This Single Dad Adopted 5 Siblings SO THEY WOULDN’T HAVE TO GROW UP APART
Sometimes we can choose our family — and we can also choose to keep family together. That’s what 29-year-old Ohio foster father Robert Carter proved when he adopted a group of five siblings to keep them from going to separate homes.
After the siblings’ time together was over, Carter noticed how distressed they were to be separated again. That was when he knew the only right thing to do was adopt them all and ensure that they stayed together.
Carter knew firsthand how hard it was to grow up separated from your siblings. He himself had entered the foster care system when he was just 12 years old, and it wasn’t until years later that he reunited with his younger sister and brother. The siblings’ names are Marionna, Makayla, Robert, Giovanni, and Kiontae — three brothers and two sisters. Before adopting them all, Carter was already fostering the three brothers. The two sisters were living in two separate foster homes. Wanting for the siblings to not lose touch with one another, Carter contacted the two sisters’ foster mothers to arrange a time for all of them to meet up.
Carter was the only foster parent willing to adopt all five of the siblings — and he did so knowing that the road ahead would not be easy. A single father taking care of five children is no easy task, not to mention that just because the adoption papers were signed doesn’t mean they would all immediately feel like family. But ultimately, Carter knew that taking on the responsibility would be worth it.
“Every night I talk to them and let them know ‘I’m your dad forever. I know what it’s like, and I’m always here for you,’” Carter told Hamilton County TV station WCVB.
SUDOKU
NIBBLES WITH NUG
BIRTHDAY CAKE BAKED OATMEAL FOR ONE (YES, REALLY)
Inspired by ItsTaylerMarie.org
Did you know that January is National Oatmeal Month? If you tend to think of oatmeal as boring, this fun dessert-themed recipe just might change your mind. To go all out, top with a candle and a dollop of whipped cream.
INGREDIENTS •
• • •
1 tsp baking powder Splash of vanilla extract
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• • •
1 browning banana, mashed
1 tsp brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
•
2 tsp sprinkles
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat your oven to 350 F and prepare a small oven-safe dish. 2. In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the sprinkles. 3. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. 4. Bake for 25 minutes or until the oatmeal is golden brown. 5. Let the oatmeal cool slightly, top with sprinkles, and dig in!
3
614-334-4649
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker