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The Bledsoe Firm JustFamilyLaw.com | 949.363.5551 FEBRUARY | 2026
THE FUTURE IS HERE AND WE HARDLY NOTICE ANYMORE
Take a moment to look around. You’re likely holding a device more powerful than the computers that once filled entire rooms. You might have music, maps, messages, and answers to almost any question sitting right in your pocket. Cars can drive themselves, homes can adjust their own temperature, and artificial intelligence (AI) can write, design, analyze, and create alongside us. This is everyday life now, and it’s a great reminder of just how far human imagination has taken us. Not long ago, many of today’s breakthroughs lived in the realm of science fiction. AI felt like something reserved for futuristic movies. Electric cars were rare novelties, not sleek vehicles you see gliding down highways. Video calls that connect families across continents in seconds felt like a fantasy. Even the idea of asking a device a question and receiving an instant, thoughtful response would have sounded impossible just a generation ago. Yet here we are, living inside what once felt unimaginable. What’s remarkable isn’t just the technology itself, but how it’s literally become part of our norm. We don’t make a big deal when our GPS recalculates our route after a wrong turn … instead, we expect it. We don’t stop in awe when our watch tracks our health; we rely on it. This just proves how adaptable we are as a society. New ideas don’t just change what we can do. They change what we consider ordinary. That’s why moments dedicated to celebrating creativity and imagination matter. National New Idea Week, observed Feb. 8–14, is a chance to pause and appreciate the spark behind every breakthrough. Before every smart device and medical advancement, there was an idea that many doubted, but because
someone asked, “What if?” we are now further than we would have ever imagined. Years ago, few people could accurately describe what daily life would look like today … I know I couldn’t. We underestimated how fast things would move and how innovation would shape our routines. And
that’s the fun part! Looking ahead, it’s nearly impossible to predict what will soon feel normal. What tools will children grow up assuming have always existed? What problems will disappear thanks to solutions we haven’t dreamed up yet?
Maybe creativity itself will expand in ways we can’t yet name and blend our human insight with tools that amplify imagination rather than replace it. History suggests one thing is certain: Whatever feels extraordinary today will one day feel routine. So, let’s celebrate this ongoing journey, and not just the big, headline-grabbing breakthroughs, but the everyday creativity that fuels progress. It’s a great reminder that ideas don’t belong only to labs or boardrooms. They come from conversations, questions, experiments, and moments of curiosity. They come from people noticing a problem and believing there might be a better way. What a time of pride we live in! It’s an era shaped by bold thinking and rapid change, and we’re all part of it. The future will be built, one idea at a time, in ways that surprise us. If the past has taught us anything, it’s that the next “unimaginable” advancement may already be taking shape in someone’s mind right now. —John Bledsoe
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CUSTODY MATTERS
CLEAR RECORDS HELP PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S BEST INTERESTS
SAVE SUPPORTING EVIDENCE. Whenever possible, back up your notes with evidence. This may include text messages, emails, photos, videos, medical records, school reports, or witness statements. Store copies securely and keep them well-organized so they’re easy to reference if needed.
When custody is involved, details matter. Whether you’re preparing for court or protecting your child’s best interests, proper documentation can make a significant difference. The key is to be accurate, consistent, and focused on facts, not emotions. DON’T FORGET DOCUMENTATION. Always document issues that directly affect the child. These may include missed visitations, unsafe living conditions, substance abuse, neglect, exposure to conflict, or failure to meet medical or educational needs. Avoid recording personal grievances that don’t impact the child’s welfare. Courts prioritize the child’s best interests above all else. STICK TO FACTS, NOT FEELINGS. When documenting, write like a reporter, not a participant in the conflict. Record what happened, when it occurred, where it took place, and who was present. For example, instead of writing, “They were drunk and irresponsible,” write, “On March 12, at 7:30 p.m., the other
AVOID ESCALATION OR MANIPULATION.
Never provoke situations to “create” evidence. Courts take manipulation seriously, and it can damage your case. Your role is to observe, document, and protect, not to escalate conflict. Stay calm and prioritize your child’s emotional safety.
parent arrived smelling of alcohol and was unsteady on their feet.” Objective language strengthens your credibility. KEEP A CONSISTENT RECORD. Use a dedicated notebook, digital document, or parenting app to keep entries organized and chronological. Date every entry and record incidents as soon as possible while details are fresh. Consistency over time helps show ongoing issues rather than isolated events.
KNOW WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP.
If issues are serious or ongoing, consult our office. We can guide you on what documentation is most useful and how to present it effectively if custody arrangements are reviewed.
The Everyday Magic That Heals Us Finding Awe in the Ordinary
In a world that races ahead at full speed, it’s easy to lose sight of wonder. We rush through our routines, scrolling, planning, and worrying, and rarely pause just to feel. But when we do stop long enough to notice the world’s quiet beauty, something remarkable happens: We experience awe. This emotion, which is part surprise, part reverence, can shift our perspective, soothe our nervous system, and reconnect us with something larger than ourselves.
even promote compassion. It’s as if our minds momentarily reboot and remind us that life is vast and full of meaning beyond our daily concerns. Standing beneath a star-filled sky or witnessing a child’s laughter can make us feel small, but not in a diminishing way. Instead, we sense our place in life. That feeling of belonging and connectedness nourishes emotional balance and strengthens our resilience. ENCOUNTER AWE IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS. You don’t need to climb a mountain or visit a famous landmark to experience awe. It’s waiting in the subtle corners of your day: the way sunlight dances on a wall, the sound of rain tapping on the roof, or how someone’s kindness catches you off guard.
