Inheriting Cousins is AWESOME!

I am Greek. I have a large family just like in the Big Fat Greek Wedding Movie. Well, I thought I had a large family...until I married into an even larger one. My husband's family is very, very large and they invite EVERYONE to EVERYTHING! On both his mom and has dad's sides. Always. I have been known to describe it as overwhelmingly large. Overwhelmingly because there are a lot of people and they are a very loving bunch. Lots of hugs and kisses and affection. My family does all that stuff, but not to the extent. I have been married to Wes for 12 years in May. Even though the family is far bigger now, it is not so overwhelming anymore. I am used to it and I like being part of the family.

Way, way back in the day, I went to one of my first parties of his dad's side of the family. I felt like an outsider...it was awkward. We were not even married yet as I recall. There were 2 lovely ladies that looked a little uncomfortable and were much quieter than most of the others. They came and sat with us and I got to talk to them. They were Wesley's cousins-well step cousins if we are being technical, but in our family, a cousin is a cousin, so I will stick with cousins! I loved them both right away! Wes and I got married and I would see them at occasional family functions and then Wes and I moved across the country. We saw much less of all the family. They also both moved around. They too have families and husbands now.

Once during my husband's radiology residency, I was feeling particularly poor and I noticed a post on Facebook from one of these lovely cousins of Wes (well and of ME now!) She had been shopping, well couponing, and posted a picture of her amazing shopping trip! I was AMAZED! I started asking questions (via Facebook) and learning everything I could about couponing and deals and that led to my Deals blog!

Both of these girls post on my FB page and send me LIKES and I get to "talk to them across the distances that way! I know we talk only on occasion and that we have not seen each other in YEARS, but to Shanna and Christy, I say thanks! Thanks for all the little things you have done over the years to welcome me to the family, to help me learn to find the best deals, and to just feel good knowing you liked something I posted!