the hose at sunset

"Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of  foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears. Show them how to cry when pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them. The extraordinary will take care of itself." -William Martin

There's a beauty I want our children to know in the ordinary days at home. The afternoons in our own backyard. Just us. We don't have to be traveling the world to find this. We don't need all the latest technology or toys to achieve it. And we don't need a yard full of friends to experience it. There's a simple beauty watching the ordinary come alive for our children. I treasure these memories. A simple night by the lake at sunset . 

This is part of storytelling project called Pieces of Life. You can see some of the other artist's entries and work by going to this link.

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.

just us at sunrise

It is rare to find any of our children or myself up before sunrise.  This week we were up early every day so we could get to Vacation Bible School. One morning we had some extra time before we had to leave. Our middle child and only son loves to fish, so we shared some time together just the two of us. I love when I get time with any of our children one on one. The water and the light were beautiful, but our talks by the lake were the real highlight of this morning.

Kaleidoscope | April

Last year I became friends with a very special group of ladies and participated together in a 10 on 10 project.  This year we wanted to continue to do a project together, but wanted to do something a little different.  Our new project is called Kaleidoscope.

Kaleidoscope  is derived from the Ancient Greek (kalos), “beautiful, beauty” (eidos), “that which is seen: form, shape” and (skopeo), “to look to, to examine.”  Hence “observation of beautiful forms.”

We are a group of friends, moms, visual artists and photographers from around the world who are passionate about capturing images of the real, the messy and the magical-the wonder of the everyday.  Like a kaleidoscope, our photographs are playful and experimental, ever-changing and infused with light and colour.  Once a month, we assemble a single mosaic comprised of our collective pictorial tiles, one submitted by each of us, that reflect the shared meaning and beauty in our lives.

This month I captured a Sunday Family Night dinner at our home.  The days are getting longer and we are enjoying longer days down by the lake and in the back yard. I am always grateful to get all of our family together on a weekly basis.

Kaleidoscope | february

Last year I became friends with a very special group of ladies and participated together in a 10 on 10 project.  This year we wanted to continue to do a project together, but wanted to do something a little different.  Our new project is called Kaleidoscope.

Kaleidoscope  is derived from the Ancient Greek (kalos), “beautiful, beauty” (eidos), “that which is seen: form, shape” and (skopeo), “to look to, to examine.”  Hence “observation of beautiful forms.”

We are a group of friends, moms, visual artists and photographers from around the world who are passionate about capturing images of the real, the messy and the magical-the wonder of the everyday.  Like a kaleidoscope, our photographs are playful and experimental, ever-changing and infused with light and colour.  Once a month, we assemble a single mosaic comprised of our collective pictorial tiles, one submitted by each of us, that reflect the shared meaning and beauty in our lives.

I love seeing how each photographer sees her part of the world.  It is beautiful to see these images all together. Please be sure to head on over to our blog to see our Kaleidoscope for February.

This month my image came from a group of images from one afternoon on the lake with some of the cousins. The sun was shining, the skies were blue, and the water was inviting.

cherish this day | october

"Life is fleeting. It is to be enjoyed."-Tori Amos

One morning this week my 4 year old daughter woke up asking for her cousin to come play.   We had a car to get washed, groceries to buy, dinner to start, and schoolwork to be completed.  BUT I told her that we would try our best to have her over some time during the day.  While out grocery shopping we stopped in the dollar tree and stocked up on some fun craft supplies: glitter, foam crowns,  and sequins.   I was able to talk to my sister n law and arrange a play date while our older kids were at church later that afternoon and evening. It was perfect because I was able to give the little girls my full attention so we could make beautiful princess crowns.   We couldn't have asked a more glorious evening, so I set up all of our supplies on a picnic table in the yard. I gave the girls the glue, paint, glitter and sequins and let them have fun until their hearts were content.  Glitter was thrown, paint was spilled, and the mess was everywhere. It was wonderful.   Everyday beauty....it's a true gift indeed.

Now, head on over to the Cherish this Day Blog and see what other beautiful every day moments have been captured.

