1.3K
Time has a way of moving.
This week I celebrate normal
because when it is gone you miss it dearly.
Recording grateful things cultivates joy.
And I am so grateful for little gifts found in normal
warm coffee, emails from friends, hugs, sunlight streaming in the window.
Step back and see the beauty blessed in the everyday.
Here are some of my favorite things.
samuel
sitting in my home
coloring away
is such a beautiful gift.
I am so grateful for his health
and for all the doctors and nurses
who took such excellent care of him last week.
And so you know
he is doing better every single day.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
I appreciate each one.
And so you know
he is doing better every single day.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
I appreciate each one.
my kids
gathered around the table
just doing life
and spending time together
because they want to
always puts a smile of gratitude on my face.
These days are beautiful.
These days are beautiful.
meringues
made by my lovely Chloe
who will just surprise us with sweet treats
and delicious meals
simply because she loves us.
Chloe
today is her 15th birthday
{she was born on the buzzer – 11:59pm}
I am so blessed to be her mother.
She is creative, funny, beautiful, amazing,
and always a delight to be around.
{and she cooks…grin}
Happy 15th Birthday beautiful Chloe!
my son Brennan
who draws amazing pirate ships
and writes stories
and tells me every single morning
I love you, mom.
And I tell him
that he will never be too old
to stop telling me that he loves me.
And I tell him
that he will never be too old
to stop telling me that he loves me.
oranges
that we buy in boxes
at Costco.
That don’t last very long at all
in this very busy home.
I am thankful for them.
And wish someone would help me peel them.
grin.
afternoon days
which are perfect for reading
and sitting in the sliver of warm sunlight
and blocking out the cares of the world
as one becomes immersed in an excellent story.
This is where you’ll find Grace
late in the afternoon most days.
smoothies
{which have become a staple in our home}
that provide such a treat
and pack in a bunch of nutrients
{especially if you throw in a handful of spinach}
and are absolutely favorite things.
And make for amazing mustaches
on five year old boys.
And make for amazing mustaches
on five year old boys.
art projects
{thanks to my sister Abby for those gifts}
that keep my boys entertained
for hours in the afternoon.
This one was a dig for gems
and besides the noise of pounding
was an incredible hit in this home.
Today? We’ll be growing crystals
or making a volcano.
Today? We’ll be growing crystals
or making a volcano.
and finally
why moms are heroes
I am so grateful for the response
to these words written from my heart
that celebrate motherhood.
Thank you.
{simply click here to read -> why moms are heroes}
these simple things
are my favorite things
from this week.
So often, it is looking at our lives with a lens of gratitude
that helps us appreciate the gift of normal.
In vacuuming, kids reading, dishes to be done, and more.
Take a minute today, on Friday, and step back to ponder
moments where you’ve been blessed this week.
For those that would like to join
this is week 97
of intentional gratitude.
Write yours, grab the button, link below.
Find Joy.
to subscribe by email – click HERE.
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.
Images and original content are sole property of Rachel Martin and may not be used, copied or transmitted without prior written consent.
14 comments
I love to celebrate Normal and Ordinary!!!!
happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Chloe! That last photo of her is stunning. You have a beautiful birthday girl (as well as a blooming photographer daughter!). Merry Normal Days. 🙂
Happy birthday, Chloe!
Your images are beautiful. Thank you for helping this momma of four see the joy in the everyday.
I love how your images capture moments, and joy too. Such a beautiful post xx
I love your beautiful post and your photos. Thank you.
this is beautiful, and somehow very peaceful.
-simi
p.s. a very happy birthday to chloe!
The top photo is especially joyful! Thanks for hosting & God bless!
Someone once told me,”if things seem normal in your life, you are having an exception”. I felt that was negative – however life really is just a series of ups and downs. Either way… embrace normal. 🙂
So thankful Samuel’s doing so well! Love those little feet! That first pic of Chloe is especially amazing. The pure joy on her face! When DID she become such a young woman?
Know that I’m still here praying!
Revelation 21:1-4 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
My email address
i still can’t believe Chloe is 15. wow!!! she’s such a beauty, too. like a model! gorgeous.
i’m so happy you are home. and everyone is recovering. that was so tough. you are a brave and beautiful mama – handling it all with such grace.
xoxo.
What’s your recipe for the smoothie?
Our Savior is saying these words. Know that I’m here praying!
Revelation 21:5-7 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
My email address
I am so thankful for your blog and your focus on the little things.
This morning my 3 year old got up a whole lot earlier than normal. It messed up a lot of my plans and he’s been rather difficult. Before 9am I was emotionally exhausted to the point I was fighting tears.
But you reminding me of the little things just made everything better!!!