path they choose in life, we want them to know they can always come to us for guidance, encouragement, and acceptance. Do you have any family traditions? If so, what are they? Whenever all six of us are together, it never fails that we somehow end up in the basement for an epic family game night. One game quickly turns into another, and before we know it, we’re still playing into the wee hours of the morning. Our favorite game is called Things, and it reeeeally brings out everyone’s competitive side. It’s completely ruthless, full of nonstop laughter, and has created some of our family’s funniest memories. What brings you the greatest joy as a parent? What brings us the greatest joy as parents is watching all four of our kids become exactly who they’re meant to be. Seeing them grow into kind, hardworking, compassionate, and genuinely good people is more rewarding than anything else. They’re all incredibly smart, fiercely competitive, and each has a heart for others in their own unique way. As parents, we all make mistakes, and there’s no such thing as doing it perfectly. You simply hope you’ve loved your children well, led by example, and given them the tools to build meaningful lives. Watching Jake, Sarah, Preston, and Pryce confidently find their own paths and stay true to themselves reminds us that all the hard work, sacrifices, and prayers have been worth it. What advice would you give other families who are navigating a blended family journey? Our biggest piece of advice is to remember that being a stepparent isn’t about replacing the other parent. It’s about becoming another trusted adult who loves and supports the child. In our family, we’ve always believed there should be mutual respect between all parents involved. John never tried to replace the boys’ dad, and Jill always respected Jake and Sarah’s mom. We’ve also learned that it’s important to find the right balance between knowing when to step in and when to step back. A bonus parent can be a mentor, a role model, and a source of unconditional love without trying to take over the role of a parent. Blended families aren’t always easy, but they’re absolutely worth it. Give each other grace, communicate openly and honestly, and respect healthy boundaries. Love doesn’t have to be divided in a blended family. It can be multiplied! FAMILY
