A little Thankful

Today was Hattie's first Thanksgiving Feast at school. I went with her, while Charlie stayed home with the other two. We tried to make it a family affair, but we were told that it was for "parents & grandparents" only. Just a small tangent and I will venture back on the Thankful part. We were not allowed to bring the siblings, due to space, or so they say. I am not so sure I buy that one, but it was their rules none the less. They did offer to find one of the high school students to watch kids that had no other place to go. I really don't think so. There is no way I am going to let some irresponsible high school student touch my 5 week old, much less leave him alone with this "stranger". So Charlie let me go to the school and he stayed home.

On to the Feast.....

Last night, I put the turkey 15 pound in the oven at Midnight. By 7 am it was done. It took me 2.5 hours to cut it all up and get it ready to take to school. Hattie and I got there early. (I know, me....early) Since we were early, the teacher sent us to play on the playground until time to eat. A little after noon we all grouped together. The children all marched in and took their red folders out (checked by teacher and parents daily) and then hung up their bags and coats. Promptly upon finishing this task, they sat on the floor on a carpet. Amazing how these normally hyper 4 year olds are disciplined enough to automatically do this. The teacher called the role in Spanish, and was answered by each and every child, in Spanish. Then each child was asked if they wanted to be Pilgrim or an Indian. Hattie promptly yelled, "Indian, I gonna be an Indian" and put her hand to her mouth and made that noise, you know the one. After a group prayer, the long version of God is Great, the parents lined up to fix their little ones plates. During the feast, Hattie non-chalantly to ask one of the girl's step mother if she was Good or Evil. (As in the wicked stepmothers from Disney movies.) The step mother did not find this at all amusing.

After eating, it was time for show and tell. They were to bring something that they were thankful for. Of course, we forgot our show and tell. So she told everyone she was thankful for the food. Especially the carrots, which she told everyone she loves while making strong arms. Funny, she never eats the carrots here at home. I have an unopened bag that has been in the frige for weeks now. Then the teacher asked her to sit on the carpet and they would start craft and game time. This is how that went:

Hattie: Can I tell a story instead?

(laughter from the parents)

Teacher: Is it a long story?

Hattie: Yep

Teacher: Then no, we have lots of other things to do today and we should really get started.

Hattie: Then I have a short story, can I tell it?

(laughter from the parents)

Teacher: Okay, if it is a short story.

Hattie: (with her arms way out) Okay everyone, lets get quiet. I have a short story to tell. Lets all listen okay.

(louder laughter from the parents)

Hattie: Once upon a time there was a little girl. This little girl lived in a castle. And the little girl had a baby sister. This baby's name was Emma. The end. Was that short enough?

The kids then played drop the turkey in the jar, pin the pilrim hat on the turkey, made a thankful wreath and made noodle necklaces. I forgot my camera, so when we got home, I took this one.

Everything you might want to know about my husband...

1. Where did you meet? At our friend, Chrystie's house. She was setting me up on a blind date with another friend of hers. And in walks Charlie. I must say, I was so curious. I was much more interested in him than the guy I was being set up with. However, I was told that night that he was really into her room mate and that we would never happen. That was Oct 31, 1998.

2. How long did you date? 3 years. We lived together for 2 1/2....EEK sinners.

3. How long have you been married? 6 years this past April. But it seems like yesterday that we left the church.

4. What does he say that surprises you? When he comes home and tell me that he has been singing in a bar. And I don't mean Karaokee.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? His eyes.

6. What is your favorite quality of his? His uncanny ability to know me so well.

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Yes, but it makes me blush, so I'm not telling.

8. What is his favorite color? He says he has no favorite and if he had to pick one, Green. However, I think it is French Blue. It is the only color dress shirt he really likes.

9. What is his favorite food? Anything that he doesn't have to fix. :) But I swear, he could eat Steak and Potatos everyday.

10. What is his favorite sport? Not really a sports fan. I think he likes football for the social engagement. He will watch it on TV, but hates to watch it with me. I get really "passionate" about the plays, especially if it is the Aggies.

11. When and where did you first kiss? My apartment on Welsh. And I must say, I had to kiss him first. Who knows if he would have ever done it. I just couldn't help myself. April 1st, 1999. We had been riding backroads. I had been dropping hints all night and he just wasn't getting it. He says that he thought I was out of his league. I don't really buy that.

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Before kids, we would go dancing/clubbing. I really miss those days. Now, we snuggle up and watch movies. I am not complaining, this is great too. But, when we can talk the grandparents into watching the children, we do get to have a date or two.

13. Do you have any children? Well, I think that is what those pint size people are. Yes, okay, we have kids.... 3 of them. Hattie 4 1/2, Riley 18 months, and Robb 5 weeks

14. Does he have a hidden talent? If I told you, it wouldn't be a hidden talent now would it? But know that it makes me smile.

15. How old is he? 30. No jokes about cradle robbing.

16. Who said "I love you" first? Charlie actually said it first. I was living in Houston and we were on the one of our marathon phone calls. "that is what I love about you" is what he said. I don't think he actually meant to say it then. There was an akward silence afterwards. It was not much longer and he actually said those 3 little words.

17. What is his favorite type of music? He actually has some pretty bizarre interests. I am not sure if there is a genre that he doesn't like.

18. What do you most admire about him? His passion for life, that is when he isn't stressed and can actually enjoy it. His complete love for his family and where he came from.

19. Do you think he will read this? If he has time. He is a very busy individual these days.

20. Where did you go on your first date? Our first "non-date" date was to see Les Mis. I really hesitated. I was about to graduate from A&M and was not looking for a relationship, but I really liked him. I received Les Mis tickets for Christmas and then they were taken away when I wouldn't take the giver with me to the show. So Charlie, got tickets and took me. Before we went, I called to the station and asked him to play a song for me. The next song that played was "I'm not saying I'm in love". Of course, I flipped out.....The "date" was fantastic though. He even complimented me on my shoes. I have them in my closet, I just can't bare to part with them.

Trick or Treating

Our night was great fun. We TOT'ed in a friend's neighborhood. This was the 2nd annual TOT'ing with the playgroup. We had quite a large group this year. It really is more fun to go in a big group. There is no way I would let my kids on the streets in my neighborhood after dark. People fly down the street like it is central expressway. That, and you never know what you might get in your pumpkin. On to TOT'ing. We did actually have a little theme here: Hattie was the Superhero, Riley was her trusty sidekick elephant, and Baby Robb was donned as the peanut.....I carried him in the sling most of the night and therefore, I was the villan that swiped the peanut. Charlie got there after the show and was asked if he was the banker. His reply was "nope, a TV Anchor" Hattie racked up more candy than her little pumpkin could hold, which was good, since Riley was in the stroller all night and got only 3 pieces in her pumpkin. Those 3 came from Charlie.