A Stepmom's Vows

My favorite part of our wedding was reading my vows to the kids.  Tom and I used the standard vows supplied by our church for each other, but we wanted the kids to be included because this was just as big of a change for them.  I found some other people's vows to their step kids on the internet, combined them, and did a little tweaking to make them fit for us.

"Thank you for sharing Daddy with me, loving me, and allowing me to love you with all of my heart.  I was not there when you took your first steps, but I promise that now I will love and support you in every step that you take in your lives.  On this day when I marry your dad, I marry you, and I promise to love and support you as my own.  I promise always to treat you with love and respect.  I promise to foster my relationship with you and always be there for you in any way I can.  I promise to support you in your relationship with both your mother and your father.  I promise to take time to listen.  I promise always to treat your father with love and respect, and model for you a healthy, loving, and supportive marriage relationship.  Please accept these gifts as a symbol of our love and devotion to the three of you."  (We presented the girls with heart necklaces and CJ with a superman watch. Tom put them on the kids while I read my vows.)

CA, I love you, and I am devoted to making your life full of happiness and accomplishments, nurturing your creativity, encouraging your independence, and making sure you always know what a gift you are to this world.

EJ, I love you, and I am devoted to making your life full of happiness and accomplishments, ensuring that you thrive to your fullest potential, and that while you reach for the sky, you remain grounded by the love of our family and our home.

CJ, I love you, and I am devoted to making your life full of happiness and accomplishments, encouraging your playfulness, building your confidence, and supporting you every step of the way as you grow into a man.