Category: Family

  • Fast turning tide

    Fast turning tide

    We are on top of the world. We have our health. We have each other. The course of life is steady. The kids are safe under our roof. The storm of adolescence hasn’t hit us yet. Their dependence is sweet and natural still. While they dare to brave the new beginnings, the grownup works, they…

  • Friendship with adult siblings

    As a mom I have intervened with logic between the occasional small sisterly quarrels. For the most part they have been pretty easy in showing kindness and grace and respect to each other. We may have modeled it, we may have encouraged it with words, we mau have prayed for it. But it’s not a…

  • Emoții ca semnale

    Emoții ca semnale

    Am avut mereu încredere în emoțiile mele. Pentru ca nu le-am forțat din exterior și adulții au avut răbdare cu mine să mi le înțeleg când eram mica. Când mă întristez, mă îngrijorez sau mă enervez ca și mamă, ascult curioasă ce se întâmplă în interiorul meu. Și orice frică sau sentiment neplăcut își are…

  • Motivation

    Motivation

    We can do hard things propelled by motivation. Sometimes we assume our motivation is shared by all. But that is definitely not true. Take for example a job. Some prefer a high paying job that comes with a lot of stress. Others prefer flexibility at a lower pay. Some want routine, security, steady income and…

  • Ne întoarcem mereu la conectare 

    Ne întoarcem mereu la conectare 

    Ii dau drumul liber și cu toată inima, cu încurajare si binecuvântare. Fiica mea cea mare care cred eu că mă simte, ca o privesc cu încântare și cu admirație. Devine. Ridica fruntea sus, își înfruntă cu eleganță si seninătate si demonii si fricile. Râde de ei și pășește dincolo.  A fost un timp când…

  • Off the mountain, back from the coast 

    Off the mountain, back from the coast 

    Returning to day to day life, to reality – it is hard no matter the age. Kids don’t have the practice of it, though their reality is social and still fun. Not too much pressure – except school and grades and peers.  Ivy did not wake up happy. On the contrary. Down turned lip, quivering.…

  • Impact

    Impact

    “Do not consider yourself wise. Fear the lord and stay away from evil paths.” That was week 2 for my week in the Proverbs with Brian & Michelle. I admire the humility with which this wide group of accomplished people present themselves. They are quick to acknowledge their shortcomings and where they feel they came…

  • Discomfort

    Discomfort

    I had a difficult repeat conversation with my husband, and as he said he appreciated my accompanying words of affirmation, he felt like he was on a job yearly review and it was difficult to hear. Even though he is such a graceful feedback receiver, and attentive and patient and humble, I bet it was…

  • Trying to understand 

    Trying to understand 

    It’s a trap. A trap of the mind. I’ve been in this labyrinth for some time now, more than I wished to be, and I realize I haven’t figured out fully or clearly why I feel a certain way. Until I let go of wanting to grasp the knowledge. The understanding. To have it all…

  • wide awake

    wide awake

    We had a great summer. A pretty fantastic year actually. After the few hard decisions of deleting WhatsApp on Jackie’s phone, and taking a break from school drama, we relished in the peace of distance.  After school started, Jackie asked if she can have WhatsApp re-installed. She said she will respect its time limit and…

  • The confidence built in silence

    The confidence built in silence

    For a parent it takes a lot of practice to step back and let the kids become responsible for themselves. Let them make mistakes if you already warned them or gave them the advice needed.  This week the music teacher told them that of any of them plays any instrument to bring it to school…

  • accommodating

    accommodating

    My kids prefer my company and input, even though I believe I’m more strict & not as fun as my husband.  Generally, women are social accommodators. We read tones, read between the lines, pay attention to subtle words or moods… and answer the real questions. We keep the peace and meet the kids where they…