I faired much better up here in Habersham County...only lost one young windmill. My 15 footer took some major frond damage but has 3-4 new ones pushing out now. Med Fan totally defoliate but is also pushing new fronds out. Finally, all needles and sabal minors show zero damage. I do put a 100 watt spotlight about 18" from the emerging spears on nights dropping below 20 degrees though. Even that didn't keep my Med Fan from defoliating but did likely save it from certain doom after our winter. Good riddance Jack Frost!

Hi again, I know the local Lowes can get them for you as well. If you get the 20% coupon from ebay (Lowes will take their own or competitor's coupons, like HD's), you won't pay an arm and a leg. You can order from out of state on the web, but you may pay more in shipping. It can't hurt to check into it. FWIW, I believe the SKs are taller than the Kenmores, but there is no trim kit to make them look quite as tall. The trim kit adds no storage and wastes space, so you are ahead with the SKs. As for tiny, that couldn't be further from the truth. With a combined storage space of over 35 cubic feet, I'd like to know what she is comparing them to! I also don't buy that she has ever seen them if she said they look cheap. People who have seen mine (had a huge bbq with about 50 people) were all impressed with the look as well as the size. I know it impressed me and I was pleasantly surprised because I figured I might have give up some of the look to get the function. When they were unpacked, I was delighted. I would ask her if she has seen them in person and make sure she is referring to the Sks and not the basic all fridge/ all freezer that were not designed as side by side pieces and look boxy. You can buy cheaper versions meant for the garage or basement from many mfrs. The SKs were designed to be front and center in the kitchen and to sit well next to or near each other fashion-wise. HTH

Following compumom's suggestion of special needs advocacy, there is an organization in Virginia called Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC). I know a couple of volunteers who attend IEP meetings between parents and school administrators and just help families navigate in general. They also speak at hearings, etc. Maybe your state or county has a similar program? I work in a middle school where we have several teacher assistants, assigned to special needs programs. You don't need a teaching certificate and you may be assigned to one student and follow that student all the way through school (or not), or to a small group of students. Many of the assistants do have education degrees and go on to become certified in spec ed. Here is a link that might be useful: PEATC

I honestly give you much credit for realizing that at age 19 you are basically a maid and babysitter. Some SMs have been put in that position for years and years before having an epiphany. And, sadly, even now society in general tends to think that is SMs role--to suck it up and take it. No. It is not SMs role to take on the burden of someone else' divorce and take care of their child for them while they are off doing their thang. I always say, two people with children can't live together, get divorced, and the ones to suffer the most wind up being their children and the people they go on to remarry (or get involved with). Step-parenting only works if you have the support of the bios--both your DH and bio-mom. I also always say, manipulative, controlling BM and weak, enabling DH = step hell. But, you already have an advantage in realizing this at age 19. Others above have given good advice. Just remember, you DON'T have to suck it up and take it.