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There's nothing better than a child's smile on Christmas morning.

Santa arrived safe and sound last night.  It was questionable up until bedtime, but my kids managed to pull it off for yet another year.  

The Cheese woke us up at 6:42 this morning by informing us, "Santa left a wrapping paper trail down the stairs!"  It seems that Santa had spent extra time last night making a trail of Christmas wrapping paper that would lead our children down to their presents this morning.  (Santa read about the idea in one of his many magazines.)  Santa had even tracked in some snow, which is pretty impressive considering that it was near 70 degrees yesterday.

After the Cheese woke up his brother, we all headed downstairs together.  There the boys found brand-new bean bags with their names on them, Planet Heroes, a GeoTrax train, Legos, and lots of other wonderful surprises.  We managed to do a good job dragging it all out, considering that there were only the four of us and the boys were doing all of the unwrapping, but by 8:00 we were done.  The boys' smiles were big as Texas all day long as they played...and played...and played with their new toys.  Santa was very good to them this year, and, like the sweet boys that they are deep down inside when no one's looking, were very thankful for everything.  Tonight the Cheese informed me that it was his "bestest Christmas ever!"

What was Mama's favorite gift you ask?  A two hour, uninterrupted nap.  Yes, we all got what we wanted for Christmas this year.

But the fun doesn't stop there for us.  Tomorrow I will spend the day putting all of the Christmas decorations away for another year.  I'm wasting no time since we are leaving in two days to travel back home to Oklahoma for a week-long holiday visit.  All day long, the Monkey has said, "We going to Homa (his version of Oklahoma) in two days!"  Everyone's excited since we haven't been back there in almost nine months.  The Golfer and I will be traveling with two kids, a dog (the dog is traveling home with us this year), and lots of presents, not to mention all of the luggage to hold our heavy coats, video camera, doggie travel dish, and snacks.  Thank goodness we have a non-stop flight.  

Pray for me anyway. 

We are booked solid the whole time that we are there.  We still have Christmas to do with all of the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  I'm worried about getting around to see everyone while we're there.  It's like an eight day race to see as many friends and family as possible, while still managing to fit the time in to eat at our favorite restaurants and relax a little.  Best of all, we'll be there to celebrate my birthday.  I'm not all that thrilled about getting older, but it helps to soften the blow when you can celebrate with your friends, family, and lots and lots of cake.

Speaking of cake--I'll be returning to my regularly scheduled workout program in January, which has been non-existent during the holidays.  Yes, I'll be right in there with all of the other people who suddenly feel the urge to repent after scarfing down all of the fudge and butter toffee that the holidays bring.  Thank goodness I already have a gym membership.

Pray for me anyway.