A Fish Called ?

Yes, I really am blogging about my fish. I can't help it. I'm in awe of this fish. Last Christmas (2009) Kent's brother and sister-in-law gave us a fish tank and 2 bags full of goldfish. We weren't sure if we should be grateful or ticked off, but we set up the tank and dumped in all the fish after we thought we had acclimated them to the new water temperature. Let's just say that over the next couple of days, we were fishing out fish (pun intended) from the tank left and right. The kids were a little traumatized I think. After all was said and done, only ONE goldfish survived.

Fast forward one year and this sole surviving fish is going strong, and what's more the goldfish has gotten huge. I had no idea goldfish could get that big. When I was 10 years old I won a goldfish at a school fair. My mother kindly bought me a little fish bowl where I put Goldie Hawn, yes that was her name, and she lived to a ripe old age of 2 weeks. I thought that happened to all goldfish...which I suppose I was partly right about. I mean, we did lose 19 fish in a matter of days last year. But, my point is that this fish, who remains nameless, is one hardy goldfish and I've grown oddly fond of him/her. Kent even calls him (I think it's a boy. I don't know why.) "your fish", as if I were the one who went out and bought a fish tank and 20 goldfish one day.

So, does anyone have suggestions for a name?

MLK's Dream

Last night our family had a little celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and all he did for Americans of color, and consequently for all Americans. Because our children are so young, we decided to read them a children's book about King's life entitled "Martin's Big Words" by Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier. It is beautifully illustrated and so perfect for small children mixing the story of his life with many of his own words.

As soon as I opened my mouth to start our lesson, I started crying, and I cried throughout; Kent had to read the book to the children because I was too emotional. How can I put into words how much the Civil Rights Movement has affected me personally and our family? How can I not shed tears thinking of my children being treated as unworthy and less-than? How do I explain to my little ones that the pure love they have for each other is so uncommon and unknown in much of the world? Maija said it best, "Mommy, thinking of this makes my heart sad. I don't think skin matters except to hold in the insides of our bodies." Couldn't have put it better myself.

Even Kent shed a few tears when he read the following while reading Martin Luther King's own words:

"I have a dream that one day ... little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers."

At least that part of his dream has been fulfilled in a very real way right here in the walls of our home. If only we could all see each other's insides (metaphorically speaking) and be able to love one another truly as brothers and sisters. If only we could see men's hearts as our savior, Jesus Christ, does and truly judge not "by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Holiday Favorites

Whew! We made it through another holiday season. It was a good one, and we were busy with family events and getting over colds, passing it on to my parents visiting from North Carolina. Sorry, Mom and Dad. The kids received way too many presents, but we were happy to see the older ones begin to understand the true meaning of Christmas by doing service for others.

I've posted some of my favorite pictures from Christmas and a few of my favorite quotes from my children.

Maija talking to Bekah in the car: I don't know how Jesus created so many people. I mean, there's like hundreds of galaxies out there.

Maija singing one of her made-up songs to herself: And his name was Jesus Christ. Cha cha cha!
(I don't think I've ever heard "cha, cha, cha" following the Savior's name before).

Bekah who would not go to bed and insisted on sleeping on our bedroom floor: Guys! I'm trying to go to sleep! Can you guys just go to bed!

Some important firsts:

• Kiira sleeping through the night! Yahoo!
  
• Forest saying his first prayer (with help)
  
• Kiira starting to eat solids
  
• Forest climbing out of his crib
  

And now the pictures: