I wanted to share the story of the Christmas Shrine. I think I share this with a stepmom just about every year. It's time to share on my blog. This is my story, my Christmas shrine. It was early in our early marriage, I was adjusting and still figuring out how to handle holidays. It was a year that my stepson would not be with us for Christmas. I was struggling with that. Struggling with some personal issues, and just in my feelings, trying to figure out - how to manage it all. So I decided, what was the point of putting up the tree and doing the whole deal if my stepson wasn't going to be h ..read more

It is with joy and honor that I share my book, The Blended Family Devotional for Couples. Available for purchase wherever books are sold. “If you are a couple in a blended family, you are in for a treat. This book is like giving your relationship a hug. Filled with the realities of living in a stepfamily and antidotes, you will be affirmed and encouraged. Take the time to invest in your marriage by reading this ‘hug!’” —Gil and Brenda Stuart, speakers, authors and owners of Restored & Remarried “Wow! This devotional is full of practical, hands-on activities that enhance communication a ..read more

I have recently had the pleasure to read Stepparenting the Grieving Child by Diane Ingram Fromme. The book is a resource for stepparents of children who have lost a biological parent. While I am not in this position, there are parents in our ministry who fit that role. I was interested to read this resource as a way to educate myself. But it has been more than just a textbook, Stepparenting the Grieving Child has touched my heart. Diane shares about her experience as a stepmom to children who lost their mother before she came into the family. She shares her emotions and the stages of grief ..read more

Every year we pick a theme verse. This year I felt drawn to choose a purpose as well. When I think of you all, I want so much to see your face, give you a hug and let you know - yes I actually do pray for you! However, so many of us will never meet on this earth so it will have to wait until we get to heaven. And I want to make sure we will all be there!! This year, the Ministry Team has agreed that our theme is to make heaven crowded. You will see intentional posts, our posted studies will be about growing in the faith. As our mission statement says, we are more than just stepmom sisters we ..read more

I've been working on a project and can't wait share those details with you soon! To prep, I had to get some new head shots taken. While working with the photographer, I asked if we could take a few with photos of me and my husband as well! Many blended family couples will get this. I started to feel a little...guilt, or unease? Was it OK for us to take pictures as a couple and not include my stepson? My stepson is an adult now. Why would it be weird to take pictures without him? Well, because we've never done that! As a blended family couple everything from early dates to engagement photos ..read more

Hello Joyful Stepmoms, Scripture memory has been on my mind lately. When I don't have a verse right on the tip of my tongue, it's easy to Google/search on the Bible app/etc. We are encouraged to store God's Word in our heart. I thought we'd take a few weeks to memorize some verses. I'll be posting in our Facebook group about 1 verse a week and will share it about 3 times throughout the week to help with memorizing. You'll see in the image I post that I practice writing it out. Writing scripture is a great way to memorize. You can also post the verse around your house or just repeat it to you ..read more

Hey Stepmoms, hope your summer is going well! Ours has been full of family and home projects. We are keeping busy and enjoying some down time after a crazy school year. The idea of making Bucket List has been around for awhile now. If you aren't familiar, a Bucket List is kind of like a wish list or to do list. It's a collection of things to do or places you hope to visit before you turn a certain age or just at some point in this lifetime. Lately, I've been feeling a whirlwind of emotions. Our son graduated from college, he's moving into this next phase of young adulthood. We've been livin ..read more

Thank you to Cheryl Shumake for sharing her book and workbook with me!  "Waiting to be Wanted: A Stepmom's Guide to Loving Before Loved" arrived and I was so excited to see the content. With a just a cursory flip through, my heart soared thinking of the stepmoms who struggle and I knew would be touched. The workbook is about the size of a full sheet of paper. It walks you through moments of faith to your stepmom journey. There's plenty of room to jot notes and write your thoughts. The questions are thought provoking and dare I say, almost like a visit with your therapist in some cases ..read more

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.     They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.     They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT I've had this image saved to my phone for quite some time. I'm sorry I don't have a source to give credit. I don't even remember where I came it across it at this point.  It reminds me of Isaiah 40. Those who place their trust in the Lord will soar like Eagles. That image of strength is powerful. It's a fantastic reminder of the hope we have in Christ.  ..read more

I think a lot of you will be familiar with Summer Butler. She has a strong social media presence and is the founder of Blended Book Co. which includes writing, speaking and chapters. I recently had the pleasure of getting to know her work and she kindly sent me a copy of her book - Blended. Blended: Aligning the Hierarchy of Heart + Home is a devotional and workbook. There are questions to guide your thoughts at the end of each chapter. As a paper nerd, I'll tell you the cover feels so soft! It's a thin book with a fun cover. White background, very light and bright feeling. Summer is on the ..read more