space

This time of year often includes a full calendar with back to school, fall sports, and holidays. But, we cannot forget how important it is to have unscheduled time in our lives. When we have this space during our days, we have time for relationships, time to listen and time to invest in things that nurture us and others. This is vital to thrive individually and as a family. We were not designed to rush through our lives. I have been reading The Best Yes, by Lysa Terkeurst. Her stories are so relatable and filled with thought provoking reminders. I loved her words on allowing space in our lives. I couldn't agree more with this need to have time to connect with those we love the most.

“This beautiful messy band of people I call my own needs time together. Space to connect and process. Conversational threads are what make up the fabric of relationships. We must take time. Make time. To be together. To connect. To talk.”

kindred spirts

When I began studying photography, Stacey was one of the first photographers I started to follow. Her work always had something special about it that I admired. Over the years we began talking online through email and social media. Last week, we finally met in person when she brought her three awesome kids over to hang out with us for the day. It is such a blessing to see how God really had a hand in our friendship. It is amazing to realize all we have in common, the more we get to know one another. We are such kindred spirits.  Stacey was one of those people I felt like I've known forever immediately. We talked and laughed for hours with such ease.

I feel so grateful that we got to spend this time together and look forward to another play-date soon.

You can see some of Stacey's favorite images from our day together here. I love the words she shares and couldn't agree more. I have found that this phase of life is often very busy as a mama, but having true friendships is such a God given gift. Life was not made to travel alone. I loved that in this one day we were able to share our current joys and difficulties with one another and see how God was working in both of our lives through it all. I was reminded to take time for days like this. We all need to sit on the porch more and open our hearts. It really is good for the soul.

Everyday Beauty Workshop | Student Reviews and Features

My fourth class of Everyday Beauty finished last month.  Each opportunity I get  to work with these students is always so unique and such a gift. During our time together I am always excited to see my students grow and continue to be inspired by their daily lives. Below is a collection of work and words from some of the ladies from my May class. Thank you each for taking part in our three weeks together. I hope you will continue to seek the beautiful moments and details in your everyday life. (You can continue to follow the students from my past classes at the Cherish this Day blog.  It is a project filled with inspiration.

Tiffany Dahle

website | instagram | facebook | pinterest

Taking Ginger's workshop has completely changed how I approach photographing my girls. It gave me the time to take a breath and step back from the action. I learned to document what was happening before me without manipulating the scene too much. I have finally learned how to capture childhood without posing it.

Lara Gowder

website | facebook

I had this workshop on my to do list for a while, and I am so glad I was able to get in this time! I love Ginger's work, the way she captures her daily family activities so beautifully, is something I have wanted to do with my boys. Ginger shares so much with her students, from her tips on what to capture, how to look for the perfect light, and so much more. Her own images of her family are so full of love and fun.

I needed a push because I was in a creative rut, and this class pushed me in so many ways. From exploring new rooms in my own home, to finding light throughout my home, to view our everyday in different ways. I truly believe I have grown and my photography has grown, just from this workshop. The lessons are very well laid out, and Ginger is so giving with her feedback.

Jill Marzion

blog | website | facebook

If you are considering this course….take it!  you will not be disappointed one bit!  Ginger is by far one of the best instructors I have experienced.  She is extremely organized, the class is set up in a way that you keep building on what you have learned, the feedback is very helpful and Ginger is so easy to contact and beyond willing to answer anything. In fact, she continually encourages me, this course was a great reminder to photograph all the little moments and details.  I walked away from the course feeling refreshed and full of new ideas for documenting my four kids!

Emmy Treganza

I’m not a professional photographer.  I’m simply  a mom who takes a lot of photos of her kid.  And taking Ginger’s Everyday Beauty workshop was pure inspiration.  I adore her style and jumped at the chance to learn from someone whom I admire.  I believe her philosophy and approach to capturing everyday beauty is one of the main reasons why I admire her work so much.  She has definitely helped shape my thinking and approach to taking pictures.  I can’t give away the specifics.  All I can say is take her workshop!  Do it!  You’ll be happy you did.  I know I am.

Kristin Wahls

Ginger's workshop truly opened up my eyes. Prior to the Everyday Beauty workshop, I was in a creative rut where I thought my life just wasn't photogenic enough and that capturing my busy 10-month old day to day was far too great a challenge. Ginger helped me to be unafraid of any lighting condition and encouraged us all to look at our everyday world in a new way. Suddenly, the way the light hit my son's hair became truly beautiful and worth capturing. The way his eyes lit up while playing with his dad became much more noticeable...or how his wrinkly little hands clung to bath toys in the tub. Little details that went unnoticed before suddenly became moments worth photographing and now pieces of art I will absolutely cherish forever. Ginger and her encouraging words as well as the supportive women in the workshop with me helped me climb out of my rut and celebrate my day-to-day life, however perfectly unperfect it may be.

