Stepfamily Association

ANGELIKA AND DOUG BULLIS of Moosejaw, Sask., began married life full of hope and love, with all their children (two of hers, two of his and one of theirs) joining in the ceremony and the song "Circle of Life" playing as Angie walked down the aisle. But despite best intentions, Angie recalls her first year with this instant family as a blur of sibling squabbles and rising resentment on her part. With five kids underfoot, she felt like an unpaid servant, constantly cooking, picking up dishes, putting toys away and acting as a referee. She had no time for the special moments she had once enjoyed with her own children, and even less for herself.