Yesterday I spent the better half of my afternoon at a birthday party for my son. Well, my step son really. Actually he's just my sons unofficial step brother, but we have never seen him that way. You see, yesterday was his 12th birthday and my son and I joined him, as well as my husband (we're still legally married though we've not been together since 2002), his high school sweetheart /ex-girlfriend who is the mother of my son's step brother and also one of my best friends, his four sisters (by two different women) and one of his sister's friends. Oh, and my husband's new girlfriend.

Confused yet? Welcome to the world of co-parenting. Most of the time it is just easier to call all of these assorted children my own because when you try to break down the dynamics of this unique infrastructure to people, you can see their minds literally being blown. They go a bit cross eyed trying to keep track.

While most people would assume a scenario like that would be a precursor to an episode of "Maury" or "Jerry Springer," it's actually not that hard to be civil and co-parent. We share many holidays and family functions together for the sake of our children, and because we are all vital in each others lives. This can be intimidating to new potential love interests, and sometimes called downright weird, but it's for the greater good. Our kids have no clue what it's like to be in the middle of bitter arguments and petty disputes.

Sure, there are times we don't get along, but we work through it. We have no choice, we have children to raise.

I am the matriarch of one of the most complex and confusing blended families I've ever heard of. In total there are nine children that are biologically my husbands, with a total of 15 I believe that he has raised or been in the life of at one point or another.

Our combined children range in age from 21 to four.

We also now have three grandchildren.

These 15 children are divided between six women, including myself. I am the head of this interesting dynasty,as I am the only mother he married.

Now please understand we're not all besties. There are several of the moms that are complete non factors when it comes to our group efforts to raise the children together. Then there is one complete psycho who is still completely obsessed with my husband who makes life difficult for all involved.

But then there's me and the high school sweetheart, and we will include his new love, since she seems like a great fit for the family.

I will soon step down as the official matriarch and stand aside as the Queen Mother ("Game of Thrones" reference) now that my husband has finally found who he want's to spend the rest of his life with. I couldn't be happier for him. He annoys the life out of me, we don't always see eye to eye, but he is the father of my son, step father of my daughter, my friend and someone I chose to create a family with.

It's our responsibility as parents to put aside petty differences for the well being of our kids. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and with the size of our family, we're a village in itself.

While other people think we are absolutely insane, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I plan on sharing many family adventures with you!