Do you know a family that was put in the blender?

We're a family, and I don't care how we're labled. We're happy. Still I cringe each time I read the word 'blended' in association with defining a family unit. In my mind I have visions of of arms and legs hanging out of a blender - the kind I use for soup in the kitchen.

Then there is the step-family, our current designer label. Where does the word 'step' fit in, and why is it used. You never hear people saying, "Oh, yeah this is my nuclear son and wife." So why do we need to introduce ourselves as 'step' this and 'step' that.

We've abolished the word 'step' in my family, and it was a mutual evolution by my daughter and my husband. I'm proud of them to see how much we mirror the most prized form of the family, however I have no desire to be in that kind of family. I like the extra dynamics and the fact that a positive and loving can be formed without the need for biological ties. After all, this step business is really only a half form of adoption and you wouldn't introduced the child in you care as "This is my adopted daughter." It would show a lack of bonding in what is a spin off of the nuclear family.