Stepmom Q&A: All the things you want to know, but never ask!

This blog has been a long time coming, people. I remember when I first started Mom & A Half over a year ago, I wanted this to be one of my first posts in order to give readers a better sense of who I am (& just how open of a metaphorical book I really am.) I used to LOVE answering questions about being a stepmom in order to clear up any misconceptions people had, but in retrospect, I’m so thankful time got in the way & I’ve been able to show you over the past year rather than tell you. Nonetheless, I’m still asked questions quite often about my journey (or for advice, HA), so I figured I’d take the bulk of them and leave them here permanently on the internet history books for you!

Par-tea for Three!

I love birthdays! Hold on. I don’t think you’re reading that with enough enthusiam. I really, REALLY looooove birthdays! One special day to show someone just how perfect they are and how thankful you are they were born? Sign me up.

How To: Balloon Cascade

I hate that I waited forever to do a balloon cascade. After reading blog after blog, I continuously talked myself out of them every time… until now! I’m not going to say it’s the easiest thing in the world to do– it definitely takes some time and patience, but I can say that it is SO worth it. It’s such a show stopper, budget friendly, and really takes your party from good to grand. Oh, and the kids think I’m a rockstar.

5 Minutes Away from a Clean House (…psst, even with kids)

Cleaning in my household is a never-ending exercise in futility. I pick up one bin of toys, they raid my tupperware drawer. I vacuum my carpet, the Lord sends my kids the crumbliest crackers on this green earth. Oh, and of course laundry. Do you really need a cheesy joke about a pointless broken pencil? I’ll spare you. Needless to say, however, it has to get done.

What I Wish I Would’ve Known About Being a Newborn’s Mom

If you came here for a laundry list of the top five best strollers for your newborn according to popularity, price, and safety ratings, I hate to disappoint you but stop reading now.

Our Disneyland Trip 2018

One week later and I feel like we are still trying to wind down from the most exhausting, exciting, truly amazing trip to Disneyland!

Dates Vs Play Dates: A Mom’s Point of View

Dating is not my forte. I found, dated, and married the most incredible man I’ve ever come to meet, but that was by nothing short of a miracle… And maybe a very well timed fraternity party. Regardless, the dating game is rough and I was pretty thrilled when I left it behind me forever the day I married that said “incredible man”.

Or so I thought.

Our Spring Family Photos

We finally get new pictures on our walls! Not that I’m not completely infatuated with the chunky, bald eight-month-old that stares at me from our fireplace mantle, but I just don’t know who that baby is anymore. I can tell you that she is definitely not the rambunctious two-year-old I have running around, dumping toys, and screaming “DANCE PARTY MAMA” every morning at 7AM (although I’m infatuated with that little girl, too). Even our sweet, equally energetic five-year-old looks so much younger when comparing last year’s photos to these- albeit much less drastic, but the little hints of boyhood come through more each year, and it gets harder and harder to remember he was a toddler a few short years ago.

Hey Honey, How Was Your Day?

6:30am

It begins. I can hear my two year old screaming down the hall for me. Good thing we bought her that alarm clock that turns green at 6:45 a.m. to tell her it’s okay to wake up. I mean, she does stay in bed (so mission technically accomplished), but only so she can scream “Mommmm, it’s not green yet!” repeatedly for 15 minutes until it is, in fact, green. My five year old remains completely asleep and unphased by her screaming. God bless that boy. Let’s start the day.

Week 5 Meatless Meals: Santa Fe Squash Boats

This week, squash is the star of the show. I know, I get it. Squash? But yes, SQUASH. It may sound a little off as a main dish, but add in black beans, corn, and flavorful peppers, and I promise you will be spooning up these leftovers the next day (and it’s healthy so no need to feel guilty!) In fact, leftovers are my favorite part about this. You will definitely have extras, and the filling is SO versatile!