****Two Weeks and Counting****

Two weeks til Christmas

Where does the time go?

Shopping to do

Then wrapped with a bow.

The teens in your house

Are easy to please,

Ipods and lap- tops

On you put the squeeze.

Razors and Coaches

And flat screened TV's

It seems in your family

A rich Santa you need.

The tree is not decorated

There's no one around,

To help with the trimming

No teen can be found.

Six dozen Christmas cookies

In bright green and red;

Stood alone and unguarded,

Teenage-boys? Enough said.

Gifts for the neighbors

Now must be bought

So much for homemade-

Poinsettas now sought.

Daughter announces

(On Sunday before)

Her friend gifts are needed

So back to the stores.

The house is all polished,

You've worked for a week.

Wait, schools's out today

Your plans get a tweek.

The dishes are stacked

In the sink night and day,

Their clothes you step over,

As this prayer you pray:

Lord help me remember

This time too shall pass

To not be impatient

Nor let life go too fast.

Each stage with our children

Is unique in it's way

Each moment a blessing

Give thanks for today.

Lord give me patience

And guide me as I

Help these children grow

On you I rely.

May the seeds that we've planted

Nurture and grow

And Christmases from now

We'll reflect in the glow

Of children who grew to be

Honest and giving

Loving and strong

And making a living.

It all comes full circle

As around once again

Our daughters and sons

Become women and men.

Merriest of Christmases-Chrissie