflask.shared import my_exec_info_message
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 bp = Blueprint("payment", __name__, url_prefix="/payment")
 
@@ -67,11 +67,11 @@ def btcpay_payment():
         notificationURL=f"{current_app.config['BASE_URL']}/payment/btcpay/webhook"
       ))
 
-      current_app.logger.info(f"created btcpay invoice: {invoice}")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"created btcpay invoice: {invoice}")
 
       # print(invoice)
 
-      current_app.logger.info(f"created btcpay invoice_id={invoice['id']} ( {session['account']}, ${dollars} )")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"created btcpay invoice_id={invoice['id']} ( {session['account']}, ${dollars} )")
 
       get_model().create_payment_session("btcpay", invoice["id"], session["account"], dollars)
 
@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ def poll_btcpay_session(invoice_id):
   try:
     invoice = current_app.config['BTCPAY_CLIENT'].get_invoice(invoice_id)
   except:
-    current_app.logger.error(f"""
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"""
       error was thrown when contacting btcpay server:
       {my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())}"""
     )
@@ -101,13 +101,13 @@ def poll_btcpay_session(invoice_id):
   
   dollars = invoice['price']
 
-  current_app.logger.info(f"poll_btcpay_session invoice_id={invoice_id}, status={invoice['status']} dollars={dollars}")
+  mylog_info(current_app, f"poll_btcpay_session invoice_id={invoice_id}, status={invoice['status']} dollars={dollars}")
 
   if invoice['status'] == "paid" or invoice['status'] == "confirmed" or invoice['status'] == "complete":
     success_account = get_model().consume_payment_session("btcpay", invoice_id, dollars)
         
     if success_account:
-      current_app.logger.info(f"{success_account} paid ${dollars} successfully (btcpay_invoice_id={invoice_id})")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"{success_account} paid ${dollars} successfully (btcpay_invoice_id={invoice_id})")
 
   if invoice['status'] == "complete":
     get_model().btcpay_invoice_resolved(invoice_id, True)
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ def poll_btcpay_session(invoice_id):
 @bp.route("/btcpay/webhook", methods=("POST",))
 def btcpay_webhook():
   
-  current_app.logger.info(f"got btcpay webhook")
+  mylog_info(current_app, f"got btcpay webhook")
 
   # IMPORTANT! there is no signature or credential to authenticate the data sent into this webhook :facepalm:
   # its just a notification, thats all.
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ def stripe_payment():
 
     if len(errors) == 0:
 
-      current_app.logger.info(f"creating stripe checkout session for {session['account']}, ${dollars}")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"creating stripe checkout session for {session['account']}, ${dollars}")
 
       checkout_session = stripe.checkout.Session.create(
         success_url=current_app.config['BASE_URL'] + "/payment/stripe/success?session_id={CHECKOUT_SESSION_ID}",
@@ -167,7 +167,7 @@ def stripe_payment():
       )
       stripe_checkout_session_id = checkout_session['id']
 
-      current_app.logger.info(f"stripe_checkout_session_id={stripe_checkout_session_id} ( {session['account']}, ${dollars} )")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"stripe_checkout_session_id={stripe_checkout_session_id} ( {session['account']}, ${dollars} )")
 
       get_model().create_payment_session("stripe", stripe_checkout_session_id, session["account"], dollars)
 
@@ -251,13 +251,13 @@ def validate_stripe_checkout_session(stripe_checkout_session_id):
 def success():
   stripe_checkout_session_id = request.args.get('session_id')
   if not stripe_checkout_session_id:
-    current_app.logger.info("/payment/stripe/success returned 400: missing required URL parameter session_id")
+    mylog_info(current_app, "/payment/stripe/success returned 400: missing required URL parameter session_id")
     abort(400, "missing required URL parameter session_id")
   else:
     for _ in range(0, 5):
       paid = validate_stripe_checkout_session(stripe_checkout_session_id)
       if paid:
-        current_app.logger.info(f"{paid['email']} paid ${paid['dollars']} successfully (stripe_checkout_session_id={stripe_checkout_session_id})")
+        mylog_info(current_app, f"{paid['email']} paid ${paid['dollars']} successfully (stripe_checkout_session_id={stripe_checkout_session_id})")
         return redirect(url_for("console.account_balance"))
       else:
         sleep(1)
diff --git a/capsulflask/shared.py b/capsulflask/shared.py
index ba72900..92e8485 100644
--- a/capsulflask/shared.py
+++ b/capsulflask/shared.py
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import re
 
