So I am on the Pto b/c I have felt the need to prove myself as a loving and super stepmom since the begining. I have been sick for 2 wks. Which I posted before w/ asthma problems, pneumonia, and other stuff. So today was the first day I tried to leave the house and go do something with my mom. We went and did some shopping for the pto and then we went to lunch. Now I am over weight and have been for a couple yrs now. But I couldnt even walk around the store. I have no energy at all. My body feels numb and I feel lightheaded.

DH and BM are in the process of mediation regarding child support, equitable distribution of the marital property (again), and SD's health insurance.

Christmas was the first time BM saw 13SS in 4 months, (didn't even want him for Thanksgiving), and she bought him quite a few things, and a cell phone (but didn't have it with her to give him). We told him he could not bring the cell home b/c he's been so irresponsible with ones he's had in the past, so he called her and told her he wanted the money instead (obviously he views her as a human ATM). So she lies to him four times saying she put a money order in the mail, then finally admits to him that she did no such thing and in order for him to get the money, he has to come see her.

My question is, have any of you had a house that was not part of the divorce settlement. Either you or you and your dh purchased it once together, and go to sell it? Can the bm try for any of the proceeds?

The reason I ask, is the bm is very curious about what we are asking for our house. She knows that we are selling it. Its mine. I purchased it prior to marrying my dh, and I am the one selling it.

Anyone?

I joined the website "Daughters of Narcisisstic Mothers" to see if I could get any information to help SD cope with some of her mother's behaviors, as well as to see if DH and my suspicions are right about BM. They have been very gracious and welcoming to me there. I feel very lucky to have been able to have their support when we took SD low contact with her mom. Anyway, I just came across this post and it was FANTASTIC. It was written by "Light" who is just so knowledgeable - and sweet and friendly!

As many of you know, DH and I had a little heart to heart conversation with SS25 a week ago today. I took from our conversation that he was going to get off his ass and look for a job. And he did that. For one whole day. Now it's back to laying around on his ass again while DH and I both work two jobs and pay all of the household expenses. So obviously, the heart to heart didn't work. Kicking him out is not an option, as he has no place to go. Giving him lists of chores as if he were 12 years old didn't work, because he doesn't do them, or he does them half way.

I have been searching for some good discussion and just plain venting about being a step parent for the last year. I knew it wouldn't be easy for me. First I lived a happy single life for 31 yrs in another state. My hubby and I met when we were both 28 at a large industry trade show. He lived in the mid-atlantic and I lived in the mid-west. We fell hard for each other very quickly. I knew he was "the one" very early on, I had dated many guys before him so I was pretty confident that, in spite of the very different life he lived, he was the right man for me.

Where to start...Well let us begin with LIES:

First - I love my wife dearly. Being a good parent is not one of her finer qualities. My opinion, of course.

She has 2 daughters - ages 30 & 27. Both have lived with us for extended periods of time.

And I want to start it out by thanking all of those avid posters whose IDs I see all over the place. I signed up before Valentine's Day, I think, and posted directly afterwards, because I REALLY needed it! I was happy to read all those who answered, even those who were straight up "give him that ring back, get outta there!" I drew strength from that, so thank you!! I talked with my mom and my sister on the telephone...I'm giving this relationship another three weeks.