I realized early on that being a stepmom was going to have a lot more mental gymnastics involved than I ever anticipated. But I never want to miss out on an opportunity to support and love my kids because of a fear of what others might think. The mental load of a stepmom is heavy, but it becomes lighter once you stop trying to cater to everyone around you and prove your worth as a parent. … More The Mental Load of a Stepmom
For us, the day was about more than just Kevin and I getting married; it was about us becoming a family, starting a new chapter in our lives, and committing to working on our marriage and family for forever. … More Our Blended Family Wedding
In a world that is constantly trying to sell us solutions to problems we didn’t even know existed, and fill our homes with noise and clutter and chaos, I believe one of the best gifts we can give our kids is the gift of quiet, simple play time that allows them to unlock their creativity and use their imagination. … More 5 Easy Screen-Free Activities for Kids
My first chapter of parenting was very different from one I had ever dreamt up as a kid. Although there were many unique challenges I faced during pregnancy and my first few years of motherhood, there are three that stand out as the hardest. … More The Hardest Parts of Becoming a Mom at 19
What do you think of when you think of a step mom? Before I began to step into my role as a step/bonus mom, thinking of stepmom usually conjured images of the evil stepmother from Cinderella or the ostracized stepmom from The Parent Trap. The role of a stepmom tends to have a pretty negative … More My Thoughts on Stepparenting, Pt. I
On January 11th, I turned 25 years old! I’m just now getting to the point where my age seems to match up with how I feel. When I was in middle school and high school, people commented on how mature I was for my age or how I seemed older than I was. As a … More 10 Things I’ve Learned in 25 Years
I have never experienced anything quite like finals week after my first semester of law school. To say that I was ready for a break would be a massive understatement. The farther I got into the semester, the worse my mental health got, as well. We were done with classes by Thanksgiving break, but the … More My First Winter Break of Law School
At the end of 2023, I felt on top of the world. I had just written my thirty-page senior thesis and enrolled for my last semester of college. I ran three ultramarathons that year, snagged a PR in the 5k, and competed in my first sprint triathlon. I had been with my boyfriend for eight … More The Never-Ending Race
This post is in honor of my mom’s birthday, because I don’t have much to give other than what I can make or write with my own two hands. Happy birthday, Mom! I remember my first night at college like it was yesterday. My family all flew out to Hawaii with me to help me … More Lessons from My Mom
Step by Step Parenting 