My Everyday Featuring ... Natalie Ensor

[#1] Share with us a snippet of your story.

A once broken and ashamed girl now redeemed by my loving Savior. My life depicts God's faithfulness and continual outpour of loving Grace. While smothering me in His grace he has crazy blessed me with a man I don't deserve, but God is cool like that and so I'll love my Micah forever and ever. Amen. 

Ten years of marriage and two wee ones later my cup runneth over! A stay at home mama to my Elsie Pearl and Vernon, trying to take advantage of our time soaking up the California sunshine before they are of school age. When those sweet faces are snoozing during naps or bedtime you'll find me caught up in some form of creative outlet; whether it be stitching my hoops, blogging or crafting up something for the next event on our calendar. Though I love to keep busy creating new things I'm in a season where God has asked me to be more available to both Him and my family, which can be (if I'm honest) a struggle for a creative soul. With that being said, taking this time to downsize our current living situation while striving to simplify our lives has been insanely refreshing and on the upside have found more time to enjoy tea and cannolis! 

[#2] What is your favorite part of the day with your little one[s]?

This often changes for me, which only means I enjoy them throughout the day, trying to savor their sweetness even in the midst of the crazy moments. Most times its the mornings that I love; messy hair, sleepy eyes, ready to read our devotions while we sit and eat together. (really it's Elsie and I eating while Vernon plays with his food and asks "why mommy?" to every sentence I read HAHA!) Then there are many times in the afternoon after their naps that just make my heart melt. Scratchy after nap voices, willing hands ready to help make dinner, sweet faces anticipating daddy's arrival home. It's during afternoons like this that make my heart burst with happiness and feel beyond blessed to be their mama.

[#3] Name Three Instagram MOMS who inspire you.

Choosing three is almost impossible. I mean, I'm inspired and touched by so many women out there rockin' this whole mamahood thang, while being graceful and stylish at the same time. @caseyleighwiegand , @joyprouty and @jaminato are constant lights for me. Their hearts for Jesus and love for their babies are infectious and seeing their beautiful photos fill my IG feed only make my heart happy. 

[#4] What challenges have you faced in balancing motherhood and your passion for creativity?

The challenge is balance. I remember when I was struggling with the decision of closing my shop early this year hearing our pastor's wife say "Saying YES to something means you're saying NO to something else." Whoa I was like, umm that's straight truth yo', and knew I needed to start saying no to certain things. 

Oh how I love to stitch my hoops and having the opportunity to bless people with the talents God has given me, but I also love being in the word, spending quality time with my family + friends and desiring to be more available for other opportunities God had for me to be used took priority. So there is a constant struggle to find balance in prioritizing my time as a mama and with my passion to create. God has been beyond gracious I feel because there are times I just need to sit and stitch and those are when the hours in the evening seem to drag out and I can enjoy what I love to do freely without the pressure of time.

[#5] What is a family tradition that you love sharing with your kids?

My husband is not from California but rather a small mountain town in NM called Ruidoso. It is lush with Aspen trees, snow tipped mountains and ridiculously fresh air. They have something called Aspen Festival. It's an annual Fall celebration with parades, car shows, chili cook offs and craft fairs. We absolutely love taking a break from the heat (and smog) here in southern Californis to go relax and enjoy all the fun in the cool crisp fall air while spending time with his side of the family! 

[#6] If you could give us a peek inside your home - what image would you share and why?

This is my favorite room and wall in the house. Under it sits my juice and milk stained mid-century inspired day bed sofa where my littles often hang out. I sit and stare at this wall when I get quiet time for devotions in the mornings before they wake. It is filled with inherited pieces, vintage treasures we found on various travels and other gifted gems. I love it and brings so much warmth to our home.

[#7] Share a photo you wouldn't typically post on Instagram but depicts real life happenings.

I would normally never share this photo One: because of Elsie's naked hiney all bright and shiny and Two: the monstrous mound of unfolded laundry that I constantly have going on over here. But I love how she heard her daddy's car pull up and ran to climb up and peek out the window to welcome him home rather than get into the bath. Priceless.

Be sure and follow @takethecannoli1 on Instagram! You can also keep up with the series by following @kelliandvanessa or #myeverydaymoms