Well Youngest SS has been on his own for almost 6 months. Husband texts with him from time to time and I dropped Thanksgiving dinner off to him at work. It's the only time I've seen him since he left here. He was polite but quiet.
Oldest SS recently traded in the truck my husband had co signed on and bought a new car so my husbands off the note now Oldest SS seems to be doing well. He's in college and working and paying his own way.
My oldest daughter recently moved out of my moms and into her own apartment. She's tried pulling the broke card with us. When she said she didn't have food and needed money I offered to take her to the grocery store. It would have taken two hours to get there but I don't hand money over to any of the kids anymore. Been burned too many times by the youngest skid and i've learned my lesson. While I still offered help it wasn't the mcdonalds money my daughter wanted so I didn't do anything. She had groceries and just wanted money.
We are still paying alimony to the ex and that will end in August of 2011 so there is an end in site and we've finally gotten to a point were we are paying some of the skid debt down. Atleast we are paying most the bills on time and the balances aren't going as high because we aren't getting as many late fees. I think one bill actually came down some.
We both work the holidays so Christmas was celebrated earlier this month and the only child that got anything besides a card and a well wish is my grandson. The rest are all adults and we decided we aren't exchanging gifts with adults this year. We can't really afford it and we don't want to put anyone in a position where they have to find money to buy us anything. Hubby and I are finally having fun in our marriage and its actually nice to have the skid/kid drama over. It took us both being on the same page. Loving our kids enough to help when they really needed help but hubby had to learn to put aside his guilt ways and he knows he can't afford to buy his kids love anymore. So all in all we are doing much better. I still come here from time to time and I feel so bad for what some of you are still going through. It wasn't that long ago I was in the same shape. It does get better if both parents want to work it through but it involves loving your kids enough to tell them no when they need to hear it and to discipline when it's needed. too many parents parent based on their own guilt or what they thing others will think if they don't provide everything their children can dream of ever wanting.
Merry Christmas to you all and I hope you find relaxation during the holidays. Holidays can be the worse time of year for step parents.