10 on 10 | the august edition

“Wherever you are, be all there." I have lived the runner, panting ahead in worry, pounding back in regrets, terrified to live in the present, because here-time asks me to do the hardest of all: just open wide and receive.-Ann Voskamp

I read these words this week and they struck a chord with me.  I could have written these words myself.  My natural tendency is to look behind and see what I could have done differently, or plan ahead to how I can make tomorrow perfect.  But what I want more than anything is to sit and enjoy today for each moment I am given. To wake up and realize every day is a gift and live like that.   To really live with the Faith I know deep inside that God has a plan for me and my life. PERIOD.  I don't have to be in control always, because He is.

I have started reading a book called 1000 Gifts by Ann Voskamp and my mind has been stirring a lot about this.  I thank my friend Ashley for our recent conversations which ultimately led me to start reading this book.  I love the way God uses people in ways you would never imagine.

 This month's 10 on 10 is a collaboration of 5 days spent solely at home in our backyard by the lake.  We had cousins in and out of our home all week enjoying the carefree days of summer and childhood.   I feel like each of these days I was able to be there fully content in the present. I didn't want to be anywhere but where I was.  It's a beautiful thing to feel this. To live this.  I want to wake anew each day and see the gifts all around me...big and small.  They are infinitely there and I am grateful.

Next in our 10 on 10 group is Jackie Tyghem.  You don't want to miss seeing her beautiful lifestyle work.

kids were here l august 2013

Once again we've had another month of summer fun.  I was thinking about this project a lot this week as I was looking throughout my home. Yes, indeed there are messes daily in my home that tell the stories of  our children, of us together, and of life being lived.  But there are also just "traces" of their presence every where I look.  I realize this as I see towels and bathing suits drying, baby dolls tucked in their bed, rafts and sand toys on the beach, and so much more on any given day.  The life of my children is all around. It really is sad for me to imagine our life any different, though the reality is, it will be one day.  I continue to pray to live every day to its fullest, to live in the present, and thank God for these fleeting moments.   Please make sure to head over to the Kids Were Here Blog to see all the fabulous images.   I love this group of ladies and the love they have for their families.

cherish this day l jump

"every summer has a story" -unknown there is such  beauty in the long summer days and the carefree essence that seems to accompany them.  this summer, my children have been spending most of their free time playing outside with their cousins.  it's something i truly never take for granted.  i love that they are each only a short walk away from our home. i love that having them in my home is very familiar for me and them.  and i love the craziness when they are all together.

i cherish this time of our life--it is unique and something i never want to let go.

i participate in this project with a very special group of ladies. they each were part of my first Everyday Beauty workshop.   i'd love for you to go to the Cherish This Day blog and see all of their amazing work. they have each grown so much in the past two months.  i will be hosting another workshop in July if you are interested in learning more about capturing the Everyday Beauty in your own home.

letters to our children | a letter to my son | february 2013

dear bubby, for your birthday a few months ago  i shared a letter with you about how you complete me in so many unexpected ways.  having you, our only son, has taught me so much about love.   you have shown me that love doesn't always come easy; it can be messy, hard and challenging.  but wow, what a gift your love is. it can be quiet and tender and so thoughtful as well.

you are all boy in all you do. you are fearless and competitive and you love to be rough and explore the world around you.   i often wonder if somehow you are missing out by being surrounded by girls all the time.  you are the middle child in our family with two sisters and you live on the same street as five of your girl cousins. sometimes,  i get sad as i see all of the girls playing, that you do not have a boy to share your childhood with.  yes, you have friends, but not a brother or a cousin close by in age or proximity.

i have come to realize that you are just fine and you are going to be an amazing man one day because of being the only boy.   you indeed are all boy, yet you have a tender side to you that is beautiful.  you care how other people are feeling and you express empathy for them.   you have learned patience as your sweet girl cousins admire you and always want to be near you.   you have learned to find your own "role" in your sisters' pretend games. God had an awesome plan with blessing our family with you as our only boy.  we all have learned so much through you.

thank you for being who you are. thank you for the laughter you bring into our home and the love you speak, not with words, but through lovely actions.  i am so blessed to have you as my one and only son.

i love you to the moon and back.

te amo, mama

i am blessed to be a part of this circle of amazing artists and friends to write letters to our children each month. up next in our group is amy grace.  she is always able to use her incredibly soulful words and images to capture the beautiful love she shares with her children.

