Twas the night before Christmas......

and all through our house, all the creatures are finally NOT stirring - especially NOT a mouse (do the tarantulas on the counter count as mice??? At least they're contained.....)

.....the children are all snuggled up in their beds with visions of Santa and presents filling their heads (and envisioning getting up at the crack of dawn - gosh - better turn the clocks back - it's the greatest trick EVER!)

.....the stockings were hung -er - laid on the couch with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there........

.....with Momma in her new jammies and Dad in his cap - er - nope - his new jammies too...... just settling in for a long - er - short winters nap :)

.....when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but boxes and bags and things to bring Christmas cheer :)

.....Santa was there, not so round, or so jolly (long days of shopping on Christmas eve day with other men can make one a tad tired.....) but still went to his work and was done in a jiffy.......

.....and I heard him exclaim as he crawled into bed, Merry Christmas to all, and I'm glad that this year, it's small.......

Merry Christmas and God Bless.........