-from flask import current_app
+from flask import current_app, Flask
 from typing import List
 
 class OnlineHost:
@@ -54,4 +54,30 @@ def authorized_as_hub(headers):
   return False
 
 def my_exec_info_message(exec_info):
-  return "{}: {}".format(".".join([exec_info[0].__module__, exec_info[0].__name__]), exec_info[1])
\ No newline at end of file
+  return "{}: {}".format(".".join([exec_info[0].__module__, exec_info[0].__name__]), exec_info[1])
+
+def log_output_for_tests(app: Flask, message: str):
+  if app.config['TESTING'] != False:
+    file_object = open('unittest-log-output.log', 'a')
+    file_object.write(message)
+    file_object.close()
+
+def mylog_debug(app: Flask, message: str):
+  log_output_for_tests(app, f"DEBUG: {message}\n")
+  app.logger.debug(message)
+
+def mylog_info(app: Flask, message: str):
+  log_output_for_tests(app, f"INFO: {message}\n")
+  app.logger.info(message)
+
+def mylog_warning(app: Flask, message: str):
+  log_output_for_tests(app, f"WARNING: {message}\n")
+  app.logger.warning(message)
+
+def mylog_error(app: Flask, message: str):
+  log_output_for_tests(app, f"ERROR: {message}\n")
+  app.logger.error(message)
+
+def mylog_critical(app: Flask, message: str):
+  log_output_for_tests(app, f"CRITICAL: {message}\n")
+  app.logger.critical(message)
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/capsulflask/spoke_api.py b/capsulflask/spoke_api.py
index 3ca86bc..79b81ff 100644
--- a/capsulflask/spoke_api.py
+++ b/capsulflask/spoke_api.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from flask import request
 from flask.json import jsonify
 from werkzeug.exceptions import abort
 
-from capsulflask.shared import  my_exec_info_message, authorized_as_hub
+from capsulflask.shared import  *
 
 bp = Blueprint("spoke", __name__, url_prefix="/spoke")
 
@@ -19,18 +19,18 @@ def heartbeat():
     authorization_header = f"Bearer {current_app.config['SPOKE_HOST_TOKEN']}"
     result = current_app.config['HTTP_CLIENT'].do_http_sync(url, body=None, authorization_header=authorization_header)
     if result.status_code == -1:
-      current_app.logger.info(f"/spoke/heartbeat returned 503: hub at {url} timed out or cannot be reached")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"/spoke/heartbeat returned 503: hub at {url} timed out or cannot be reached")
       return abort(503, "Service Unavailable: hub timed out or cannot be reached")
     if result.status_code == 401:
-      current_app.logger.info(f"/spoke/heartbeat returned 502: hub at {url} rejected our token")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"/spoke/heartbeat returned 502: hub at {url} rejected our token")
       return abort(502, "hub rejected our token")
     if result.status_code != 200:
-      current_app.logger.info(f"/spoke/heartbeat returned 502: hub at {url} returned {result.status_code}")
+      mylog_info(current_app, f"/spoke/heartbeat returned 502: hub at {url} returned {result.status_code}")
       return abort(502, "Bad Gateway: hub did not return 200")
 
     return "OK"
   else:
-    current_app.logger.info(f"/spoke/heartbeat returned 401: invalid hub token")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"/spoke/heartbeat returned 401: invalid hub token")
     return abort(401, "invalid hub token")
 
 @bp.route("/operation/<int:operation_id>", methods=("POST",))
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ def operation_impl(operation_id: int):
   if authorized_as_hub(request.headers):
     request_body_json = request.json
     request_body = json.loads(request_body_json)
-    #current_app.logger.info(f"request.json: {request_body}")
+    #mylog_info(current_app, f"request.json: {request_body}")
     handlers = {
       "capacity_avaliable": handle_capacity_avaliable,
       "get": handle_get,
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ def operation_impl(operation_id: int):
           return handlers[request_body['type']](operation_id, request_body)
         except:
           error_message = my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())
-          current_app.logger.error(f"unhandled exception in {request_body['type']} handler: {error_message}")
+          mylog_error(current_app, f"unhandled exception in {request_body['type']} handler: {error_message}")
           return jsonify(dict(error_message=error_message))
       else:
         error_message = f"'type' must be one of {types_csv}"
@@ -71,15 +71,15 @@ def operation_impl(operation_id: int):
       error_message = "'type' json property is required"
 
