Seasons Greetings '97

'Twas a night in December, and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, 'cept for me and this mouse.

The pictures were stacked on the table with care, In hopes that a letter soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of Christmas bills danced in my head.

Catie in her nightgown and me still all dressed, I knew I had to write something before I could rest.

Prior years' notes I pulled down from the shelf, And I laughed when I read them, in spite of myself.

Then what in my wondering mind should appear, But visions of what we had done this past year.

I'll try summarizing, (unlike many years past), Though for me to be brief is a pain in the butt. (I have my standards).

There was 8 year old Kaitlyn's 1st Communion last spring, It was a blessed event, a most special thing.

For vacation we chose a location not far, The Dells of Wisconsin let us drive there by car. (OK, so it was a mini-van - close enough).

We stayed in a cabin set back in the woods. (It was really a condo with all of the goods).

The girls liked to shop when we went into town, And from Minnesota - my sister came down.

We did lots of touristy things while out there, Saw lots of sights, some deer and a bear. (We really did see some deer, but I lied about the bear.  It just made for a nice rhyme).

We rode World War II Duck boats in and out of the water, And went horseback riding (except our youngest daughter).

My horse was a big one, to carry my weight, And once I dismounted, I couldn't walk straight.

The Mall of America became our next stop, Where we practiced the motto of "Shop 'till you Drop!" (At least that's Jessica's motto.  That or "shop 'till your baby-sitting money runs out").

Catie said "We must go to Iowa as well." Since we were so close, I said "Oh, what the heck!" (Hey, this is a Christmas note and we've got some nuns that will be reading this).

Then late in the summer, on a bit of a lark, We went to Ohio to do Cedar Point Park.

We rode all the coasters, and were twisted about, Which caused us to scream and to holler and shout. (But the kids were pretty good).

Then school started up, and all that goes with it, And our time's taken up with more than will fit.

The girls are in choir, soccer, pom-pons and band, Girl Scouts and dancing and some things unplanned. (No one does everything, but "Can't say No" Christina tries to).

Christina's in 7th, and Jessie 8th grade, Kaitlyn's in 3rd, Catie works (and gets paid!). (I'm not giving up my day job, though).

New "babies" were added to our family this year, Stuffed full of beans (with more coming, I fear).

Each girl has their own, so we've three of the same, When I see them about, I call them by name:

"Whose Hoppity, Floppity, Stinky and Inky? "And whose Righty and Lefty, Garcia and Pinky!

"To the top of the stairs, into somebody's room", I just can't keep track of which goes to whom.

So how's your year gone, and what have you done? We'd like to hear what you did that was fun.

So drop us a line, let us know how you've been, Or if we should see you, just fill us in then.

Now that this year is just about through, On behalf of the Hagan's:

Merry Christmas to You!

(author unknown)