Wel, I've entered another phase of life. I now have a daughter-in-law, or more accurately, a stepdaughter-in-law. My older stepson was married March 30 in a beautiful ceremony at the little country church he and his wife attend.

That feels funny to write -- "wife" -- because to me, he's still the little boy who was superquick to forgive all my faults with a smile and who always liked anything I cooked (and you'd know what that says about his kindness and generosity if you'd ever tasted my cooking). But it's a new phase of his life, too, and I wish him only happiness.

The wedding was a little scarier than I'd imagined. At the rehearsal, I felt sorely out of place -- not that anyone gave me reason to feel that way at all -- it was just me and my lingering stepmom insecurity that can still surface after nearly eleven years. And until that night, I'd completely forgotten that I would be escorted down the aisle. I'm a "sit in the back so maybe nobody will see me" kind of person, but it was the front pew for me for the wedding. At least I could see everything well.

And I didn't trip or spill my punch or anything. Depending on your stage of stepmotherhood, you may be facing potty-training more than weddings or you may already be dealing with stepgrandchildren getting married. The point is that even though our stages of steplife change, the base remains. Even though my stepson is married now, his mom is still a part of my life. Even though I'm older and grayer, I'm still at risk of feeling insecure and afraid. And even though I don't know what'll happens next, I'm still trusting I'll make it through that, too.

As you begin any new part of your steplife, remember to relax, trust what you know, be gracious and smile a lot. And wear comfortable shoes.

If you have any questions or families to nominate, here's the contact information:
Liz Alderman
Casting Producer, Wife Swap
RDF Media
1790 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10019
Phone 646-747-7957
Fax 212-586-3419