Wordless wednesday

who makes the

awesome

Trail Guide to Learning

which our family is working

through this year.

Love that curriculum.

and finally

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.

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.

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.

made by my lovely Chloe

who will just surprise us with sweet treats

and delicious meals

simply because she loves us.

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}

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.

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.

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.

{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.

{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. 

and finally

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

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

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.

step back

today

in the midst

of the busy

and

 simply be grateful.

our tree
in the living room
simple
beauty
speaking of family
and connections
and memories

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.

some of my favorite things

{thanks to instagram find me there finding_joy}

write yours – link up
be grateful for the little things in life

#find joy #fridayfaves

the tree
before it fell
all decked out in lights
that were perfectly organized
and now since it falling is not quite so perfect.
But, oh well, it inspired this post
Dear Mom who Likes Everything Perfect
{and needs grace}

little boy
wandering in the snow
who wanted to play outside so so so bad
and then only lasted about 15 minutes
even though it took 15 minutes to get ready
and another 5 to get all the snow gear off.

eleven year olds
buried in the snow
still fascinated by the flakes falling down
and simply
wanting to embrace the time
together outside
playing.

glitter
that I allowed out
with only moderate supervision
{until Samuel tried to shake it everywhere}
as we made snowmen inside as well.
Elijah named his
Frosty

needed supplies
that I left the house for on the day
we got 15 inches of snow
Because, after all, hot cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream
and some gluten free gingerbread cookies
are always needed.

needed reading
I am so excited to read this book
by CC Chapman
called
Amazing Things Will Happen.
And, yes, I will write about it here.

dazeofadventure
also known as my dear friend Jenn
who blogs at dazeofadventure
who I’m helping to plan the Beech Retreat with in January
{and oh my is it work – blessed work – but work}
this was taken on the way to Captiva Island, Florida
where it was warm
and without that 15 inches of snow.

black boots
they might just be my favorite item to wear
and I might just have several different pairs
and some other pairs of boots.
Oh all right, I have many many pairs.
Not just black.
Grin.

the calm before the storm
or also known as a picturesque street by my home
we really prep here for the snow
and it takes a great deal to shut us down
fifteen inches of snow and schools were delayed two hours.
I made sure to delay ours as well.

the yard 
after the snow
that looks played in
{look at my untouched snow of my neighbors}
by my kids
and that’s exactly how I would want it.

the boy and me
my sweet sweet sweet Elijah
with his hood up high
taking a picture with me
I just love him
and all of his antics
and how he reminds me to find joy.

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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.

a list.

of things to remember

beautiful things

real life important

moments

captured in time

waiting

to be
seen.

easy

to

miss

the beauty

of that around
because of the busy
but remember

the laugh of a three year old

 the words of a seven year old

in sunlight streaming in the window

toys lined up

simple gifts
to be seen.

today

breathe deep

breathe of the life

hug on your family

just a bit more

savor the gift of those around you

unconditional love

and slow down

to celebrate

today

as it

is the only

day 

of

today

that you

will
ever be
blessed to live.

some simple words
about
gratitude
and being content in today.

for Friday Favorite Things today

What are your favorite things?

This is week 92.

Add yours. Link below. Find joy.
#fridayfaves #findjoy

Tell me – where do you need to step back and see the beauty in the everyday?
Let’s flood the comments with gratitude – list one thing you love but forgot to see.