With Loving Thanks

Yesterday was a gorgeous day.  I woke up knowing my children would be able to run and play outside in perfect weather.  I decided to change up my strategy to include the children in preparing our Thanksgiving dinner so that each one would get some one-on-one time with me.  Plus, one mama and four children over a pie crust doesn't go down too well for anyone involved.  The kids seem to fight when we bake, which negates my whole intention of bringing us joyful memories!  My plan worked.  I started with my young son, and Henry helped roll out Emily's mom's recipe for pie crust and mixed up everything to make his pecan pie.  The big girls each made one pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkins picked this fall on outings to the pumpkin patches of KC.  They rolled out butter pie crusts like little baking pros.  Vivian mixed up the corn bread recipe that we use for Grandma Gloria's corn bread stuffing recipe that Robbie makes each year.  He tasted Viv's bread and made a hilarious exclamation that I can't publish.  He liked it!  All of the children were very proud of their efforts, and we had a really fun time baking together.  They wore small aprons and looked so cute with hands dusted in flour.  The big girls also helped me make a cranberry upside down coffee cake that we'll eat Thanksgiving morning.  It is quite beautiful, and they are impressed with the invention of spring form pans.

Robbie had to work into the afternoon yesterday, and my parents were delayed traveling from Illinois due to illness.  I was solo most of the day with all of the kids out of school and much work at hand.  Although they played very nicely and got along fine, Henry was in wild man mode.  The night before, Robbie and I talked about our goal to enjoy the children and remain mindful of the blessings they bring, even as they quarrel and make messes while we prepare our holiday feast.  First off, my son exploded a bowl of flake cereal all over the dining room floor and spent an eternity sweeping the mess.  Henry dumped tire mulch from the play set on Olivia's head and his own.  He spit chewed orange peel into the serving pitcher of tea during their picnic...TWICE!  He licked his whisk as he beat raw eggs!!  He put a quarter in his mouth. The rare time that I served hot dogs, he stuffed 3/4 of one into his mouth (with bun) and tried to talk.  CHOKING HAZARDS, BOY!!  He couldn't get out of his PJs fast enough, because he had stuffed super hero slippers into the bottoms to resemble muscles (so he said...).  He came to me with, "Mom, I couldn't get my PJs off when I had to pee."  I asked, "What happened?"  He said, "Pee got EVERYWHERE."  He jumped on the couch.  He got our 14 lb. turkey (which was luckily wrapped) and hoisted it above his head in the kitchen.  He stood with his nose in the corner for ugly talk ("You don't even love me at all, Mom.  You never take care of me.") and pouting about something so minor it escapes me.  He played with a giant stick in the backyard, which is an Overlease No No.  Henry received too many consequences over the course of the day to even name! Through much deep breathing and prayer, I managed to remain calm through all of this.  It was not until past his bedtime (which resulted from extra storybooks and warm cuddles) when he filled the toothpaste tube with water that I let loose and loudly voiced my frustration.  I hope this day brings a less energetic Henry.  So help me God.

Olivia delighted us with her new piano piece from The Nutcracker, the main Sugar Plum Fairy song.  The girls have also been singing some Christmas carols as Olivia plays piano.  I love those moments.  They later put on beautiful Dance with your Daddy music, wore ballet garb, and danced happily and gracefully through the living room.  Evelyn crafted Thanksgiving decorations, which affords her a creative outlet.  Ev's like the MacGyver of 1st graders!  The girl can craft!!

Vivian has been praying in an amazingly beautiful way.  I received a rosary from a friend, and she keeps asking to hold it to pray in the van.  She says, "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with ME."  Big brother Henry then tells her, "No, Viv.  That's not right.  You don't say, 'The Lord is with ME.  You say, 'The Lord is with V, like in your name."  Henry has trouble with the "th" blend, so I explained, "Actually, buddy, it is the Lord is with THEE.  Bite your tongue when you say the "th".  It means, 'The Lord is with you."  This in itself is comical, of course.  However, baby knows her prayer quite well.  She asks for our morning drive to school standby, The St. Teresa Prayer, which I have published before.  Henry asks us to pray for those in need when we hear sirens.  Vivian even said a lovely unique prayer for my brother, "Dear God, please help Uncle Anthony to not be sick ANY MORE.  Please make him feel well and healthy."  Nice word choice, Viv!  However, her most profound utterance came as we spoke of Heaven and she listened as I answered a question Henry voiced about if we get to go to our house when we die.  "We don't go to our house, Henry.  If we live a life of kindness and compassion, then we go home to God, and we get to be with Jesus forever."  This topic was discussed during mass last weekend by Fr. Shawn, and Henry was listening.  Two-year-old Vivian said, and I'll never forget it, "and God will hold us in his loving hands."  That line is from a beautiful prayer we say about Trusting in God that I got from another friend.

Trust in God - by St. Francis de Sales 

Do not look forward to the trials and crosses of this life with dread and fear.  Rather, look to them with full confidence that, as they arise, God, to whom you belong, will deliver you from them.

He has guided and guarded you thus far in life.  Do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all trials.  Whenever you cannot stand, He will carry you lovingly in His arms.

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow.

The same Eternal Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day of your life.  Either He will shield you from suffering or He will give you the unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then and put aside all useless thoughts, vain dreads, and anxious imaginations.

Vivian listens to us as we pray, and our words have settled into her heart.  What an amazing discovery for a mother to make, and what an incredible blessing.  I wish you a very wonderful Thanksgiving.  May your blessings be many.