So. Quick story that perfectly encapsulates step-life.

I took my niece and her friend out for her birthday yesterday. We ended up going about 40 minutes away, to this tiny mountain town. Went on a hike, panned for gems, got some ice cream at a little candy shop & ice cream parlor.

Quick question for stalkers.

I feel like the skids are growing up nicely, and lately DH and I have had many good talks with them about careers, college, etc. The older two (SDstb20 and SS18) seem to finally be getting some good ideas and launching a bit. SDstb20 has rejected us for years is coming around to us and being...almost like a normal person. All in all, I'm happy with how we're transitioning into a more adult relationship with the skids. DH, of course, is thrilled.

So. If you read my blog about SS18s graduation dinner a few weeks ago, then you know that our BM asked us to continue paying CS through the end of the summer. For no reason. My DH told her no...but said we would pay the full amount for June. We always pay in two installments, per BM's request. One payment on the first Monday of the month, one on the third.

DH also hasn't been making a lot of money for the past three months, though that will change in July as he's under contract and will get a substantial retainer before August, so I'm the one floating this extra payment.

If you get the chance, go see MAGGIE'S PLAN! It's hilarious...and it also has one of the most accurate and mist empathetic portrayals of Stepmom life that I've ever seen on film...especially the trouble we tend to get into by taking on too much responsibility for kids who aren't ours early on. Brilliant!