My Momish Moments

THE DIARY OF A BONUS MOM

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my momish moments, diary of a bonus mom

"I didn't give you the gift of life, but life gave me the gift of you."

LATEST MOM HACKS:

fun things to do with kids during COVID-19
April 9, 2020

19 Fun Things To Do With Kids During Quarantine

COVID-19 is challenging and scary, but let's make this time at home memorable! Here are fun things to do...

by Marisa Donnelly
ways to help ease your child's anxiety
April 9, 2020

9 Ways To Ease Your Child’s Anxiety During COVID-19

Children cope and process in different ways. Here are a few simple, yet powerful ways to help ease your...

by Marisa Donnelly
online learning
April 1, 2020

5 Tips For Parents Navigating Online Learning

Parents are now supporting a household, creating daily routines, and navigating online learning. It's overwhelming. But please remember you're...

by Marisa Donnelly
best movies to watch with your kids and add more screen time
March 24, 2020

Why You Should Add More Screen Time to Your Schedule

It’s important for YOU, as a parent, to add more screen time to your schedule too...that is, more screen...

by Stasi McAteer

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FROM THE HEART:

dear mom stop with the mom guilt you are doing great

Dear Mama: Stop With The ‘Mom Guilt’

by Marisa Donnelly

Being a good mom doesn't mean constantly living with mom guilt. Being a good mom is about loving yourself, even if (and inevitably when) you're imperfect.

March 11, 2020
From The Heart
being the second wife doesn't make you any less

On Being The Second Wife

by Marisa Donnelly

As the second wife, I am not the second choice — I am the second chance.

March 10, 2020
From The Heart
happy family loving a dad and his son

5 Things I’ve Learned Loving A Dad And His Son

by Marisa Donnelly

I am a bonus mom to my boyfriend's son and frequently share about our journey. Here are five things I've learned in loving a dad and his son.

January 5, 2020
From The Heart, Parenting Stories
My Bonus Mom Story

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Our Unfiltered Life:

