I grew up in a blended family due to my parents marrying one another after previous marriages, then having me. They both had children from their previous marriage, which one, my older brother, lived with us. My older brother and I are literally night and day. He is 6’4, 250 lbs, and I am 5’7 140 lbs. It was very evident when you saw us together that we weren’t full blood … [Read more...]
Blended Family Week: 10 Tips to Make Your Blended Family Work For You
Remember the Brady Bunch? When the show came on it played that much too familiar song that went something like... "Here's a story of a lovely lady... and a man named Brady ... and that's the way they ALL became the Brady Bunch... " In that perfect square with that perfect house and all six kids coming together in harmony. Every episode ended in a resolution to whatever … [Read more...]
Why Living in Blended Families was a Gift and a Curse for Me
My father has always had a tumultuous time with women. Being such, my brother and I have had the experience of being raised in a few blended families. As is true with most experiences, it was both a gift and a curse. My parents divorced after 15 years of marriage while I was six and my brother was twelve. My father retained custody of both my brother and I. After … [Read more...]
Blended Families Week: Why Good Intentions are Not Good Enough
Lamar and I just celebrated 9 years of marriage. And while I can’t say that the last nine years have gone by without any drama or trials, I can say that marrying Lamar has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made in my life. He’s not only been a blessing to me, but he has also been a blessing to my children ….our children. We were recently asked what has been one of … [Read more...]
7 Steps to a Well Blended Family
I come from a family that was so well blended I wasn't even aware that our family dynamic wasn't the norm until I was at least in high school. The term blended family was new to me. Even though my parents each came into their union with children from previous marriages, my sisters were just my sisters and mommy and daddy were just that. I distinctly remember my mother saying … [Read more...]
Another Blended Family Love Story: How My Husband Became “Daddy”
Recently, I wrote an article about my Father before he became my Daddy, where I shared my experience growing up in a blended family home. Now, I am going to share my experience as a parent allowing my spouse to raise my child. My family knew my husband’s family from church many years before we got together. My sister teased me about my him becoming my husband even before we … [Read more...]
Blended Families Week: 3 Ways to Help Step-Children Get Along
Growing up with a blended family had its share of challenges as well as blessings. Outside of the typical questions you have as the outside child, if you put your focus in the right place, you really can have the best of both worlds. I didn't appreciate as a child having these different sets of families who loved me and were available when I needed them. Instead of that … [Read more...]
Do You Know a Good Package Deal When You See One?
I can’t tell you how many times I have written about the fact that I came with a bonus. I was pregnant at 19, and from that point on was someone’s mommy. My life was no longer just my life. I was sharing it with someone and as a result all future decisions that I made impacted her life, not just mine. This included whomever I dated. I have said it several times and will say it … [Read more...]
The Grinch (I Mean Mother-in-law) Who Stole Christmas
I hope that just because you're in a blended family that you never have to experience the Grinch during Christmas, AKA your mother-in-law. All mother-in-laws are not bad. I'm grateful to The Most High that I have a wonderful relationship with mine. But several of my friends, ummmm...not so much. Imagine this: Your mother-in-law walks in to your house on Christmas morning … [Read more...]
Being in a Blended Family: From a Child’s Perspective
If you're a biological parent in a blended family, you often wonder exactly what its like from the step-child's perspective. My son and I have a very close relationship and I'm always inquiring about his feelings on just about anything, especially when it comes to our family structure. If you recall, I wrote an article talking about my feelings and how I felt when it was … [Read more...]
Don’t Call Me Step-Mom!!!
I don't know about you, but when I hear a child call an adult by their first name, you may as well be scraping the chalkboard with your fingernails. OUCH! So, in a step-child/parent situation to be fair to all parties involved, what should the kids call the step-parents? This is quite a sticky situation with so many different, yet valid answers. However, one solution never fits … [Read more...]
Blended Families Week: 3 Reasons Why I’m Adopting My Son
My wife and I have the same last name. That was the catalyst for our meeting. Twelve fateful years ago I was at an event she was managing. She overhead me being introduced and barged her way into the conversation to find out if we were related. I knew we weren't. And my life changed forever. One of the first things she told me was that she had a five year-old. I looked at … [Read more...]