Viewing entries tagged
everyday beauty

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Sidewalk paint.

It has rained for days here, but we get outside as fast as we can in between storms. Thankful for the rain, but missing our Florida sunshine. 


Today, we made this sidewalk paint that took all of five minutes to make and provided over an hour of fun. Much needed fresh air for all of us. 


Love watching this little bit become curious about exploring with art. Will be doing lots more of these fun messy activities this summer. 

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The glorious mundane.

"How do you do it all? 
You invite the glorious into the mundane "

I am admittedly pretty late to the podcast craze. Better late, than never. Right? 


Yesterday, I began listening to the Podcast of @christynockels : The Glorious in the Mundane. 


If you've followed me for anytime you know my heart is passionate about finding the beauty in the everyday. It isn't just something I do to stay inspired to create art. No, it is a lifeline for me. A way of living and thriving in this season of life called motherhood. 


You see, finding beauty in the everyday, finding the glorious in the mundane, is about so much more than a beautiful picture or a positive outlook. It's about inviting God into all parts of my life. It's about seeing Him and His grace and love and LIGHT in the ordinary moments; especially in the ordinary moments. Talking to Him and seeking Him at the kitchen sink, in the car, and in all the daily messes of life. 


In some ways, I've felt stuck in the valley the past few months as our baby has emerged into a toddler. As she finds her voice and independence. Through tantrums and fits. Through multiple ear infections and teeth emerging on a constant basis. Through sleepless nights. 


No, none of these things are life threatening. And yes, we have so very much to be grateful for. But it's enough to feel weary and worn. To lose patience and grace. To feel frustrated and need to cry out. 


This quote that Christy shared in her intro podcast was such a timely reminder in the midst of an ordinary day. A day filled with struggles and beauty alike. A great reminder to keep seeking and inviting Him in to every moment. And with that invitation, my eyes and heart transform and suddenly everything takes on new light. 

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Babylike Wonder

I think we all need a bit more babylike wonder in our world. If you are curious, you explore.  If you want something, you find a way to get it. There's no fear. No second guessing. Just going for it.

Today, you decided to climb in the dishwasher. And then decided to throw dishes out. Never a thought crossed your mind. What if that glass breaks? Or what if I fall backwards?

Baby wonder, it's something special.  And so is a sleeping baby. 

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baking mom a birthday cake

This fall she wrote an essay on what made her unique. In her writing she talked about how much she loves being home schooled and how it has allowed her to have a closer relationship with her siblings; especially her baby sister. Last week I walked into the kitchen when she was baking a birthday cake for me. Seeing the two of them like this. Day after day. My heart couldn't be more grateful for the path God carved for our family.

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twelve

Each birthday is bittersweet. The years seem to fly; each one seems faster than the one before. We savor the days together, but time is something all too precious that cannot be slowed down. 


She feels it too now. She is in no rush to grow up. I love that about her. I am starting to see glimpses of what she will be like as a woman; now in this space between child and adult. 
She feels with all her heart and is full of compassion. She is grace and teaches me daily more than I ever dreamed. 


I pray she will continue to seek God, to lean on Him always. 


So grateful for this girl and the day I became a mama twelve years ago.

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sisters dance party

Sharing a room when you are five years apart in age can some days present challenges. BUT then there are days like this that I walk into their afternoon "dance party" and I'm so grateful for the memories and moments they experience sharing this space. So thankful for the bond I see between them.

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the shift

There always seems to be a subtle shift in our home with daylight savings time. Clothes are traded for bathing suits, lunches begin to take place at the pool, outdoor play continues until the sun sets in the evening hours, and daily baths seem to happen in the lake, pool, or hose.

I am so grateful for this slow and simple rhythm that continues into the summer days. It's such a special time of childhood; of motherhood. I wish I could bottle these memories somehow. This image does that for me in some crazy way. This scene I walk into throughout each day is a quiet reminder of all there is to be grateful for.

It isn't the "stuff" of life that makes my heart race; it is the everyday living. It is the everyday beauty.

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Easter eggs

the joy project march 31.jpg

I love Easter. Not because of the eggs or hunts or family gatherings. I love Easter because of the Cross. I love this time of the year because it really makes me pause and reflect on what Christ did for each of us. I love the reminder of His amazing, sacrificial love for us.

Ann Voskamp sums up so much in these words,

"And this week, Jesus looks you right in the eye, and He takes that yoke off your back, He takes that weight off your mind, He takes that heaviness off your heart -- and He carries it because He wants to carry you.... to carry you right through.
He looks you right in the eye & says, "I did it for love..." (Jn3:16)
He takes your hand & takes that crown of thorns & says, "I did it because I had to take you..." (Jn14:3) 
He takes that Cross you've been carrying & He lets you walk weightless -- *grace is weightless* -- and He says, "I did it because I desperately wanted you..." (Ro.5:8)
Who in this world has ever wanted us like He has?"

