Our Week Before School Begins

This past week has been full of little adventures, preparations, and emotions as summer slowly gives way to the school year. One of the biggest highlights was visiting schools with Charline. We first went to the art school, which completely captured her heart. She is so excited to start there and couldn’t stop talking about the creative energy she felt. We also visited the local high school, and to my surprise, not only did Charline love it, but Michelle—who hadn’t been so sure about her plans—decided she would like to go there too. We had a lovely meeting with the headmaster and the language teachers, and I left thinking that this is a school I would have happily attended myself.

Of course, the week also included some of the more practical things. In Tartu, we tried to apply for Charline’s ID card. At first, it didn’t work out because of her registration status, but thankfully, a kind official at the local municipality office helped us sort everything out much faster than expected. Later, Charline bought her first pair of sports shoes with her very own bank card. It was the first time she ever paid with it, and I could see how proud she was—standing a little taller, smiling a little brighter, telling me she felt more grown-up.

In between all the errands, there were emotional moments too. At her first introduction day at school, Charline struggled with the language barrier and even burst into tears when she had to introduce herself. But then, a classmate kindly offered to be her friend and help her translate during the year. That small act of kindness felt so big—it showed her that she won’t be alone in this journey.

Michelle also had her introduction to her new school, and I was glad to see how warmly her class teacher welcomed her. At home, the girls sometimes helped with chores—Charline even cleaned the car so thoroughly that it surprised me, while Michelle gave up halfway. Charline has also been enjoying music, picking up the guitar and practicing on her own. I love watching her explore new things with curiosity and courage.

We tried to plan a family trip to the Alice in Wonderland park, but things didn’t go quite as expected. Not everyone could come, and I was a little disappointed, especially because I had been looking forward to spending time with my older son after he finished his year of military service. But in the end, the smaller group still made the most of the day together. Sometimes plans change, but the memories we make are still valuable.

The rest of the week was slower—days spent watching movies, the children playing together, and the usual family meals. Charline even tried to explain to Henry, in her own simple way, that in games you don’t always need to get everything or spend too much on something that isn’t worth it. I love how she already shares her way of thinking with her younger siblings.

And then there are the little routines that make our family life cozy—like pancake Sundays, or watching Estonian classics on TV together. These small traditions mean so much, especially before the busy school days begin. Tomorrow the girls will step into their new classrooms, and I hope the warmth and kindness we felt this week will carry them through.

This Week’s Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta

Sometimes, after a busy week, the best dinner is something warm, creamy, and comforting. This pasta dish is simple, but always makes everyone happy.

Ingredients

• 500 g pasta (penne or tagliatelle)

• 400 g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 200 g mushrooms, sliced

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 200 ml cream

• 50 g grated cheese (Parmesan works best)

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.

2. In a large pan, heat a little olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

3. Add the chicken and cook until golden.

4. Stir in the mushrooms and cook until they release their juices.

5. Pour in the cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for a few minutes.

6. Add the pasta to the pan, mix well, and sprinkle with cheese.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

It’s one of those dishes that makes the house smell amazing and gathers everyone around the table—exactly what we need to start the new school year with comfort and love.

Family Thought of the Week
“Not every plan works out as we imagine, but every day gives us a chance to create a memory worth keeping.”