To all the StepMoms out there.

*All stepmoms deserve some special credit and appreciation. Ashley and Jo, you're amazing.*

You don't call me Mom,

nor do you carry any of my genes.

I love you as if you were my own,

and that's something that will never change.

I do your laundry and clean your dishes,

I bake cookies for your school.

I'm there in the middle of the night,

when your dreams turn cruel.

I hold your hand when you get scared,

and I clean up after you when you get sick.

I've learned a new level of patience,

and a kiss on the knee will always do the trick.

I don't get to see you on Mother's Day,

and I don't get to call you my own.

but I get so excited to see you every visit,

and can't believe the amount of love you all have shown.

Being a stepmom has it's hard times, and amazing times. It's hard finding that balance of friendship and respect. I love my stepsons more than anything in this entire world and wouldn't trade them for anything. Yes, they drive me nuts and I swear they've given me a gray hair already. But I wouldn't trade anything for everything they have given me or the person they have helped me become. I have an amazing stepdad and hope that I can be HALF as amazing as him :) Step parents really deserve a lot more credit than they get.