Gratitude

Gratitude. Something I have thought about alot lately. I am not going to lie these first two weeks with two kids has been hard.  Harder than I ever thought it would be. It is hard as crap juggling two kids who need you around the clock.  There is zero time for mom these days and I relish some "me' time.  I am beyond exhausted and an emotional mess.  I called my mom the other day to vent and tell her everything I was worrying about, because isn't that what we do as Mothers, worry?  

As soon as we give birth we start to worry about anything and everything.  I worry that Sterling is not getting enough attention, I worry because Frances failed her hearing test in the hospital, I worry that she is not eating enough, I worry that I am not being a good enough mother and wife,  etc it never ends.  After our conversation my mom reminded to use my Gratitude beads.  She brought me these before I had Frances and honestly I had forgotten about them with all the hustle and bustle of this time of year and then having a baby on top of that.  The beads sat unused beside my bed.  I decided mom was right, it was time to change my outlook and put those beads to use.

I love the idea of the gratitude beads and since talking with my mom I have been using them everyday.  I always let Sterling help me,  each day we make a point to sit and say what we are thankful for and pull a bead (or several) aside.  It is a nice reminder especially during this time of the year to be thankful.  As overwhelmed as I feel, I am so lucky, I really do have such a blessed life.  There are so many people fighting way bigger battles out there.  I can't help that I am a worrier by nature (although my dad claims I can change this) but I can change my outlook on things and choose to look at the positive side and be grateful.  I read a great verse in my Jesus Calling the other day about starting your day thanking God, such a good reminder.  Often we pray for help and things we want but sometimes it nice to just stop and Thank God for what we have.

A few things I am grateful these days.

These two kids bring me more joy than I ever thought possible.  Grateful.

Even though these last two weeks Matt and I have been at each others throats (I blame the lack of sleep) I am grateful for him.  We have been together for 12 years and he is my best friend.  We had our first night out this weekend post baby and it was lovely. Grateful.

I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends in my life here in Charleston. Can you believe when I moved here I knew one person?  Thankful for one of my best friends,  Caycee- we celebrated her birthday Friday night.  She is the kind of friend you want in your life trust me.  Grateful.

My sweet baby has started smiling and it is the best thing ever.  Grateful.

 Friends and Family that have brought us meals.  Such a nice treat post baby.  This weekend my sister in law brought us food from Mex One, along with a huge bag of diapers.  Grateful.

In case you are curious what Sterling is grateful for his list is:  Santa, Mermaids, Princesses, and toys. Go figure.

One of my mom's dear friends makes and sells these prayer/gratitude beads.  They are such a wonderful gift for someone.  A new mom, a teacher, someone going thru a rough time, a fab stocking stuffer.   Anyone can benefit from these gratitude beads.   She will hand make them in any color you want.  They came in a cute bag with a card describing the beads and how they work.  I love the idea of gifting these to friends and family.  I am thinking of doing these as end of the year gifts for Sterling's teachers.  I love the idea too of bringing these to new moms post baby.   Such a wonderful idea for anyone to be thankful.

I have the copper beads and adore them.

 

You can email Kathy below to see her catalog of beads and place an order.  She really is so talented the beads are gorgeous.  Prices range from $18.50- $125 depending on the materials used.  The copper beads like I have are $18.50.  There are so many different possibilities.  I plan to stock up and have a few on hand for Birthdays and gifts.

Happy Monday!  Lets all have a little gratitude today.