I think I spent years slowly breaking myself apart. Not intentionally. Just little by little. Putting everyone else first. Ignoring what I needed. Pushing through exhaustion. Forgetting the things that made me feel like me. Until eventually, I realised I had become very good at functioning — but not necessarily at living. I broke apart. … More I Broke Myself Apart
This afternoon we received a cell broadcast warning on our phones — a message telling people in several regions of Latvia to stay indoors because of a possible drone threat in Latvian airspace. Not war. Not missiles falling around us. But still something frightening enough that schools moved children into safe places inside the buildings … More Today felt different. Heavy. Disturbing.
Congratulations to all the mums and grandmothers around the world on Mother’s Day. ❤️ This Sunday turned out to be really lovely this year. In the morning the kids brought me flowers, which already made the day feel special. But what surprised me the most was something their teachers had prepared at school. Each teacher … More A Slow and Lovely Mother’s Day
And honestly? I’m not even sure I like Mother’s Day that much. This year I bought our family tickets to see Emīlija Bērziņa in concert (I’ve also been listening to her music on Spotify lately), and I’m genuinely looking forward to that. I didn’t know it’s on Mothers day! Music, time together, an evening somewhere … More Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.
Our youngest turned ten today! 🎉 Helmī has always been full of surprises — she’s the kind of kid who won’t just do or say what you expect, and that makes her truly extraordinary. She’s fun, clever, and has her own way of looking at the world. Right now, she dreams about being a clothing … More Today is Helmī’s 10th Birthday!
Let’s get back to documenting my vacation days. Honestly, I don’t know any other purpose for this than just to remember what I did and what I achieved. It’s like scrapbooking — only in words. So, the previous night I went to bed at 3 AM (not my brightest idea), and of course, I was … More Vacation Day 13 – Sewing, Mess, and a Warm Heart
Today marks 369 days since I started posting daily about my life as a Latvian mom. That’s a whole year—plus a few extra days for good measure. What began as a small habit quickly turned into a rhythm I didn’t want to break. Some posts were brief, some were disorganized, but all were genuine. I … More 1 Year of Daily Posts: Life as a Latvian Mom
Today, my sweet Nelle is turning 13. Thirteen. A teenager. I can barely believe I’m writing this. Not because she’s not ready for it—she absolutely is—but because somehow, the time flew. And that’s something I never thought I’d say. People always told me “Enjoy it while it lasts, they grow up so fast!” And honestly? … More Nelle is 13! 3 Days Until the Party
Last week felt like a whirlwind of everything but home. We were constantly on the move—errands, appointments, work – community days in Riga, quick visits, spontaneous plans… I barely had time to catch my breath, let alone sit down and rest. Now that a new week has started, I can feel the tiredness setting in. … More No Time to Lose: 5 Days Until Nelle’s Party!
A few days ago we went to the hairdresser’s! With the weather still teasing us between spring and summer, it felt like the perfect time for a little refresh. So off we went: Nelle, Linna, and me, each with our own little mission. I went first. Nothing dramatic here, I needed a bit of cleanup. … More A Trip to the Hairdresser: Trimmed Ends, Fresh Looks, and a Bold Surprise
It’s hard to believe, but Nelle’s first graduation is just around the corner. She’s almost 13 (turning on the 28th of May!), and this feels like one of those big milestones that sneaks up on you—even though you’ve seen it coming on the calendar for months. Dresses are being chosen, hairstyles imagined… and the very … More With or Without Socks?
I just realized I forgot to share a little glimpse into our Mother’s Day this year—and it was too lovely to skip. I want to remember it forever. Kids grow fast! Sunday started with a surprise: breakfast in bed, lovingly made by my girls. It was the sweetest gesture, and a quiet moment just for … More A Quiet, Lovely Mother’s Day 💛
Today is a celebration of the women who nurture, guide, and hold everything together with love, strength, and more patience than seems humanly possible. To all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers – this day is for you. It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos—school runs, work deadlines, meal planning, laundry piles, renovation dust … More Happy Mother’s Day!
I can hardly believe it – my oldest girl is turning 13 this month! And not only that, she’s finishing her years at the art school. Our first big goal has been officially reached. It feels like just yesterday she started, still so small, brought there when she was still in kindergarten. And now here … More Nelle and the Art School 🎨💫
May brings fresh energy and blooming beginnings. This month, I’m focusing on garden tasks, creative projects, and grounding routines like journaling in my grimoire. With no big renovation plans (maybe just the bathroom…), I’m choosing to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the rhythm of spring—especially with Nelle turning thirteen! … More May Goals & Intentions
Today, Linna turns 11! She’s growing into such a thoughtful, clever, and determined young girl. She excels at school, always focused and eager to learn. Her love for programming makes me smile (daddy’s girl) — I see her logic and patience in every project she takes on. Linna isn’t one to chase big adventures or … More Linna is turning 11 today!
Just when I hoped we could contain it, the flu has claimed its second victim—Helmī is now sick too. Fever, chills, the same exhaustion… it’s all too familiar. Now, I have two little patients at home, and I can only hope it stops here. We’re doing everything we can—ventilating the house, keeping the air fresh, … More Flu: Two Patients at Home…
After a day of fever, chills, and exhaustion, we decided to take a test—just to be sure. And there it was, clear as day: Nelle has the flu. No more guessing, no more wondering if it’s just a bad cold. It’s official. Honestly, I’m still wrapping my head around it. In 12 years, we’ve managed … More Confirmed: It’s the Flu
Ilze reflects on the passage of time since capturing a cherished photo of her daughters, noting how they’ve grown more independent and less willing to pose for pictures. While she misses the ease of past photo sessions, she values their memories and seeks advice on getting older children to cooperate for family photos. … More Capturing Real Moments: Tips for Family Photos