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.

to be so carefree

" Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends." i don't think there could be a more fitting quote for these girls. i just adore it.   they are only 4 months apart--living only 4 houses apart.  growing up playmates and becoming forever friends.

i took this series as part of a project for the Finding the Light Workshop.  the goal was to tell a story through your images using different perspectives, angles, etc.   i can't say enough amazing things about this wonderful workshop. if you are looking to grow as a photographer, you have to check it out!

summer's end 2012 l a mother's heart

i love the long, sun-drenched days of summer and am always sad to see them come to an end. these memories will always be cherished and never be forgotten. as i look back on these pictures, i see the beauty that is found on even the most ordinary day.  i see the details, the smiles, and connections of my children and my heart becomes so full.   i see the warmth of the sun and glimmer of the water that surrounds us daily and i feel so grateful.   i feel so blessed to call this place home and these amazing people family.

summer's beauty 2012 from Ginger Unzueta on Vimeo.

i am so grateful for Let the Kids Dress Themselves and their Summer Shot List Project  .  i had such a great time doing this project over the summer months.

project 52 l week 35 l relaxation

our theme this week for project 52 is relaxation. my favorite spot at the end of any day is down by the lake.  there's something about the stillness of the water and  the breeze on my face.   i can go down there and find complete relaxation.

please continue with our circle and see what the talented Clara Huynh of Heart Inspired Photography has for us this week...

the illuminated word project l august

this project is by far one of  my favorites.  not only do i like the way it makes me search within; i also love to read what has been stirring inside of the other members of my circle. this month the following verses have been on my heart...

Jeremiah 29:11-13

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

i've written before about how i worry much more than i should.  and i am slowly learning to hand these worries over to the Lord and truly trust in Him. i've also written before about all the anxiety i experienced before moving back to our home town last year.  but my husband and i clearly felt the Lord leading us here and were obedient in pursuing a move back.   since moving back i have seen time and time again, blessings pour out from this decision.

one of the things  i feared was experiencing a new loneliness when work took my husband away from our home and family.  (and work takes him away A LOT).  you see, on a military base everyone is coming or going from deployments and training.  families living to the left and right and back and front of you have all been through it time and time again.   not only do the wives relate to each other,  but the children relate to one another.  it's truly a family all of its own.  BUT in our small town, very few people know this reality.  yes, many people have husbands that work long hours and even take business trips fairly often, but its different than missing weeks and months at a time.  missing milestones, special occasions, and holidays adds to the loneliness and difficulty that comes with military deployments.  i feared that i would not only long for my husband to be home, but long for the friendships and relationships that i had come to know on base for so many years.   and i do miss all of that more than words can describe. but in HIS own way, God has provided for our family.

as i said in the last year the Lord has shown us time and time again that moving home was the direction He wanted for our life.  and last weekend i was reminded of this once again...

my husband is currently overseas for two months.   two months is by far not the longest we have been separated during our 13 years of marriage; but it is the longest he has been deployed since we moved over a year ago back to our hometown.   one saturday afternoon, i invited my family (parents, three siblings and their families,  and my in-laws) all over for an afternoon at the lake.   and every one of them came.  as i sat there that afternoon watching every one talking and the kids all playing, i just thanked the Lord for again showing me to trust HIM.   no, my family cannot relate 100% to everything we go through but they are here for me in so many ways and for that i am so blessed.   uncles and aunts and grandparents willing to make my children feel extra special.  cousins to run around with. and extra hands to give me help in preparing food and fun for everyone at my house.   we are beyond blessed to have these people in our lives.   i truly believe our family is so unique and special and i hold tight to each of them in my heart.

