'Twas the day before Christmas at home on the farm.
The children all rose, without an alarm.
"Let's get up!" They chorused while jumping on me.
"We're all done our sleeping. We had to go pee!"
We crept out to the kitchen; I got coffee to brew.
I found the new magazines; new stickers to do.
The kids were happy/content for 10 glorious minutes.
A few sips of coffee, then the silence was kaputz.
My wee one awoke and yelled from his bed,
"Mommy, where are you!" is what my boy said.
I lifted him up from his crib with a hug.
We got to the kitchen, where a yogurt he did chug.
"Mommy we're hungry!" my three crazies agreed.
So I jumped to the stovetop to get what they need.
Dad came in from the barn with fresh milk to consume.
The kids shuffled their seats to make him some room.
As breakfast was ready, and I filled each plate.
My youngest stood by at my feet in a state.
"Just wait, my sweetie." I patted the head I adore.
Then that little sweetie puked all over the floor.
"Help!" I called daddy, who came quick with a rag.
We worked as a team as my wee one did sag.
He upchucked again, so dad grabbed him and ran,
To the bathroom where he could stand over the can.
When the excitement wore down, we got back to eating.
The mood had been dampened, appetites depleting.
We cautiously fed our sick little boy,
Gave him some water, he played with a toy.
We brought down the calendars we use through December.
We read about Jesus and we try to remember.
There's chocolate incentive, the kids love to find.
Today was the last one! No more days left to mind.
My boy brought up his water, left us again in a quandary.
We jumped to the rescue and added more to the laundry.
Time for a craft, my boys did decide.
Beads and pipe cleaners were the tools I'd provide.
Dad and his girl went outside for a skate.
Mommy cleared away every spoon, fork and plate.
When the girly came in, the boy went outside.
It was "take turns skating with daddy"-- better than any ride.
The pukester and I, we stayed inside our walls.
Fixed his train set four times, as I answered his calls.
Remember those beads I mentioned before??
Sir Pukesalot dumped them all over the floor.
While cleaning up hundreds of beads in the room,
The job seemed too daunting, I went for the broom.
My girly looked funny, she was doing a dance.
Most of those beads had been put down her pants.
We got through the morning, played out our wiggles
Had a puke-less lunch as we all shared some giggles.
Dad and the wee one are now down for a sleep.
The house is calm, these few minutes I will keep.
I am one thankful mama for this life that I lead.
God has graciously given me more than I need.
I'm so thankful for this quiet moment to write,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