Welcome to #MomishMoments ❤️ — We are a plat Welcome to #MomishMoments ❤️ — We are a platform and community dedicated to encouraging and supporting bonus parents, stepparents, and blended families and all of their unique stories.⠀ ⠀ We started because our founder, @_marisadonnelly became a #bonusmom when she met her boyfriend and his son. Saying 'yes' and diving into this journey with the two of them inspired her to find and create content that would resonate with others in her shoes, especially because she struggled to find connections and genuine advice online.⠀ ⠀ Momish Moments is for mothers, yes, but it's also for everyone. It's for the stepfather who feels lost, for the biological mom who faces judgment for having a child out of wedlock, for the child navigating his or her own family journey, and everyone in-between.⠀ ⠀ We hope that you feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged here. And we hope you'll leave your mark by sharing your name below, by sending us a post that we can re-share with our community, and by submitting your writing to our page. We are all in this together. #momish⠀ ⠀ 📷: @othentikproductions | @israelpalacio⠀ #momishmoments
A healthy stepmother knows she plays multiple role A healthy stepmother knows she plays multiple roles — and each role is valuable. ❤️⠀
#covidchronicles — What activities do you do wit #covidchronicles — What activities do you do with your kiddos? Lately we've been enjoying @highlightsforchildren and having battles to see who can find different objects first. It's me vs. Austin and the winner takes on Dad.⠀ ⠀ Puzzles and hidden pictures might not be 'schoolwork' but these activities actually help for vision therapy and visual exercises! They're also great for kids with visual learning impairments and dyslexia. #momishmoments⠀
"How will your child look back on these times?" Th "How will your child look back on these times?" This question struck me when I first heard it many months ago. At the start of quarantine, I was OVERWHELMED. As the days went on, I learned to give myself grace, to slow down, to do what I could, to create boundaries for myself, and to focus on the little things.⠀ ⠀ This time isn't easy, but it doesn't have to be something we look back on negatively. Here are some ideas to try to brighten your child's days. They don't cost a dime and they offer time spent together, which is the most important thing. ⠀ ⠀ #momishmoments — @stepbystepparents ❤️
It gets better. The nights you spend praying over It gets better. The nights you spend praying over your child's learning gaps, the afternoons you struggle through homework, the tears you wipe off his face trying so desperately to encourage someone who's already given up.⠀ ⠀ It gets better. The mornings where you try to cram in another round of practice for the spelling test. Or when watch him walk out the door and choke back your tears. ⠀ ⠀ Sometimes being a parent feels powerless. Sometimes you can do, say, and fight for all you can and the universe just doesn't seem to align. Sometimes it feels like you're the only one who cares, and you're screaming into the void, desperate for someone to hear, to care.⠀ ⠀ But it gets better. ⠀ ⠀ Maybe not on our timelines or according to our plans. Maybe not in the way we expect or pray for. Slowly, quietly, the days get a little easier. The smiles get a little brighter. The confidence starts to crawl in. And one afternoon you'll look up from your work project and see a simple moment like this one — a reminder that God never lets us fight our battles alone. ❤️⠀ ⠀ #momishmoments⠀ #dyslexiaawareness⠀ #youarenotalone⠀
This post is for any #specialneedsparent who feels This post is for any #specialneedsparent who feels alone or confused right now. This is for any parent who has been deeply stressed or worried about the pandemic's effect on your child's education. This is for any parent who's wondering why, or what to do, or even what the next step is — you're not alone.⠀ ⠀ The hardest part about being a parent of a child with a special need or learning disability is constantly feeling like you have to fight, like you have to be on edge, like you are the only one who cares. You're not, but sometimes the experience is so isolating.⠀ ⠀ And I just want you to know that you're going to be okay. There are others who are experiencing this too. There are others who feel like they're on their own. There are others who can recognize your strength, so please don't give up on yourself or your family.⠀ ⠀ Keep fighting.⠀ Your child needs you. ❤️👊
Becoming a bonus mom in my early twenties, navigat Becoming a bonus mom in my early twenties, navigating raising a kiddo in the midst of growing myself + my business — ten years ago I would have never imagined myself to be where I am right now. But I am so incredibly blessed.⠀ ⠀ Almost three years ago now, I said 'yes' to a man and his son. I said 'yes' to this journey, this navigating a life together, this co-raising a child with no experience or 'how-to' manuals. I said 'yes' to figuring it all out as I went, to leading with my heart and jumping in without fear. I said 'yes' because, honestly, it felt right and I couldn't imagine walking away from something that God so clearly had brought me to.⠀ ⠀ Have there been difficult moments on my journey? Absolutely. Have I lost close relationships, my sense of direction, and even parts of myself along the way? Yes. But I've also rediscovered my path and purpose, learned my boundaries and strengths, recognized my limitations, and experienced the power of my heart. ⠀ ⠀ I've become a mother.⠀ I've created a family.⠀ And I wouldn't trade this life for anything. ❤️⠀ ⠀ #lifeofabonusmom⠀ #momishmoments
"We have an opportunity." I heard those words spok "We have an opportunity." I heard those words spoken about the pandemic situation last week and I took them to heart. While I can fully recognize the privilege and bias behind that statement, I think the sentiment is true. Although we are facing challenging, painful, and unprecedented times, we can still focus on the opportunity for growth.⠀ ⠀ Our children are still going through their little lives and they need us. Rather than seeing all the things that are negative (schools closing, missing out on school, learning gaps, etc.) can we focus on what we can BUILD (stronger home relationships, opportunities for creativity, flexible scheduling, one-on-one learning, etc.)?⠀ ⠀ Again, I know that every family is different and this post is not to say that there's a *right* or wrong way to quarantine with your children. (Especially if you're struggling with just getting through the day.) As both a parent and an educator, all I'm trying to do is see the bright side.⠀ ⠀ Yes, it's unfortunate that our children can't attend school as normal. In fact, it sucks. BUT one positive thing I'm holding onto is the connection I'm building with my son. We get to do his homework together every day. We get to have conversations about random topics, watch science videos, take mid-day walks around the block. Yes, he's missing out on school and I'm missing out on work. Yes, our schedules are shifted and it's caused stress (emotional, financial, etc.) Yes, there are a hundred and one things going wrong IF I choose to focus on them.⠀ ⠀ But perhaps we can focus on the good.⠀ In a time like this, isn't that the best option we have?⠀ ⠀ #momsonquarantine⠀ #covidchronicles⠀ #momishmoments
Dear Mama, you have to give yourself grace. ⠀ ⠀ You have to look at yourself in the mirror and not focus so much on your imperfection, the tired lines around your eyes, or the unwashed hair. You have to recognize that it's hard to take care of a tiny human (or many) and that sometimes you put other people before yourself and that's a beautiful thing.⠀ ⠀ Dear Mama, you have to take a deep breath and know that there's so much you can't control right now—not the school closures, not the curriculum that feels overwhelming, and not the fact that your child woke up today and couldn't focus. There will be so many things in this life that are out of your hands, and even though you want to fix and help, sometimes the best thing you can do is just open and offer your arms for a hug.⠀ ⠀ Dear Mama, you have to stop judging yourself for the items on the list you haven't reached, for the piles of laundry, for the shelves you haven't dusted in weeks. There are far more important things that come first. ⠀ ⠀ A dirty house is far less important than a house filled with love.⠀ ⠀ Dear Mama, you must recognize that what you're doing is hard, and it's okay if you say that aloud. It's okay if you recognize that you are tired, that you are overwhelmed, that you feel like you can't keep going sometimes. There is no shame around speaking the truth. We all want to give up sometimes. ⠀ ⠀ You are not alone.⠀ ⠀ Dear Mama, you have to trust that there is more than what you're experiencing right now—more than the dirty diapers that never seem to end, more than the difficult transitions and temper tantrums, more than the attitude and arguments, more than the nights you fall into sleep exhausted by it all. One day, you'll look back and be thankful for how you kept going. And even though it feels like your child(ren) never will, one day they'll see it, too.⠀ ⠀ But it's not about the glory. It's about love—don't forget that.⠀ ⠀ Dear Mama, you have to recognize how powerful and strong you are. But please remember that strength is not measured by what you do, what you fix, or what burdens you bear.⠀ ⠀ You are strong simply because that's who you are and have always been. I believe in you. ❤️👊
𝔸 𝕞𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣'𝕤 𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕩𝕙𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕖. ⠀ ⠀ Boy, if there's something I've resonated with, it's this quote. Navigating quarantine, trying to be both a mom and a teacher, learning my own sense of balance and *normalcy* with working at home full-time with a kiddo — none of this is easy, but I'm learning every single day.⠀ ⠀ I hope that both me and my boyfriend's son will look back on these #quarantinedays and remember how good they were. ❤️⠀ ⠀ What's your biggest lesson in inexhaustible love? Do you agree? Do you find this to be even more unconscious pressure on parents? Share your thoughts ↓⠀
"As a stepparent, I don’t want to be compared, l "As a stepparent, I don’t want to be compared, labeled, or seen as anything else other than someone who stepped up and committed to the journey.⠀ ⠀ I have worked my ass off over the past ten years to build the perfect amount of trust within my family, but I was only successful because I chose to approach this journey differently. I had to challenge the status quo and change the way I valued myself and my worth within the family. Once I did that, my entire world changed for the better.⠀ ⠀ I was finally able to narrow my focus and build a strong foundation for the future. The best part was that I finally altered my personal narrative towards being a stepparent and never looked back."⠀ ⠀ — Franco Zavala, @_francozavala #changethenarrative⠀
"My love is a choice I made and always will."⠀ ⠀ When I became a mother, it wasn't necessarily in the way I planned. I always imagined choosing when and how it would happen, picking out baby names, being pregnant and standing next to my husband scooping ice cream straight from the jar. I always thought I would be prepared, that I would have time.⠀ ⠀ My version of motherhood chose me, but I'm so incredibly thankful for that. Today I honor ALL mothers — bio, bonus, step and everywhere in-between. Motherhood looks different for everyone, and everyone's unique journey is beautiful. ❤️ Happy Mother's Day!
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DAILY MOTHERHOOD QUOTE:

