ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

We're back everybody and we have so much to share with you all!!!

These past two weeks we've recalled with you the top five blogs from the past year. Our goal, in the beginning, was to share with you a real-life look into our blended family. From marriage to parenting to personal stories and experiences we feel that we've done a pretty good job at that. When it comes to these examples and experiences the sky's the limit and there's no end in sight to the stories that we can share.

April 29th marks one year since we started OurBlendedHerd and this year, April 29th marks another amazing milestone for us - our first home together!!! Not just a roof over our heads and four walls around us but a "we now own this together" piece of property. For Shannon, this is an accomplishment that further connects our marriage. While it does the same for me, this is the first time that I can call myself a homeowner. For Shannon, it's years of micro-managing finances and maintaining discipline, always knowing what's coming in and where it needs to go. For me, it's overcoming years of barely scraping by, poor, immature financial decisions and taking responsibility for my wealth. Shannon took a gamble when she pursued a relationship with me and because she did I'm a richer man for it in so many ways. We've made good on the vow "for richer or poorer."

It's a humbling reminder that we as individuals, as a family and in life are always under construction. And that in itself is a good thing. Whether it's becoming financially accountable, adopting a consistent exercise schedule or overcoming personal roadblocks, being a continuous work-in-progress allows us a way in which to measure progress and raise the bar to further ourselves in all aspects of life.

For us, that includes the direction and growth of The Herd. We're still going to write blogs and we're going to continue our presence on the socials. We'll share memories and stories of the past while also discussing the here and now. There will be highs and inevitably there will be lows. Such is life. But what a waste of time if we don't share these experiences with others. We've found a true sense of belonging amongst the blended family community, and as much as we've shared, we've learned as well.

One exciting endeavour we're REALLY looking forward to is the world of podcasting!!! That's right. We want to reach out on a much more personal level and we can't wait to start recording and sharing more stories and ideas with you through podcasts. We've been lucky enough to guest on the platforms of others and it's really opened our eyes to what we can accomplish!

We've also been approached by readers who wish to contribute to our blog with experiences of their own. What a great idea! No two experiences are the same and if it builds the blended family community then why not? Do YOU have a story you'd like to share? We'd love to feature you!

From adventures in a new house to guest blogs and a podcast, this year is shaping up to be challenging yet rewarding on so many levels!

Change is good, growth through change is better and sharing that growth with others is best. We're excited to have you along with us as we enter our sophomore year and we're so very grateful for all of you that have been with us since day one.

On behalf of myself, Shannon and the girls, thanks, everybody.

Now let's get down to business!!!

Mike - The Herdfather