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.