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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:

girl living off the grid
December 5, 2022

How To Start Living ‘Off The Grid’

When it comes to 'living off the grid,' the idea is to simplify. Rather than being tethered to 'things,' you're...

by Sally Richards
family putting up a Christmas tree together
December 1, 2022

The Gift of Presence Over Presents

Presence over presents: Let’s gift our presence—our undivided time, our full attention, and our love—to our friends and family.

by jamibrouillette
family learning to enjoy and stay healthy during the holidays
November 29, 2022

10 Tips For Staying Healthy During The Holidays

With these tips for staying healthy during the holidays, you can enjoy all the festivities without sacrificing your well-being.

by jamibrouillette
November 3, 2022

Simple Home Upgrade: Dark Window Treatments

If you're looking for a simple home upgrade, consider adding dark window treatments to sound-proof, insulate, & add some...

by Katy Kipper

See More:

FROM THE HEART:

family putting up a Christmas tree together

The Gift of Presence Over Presents

by jamibrouillette

Presence over presents: Let’s gift our presence—our undivided time, our full attention, and our love—to our friends and family.

December 1, 2022
From The Heart, Holidays
Marisa Donnelly & son reading, Momish Moments

4 Ways To Help Your Child Cope With Big Life Changes

by Marisa Donnelly

There are many ways to help your child cope with big life changes, but everything starts with empathy. Meet your child where he/she is.

November 29, 2022
From The Heart, Health/Wellness
child with painted hands having fun

4 Little Ways To Help Your Child Succeed

by Marisa Donnelly

Your child(ren) mean the world to you, and undoubtedly, you only want the best for them. Part of wanting your kids to achieve their hopes and dreams is helping them get to that point. And if we’re being honest, that commitment goes beyond the simple things, like driving them to school, waking up with them in the morning, and cooking meals. If you really...

September 8, 2022
From The Heart
My Bonus Mom Story

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Our Unfiltered Life:

