Stone Soup by Jan Eliot for January 03, 2015

I became a stepson four years after having graduated from high school (my father became a widower the year after I graduated).

You’ll do OK, Phil! Just don’t get cold feet! ;)

Oh dear, he ahs the same look on his face that have when I say that!!!

What’s life all about but taking chances..especially if the outcome will benefit more than just you?I’m anxious to see the interaction between Phil & Wally here also!Alex may get a needed ally here when she tosses Phil a toad…the ‘ick’ factor may not get to him so much!

Wally and Phil will get along just fine. Phil will learn from Wally the ‘ins and outs’ of dealing with the younger inhabitants of the house. Plus, they will both have a male adult with whom they can commiserate concerning other things in the ‘male world’ ! ! ! !

been fun folloing this COMIC strip

All parenting is a learning process. I’m a great-grandmother and still learning how to parent my adult daughter who is still learning how to parent her adult son, etc…

I’m just slightly surprised at this turn of events. Phil and Holly know each other and get along. I wouldn’t have thought that his question and Val’s much-anticipated answer would create such a change in Phil andI Holly.

I’m kind of with you, I think I will check in once a week or so, come back in the spring just in time for the wedding.

Truth in Advertising for Phil . . .

She left one out; “Death by a thousand cuts”.

Oh boy.

Wow, I must be in the minority, here. I find the fact that Holly would joke about stepparental roles to be a really good sign. She’s obviously comfortable with Phil. The reason the joke misfired is that Holly assumed Phil was secure about her affection for him. The girls are going to take this fine if the adults don’t overreact.

Phil’s new mantra: At least they’re not using live ammo.

Everything will be great.

I will give Phil the same advice my mom gave me when I first had my daughter: “Gray hair starts with teenagers.”

Oh, and I like how Alix is tryinto suppress a giggle fit over Holly’s joke. :D

My kids are in their 30’s — it is still trial by fire :) but at least they don’t live at home…THANK GOD!!! :)

With the girls so accepting of Phil to their mom and the rest of the family okay including mom in Africa very fortunate. I know of other families with either the parents divorce or widower(ed) remarry and children will not accept. Children get in much trouble as they do not want a step coming in.Phil sadly most steps cannot act as parents only if the mom states you can in front of the girls.

Phil has already spent many holidays and summer vacations with Val and her kids. u would think he’s been inducted by now.

Maybe you should follow another strip. I’ve been hoping for this turn all year.As a Father of a daughter who had problems with my new wife, I can see myriad story lines, and hope Jan works them out for a SOLID marriage (which I think the girls can handle}.I think Wally’s advice the other day was PERFECT! (Of course, I have have a sprained ankle today!!)