Dear Santa,

I've decided this year for Christmas that I don't want anything wrapped under the tree in shiny paper with my name on it. But I would like a few things of a different nature. I've attached my list below, and I leave it to you to decide which ones you think I deserve. I've been mostly nice this year, with the exception of a few conventions I attended and that trip to San Antonio. And I've kept most of my naughty thoughts to myself except for those same conventions and that trip to San Antonio. Please don't scrimp on the generosity.

Leah's List:

1.) No more dirty diapers- If, by some miraculous event, you could keep my son from pooping for the next year I would greatly appreciate it.

2.) Winning the Lottery-I know, you hear this one a lot. But if you could find a way to grant me this windfall of cash so I can continue to stay home and write books instead of having to put on pantyhose and find a real job, I'd be forever grateful.

3.) Having a strange woman appear at our door begging to cook our meals for free- We'd let her sleep on the couch if only she'd take the annoying duty of cooking dinner out of my hands. And if she washed the dishes when we were finished I'd even give her a blanket and a pillow.

4.) Maybe the same strange woman has a brother who would enjoy mowing our lawn (for free of course)- We're compassionate here at the Hodge household. We like to keep families together. And though we might run out of couches to sleep on, we have a lovely shed in our backyard that could feel downright homey with a few scented candles.

5.) 48 hours alone with my husband- This is the tough one. I haven't been alone with my husband in almost eight years. I consistently forget what he looks like and our alone time is often interrupted by bad dreams, tummy aches or crying infants. Of course, after eight years of not spending any time together, we might find that we don't want to spend 48 hours alone with each other after all. I'll leave this decision in your capable hands.

You don't have to wrap any of these gifts, but it wouldn't hurt to drop me a note and let me know what's taken care of. I'd hate for my children to starve while I'm waiting for the strange woman to show up at the door.