Today is a gift 🎁

Daily writing prompt
What’s a quote that perfectly describes your outlook on life?

The other day, when we were on our way to the grocery store, the kids were watching Kung Fu Panda on DVD in the van.

I overheard Master Oogway 🐢, one of the characters in the movie, say to Po (the panda 🐼):

“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it’s called a present.”

This quote made me smile because Master Oogway is right—today is truly a gift. Each new day we are given is a great blessing.

When I wake up in the morning, I thank God for blessing me with a new day of life, drawing me back to Him, and keeping me connected to my loved ones.

So, Master Oogway’s wise words in the children’s animated film Kung Fu Panda is my outlook on life. 🐼🙏🏽

💜 XO


A small thought on faith

I’ve been reading the classic novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and in today’s reading, I particularly loved this quote in chapter eight from Mrs. March.

“If I don’t seem to need help, it is because I have a better friend, even than Father, to comfort and sustain me.

My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one.

The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength.

Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother.”

Marmee, as the girls call their mother, shares with a troubled Jo one of her own weaknesses—refraining from speaking out of anger.

Mrs. March’s words about the “troubles and temptations” one experiences in life and how to find help, strength, and solace in the Lord were a blessing even to me.

The words may be from 1868, but I find them very relatable and encouraging even today in 2026.

Certain words seem to find us exactly when we need them. Maybe there’s a line that’s been sitting with you, too.

💜 XO


Happy Friday

Three things to reflect on in honor of September 11th.

Feature image credit Alex Harwood.

I just need twenty minutes

On the way to the grocery store, Zaya (5) was watching Bluey (season three, episode eleven) on our minivan DVD player. The episode was about Bluey’s mom Chilli needing a twenty-minute break.

Chilli says to her husband Bandit she needs “20 minutes when no one comes near me.”

I chuckled when I heard this line because, as a mom of six kids, it is very relatable. Bluey always has the best teachable moments for parents kids don’t you think? 😉

And as it turns out—today has been one of those crazy, busy days for us (Tuesdays usually are).

But the craziest part of our day? First thing in the morning, I found a squirrel in my basement! 😱🐿

It was just chilling in our basement looking at me while sitting on one of our storage shelves. We think the squirrel came in through the dryer vent.

So, yeah—I just need twenty minutes! 😫😂

Here are a few moments from today.

💜 XO

Zaya drawing a picture inspired by a storybook ablut polar bears and penguins that I read to her.
Math lesson time! 😊
I bought myself a bag of Dove’s chocolate for when I just need 20 minutes. 🍫
Zephaniah (8) organized his dinosaur cards by height—from tallest dinosaur to the shortest dinosaur.
Leftover honey jars make great candy jars.

“A quiet cup of tea can fix more than a to-do list ever could.”

Happy Friday!

Four fun things for Friday, including a new art exhibit I’m excited to see.