Do the rest of you regularly (or semi-regularly) go through your steppies cell phone? I do it with SDs, whenever I feel like it. Boy did I find some pretty pictures today! :jawdrop: :sick: :sick: :sick:

Today's pictures featured Sd15 (in some VERY unflattering poses) and my hairbrush! YEP! MY STINKING HAIRBRUSH! Ick, ick, ick!!!!

Is there any special advice you would/will give your own/step children about growing up, marriage, relationships, child rearing or life in general?

I've been thinking about this a lot, lately. For me, I am busy trying to teach SDs and my nieces/nephews not to get into a serious relationship with anyone they don't think will be a great parent, with out without them involved.

In my family, we believe in gift giving, but we SUCK at waiting. Usually the giver is the one who can't wait. Birthdays are the 12 days of _________, and Christmas lasts for 24 days. Easter, we did okay - the kids got their gifts Christmas morning!

In my household, there is Hubby, me, SD12, SD14 and Neighborgirl19. NG19 is a victim of fetal alcohol syndrome, and she tests out at 8. She gets very jealous when SDs are acknowledged as my kids, if she is not.

Sd12 came to me today, crying, and said "Mom, will you ever leave me?" That took me so by surprise, you can't imagine.

I was as honest with her as I could be, and I said "Well, we all have to die sometime. So, I imagine when I am old and grey, and I have had lots of time to play with the grandchildren you give me, I will have to leave you."

Her crying got harder and she said "But my real mom left me! And Nana gave me away."