'Tis the night before Christmas

I'm sitting in front of an open fire here in my peaceful and quiet living room this night before Christmas thinking what a whirl-wind day this has been.I got the house ready last night and waited (a little anxiously) for my children to drive the 500 km over snowy mountain passes, late into the evening, to spend Christmas with me.Finally they arrived, way past the girl's bed time, a little worn out and shaky, but soon the girls were in bed and asleep and Kerstie and Adam and I stayed up till midnight catching up. Then I called Robbie because it was already morning in England.Whew, morning came way too early.But our little girls didn't seem to have any problem with a little less than normal sleep!And after breakfast they arranged a princess Christmas party...And then we visited Dalyce in her book store and picked out some dozen new books.And then, for a treat, we had a lunch time picnic at Sbux.Now it is Christmas Eve and Kerstie and Adam have gone to visit his family.I'm relishing this quiet few hours and waiting for Robbie to wake up so I can call him, wish him a Merry Christmas, and we can spend some precious time together.I've lit a fire using a bunch of this year's lavender and some grape trimmings as kindling and some fruit wood. It smells divine. And I've put on Harry Potter; the very first movie.Soon the gang will return and soon it will be Christmas day, and in the afternoon Jonathan, Chantal and our Megababy Ash will come join us for prezzies and supper, and we will Skype Chloe and Bryson in Japan.I'm so excited to have Christmas day with my children and grands. I'm so excited to talk to Robbie in an hour or two.But for now I'm happy to sit in front of my fire.I wish you all love and joy as we tick down these last few moments before Christmas Day.I lift a little prayer in the dark night for you all. I hope you're warm and content and at peace.Peace be yours. Peace. If only, peace on Earth.