A perfect representation of motherhood — marker- A perfect representation of motherhood — marker-stained fingers, 5AM drawing silly faces on 20 'pumpkins' for school because you remembered last minute that you signed up to be a volunteer — late nights, early mornings, and just trying to balance it all. But you wouldn't change it for the world. Motherhood is messy but so beautiful. . . . #momishmoments #momish #honestmotherhood #unfilteredmotherhood #momthings #justmomthings #mama #momdiary #bonusmom #bonusmama #stepmom #momhumor
It took me SO LONG to realize this. . . ⁣ and to It took me SO LONG to realize this. . . ⁣ and to be okay with it.⁣ ⁣ For so long, I was fighting for love, acceptance, and to be the 'favorite' parent. But that's not how this works. And it's not healthy (for your kiddo, or for you). Stepping into a blended family isn't about 'winning' or 'replacing' the bio parent. . . it's about being a BONUS to that child's life!⁣ ⁣ Your child isn't going to love you the same way he loves his bio parent. . . and that's a good thing. Because the relationship you build is YOURS, and beautiful, and real. 💞⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momishmoments #momish #honesttruth #motherhoodtruth #motherhoodunfiltered #unfilteredmotherhood #nofilter #honestmama #honestmom #stepmomtruth #stepmom #stepmama #stepbystepparents #bonusmom #bonusmama #stepparenting #stepparent #blendedfamily
I found this picture in my gallery this morning, a I found this picture in my gallery this morning, and I had to stop for a minute and just reflect on these interesting times. This was summer of 2020, right after the first round of craziness happened and we were getting ready to field whatever craziness happened next. ⁣ ⁣ This was after weekly zooms where I watched my stepson struggle to keep up with the fast-pace of a virtual 'classroom.' This was after two months of signing off, working together, and sharing tears, laughter, frustration, and lost hope while sitting side-by-side, laptop-by-laptop.⁣ ⁣ This picture was from was summer school, one of the unexpected virtual days, and this was him and I — side by side — as he listened to his teacher and I (attempted to) work.⁣ ⁣ This is how it was, a struggle for balance, for independence, for figuring out what we were going to do next. At this moment, the homeschool was a distant thought. . . I had considered it, but I, like so many other parents, was just hopeful that things would turn around.⁣ ⁣ Little did I know that in three months from taking this picture, I would launch a full-time homeschool and teach right here in this tiny kitchen. Little did I know that this picture would be the start of a journey I never imagined — for either of us. But it all started right here, side by side. ❤️⁣ ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #microschoolingmama #nontraditionallearning #nontraditionaleducation #dearson #dearsonofmine #momishmoments #changingeducation #homeschool #sandiegohomeschool #learningpod #individualizedlearning #unschooling #flexiblelearning #flexiblelearningoptions #dailyapple #donnellydailyapple #sandiegohomeschool #teachermom
Precisely. 🙈😅⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momishmomen Precisely. 🙈😅⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #momishmoments #momfunny #momhumor #motherhoodmemes #mamamemes #mommemes #mamahumor #stepmomhumor #stepmamahumor #stepmom #bonusmom
Eighth.⁣ Seventh.⁣ Sixth.⁣ Fifth.⁣ Fourth. Eighth.⁣ Seventh.⁣ Sixth.⁣ Fifth.⁣ Fourth.⁣ ⁣ It's crazy that I've been in your life for all these years, all these firsts, all these houses, and dogs, and scraped knees, and baseball games, and haircuts, and laughs, and memories. Becoming a mama — in this way, with this timeline — wasn't something I planned for myself. But you know what? You're my favorite 'yes,' little man. ⁣ ⁣ I'm proud and incredibly honored to watch you grow. ❤️⁣ Happy first day of eighth grade! #teenager⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #eighthgrade #middleschooler #middleschool #raisingmen #boymom #firstday #bonusmom #stepmom #bonusmama #momishmoments #firstdayofschool #loveyouforever #dearsonofmine #dearson #firstdaypictures
All the *special things* people have said to me as All the *special things* people have said to me as a stepmom who has her bonus kiddo full-time. 💞⁣ . .⁣ .⁣ #juststepmomthings #stepmomthings #bonusmom #bonusmama #stepmomhumor #stepmamahumor #bonusmomhumor #darkhumor #stepparenting #stepbystepparents #stepparentlaughs #momhumor #justmomthings #momthings #mamahumor #honestmotherhood #honestparenting #shitpeoplesay #thingspeoplesay #stepmomtruth #stepmomfunny #momfunny
"I have a child who happened to be born before I m "I have a child who happened to be born before I met him." 💛⁣ ⁣ Love this phrasing because being a stepparent doesn't mean that my son is any less of mine. Sure, he was born before I met him. Sure, he has a biological mama. Sure, he's not genetically mine.⁣ ⁣ But he's still my son⁣ & always will be.⁣ ⁣ — #momish .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #dearsonofmine #myson #stepmom #stepmomstrong #stepmomconfession #stepmomtruth #stepmama #bonusmom #bonusmama #momquotes #bonusmomquotes #bonusmamaquotes #stepmomquotes #quotesforstepmoms
I don't know how to be "less." So, for anyone el I don't know how to be "less." So, for anyone else who, like me, struggles & feels this way, please know you're not alone. Don't try to be "less." Just be you. ❤️ . . . #mommydiaries #honestmom #honestmotherhood #momboss #workingmom #businessowner #businesswoman #marisadonnelly #bonusmom #stepmom #multipassionate #multipassionatecreative #multipassionatewoman #mamaceo #ceomom #defaultparent #mommydiary #momdiary
6/2 — Excerpts from my journal "A notification 6/2 — Excerpts from my journal "A notification pops up on my phone and I click on it. My screen lights up with your face and our texting thread, which includes a series of silly emojis, voice messages, and a few texts you left unanswered. I click on the most recent message and your voice fills the room, "I love you," you say, and it echoes over and over in my mind. I don't think you'll ever understand how strange and beautiful it is to hear those words. It's different than romantic love, different than the way your dad whispers I love you into my hair when he's half asleep and we're snuggled in bed. It's different than my sister and hearing her voice through the phone. It's different than my mother and exchanging our sentiments before hanging up a video call. You are not my biological child—you don't have to love me—and yet you do. And I love you. You are my son in every sense of the word. And sometimes I wonder if that simple, powerful, incredible thing hits you in the chest like it hits me. I love you, too." . . . . #dearsonofmine #dearson #lovenotesfrommom #journalexcerpts #momishmoments #momish #bonusmom #lifeofabonusmom #mommydiaries #diaryofabonusmom
Shooting off rockets in the yard, making explosion Shooting off rockets in the yard, making explosions, science experiments with dad after work. . . yep, it feels like summer! 🌞 @kiwico_inc⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #kiwicrates #kiwicreate #creativekids #stemkids #stemforkids #sciencexperiments #feelslikesummer #summertime #sweetsummertime #momishmoments #momish #stepmom #boymom
Dyslexia is a huge part of my parenting story, it' Dyslexia is a huge part of my parenting story, it's a huge part of my life as a stepparent-advocate, and it's my son's identity and yet only a piece of who he is. 🧩⁣ ⁣ Thankful, every day, to be on this journey of advocacy, empowerment, and learning. ⁣ ⁣ Whether you have a child with dyslexia, know someone with dyslexia, or maybe even have dyslexia yourself. . . here are some ways to unlearn & think differently about dyslexia and how people move through life with it.⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #dyslexiaawareness #thisisdyslexia #dyslexiashow #parentsofdyslexics #specialneedsparenting #parentofadyslexic #dyslexiainkids #dyslexiaaware #dyslexiais #dyslexialookslike #specialneedsawarness #acommodations #learningdisabilities #momishmoments #momish
"Look Marisa, I'm a seal!"⁣ ⁣ (This memory liv "Look Marisa, I'm a seal!"⁣ ⁣ (This memory lives in my head rent-free . . . but honestly, I don't know what I'd do without this little guy and our laughs.) 👩‍👦⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #boymom #bonusmom #stepmom #momishmoments #momish #momhumor #kidhumor #havekidstheysaid #kidsdothedarnestthings #dentist #kidsatthedentist #kidswillbekids
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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:

