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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:

happy kid being safe in the pool
June 29, 2022

5 Tips For Making Your Pool Safe For Kids

Pools are fun but can be dangerous if you don’t prepare accordingly! Here are five tips for making your...

by Marisa Donnelly
clothes crafting kits for kids
June 28, 2022

6 Best Homemade Crafting Gifts For Kids

These homemade crafting gifts are perfect for your kids! They will love using these crafts to decorate their rooms...

by Cali Anderson
happy baby in the nursery
June 22, 2022

4 Easy Tips For Cleaning Your Child’s Nursery

Your child's nursery can get a little messy at times! Here are some easy ways to make it a...

by Katy Kipper
Vintage,Modern,Interior,Of,Living,Room,,Pink,Sofa,Near,Black flooring
June 21, 2022

3 Best Flooring Upgrade Options For Your Family Home

From simple to complex, high-priced to the less expensive side, here is what you need to know about the...

by Katy Kipper

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FROM THE HEART:

woman holding ashes of loved one

Meaningful Ways To Keep Ashes Of Loved Ones

by Katy Kipper

Losing someone is not easy; however, there are meaningful ways to keep the ashes of your loved ones close to you with pride and respect.

June 30, 2022
From The Heart
happy boy giving away donut

How To Teach Your Child About Generosity and Kindness

by Marisa Donnelly

Your child has a huge capacity for kindness but may need your help bringing it out. Here’s how you can teach your child about generosity.

June 21, 2022
From The Heart
discussing death with your child

Strategies for Discussing Death With Your Young Child

by Marisa Donnelly

Death is difficult to comprehend, especially for young children. Here are tips for discussing death with your child.

June 5, 2022
From The Heart
My Bonus Mom Story

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Our Unfiltered Life:

Staying neutral is one of the hardest things in th Staying neutral is one of the hardest things in the world, (especially if you're a strong-minded stepmama!) but here are a few tips:⁣ ⁣ → [Be emotionally mature] Reacting to a situation oftentimes doesn't help. Sometimes the best response/reaction is to not have one at all.⁣ ⁣ → [Empower your partner] Rather than feeling pressured to be the one to say something, empower your partner to take the lead in responding (or not). By lending an open ear, shoulder, or words of support you can help to deescalate a situation more than you realize!⁣ ⁣ → [Put the child's perspective at the center] It's easy to get distracted by our own opinions on a situation. But, even if we're right, we might not be considering how the child feels. And that's important! Take a step back and center on the kid's thoughts, feelings, and perspectives and let that guide your decision-making.⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momishmoments #coparentingpeacefully #peacefulcoparenting #coparentingtips #coparenting #stepmom #stepmama #stepmomsupport #bonusmom #nodramamama #stepmomtruths #stepmomtips #tipsforstepmoms #blendedfamilies #blendedfamily
*Pictured* — A happy family spending time togeth *Pictured* — A happy family spending time together at the Grand Canyon. ⛰️⁣ ⁣ *Not Pictured* — Austin tiring out from not eating enough at breakfast and pretend collapsing on the side of the walking path, causing me to overreact with harshness and yelling at his inappropriate behavior. . . leading to a full on argument between his dad and I, embarrassment, tears, and me eventually storming away to cool off.⁣ ⁣ Why do I share this?⁣ ⁣ Because what the 'highlight reel' shows is the good times. And sure, those times exist, but not always in the picture-perfect way we pretend that they do. ⁣ ⁣ This trip, for me, is forever tainted by how I reacted to my son. Instead of having compassion towards him feeling exhausted and redirecting his behavior to something more age-appropriate, I yelled at him. And I treated him as if he wasn't allowed to express his emotions in a moment of tiredness and vulnerability. ⁣ ⁣ I'm still feeling shame over that, almost six months later.⁣ ⁣ But here's the thing — parenting isn't easy. And I share this not-so-great mama moment because I know I'm not the only one who has made mistakes, done the wrong thing, or regretted a decision/choice. ⁣ ⁣ Although I can't take back what happened, I don't have to sit with guilt for the rest of my life, either. And perhaps that's the REAL reason why I share this post — as a reminder for myself, and for you — it's okay to not be picture-perfect. ⁣ ⁣ Just decide to be better than yesterday. #momishmoments⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #honestparenting #honestmotherhood #unfilteredmom #unfilteredparenting #livingunfiltered #honesttruth #momish #momtruth #bonusmom #stepmom #momfail #familyvacation
You can buy all of the expensive toys, invest in a You can buy all of the expensive toys, invest in all of the top 'gadgets' and technology, enroll your child in the best school or leading sports program. . . but at the end of the day, what's truly the most valuable is patience and presence.⁣ ⁣ Be there.⁣ Take it slow.⁣ Listen.⁣ & love.⁣ ⁣ That's really all there is.⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momishmoments #momish #takeitslow #slowdown #motherhood #honestmotherhood #stepmomquotes #marisadonnelly #motherhoodquotes #honestmama #patience #havepatience #quotesformoms
I took this first picture last fall & I'm still st I took this first picture last fall & I'm still struck by how perfect it is and how much it means to me. ❤️ It's a reflection of love, of family, of fatherhood, of learning to parent alongside someone else, and of a full-circle from those days when my own father would be by my side at the dugout, catching pitch after pitch.⁣ ⁣ Watching my man be a father, grow as a father — watching the messy and yet effortless way he always knows what to do or say — feels like a privilege to witness.⁣ ⁣ And it has made me realize how profoundly thankful I am for my own dad who has now stepped into a grandparenting journey as I've stepped into a parenting one. ⁣ ⁣ And also for my soon-to-be father-in-law, too, and for the depth of his love for his son, grandson, and now, me, as a piece of that family puzzle.⁣ ⁣ You don't realize how beautiful the fatherhood journey is until you become one, or until you have children of your own. The amazing thing, for me, is that I'm able to watch the story unfold and write my own part in it.⁣ ⁣ Thankful for these father figures. ⁣ #happyfathersday⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #fatherhood #fatherhoodstory #fathers #thankfulforfathers #fathersday #momishmoments #momish #bonusmom #stepmom #fatherfigure #fatherfigures #fatherinlaw #grandparents #familytree
Happy Father's Day to the men who made us mamas.⁣ Happy Father's Day to the dads we said 'yes' to,⁣ & built a beautiful, blended family with. 💞⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #happyfathersday #fathersday #stepmom #stepmama #bonusmom #boymom #blendedfamily #dads #dadsofinstagram
Not sure who else needs to hear this, but I know I Not sure who else needs to hear this, but I know I do.⁣ You're not a bad mom. Period. 💞⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momishmoments #momish #youarenotabadmom #notabadmom #honestmotherhood #momtruth #momtruths #mamatruth #honestparenting #stepmom #stepmoms #bonusmom #stepbystepparents
I remember when I first recognized my role as a #b I remember when I first recognized my role as a #bonusparent. It was like I stepped into this exclusive club of other moms & dads whom I suddenly understood and resonated with. I felt like I wasn't alone, that my journey—strange and wonderful and complex—wasn't just mine. And that was one of the most beautiful feelings.⁣ ⁣ It's true that we don't realize the love, the value, the hard work, until we step along this path ourselves. ❤️⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momishmoments #momish #stepmom #bonusmom #stepmomjourney #stepbystepparents #stepmomstory #coparenting #stepmomtruth #honeststepparenting #honestmotherhood
One of the most beautiful things about stepping in One of the most beautiful things about stepping into a family is realizing how crazy, beautiful, chaotic, and seamless it can be. ❤️⁣ ⁣ Moments like these — little moments of laughter in a shared space we've created and called 'home' — remind me of the power we have to change our situations (and others), the power we have to love, the power we have to connect deeply with one another, and the power to use that love for good.⁣ ⁣ This picture is our little family using @halodishcovers, one of my favorite brands for eco-friendliness, sustainability, natural-mindedness, and supporting artists & those who need it the most.⁣ ⁣ "Halo Dish Covers was started by the team behind Spaza Store in Cape Town, South Africa, known for producing handy dish covers for covering and protecting food. As Nature’s Guardian Angel, Halo Dish Covers offers hope to South Africans through the creation of much needed employment opportunities and contributes towards freeing our environment of single-use plastic waste."⁣ ⁣ You can learn more about them here → halodishcovers.com | 📷: @israelpalacio . . . . #halodishcovers #discovers #halo #familymoments #blendedfamily #stepmom #stepmama #bonusmom #boymom #stepson #happyfamily #littlemoments
Hey #stepmama, I see you. 💛⁣ Here's how you c Hey #stepmama, I see you. 💛⁣ Here's how you can take up space this week:⁣ ⁣ — Ask for help. (Asking for help is not weakness. You don't have to carry everything by yourself. In fact, others are probably HOPING they can help you and they just don't know how. Don't be afraid to speak up. . . without guilt!)⁣ ⁣ — Create a healthy boundary. (Because boundaries are what help you be the best version of you, as opposed to the burnt-out one).⁣ ⁣ — Add one tiny self-care thing to your schedule. (As busy as you feel and as full as your schedule seems, there is ALWAYS time for you. Don't forget that as you're striving to prioritize everyone else).⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momish #momishmoments #selfcaretips #selfcare #selfcareforstepmoms #stepmomselfcare #stepmama #stepmoms #bonusmom #unfilteredmotherhood #takeupspace #loveyourselffirst
PS: DNA isn't the only thing that makes you a mama PS: DNA isn't the only thing that makes you a mama. 🙈⁣ ⁣ Yep, I said it! S/O to the selfless #stepmoms who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes, to the #bonusmoms who have taken on child(ren) as their own without a second thought, to the 'pseudo-parents' who never cared about the biological connection and were just there, without hesitation. ⁣ ⁣ DNA is amazing, yes. And no one can argue a beautiful birth-connection. ⁣ ⁣ But it's not the only thing that defines being a parent. ⁣ ⁣ Don't forget that.⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momishmoments #momish #momtruth #bonusmom #bonusmama #stepmomtruth #stepmom #stepmama #honeststepmom #honestparenting #honestmotherhood #isaidit #blendedfamilies #dna
My name is @_marisadonnelly & this is why I create My name is @_marisadonnelly & this is why I created Momish Moments. ❤️⁣ ⁣ In a world filled with conflicting stories and advice, I thought it was valuable to create a 'home' where people, like me, could find connection, support, and rest.⁣ ⁣ "I just felt like there was such a need for people to understand and to hear voices of parents who are not biological. So, parents who step in and walk into a family situation that's not their own."⁣ ⁣ To learn more & join our voices, check out → mymomishmoments.com⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momish #momishmoments #youarenotalone #stepmom #stepmama #bonusmom #bonusmama #mystory #motherhoodstory #motherhood #honestmotherhood #bonusmomstory #stepmomstory #thisismytruth
🙃 ⁣ ⁣ LMAO, all jokes aside. . . #relatable 🙃 ⁣ ⁣ LMAO, all jokes aside. . . #relatable.⁣ Anyone else feel me on this?!⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momishmoments #momish #momjokes #stepmom #stepmomjokes #stepmomhumor #bonusmomhumor #stepmamahumor #coparenting
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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
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NAVIGATING SPECIAL NEEDS:

