by Gayla | Dec 9, 2011 | attitude, Blog, feelings, hope, stepfamily holiday tips
Today’s post is an excerpt from our e-book, Unwrapping the Gift of Stepfamily Peace. “My stepson and stepdaughter lost their mother after a short battle with cancer several years after my husband and I married. Because of their loss, the holidays have...
by Gayla | Dec 6, 2011 | Blog, Faith, stepfamily holiday tips
One of my favorite Christmas carols is “Immanuel.” As we sang it in church this past week-end, I thought about the words to the...
by Gayla | Dec 2, 2011 | Blog, Change, stepfamily holiday tips
Have you ever become so stuck in your way of doing things that you can’t realize there’s a better way? Do you insist on doing things the way they’ve always been done?Could it be time for a change at your house?From our Thriving at the Holidays:A...
by Gayla | Nov 29, 2011 | Balance, Blog, peace, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships, successful stepparenting, take care of yourself
Our family leaves on an extended holiday trip in just over 2 weeks and I keep wondering how I’m going to get everything done. So, here are a few tips I’ve created to help myself maintain balance during this busy time of year...
by Gayla | Nov 22, 2011 | attitude, Blog, feelings, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices
I’ll never forget the first holiday season our family celebrated together. My husband and I had married in mid-October and the holidays descended upon us before we could get settled in our new surroundings. My expectations of a joyous holiday season quickly...
by Gayla | Nov 16, 2011 | attitude, Blog, expectations, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships, successful stepparenting
“I took a fall tonight and I’m at the hospital. I’ll be okay but I need you to pick me up when you get to town. Please hurry – I don’t know if my house is secure because the paramedic broke the window to get in.”Those were the...
by Gayla | Nov 11, 2011 | Blog, stepfamily holiday tips, thankfulness
Many blended families are beginning to make visitation schedules for the holidays and I hear co-parents grumbling about the stress of making it work. I love what Heather Hetchler shared in our e-book, “Thriving at the Holidays: A Stepparent’s Guide to...
by Gayla | Oct 28, 2011 | Blog, peace, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships
As we turn the calendar to November next week, we begin to think about the holidays. As a blended family, holidays bring additional stress: heightened expectations, scheduling conflicts with the ex and children or stepchildren, financial burdens, increased...
by Gayla | Dec 27, 2010 | Blog, conflict, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships
I wish I could say that Christmas with our five kids together was perfect this year. I had been looking forward to having everyone home for several days and savoring the moments together as a family.But, unfortunately, much of the time spent...
by Gayla | Dec 24, 2010 | Blog, Faith, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships
Merry Christmas! As we gather with family and open gifts around the Christmas tree, it’s easy to forget the meaning of the season. But without the birth of Christ, we would have nothing to celebrate.So, amidst the hustle and bustle, take time to...
by Gayla | Dec 16, 2010 | Blog, Faith, Fear, stepfamily holiday tips, successful stepparenting
What are you fearful of this holiday season? Managing the visitation schedule with a difficult ex-spouse? Coping with uncooperative stepchildren over a prolonged stay? Socializing with ex-in-laws?The holiday season brings all kinds of opportunities for...
by Gayla | Dec 13, 2010 | Blog, love, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships, successful stepparenting
“Mom, I’ve been hit from behind and my car has a good amount of damage.” My youngest daughter was in her first fender bender this last week. She called me in tears and asked me what to do. She wasn’t hurt but I could...