We're Not Blended - We're Pureed

Can two families learn to cohabitate?
In peace?
Ever?

Are you terrified that you’ve turned into a version of the fairy-tale wicked stepparent?

Do you paste on a smile and pretend your family is a vision of 1950s Main Street America while at home the battle lines are etched in the driveway and signed with the kid’s initials?

Don’t dismay. God is with you. Discover how others have dealt with the difficult issues of blending two families. Find real-world advice to help you when your own words fail.

This engaging readable book is held together with humor, liberally peppered with information, commentary, and includes clinically sound information and proven communication tools.

Both authors provide practical methods for dealing with tough subjects. Short captivating chapters are perfect for those rare moments that parents have to themselves. Readers will enjoy stories and testimonies as they prepare their own families for success.

Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, an accomplished author with a background in education and psychology, reflects on her experiences as a widowed mom with two sons who married a widowed dad with a son of his own. Now, with a few years of perspective, she uses the narrative of her experience to help others better navigate the issues that arise in a new family. Diana's credits include My Devotions, The Metro East Family Gazette, Little Visits Family Devotions and The Lutheran Witness. She is the author of A Time to Dance, Mystery of the Smithton Necklace, and The Trouble with Ralph. Diana received her degree from Webster University, and lives in Southern Illinois with her family.

Marty Lintvedt, Diana’s friend, is a licensed professional counselor (MO) who is nationally certified counselor and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. Their engaging, readable book is held together with humor, liberally peppered with informative commentary, and includes clinically sound informational sidebars and proven communication tools.

Lintvedt received her bachelor’s degree in music from California State University Long Beach in 1979, and her Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO., in 1995. Mrs. Lintvedt has worked in counselor education since 1996. She is a nationally approved clinical supervisor and a registered clinical supervisor for the state of Missouri, and site supervisor to Master’s and doctoral level student interns from Washington University, Covenant Seminary, Lindenwood University, St. Louis University and University Missouri-Saint Louis.

Marty is coordinator of Dispelling the Darkness, a Family Enrichment Series sponsored by Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, O’Fallon, Illinois. This series provides psycho-educational and therapeutic support to families and individuals in Southern Illinois and the St. Louis Metro area.

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