Thorburn Family

Twas the night before Sunday and all through the clink
Not a Thorburn was stirring, not even for a drink.
Each tooth had been brushed and each face washed with care
Every mouth having uttered a quick thank-you prayer.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of late homework danced in their heads.
And Lydia in her kerchief, and Benjamin in his cap
Had just settled down to a long autumn nap.  

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
Jesse sprang from his bed to see what was the matter!  
Away to the window he flew like a flash
Threw open the shutters and threw up the sash.  

The moon as a spotlight on the puddles in the road
Gave the lustre of midday to the objects below.  
When what to his wondering eyes should appear
It’s Mom in the mini van, adjusting the mirror!  

Dad yells “JAMMY RIDE!!!!” and they all come quick
A hootin and hollerin…”Dad, what a trick!”  
More rapid than eagles, Val and Jube hit the floor.
Dad’s revving the engine, Mom’s closing the doors.  

“To McDonald’s! To McDonald’s!”  Ben shouts with his might
And before you know it, they’re all out of sight.  
Dollar Menu awaits and there’s ice cream to be had.
You heard it’s not healthy but ask Mom and Dad.

As we stumble in the door, we look quite a sight.  
Good thing we live in Claremont, where that’s really alright
Sundaes for all, and napkins for the boys
“No, you can’t have a happy meal; and no Ninja toys.”  

In a twinkling we’re huddled round tables with care
Eating and chatting with an excited air.  
Relationships strengthened and memories made
Another investment in the parent-trade.  

The days are long but the years are short
And soon they’ll be heading off to port.  
Filling those bellies with ice cream and love
Just another great gift from the Savior above.

An hour has passed and tomorrow is church
So we wipe Ben’s fudge mustache and grab Mom’s orange purse
Five kids wide awake!  Will they go back to sleep?  
Oh well, life is short, and babies don’t keep.  

But I heard Dad exclaim as we drove out of sight
“You never know when the next Jammy Ride will be…..
 
SO GET SOME SLEEP, AND GOODNIGHT!!!!”