I'm so excited--we confirmed today that we are going on a family trip to Germany in August, for two weeks!!! With my skids, MIL and DH cousins and I am so excited!!! My DH's cousin in Germany is getting married, and we are all going to the wedding. I have always wanted to travel but could never afford to, raising myself the way I did. Can't now either, but MIL is funding a big chunk so we can go--she is a great traveler and a lovely, fun woman. DH and I have been holding our breath and not saying anything because we oh so wanted skids to go but BM hesitated for awhile.

I've mentioned that BM opposed the custody change. Today after a parent-teacher conference DH had a long talk with her about why, and she informs him that (just as I've guessed) it's because "she doesn't know us" and "she's not willing to allow her children to spend more time with people who don't like her."

Warning -- I'm feeling super cranky and probably being unfair, but this is the "vent" place so here goes -- when I look for stepparenting advice elsewhere (and mostly not here which is why I keep coming back, THANK YOU LADIES (and couple of Gents)!!, all I see is glib, trite advice "focus on the kids" "don't badmouth the BM/Ex" "the only one you're hurting with your anger is yourself (and maybe the kids)" "think about all the good things". I KNOW!! I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW!!!

I don't understand why for the next 12 years (SD is 6) we are subject to having our income ripped out from under us at the ex's whim. My BF pays PLENTY for SS and SD in monthly child support, promptly each and every month without a word. Ex is getting remarried next month, and today my BF let her know, as nicely as could be done, that pursuant to the settlement agreement the alimony payment will terminate next month. Her comeback was "well, I think it's time to have our attorneys run the child support program taking into account your increase in income".