On our way to the 12 p.m. Sunday Mass, we stopped at the gas station ATM to withdraw cash for our tithe and offering.
Travis took the cash up to the sales clerk at the register and asked him if he could break a couple of twenty-dollar bills.
The clerk said he could only break one of his $20 bills because every Sunday morning people always come in asking to make change with their cash so they have it for church.
Tithe and offering for church.
We were pleasantly surprised to hear the clerk say this, and it made us chuckle — we’re clearly not the only ones who make a mad dash to the corner store for the church offering. 😄
“God doesn’t care if you put in $1, $10, or $20,” the sales clerk said with humble sincerity. “Just put in what you can afford. God knows your heart.”
Amen, brother. 🙏🏽
Here are a few moments from today.
A heartwarming Christmas ornament on the church’s Christmas tree. Our faith community is celebrating the last week of Christmas this week.
Stained-glass window art — beautiful and sorrowful moment of Mary holding Jesus’ body after his crucifixion.
“Offerings for God and church.”
Welcome Home. Zechariah (10) asked why did the church door entrance have the message “welcome home” on it. I said, “Because this is God’s house, and when you’re in His house, you are home.” 🙏🏽💜
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12
Today, we welcomed the New Year at mass by celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Zaya was feeling a little better, so she was able to attend church. We had her wear a face mask for added precaution.
The New Year’s Day mass was beautiful! I’m so glad we were able to begin 2026 in this way.
We spent the rest of our day quietly at home, just relaxing and spending time together as a family.
Here are a few moments from our New Year’s Day.
It snowed last night (New Year’s Eve). I like how the snow makes everything look so peaceful and soft.
It was our first time visiting this particular parish, so we were excited to see all of the beautiful Christmas decorations.
The stained glass window art was beautiful!
Blessed Solanus Casey
Travis and I bought E (25) an Instant Pot for Christmas. Unfortunately, it was damaged, so after church, I exchanged the damaged pot for a new one.
E was excited to try out his new Instant Pot for the first time. His first meal cooked in the pot was beef and broccoli.
Travis cooked homemade egg rolls and (what we call) cream cheese wontons. He uses his own recipe for making the filling for the wontons. They are DELICIOUS!
This evening, I worked on making new earrings. I love these classic literature book earrings I created.
These popcorn earrings I made are cute and silly. 🍿 I can’t wait to wear them this week.
I don’t have my New Year’s resolutions ready yet. I still need some time to think about it.
My 2025 resolution was to focus more on slow living. I think I did a pretty good job keeping my resolution.
I still have some growing to do, but I know in 2025, I made many positive changes in my life. 😊
Wishing you a Happy New Year! 😊✨️💜🙏🏽
“See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth — do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19
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. 😄🍬🍭
Playing the game Perfection with Zaya.
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
Today started bright and early with a 7 a.m. store run for a few last-minute Christmas errands.
I picked up batteries for the kids’ gifts at Target. You think you’re done Christmas shopping until you realize you have to buy loads of batteries for your kids’ gadgets and toys. 🤦🏽♀️🤣
I also bought a couple of small presents for two of our neighbors — a little way to bless them for always being so kind to us.
Then, it was a quick stop at the grocery store for milk, eggs, and more rice. I must say, the stores were wonderfully quiet that early in the morning — my favorite time to shop. 😌
Gift cards are the best option when you don’t know exactly what to get a friend! 🙌🏾🎁✨️
Another Target run! 😏 Never fear—I went bright and early at 7 a.m. before the holiday shoppers rushed out. 🙌🏾
Christmas gifts for my sweet neighbors. 🎁😊
🥞 French Toast and Waffles for Christmas Eve Breakfast
After my early morning errands, Travis and I cooked breakfast. The kids wanted chocolate chip waffles, so he made a fresh batch (with little Zaya, of course 😉).
