2020

The days after the thrill of Christmas , but before the New Year are always filled with waiting, hope, and expectation. 6 days lie between Christmas and the upcoming year ; 6 days to reflect, to learn, to grow. I’ve reflected a lot on 2020 and to say the very least ; it has been a hell of a year. Our lives were turned upside down with a pandemic and our everyday way of life was no longer the same .
Though much was lost in 2020, I’ve thought of the good in the year. January 2020 I remember saying i wanted to be present this year ; present in every moment and I have been. I’ve gotten time with loved ones this year that I otherwise would not have gotten. I got to snuggle my little ones closer since they have been homeschool and the joy and wonder in their eyes is no less today than it was at the beginning of the year . I wish to see life through the eyes of a child . They love hard, they feel all the feelings , are expressive and everything is magic; that’s what I want for myself and my family . I believe 2021 will be a year of growth and prosper and I’m ready for it, but I don’t want to forget the sweet moments of being present and of having time . Time is fleeting and too much has been lost already and I refuse to take anything for granted . Bring it 2021!

The Calm

One of my favorite things to do is find new restaurants to dine at. Seriously, I am a fanatic. The smells, the views, the food of course, but most importantly is the atmosphere. How I feel when I enter an establishment speaks volumes about the place. The mood setting of the place, the lighting, windows, wall colors, accents and how I am greeted upon arrival make or break a place before I ever have a chance to try their food. The food is simply the icing on the cake . If I could quit my day job errrrr … should I say night job , I would travel the world and find all the hole in the wall places to eat at. I am all about the experience.
All this to say, I am currently sitting at brunch place( Egg Harbor ) , sipping my herbal tea while watching a storm brew and I feel peace. It could be because Fall is right around the corner and stirs up all the good feelings inside me or because at this point in my life; my peace has been grounded and I am at ease with life. I stop and smell the roses , I try to present rather than perfect and savor every moment.
Also, this sweet potato skillet is hittin all the major spots .. insert happy fat kid food dance. However , Back to the subject … getting to this place of peace took time . Being present over perfect wasn’t really me. I was more hustle and grind till I die and I’ll sleep when I’m dead . I was alive and well, yes but not so much on the inside and I say well loosely. I was eating like crap , not sleeping , definitely not resting and my priorities were out of whack. I was missing out on time with people I loved; neglecting is a better word, missing out on adventures and fun and watching time pass me by. I’ll get to all that one day is what I kept telling myself. Eyes on the prize and a one track mind. The ambition and grind got me through college, but before I even made to my career I was already burnt out.
Thankfully God sent me what I needed most at the time , a reason to stop and that He did . It took having little ones to get me to reprioritize my entire life and I am thankful for It. It’s made me who I am today. I make time now and I take time to do and be with the things and people I love . Love, good food, and hot tea … perfect day.

• MAK

Homeschool in a Pandemic

Never did I ever think I be would homeschooling my littles. I’m no teacher , my patience wears thin and to be honest; I do not feel qualified. I worry and then worry some more. What if I am not preparing them for next year ? Will they fall behind and it be my fault ? The lies that get whispered to me on a daily basis sound like those questions above.

i am thankful for grace . I am grateful for mamas who have done this before me and have wonderful tips.
All mamas are more than qualified. We teach our littles everyday. Not to mention, we are living in times of uncertainty and we do what we must for the best of our littles. My best may not be everyone’s best, but it’s what we chose this school year and to my surprise my littles have enjoyed it thus far. We have been able to take “ shake and dance breaks” often. We get to work at their own pace and the world is their school these days.
Im thankful for more time to keep them close and to watch them learn and man am I thankful for teachers!

Those wonderful individuals do this everyday with a dozen kids and I’m over here struggling to teach 2 with the 3rd running amuck haha. I love teachers and appreciate you all the UMPTeenth degree. You will get ALL the appreciation gifts next year haha, but until then I will teach my littles with love , hold them close, keep them safe and take it all one day at time.

-MAK the homeschool Teacher