Zebras

The other day was Cate's Thanksgiving Feast at her preschool and parents are invited to share in this class celebration with them. The past few years, we have gone to Max's feast in his school. It is always fun seeing the kids decked out in their Native American headdresses and outfits that they each make out of muslin. So, finally it was Cate's turn to celebrate.

The parents all pitch in to help with the food items which include turkey and cheese cubes, fruit, crackers, tiny carrots, and chicken nuggets. We get there a little early to help plate our child's food and set it on their special placemat. Then, we gather in the middle of the room like paparazzi to capture them entering in all of their Thanksgiving glory! The director had told us ahead of time to wave hello but try to keep your child from running to you so they could stay together in the front of the room for their prayer. So, as Cate walked in, she saw me and I blew her a kiss. I was very proud of her that she followed directions and went directly to a "spot" to stand (they have these rubber dots for the floor).

They put their hands together in prayer and recited the one they have learned and say each day before lunch! It is a sing song prayer that goes like this:

God our Father, God our Father
Once again, once again
We will ask your blessing, we will ask your blessing,
Amen, Amen

Being the ham that she is, she was one of the loudest voices in the group! But it was fun to watch as Max never sang any songs in his programs (he would just stand there).

After the prayers, we joined them for their lunch/feast.

After eating, their teacher called them to form a circle in the middle of the room for some presentations. She brought out a styrofoam turkey with a feather for each child. On that feather was written what each child was most thankful for. As she called each kid one by one, they were thankful for such things as "Mommy and Daddy, or their pet, or their baby brother". However, when it came time for Cate's, she was thankful for ZEBRAS. Yep, you read it right, zebras. Not sure where that came from. I don't know if they had read a book about zebras right before this activity, or if she had just played with little animal toys. But, she was the ONLY one who didn't mention a family member or something in the household. However, no matter what, I will never forget that for as long as I live.

I love this time of year as a constant reminder of all the things we are thankful for...and I tell you what, I am truly thankful for this little ball of energy and all that she brings to my life!