I don't actually do that. Why do I feel unwelcome? I'm not sure I can say it without it making someone feel offended or like I'm generalizing, so I'll preface by saying this is MY experience and I can't speak for anyone else. In my experience, the more liberal and secular a group of people (I'm in Seattle for reference), the more passionately they feel about politics. When someone finds out my family doesn't participate in politics, particularly when we don't vote, they become openly hostile and just unwelcoming. I also feel this way in deeply conservative areas, but that's more because I'm the "wrong" type of christian.

Ask some local Jehovahs Witnesses and I bet they will say it's not unheard of for them. :) Unfortunately, and I don't know why, the more liberal and secular a city, the more unwelcome I feel.

Eh. Christian persecution happens in the US. Sure, it's nothing compared to my brothers and sisters in other countries, but real nonetheless. Our Halls (churches) are regularly vandalized, our children get harassed in schools for not saying the pledge of allegiance, I've been screamed at by a campaigner who came to my door getting voters registered because I told him my husband doesn't vote, we are accused of horrible things and told we are a cult. Anyway, it happens. There have definitely been times living in the US where I've felt my family isn't safe, strictly because of our religion, both because of other Christians and secular people.

Does White Castle count as a restaurant? Because if so, 4 hour one way trip. DH and I were 18ish, and the trip didn't seem so bad!

I can totally see Ida coming into fashion. Old lady names are popular! But I agree that Ralph won't be making a comeback.

Since this got bumped to the main page, I'll update. Not much different here. Baby C is definitely a boy. I'm feeling mostly fine, though I'm not happy with the uncertainty of when they are coming! I also have to quit my job next week. I work with kids with behavior problems, and we often get kicked or smacked, so just for safety I'm leaving. But other than that, no big changes here, lol. Thanks again for all the replies and well wishes!

I have several friends who had success with ChristianMingle. I don't know much about it. But since you are a busy woman, maybe a internet relationship is the way to start. Far less pressure too, in my opinion.

I love the Hive.

As one does from time to time, and I'm realizing how racially motivated the song is. It's also not at all about being a big beautiful woman. It's actually the opposite, because he talks several times about having a large...back, but being small waisted. I had always thought it was embraced by bigger women. Anyway, this song was before my time, technically. But I remember singing it with my friends to shock the adults around us. Hearing it as an adult is a much different experience. Now carry on with far more important things, all.

That is interesting. Thanks!

I know a lot of Orthodox Jews, and YE came up in conversation. They were all shocked this was even a thing. But I'm also skeptical of non Christians that believe in it...maybe I'm missing something.

I can't give anything financially, but if we can find out if there are other needs, I can contribute that way. Also, if she happens to be within a couple hours drive of Seattle, I can arrange meals or something.

Prayers here. So sorry you are feeling this way. I also recommend looking at meetup.com. There are groups for all ages and interests.

The report may well be true, but FRC cannot be the source of the information. They have a very set mission and agenda, not at all unbiased. I say this as a Christian and a huge duggar fan.

I have a profile on a tutoring site, and I get 2-4 inquiries a week about "kindergarten readiness" or kindergarten reading and math tutors. It's insane.

No. I believe in creationism, but firmly believe in old earth evolution. I've recently been studying more on the Big Bang theory and believe that it actually really supports the Bible account of man. Fascinating discussions around our house lately!

Check Meetup.com. There a dozens of groups based on the eastside.

Good news! I'll be thinking of you!

Update--- The babies are healthy!!! Each have their own placentas, so I'm really encouraged by that. The US tech confirms that 2 of them are boys, and says she's about 80% sure Baby C is too. He is very small, smaller than the others. But there are no indicators to suspect anything is wrong with him. I have to go back in next week for another US with a specialty doc that does something more I depth with genetics, but it's a precaution only. Gah! Craziness!!

Thanks! I just don't know where that 3rd baby goes. Two seems ok, but what the heck do you do with the 3rd? I think tomorrow when we see them, the shock will lesson. I think it will be more tangible.

Thanks for all the replies! Some of you offered advice, and I'm going to go back and Reread it all. So thank you! Backstory- I'm actually 17 weeks. I didn't see the midwife for the first time until 13 weeks because we were traveling, this is my 3rd baby and I have a lot of experience as a student midwife, etc. So yeah...I didn't find out til now. I feel like an idiot to be honest! We go in for an in depth ultrasound tomorrow. I'm not very big so they want to check on baby size. Yes this definilty risks me out of home birth, but there is a good chance I can still go naturally. We shall see! DHs reaction was less than stellar. I'm sure he will be embarrassed about it, to be honest. However I know he was looking at multiples blogs last night, so at least he's not bailing! All I can think is that I'm so glad I graduated grad school before finding this out.

Ok so we are having triplets. I don't think I've said it out loud yet! Im in total shock. Happy shock i think, but shock. I had ZERO clue! Yesterday I went to see the midwife, because I was planning on a home birth. I was measuring much much bigger than last month and so she spent extra time on my exam. Three babies. DH wasn't even there. It's my third pregnancy and the midwife is a dear friend, so I went by myself. This is totally crazy. Are there other triplet moms here?? Please check in!

Hilarious. My kind of interview!

I hope he gets it! We love the area!

The bright spot/ those cabinets will be free and done right this time! But I am terribly sad for you to go through his. What a dilemma and hassle. Hugs to you!!