Emma Morgan

I love Gingers work, it drew me to this wonderful workshop. I have enjoyed every part and have come away with more insight on how to observe, be part of and capture the moments of unspoilt everyday beauty. Really inspiring, I'm feeling so much more connected with my photographs.

Andrea Skidmore

instagram | google +

I'm not very good with truly expressing myself through words, but wanted to take the time to say how thankful I am to Ginger and for the opportunity I had to take her Everyday Beauty class. From the very first time I saw Ginger's work I knew I wanted to learn from her. Through her images it is easy to see her passion for her family, photography and the beauty of every life...I wanted the same thing for myself.

When I signed up I was in a slump photography wise; and had been for the past few years. I was stuck and exhausted after retiring from the business of photography. Pictures of my family were only quick snapshots without much thought given. I wanted more for my family and myself. Ginger's class has given me the kick I needed. She was so attentive; always answering questions and giving great feedback. It was so nice to take the 3 weeks to slow down, pay attention, and really see the beauty of my family life. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from Ginger. I know this class will be something I look back on for inspiration time and time again.

Christy Balogh

The Everyday Beauty workshop was such an inspiration for me. I have been taking pictures for many years and have really felt burnt out lately. This workshop inspired me and taught me how to capture beauty in our everyday world! Ginger was such an encouragement and was open to teaching, helping, and relating anything she knew to us. Thank you Ginger for being an inspiration to me and the other photographers in the workshop! Worth every penny!

Mikki Skinner

website | facebook

I was in need of some inspiration and perhaps a reconnection as to why I love to take photos so much. Signed up for Ginger's class and am so incredibly thankful I took the plunge! So much of Ginger's heart is weaved into her class, everything from the materials, the videos, the critique, the encouragement, the love. I have learned to let it go, and just let your heart direct. Take photos to remember the place, the story, the details, the memory. Thank you Ginger for a beautiful handful of weeks!

Gina Baggs

After discovering and viewing Ginger’s images online, I knew I had to take her class!! Her images are just beautiful, filled with so much emotion, story and soul. I learned so much from her; from sparking my passion of learning photography, seeing the everyday beauty of everything around me in all different perspectives, and becoming a better mother/wife and to embrace and enjoy every minute with my family.

Ginger and her workshop is a blessing and inspiring!  Thank you for sharing your amazing talent and abundance of knowledge with us!

Janielle Granstaff

facebook

When I signed up for Ginger Unzueta's Everyday Beauty workshop as a silent student, I wondered how much I would be able to take away from it if I wasn't having that one on one interaction with her. But I also knew this was not something I wanted to pass on yet again. And boy was I glad I didn't. The class was so organized, so well presented, and so interestingIt definitely kept me on my toes the entire 3 weeks, always looking forward to more knowledge, more tips. And she delivered those every time. She was able to not only open my eyes to the things that surround me, but to keep them open and to SEE them in a new perspective. Ginger has a magical way to show you the world around you and this is a lesson I will forever keep with me.

Melissa Rowley

website

I can’t thank Ginger enough for all her encouragement during her amazing Everyday Beauty workshop.  The first time I saw her images, I fell in love with the simple but powerful way she was documenting the life of her family through her photography.  I signed up thinking that I was going to learn technical skills that would magically translate into emotion and connection, but it was through her lessons in honing in on the details I wanted to remember about my children, the memories I wanted to preserve, and the thoughtful stories that I wanted to share with others that I learned to be patient with my journey and process, and that’s what created emotion and connection in my images.  I especially appreciated her gentle way of giving critique and the confidence she instilled in all of the participants.  I truly believe she gave her all to support us during the workshop as an instructor and will continue to support us after as a mentor and friend.  This workshop is one of those life changing experiences - I will be forever grateful for all that she taught me.

Angie Schueren

website | facebook

The Everyday Beauty workshop with Ginger Unzueta was beyond perfection. Ginger was a true inspiration and taught us how to think outside the box to capture the moments of our every day.  Besides teaching us composition, lighting, framing and all of the technical photography information, she taught us how to be present within the moments of our children's life, how to capture the emotion and not take any moments for granted.  She was phenomenal at answering all of the questions that were submitted, no matter what the content.  Ginger was truly devoted to all of the students, and she cared about each and every student's outcome of the course.  She pushed everyone to see their true talent, and was so encouraging.

Thank you Ginger for being my inspiration and to help me see the everyday beauty within my chaos called life.

