For the past decade I have been a step parent, a role I never anticipated in my life. I married a wonderful man with four beautiful children; three daughters and one son. Although three of my step children were at least eighteen, one of them, a female, was only thirteen when I became her step mom. Every grown woman knows that being thirteen in and of itself is at times "no picnic." Now add in a step mom and the situation allows for additional challenges the step child never anticipated. I have a very strong faith and a personal relationship with Jesus and therefore, although I knew this would be challenging, I knew He would guide my every step. Since the youngest child decided to live with her dad, I became a "full-time" step mom. Her decision to stay with her father was something I supported and vowed to assist in any way I possibly could. Today she is 26, recently married and I am proud of the beautiful woman she has become. Through my step parenting experience a wonderful blended family has emerged. The many efforts of all the parents as well as the children have made my life with my blended family so fulfilling that I felt I needed to share this experience with others. I made some decisions in the very beginning which enabled me to become a successful step parent. Therefore I decided to write a book in which I share various experiences and outcomes based on how I chose to focus on different situations that occurred. I didn't get everything right and made some mistakes but I learned that when I did, I was "out of focus." I would like to extend a sincere thank you to those individuals who assisted me during the process of writing my book. A special thanks to my dear friends, Carol Algier, Marlene Balzer, Lana Ciociolo-Hinkell, Melissa Kennedy, Evelyn Robinson and Anne White for their desire to lend their editing talent which enabled me to complete my book. These ladies are my "sister-friends" and I will always be grateful for their input and support during this process. I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Carlos Pascoal for allowing me to use his beautiful photos taken of my children and grandchildren. These photos captured the beauty and personality of each of my precious children and grandchildren and I am so grateful to include them as the finishing touch I so desired for my book. My hope is that while reading this book you feel every emotion I felt as I was writing it and leave you wanting more. As my life goes on continued updates will be provided in my blog on my website www.stepasidestepmom.com. Please join me on my continued journey as a step parent and grandparent and I hope to join you on your journey as well. One final note: 10% of the book's royalties will be donated in support of various charities caring for children. God Bless