     if error_message != "":
-      current_app.logger.error(f"/hosts/operation returned 400: {error_message}")
+      mylog_error(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 400: {error_message}")
       return abort(400, f"bad request; {error_message}")
   else:
-    current_app.logger.warning(f"/hosts/operation returned 401: invalid hub token")
+    mylog_warning(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 401: invalid hub token")
     return abort(401, "invalid hub token")
 
 def handle_capacity_avaliable(operation_id, request_body):
   if 'additional_ram_bytes' not in request_body:
-    current_app.logger.error(f"/hosts/operation returned 400: additional_ram_bytes is required for capacity_avaliable")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 400: additional_ram_bytes is required for capacity_avaliable")
     return abort(400, f"bad request; additional_ram_bytes is required for capacity_avaliable")
 
   has_capacity = current_app.config['SPOKE_MODEL'].capacity_avaliable(request_body['additional_ram_bytes'])
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ def handle_capacity_avaliable(operation_id, request_body):
 
 def handle_get(operation_id, request_body):
   if 'id' not in request_body:
-    current_app.logger.error(f"/hosts/operation returned 400: id is required for get")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 400: id is required for get")
     return abort(400, f"bad request; id is required for get")
 
   vm = current_app.config['SPOKE_MODEL'].get(request_body['id'], request_body['get_ssh_host_keys'])
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ def handle_list_ids(operation_id, request_body):
 
 def handle_create(operation_id, request_body):
   if not operation_id:
-    current_app.logger.error(f"/hosts/operation returned 400: operation_id is required for create ")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 400: operation_id is required for create ")
     return abort(400, f"bad request; operation_id is required. try POST /spoke/operation/<id>")
 
   parameters = ["email", "id", "os", "size", "template_image_file_name", "vcpus", "memory_mb", "ssh_authorized_keys"]
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ def handle_create(operation_id, request_body):
       error_message = f"{error_message}\n{parameter} is required for create"
   
   if error_message != "":
-    current_app.logger.error(f"/hosts/operation returned 400: {error_message}")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 400: {error_message}")
     return abort(400, f"bad request; {error_message}")
 
   # only one host should create the vm, so we first race to assign this create operation to ourselves.
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ def handle_create(operation_id, request_body):
   elif result.status_code == 409:
     assignment_status = "assigned_to_other_host"
   else:
-    current_app.logger.error(f"{url} returned {result.status_code}: {result.body}")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"{url} returned {result.status_code}: {result.body}")
     return abort(503, f"hub did not cleanly handle our request to claim the create operation")
     
   if assignment_status == "assigned":
@@ -166,7 +166,7 @@ def handle_create(operation_id, request_body):
       params=  f"{params} network_name='{request_body['network_name'] if 'network_name' in request_body else 'KeyError'}', "
       params=  f"{params} public_ipv4='{request_body['public_ipv4'] if 'public_ipv4' in request_body else 'KeyError'}', "
       
-      current_app.logger.error(f"spoke_model.create({params}) failed: {error_message}")
+      mylog_error(current_app, f"spoke_model.create({params}) failed: {error_message}")
 
       return jsonify(dict(assignment_status=assignment_status, error_message=error_message))
 
@@ -174,11 +174,11 @@ def handle_create(operation_id, request_body):
 
 def handle_destroy(operation_id, request_body):
   if 'id' not in request_body:
-    current_app.logger.error(f"/hosts/operation returned 400: id is required for destroy")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 400: id is required for destroy")
     return abort(400, f"bad request; id is required for destroy")
 
   if 'email' not in request_body:
-    current_app.logger.error(f"/hosts/operation returned 400: email is required for destroy")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 400: email is required for destroy")
     return abort(400, f"bad request; email is required for destroy")
 