"I thought I knew all the boundaries of myself, that I understood the limits of my heart. It’s extraordinary to have all those limits thrown out, to realize your love is inexhaustible."

Uma Thurman
happy kid smiling between parents

NAVIGATING SPECIAL NEEDS:

Homeschool Tips From A Mom Who’s Been In The Game Long Before COVID-19Having made the switch to homeschooling in 2014, my hope is to provide homeschool...April 15, 2020

7 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts For Kids With AutismFinding the right gifts for kids with Autism means understanding the child's unique needs...December 21, 2019

5 Things I Wish People Knew About My Son’s DyslexiaDyslexia is a silent learning disability. It’s not something you can clearly see or...November 16, 2019

SAN DIEGO, TRAVEL + LIFESTYLE:

ways to help ease your child's anxiety
Health/Wellness, Mom Hacks

9 Ways To Ease Your Child’s Anxiety During COVID-19

Children cope and process in different ways. Here are a few simple, yet powerful ways to help ease your child's anxiety during the quarantine.

April 9, 2020
must-see San Diego Halloween haunts
San Diego

Mom’s Night Out: 3 Must-See San Diego Halloween Haunts

The Disturbance, a three-part scare, is definitely one of the must-see San Diego Halloween haunts for your next mom’s night out.

October 25, 2019
happy girl holding younger child by palm trees
Mom Hacks, San Diego, Travel

Mama On A Budget: 12 Ways To Save Money In The City

If you’re looking to get the max out of your time while being conservative with your wallet, here are 12 tips to help you save money in the city.

July 2, 2019
mom posing in front of all-natural eczema products by Keller Works
Health/Wellness

4 All-Natural Eczema Products For Mamas And Their Little Ones

This mama, beauty boss, and founder of Keller Works, Krystn Keller, created organic, non-toxic, all-natural eczema products to soothe her son's severe skin.

May 7, 2019
kid swinging upside-down on playground
San Diego

8 Best Playgrounds In San Diego

From setting up a picnic lunch, to playing a pickup game of soccer, to watching the sunset from the monkey bars, here are the best playgrounds in San Diego.

April 30, 2019

“Little souls find their way to you, whether they're from your womb, or someone else's."

Sheryl Crow

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THE DIARY OF A BONUS MOM