Grateful Heart Friday

It’s Grateful Heart Friday! Over the past several years I’ve found that I naturally gravitate toward being critical rather than grateful.  I'm always trying to make things better and more efficient.  But if I don't stop and be grateful for all the great things in my life in the midst of working on making things better, I find that my heart grows bitter.  So in my effort to be a grateful woman who models gratitude to my children, I’ve started making Friday my day to reflect back on my week and identify all the things to be grateful for and thank God. Instead of looking at all that didn't get finished, the mistakes I made, things I could have done better, I'm choosing to focus on all the blessings and be grateful.
        I’m really grateful for a wonderful week with my children while my husband was out of town. It’s no secret that I don’t really like sleeping alone (I feel much more safe with a big strong man next to me!) and God was faithful to allow me to sleep peacefully without fear. (I wish He would have allowed me to sleep without interruption from 2 little ladies, but I’ll keep praying for that!) I’m grateful that the rain returned to Southern California and some cooler temperatures, satisfying my love of winter! I’m grateful that my children played so nicely together this week and had many magical moments of brilliant imagination, selfless sharing, and precious giggles. I’m grateful for my awesome neighbors who had us over for dinner to lessen the single-mom load. (Her fajitas were amazing – check “What’s For Dinner?” next week for the recipe!) I’m grateful for a very fun and festive Valentine’s Day at my girls’ school. I’m grateful for Miss Ana and her love for my children. I’m grateful for my little boy who is now a 2 year old! And our magical birthday date to celebrate. I’m grateful that Grammie and Papa arrive momentarily to celebrate their grandson and love on our littles while the mister and I escape for a few days. I’m grateful for the loving family friends that will fill our home on Saturday to bless our son with birthday wishes. Most of all I’m grateful for a God who knows me better than I know myself and has more than taken care of me this week while my husband was away. My fears of being home alone at night, my worry of being really worn out and unraveling at the kids, my stress of keeping all the balls in the air alone - all of my weakness as a Mom He took and threw them all away and instead gave me a blessed week with peace, safety, energy, rest, smiles, laundry done, house fairly clean, sweet visits from girlfriends and rock star children that helped Mommy all week!

*I'm also grateful for Leasa who awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award!!  Thanks Leasa!

(More to come on this fun honor!!)

      Now it’s your turn – take a few moments to reflect on all the blessings from this past week and cultivate your grateful heart! (Grab a Grateful Heart Button on the right and add it to your Grateful Heart post)