   try:
@@ -187,7 +187,7 @@ def handle_destroy(operation_id, request_body):
     error_message = my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())
     params =          f"email='{request_body['email'] if 'email' in request_body else 'KeyError'}', "
     params=  f"{params} id='{request_body['id'] if 'id' in request_body else 'KeyError'}', "
-    current_app.logger.error(f"current_app.config['SPOKE_MODEL'].destroy({params}) failed: {error_message}")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"current_app.config['SPOKE_MODEL'].destroy({params}) failed: {error_message}")
     return jsonify(dict(assignment_status="assigned", status="error", error_message=error_message))
   
   return jsonify(dict(assignment_status="assigned", status="success"))
@@ -198,11 +198,11 @@ def handle_vm_state_command(operation_id, request_body):
   required_properties = ['id', 'email', 'command']
   for required_property in required_properties:
     if required_property not in request_body:
-      current_app.logger.error(f"/hosts/operation returned 400: {required_property} is required for vm_state_command")
+      mylog_error(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 400: {required_property} is required for vm_state_command")
       return abort(400, f"bad request; {required_property} is required for vm_state_command")
 
   if request_body['command'] not in ["stop", "force-stop", "start", "restart"]:
-    current_app.logger.error(f"/hosts/operation returned 400: command ({request_body['command']}) must be one of stop, force-stop, start, or restart")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"/hosts/operation returned 400: command ({request_body['command']}) must be one of stop, force-stop, start, or restart")
     return abort(400, f"bad request; command ({request_body['command']}) must be one of stop, force-stop, start, or restart")
 
   try:
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ def handle_vm_state_command(operation_id, request_body):
     params =          f"email='{request_body['email'] if 'email' in request_body else 'KeyError'}', "
     params=  f"{params} id='{request_body['id'] if 'id' in request_body else 'KeyError'}', "
     params=  f"{params} command='{request_body['command'] if 'command' in request_body else 'KeyError'}', "
-    current_app.logger.error(f"current_app.config['SPOKE_MODEL'].vm_state_command({params}) failed: {error_message}")
+    mylog_error(current_app, f"current_app.config['SPOKE_MODEL'].vm_state_command({params}) failed: {error_message}")
     return jsonify(dict(assignment_status="assigned", status="error", error_message=error_message))
   
   return jsonify(dict(assignment_status="assigned", status="success"))
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/capsulflask/spoke_model.py b/capsulflask/spoke_model.py
index 9ab0d3a..1c93c59 100644
--- a/capsulflask/spoke_model.py
+++ b/capsulflask/spoke_model.py
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ from subprocess import run
 
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
 
-from capsulflask.shared import VirtualizationInterface, VirtualMachine, validate_capsul_id, my_exec_info_message
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 
 class MockSpoke(VirtualizationInterface):
@@ -43,15 +43,15 @@ class MockSpoke(VirtualizationInterface):
 
   def create(self, email: str, id: str, template_image_file_name: str, vcpus: int, memory_mb: int, ssh_authorized_keys: list, network_name: str, public_ipv4: str):
     validate_capsul_id(id)
-    current_app.logger.info(f"mock create: {id} for {email}")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"mock create: {id} for {email}")
     self.capsuls[id] = dict(email=email, id=id, network_name=network_name, public_ipv4=public_ipv4)
     sleep(1)
 
   def destroy(self, email: str, id: str):
-    current_app.logger.info(f"mock destroy: {id} for {email}")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"mock destroy: {id} for {email}")
 
   def vm_state_command(self, email: str, id: str, command: str):
-    current_app.logger.info(f"mock {command}: {id} for {email}")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"mock {command}: {id} for {email}")
 
 class ShellScriptSpoke(VirtualizationInterface):
 
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ class ShellScriptSpoke(VirtualizationInterface):
     completedProcess = run(my_args, capture_output=True)
 
     if completedProcess.returncode != 0:
-      current_app.logger.error(f"""
+      mylog_error(current_app, f"""
       capacity-avaliable.sh exited {completedProcess.returncode} with
         stdout:
         {completedProcess.stdout}
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ class ShellScriptSpoke(VirtualizationInterface):
     lines = completedProcess.stdout.splitlines()
     output = lines[len(lines)-1]
     if not output == b"yes":
-      current_app.logger.error(f"capacity-avaliable.sh exited 0 and returned {output} but did not return \"yes\" ")
+      mylog_error(current_app, f"capacity-avaliable.sh exited 0 and returned {output} but did not return \"yes\" ")
       return False
 