Sensory-Friendly Birthday Party IdeasHere are some tips for throwing a sensory-friendly birthday party to avoid overwhelming the...October 10, 2022

Benefits And Challenges Of A Special Needs Foster Care AdoptionAdoptions are beautiful and challenging, especially when it comes to special needs foster care...August 11, 2022

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

SAN DIEGO, TRAVEL + LIFESTYLE:

girl living off the grid
Lifestyle, Travel

How To Start Living ‘Off The Grid’

When it comes to 'living off the grid,' the idea is to simplify. Rather than being tethered to 'things,' you're choosing/curating your space.

December 5, 2022
girl with cotton candy
Health/Wellness

How To Lower Your Child’s Sugar Intake

It is possible to lower your child's sugar intake. But it's about gradually lowering it, rather than removing it completely.

December 5, 2022
Marisa Donnelly & son reading, Momish Moments
From The Heart, Health/Wellness

4 Ways To Help Your Child Cope With Big Life Changes

There are many ways to help your child cope with big life changes, but everything starts with empathy. Meet your child where he/she is.

November 29, 2022
woman holding out her hand with flowers
Health/Wellness

6 Surprising Causes of Dry & Scaly Skin

Do you know what causes dry skin? Here are several surprising causes of dry, scaly skin to watch out for (for yourself and your children).

November 28, 2022
person holding tooth with issues
Health/Wellness

Nasty Tooth Concerns (And How To Fix Them)

Having good dental hygiene is important for children and parents alike. When problems with teeth occur, it can sometimes feel catastrophic as these issues have an impact on both...

November 25, 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