Staci Schonbrun

website 

Hi Ginger- I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed taking your course. I specifically did not want to take a class that told me how to do this technique or set up lights a certain way, but rather wanted a class that would focus much more on the everyday. You fit the bill with a beautiful class that not only encourages, but celebrates and highlights the beauty of everyday life. This class really encouraged me to improve my way of looking at the normal chaotic scene of life and seeing small parts of it that elevate a snapshot into a beautiful piece of art. You patiently answered the many questions asked of you and always left encouraging feedback that made the next assignment even better. I am  sad to see the class end, but thank you for the wonderful opportunities and insight that you shared. I hope to continue and build on the inspiration you filled me with. Sincerely, Staci Schonbrun

Amy Bernard

think perhaps the most meaningful 'takeaway' for me - in learning from Ginger - has been in how it impacted the very way I function in my everyday.  With my camera, and without.  Somewhere in the course of motherhood I'd lost perspective and got stuck in an 'on to the next' rut.  And while I'd long looked to my photographs to kind of pause and appreciate or truly 'see'… it was during Ginger's class that I rediscovered and owned a bit of more of the moment.  Being present.  I mean, sure - there have been other influences (hello life) but it's all about the timing and these lessons just could not have come at a more giving time.  When I look at Ginger's Joy Project what I have envied most - and am drawn in most by - is the feeling that she is there and that framed the way I took in what she offered.  Some of my own recent / favorite images came about from letting the lessons sink in, and what I found most especially helpful was the examples she provided of her own images and the background story of light or composition, the perspective and just the 'why' this moment.  It allowed me to process the technical information on a practical level while also prompting me to focus more fully on capturing my children and our days as I see them.  I intend to keep going back and re-learning from the materials and truly loved having this window in to Ginger's approach and workflow.

Registration for Ginger's September class is open NOW. This will be her last class for 2014. There are a few active seats left at this time. You can register here.

Everyday Beauty | September 2014 Workshop

Registration will open next week for my last Everyday Beauty workshop of 2014.  You can learn more about this class and  read reviews from past students here.  Sign up for my newsletter and you will receive the registration information first.

Click Magazine Giveaway

I am thrilled to have one of my favorite images in the July/August 2014 edition of Click Magazine. Seeing my work in print is something pretty special and I am so grateful to be included.  This publication is by far one of my favorites to get in the mail. Every issue is filled with gorgeous inspiration and thoughtful articles.

I am so excited to be able to give away THREE 1-year subscriptions to Click. The giveaway will end Friday, July 11, 2014 at 11:59 pm.  The winner will be announced on Saturday, July 12, 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

30 days of thanks 2013 | week 1

I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. Psalm 57:9 It seems like as soon as October 1st hits, the Holiday and Christmas rush begins.  I think November is a wonderful time to slow down and look around our lives at the many blessings God has bestowed on us. It's a time to rejoice in all things.  To be honest, I really want to live with a grateful heart all times of the year.  I am documenting 30 days of thanks in pictures for the second year in a row. I loved looking back on these sweet blessings at the end of November last fall so I knew I wanted to do it again.

I have been reading 1000 gifts by Ann Voscamp since summer (I am a slow reader) and it really is a beautiful way to live...to really seek God in all things.  To live a life seeking  the beautiful gifts awaiting us each day. They may not always seem big, but they are never insignificant.   This way of life doesn't mean we will not face heartache, bad days, rough patches, despair, loss, or any thing else that can bring us down. No,  we will always find valleys in our lives,but you can find beauty and light even in these dark hours. You just have to have your eyes open to it.

Day 1/30

I am thankful that no matter where I look in my home, there are traces of children, traces of life, love and living together as a family. I never want to take these for granted.

This picture is a little reminder of a day painting leaves, because otherwise our leaves here in Florida do not have much color.

 Day 2/30

I love that many mornings we wake up with one or two or even three extra bodies in our bed; even if it feels super crowded and my sleep is disturbed. I love this because most days it feels like they are growing up way too fast, but this is a reminder that they do still need us..that they still love our comfort, our touch, and our presence. And this fills my heart.

 Day 3/30

"your lovely even with your scars" -amy grant

I have struggled with people pleasing and perfectionism as long as I can remember. In doing this, many times I have questioned if I am enough? I am starting to see that my oldest daughter struggles in similar ways. Today, I am grateful for the way God brings His message to us through music. We were in the car when Amy Grant's Don't Try So Hard came on the radio. It was a such a blessing to be reminded that we are more than enough in the Lord, and that His Grace is never ending. To be reminded we don't need to try so hard. And what a gift to talk about the meaning of this song with my 9 year old.

Day 4/30

Over the past six years Alzheimer's has taken so much away from my father-n-law and our family. But today I rejoice and am beyond thankful that there are still precious moments like these. I am so grateful my children get to have this time with their Grandfather and can see the love that he still feels for them. It's a reminder that even in the hardest of circumstances, God is still very much there.