i love these reminders.  the reminders that God has a plan for us.  BUT we cannot forget the last two verses of this scripture:

¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

God wants us to call on Him. He wants us to need Him.  i am so grateful for a God that wants me as His always.

i'll leave you today with these pictures of our fun afternoon with our family. each photograph taken is a reminder of the love that surrounds me in so many ways.

this is home now....surrounded by all of our family.  this last picture is such a great representation of that to me..our house on one end and my brother's on the other.   with my sisters and parents not far down the road.  to be here with all of them, is more than i ever dreamed.

please follow along our blog circle and see what the always amazing Gail Pomare has on her mind this month.

a celebration of life and love

i am so excited to share pictures of such a special couple.    i have known gene and michele since highschool.   but, i didn't get to really know them until i got married and we enjoyed a few get togethers with them while home on vacation or at christmas.  and it wasn't until moving home last summer, that we really got to spend more time together through church, bible study and various other events.    my husband has always been very close to both of them, so it has been wonderful to share this bond as well the past year. when michele contacted me about doing these pictures, i was very excited.   she wanted  to have something to remember this special time in their lives as they both turn 40 this month.   i feel honored to be able to give them this gift, because it will bring them so much joy for years to come.   these pictures capture their love and commitment to each other over all these years; and to have them to look back on is something to treasure.  i hope you enjoy them.

happy 40th michele and gene.  we are all blessed to know you...

just us l june 2012

i am thrilled to join another group of AMAZING photographers from the bloom forum.   they have been doing this project all year, so i am joining in for the later half and excited to share.  it's a project focused on "getting US" in the pictures atleast once a month.  too often as the photographers of our families we don't do this. and simply put--its NOT okay.  our kids need to have memories to look back on that include us in them.  i am not talking about the annual Christmas card shots in the perfectly planned outfits at the perfectly planned location.   this is more about capturing the every day with our loved ones ( though, there might be a planned shoot too every once in  while--we are photographers afterall:)) this month, i have a pretty simple capture.  just me and my three lovies. they are all looking pretty silly in their shades. BUT we had a great time out on the boat enjoying a sunday afternoon as a family...

a couple more i loved of our youngest two...

and one more of my whole crew....as i stare at this picture, i can't help but thank God for these blessings.  so grateful.

now please go to the blog of my new friend Carey Pace l Tricities TN Photographer .  i adore her work and i am sure you will as well.

ten on ten l the june edition

thanks for continuing to follow this fun lifestyle project.  if this is your first time here, please follow this link to read more about the ideas behind it. this month's 10 on 10 evolved after an afternoon of fishing with our three children.   now that the lake is in our backyard the children love spending the late afternoons and early mornings with daddy on the lake.   according to my oldest, mom's casting skills aren't quite up to par.   this particular afternoon, our youngest, who is 2, had her first turn with the fishing pole.  big sissy had received a "real" full size youth rod from daddy that morning, so she passed her "barbie rod" down to baby sissy.

i am thankful to have the details of this fun first of our baby girl.

please follow along with the other talented ladies in my group. first up is Jennifer Kruk Photography.  i am certain she will have some beautiful images to enjoy.

project 52 l week 23 l abandoned

welcome back for this week's project 52 theme.   this week our theme was abandoned.... doesn't the baby of the family always feel like the one "abandoned" or left behind?    i can hear her as i stare at these images yelling...wait for me, wait for me!!

love seeing them so happy and so in their own worlds...

please continue with our blog circle and see what the talented Clara Huynh of Heart Inspired Photography has for us this week.

a handsome boy turns one

last month i got to spend the morning with the cutest one year old and his super special parents.   i can't really say which was the better time...shooting the photos of this handsome boy or hanging out on the back porch of our house with his parents.  both were lovely.   tammy was a friend from high school who i had not seen in years. i love seeing old friends who are now mothers.   her love for her son really shines through all of these photos.   tammy i hope you love these and i thank you for being so patient as i worked on them.  can't wait to see you again soon.