Dear Santa,

I stayed up way past my bedtime on several occasions. Sometimes, talking with friends and neighbors. Sometimes making a middle-of-the-night Wal-mart run. Sometimes baking or cleaning or reading or watching my DVR-recorded shows. Sometimes, just tossing and turning, and yes - sometimes blogging. I have not been very good at getting to bed on time.

I ate too much. I stuck to my diet/"life change" the first part of the year and did an awesome job. But eventually, I missed my dear old pals Sugar and Bread and all things Sauce. I gained most of those nasty pounds back. I know I shouldn't have eaten all the junk I have. I knew better and did it anyway.

I got lazy. I admit, there were plenty of nights this past year in which I went to bed with dirty dishes still in my sink. I went several days without doing any laundry. I even went a whole month without cleaning my house (I believe it was August or September, or somewhere around there). It wasn't to the level of filth or bad enough to call child welfare services. However, it was bad - worse than it has probably ever been. I'm so ashamed.

I forgot... lots of things. Dr. appointments, kid's needing to be picked up at school, commitments I had made, friends birthdays, mailing bills on time. There were lots of things I could be held negligent for. None of it was done intentionally, mind you, Mr. Santa. Just all plain forgetfulness.

I may have peed my pants a little...just once. My friends and I were laughing so hard that I was crying and of course had to pee. I made a dash for the toilet. And made it on time - for the most part - though there may have been one teensy weensy little dribble that escaped. Totally not my fault. I shouldn't have such funny friends and family!

I've stayed out past curfew. Guilty as charged. It's just hard for me to wind things down once they get started and I am having a good time. I always tell the babysitter the "approximate" time I intend to be home. However, I confess, I am usually late by an hour...or two. Whew! Good thing my babysitter doesn't charge overtime, though he's asked. I just gently remind him, that being my oldest son, I gave him life. I brought him into this world, I can take him out.

Mr. Santa, these only scratch the surface of all of the naughty things I have done this year. And I won't even start to make promises to change, because I probably won't keep half of them and that would make me a liar, just adding to that list of naughty things. But the thing is I really, really, really don't want to be on that "naughty" list of yours. In fact I am writing to beg for mercy and to request that my name be transferred to the "nice" list. Speaking of lists... I could really use some "nice" on Christmas morning.

A chance to sleep in until I wake up on my own.
A little peace and quiet, with the soft sounds of Christmas in the background.
A warm cup of cocoa with extra marshmallows.
Snow that only falls on the yard and not on the drive or walkways.
Just enough gifts to bring my kids joy and just enough laughter to help make memories.

That is really all I want for Christmas this year Santa. So you see - I really could use a little extra mercy in regards to that whole naughty/nice thing. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to your reply (fingers crossed).