Day 5/30

At first glance this photograph looks similar to many others I have of our four year old--our sweet child who loves to paint. As her mama, I know the story and feeling behind the pictures making each one unique and special. I could capture her like this daily, in her world, in her element. I feel so blessed to get to watch her enthusiasm, her imagination, and her love for creating come alive. I pray she will always have this spirit.

Day 6/30

I must admit I am not the best doggie mama at times...somewhere between having our children and my husband leaving for countless deployments our faithful friend seemed to get less of my attention. But, I am so grateful for the 14 years of companionship he has brought us. I am grateful that my children give him the love he deserves. We have so many memories with him and I am forever grateful. My children have never known life without him...he is our family♥

Day 7/30

This week I realized we had reached a milestone in our home. It was the first time in almost 10 years that no one needed a diaper or a pull-up. (not for day, not for night, not at all) I think back over these years of there always being a baby in the home. I am grateful to all the memories...the life that has been lived. Long nights at times. Tantrums. New Words. Giggles. So much learning in the early years. Today I look at our three little people..our three blessings and I thank God for who they are each becoming. It's hard to realize they are getting older, but I see them in a such a beautiful way with the wings they are growing.

When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow. - Shauna Niequist

You can come back next Friday to see my next week of gratefulness.  And if you are doing a project too, I'd love you to comment. I am enjoying following so many other people on this journey this month.

beautiful light and a lot of love

I have not been doing many family sessions over the past year, because I made the decision to put my own family first.  I love capturing families together, but I realized it took far too much time away from my children and they are still so young. I don't ever want to look back and regret the way I chose to use my time. I made an exception for this session of course, because it is my sister and her family. Since I have moved back home I have loved getting to watch her family grow.  I am so blessed that these little ones are a part of my daily life now.

11 on 11 l september

Today I am taking part in a new project for me called 11 on 11. I have enjoyed getting to know this group of ladies the past couple of months and I am thrilled they invited me to join them in this fun project.   11 on 11 is pretty simple-11 images, posted on the 11th of the month. No specific rules, except one... I need to be in atleast 1 of the images.  I really didn't think I'd be able to start another project this year, let alone this month, but then at the very last minute, I decided to challenge myself . I could not narrow our jam packed morning into 11 frames.  Here is a day in the life of us (well, morning to lunchtime-and as you can see, we get a lot done in a short amount of time).  A morning playing on the lake before school, breakfast (mama finally said yes to pop tarts), school time turned painting time, outside shower and play time and lunch time devotions. And yes, if you look really really closely you will find me in the frame.  Many people often ask what our typical day looks like.  It does vary from day to day but one thing I see constant as I look at these images is the connection my children share. It is something special...I won't ever take for granted.

Today, September 11, as I look at these images, I am especially grateful. So many men and women have sacrificed so much for our country so that we can enjoy these freedoms daily.  Being a military family, we have seen first hand the sacrifices it takes to keep our country free.  I am grateful to God for the life He has blessed us with and thankful to live in a place I can really cherish these every day moments with our children.    Hope you enjoy a look into our little world.

Be sure to follow along our circle and see some amazingly talented and beautiful ladies. First up is Lina Jarmond l Raleigh, NC newborn photographer.

everyday beauty l a bloom forum workshop l EARLY REGISTRATION

Learn how light, composition, connections, and details all come together to create memories that will last a lifetime. Ginger will give insight into observing daily routines and spaces within your home to capture authentic moments. In addition, she will present ideas for you to create your own story telling session from start to finish. Finally, she will discuss shooting in public places and the importance of getting in the pictures yourself. This two week mini workshop will include 4 assignments with personal critique and feedback from Ginger on each assignment. You will receive a PDF of all of the course material and assignments.

A Q&A section will also be provided. At the end of the course there will be a private section on Bloom where participants can continue interacting and sharing with one another.

A DSLR camera and basic knowledge of shooting in manual is recommended. You must be a member of the Bloom Forum to participate.

Read reviews from past students here.

Early Registration Details:

(this is your chance to sign up early, before registration is announced and opened within the forum)

Workshop Dates: July 22-August 5

If you are not a member of the Bloom Forum yet, you can join by clicking on the icon below:

If you have any questions please email: ginger.unzueta@gmail.com.

Note: Workshop fees are non-refundable.

