Before Mass, the little ones helped me to assemble the parts for our Holy Spirit windsock--our principle decoration. What we lack in craftiness we make up in glitter!
It seems like it would be pretty easy to put together something with felt--something a little more permanent that we could fly outside. There's a whole year (roughly) to think about it . . .
Here's our table all dressed up. I wish the tablecloth were not plastic, but we're just not there yet in our collective dexterity and grace. We're able to light candles, though, and I was pleased to find that my stash of Ikea Christmas candles still around. Don't you love it when you actually find something that you think you have?
We reread the account of Pentecost from Acts, said some prayers, and then joyfully feasted.
The food was plain exciting. Buffalo chicken fit our theme of red, white, fiery and hot perfectly. All it took was a spice rub on boneless chicken thighs, a quick searing on the grill, and then a good bathing in buffalo sauce. They were reddish, spicy and delicious.
We added a white bean and pepper salad--simple with a garlic vinaigrette and a little crushed red pepper.
Next were red and white vegetables, which my sister chopped (THANK YOU!!). A little ranch dip--simple. The bonus was the mild heat in the radishes.
After dinner, we had a few Spirited (that's right) games of cornhole. Now I'm not being vulgar: it's actually a fun toss game that some friends from grad school brought with them from Ohio. It's very midwestern, and we love it, even though frankly none of us is very good. You're supposed to play to 21, but that was taking way too long. Also, some players were complaining about the sun, the flies, the confinement of our side yard . . . all of it was distraction. We stink: none of us has good aim or accuracy, but hey, there are plenty of opportunities to teach good sportsmanship!
Finally, what birthday party would be complete without cake? We made red velvet, and got as creative as we can in these parts to help us all remember what we were celebrating. 7 Candles on the main cake stand for the gifts of the Spirit, and then the 12 cupcakes--which proceeded from the cake batter--indicate the fruits of the Spirit. It was terribly cutesy, but I couldn't resist asking, "Gift or Fruit?" as I served up dessert.
Our celebration of Pentecost was great: it was memorable, fun and light-hearted. I was reminded by an excellent confessor that perfection in our attempts to catechize our families is not what matters--it's the attempt that counts. God can do plenty with our efforts, regardless of their clumsiness, awkwardness and simplicity.
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