Although I have my issues with SDs (really DH), overall we get along pretty well.

Last week SD13 told me about a couple boys who were bothering her in class. It was fairly standard 8th grade stuff, but she was bothered. She asked me not to tell anyone. I let her know that she should tell her teacher, who she trusts, or if she didn't want to I would do so (sexual comments) but someone should know. She agreed to think about it.

I've not been posting for a while because things are settling down.
Or, i.e. DH has been stepping up!
:jawdrop:

This summer I let DH know that if I came home and that kitchen was a mess I'd pack everything up and we'd be eating off paper plates. Well, that kitchen was clean all the time (except maybe once or twice) and it was divine. DH even cooked most meals when SDs were with us. Which also enlightened him on SD13s picky eating.

So SDs are with us for a month.

Except SD11 who is off to a week long camp soonish.

DH never did plan a vacation with them after I refused to do so. He then tried, literally, blaming me. You know, because I have the ability to organize and plan ahead and he can't. I told him that no, I'm NOT planning a vacation for "everyone" on my own, period. If it's he and I alone, sure. Add the SDs, then he must, must help on every decision because nothing is blowing back onto me. I've learned. So by the end of that conversation he apologized and we moved on.

So DH and I were having a lovely evening last night...until...

I discovered SD11 had a stash of rotten food (from Wednesday, last week) and dirty dishes in her room. Just. Like. SD13. She's never done this before. Granted, the stuff was neatly arranged on a shelf in her closet (note to self to check under the bed) but OMG.

I took all that stuff up to the dining room table, then did the same with all the crap left in SD13s room. DH didn't even notice what I was doing (I walked by several times with dishes piled high) until he looks over and... "What....?"