Please note this is for the July 2013 workshop, to register for the January 2014 workshop please go here.

saying yes more often

“We want our children’s lives built on meaningful influences. What relationships and activities each family chooses will be unique. That uniqueness is precious. By filling our days with what is important to us, we take charge of our own lives."  Laura Grace Weldon How often do your children ask to do something where your immediate answer is NO?  As parents I am sure we've all experienced this. And to be honest, there are many times we should say NO.   But, I've really been trying to make an effort to say yes more often rather than immediately answering with no. Perhaps at times my no answers were out of my own laziness or inconvenience.  For example,  not wanting to clean play dough off the floor or not wanting to get out my daughter's sewing machine and take the time to work on her sewing skills.  Or maybe I had a lot of laundry to finish and didn't want to stop and join the wii game going on.  I could list many examples of times I said no or maybe later, instead of embracing their desires at that given moment.  We can't always say yes at the time we are asked, but it's worth examining our heart and thinking a bit before we immediately answer with no.

I've found that saying yes really does make such a difference.  Yes encourages them. Yes ignites something beautiful within.  Yes shows our children that we are listening.  Yes can bring happiness.  The yes can be a powerful part of childhood and it is worth saying more often.  When you say yes, you let go of the no, and you embrace that moment of discovery with your child.

This week my three year old asked if she could "paint her toes all by herself."  I have painted her toes many times and she has seen her big sister paint her own toes,  but never have I let her do this by herself.  This afternoon I decided to say yes.  What was the worst thing that could happen?  The nail polish could spill everywhere or she could get nail polish all over her body?  I loved watching her concentrate painting each toe over and over again with a new color.  She was so proud of her toes and she couldn't wait for daddy to get home to show him the rainbow she had created. She did do it all by herself.   And she did spill an entire bottle of pink nail polish, but that was okay.  I am thankful for these moments we shared together and  I am so thankful I said yes.

After sharing my post this morning, my dear friend Carey Pace shared with me a post she wrote on this same topic  last year.  It is filled with beautiful words and images alike. I have been so blessed to meet so many amazing mothers on this journey and Carey is definitely a friend close to my heart. Thank you for sharing Carey and thank you for being who you are.

grace | film

"everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets up back into the slow circles of nature, is a help.  gardening is an instrument of grace" - mary sarton a little over a month ago, i found my old canon rebel 35mm camera.   it had been in a box through many of our military moves after being "replaced" by numerous digital cameras in the last 10 years.  i have admired and watched artists who have recently pursued film and done it with such beauty.  i was intrigued. i was lured by the colors, the depth, and the feel to film. in addition, i loved the idea of minimal processing.  i knew i had to give film a try, yet i was without doubt that there was so much i did not know.  i honestly didn't even know if this old camera of mine still worked. i read an article on let the kids dress themselves and i was encouraged. then,  i got the FIND book for Christmas which is an amazing read that i keep reading over and over.  i began asking a million questions on the bloom forum from some pretty amazing and open ladies. and i began shooting.  i've gone through a lot of film the past month. i've tried different brands. i've tried different processing sources including CVS, walgreens, and Indie Labs.   i've been excited, frustrated, nervous, excited, frustrated and nervous. i circle with emotions, but i haven't given up.

this film journey has been a wonderful reminder of grace and that we all need grace in our lives.   i have to remember i did not become the photographer i am today with my digital camera overnight, and this journey it will take time and patience and more time and patience.  there are things i love about my digital nikon d700 which i just don't think i could ever completely give up, but i am excited to learn more and play in this fun world of film.

the images below are some of my favorites so far. they are shot with fuji 400H and developed at CVS. and i ended up having to have the negatives re-scanned at our local walgreens because for some strange reason all of my pictures originally had lines going across them.   grace & patience...i must remember these words.

steal my show l a mother's heart

  many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. proverbs 19:21

i was riding with my oldest daughter one evening recently to get ice cream when she asked me if we could put some music on through my iphone.   i said sure, and the next thing i knew we were singing and praising the Lord as we drove down the road.   it isn't a secret that our family loves to worship through music and that my children are very familiar with Christian artists and radio. this particular song choice was one i wanted to keep playing over and over again.  and the words continue to play on in my head.  the song is called : steal my show by toby mac.  you can read the lyrics here and also hear a sample from this song. these words speak to my life and i wanted to share them, because perhaps they would speak to yours as well.

