The Fish Family Five FYI

In September 2007, the Air Force moved us from Wichita, KS to Altus, OK. We left McConnell AFB after surviving nine deployments and experiencing the joy of adding 2 little fishes to the family. Moving to Altus was an answer to prayer for our family. Instead of deploying, Brett is using his expertise to train new pilots in the KC-135 so that they will have the opportunity to serve. Though we moved into a house 1/2 the size of the one we left in KS, God has granted us a wonderful lifestyle in a very small and humble town. We were blessed with an above-ground pool and a fruit-bearing peach tree. Brett installed a 20X20 ft. garden, complete with fence and an in-ground sand box. We enjoyed the bounty of fresh peaches (enough to make canned preserves for Christmas gifts, peach cobbler, peach salsa, peach crisp, & peach smoothies), eggplant, squash, & tomatoes, which provided fabulous ratatouille, fried green tomatoes, fresh salsa, and fried squash flower & feta hors d'oeuvres. The children learned about photosynthesis as they watched the seeds they planted grow to be "fruit" bearing plants. They also learned how to weed, water, and cook!

Mandy has enjoyed (endured at times?) the privilege and calling of home schooling. Though she has found it challenging to properly channel the high energy of her three rug rats, God's grace has been sufficient and the joy has been tremendous. Logan (now 6) and Maria (almost 5) are truly blossoming relationally, spiritually, and intellectually under her care. The jury is still out on Melissa (now 22 months).

In 2008, Logan and Maria became proficient swimmers and are free to enjoy any pool at any depth without the aid of a life-jacket (though Mommy or Daddy is always close!). Logan began his first season of t-ball over the summer, playing for the Cubs. Maria has become an expert "Memory" player, jigsaw puzzler, and artist. Her favorite medium is fine-tipped markers. Both are now reading for Mommy. While it is still a challenge for Logan, Maria's eagerness has motivated her to excel. Logan has been gifted with a mathematical/mechanical mind and enjoys building, discovering how things work, and problem-solving. Both children are attending AWANAS and take their scripture memory very seriously. Both now have all the books of the Bible memorized and are learning where to find references in the Bible. Logan just memorized Psalm 23 and says it's his favorite! Logan is involved in RA's (Royal Ambassadors, a Christian version of Boy Scouts) and made his first birdhouse. He was also privileged to be in the Altus Christmas Parade, winning first place for his RA float. Logan lost his bottom two teeth over the summer--to the shock and dismay of his parents who are in denial by how fast he is growing. Both are involved in CHESO, a local home school co-op and enjoy learning from other home schooling moms, as well. Set up similar to a charter school, they are exposed to subjects such as a formal art class, science, geography, sign-language, music appreciation, and phys-ed.

Melissa has had a monumental year learning to sign, walk, talk, sing (on pitch), and potty train. She loves to eat! Her favorites are bark, dirt, sand, and charcoal--oh yea, and Goldfish. She is also an expert tantrum thrower and obsessive climber. She has developed a passion for getting into trouble and perfects her ability each and every day. She has kept Mommy busy with nursing, teething, stomach flues, colds, and a late-night visit to the ER for a UTI. Mommy is diligently praying that there will be an opening for Melissa to attend Mom's Day Out this spring.J In spite of all that, she is a pure joy, a jokester, and a very affectionate little girl. Her favorite tunes are Old McDonald and Jingle Bells. But, no matter what song she sings, it always ends in "EIEIO."On July 1st, Brett began his tour of duty as an executive officer to the operations group commander. It's a very demanding, very time consuming, and very honorable position. His transition to this new duty and Mandy's desire to nurture family time put a temporary halt on his MBA pursuit but he was able to start tackling double classes again in January. Brett also began volunteering for AWANAS this spring. Brett & Mandy have enjoyed attending Sunday school at First Baptist Church and were excited to attend the Truth Project over the fall. They are prayerfully considering leading the Truth Project this spring. Mandy has been greatly blessed by the FBC Women's weekly Bible study that she has been a part of since their move to Altus. She was honored by the invitation to serve as a board member for Pathways, a local crisis pregnancy center. She is thrilled to be able to volunteer in this capacity. She had the pleasure of participating in the Altus Christmas Parade, as well. She rode the Pathways float and threw "Lifesaver" candy to the crowd. In the fall, Mandy volunteered for CHESO, teaching Public Speaking to the Jr. & Sr. High and Bible to the Pre-K. It was more work than she had anticipated, but the rewards were well worth it. She is teaching Bible this semester.

