I'm a single mom of 1 dating a single dad of 3. This is my first relationship with a man who has children... Initially, I was hesitant but excited. I'll be honest... I'm not nuts about other people's kids. Awful, I know... but I'm just not. I think its basically because my kid is so far beyond awesome that when I'm around kids that aren't, I feel bad for everyone involved. I mean, except for my kid... because she's obviously superior. Really though, um... I like awesome kids. The rest I'm kindof "meh" about.

In dating post-separation, I found myself stuck, facing the same issues over and over again. I'm an amazing woman and my daughter is (see above) really awesome. We're both entertaining, beautiful, and good for laughs. We're adventurous & spontaneous, open and loving... we've really got a lot to offer. I was dating single guys with no kids over and over again. All different ages with different careers and lives, it always came down to the same issue... I'm a really big package. Talk about a whole lot of responsibility from the get-go.


None of those guys were interested in dating a mom... and I couldn't blame them. I wasn't seeking out a dad either. I had plenty on my plate without any of that business and I was dating guys who were in the same exact position. Career-driven, preoccupied, understandably self-centered... they just weren't on the same page as I was. Frustrating as that was sometimes, I understood it.

I never really considered dating a single father, but when I became interested in the boy, it was because he was a dad. Over a series of messages one night, he told me about his kids, and I found myself in crush city with this amazing father.


But don't think I really understood what that meant for me, for us. In fact, I'm still learning everyday. The boy and I have been together for over 6 months now, and we're past "dating" and more in "serious relationship" territory, full of big talk and commitments. We find comfort, understanding, and mutual support in each other. I kiss his forehead after a long day and he takes my trash out. We're both looking forward to many more years of finding toys in our tennis shoes and quiet time after the kids go to bed...


There's a lot of miles between 2 people dating who both happen to have kids and a "blended family". Right now, we're right in the middle of it. Our kids love each other, his family has welcomed us with open arms, hell, I'm even good friends with his ex wife... My daughter is nuts about him, his boys love me, and I'm finally getting to know his youngest, which out of respect for her mother, I've not been able to develop a relationship with yet. We are doing the very best we can, and for the first time since we've been together, it finally feels like everything is simply falling into place.

For the record, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the term "blended family" ...I mean, its appropriate enough for the situation but at this point in my own relationship it'd be better described as a big ol' mess of kids who aren't quite sure what their relationship is, and 2 parents who are trying hard to figure that out themselves.


I got snowed in with his family for Christmas. His whole family with my small family of 2, spending the holiday together. We were simply not ready for that. Its not that we're not madly in love, or that we're not completely committed to this relationship, its just that we haven't figured out what all of this commitment means yet. I worried that it would really put a strain on us, but we're closer than ever.

I realized never stopped to consider how I felt about becoming a "stepmom" or starting a "blended family" - I just fell in love.

I never expected to gain a family from a relationship, especially so soon after the family I'd planned on and worked so hard for dissolved.

Really, what it comes down to for me is that I never expected to fall in love with 4 people instead of 1.

But I couldn't be happier.


This week I'll be exploring a lot of things that have been on my heart all year. 2009 has been a year of self-discovery and improvement and I have no doubt that 2010 will be even better. I am one hell of an uncommon mama, but you guys don't even know the half of it. I'm overflowing with stories that I'm finally ready to share.

This blog will be changing quite a bit. For now, just get the wine ready, mama's got a hell of a lot to talk about. <3

I've neglected my blog completely over the past month... between an enormous project at work and Christmas, life has been incredibly hectic but I've got an even better excuse...

I started painting again.

I've done this a few times since the bean was born, but it never seems to stick. Life just gets in the way every time, and I end up painting a picture or two then no more. I get so damn distracted, and I never find the time to dedicate to it.

This time just feels different. I've fought the urge all night to start another piece. I want so much to paint, just to feel the rush of seeing something take shape. I did 3 pieces for Christmas presents, and I am so very pleased with all of them. They're all presents, and I haven't given any of them to the proper recipients yet so I can't post any pictures, but soon... I promise.

In the meantime, here are my old pieces: artXcore

and here's the first of the new series I'm working on: Robots!

