https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/pdf/FLBp2025-12-01.pdf

https://fl-podcasts.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/FLBP/docs/FLBp20251201_S07_E178.docx

Their first Christmas nearly broke them. Five kids, two parenting styles, zero prep. But Scott and Deana Thayer didn’t quit—they built a blended family from mismatched traditions, co-parenting chaos, and grace-fueled grit. As a couple now helping blended families thrive, the Thayers share hard-won wisdom, church-sized challenges, and the “95/5” rule that saved their sanity. Blending isn’t easy—but it’s worth every messy, beautiful step.

Show Notes and Resources
Gift a copy of Gayla's new devotional, Beautifully Blended 
Access the free Smart Stepfamily Series
Look for a small group online 
Blended & Blessed is April 18, 2026 
Find a qualified counselor for your marriage and family 
Support FamilyLife Blended 

Their first Christmas nearly broke them. Five kids, two parenting styles, zero prep. But Scott and Deana Thayer didn&rsquo;t quit&mdash;they built a blended family from mismatched traditions, co-parenting chaos, and grace-fueled grit. As a couple now helping blended families thrive, the Thayers share hard-won wisdom, church-sized challenges, and the &ldquo;95/5&rdquo; rule that saved their sanity. Blending isn&rsquo;t easy&mdash;but it&rsquo;s worth every messy, beautiful step.
Show Notes and Resources
<ul>
<li><a href="https://shop.familylife.com/product/beautifully-blended-101-devotions-to-encourage-couples-in-blended-families/">Gift a copy of Gayla's new devotional, Beautifully Blended</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/content-offers/the-smart-stepfamily/">Access the free Smart Stepfamily Series</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/find-an-event/#blendedmap">Look for a small group online&nbsp;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.blendedandblessed.com/">Blended &amp; Blessed is April 18, 2026</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://smartstepfamilies.com/smart-help/therapy-providers">Find a qualified counselor for your marriage and family</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://donate.familylife.com/blended/?cru_source=D000BLENDG&amp;cru_medium=DesktopHeaderNav&amp;cru_campaign=Blended">Support FamilyLife Blended</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

FamilyLife Blended® provides timeless wisdom and practical help and hope for blended families and those who love them. Join Ron L. Deal, LMFT, LPC as he and his guests discuss a wide variety of marriage, family, and relationship topics related to blended families.

Timeless wisdom and practical help and hope for blended families with Ron Deal, LMFT, LPC.

FamilyLife Blended® Podcast

Five kids. Two parenting styles. One rocky first Christmas. Scott and Deana Thayer share how faith, grit, and their “95/5” rule turned chaos into connection—helping blended families find hope, healing, and love that lasts through every messy moment.

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