The Peach Palace

Blending – Part 1

When you are divorced and a single parent you establish a routine that works for you and your kids. If you are anything like me, you become very attached to that routine. Your home looks a certain way, your day flows a certain way, and you know what to expect with the humans that share a home with you. All of that changes when you remarry and add three more humans to the house. Before our wedding my husband and I owned separate houses. We made the decision to sell his house, move into mine (3 bedroom / 1.5 bath), and then eventually build or buy our next house together. So what’s it like to live in a tiny house (aka The Peach Palace) as a newly blended family? Beautiful chaos.

Shared bedrooms with new siblings, one shower, cooking for a family of 6, and new routines. Everyone had to sacrifice something whether it was parting with stuff or space. We had to learn how to live together as a family. At one point we ate dinner in the backyard and decided picnics were the way to go during these summer months. More space and less to clean up. The kids adjusted way better than I expected. I especially admired the girls and how they settled into a small room with bunk beds and four years age difference.

We made the most of living in The Peach Palace. We used every square inch of space and it was never quiet. Tight quarters and new routines can challenge you. We made mistakes. There were times we retreated to “yours” and “mine.” We had to invite God in. Over and over again. We started to build our foundation. We knew our relationship as husband and wife had to come first so our foundation was strong and sturdy. So that each of our kids could build upon that foundation. This required persistence, prayer, and encouragement from special mentors that traveled the road before us.

For me this all translates to practice, not perfection. A reminder that surfaces often for me. I had to get comfortable with being imperfect, but believing I could show up to be the mom and wife I wanted to be with God’s help. We made a lot of good memories in that tiny house. I know we will always treasure the summer we spent in The Peach Palace. The very beginning of our blended adventure.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-5