He is waiting for each of us. Today. And every single day. He pursues us like no other. It all comes back to one thing. LOVE. That weightless walk. That grace. We don't have to travel the roads of life alone. We don't have to carry our burdens and our brokenness alone. He is waiting. He is here. He is a hope that defies all darkness.

Yes, I love Easter, because it celebrates a freedom, a grace, and a love that I know only through Him.

It is through Him that I can find joy in all circumstances. It is through Him that I can know the meaning of grace. It is through Him that I can know the depth of selfless love. It is through Him that I am renewed each day. It is only through Him that I can live. Without Him, I am broken and lost.

My prayer is that each one of you would know Him too. It's so easy to depend on our flesh, to think we can do life on our own; yet, each day I am reminded of my need for Him and His never ending grace. And I'm so grateful He never stops pursuing me.

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Your light on my face

the joy project july 29 You in the beautiful light, waiting for Daddy to bring dinner last night.

This morning you were singing  Crowder's My Beloved in the car as loud as you could. I love when I hear your sweet voice praising Jesus. This light, is yet another reminder that He is always with  us.

My Beloved bring me awake Take me up to your resurrection place My Beloved bring me awake 'cause I want to feel Your Light on my Face Oh, there's a sun coming up In my soul, Lord, in my soul There's a sun coming up In my soul, Lord, in my soul My Beloved bring me awake Take me up to your resurrection place My Beloved bring me awake 'cause I want to feel Your Light on my Face

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first hike

the joy project july 21 ginger unzueta The first day we spent in the mountains we hiked down to a nearby covered bridge. When we got to the bridge, you all played in the river with Buster. At that moment, I was so grateful that Daddy had insisted we bring Buster on vacation with us. Admittedly, I thought it would be easier to leave him at home. I was reminded, once again, easier is not always better. It was such a gift to see you experiencing things for the first time with Buster right by your side. Sadly, he will not always be a part of our everyday lives, but I am thankful for the memories that include him. As I watched you all explore together, I couldn't help but wish I could freeze that moment forever. And so I did, the only way I could, with my camera.

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what to wear

the joy project march 6 I walked into your room to find you looking for the perfect top to go with the pink skirt you had chosen for the day--clothes were everywhere.

Later that night I said to you that we really needed to clean up this mess. You looked at me with all seriousness and said, Mama I think my room looks so fancy with these tutus and dresses everywhere.

If only I could freeze this age a little longer. I love hearing your mind and watching you live.

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sun and sprinklers

the joy project february 21 ginger unzueta This week you have enjoyed playing in the sprinklers so much. You loved trying to drink the water as it shot out. I remember doing this myself as a child. Some things in life are timeless.

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lunch on the porch

the joy project february 20 ginger unzuetathe joy project february 20 b ginger unzueta The porch has been our classroom the past few weeks. We have loved our time doing school and having lunch outside.  The weather has been perfect and we have appreciated every minute of this mild winter in Florida. The older I get, the more I live life, the more I see the beauty in the every day. It was a seemingly simple afternoon on the porch for our family, but I love all the details about this ordinary.  I see that two of you are still in your pjs at lunch time and  I value this slow life we get to enjoy in so many ways.  And then I see you girls, always performing, trying to get your brother always to join in, but this day you weren't so successful. I hope my eyes will never stop seeing or being grateful for the simple moments of life together.

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hooray for friday

the joy project 2 7 ginger unzueta It has been a long week between an extensive trip to the dentist and a broken arm.  I am really thankful for the weekend. Today I praise God for being with us through this crazy week. I am made stronger through Him.

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without fear

ginger unzueta the joy project 2 4 Today you tubed for the first time by yourself. You jumped right in with out any hesitation. I love that about you. I always hesitate, think about things, and many times, back away from doing them. I hope in life, more often than not, you will jump right in. My prayer is that you will live without fear and live out all the plans that God has for you. Let Him use you in all the ways He has planned. I love you Bubby.

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the joy of today

the joy project day 26 ginger unzueta I often wish I could slow down time; to savor each and every minute with you all just a bit longer.  I have loved every stage of your childhood thus far and have so many favorite memories of each age when I think back on your short lives. This week as I walked into the kitchen, I realized that this is becoming a "new" familiar sight. The two of you are able to do more for yourselves. You are able to do things you once needed me to do for you. It is a blessing to watch you grow more independent and to be able to help me in new ways around the house. And with this image, I am once again reminded of how special each day truly is.

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