Why did I start this blog?
It is simple really. Well, maybe not.
Two years ago, I was a single mom with two kids. A son, and a daughter, respectively. I was struggling along, writing articles about single parenting, helping other moms and dads out, fighting custody issues with friends who had them, and well, just generally focusing on the whole single parent life.
However, a short time later, I met this amazing, wonderful guy. And by the luck of the deal, he had three daughters of his own. After we moved in together, I immediately became the mother of five, and have been striving ever since to become a better parent to each one.
We both have custody of all five children, and they reside with us full time. Yes, we are one shy of the Brady Bunch. I love every moment of being a full time mom to five, and wouldn’t have it any other way. However, at times it can get complicated.
This idea was born in November of 2006, when I just needed a place to vent and complain about being a mom from time to time. But what it became after that, was the need and the desire to learn everything I could about blended families.
It is my desire, to share it with you. So hop on, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
June 3rd, 2007 at 6:50 pm
I have three children and one on the way. One would think that I was crazy to be having another child; and believe you me, at times I have to give myself a crazy assessment; but I know God has things happen to us for a reason; so here I am 41 years of age. One child in college; one in high school; one going to elementary in the fall; and one soon to be in diapers. My guy and I have been dating nearly three years now. When we found I was pregnant, it was not good news to anyone most of all him; but over the course of time God soften all hearts and reminded many of their own internal thoughts that had been forgotten and so now all is pretty good. So good that he and I have been talking about marriage; but when his job downsized, that was put on the back burner. Aside from the child we are going to share together; we each bring 3 children each to the relationship. Total calculations makes 9! We now live in two separate states too which makes it even more difficult. My concern is his lack of embracing my children as much as I’ve embraced his. My concern is his love for our child as much as he loves the three that he wanted and are now on this earth. How do I deal with those emotions going into a marriage with someone I truly love?
January 16th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Party of seven! that is me to a tee! I have 5 children and a wonderful husband. Prior to my second marriage I was a single mother with 3 girls. My husband has custody of his son and daughter. We are like you say just shy of the brady’s. I guess we would be what you call the neo traditional step family. Dad in charge with mom supporting….. kids listening and cooperating. We have had a few struggles and a few trials, but few have come close to the one we are enduring now. My ex….. God love him (cause I know I cant). He has reaked more havoc on my life and upset the parameters of our family security more and more over the last few weeks. I feel comfortable with our new family structure and all of the children have seemed to find their place. But it seems now my parenting skills, my avoidance of conflict resolution, and my ex are all challenging me. Any advice about dealing with an ex who doesnt want to be a part of the childrens lives much, but wants to control every aspect of the parenting and rule making? Cat