I think I upped my French Toast game because the way I’ve been making it this past week has been absolutely heavenly. 🤤😍 Travis even said my French Toast recipe tastes like fancy restaurant-style. 😊
Chocolate chip waffles for the kids. 🧇😋
We have been on a French Toast kick over here. Travis says the way I make my homemade French Toast tastes like the $9 kind you buy at a restaurant. 😁🥰
📚 A Christmas Eve Tradition: Visiting My Favorite Bookshop in a Cozy Little City
Later in the morning, Mj (23) joined me for our yearly Christmas Eve tradition: a visit to my favorite local bookshop, where I browsed the shelves and picked out books for Travis and the kids.
Every Christmas Eve, I visit my favorite local bookshop in a city just 20 minutes away.
I think I love going to this bookshop because while everyone else is rushing out to stores and standing in long lines, I’m doing the opposite — I’m slowing down and soaking in the cozy quiet of the shelves and stories. 📚🥰✨️
What Are You Reading? 📚
Get Your Mitts in a Book. 📚 I love bookstore signs.
🙏🏽 Christmas Eve Mass
We ended the day by celebrating Christmas Mass together at church — a peaceful and beautiful way to close out Christmas Eve.
The church was decorated beautifully with Christmas trees, big wreaths hanging on the walls, the Nativity scene, and twinkling lights.
A feeling of joy and peace enveloped me as we sang traditional Christmas hymns and celebrated the birth of our Savior. 🥰🙏🏽✨️
Zaya (5) and Zephaniah (8) were excited to see the Baby Jesus revealed at the Christmas Eve Mass. 🥰🎄✨️
The Nativity Manger at church is so pretty!
🎁 And Now We Gift Wrap All of the Presents
Sometime after church, Travis and I started wrapping some of the Christmas presents, but now we’re too tired to finish up the wrapping.
So, we’ll get up early and finish wrapping gifts before the kids wake up. These days, I’m an early riser, so I will be up before the sun rises.
Travis, however, will still be snoozing in the bed. If he doesn’t have to go to work, no alarm can wake him, no matter how many he sets on his phone. 😂
It’s okay—I’ll let him sleep in a bit. He deserves some extra rest after working overtime hours six days a week this past month.
It will also give me a chance to wrap the gifts I bought for him. 🥰🎁✨️ I can’t wait for everyone to open their gifts tomorrow! I hope the kids love what we picked out for them.
Merry Christmas Eve! ❤️🎄✨️🙏🏽
“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Luke 2:11
All images in this blog post are my own photography. If you’d like to use a photo, please contact me first for permission. Thank you!
I woke up early this morning (6 a.m.) to another order of Christmas boxes on the front porch. It felt exciting to step out into the cold, crisp air and collect the packages.
I’m buzzing with excitement because Christmas is almost here! Just FOUR more days! 🎄🎅🏾✨️
Travis and I can’t wait for the children to open their gifts. It’s one of our favorite things about Christmas, watching the kids open their presents and seeing their faces light up with joy.
Sunday Breakfast: French Toast and Omelets
For our Sunday breakfast I made another batch of French toast and omelets. We had French toast for dinner last night, and everyone loved it so much that I thought I’d make more today.
Sweet scents of chocholate chai tea, vanilla, and cinnamon and nutmeg (my favorite Christmas spices) filled the house. 😊
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent—Love. We celebrated the mass at church today. We were running about 10 minutes late, but we made it.
We’ve been trying so hard to get out the door in time for church. It’s challenging with a big family, but we’re doing our best!
All of the candles are now lit on the church Advent wreath! 💜✨️
I can feel the joyous energy at church, too. It’s such an exciting time!
Sunday Funday:Donuts, Hot Cocoa, and Uno
After mass, we enjoyed donuts and hot cocoa at church. Almost every Sunday, the church hosts coffee amd donuts for parishioners.
We like to bring our Uno cards to play a round while eating our donuts. It’s quickly become our regular Sunday activity.
If for some reason the church isn’t hosting coffee and donuts, then we buy a ½ dozen of donuts and play a game of Uno at home.
Zaya won Uno again! 😄
The kids were giggling that Zaya placed a #6 card next to the #7 card in the deck— 6 7. 😂
The Christmas Spirit is Buzzing Through the Air
All of the church decorations for Advent and Christmas are so beautiful! I love the angels and Christmas tree display the church had put up in the family life center.
