-
I Put the Pen Down… and Why I’m Picking It Back Up
I didn’t stop writing because I ran out of things to say. I stopped because life got loud. Somewhere between being a working mom, carrying a high-expectation job, trying to be present at home, show up in my marriage, love kids who didn’t come from my body but live in my heart, and keep my…
-
Overwhelmed and Exhausted? You’re Not Alone.
Some weeks feel like a marathon. This was one of them. At the beginning of the week, I was so motivated to start writing again and get back to posting on my blog. I had plans, I had ideas. I knew I should have worked on something earlier this week to publish Friday. But as…
-
The Blessings of a Full House and a Full Heart
As I sit down to write, the early darkness of winter reminds me how much I miss longer days. It’s not even 8:30, yet it feels like midnight. While I may not be a fan of winter or time changes, I am grateful for the cozy moments they bring—like the chance to reflect on a…
-
My Journey to Faith
Over the past two years, my faith has grown more meaningful to me than ever before. Growing up, I went to youth group on Wednesdays here and there and occasionally attended Sunday services. Faith wasn’t a priority for me, though. The summer before my freshman year, I went to church camp in Colorado. I saw…
-
The Many Layers of Love
My bonus kids are truly surrounded by an extended network of love and support that many might only dream of. Growing up in a blended family myself, I know firsthand how this experience can create an abundance of connections—not just from their biological families but also from my side of the family. It’s heartwarming to…
-
Finding My Own Place in Their Story
One of the hardest things about coming into a family as a bonus mom is hearing about the memories my husband and his kids shared before I came into the picture. If I’m honest, it still tugs at my heart when they talk about those big experiences, like the time they all went to the…
-
Holiday Challenges in a Blended Family: A Bonus Mom’s Perspective
I have a love-hate relationship with the holidays. I’m a giver at heart, and I love to bless the people I care about as best as I can. The holidays are supposed to be filled with joyful moments, and while there’s definitely some of that, they also bring a lot of anxiety for me. Between…
-
Embracing the Unknown: My Experiences Meeting My Husband’s Ex-Wives
It’s no secret that I am my husband’s third wife, and there’s also a significant age gap between us. So, when it came time to meet his ex-wives, as you can imagine, I was filled with anxiety. Not only did I have to meet one, but I had to make a good impression on two…
-
When They’re Not Here: Finding Connection in the Gaps
Don’t blink. All the parenting advice, country songs, and even well-meaning relatives talk about how if you blink, next thing you know, your kids will be all grown up. One day they come home, running to you, excited to see you, giving you the biggest hug. The next, you’re getting a half side-hug and being…
-
Meeting the Kids: First Impressions and Lasting Connections
‘Sissy, there’s someone in Daddy’s bed!’ Cue the internal monologue: ‘Yep, that’s me… this is the moment I knew I’d messed up.’ Four little heads peeked around the corner, each one a little shorter than the last. I quickly flung the blanket over my head while he burst into laughter. Not exactly how I envisioned…
BeyondBonusMom.blog 