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Cinderella and the Seven Dwarfs

Lauri Waring Peterson explains why marrying her Prince Charming doesn't mean a happy ever after.

By Lauri Peterson

Hi everybody! Sorry I'm getting to my first blog one week late. I'm suffering from a bad case of living in la la land. George keeps me very, very busy, you know what I mean? This newlywed stuff is killing me and leaving me much to weak to think! Ha. Congratulations to the "other wives" for being so punctual!

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This brings me to the first question that I guess everyone wants to know - since marrying my "Prince Charming," has married life been the fairy tale I expected? Well, yes of course and maybe a little bit no. I've heard some say I have the Cinderella story. People think that George and I rode off in the sunset and lived happily ever after. Well after one year of marriage, I would say that our relationship is more complicated than just Cinderella and Prince Charming. It is more like Cinderella meets Snow White, or rather Cinderella and the Seven Dwarfs! Yes, that's it!

My relationship with George is amazing and we really do ride off in the sunset many nights. Our kids say that we are lovebirds. I missed out on spending the first half of my life with George, so I enjoy spending every second that I have with him now. The other wives have pointed out that I call George "babe" way too much and it makes them queasy, but George just seems so formal. So, if anyone can think of a better nickname, I'll give it a go! I say it out of habit; in fact I accidentally call many people babe. We truly are glued to each other's hip. We hate spending time apart and try to limit that as much as possible. There isn't anything that he wouldn't do for me. He is even trying to snore more softly--NOT! I love our endless hours of conversation, nightly walks, trail rides on our horses, cutting roses in the garden, couples massages, vacationing at a minutes notice, shopping (George can shop like a girl!) and our fantastic love life!

All of that part is effortless...now add the seven dwarfs. This is where life becomes challenging. Our seven children are all perfectly charming and enchanting in their own ways and I wouldn't trade any of them for the world. They have blended with each other marvelously, but there is never a dull moment in our household. Life, all encompassing, has its difficulties. George and I find ourselves constantly juggling things like vomit, ear infections, tummy aches, diarrhea, broken bones, broken hearts, homework, softball, riding lessons, violin lessons, driving lessons and orthodontics. Anyway, I'm just saying that I don't recall seeing Cinderella stress about any of these issues, so is my life a fairy tale? You be the judge! We try to keep as many balls in the air but know inevitably some will occasionally fall. We count our blessings and we're thankful to alive and, for the most part, well.

With all of the responsibilities that come with full-time parenting, George and I have decided to forgo our honeymoon for the time being. Our children really need us right now and we have yet to find a caregiver that can handle our absence to our expectations. We are perfectly OK with this as we have yet to find a place in the world that we love more than our beautiful and comfy home. However, if I were to dream... I did see this amazing place (online) in the Maldives. You arrive by a seaplane. The house was built over the ocean and everything about it looked incredibly sexy and romantic. The water looked so clear and blue with perfect white beaches. We will get there someday, for sure when the last dwarf turns 18!

I think Gretchen is the perfect addition to the cast. My first impression was that she looked so perfect--very OCish. She had it all going on - the hair, the nails, the make-up, the clothes and of course, the shoes and handbag! Being the new girl is always hard. At first she seemed a bit naive, like a lamb thrown into a lion's den. I don't think we exactly intimidated her, I think it was more the intimidation of joining the wives club four years after it started. I've since changed my mind about Gretchen, and I know she can stand her ground. At the very least, you have to love her Gretchen-isms. Did I hear her say "holy shmackadoodle" and "oh my golly ga ga?" Gretchen is hot, but since Tamra has declared me to be her new BFF, I must remain loyal. By the way Tamra, that was very Paris of you! I'm honored. I think when a group of women get together, there is bound to be gossip and drama. Women can be just plain catty. Our group jokes around and we tease each other, but for the most part, it isn't destructive--at least I would hope to think that way. I think it is just our way of showing the love!

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