Try taking a few minutes each day to slow down and look around. Step outside, watch the clouds, or listen to a piece of music that stirs you. When you allow awe to find you, you begin to reconnect with presence, gratitude, and joy. Awe heals because it reminds us that we’re part of something larger and endlessly unfolding. In moments of difficulty, wonder offers perspective and hope. It grounds us, opens our hearts, and helps us see clearly beyond fear or fatigue. So, pause today. Let a moment of awe find you and allow it to do its quiet, powerful work.
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF FEELING AWE.
When we are captivated with awe, time seems to slow. Our thoughts, usually centered on our own problems and plans, suddenly expand to encompass the broader picture, which helps dissolve stress and boosts emotional well-being. Research indicates that awe can reduce inflammation, lower heart rate, and
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W ord S earch
When Money Becomes Control
Dream Equality Festival Groundhog Hearts King Lincoln Muffin Pancake Rabbit Roses
THE HIDDEN REALITY OF FINANCIAL ABUSE IN MARRIAGE
Financial abuse in a marriage often hides in plain sight. Unlike physical or verbal abuse, it can be subtle, gradual, and camouflaged as “responsibility” or “love.” Over time, it erodes independence, confidence, and security. Recognizing the warning signs is the first step toward protecting yourself or someone you care about. ONE PARTNER CONTROLS ALL THE MONEY. A major red flag is when one spouse maintains total control over finances while shutting the other out. This might look like restricting access to bank accounts, refusing to share passwords, or demanding detailed explanations for every purchase. Healthy marriages involve transparency and shared decision-making, not secrecy and surveillance. YOU’RE GIVEN AN ALLOWANCE. If you have to ask for money or are given a fixed allowance regardless of household income, this can signal financial abuse. An allowance dynamic places one partner in a position of power while the other feels dependent, infantilized, or constantly anxious about spending. Adults in a marriage should not need permission to meet basic needs. DEBT IS USED AS A WEAPON. Financial abusers may run up debt in their partner’s name, pressure them into signing loans, or sabotage their credit. In some cases, they refuse to pay shared bills on purpose, knowing the financial consequences will fall on the other person. Over time, this traps the victim and limits their future options. SABOTAGING WORK OR EDUCATION. Another common tactic is interfering with a partner’s ability to earn money. This may include discouraging work, forcing them to quit a job, creating constant crises during work hours, or belittling their career ambitions. By cutting off income, the abuser increases dependence and reduces the likelihood of escape. FINANCIAL DECISIONS ARE MADE WITHOUT YOU. If major financial choices such as buying property, selling assets, or investing money are made without your input, that’s a serious concern. Marriage should be a partnership. Being excluded from decisions that affect your future is not just unfair; it’s a way to maintain control. MONEY IS USED TO MANIPULATE OR PUNISH. Withholding money as punishment, threatening to cut off financial support, or using money to force compliance are clear warning signs. Statements like “You’d be nothing without me” or “I pay for everything, so you do what I say” are abusive.
Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken
INGREDIENTS • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 tbsp hot honey • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese • 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or thyme) • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. 3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. 4. In a small bowl, mix hot honey and minced garlic to create a glaze. 5. Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the hot honey mixture over top. 6. Sprinkle chicken with crumbled feta, then rosemary or thyme. 7. Bake at 400 F for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. 8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization. 9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon juice and extra herbs before serving.
Inspired by LadySavor.com
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Inside
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Living in the Future We Never Saw Coming
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Proper Documentation Can Make or Break a Custody Case Healing Through the Eyes of Awe Warning Signs of Financial Abuse Between Spouses Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken
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Mastering the Art of Cold- Weather Camping
Create the Ultimate Winter Camping Experience FROM FROST TO FIRELIGHT
CHOOSE YOUR SPOT WISELY. A beautiful winter campsite still requires a smart choice. Avoid the bottom of slopes (cold air settles there) and the top of ridges (wind bites). Instead, look for flat terrain, shelter from the wind,
There’s something magical about stepping outside into a hush of freshly fallen snow, pitching your tent beneath stars that feel crystal‑clear, and inhaling air so cold it feels pure. Winter camping allows you to experience nature in slow motion. The frozen landscape creates a peaceful stillness you won’t find on summer outings. LAYER SMART TO STAY COZY. Whether you’re trudging into a snowy clearing or setting up camp under a frosty sky, your number one ally is layering. Start with a snug “base” layer that traps warmth against your body. Next, add something insulating, like a fleece or down. Your final layer should protect you from wind and snow. Skip cotton because it soaks up moisture, and getting wet accelerates frostbite. KEEP YOUR FEET DRY. Wet socks are the quick route to misery in cold weather. Snow melts, boots get damp,
and you sweat while hiking. So, aim to stay dry from the get‑go with waterproof boots, gaiters, and maybe even snowshoes if you’re in deep powder.
GROUND PROTECTION MATTERS. You’ve hauled all this gear out into the cold, so don’t let the frozen ground steal your warmth. A solid sleeping pad acts as insulation between you
and a nice snow‑bed you can compress by walking on it before you pitch your tent. Your tent door should face away from the prevailing wind.
MAKE THE EVENINGS COZY.
and the ground. Choose one with a decent R‑value (thermal resistance) or layer two simpler pads to block the chill. Then add a sleeping bag appropriate for the low you’re expecting. If your bag is rated for milder temperatures, a liner can extend its comfort zone by several degrees.
Once the sun dips and temperatures slide, it’s all about comfort! A warm drink by the campfire, flipping through a good book, chatting quietly while the stars shimmer overhead: These are the moments that make winter camping memorable!
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