SHOPPING TRIP

 My stepdaughter and I went shopping today and had a really good time. We found some good after christmas sales which made it even better. She is learning to shop for bargains. That makes it that much more fun. After shopping we went out to eat,then to Starbucks for coffee and hot chocolate. Starbucks is our place for having good conversations and learning more about each other.We will be starting our bible study soon which we are looking forward to . I will post some of what we learn in the bible study on my blog.Continuing the Journey!






HOPE GOING SHOPPING





HOPE AFTER COMING HOME FROM SHOPPING

THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

This morning in SC we woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland of snow! I loved watching the snowflakes fall. It reminded me of how God made each of us different and unique. There is no one just like you! Just like there are no snow flakes exactly alike.Our God is so awesome in all his creations!                                       

MERRY CHRISTMAS-2010

Looking back over this Christmas day,I have such a feeling of thankfulness. This has been a wonderful holiday with my family. We have had lots of laughs and a time of being together. It's nice to slow down at this time of the year for the things in life that are the most important. First,reflecting on the birth of our Savior. I watched a movie tonight called "Christmas with a capital C" that was such a good movie about this and living life with a heart like Christ. Family is also so important. I am thankful for my  family who is there for each other regardless of the circumstances. That means alot. What a special end to our Christmas day of 2010-SNOW tonight!!!!

CHRISTMAS EVE 2010

LOTS OF GIFTS,DELICIOUS FOOD,AND BEST OF ALL FAMILY FUN!

GRADUATIONS

This post is a mom's journey this time instead of a stepmom. I attended my youngest son's graduation today from college. My oldest son also recently graduated. I am so very proud of both of them. I was a single mom for many years and it is a joy being their mom. They have both grown into men that I am proud of. I love you both!! Can't wait to see what is next-looking forward to it all!   MOM

WHO WRAPPED THE GIFTS?

I received a great gift yesterday and today-my stepdaughter wrapped all the Christmas gifts!! This was such a big help! She actually liked doing this. I hope this will be a yearly tradition.This is photo's of Hope's tree she decorated. She is quite creative.Looking forward to Christmas!

STEPMOM'S CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

After doing some research and through some of my own experiences, I have a stepmom's christmas wish list.Holidays can be stressful because they are important functions for families. Christmas and step families together can produce anxiety.Different situations can produce different types of stress.You have multiple home,multiple parenting,multiple grandparenting and in-laws with a step family. Stepmom's often feel the brunt of everything during the holidays because the planning often falls on her.My step daughters mother is deceased so I do not have to deal with some of the complexities during the holidays. When you are dealing with a biological mom,my advice to you during the holidays would be to be flexible,good communication,don't stress over the small stuff and make sacrifices when needed.

STEPMOM'S CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

1.Educate yourself-read a good book on step parenting and learn about the experiences of women with step children and about couples in remarriage.This way you will understand what I 'm going through and be able to listen and speak to me in new ways.

2.We are not a first family so we are not necessarily going to look,act or feel like one.To understand this would be a great gift.

3.Ask what I need over the holidays.Invite me for coffee,out to lunch,or offer to keep the children. Help me remember who I am-sometimes women partnered with a divorced dad gets so consumed in the role of step mom that they forget they are also a daughter,sister,friend,coworker,etc.

4.Try to listen without judging and understand that step parenting is sometimes complicated.

5.Please tell me sometimes that you appreciate what I am doing as a stepmom and you've given me a gift that I'll treasure for years.

In closing,remember stepmom's, to spend time during this Christmas season with the ONE who gives you strength in times of stress and seek his wisdom in all that you do. Also, I want to thank my sweet,understanding and wonderful husband who gives me so much support and is by my side in all that I do.Continuing the journey! Merry Christmas!

THANKSGIVING DAY

I am writing this a few days after Thanksgiving,but that's ok. We had a great thanksgiving with my husband's family. It was great to see everyone. There are some family members that we have not seen in almost a year. It seems as though we all have very busy lives with jobs, family,and other obligations.We often miss out on just being together with family and getting to spend time together and just talk to each other. It doesn't matter what you talk about,but it is important to talk to form relationships or to build on the relationships you already have.We need to put away our cell phones and IPODS and sit face to face with each other and just TALK.Whether it's your spouse,your child,brother,sister,parent,or friend. My stepdaughter and I did this just this morning.We woke up early and went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. We were there at 630 am. For a 15 year old teenage girl that was awesome that she even wanted to get up and go at that hour of the morning.We have done this on several occasions.We sat by the warm fire,ate french toast and just talked. That was FUN even at that hour of the morning.We are growing our relationship-That is GOD at work! Continuing the Journey!