You can tell the other children at the church are excited for Christmas, too. There were so many kids laughing and running in the social hall.
Their Christmas spirit is buzzing through the air, and it is very contagious! 🥰🎄✨️
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for Lunch
Back at home, I cooked two pans of homemade macaroni and cheese with extra cheese. 😍🧀 One pan for lunch and the other for dinner.
I was not surprised we didn’t have any leftovers from lunch. 😄 Travis and the kids LOVE my homemade mac and cheese.
I made this macaroni and cheese recipe with four different types of cheese! It was delicious!
I made today’s macaroni and cheese recipe with four different types of cheese: mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
I also like to add a few dahses of smoked paprika and dry parsley to my macaroni.
I still have a few Christmas errands to take care of by Wednesday. One of those errands is going to the post office.
I’ve been trying to mail the grandparents’ gifts for a few days now. Hopefully, I can get it done soon!
P.S.— Happy First Day of Winter! ❄️💙
All images in this blog post are my own photography. If you’d like to use a photo, please contact me first for permission. Thank you!
Before church this morning, Zaya (5) and Zephaniah (8) helped me make homemade buttermilk pancakes.
Thanksgiving week I had bought the kids their own aprons and iron-on patches to customize their new aprons.
So now every time I’m in the kitchen cooking, they get excited to grab their aprons and help me cook. 🥹👩🏽🍳🧑🏽🍳
Zaya mixing the pancake batter. 🥞
Zephaniah wanted a dinosaur and American flag patches for his apron.
Joy—Third Sunday of Advent
We went to church this morning to celebrate the third Sunday of Advent —Joy.
I really enjoyed today’s homily. One part that resonated with me was the priest’s reflections on life’s unexpected changes and circumstances.
We may want our lives to follow a certain plan, but it doesn’t always work out that way.
It reminded me of motherhood and homemaking. Being a homemaker and mother of six children, my days are always shaped by change and unexpected moments.
A Visit to the Bakery
After church, we stopped by a local bakery for donuts— another little family tradition.
We got a ½ dozen of donuts. The kids chose chocolate donuts with custard filling, and Travis and I got apple fritters. 😋🍩
Checking out the yummy treats at the bakery.
Lunch and a Game of Uno
It was tempting to buy more delicious treats at the bakery, but I reminded myself we’re going to be making homemade chocolate chip cookies this week. 🍪
So, we headed home for lunch (homemade deli sandwiches!) and a family game of Uno.
Zaya won. 😄
For lunch, I had a corned beef sandwich with smoked Gouda cheese. 😋🥪🧀
Busy Week Ahead— Countdown to Christmas!
As joyful as the day felt, I’m also feeling a bit anxious and overwhelmed thinking about the week ahead.
There’s still so much Christmas shopping to do, along with routine dentist and doctor appointments for the kids.
It’s going to be a busy last week before Christmas.
For now, I’m holding onto the small joys and taking it one day at a time.
Sunday, November 29th, kicked off Advent season— a time to slow down and make room for Him.
The holiday season gets so busy, and I have been trying my best to not get caught up in the busyness.
But it hasn’t been that easy with just the day to day busyness of our big family life. I often feel guilty when I slow down, or I feel as if I should be doing something. Always doing something.
I’m hoping and praying this Advent season will help me remember to take more time to reflect on my faith and slow everything down.
I recently read a post by another fellow homeschool mom, and she said their family’s holiday break starts around Thanksgiving and ends after the Ephiany (January 6th).
She said they spend the holiday season focusing on celebrating Advent and Christmas with family.
And slowing down.
We’ve been enjoying Advent activities and crafts, like this fun Advent sticker craft (above photo) the kids created. Next week, we’re going to make a Jesse Tree.
Her words reminded me that taking time to truly celebrate and reflect on Advent and Christmas and slow down this month is exactly what we need.
So, we’re doing just that— starting our holiday break a little earlier this year. That’s one of the blessings of homeschooling— finding your family’s rhythm so you can create your own schedule.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Roman’s 15:13
