Yep, that is what Iris did she Stung My Heart. I spent all day yesterday putting up my Christmas tree, just doing the lights lasted until 9pm last night (I begun at 1pm). I had soooo much help with so many hands (I say this tongue in cheek). I was walking around saying to myself “Deck the Fricken Halls”. Yep I am sad to say that was my attitude.

You see I am a Mother (now I am being real here gals so no hate email) who struggles with having a “perfect tree” and having tons of little hands help me. Am I a terrible Mom if I say I cringe when they are hanging things? But I have to say, I leave them where they are hung and I did let them help. But I will admit I was not singing Deck The Halls or Fa La La La. I really dislike this about myself and I really try to be better each year. And I know there are sooooo many years ahead where I will miss them greatly and wish they were helping me.

So here I am trying to get the tree completed, clean up my house because my Father in Law is coming for dinner. I wanted the image of “look at my peaceful, Christmasy house”. Well the Lord has a way of making you real. My two oldest boys decided to be ugly to one another…..most of the evening. (Sissy here comes the whine). I was ugly back because I was already in a bad mood of getting everything completed and dinner on the table by 6:30 with a smile on my face. I literally shoved things in to bedrooms and shut the door, now I am too scared to open them back up.

So at the peak of my frustration and me saying complaining prayers of “Lord I never get any help around here, it is like an act of God to get them to be nice, and all I am asking for is some JOY TO THE WOLD (or at least my world).”

And how did he answer my complaining prayers. I went outside to walk the dog and there was a small package (thought it was some books I ordered) so I set it aside and went on with my stuff.

Finally after an hour or so I went and opened the package and what was it?……THIS.

Iris, I knew this was coming but the Lord could not have planned the arrival any better. I am jumping up and down to read the Beth Moore book, I am putting in the praise CD because all the boys and Father in Law are leaving for a basketball game. And I am sitting here now sipping some White Chocolate Cocoa, looking at my beautiful tree, thanking God for allowing me to win these gifts and allowing me to sit here and praise him, even though I was so cranky just a few hours ago.

Ahhhhh……Life is good again.