The Stuff Nobody Talks About

My favorite farm guy and I will celebrate eight years of marriage in a few months. Sometimes it feels like we blinked and now we’re here—other times it feels like a long span of small moments and lots of big changes.

Over the years I’ve read many books and listened to countless podcasts surrounding the theme of blending a family. It’s as if I’ve been searching for terms and scenarios to help me put words to what I’ve been living through as blended family.

I’ve learned terms like High Conflict Co-Parenting, Parental Alienation, Parallel Parenting, Parental Allegiance, and Loyalty Binds. Each of these is a real and often painful part of the world that many blended families must navigate, affecting relationships, routines, and children’s emotional wellbeing.

If that’s you—I’m so sorry.

I’ve always aimed to keep my blog posts as honest and open as seemed right, hoping to earn and keep your trusted heart.

Can I tell you something? I’ve discovered so much healing in my life just from living transparent.

Through this journey of being made more aware of the dynamics out there for blended families, I’m feeling a nudge to write more often about how God has helped me overcome some of the things we’ve walked through.

I’ve learned so much and I’m continuing to learn from other stepmom's out there who are brave enough to share their journey for women like me. I hope to be an encouragement to people who are hurting from the beginnings of a blended life.

One thing I know for sure: If you’re willing to do the hardwork—it gets better—I promise.