Hey stepmom, how are you doing? We survived Thanksgiving and all the emotions that come with it, but we’re not through the holidays yet. Christmas is coming, then New Year’s, and with all of that comes change. Kids are home, routines shift, expectations rise, and if you’re traveling like we are, it can feel like everything is happening at once. It’s a lot. So, how are you holding up? What are you doing for yourself in the middle of all of this? Take a moment to check in with

Hard days happen. Whether it’s tension in the home, kids giving you the cold shoulder, or feeling like you're on the outside of your own life…it’s a lot. And it’s okay to admit that. You’re not failing. You’re just human. Here are five grounding practices that can help you recenter, breathe, and move through the day with a little more peace. Step Outside (Even for Two Minutes) Sometimes the best thing you can do is literally  step out of the situation.Feel the air on your fac

We transition on Sundays, so having a routine that prepares my mind, heart, and home has been invaluable. If the kids are coming home, I prepare the house. For me, this looks like doing their laundry so it’s clean and ready for the week, updating our family wall calendar, stocking the fridge and pantry, and making sure the home is peaceful and clutter-free when they get back. This helps set up my week for what’s to come and prepares my heart for the change in dynamics. I star

Meeting someone new almost always comes with small talk. And one of the first questions is nearly always: “ Do you have kids? ” My answer...

We transition on Sundays, so having a routine that prepares my mind, heart, and home has been invaluable. If the kids are coming home, I...

It’s been a while since I’ve shown up here, hasn’t it? When I last wrote, I mentioned that I had some thoughts brewing. That was true...

I’m still here, but still being quiet. I have some thoughts brewing and will share them soon. In the meantime, be on the lookout for a...

I've been very quiet on here, because I'm not really sure what to say.  I have posts drafted, I have a lot of posts in my head, but they...

What a wonderful Christmas week! Brandon truly made Christmas magical for us all. We went ice skating, made gingerbread houses, saw...

Brandon and I had a quiet Thanksgiving this year. Just the two of us, no traditional Thanksgiving day meal, because let's be honest, it...

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute privilege of watch my husband, Brandon, speak on the TEDx stage.  He is a public speaker by trade and...

Recently, we were having a conversation about being responsible and communicating with parents. It was brought up how the kids don't...

1.  Establishing Authority Establish authority gradually by building trust and showing respect for the children’s feelings. Work with...

A few months ago, Brandon and I were asked to be on the No Grey Areas Podcast .  The host is Pat McCalla, Brandon's high school...

We spent the weekend in Vegas celebrating Brandon. Over a year ago we planned this trip, Jerry Seinfeld was playing at the Colosseum, a...

The first day of school...well, sort of.  We were not scheduled to have the kids on their first week of school.  Which means no first day...

In my experience being a stepmom comes with unique challenges, it involves blending families, navigating new relationships, and balancing...

Every time we travel as a family of five. Life becomes simpler. Particularly true for me, as a stepmom. I get to live, if only for a...

If you are a stepmom or have known someone who is, you have probably heard them talk about a parenting plan. This is a document created...

A stepmom lovingly shows up knowing she won't be number one, and that's a heartache people don't seem to understand. You knew the...