Have you ever seen this poem?

Dear Lord,

So far today, I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped, haven’t lost my temper, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over indulgent. I’m very thankful for that.

But, in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get out of bed. And from then on, I’m probably going to need a lot more help.

Amen to that! But today I'd like to submit my mommy's version:

Dear Lord,

So far today, the kids have been great! They haven't fought or cried or even whined. They haven't used the words "no", "stop it!" or "mine". They haven't been selfish or unkind. They're pleasant and polite and I am so very thankful!

But, in a few minutes, God, it's going to be time to turn off the TV and from then on, I'm probably going to need a lot more help!

Merry Christmas!!

I have to admit that I had a bit of trouble getting in the Christmas spirit this year.

Not sure what it was.

But I'd be willing to bet (except that I don't!) that it was that I was focused on buying just the right gifts and making it as fun as possible for my boys.

Nothing wrong with that...

...except everything's wrong with that!

I wasn't focusing on the true reason for celebrating Christmas.

The ONLY reason for celebrating Christmas!

I began to focus on all that it means to me that Christ was born that day in a stable in Bethlehem.

What an awesome day!

What an awesome day it will be when we get to heaven all because one day the Savior was born in a humble stable!

Who am I that the Lord of all the earth would come to be born among men to die as a criminal because of my sins so that I can be for all eternity with Him?!

I'm nobody! And that's just what makes it so amazing!

It's 12:40 Christmas morning and I'm fighting the urge to wake up my boys and get to the pile of gifts that awaits them under the tree.

Those gifts represent a loving, gracious Provider.

They're under a tree that God provided.

They're inside this house that God provides.

They were bought and wrapped by two people who are overwhelmingly grateful for the baby who was born so long ago and the HOPE that He brought to us!

That's all.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

JOY. HOPE. LOVE.

I would like to thank all of the people who made this post possible...

Robyn, Steph and Ashley!!!

without your fantastical stories of feeling like you'd just robbed a drugstore because of the crazy good deals I never would be writing this post in which I share the night that made me very giddy! =)

I suppose I should also thank RiteAid for having these fun sales and accepting coupons and offering rebates that make them even better!

Here's what I got:

Here's what all of that is worth:

$54.91

Here's what I spent:

$18.44!!!!

HOW SUPER DUPER EXCITING IS THAT?!?!?!

I'm seriously considering taking an inflatable mattress and just living in the RiteAid.

That place makes me so happy and truly has everything I could need to live!

They even clean and do the seasonal decorating!

It does not get any better than that!!!