'Twas the Week Before Christmas

'Twas the week before Christmas and an update was needed.

"Please show us the babies," all the family pleaded.

So I thought of the past two weeks with a smile,

And gathered some rhymes (which took quite a while).

The children have been busy with holiday tasks.

"Mama, watch Kissmas Train," little Matt asks.

So cozy-ing up with Sammie one night

They share a warm blanket, much to my delight.

Then out in the lawn, we hear a slight cry.

Our doggy can't walk, even thought she would try.

So off to the vet the next morning we go.

She had to stay over night; she looked "so-so".

The moon was so bright and the night was so cold,

But we could get her the very next day, we were told.

So me and the kids go to pick up our Brie.

Turns out she only had an infected knee!

So home we go, with a big fat bill.

We had to make sure she would swallow her pills.

We kept her quite active playing in the yard.

We love our big husky! Our security guard!

But the weather got chilly, though the sun was still out.

It's so hard to have fun being indoors, no doubt!

So we've tried new things, like learning to cook.

And some of our favorites, like reading Sammie a book.

So, I must confess: My two elves, full of cheer,

Have quite the bad case of Santa Claus fear!

We practiced one day with Dada's work's Santa,

In preparation for the main one in Atlanta.

Matt refused to join in and Sammie was unsure.

Please tell me that there's a "Santa Fear" cure :-(

I spent a whole week of explaining tradition.

"We WILL get a picture." It became my new mission.

We talked about Santa, the snow and the reindeer.

We made gingerbread men (which would quickly disappear!)

We talked about Jesus, the manger, the Star.

We talked about family and how lucky we are.

And then the time came to go see St. Nick.

The kids were cautious but soon heard a "click".

We said our thank yous and got candy canes.

Our memory and a picture are now what remains.

So that's been our update of the past two weeks.

We're staying quite toasty with our red rosy cheeks!

We all have much fun dancing to Christmas beats,

And the kids are enjoying tons of holiday sweets!

We wish you and yours a happy next seven days

As you share Christmas joy in many different ways.

Let the holiday season shine through you so bright.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!