Christmas Eve

I didn't sleep well last night. I think I'm just excited about the Christmas dinner with close friends tonight. I kept thinking about the apple pie that I'm going to bake and couldn't wait for day break so I could get the granny smith apples and blocks of butter.

While I lie awake in bed, I could hear my sons laughing and cooking in the kitchen. They are night owls who don't sleep until almost daybreak. By the time the clock strikes midnight, they are hungry again. The smell of delicious food cooking on the stove wafted into my bedroom, making my stomach rumble.

When I heard them joking and chatting, I can't help but smile. Sibling rivalry, that was so rampant when they were younger, has diminished over the years. It has been years since I've heard them fight or argue with each other.

I feel blessed that they're getting along well. I've seen how torn apart some mothers are over their estranged children and have always prayed that I wouldn't end up this way.

I've been up early this morning. I've got the apples, flour and butter. I've a pot of oxtail stew in the fridge. I'm ready to enjoy Christmas.

Merry Christmas everyone!