Well, you take a couple months off from blogging and the world goes crazy.

2020 has been weird for just about everyone and our family is no exception. Long illnesses, bad weather, combined with Matthew traveling for work again has made a rough couple months. But in a way, all of that has sort of prepared us for quarantine and this time of uncertainty. It’s been a full time job for me to take the threat seriously without panicking or worrying about things I can’t control. And though things have been difficult, we have been blessed in a lot of ways. Matthew is working in an empty bedroom upstairs instead of hundreds of miles away. I was dreading Ella starting Kindergarten this fall and now she’s with me full time. And since we’re stuck at home, I guess it’s a good time to finally potty train Jack. And maybe blogging and curating a beautiful life isn’t the most relevant thing right now, but it’s something that truly makes me happy and there’s no time like the present to get back to it. Here’s what we’ve been up to:

Valentine’s Day Cookie Party

We had so much fun planning last year’s Valentine’s Day party, I was happy to bring this new tradition to Georgia.

Snow Day

One of my favorite days since moving back to Georgia (2020 has been good for something!). Jack has never liked snow before but he had the best time with Ella.

Galentine’s Day Party

My friend asked me to help her plan and host a Galentine’s Day/Favorite Things party and it was such a fun, girl power night. I resurrected the tutu curtain from Ella’s Birthday and tried a new DIY with the streamer backdrop.

Sunday Bests

Mom’s Birthday Surprise

My sisters and I all traveled home to surprise my mom for her birthday. It was hard to keep the secret but so amazing to see my mom’s reaction. It was also great to be with my sisters; it was like no time had passed. One major highlight for us was stopping in D.C.

Jack’s Room Update

Twilit

We have a pet! Kind of. A bird made a nest in our front door wreath and laid 5 eggs! The kids named her Twilit Garbage Truck Burton and this is the closest they’ll ever get to having a pet of their own.

Two Year Anniversary of Ella’s Hospitalization

It’s truly amazing the difference time makes. I was in so much pain over this. Like, in grief. But two years later, I’m just so grateful for Ella and the sweet life she’s had and all the exciting things that lay ahead.

Quarantine

Look, I don’t know what’s going on here. Whatever I have to do to get through this, that’s what I’m going to do. And for us, that doesn’t normally include rigorous homeschooling or a strict routine. The kids don’t really get that something strange is going on and instead of living in the adult world of fear and anxiety, I’m living with them in their magic and innocence.

I don’t think there’s such a thing as “curated quarantine” but I’m holding on to the things I love to do and coming back to blogging is part of that. And keeping things as normal as possible for myself and my family is the top priority. My mantra: Stay safe, stay home, and stay hopeful. I hope you’re all doing okay and, even in isolation, know that we’re all in this together.

xo

eb