The Day New Year’s Eve Started Challenging But Soon Got Better

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Jenn

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December 31, 2025

I wish I had some heartfelt reflections to share for a New Year’s Eve post, but the truth is I am drained.

Today was a challenging day. I woke up early this morning in a cranky mood because I was sleep deprived and felt overwhelmed.

Caring for my sick five-year-old, taking two of the kids to their routine dental checkups, trying to remember all the things that need to get done this week, and running on very little sleep has been a lot for me to carry.

I don’t have the energy to write much tonight, but here are a few photos from the day — photos that brought me joy and reminded me of this:

Deep breaths. Pray when feeling anxious and overwhelmed, even if it’s a quick prayer right where I am.

Simple acts of kindness can truly make a difference in someone’s day. When the day is feeling heavy and chaotic, remember to find small moments to slow down.

Deep breaths.

This morning, I remembered my morning anchors to help me find my focus.

I lit my candles, turned on soft classical music, refilled the bird feeders outside, boiled water for the teapot, and cooked a light breakfast.

Steeping My Lavender Rose Black Tea first thing in the morning. Slow sips of tea helped me find calmness and slow down.

I refilled the bird feeders this morning. It made me smile watching the little Juncos hop around in the snow. 🐦😊

Miko, my oldest daughter’s kitten watching Zaya and Zephaniah (8) walk up to the door.

To cheer up a sick Zaya, I told her Miko would be waiting for her to arrive at her big sister’s apartment. Mj (23) adopted a kitten this past fall, and he loves playing with Zaya.

How adorable it was to actually see the playful kitten sitting in the patio window right when we pulled up to Mj’s place! It was as if Miko knew Zaya was on her way over. 🥹

(Mj watched Zaya and Zephaniah for me while I took Zhen and Zechariah to their dentist appointments.)

I’m thankful for moments of kindness today — moments when others showed me compassion and helped me navigate this challenging day.

I brought two of my favorite things with me to the dentist appointments: tea and a cozy book to read while I waited.

I am learning to bring along the things that help me find peace on challenging days.

The office manager at the dentist office was very kind to make me some more tea. Just a simple cup of tea made me smile and helped me to relax. I was so grateful for this moment.

How cool is this tissue box I saw at the dentist’s office? I want to get a couple for my house. 📚

After the dentist, I made a quick stop at a local market with Zhen (13) and Zechariah (10). In this photo, Zechariah was admiring all of the candy options at the store. 😄🍬🍭

Later in the evening, Zaya started to feel a little better. 😊 We played some games together, like Perfection and Minecraft with her dad.

It made me happy (and relieved) to see my chatty, joyful little girl get some of her energy back.

Happy New Year! ✨️

“But those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall soar on wings like eagles.They shall run and not grow weary,they shall walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Photo credit info here.

One response to “The Day New Year’s Eve Started Challenging But Soon Got Better”

vermavkv

January 1, 2026

This is such a tender, honest reflection. There’s real strength in the way you show up here—tired, overwhelmed, yet still attentive to beauty, prayer, and small anchors of calm. The way you notice tea steeping, birds in the snow, candlelight, and a kitten waiting at the window says so much about your heart. Even on a heavy day, you’re creating gentleness for your children and for yourself, and that is no small thing.

Thank you for sharing this moment of real life—messy, loving, and deeply human. These quiet acts of care and presence are meaningful in ways that don’t need polished words. Wishing you rest, comfort, and many more soft moments like these as the new year unfolds.

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