If You wanna steal my show I'll sit back and watch You go If You got somethin' to say Go on and take it away Need You to steal my show Can't wait to watch You go, oh, oh So take it away

as i  work in our home as a mother, wife and teacher,  or act as a friend to those i love, or share my photography;  my wish, is for Him to "steal my show".   i want the Lord to use me in the way only He knows and has planned.  i wish to glorify Him in my actions in every area of my life.   and yes, i want God to take me over, to take all parts of me and use them.  as Toby Mac says in his interview about this song:   "no matter what you do or who you are, you have a life.  you can take it and make it yours or give it away and let God do something bigger with it than you ever imagined."

my prayer today is that i will never stop giving my life to God and that i will seek His plans and His glory and not my own.

these pictures are of my youngest daughter doing a little "show" of her own.  in these images,  i can clearly see God and His amazing work  in our home and i am blown away at all He has done for us.

words i will not forget l a mother's heart

last week  i was at my computer finishing the last of my editing for the busy fall photography season.  i have to admit during the month of november, with all of the shoots i had scheduled, it seemed like i was editing in every spare moment i had.    in addition to being a photographer, mother, and wife, i am also my children's teacher. we have now homeschooled our children for the past two years.   you can read about this decision more here, but it was by far one of the best God led decisions our family has ever made. as i sat at the table, my 8 year old daughter came up to me, and asked me to do something with her.  at this time, i cannot remember what that something was, but i told her i had a lot of work to finish and i would play later.   and then the words she said came out and i can still hear them loudly in my head.  to be honest, it's hard for me to even write about this but i need to.   this week i came across a blog called the hands free mama and i have been blessed to get to know the writer, Rachel through emails.   i have been so inspired by her honesty and open heart.  i feel as mothers we all need to be authentic. we need to share not only the joys on our journeys as mothers,  but share our lessons as well. today i am here to share the words my daughter said, which i can not let free from my head. you see, she told me "you never play with me. you are always on your computer"   wow.  those words stung in my ears like no other.

at that moment i felt sick to my stomach, sad, and angry with myself.  i am with my children all day, every day.  i bake with them, i craft with them, i do daily devotions with them, we school together...i really could go on an on.   i do not think  that i am a mother missing out on my children's childhood in any way.  and i do know that children can have a way of exaggerating the way they are feeling, but even so, the words hurt.  they really made me look at my priorities and commitments and reflect.  how often do i play on "their terms"?   how often, do i stop whatever it is i am doing and say sure let's go?  it's easy to play when i've planned the craft or activity to fit our daily schedule.  but it isn't always easy to stop something we are doing (which may very well  be important) to go play.  is it always easy to play in the backyard with the kids  (no, not be out there while they play, but really play with them)?  is it easy to stop what we are doing and play a board game when asked?  the list could go on.

we've been blessed that  i can stay home with our children.  my photography business started as a passion and a  way of giving back to others in my community.  i realized this year that i cannot keep up at the pace i was going and make everyone happy.  my home life was neglected during this crazy time of shooting other families and that is not acceptable to me as the mother of our home.   i have decided that in 2013 i will be doing much less work and not shooting  at all after September.   as much as i love to share this gift; being a mother, wife, and teacher are the priorities God has given me at this point in my life.  i don't want to neglect those duties, because i over-committed myself outside of our home.

i believe that as mothers we have to have our own loves and interests. we need to pursue something we love outside of motherhood.  i have always done this and feel it is very important.  i have no intention of giving up this passion, because i know that God gives each of us our talents and places these passions on our heart. i pray for His guidance in showing me what He has planned for me to do with this gift and how i can glorify Him through it.

as any mother that works from home can testify to, boundaries have to be set.    i let myself take on so much work, outside of our home, that boundaries got lost and the work overtook my home.  each day there has to be a "set time" when work is done.  in addition, time for house chores, cooking, etc. are planned each day, so that expectations are in place. this is easier said than done, but in 2013, my plan is to try my best to do better.  i say try, because i know i will always fall short of being perfect. i just don't want to miss any moment with my children because i let other priorities take precedence.

one afternoon this week  my daughter came and asked me to do origami with her.   and yes, a bathroom was calling my name to get cleaned.  my husband can testify to the fact that that bathroom was pretty awful.  but i set my bucket down and i went and did origami with my cherished 8 year old.  we had the best time laughing and talking and just being together.   i love my children so much and i just pray they will feel my never ending love for them deep in their hearts.

something more than making banana bread l a mother's heart

"photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. what you have caught on film is captured forever. . . it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything." -Aaron Sussman over the weekend my youngest two children joined me in making banana bread.   really, this could be just an ordinary event, but i try to look at everything in our home as a treasured moment.  every moment is a gift from God and we have the opportunity to make these moments extraordinary each and every day.  i started taking pictures long before having children, but my passion came alive in a unique way as i captured the every day life i experience as a mother.   it's so true that pictures will give us a way to remember all the little things we may not remember years from now.  i will see these pictures i captured while baking and remember the wonder my three year old experienced as she turned the mixer on and off over and over again.  and i will remember the frustration she felt while  peeling the banana all by herself.

