There’s something magical about early mornings, that quiet pocket of time before the world wakes up. My alarm goes off at 5 a.m., and though the temptation to hit snooze is real, I rarely do. I like starting my day before the rush begins — it gives me a moment to breathe, reset, and prepare for everything ahead. After getting dressed for work, I head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast and lunch for my daughter and me. Lately, I’ve been embracing a whole-food lifestyle, focusing on meals that make me feel energized and balanced. For breakfast, I make scrambled egg whites with avocado on the side and a warm cup of black coffee — simple, nourishing, and grounding.
Then I turn to my daughter’s lunch, which is always made with a little extra love. Today’s menu: Mac and cheese with peas, blueberries and strawberries, and a handful of teddy grahams. For her snack, I packed strawberries and her favorite cheese puffs. My lunch is one of my meal-prepped favorites — a low-carb shepherd’s pie made with smashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. I also pack a snack of nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt with blueberries and granola.
By 6 a.m., it’s time to wake up my daughter, Elise, and help her get ready for school. While she gets dressed, I take our sweet dog, Pearl, for her morning walk and feed both her and our cat, Kitty. The house feels alive during these moments — the smell of breakfast, the soft sound of the leash jingling, my daughter’s laughter echoing from my room.
Once we are ready, we're out the door — coffee in hand and school bags packed. Elise and I head to the same school: she as a student, and I as a teacher apprentice. After we arrive at school, I drop her off at her classroom and then I head to my classroom to begin setting up materials for the day.
Working in education has always felt special to me — no two days are the same, and I love the energy of a classroom full of students ready to learn. Between helping students, lesson prep, and quick hallway chats, the day always seems to fly by. Being a teacher apprentice gives me a unique rhythm — it’s flexible, rewarding, and allows me to stay close to my daughter while still pursuing a meaningful career.
After work, Elise and I head straight to the gym. One of the reasons I love this gym is the childcare room, which makes it so much easier to balance motherhood and fitness. Elise loves it there, she’s even made a friend.After my workout, we move on to Elise’s swimming lesson. Watching her confidence grow in the water is one of my favorite parts of the day, it’s a reminder that routines can be filled with joy when you make time for what matters.
Once we get home, the evening rhythm begins again. Elise settles down with her homework, and I start preparing dinner: roasted chicken with broccoli and sweet potatoes. After dinner, I take Pearl for her evening walk — a quiet, reflective time before bedtime. Then Elise and I begin our nightly routine: a warm shower, cozy pajamas, and a bedtime story before we turn off the lights.
By the time the house is dark, I’m exhausted but content. My days are full of work, motherhood, self-care, and love and while it’s not always easy, it’s ours. Every early morning, every packed lunch, every bedtime story is a reminder of what really matters. Living with intention even in the midst of busy schedules has taught me that beauty exists in everyday moments. ✨
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