Category: Parenting
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letter to my altmann crew
Lately I feel that I lost my way with words. My brain feels scrambled. I don’t make much sense as I write or as I read my own freshly written thoughts. I’m coasting. To clearer shores. I hope my boat won’t sink. After chatting with mom, I felt inspired to write my Altmannside sisters. And…
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When we are so worn out we don’t see the cuteness
Everything is irritating. I started dreading certain moments of the day. But tonight I had a persuasive talk with the girls. I told them like this: Mommy and daddy are the responsible adults who love them and want what’s best for them. We will do everything in our power to keep them safe, loved and…
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When mommy reaches her limit
Rockbottom limit. One evening, I finished the day, crawling to the finish line. I brushed the girls teeth, I had already read them stories. Changed them in pajamas. And I said I’m going to take a bath. I didn’t have it in me to sit around in the dark, rubbing Jackie’s foot in one bed,…
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Obedience
When I am exhausted and I chose the lazy way, in the moment seems more patient and loving. Except it isn’t. We were cooking dinner. The girls wanted to help. They put in the pasta. And they wanted to cut the bell pepper. I split it in two and they both got to chopping. I…
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Discipline. About Responsibility and Truth.
Jaclyn made some poor choices, poor for a 6 year old. No dramatic consequences. Yet. But left unchecked, thing could easily get out of hand. I honestly forget the actual line of events, but as I was talking with Jaclyn, taking charge of the situation and setting her straight, I told her that I’m her…
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The girls fell asleep fast
I was holding ivy’s hands, caressing her arm. And holding Jackie’s foot, rubbing it. It was a great day. They spent some time with the grandparents while I went to vote and then shop for a duvet cover for ivy. And we also got a large crockpot for the apple sauce we keep making in bulk.…
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Scrambled brain
I heard a writer say to channel all the strong emotions in order to write. Frustration, fear, love, hope, joy… what about the mental exhaustion? It’s not writers’ block. Is lack of coherence. I never thought I could be this tired. After I put dinner on the table, and the girls relate to me as…
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We stay up late
After we put the girls to bed, we veg is silence. Or conrad reads me a book. Or we watch a show. We’ve wasted a few good hours down the rabbit whole of the internets, but we went to bed more tired than we needed to be. And more disconnected from each other. So we…
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Court date
Tuesday I say yes in front of a judge. We are adopting our youngest daughter and changing her name. Evelyn Rayne. “Beloved daughter, Song of the Lord.” After the first week of school and kindergarten, finding a rhythm, has been a welcomed change. Evelyn cried every day about not wanting to go to kindergarten. Discreetly…
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Prima săptămână de școală
De jumatate de an suntem pe acasă. Ne place sa călătorim, să ieșim din familiar, să ne aventuram în natură, în lume. Anul acessta a fost un exercițiu de răbdare, de rezistență, de perseverență și de credință. Cu emoție și bucurie ne-am trezit devreme luni dimineața. Pentru Evelyn. Care abia aștepta grădinița, locul acela magic…
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What I pray for
Our new godchildren, whose marriage we witnessed this month. May God watch over them, strengthen their love and connection. May he braid into their marriage grace, patience, a servant heart. I pray for the two foster families that took care of my daughters. Who served so generously, who loved wholeheartedly. May they be refreshed, encouraged,…
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Foțu Feț – wash your hands
Dear Evelyn, Your sense of humor is becoming not just more apparent, but you are actually funny to me. You are a grumpy cat, when you want to. It doesn’t last long. Less than a minute. But you know how to show your disapproval of our choice of words, guidance or correction. I love how…