As a family, the Fishes enjoyed tent camping at Quartz Mountain. Logan climbed his first "mountain" with Daddy while camping this fall. The girls attempted the climb but it proved to be too much for the weaker sex. We did, however, prove our heartiness by camping in sub-freezing weather! We also had the opportunity to go to Dallas on a couple of occasions, which was a nice escape for the family. Brett surprised Logan with Ranger tickets. They had a magical night at Logan's first professional baseball game. At the same time, the girls made magic of their own! Mommy surprised the girls with reservations to the American Girl Doll Café. Maria got to sit with her Bitty Baby and have a delightful meal that they were able to "share."

In October, we rendezvoused with Mandy's parents in Branson, MO and had a wonderful week of fun. Papa taught Logan tennis, Maria & Daddy had their first date (a horse-drawn carriage ride), we saw the Chinese Acrobats, we spent the night at an indoor water park, we went to the Butterfly Palace, and we even went cave spelunking (not recommended for an 18 month old)! It was a fabulous family vacation! We hope to rendezvous with Brett's parents in Branson this spring. Lord willing we will also be able to spend a week in CO in August.

This Christmas we introduced our newest member to the family! Born October 22nd, Bear Fuzz Fish, a Miniature Australian Shepherd, joined our family on December 26th. He has been so much fun! Two weeks to the day after his arrival he was house-broken and already comes and sits on command. He has a sweet disposition and is eager to please. Though still a bit nippy and very much a puppy, he knows how to make us all smile. We look forward to the years ahead with Bear.

In our February 2009 email, we listed a few highlights God blessed us with in 2008. Here are some snapshots to illustrate the newsletter.

The kids on Easter Sunday

Our beautiful ballerina!

The kids got to see a miniture colt at the local county fair.

Logan and Brett at the Rangers game.

The kids are enjoying our above ground pool. They both learned to swim in 2008!

No, unfortuately we weren't kidding when we said that Melissa's favorite past time is eating coal, wood, dirt, rocks, bugs, grass, oh, and Goldfish!

Here's a glimpse of the garden that we installed on the side of the house. And, of course, you can't miss the sand box!

Logan's Firefighter birthday party was SMOKIN'! We had a great outdoor party at Logan's Fire House complete with water relays and a firefighter contest. The party continued at the Altus Fire Station where the kids got a grand tour.

This year Maria decided that she wanted a Pony Princess party. What was her inspiration? Santa gave her a Disney Princess Pony book that she fell in love with. It seemed like a tall order to Mommy (how does one combine ponies and princesses?), but with the help of the birthday girl we made her party a dream come true! And, to her surprise, Daddy & Mommy invited, not only 5 friends, but a REAL pony too! What a memory!

The party began with Pony rides for each little princess. They were all so excited!

Princess Emma; Princess Tessa modeling Maria's Cowboy hat

Princess Edom; Princesses Sarah & Lexi

Princess Melissa; Prince Logan donning his Daddy's outfit

from when he was a little boy!

Belle of the Ball! Her shirt says "Pony Princess"

After pony rides, the princesses came back to the palace for crafts, games and refreshments.

Tiara Time! Lunch Time!

Princess Maria also chose her cake and the lunch menu. Sher requested fresh fruit, crescent rolls, cheese & deli meat (in the shape of hearts), crackers, go-gurts, punch, carrots, and candy. After lunch, the girls played Pin the Tail on the Pony, posed for pictures, were tatooed with their favorite Disney princess, and smashed a Princess Castle pinata.