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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life as a (second)wife, (step)mom, and (frazzled)bear with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Author: Jyl Barlow

I was thrown headfirst into the world of mom-ming as a very unqualified (step)mom in 2013. Shortly after, I thought it might make sense to start documenting my story in order to provide written documentation for my (step)children's therapists. Today? I'm mostly having mid-range success at navigating the world around me. I'd even go so far as to say my family thrives on a typical day. I find most things funny and often laugh when it's completely inappropriate...I'm not sure if that served me well or is a sign of my ongoing need for professional help.

Pimp My Prose

When I decided to write a book three years ago, I wasn't kidding (although I did think it would only take a minute). You are never too old for new goals.

Jyl Barlow Anxiety, Divorce, Humor by Women, Humor for Women, Humour by Women, Humour for Women, ocd, parenting, Parenting Fails, Stepmom Leave a comment February 6, 2023February 5, 2023 1 Minute

My Husband Doesn’t Nap Right.

I love a good nap. I love an average nap. I have mastered all of the naps. Now, if I could just get my husband on board.

Jyl Barlow Funny Pearls, ocd Leave a comment January 30, 2023 4 Minutes

Who Dunne Wrong?

A controversial Monday thought: I think we do, as women, have a responsibility for how we project ourselves and, as a result, how men look at us.

Jyl Barlow Anxiety, Daughters, Gymnastics, ocd, sons Leave a comment January 23, 2023 6 Minutes

The Meatball that Saved Our Marriage.

At the end of each year, I like to reflect back on the moments that shaped it for me. In 2022, a frozen meatball saved our marriage.

Jyl Barlow Anxiety, marriage, ocd, parenting, Stepmom Leave a comment January 16, 2023January 16, 2023 7 Minutes

The Breakup has already Begun

The Longest Breakup: A Response

Jyl Barlow Anxiety, Class of 2024, Daughters, ocd, parenting, Stepmom, teens Leave a comment January 9, 2023January 9, 2023 4 Minutes

What was Mrs. Noah’s name and did she take a lot of Xanax?

I'll be dedicating my next glass of wine to animal care workers. And also the one after that. And the next.

Jyl Barlow Anxiety, cats, family, Funny Pearls, ocd, Parenting Fails, Stepmom Leave a comment January 2, 2023January 2, 2023 6 Minutes

Going to the Chapel … someone else’s, but still.

I am fully prepared to amp up my Wedding Pinterest Board as we head into this new year. Okay, yes, I am already married. It’s just that I haven’t been to a wedding in years and 2023 marks my nephew's big day and I may already be out of control.

Jyl Barlow Anxiety, Funny Pearls, marriage, ocd, Romance Leave a comment December 26, 2022December 26, 2022 5 Minutes

Moving the Manger

Away in the Myrtle, no craze in my Head: We're moving the manger this year.

Jyl Barlow Anxiety, Biological mother, ocd, parenting, stepkids, Stepmom Leave a comment December 19, 2022 6 Minutes

Nature vs NO-ture

Deer, raccoons, and other reasons why I have rescinded this year’s application for “Favorite Parent.”

Jyl Barlow Anxiety, Funny Pearls, ocd, parenting, Parenting Fails, sons, Stepmom, teens Leave a comment December 12, 2022 7 Minutes

Winter Break: Coming in Hot

Many of us are coming off a sneak peek of what the long winter break will entail as our college students return home. If Winter Break is the main course, Thanksgiving is the appetizer. A quick warm-up to the presto-chango from blissful family time to pushback and proclamations of “I’m an adult now!!!”

Jyl Barlow Stepmom 1 Comment December 5, 2022December 5, 2022 3 Minutes

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What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting has been soft-launched! Click here (or under the "Buy My Book!" tab) to Buy, Love, and Review!

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Other Places I Write:
  • Today.com: Parenting Team
  • Funny Pearls UK
  • Grown and Flown
  • Ryan's Crossing
  • Herring Homes
  • JSJ Builders
  • Triangle New Home Guide (print magazine)

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