I'm hoping my kids will get part time jobs then. I will feed and basic clothe them, and probably pay basic cell phone because I want to be able to be in touch, but insurance, gas and any extras will be their responsibility. I think it is very important for kids to understand the value of money from a young age.

Ex hubs wants to claim the kids as deductions because we had to sell the house when we divorced and he rents now and won't have a housing deduction, so he will have to pay alot of taxes and wah wah wah...wants me to let him. It was not part of our divorce decree, and I am raising the kids and make half what he does with support....so, any reason I shouldn't file as head of household and claim the kids? I met with a tax person already for advice, but wonder if the hive has any scenarios in mind I may not have thought of and should consider. Thanks for any thoughtful input. Divorce is not easy, but ours was necessary.

Yep, hands down the best Santa pic ever. And a perfect illustration of why I never bothered with Santa pics.

:grouphug:I will pray. Our children hold our hearts so much. I am sorry yours is hurting.

I had my first baby at 39 and my second at 40. In the following three years I suffered four miscarriages, so assumed my eggs were no longer viable. I am now divorced and 51, and doubt I will have any more, but I will babysit babies till the day I die!

The church leadership where we were members were completely ambivilent, and most who knew us ignored the situation entirely. I was heartbroken to find such a response, and have finally left that unhealthy place and found a place where acceptance and compassions seem to be more the norm. Why do you ask?

I hate these tests. Gag. You can refuse anything you want; it's your body.

An incredible milestone. Definitely calls for some sort of celebration.

Thanks Angela. Just what I was looking for...but didn't know where to look.

So...got a great part time job with health benefits, thanks to God. But not sure about filling out W4. Anybody have an online resource I can refer to to find out what to put in terms of witholding? Thanks!

A couple of things... I buy two or three gallon jugs of water, pour out a little and freeze two of them solid. This becomes the ice for our cooler and cold water to drink. I replace the melted ice water with unfrozen water so we always have cold water without having to buy ice. I also like to have a 2.5 gallon jug of water with a spigot at the campsite on the table for washing hands, etc. without having to head to the bathrooms. I keep soap and a hand towel there for convienence.

Just a thought....How can Spirit be raw?

Divorce sucks. I am so sorry this has come your way again. It has got to be so frustrating and exhausting. I hope my kid's father doesn't try to play this game. Praying for you....Romans 8 is my only comfort in this sort of situation.

It depends upon how close a friend she is, but, honestly, if we were close, I would try to talk to her about it. She may in fact not realize how annoying this habit is, and you could help her by bringing it up. She may not respond positively, but if you are gentle and kind, you could be helping her quite a lot.

I feel for ya. don't like snakes one bit. Walk softly and carry a big shovel.

Tell him it's really hot here. Really hot, and it doesn't cool down at night. And there's not enough trees to climb and you have to stay indoors all summer long. He wouldn't like it here. We don't.

I love leftovers too. I wonder if in fact that is how the pot pie was originally invented?

Hilarious. Thanks for sharing.

This is probably about my norm also....for the past thirty plus years! I shop almost exclusively thrift stores, and love living this way. I always find cool stuff, and know it is a huge way of "being green," as well. I have never been much for fashion, but prefer comfortable, natural fabrics. I rarely find anything I want new from a store! Yep, hippie hearted to the core!

I would not be alarmed, but it is maybe a good idea to be cautious. Hope it works out for you.

Yes. Except when it is way, way too hot.

Boy oh boy, you girls can always be counted on to give me great input! All of it is really helpful. I am not afraid of us getting squishy about our faith....I have been an adult believer for 29 years and know my Bible and my doctrine very well. I will supplement what we get at services when necessary. Getting involved with people in smaller groups and serving is the whole point of us looking elsewhere, so not concerned about that. The church has been around for many years and seems to not be swayed by fads, at least from what I can tell. So good to know I can come here for outside input. Thank you Susan for this space!

All this input is much appreciated and taken to heart. What is ironic is that we have been part of a smaller, doctrinally deep church for over five years, and the pastor and leadership team cares not to know nor care for us. It does not feel like a family at all, and there are virutally no opportunities for service. So I have found that, sadly, correct doctrine does not necessitate right practice. Which is why I am looking to other churches for opportunity to serve and be known and cared for. Will be interesting to see where we end up, but for now the mega church is looking very homey....

I can't believe I am saying this, but I am being drawn to join a mega church in my community. I have never been much for mega churches, but am starting to believe that perhaps it is a good place for me and my kiddos. I am curious what those who have been involved with a mega church and then left might say the drawbacks are, aside from the obvious ones (size, anonimity, $ spent on advertising, etc.) The big draw for me is what seems to be a community of believers who are committed to recovery issues and connecting with one another regularly. It's almost like there one has permission to love lavishly, to share generously and to be transparent. I am having a hard time explaining this....but, any input is appreciated.

Wow. Hopefully it will be something you love. Congrats.