Oh When The Saints.....

Go Marching In......

Well our four little saints began marching this morning, as the school celebrates All Saints Day and not Halloween. Before my very eyes, I saw my little ones transform into: St. Elizabeth of Hungary (basket of bread and all!), St. Michael the Archangel (sword, shield and wings), Our Lady of Guadalupe (with all her stars), and our 4 year old as Queen Esther.

They were thrilled to say the least, smiling proudly for the camera, and I snapped a few pictures. The children loved to hear the stories about their particular saint, loved to imitate the good deeds they had done. St. Elizabeth went about the house this morning, elegantly giving bread to all the imaginary beggars of the house. St. Michael, as you can expect, went about slaying evil creatures that crawl about. Our Lady gave hugs and "love yous" to anyone she encountered. And Queen Esther, with her royal crown and sparkle dress, simply told her subjects what to do, where to go, and how to live.

It was such a sight. Thinking about my last blog on Halloween, and that my post was filled with more strong words than I usually prefer....I guess I felt strongly on the subject, as this morning I was reminded why.

The kids love to play dress up. They love to pretend to live out a character, reliving the

story in actions, in dress, even in speech. And honestly I just can't imagine wanting to see my kids living out any other story than one of a Saint.

So now, a message to those trick or treaters who will be ringing our bell in a few days. WE are the dark house, blinds pulled shut, and no answer at the door. As a kid, myself I always wondered about those dark houses with no answer to the doorbell. I always thought it inhabited a cranky old man who didn't want visitors, didn't want to be bothered. And now, I know, perhaps the family who lived there, simply didn't want their children to see scary faces and costumes knocking at the door. How hindsight is truly

20/20. Thankfully, now, I am glad I never played a trick on those quiet, dark homes.

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