Adventure

I actually found my way into the city yesterday all by my lonesome (with Scott in tow,) and made it to the mall unscathed. Yippee! I bought two shirts at the Motherhood store (because I'm down to only three that fit, and one of those has weird stains on it,) bought us some lunch, and arrived home in one piece. Boo-yah! Today's agenda: getting my driver's license changed, finding a bank (since I have about $1200 in checks I need to pay bills with ad nowhere to cash them,) and calling my car insurance agent to change locations. Oh- and it's also bathroom cleaning/sheets changing day.

Steve continues to struggle at work, and the stress is really getting to him- his sleep patterns are all messed up, and it's driving him crazy. I advised him to stop for a moment and analyze exactly what is getting to him, why, and how he could possibly change things- then advised him to weigh his options, (shift change?) make the necessary adjustments, or start floating his resume- but as of yet, he is unsure of his next step. I support any decision he makes, but I need to know pronto; if he decides R-ton may only be a temporary home, I may home school the kids this year (and I swear God told me Indiana- I just know it!)

And we have been cautiously spreading the news about Seven. Steve's step-daughter, Jess, just found out she is pregnant, and when he told her, she yelled at him (excuse me?) I guess we're due about a month apart (me in January, her in February,) which he and I find hilarious. Are we the only people in the world actually happy about Seven?! Anyway- he also told his parents, (the reaction emotions there were 'shock' and 'disbelief,') which is pretty much the same way they reacted to our engagement. It took them a week to call Steve back and discuss it (our engagement)- cautiously- and I admire their tact and patience. However, he didn't tell them we can't get married yet- not sure how that will go over. Nice way to come into a family, huh?

I must pause a moment here- there is much to be said about Steve's relationship with his parents and such, and I need to get it off my chest. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are of a much different generation than my parents- they were the Bobby Soxer generation (graduating college and getting married in the mid-fifties,) while my parents are Hippies (who came of age in the mid-to-late sixties.) Bill and Bev have been married for over fifty years, as have all their
family and friends (including Steve's first wife's parents.) My parents are divorced (duh!) as are over half of their siblings and most of their friends- and don't forget many of my cousins, as well. While his parents' generation believed in sexual purity, family, and faith, my parents' generation burned their bras, protested the war in Viet Nam (or got drafted, like my dad,) demanded equality, and started co-habitating in record numbers.

Among Mr. and Mrs. Simpson's children (and those of Kari's family, as well,) divorce is almost unheard of of; Steve and Kari are the only ones divorced. From what I understand, the split really devastated both families, and since Steve was the one who chose to walk away, they hold him completely responsible (nothing like wearing the label of black sheep, huh?) His second marriage was a disaster- had disaster written all over it from day one, though he was probably the only one who didn't see it. He lost his family, his house and possessions, his career (and a very promising career it was, believe me!) and nearly his health over that woman. Can I blame his family for being cautious regarding me?

So now Steve and I are in the position of creating our own life together, with or without the blessing of extended family. My main concern is for my kids and their well-being, and I pray for the strength to provide them an emotionally strong, secure home base wherever we end up. I want them to thrive and have truly blessed lives- period.