FROM HEARTBREAK TO PARTIES AND GRATITUDE

 

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet, and lovely people! 💖

It’s been 10 days since my last post, but for good reason—we’ve been in full birthday party mode! 🥳

April is such a special month for our family. My sweet Zoe turned 7, and just two weeks later, Le’Veon turned 9. Can you believe it? My heart is so full—I honestly can’t stop smiling just thinking about the joy these little humans bring into my life. 💕🎂

We went all out for the celebrations and had a feast! Tayler brought the flavor with his mouthwatering chicken and ribs (seriously, the man can cook), and I made some of our family favorites—Jollof rice, fried rice, puff puff, and of course, plantains. It was one of those meals where everyone had seconds (and thirds!) and still talked about it the next day.

And let’s talk about the cakes! Zoe is currently obsessed with Sonic the Hedgehog, so she was over the moon about her Sonic cake made by my incredibly talented friend @SugarShay3737. Y’all, when I say her cakes are delicious—I mean next level good. Go follow her and thank me later. 🎂💙💨

This season always makes me reflect on God’s faithfulness. Ten years ago, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of my first baby at just 7 weeks. It shattered me. I wasn’t sure how I’d ever smile again. But through prayer, hope, and unwavering belief, God healed my heart. Today, I’m a proud mama of three. 🙏🏾✨

He truly does make beauty from ashes. If He can do it for me, He can absolutely do it for you too. Please don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep hoping. Your story isn’t over.

Grateful beyond words.

With all my love,
Maryam
@maryamsjoyfullife

Asian Meets Southern Comfort at Great Chow Buffet – A Must-Try in Morrow

 

Hey guys, thank you for checking out my blog today. Welcome to MaryamsJoyfulLife!

Today we are reviewing Great Chow Buffet in Morrow, GA. My son, Le'Veon, had mentioned this spot a few times, so we finally decided to give it a try — and I’m so glad we did!

📍 Location

Great Chow Buffet is super easy to find and conveniently located near Southlake Mall. If you're in the area running errands or shopping, it’s a great place to stop and grab a bite.

🍤 The Food

Let me tell you — the food selection is massive! From fresh seafood to crispy fried chicken, the buffet offers a unique fusion of Asian flavors and Southern comfort food. Whether you're craving lo mein, crawfish, egg rolls, or baked mac and cheese, there’s something here for every palate.

We tried a little bit of everything, and the quality did not disappoint. The flavors were bold, the food was hot and fresh, and nothing tasted like it had been sitting out too long — a big win in the buffet world!

💵 Pricing

Another plus? The price is very reasonable for the variety you get. You can enjoy a full meal without breaking the bank, which makes it perfect for families or group outings.

🍽 Atmosphere

The restaurant is spacious and family-friendly, with plenty of seating and clean, comfortable booths. The service was great — the staff kept our drinks filled and were quick to answer any questions we had about the food. That kind of attentiveness really adds to the overall experience.

My daughter; Zo'e enjoying her cheesy pizza!

Took this pic before my first bite! Do you see my son; Le'Veon and my sweetman; Tayler chowing down?

⭐ My Rating

Overall, I’d give Great Chow Buffet a solid 8 out of 10. It’s not a fancy fine-dining experience, but it’s a fun and satisfying place to eat when you're in the mood for variety and flavor without the fuss.

If you're ever in Morrow and looking for a casual, delicious spot with tons of options, give Great Chow Buffet a try — you just might find a new favorite dish.

I took this pic while waiting for the babies and sweetman to get their first plates of food!

Thanks for stopping by today! Don’t forget to leave a comment or share if you’ve been to Great Chow or plan to visit.

 Until next time — stay joyful! 💛

Watch our video review here!

Hidden Wildlife & a Surprise Documentary: Our Day at Clayton County Wetlands!

 

Hello guys, welcome to Maryam’s Joyful Life!

Today is such a beautiful day, and I’m thrilled to share another exciting adventure with you all. We recently took a trip to the Clayton County Wetlands in Georgia, and it was an experience filled with wonder, peace, and a few surprises along the way!

The wildlife in the wetlands was absolutely amazing. We spotted a deer, some turtles basking in the sun, and even a few fish swimming gently through the water. Just being surrounded by such untouched beauty reminded me of how powerful and healing nature truly is.

There’s something so refreshing about stepping away from the noise and reconnecting with the natural world. Exploring these natural habitats isn’t just fun—it’s natural healing. It gives your mind a reset and your heart a sense of calm.

One unexpected and exciting part of our day was being invited to participate in a documentary commercial that was being filmed at the park! We had no idea that would happen, but we were thrilled to be a part of it. What an unforgettable moment!

If you haven’t made time lately to immerse yourself in nature, I really want to encourage you to do so. Even a short walk in a park can relieve stress and shift your perspective in the most beautiful way.

Thank you for spending a little time with me today, and don’t forget to watch the full video of our adventure—it’s linked right here in this post! I can’t wait for you to see all the moments we captured.

Until next time,

Stay joyful, stay inspired, and keep exploring!