Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
The Black Notebook
Michael rushed out the door, late for an important meeting again. He grabbed his overcoat and threw it over his arm. It was going to be a cold one, or so the news said. The sun was shining and it felt like it was nearly forty degrees outside. Hell, there were even birds singing and chirping in the morning sunlight.
By Brandon Talbot6 years ago in Families
Circle 'M'
An angry woman is vindictive beyond measure, and hesitates at nothing in her bitterness. ~Jean Antoine Petit-Senn Laney swiped away the rivulet of perspiration snaking its way down the side of her face. The July heat blowing through the open windows of her dilapidated pick-up truck pooled ever thicker as she eased the truck to a stop and killed the engine.
By Lynda Coker6 years ago in Families
Paddy's Journal: The Lady of Ophilia
Winter. 22nd December 1990. 6:55pm. Illinois. Paddy, aged fourteen, sits at his desk gazing out of the window. The biggest blizzard Illinois has seen in decades; roads are nowhere to be seen, the golden rays of light from the streetlamps beam across the street, creating a warm, homey, wintery scene. The cheer of children outside launching snowballs at each other like cannonballs is heard. Paddy lets off a sigh.
By Lewis Jefferies6 years ago in Families
When Someone else Pays the Daycare Bill
I loved watching the Jensen kids. Four very bright children they made my day full and exciting. Although they were on daycare assistance, I was OK with $125 per week per child because they were well behaved and left before 5 PM, which left me with fewer kids to handle while making dinner. It usually takes at least 2 months before getting paid for the first time for a state client, because you can only bill at the end of the month and it can take up to 45 days for the state to issue a check. I was so looking forward to spending the $3800 the State of Iowa owed me. Instead of a check however, I got a notice that their daycare bill would not be paid. As luck would have it, mom had not turned in her pay stubs showing a substantial raise. The result was that her assistance was cancelled back to the day she applied. So all of the money that I counted on to pay my staff and my property taxes which were due was gone. I was going to have to borrow against the hubby’s 401K to even make it work. This was one of those days when I wanted to meet every parent at the door and tell them I was giving my 2-week’s notice. It seemed no matter how hard I worked I ended up struggling more than I would just staying home and living off my husband’s paycheck. The biggest disappointment was when mom announced since there was no way she could pay all the past due bill, she was simply going to move home to mom and send payments. Two years later and I haven’t seen .10c, let alone $3800.00. I could sue her, but she doesn’t have anything so I would simply be throwing good money after bad. Chalk it up to stupidity.
By Terri Mulhern6 years ago in Families
Mom lyfe and school
10 Misconceptions of Moms and Back-to-School Misconception Number 1: Moms miss their kids when they go back to school me about the pool, when is the next snack or if you can stay up late and watch a movie. It’s over….You’re going back to Hogwarts and I get to have a life again. There is a Christmas morning for parents and it’s called “back to school”.
By Ms. Meowtini Straight-Up6 years ago in Families