recently,  i have come to a new realization.  the pictures are indeed amazing gifts that i will have to cherish forever.   i know i will relive these moments time and time again as i look through past memories. but truly the gift is experiencing  the actual moments with my children.   i cannot explain to you in words what i feel during these moments spent with my children, but it is an incredible feeling.   i've learned the more moments i let unfold, just as they normally would, not posed or pre -meditated; the more i feel them and live them with my children.  i laughed so hard yesterday as i watched our baby girl do her best to add flour to the bowl, while spilling most of it at her feet.   i showed her it was okay to mess up, and to try again.   i felt so much joy as i saw my two children giggling about the smell of the dough and deciding if they liked it or not.  you see the experience is the best gift of all.  i want our albums to be filled with authenticity. in addition,  i want to give thanks and glory to the One who has made these moments possible.  photography has definitely been a gift that has given me much more than the tangible blessing of pictures.  it has slowed me down in ways, because as i look at all the pictures i've taken, i am keenly aware of how fleeting my time with our children really is.   my eyes see things in a new way that takes in all of the beauty around me in all the every day moments.  beauty as magnificent as the sun or as simple as my children in the kitchen.  there is certainly beauty and wonder in everything.  God has used this journey to touch my life in ways i never dreamed.  to say i am grateful doesn't seem to say enough.

over the weekend my husband sent me a link to a video on an interview by Christy Nockels, a Christian artist, discussing her new album Into the Glorious.  in all things i see God's purpose and plan.  my husband had NO idea i was writing this post  and when i opened the you tube video and heard her words it was as if my husband knew exactly what has been stirring in my heart.  i am amazed by God's hand in our lives..truly amazed.   there was something she said during her interview that i could relate to in such a strong way.  another mother had shared this wisdom with her and i want to share it with you.  " you can invite the glorious into the mundane.  there is an invitation that is present to us in our everyday lives as mothers, students, as workers in the workplace. there's this invitation to us in to the glorious things of who He is. "  you see, ordinary moments in your home are anything but ordinary when you invite God into your life.  the most simple activities are the most beautiful gifts from God as you allow Him to work through you and for you.  its about so much more to me than pictures of making banana bread (or painting, or crafting, or reading)---it's about the glorious i am finding right here in the mundane.  and realizing the every day is so much more than mundane.

independence l a mother's heart

i know it's only an orange. yes, its just a simple picture of our baby girl, peeling her own orange.  but to me, the mother of this sweet 3 year old, it's a lot more.  it's her saying "i dood it mom".  it's finding the independence that she wants and me giving her the baby steps to try new things.  all the while, i want to take her in my arms and tell her not to ever grow up.  it's harder in ways with her, our third child.  it's harder because i've seen how fast the time goes by with our oldest daughter of 8 and our middle son of 6.  so i try to slow her down, but some days there is no stopping her.  today she sat and peeled her own orange-she didn't want mama's help.  so of course, i picked up my camera and documented it.  don't let these moments that seem so ordinary at the time slip past you.  you don't have to have a fancy camera or be a pro to record your family's milestones.  grab your phone or whatever you have. just capture it.  i can promise you that you'll be so happy you did.

i am thankful personal post l final week

thank you for joining me the past month for this wonderful project and reflection. the little, the big, the everyday, the extraordinary; they are all blessings i never want to take for granted. i am thankful day 22- i am so grateful that my children are getting to grow up with their cousins all so close. and that they truly are all the best of friends.

i am thankful day 23- i am thankful for hot chocolate on a chilly florida morning and snuggling with daddy's childhood blankey ♥

i am thankful day 25-i am so grateful for the baby of our family. for the joy and laughter she fills our house with. i will never forget when she was in the NICU as a preemie and her dr. said she was a "super star"...she's lived up to that name ever since. she's so full of life and love. we are all blessed.

i am thankful day 24-i am so thankful to live on the lake. it is such a blessing to have this as our back yard now. most days you will find our children happy as can be playing and building in the sand down by the water.

i am thankful day 26- i am grateful and in complete awe of God's amazing creations. when i look around at everything He created for us to enjoy, i am amazed ! from my beautiful children, to the earth and sun...there are so many creations that just leave me speechless.

i am thankful day 27- i am thankful for moments like these. when i see the laughter, spontaneity, and love between my three children. nothing makes my heart more warm and filled. so blessed to be their mama.

i am thankful day 28-thankful for movie nights with the family. {especially nice during the Christmas season--love the Christmas movies}

i am thankful day 29-today i am thankful for pictures. i am grateful for the stories they tell. when i look at our stairwell of memories, i am flooded with emotions and thanksgiving. i am thankful for all of my family..each person whom i love dearly. but especially my husband of 13 plus years. i couldn't be more blessed with a giving and loving man. but most of all, a leader of Christ in our home. i see these pictures and i am reminded how blessed we are.

