Blended Families - Happy 4th of July / A Day to be Thankful

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AWC > Blended Families > Happy 4th of July / A Day to be Thankful

The kiddos arrived last night! Just in time for the 4th of July!  Although there will not be fireworks on post this year, there are fireworks in our hearts.  An excitement because Mackenzie & Danny are here.

It's that time of month.  The time when stepchildren across the land descend on military posts.  I've written about this before, "July, the Month of the Military Stepchild".

Blended Families - Making the Miles Just Another Number - Part 1

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AWC > Blended Families > Making the Miles Just Another Number - Part 1

My stepchildren live in Utah.  They live 2177 miles from their father.  If we were to drive straight through, it would take over 33 hours.  This is not an ideal situation for any blended family.  It is, unfortunately, a prevalent one in the Military community.  This blog post is about turning the time & distance into just another number.

Blended Families - Attitude of Missed Opportunities

AWC >Blended Families > Attitude of Missed Opportunities

There is another virus running rampant in blended families. It's a negative attitude that can take hold if you aren't careful.  Your child may miss out on a sleepover, camp, or event because they have to visit the other parent. Your child may be sad about missing said event.  It's hard watching the disappointment in your child's eyes.  If you aren't careful you can fall right into their sadness and what I call the, "Attitude of Missed Opportunities".

Blended Families - Mommy / Daddy Game

AWC >Blended Families > Mommy / Daddy Game

As parents we are automatically programmed to believe our children.  When a former significant other hears their children say unusual or disturbing things about the other parent, that instinct kicks in full force.  Not only is your child saying this, but  you just divorced or split up with the other parent.  It's not like you see rainbows and kittens when you think of them.

Military Stepkids - Why They Love XBOX

AWC >Blended Families > Military Stepkids - Why they Love XBOX

Who knew a gaming system could bring families and friends together?  My kids do!

You may think it's just another gaming system.  Another thing to distract your children from getting their chores done.  Countless conversations between you and your child regarding time limits with electronics.

We see it differently.  Being Military Brats and living half way across the country from their father, XBOX 360 is becoming a life line.

Blended Families: 12 Days of Christmas

AWC >Blended Families > 12 Days of Christmas

The kids are arriving tomorrow!   Since the kids are leaving on Dec 31st, we didn't want them to have to wait until the 25th to open all their gifts. That would give them 5 days with their new stuff. This year we are doing the 12 Days of Christmas. Everyday will be Christmas Morning with a gift under the tree ;) 

As a blended Army family the only tradition is that we make a new one each year. We adapt our celebrations to what works for us.  What new tradition/s are you starting this year?

CLICK HERE TO FIND MORE POSTS ABOUT OUR BLENDED FAMILY EXPERIENCES

• Military Stepkids - Why They Love XBOX
• Blended Families - Personalizing Christmas Cards
• Blended Families - They're Here!
• Blended Families - 12 Days of Christmas
• Blended Families - Anything is Possible at Walt Disney World
• Military Stepkids - Flying Unaccompanied
• Military Stepkids - It's Fashion Show Day
• Military Stepfamilies: July the Month of the Military Stepchild?
• Blended Families - Stepkids & Summer

Father/Daughter Dance & Jommy/Son Date Night

June 22, 2012, was the Father Daughter Ball at the  Fort Bragg Club.  It was an amazing event.  I only know this because my 10 year-old daughter came home and told me all about it.  She raved about the punch fountain and the ice cream cones.  The highlight of her night was dancing with her daddy.  I'm thrilled that the MWR puts on these events.  A perfect night for a princess and her dad!  

Military Stepkids - It's Fashion Show Day!

AWC >Blended Families > Military Stepkids - It's Fashion Show Day!

    Our kids are here every 3 months for 10 days to 5 weeks at a time.  After the first couple visits of them toting luggage back and forth, we decided we would buy clothes for them here.  There are a few reasons why:

• Not having to wait that extra time in the airport for the luggage
• No luggage fees with the airline
• Don't have to have a conversation with Mom about what clothes to send and why
• Not being dissapointed with the clothes mom sent
• Mom not being upset with the way we returned their clothes

Blended Families - Stepkids & Summer

AWC >Blended Families > Stepkids & Summer

It's the time of year!  The time when stepchildren descend onto military posts everywhere!  Some children are lucky and remain near both of their parents. That is a rare occurrence in military life.

Summer visits are different. Our kids visit for 5 weeks.  Other friends of mine have the whole summer with their stepchildren. Our lives go from a childless home to the pitter patter of feet.  It's 0-60 in one day!  It's also doubles our house size and consumption.  During the summer you almost lose track of when they return back to their mother.  We get an opportunity to really get into the groove of family life with them.