5 Signs To Look For If You Suspect Your Child Has AutismUnderstanding your child's needs & differences can be challenging. Here are a few signs...June 25, 2022

What Is A “Pandemic Pod” And Should You Consider One?We desperately needed support to stay above water and community to keep us tethered....August 6, 2020

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

SAN DIEGO, TRAVEL + LIFESTYLE:

happy baby in the nursery
Health/Wellness, Mom Hacks

4 Easy Tips For Cleaning Your Child’s Nursery

Your child's nursery can get a little messy at times! Here are some easy ways to make it a healthier, cleaner space.

June 22, 2022
happy baby with mother
Health/Wellness

Little Things To Help Your Baby’s Brain Development

Our brains are constantly developing and growing! Here are a few things you can do every day to help your baby’s brain development.

June 21, 2022
Marisa Donnelly & dog Styles
Health/Wellness, Lifestyle

How To Get Your Life Back On Track After A Setback

If you've experienced a setback, here is what you need to know about how you can get your life back on track and move forward confidently.

June 17, 2022
yoga for busy moms
Health/Wellness

Benefits Of Yoga For Busy Moms

If you often find yourself prioritizing others over yourself, consider taking up yoga! Here are the benefits of yoga for busy moms.

June 17, 2022
healthiest lifestyle
Health/Wellness, Mom Hacks

3 Simple Tips For Living The Healthiest Lifestyle You Possibly Can

When we say 'living the healthiest lifestyle,' what do we really mean? In short, being 'healthy' depends on the person.

April 27, 2022

“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