Christmas Eve

Well, if it isn't done by now I guess it really wasn't all that important! That is what I am telling myself anyway. The kids are all tucked into their beds and I can hear Zeke and Toni excitedly whispering in bed. I am monitoring Santa's progress for them on Norad and giving occasional updates. Zeke has been so excited all day. We had to finally break down and let him open his "jams" ie: pj's at 2 o'clock today just to settle them down. We had taco's for our Christmas Eve dinner. Then Mom came over and gave the kids their ornaments. She gave us an update on Dad and she left about 8pm. We read the account of Jesus' birth in the scriptures and watched "The Nativity". We wrapped up the evening with a couple of Christmas carols, led by Toni, family prayer and finally setting out cookies and milk for Santa. Whew, what a day! I must admit, even though I am so tired, I am excited for tomorrow.

"Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;He had a broad face and a little round belly,That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,....He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,And laying his finger aside of his nose,And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."