’Twas the Night Before Christmas

And all through the house, the children were wound up and driving their mother crazy so she decided to sit at the computer and type a bit.

Caroline and I were wearing our cute matchy-matchy aprons tonight while thinking of Grandpa and Grandma Gill in Florida right now. 

And I know you all are real glad I chose to wear clothing under mine. 

 

Never mind that the apron seems to detract from my brain actually working while in the kitchen.  I managed to burn a skillet full of Italian sausage meant to go into the lasagna for supper and the batch of cookies we were baking to leave for Santa.  The house is sure smelling like something other than Christmas-y. 

And unrelated but even more annoying, the dishwasher is squawking like some sick, diseased pterodactyl trying to escape the kitchen, but trapped in the crazy coffer/shelf/chandy business going on in our lovely kitchen.  And you know exactly how I am pronouncing “lovely,” right?  Through gritted teeth, if that helps you formulate an image.

 

But then a very kind neighbor just stopped by to drop off a “little something” to our two older boys for getting his trashcans in for him, ONCE.  He gave them a $25 gift card to the movie theatre.  That was so generous and really improved my outlook.  He said he was just so happy to have friendly neighbors and I gotta say we sure think of him and the Mrs. that way, too. 

And then this guy stopped by unannounced!  Walked in.  Handed the kids each a candy cane.  Told them they better all sleep in their own bed tonight and then vanished out the door.  I managed to grab the camera but this is the only shot I got.  Sam knows that it was the real Santa, so you can imagine the level of thrill happening here tonight.  

Happy Christmas Eve, everyone!