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