'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads.
Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."
"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, "I'm glad you're awake."
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone."
"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.
"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest."
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"
From the room above, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."
The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too."
The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa,no deal.
That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."
Smiling wisely, Santa said: "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."
The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget, it won't be very long,
before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."
The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side, Santa said: "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you'll be all right."
Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.
Especially at times when the Holiday season shouts,
and all we do is clean, bake, and procure.
You get the picture -- I'm sure.
So stop for a moment and hug that little one so dear,
whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older this year.
For they are the gift that God gave us from Heaven above,
and what a special gift to be treasured,with endless LOVE!
Merry Christmas!
Grandpa and Grandma had a fun time with Bailee, Braden, and Malia Friday night. While Mom and Dad were on a "date night" out to dinner and doing some important shopping, we took the kids to the 5th Ward annual Christmas party. Collette dropped me off at their house on her way to work and yes...their yard and house look great with the lights and decorations. I loaded up everyone in their car so car seats wouldn't have to be switched and I drove them to pick up Grandpa. He was getting the 15 passenger van for Saturday's young single adult trip to Salt Lake Saturday morning. Bailee and Braden were so excited, we just couldn't get there fast enough. They loved the ward Christmas dinner and ate and ate and ate! Grandpa told them they couldn't have any more desserts unless they ate some more dinner food, so they filled their plates again and had more ham, rolls, and salads! We all enjoyed the festive cakes and cookies! They enjoyed hearing the Primary kids sing as they patiently waited for a guest that was 
supposed to be arriving. Malia slept through most of the party, but when she awoke, she smiled at everyone and charmed her way to lots of laps. When the kids heard Santa's sleigh bells, they were pretty excited. Braden and Grandpa had to make a potty stop and Bailee wouldn't go down to the room where Santa was greeting the kids without Braden. They had all the kids get in line according to age, so they were right at the front. Grandma snapped a picture of them on Santa's lap and they loved the job chart and big stocking full of goodies and toys that Santa's helper gave each of the children. Malia stayed with Grandpa and enjoyed everyone fussing over her. It became real foggy, so Grandma loaded them up and took them home. Malia was gettting fussy and a little hungry, so Grandma got the bottle ready. But didn't have a chance to try feeding her, as Mom and Dad got home right then. They were very good kids and we had a blast. Thanks for a wonderful time Bailee, Braden, and Malia!
