Itz Holistically Wholesome

Within just two months of each other, my two younger children turned 8 and 3 years old. While I am forever grateful to God for allowing them to reach these milestones, I cannot help but feel a small sense of grief as I reminisce about their younger years. Children truly don’t stay little for long—their growth is so rapid. That’s why it is so important to embrace these precious years, nurturing and training them to become kind, compassionate, and Godly individuals, while making fun, happy memories to last a lifetime—memories they can draw from when life gets overwhelming.

Within just two months of each other, my two younger children turned 8 and 3 years old. While I am forever grateful to God for allowing them to reach these milestones, I cannot help but feel a small sense of grief as I reminisce about their younger years. Children truly don’t stay little for long—their growth is so rapid. That’s why it is so important to embrace these precious years, nurturing and training them to become kind, compassionate, and Godly individuals, while making fun, happy memories to last a lifetime—memories they can draw from when life gets overwhelming.

July 9th– Jedidiah’s Birthday

The celebrations weren’t grand, but they were meaningful and intimate. For my son’s 8th birthday, we celebrated him for three days.

• Day 1: We went to one of his favorite restaurants and enjoyed a budget-friendly dinner as a family—plant-based kale ramen noodles, miso soup, and tofu bao buns. To our surprise, the staff brought him mango sticky rice on the house and sang Happy Birthday. It was such a kind gesture, and I’m sure it will stay etched in his memory for years to come.
• Day 2: We headed to Coney Island and spent the evening on the beach. Later, under the glow of beautiful fireworks, we sang Happy Birthday again while enjoying a vegan cake. It was truly spectacular.
• Day 3: We visited the New York Aquarium and the beach. Being a nature lover, he had the best time—even when a crab decided to “celebrate” with him by nipping his finger in the ocean! He cried for a moment but it didn’t change his love for wild things.

Here are a few picture:

August 28th – Emmah-Roses’ Birthday

My youngest was eager for her big day, especially after watching her brother’s celebrations. I didn’t expect her to fully understand birthdays yet, but she knew exactly what she wanted: a pretty dress, a crown, a cake, presents, a party, and for us to sing Happy Birthday to her.

We hadn’t planned on doing a party—mainly because she doesn’t yet have many friends her age, and we didn’t want to spend too much. But since she was so clear about her wishes, we decided to give her a simple but special celebration.

On her actual birthday, we took her to the Bronx Zoo, and she had such a wonderful time she didn’t want to leave. Later, we went out for vegan pizza—her favorite. That Sunday, our close family, neighbors, and friends came together for a small gathering. She received everything she had asked for, and her joy was priceless. To God be the glory.

I am so thankful that God brought it all together. We didn’t have to do much financially, and since we hadn’t celebrated their birthdays in a long time, it made this year extra special.

Children are simple souls—especially when raised to appreciate the simple things in life. Best of all, what they need most is our love and our time.

So, may you never feel pressured to be extravagant when birthdays come around. The most meaningful gifts in life are free: Jesus, love, support, family, and friends.

With love and purpose,
Tomika Chance
Itz Holistically Wholesome