I am thankful for my beautiful daughter, wonderful friends, loving family, and plentiful work.

This Thanksgiving brought time to reflect on change and new beginnings. My dad started chemo on Monday, but was well enough to prepare a delicious turkey on Wednesday. My mom, sister, Bean girl and I all sat down at his table for the first time ever this Thanksgiving. We ate and laughed, and even though we're all feeling uncertain about the future and concerned about his health, we enjoyed ourselves and our time together immensely.

Bean girl had Thanksgiving with her father this year and I spent the holiday with my boyfriend's family, who enjoyed this year as their first in Arkansas. It was beautiful- his mother really made a feast! The sheer amount of food was almost overwhelming, and good lord was it tasty...

Its so strange watching a family that's so different from my own, their customs and traditions... the family dynamic is foreign but warm, very open and accepting. We all circled around the table; his father & mother, brother, & children... myself, their family friend, and my boyfriend's ex-wife & her boyfriend... all sitting together as a family. They toasted and then his son asked everyone to say what we were thankful for. I said I was thankful to know everyone, and to be included. I fought tears yesterday thinking about how lucky I was.

Family is so very important. I look forward all year to Christmas, to spending time with my mom dad & sister, grandparents, aunts & uncles, cousins. Everyone's so spread out, from London, England to Baton Rouge, Louisiana... but we all come together once a year for a couple of days. We eat and open presents and tell stories, and god, do we laugh... My ex-husband says his favorite part of the divorce is not having to spend Christmas with my family anymore, and I'll never understand it. These people are my very core- and without them I'd be nothing. They are my support and understanding, to love them is to know me.

This year my family is extended. Being with my boyfriend and his family has been wonderful. They're a strong family... so loving. They believe wholeheartedly in an unbreakable bond in roots and blood, and its obvious in the way they speak, the stories they tell. They include everyone, and they're fiercely protective in a way I admire more than I could even say. Being included means being understood, loved, & protected. Getting to know them means understanding even more who the man I fell in love with really is, was, and will be.

This year it all just means so much more. Maybe its my dad being sick, or maybe its the divorce, or maybe, just maybe... I'm getting older and wiser and I'm realizing the true value of having people that can see me and love me, flaws and all, because of a common bond. There's just nothing more important than that.

I'm getting pumped for the holidays.

Would you guys like to see what I'm lusting after!? Good!

Tara has the kind of creative vision I'd like to have with any or all of my projects. Seriously, this girl has got some talent when it comes to jewelry. Her pieces are unique, fresh, fun, and elegant. I could definitely wear her stuff every. damn. day.


(my favorite necklace of all time)










I love the great state I live in, and that's why I love Rock City Outfitters


Fayetteville, the city I live in, got this crazyass nickname and there are a million different stories why. Here's what I know... I would love to wear this shirt all the time.


Buttons are also lovely if you're not quite at the same level of Arkansas pride as I am, or if you're just in need of more flair.






Handwoven rag bottom tiny person chair


I'm a little partial already, honestly. I've got a SWEET adult rocker and I've been eying one for the little bean for quite a while. Seriously, this thing is amazing. The seat is totally handwoven, scraps of old fabric in the coolest colors/patterns... I am madly in love with it.

I'm excited about adding a miniature version at some point soon. Especially since her new favorite phrase is "Rock Rock!"





I love Lindsay's wreaths. I'm a sucker for fall/winter decorations already so show me a well made wreath and I'm in! These aren't something you can find down at your local Hobby Lobby or Michael's, they're totally one of a kind, made with lots of love and fake flowers.
You know you love that just as much as I do.



I love art. Anyone who has seen my house will tell you I have a pretty random collection, but I'm always looking to add more. Here are some of my current favorites...


This print was a random Etsy find, I love it! - by Jessica Doyle


Another Etsy find - by Angela Vandenbogaard

My favorite painting by one of my very favorite artists - by the lovely and talented Amber Perrodin




And last, a list of awesome gift sites (not necessarily handmade, but spectacular nonetheless!)
Perpetual Kid - a super random collection of hilarious gifts
GirlPROPS - cheapInexpensive and hilarious jewelry!