Blending Christmas

The kids are getting older and it's really hard to believe we have an 8 year old little girl and 5 year old boys!  This is the first Christmas that we've TRULY blended my background and Blayne's.  Growing up with my parents and having a younger sister consisted of being proper, playing with dolls and barbies, and only going outside to ride my bike (to a friend's house).  I've never REALLY been camping.  Spending the night in a cabin in the woods or in a nice RV DOESN'T count.  Although, I'm not sure I would have gone into the woods without electricity and a warm shower close by.  Blayne was raised on a farm with limited parental supervision, raising animals and learning to hunt and fish.  As much as I would like to shelter our children, Blayne's upbringing yields so many of life's great lessons...... especially for the boys.  Discipline is a big deal and will continue to be a staple in our home, but this year, our kids can spread their wings!  We all remember The Christmas Story.  The one with the Red Ryder B B Gun and YES, this is THAT year.  When the kids wake up Christmas morning, THAT movie will be playing on the television and the kids will receive their very own Red Ryder B B Guns (only for use on the farm, of course!).  Mackenzie's is PINK!  A gun safety course and one on one supervision is a must (per my request).  I can't wait to see their faces when they unwrap their Red Ryder Guns!  I'm hoping it has all the excitement that the movie portrays.  We hope this is the beginning of some very good memories for our children.  I'm looking forward to spending more time at the farm and camping as a family (yes, I'm willing to try it out!)  Just another step in blending our brood!  Merry Christmas and may all your wishes come true!                         

Family Bond

As the Holiday season approaches, Blayne and I have been talking about family traditions.  We really want our kids to have fond memories of these times in our lives.  As parents we would love for them to know what this family stands for.  So, we've been discussing the creation of a family crest.  What colors to choose, what we believe in, the hardships we've been through and learned from are all part of this crest.  During the holidays, the Vackar Family will be having a round table discussion to get everyone's thoughts (even the minis have a voice!) 

In addition to the Family Crest, we will be talking about what we should do as a family to give back.  Do we bring a meal to a needy family?  Do we do Toys for Tots?  Should we buy a tree complete with ornaments for a family that can't afford one?  We have so much to be thankful for this year.  I know I am feeling extremely blessed.  God has done so much in our lives and is revealing his plan for us (in HIS time).  Blayne and I are learning to be patient, grateful, faithful and purposeful!

The First Vackar Family Blog

As I write this first Vackar Family Blog, I am overwhelmed with love and pride for my family!  Blending a family has been a difficult road as Blayne and I continuously observe the kids and their emotions.  Mackenzie, Maguire and Braxtyn have always come first and helping them adjust has been the priority.  I'm happy to say that the work has paid off in a big way.  They are all excelling in school, communicating with us about their feelings and growing as independent little people.  We're proud parents for sure!  The biggest change this year, that has helped our family, has been rearranging our schedules to pick the kids up from school at 3 pm each day.  The past 3 years has consisted of us working until 5 or 6 pm, then picking the kids up from Extended Day, rushing to sports activities, quick (mostly fast food) dinners, bath and bed time.  The kids were CRAVING quality time with us.  Since making this change, we no longer rush about in a fog.  The kids come home at 3pm, have snacks, do homework, help with chores, play with their friends and STILL we have plenty of time to make sports activities starting at 5 pm.  We come home to a homemade meal each night and they are in bed by 8:30 pm ....... ready to start the next day full of energy!  We are still so new to this BLENDING thing, but my hope is to help others in the future as so many U.S. families are blended.  Every family is unique and special.  We are doing the best we can showing our kids how to love one another, communicate with each other, and support one another no matter what.  - Blayne's Wife, Amy