‘Twas the day after Thanksgiving and all through the house
all the creatures were stirring even the cat’s toy mouse.
The stockings were hung from the mantel with care
in hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there.
Our daughter in the other room watching t.v.
with no thoughts of coming out to help little ol’ me.
I in my still in my cozy pj’s
and our cat fading into his afternoon daze.
When out of the guest room there arose such a clatter
I yelled from the living room, “what was the matter?”
The box of ornaments had come down with a crash
and some of them were broken into shards of glass.
Having all the holiday boxes taken out of the closet,
was enough for my disappointment to be offset.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
My husband and our daughter helping mother dear.
With my daughter’s teen attitude, so unenthusiastic
I knew in a moment, I must act quick.
More rapid than eagles, the orders they came
and I whistled and shouted and called them by name
Now, daughter, now husband, I’m ready to eat.
Take out the gravy and dressing and turkey meat.
Please fix my plate my servings not too small.
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!
As bad ‘tudes before the wild tempers that fly
when they meet with an obstacle and want to cry.
my daughter finally got to work because she knew
there is no choice when Dad says so, too.
And then in a twinkling, I heard the microwave ding
the clinking and clanking of the silverware sing
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
In came my daughter with my dinner, and sat it down.
And when they finished eating, they went to get the tree
and brought it in from the garage for me.
A big cardboard box he had flung on his back
and they worked together, the tree to unpack.
Matt’s glasses how they twinkled they were so glarry!
Hannah’s cheeks were like roses, a nose like a cherry.
But her cute little mouth was drawn in a frown
Before I knew it, she was nowhere to be found.
The end of a toothpick he held tight in his teeth
as he connected all of the cords for our pre-lit tree.
He had a concerned face and a little frustration
as he held back curse words and damnation.
He was happy and proud, after he finished all by himself
I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know that I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went to go rest
And laid down on the couch, finding a position that was best.
And laying his head aside of the pillow
He fell fast asleep, and the snores soon followed.
So, I sprang from chair to go get my camera
set up the tripod and turn on the automatic timer.
And without him even knowing, I got a snapshot
That was our day, typical or not.
See you in class,
Mrs. Hines
About Mrs. Hines
Just beautiful, Sharon. Loved the mantel and tree.
Thank you so much, Carlene. The tree was bugging me, so I moved some of the ornaments around last night and I like it much better now. That happens almost every year. Now if only I could figure out how to get it to stand straight.
Sharon – Your living room and all of it’s Christmas pretties is gorgeous! I love the vignette on your mantle and the beautiful color that the apples add. I chuckled the whole time I was reading your post. I well remember the days of having a moody teenage daughter.
Suzy, I am really enjoying the apples too. It was a spontaneous addition to the mantel this year. I’m glad you got a chuckle and got to take a little trip down memory lane. We’re on the beginning end of the teenage years. My daughter is 14.
What a delightful post!!
Your living room is gorgeous, Sharon.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Pat. I sure had fun writing it.
Sharon,
Everything is beautiful, love the cloche and the greenery.
Cynthia
I’m so excited about the greenery, Cynthia! This is the first year that I ditched the artificial garland that I’ve used for years. I got lucky and found a young pine that I took clippings from. So, the greenery was free!
Gorgeous! Congrats on the Dwelling Gawker, too!
xox
Thank you, Anne! I am grateful for your support.
Congrats on getting the Dwelling Gawker feature – you really rocked these photos Sharon!! I love how you took the first photo with the chest of drawers to the side and the chair behind it – great composition!! See I am learning this submission lingo too – haha!! Congrats again – I am so excited for you….many more appearances for you on that site for sure!!
You’re so kind, Heather, and your faith in me means the world!
Oh Sharon, this post was such a treat to read! You are very clever and creative and your home looks magazine perfect. God bless x
oh my goodness, what a wonderful compliment! Thank you, Karen. And I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.
Hi Sharon … Love this story and your tree is delightful.
Working hard to get mine up but too much else is happening.
Maybe this week. Love the picture of Matt napping. That would be Mr. Z., but in his recliner.
Wishing Christmas Blessings for your family.
Hugs,
Audrey Z. http://audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com/
Timeless Treasures
Audrey! I’ve been thinking about you and was planning to check in with you. You beat me to it. I’m glad you liked the story and the tree. I look forward to seeing yours. Don’t work too hard.