Twas the night of our return, when all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The backpacks were thrown on the floor without care,
You see, Mom and Dad hadn’t been there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of the “Simpson boys” danced in their heads.
And daddy in his Bermudas and I in my heels
Returned from a cruise, with too many meals.

I gazed at my home, looking forward to bed,
I sprung from my car to see what lay ahead.
Away to the house I flew like a flash,
Tore open the door and hid my cash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
was opposite to the nineties we’d enjoyed, you know.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a fat Phylis, the fish, and 6 tiny girls near.

With a little Halle, so sound asleep,

I knew in a moment, we must not make a peep.

More rapid the snores the sounds they came,

And I whispered and beckoned, and called Jon by name!

“Now Kinley! Now, Whitney! Now, Brighton and Ella!
On, Halle! On, Sydney! On Phylis and Fisha!
Sprawled out on their beds, liable to fall
Now snore away! Snore away! Snore away all!”

As they lay dreaming, of learning to fly
I leaned down to kiss them, I planned to say Hi.
I’d missed them while gone, yes it is true,
Enough to tuck them in, and hug them too.

And then, in a twinkling, I started snapping pics

The flashing and clicking, was this a trick?

I couldn’t help but walk around,

and say a silent prayer, for blessings abound.

They were all dressed in P.J.’s, from his blonde to foot,
And their clothes were all tarnished with peanut butter and soot.
A bundle of Toys were strewn ‘cross the floor,
Cd’s, dollies, and lipstick galore!

Their eyes-how they twinkled! Their dimples how merry!

Their cheeks were like roses, and nose’s like cherries.

Their hair lay on their pillow, wild, to and fro

And the love that exuded, you will never know.

I’ve raised them all while gritting my teeth,

Life can be filled with trial and grief.

I pray to be filled with patience and love,

sustained by powers that come from above.

Sometimes I lack faith inside myself,

But I’m renewed again, in spite of myself.

I try to listen to the words in my head

For Heavenly Father doesn’t want tears to be shed.

He wants me to be happy, and to work,

on trying to love myself, cause I’m no jerk.

It’s a good thing he has a sense of humor you see,

I know that because he created ME!

I promised once again to give it my all

Pray BEFORE all there is left to do, is bawl.

Sometimes I am stubborn and put up a fight,

For mothers are nurturers of all that’s right!