A Week Full of Joy, Celebration, and Gratitude

Hello everybody,

Thank you so much for stopping by to read my post today! I’m writing this with a heart overflowing with happiness and deep gratitude. This past week has been nothing short of amazing for our family, and I just couldn’t wait to share it with you all.

Yesterday, my sweet babies, Le’Veon and Zoe, had their school awards ceremony—and oh, what a moment it was! Watching them walk across that stage was a reminder of how hard they’ve worked and how far they’ve come.

Although Le’Veon just missed the AB Honor Roll, he ended the school year strong and with his head held high. He received three incredible awards recognizing his hard work, persistence, and more. I couldn’t be prouder of his growth and determination!

And then there’s Zoe—what a superstar! She absolutely crushed it this year, earning straight A’s, winning the Spelling Bee, and receiving the Principal’s Award for Academic Achievement. And as if that wasn’t enough, she was also inducted into the prestigious 100 Book Club for reading over 200 books and taking over 200 quizzes, excelling in flying colors. Zoe’s dedication to learning has truly been awe-inspiring!

To celebrate their accomplishments, my Sweetman and I wanted to do something special and memorable. So, we booked a relaxing staycation at the Element Hotel by Westin in Buckhead, Atlanta. It’s a beautiful and modern hotel that’s just a mile away from our dinner spot—and yes, I’m talking about none other than the fabulous Fogo De Chão, the Brazilian steakhouse we love!

We’ve been to Fogo De Chão before (it was our New Year’s Day dinner spot back in January), but this visit was even better. The food was absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and family-friendly—perfect for our celebration. Our server was beyond amazing—so thoughtful and kind. She surprised the kids with complimentary desserts in honor of their outstanding achievements, which truly made the evening even more special.

 

 

Despite a little rush hour traffic, the commute from the hotel to the restaurant was smooth, and the whole night felt like a dream.

For those of you reading this and maybe feeling like nothing exciting has been happening in your life lately, I just want to say this from the bottom of my heart: Give thanks for where you are right now. Even in the quiet seasons, there is purpose and beauty. Keep trusting God. Your time to celebrate is coming, and I’m praying that God blesses you with something wonderful very soon.

Until then, stay joyful, stay hopeful, and keep showing up.

With love and light,

Maryam

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!