Tuesday, January 20th: A Monumental Day

Due to the emotional instability of our darling four-year-old (rough day for our Little Princess), we decided it would be best to put certain individuals to bed early on Monday night and postpone Family Home Evening until Tuesday.  It worked out beautifully.  We started out by talking about Martin Luther King Jr. and the reasons why we celebrate his birthday.  We watched part of the "I Have a Dream" speech, and talked about his nonviolent approach to the Civil Rights Movement.  Then, we watched Joe Biden and Barack Obama take the oath for Vice President and President of the United States and attempted to listen to his speech (Austin said that they watched it in school, and "it was really long").  

Although it was over their heads, I tried to explain the injustice that black people have suffered in America throughout our history and express my awe and gratitude that the American people elected a President regardless of the color of his/her skin.  I tried to explain that Martin Luther King Jr.'s "dream" was realized on this historic day.  In truth, I honestly can't fully understand it.  I have never lived in an era where people were not allowed to vote because of skin color, gender, or religious affiliation.  I have never lived in a place were people regardless of background could not use the same public restroom.  I have never personally witnessed a violent act due to any sort of prejudice.  I am sheltered.  I do, however, stand in awe of people throughout history that have sacrificed everything to fight for that justice, and I was grateful to witness this historic event.

 
For the Activity Portion of FHE, Austin decided he was ready for Dad to pull his tooth.  He was very brave!  Greg used string at first, but ended up tying floss around the tooth and yanking.  Without a whine or a tear or a hesitation, Austin bravely withstood the torture.  When they were done, Macy was fascinated with the hole in Austin's mouth (mostly because it involved some blood).  She asked, "Is a gold one going to grow in its place?"  I do consider Austin to be a very unique, talented kid, and it would be magical to have a child that grows golden teeth, not to mention probably finance our children's college education, we explained that it is more likely that a huge, awkward, white permanent tooth will grow.  Without further ado, after seven and a half years, I give you the 1st Official Lost Tooth:

Austin put his tooth in a plastic bag with this note:  (Greg had a bit of a brain cramp when it came to spelling "fairy".  Austin kept saying that "f-a-i-r-e" just doesn't look right, but he trusted his good old dad.)

Dear tooth faire: Can I pleas keep my tooth.  This is my first tooth.  I want to show my friends.  I will give it to you tomorrow. From: Austin

He went to school the next day with his tooth in his pocket, on Cloud Nine because the Tooth Fairy took his note and left him a note, and two dollars richer.  Happy Kid!