i am thankful day 30- i am thankful that Jesus came and made the ultimate sacrifice. without Him, i would be nothing. without Him, none of these blessings would be. i am humbled and grateful and blessed to be His.

the jesse tree l a mother's heart

our children are now 8, 6 and 3 and  they all are excited for the arrival of Christmas and all of the festivities that come along with this special time of year.  i have to admit, like many mother's, i am concerned about the focus of my children's hearts during this holiday.   in our home, we do celebrate santa, the elf on the shelf, and other similar playful traditions, but our main focus is on the birth of Christ--the true and ONLY reason for this holiday.  my husband and i both want our children to realize that this time of year is about one gift and that is the gift of our Savior Jesus.  with this heavy on my heart, i have been looking for more ways to center our home's traditions on Him.  one of the ideas that i saw through my researching was doing a Jesse Tree.  i saw that one of my friends had "pinned" quite a few links on this and i was quite intrigued   i couldn't believe this was the first i had heard of this concept.   i ended up on this site, which was very helpful in my planning.  she had some great ornaments, prayer cards, and Scripture references.  i also loved this site, which had some great ways of using the Jesus Storybook Bible (which we already use)..for this project.   i decided that we would do our trees fairly simple this year as we introduced this idea to our children.  in future years, i hope to create something more permanent to use for our home.  in addition to the links i shared above i also came across this other idea of Advent Gift Boxes.  this year instead of putting candy in our advent calendar, i will have messages like these to share with my children.   and if you are looking for even more information on all of the Holy Day holidays, my friend just started her own site on this as well.  as i mentioned before, there were lots of great sites and links on pinterest--just find what suits your family the best.

matilda jane photo love 2012 l round two

i was super excited and surprised a few weeks ago to receive the news that i made it to round two of the matilda jane photo love contest.  i have been a lover of the matilda jane clothing line since attending my first trunk show last summer.  i love it because it is fun and unique for my 8 year old daughter;  but not too grown up, like many other lines of clothing offered for tween girls.  and my 3 year old daughter loves it as well.  ( but to be honest, she is just as happy wearing her panties for the day, clothing is always optional with her) for round two of the photo love contest, each contestant was sent an outfit and a word.   when i opened my package and saw my word i couldn't be more delighted.  it was as if they picked the word just for my daughter. she is such a true blessing in our lives and anyone that knows her, knows what a special soul she is.

sincere

according to merriam webster's dictionary:

1 a : free of dissimulation : honest <a sincere interest>  b : free from adulteration : pure <a sincere doctrine><sincere wine>

2    : marked by genuineness : true

i decided that i would forgo using any props and shoot my entry in the style i normally shoot. after all, my word was sincere.   i felt like this not only suited my daughter's personality, but my own style of photography.  here is a peek at the shoot we enjoyed together. it really was fun to get out and have this time just the two of us. 

thank you matilda jane for this special opportunity.

adding a little drama

i am thankful personal project l week 2

"gratitude is the memory of the heart."  ~Jean Baptiste Massieu i have been working on a daily personal project of gratitude during the month of november.  you can see my week one post here.  this week i am here to share my past 7 days of thanks.  as i take time each day to reflect on the people and things i am thankful for, my heart becomes full of memories and love.   it has been such a gift to me to be able to realize daily that even the most simple things in life are what make it hugely wonderful.

i am thankful day 8- today i am grateful for the wonderful "cool front" that has brought beautiful fall weather to florida the past two days. cool enough for a jacket, but not too cold for bare feet.

i am thankful day 9- today i am grateful for the lessons that the gift of motherhood brings into my life-- even when I struggle through hard moments such as these. it is a reminder that through all of these times God is refining me into the person he has planned for me to become♥

i am thankful day 10- i am so grateful that whenever we want to visit my parents and ANY of my siblings and their families, that they are only a walk (scooter or skateboard ride) away. so blessed to live so close to family after being gone for so many years♥

i am thankful day 11-today i am grateful for the many mini-messes i find like these on our back porch. it reminds me that we are blessed to have three healthy children who love to play together and play outside. a simple but huge blessing indeed.

i am thankful day 12- today i am thankful for baby dolls. they really take my girls into a world of their own and bring so much joy into our house ♥

i am thankful day 13- today i am thankful that i had a mother who took the time to do fun traditions with us as children (like making Christmas cookies) & i feel even more grateful now to share these same traditions with my own babies. time with your children--i don't think there is a more precious gift

i am thankful day 14-i am so thankful for all of the sources of technology we are blessed with today. certainly, there is a time and place for it all (and yes, it can be a distraction) but it has also brought us so much joy in many different ways. skype calls with daddy while he is countries apart, emails and phone calls from friends and family far away, videos of moments never to be forgotten, and resources to be used at the tip of our fingers....(only to name a few.)