by Gayla Grace | Dec 31, 2013 | Blog, perseverance, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices, successful stepparenting
As we consider a new year, I think it’s important to look at where we’re at in our stepfamily relationships. I wrote an article earlier this year that includes how to navigate the stages of remarriage. I hope you find it helpful as you seek to move...
by Gayla Grace | Aug 1, 2013 | attitude, Blog, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices, take care of yourself
As the summer begins to wind down for many of us, the days are HOT and long. Stepchildren around every day can make for additional challenges. I’ve heard from several stepmoms lately who are barely treading water. Even with the best plans for a fruitful and...
by Gayla | Dec 18, 2012 | Balance, Blog, stepfamily holiday tips, stepparenting choices, successful stepparenting
Have you purchased our holiday e-book yet? Here’s a portion from Chapter 2 that I wrote: “It’s easy to create narcissistic children who feel entitled to receive every gift they ask for when we give them too much. It’s an unhealthy practice and,...
by Gayla | Nov 27, 2012 | attitude, Blog, feelings, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices
I’ll never forget the first holiday season our family celebrated together. My husband and I had married in mid-October and the holidays descended upon us before we could get settled in our new surroundings. My expectations of a joyous holiday season quickly...
by Gayla | Oct 10, 2012 | Blog, Change, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices, successful stepparenting, Uncategorized
I love watching the giddiness of pre-married couples in our stepfamily class. They are in love and somewhat blinded to what lies ahead. Maybe that’s a good thing. Thankfully, they’re trying to educate themselves on how to do stepfamily life before...
by Gayla | Aug 15, 2012 | attitude, Balance, Blog, expectations, Prayer, stepparenting choices
Our youngest son started middle school last week as a 6th grader and has had some intimidating moments at his new school. He started off in the wrong classroom for homeroom but didn’t discover it until the teacher called roll. He left to go to the correct...
by Gayla | Mar 1, 2012 | Blog, counseling, expectations, hope, perseverance, rewards of stepparenting, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices, successful stepparenting
My husband, Randy, and I leave tomorrow to travel to Little Rock to run the Little Rock marathon on Sunday. The picture below is after last year’s race – Randy is on the left. Randy posted a faster time last year than his previous four marathon events....
by Gayla | Feb 21, 2012 | attitude, Blog, expectations, feelings, Guilt, hope, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices
Do you find yourself comparing the growth of your stepfamily to your neighbor’s next door? Do you talk to your stepmom friend at work and wonder why her stepfamily seems to be having such smooth sailing while your family is stuck in the muck? My husband...
by Gayla | Jan 31, 2012 | attitude, Blog, peace, stepfamily marriage, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices, Uncategorized
Before my husband and I married, I read everything I could about stepfamilies. I was excited about joining our families together and wanted to get a head start on how to have a happily-ever-after future. But as I read, I was deflated by the dismal picture every book...
by Gayla | Nov 22, 2011 | attitude, Blog, feelings, stepfamily holiday tips, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices
I’ll never forget the first holiday season our family celebrated together. My husband and I had married in mid-October and the holidays descended upon us before we could get settled in our new surroundings. My expectations of a joyous holiday season quickly...
by Gayla | Sep 16, 2011 | Blog, stepparenting choices, successful stepparenting
Did you know today is National Stepfamily Day? It’s a day to celebrate your victories as a stepfamily and affirm your role as a stepparent.A report from the Pew Research Center that came out in January of this year, reported that 42% of American adults have at...
by Gayla | Sep 6, 2011 | Blog, boundaries, co-parenting, stepfamily relationships, stepparenting choices
When I married my husband, Randy, I told him my ex-husband would not be a problem because he would eventually drop out of our lives. He had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for years and although he was a medical doctor, he was a most unstable...