     return True
@@ -96,14 +96,14 @@ class ShellScriptSpoke(VirtualizationInterface):
     self.validate_completed_process(completedProcess)
     lines = completedProcess.stdout.splitlines()
     if len(lines) == 0:
-      current_app.logger.warning("shell_scripts/get.sh returned zero lines!")
+      mylog_warning(current_app, "shell_scripts/get.sh returned zero lines!")
       return None
     
     result_string = lines[0].decode("utf-8")
 
     fields = result_string.split(" ")
     if fields[0] != "true":
-      current_app.logger.warning(f"shell_scripts/get.sh was called for {id} which libvirt says does not exist.")
+      mylog_warning(current_app, f"shell_scripts/get.sh was called for {id} which libvirt says does not exist.")
       return None
 
     if len(fields) < 2:
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ class ShellScriptSpoke(VirtualizationInterface):
         ssh_host_keys = json.loads(completedProcess2.stdout.decode("utf-8"))
         return VirtualMachine(id, current_app.config["SPOKE_HOST_ID"], state=state, ipv4=ipaddr, ssh_host_keys=ssh_host_keys)
       except:
-        current_app.logger.warning(f"""
+        mylog_warning(current_app, f"""
           failed to ssh-keyscan {id} at {ipaddr}:
           {my_exec_info_message(sys.exc_info())}"""
         )
@@ -218,5 +218,5 @@ class ShellScriptSpoke(VirtualizationInterface):
     completedProcess = run([join(current_app.root_path, f"shell_scripts/{command}.sh"), id], capture_output=True)
     self.validate_completed_process(completedProcess, email)
     returned_string = completedProcess.stdout.decode("utf-8")
-    current_app.logger.info(f"{command} vm {id} for {email} returned: {returned_string}")
+    mylog_info(current_app, f"{command} vm {id} for {email} returned: {returned_string}")
     
diff --git a/capsulflask/tests/test_console.py b/capsulflask/tests/test_console.py
index fee1178..be27438 100644
--- a/capsulflask/tests/test_console.py
+++ b/capsulflask/tests/test_console.py
@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ class ConsoleTests(BaseTestCase):
 
     def test_create_fails_capacity(self):
         with self.client as client:
+
             client.get(url_for("console.create"))
             csrf_token = self.get_context_variable('csrf_token')
 
@@ -82,7 +83,7 @@ class ConsoleTests(BaseTestCase):
                 len(get_model().list_vms_for_account('test@example.com')),
                 0
             )
-            
+
             file_object = open('unittest-output.log', 'a')
             file_object.write(f"{self.id()} captured output:\n{self.logs_from_test.getvalue()}\n")
             file_object.close()
@@ -207,3 +208,4 @@ class ConsoleTests(BaseTestCase):
         get_model().cursor.execute("DELETE FROM vms")
         get_model().cursor.execute("DELETE FROM payments")
         get_model().cursor.connection.commit()
+
diff --git a/capsulflask/tests_base.py b/capsulflask/tests_base.py
index 60eebb0..085d739 100644
--- a/capsulflask/tests_base.py
+++ b/capsulflask/tests_base.py
@@ -9,12 +9,13 @@ from flask import current_app
 
 from capsulflask import create_app
 from capsulflask.db import get_model
+from capsulflask.shared import *
 
 class BaseTestCase(TestCase):
     def create_app(self):
         # Use default connection paramaters
         os.environ['POSTGRES_CONNECTION_PARAMETERS'] = "host=localhost port=5432 user=postgres password=dev dbname=capsulflask_test"
-        os.environ['TESTING'] = '1'
+        os.environ['TESTING'] = 'True'
         os.environ['LOG_LEVEL'] = 'DEBUG'
         os.environ['SPOKE_MODEL'] = 'mock'
         os.environ['HUB_MODEL'] = 'capsul-flask'
@@ -22,14 +23,13 @@ class BaseTestCase(TestCase):
         return self.app
 
     def setUp(self):
-      pass
+      mylog_info(self.app, f"setting up {self.id()}")
 
     def tearDown(self):
-       pass
+      mylog_info(self.app, f"tearing down {self.id()}")
 
     def _login(self, user_email):
         get_model().login(user_email)
         with self.client.session_transaction() as session:
             session['account'] = user_email
             session['csrf-token'] = generate()
-