Parsnips and Parsimony

[dahell]

Yes, the schools around here are totally open for playground usage. We all pay taxes for schools regardless of....age of children, if you have children or not, if you utilize the public schools or not etc. It doesn’t seem to have been a problem here and we have some REALLY rough areas in our main city. In fact, there’s even a food program for any kids to use. I think it’s lunch. In the summer any kids can go to certain schools and eat. We have issues with parents who can’t/won’t feed their kids meals. But we could utilize it too. Anyway, a bit of a rabbit trail but my dad brings my kids to a school near their house all the time to use the playground.

[weed]

Thanks for explaining that. It is one of the things that I like about this board ... I'm always learning things about how different countries do things.

[OldHag]

And its interesting to learn that other countries don't pay for schools via taxes - it makes me wonder How are the schools supported? Can only families with lots of money send their kids to school?

[weed]

Education (as is health, transport, defence etc etc) is funded from our general taxes. There isn't a separate tax specifically nominated for schools.

[dahell]

I’ve only lived here so I honestly don’t know if this is the norm nationwide. We don’t have a separate school tax where I live. I live in the Midwest US. We have state taxes and federal taxes. Then we also have our property taxes. And sales tax of course. Our schools get a lot of federal funding through different programs but, in general, they are funded mostly through state and property (city) taxes. So interesting to hear how things are done in different locations.

[gibberish]

I live in TX. We have NO state income tax. We get federal funding through some programs. We pay school tax through property taxes that's collected by cities, counties and school districts and can only be used for local needs. The higher your appraised property value, the more you pay in property tax.

"The appraised value of your property is multiplied by the local property tax rate to determine your property tax bill. These rates are set by counties and school districts and are based on yearly budgets and how much revenue is needed to cover costs. Local governments hold public hearings to discuss tax increases, and citizens can petition for a public vote on an increase if it exceeds certain limits."

[gibberish]

I’ve only lived here so I honestly don’t know if this is the norm nationwide. We don’t have a separate school tax where I live. I live in the Midwest US. We have state taxes and federal taxes. Then we also have our property taxes. And sales tax of course. Our schools get a lot of federal funding through different programs but, in general, they are funded mostly through state and property (city) taxes. So interesting to hear how things are done in different locations.

RE: separate school tax - Our Yearly Tax Statement lists the breakdown of each taxing unit that is included in the total bill. Taxing units: ISD (independent school district), Road and Flood, County, City, etc. That info should be available to each taxpayer.

[dahell]

I’ve only lived here so I honestly don’t know if this is the norm nationwide. We don’t have a separate school tax where I live. I live in the Midwest US. We have state taxes and federal taxes. Then we also have our property taxes. And sales tax of course. Our schools get a lot of federal funding through different programs but, in general, they are funded mostly through state and property (city) taxes. So interesting to hear how things are done in different locations.

RE: separate school tax - Our Yearly Tax Statement lists the breakdown of each taxing unit that is included in the total bill. Taxing units: ISD (independent school district), Road and Flood, County, City, etc. That info should be available to each taxpayer.

Oh definitely, I know there’s an exact breakdown. I just know we don’t have anything separate that we pay apart from all our other taxes that says “school tax” but it’s all worked in to both our state and city taxes here. Side note....I can’t even fathom not having state income tax. Go TX!!

[gibberish]

For years, I didn't realize that other states paid a state tax. There'd be riots and revolution if that was proposed here! lol.

[weed]

It was refreshing to see them nearly finish an entire project ... namely the front porch. It looks lovely. I suspect it was the fact that they had a builder involved in it though that made Art actually keep to a schedule. I don't understand why they are doing the garden and the porch swing though if they haven't actually finished the railings first. I would think that would make more sense.

I really wish they would sometimes tell those kids to be quiet and wait without having to put up with the constant whining from them to see what is happening. Mary and Grace are the worst of course because they are little, but it is hard to hear them at times because of the constant "lets me see" and "let me have a turn" etc right next to the camera.
I understand that they are trying to be very patient with the little kids, but there does come a time when kids have to be told "no, wait until I am finished".

[dahell]

It was refreshing to see them nearly finish an entire project ... namely the front porch. It looks lovely. I suspect it was the fact that they had a builder involved in it though that made Art actually keep to a schedule. I don't understand why they are doing the garden and the porch swing though if they haven't actually finished the railings first. I would think that would make more sense.

I really wish they would sometimes tell those kids to be quiet and wait without having to put up with the constant whining from them to see what is happening. Mary and Grace are the worst of course because they are little, but it is hard to hear them at times because of the constant "lets me see" and "let me have a turn" etc right next to the camera.
I understand that they are trying to be very patient with the little kids, but there does come a time when kids have to be told "no, wait until I am finished".

I totally agree. It’s wonderful to teach kids to patiently, quietly wait until it’s their turn to speak. My kiddos aren’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination (and me even less so) but I can’t STAND a whiny kid. Sometimes it’s totally just the way a kid seems to speak. I just can’t deal.

[gibberish]

Surprise! Janelle's pregnant.

Okay, maybe not a huge surprise. Due end of Jan / beginning of Feb 2019.

[Guest]

I cannot believe these people. Their defense, “it’s no one else’s business,” might hold if they were actually able to adequately support the family they already have, but they can’t. They admit to being on free state health insurance, barely eat (except Janelle,) and ration their damn toilet paper. On the bright side, perhaps this will push them to give Charity her own space on the third floor. Or not, because who will handle nighttime care if not her?

[DoodleBop2]

One of the reasons they used a midwife is they can't afford other medical care.

She doesn't even really seem to like the kids she has.

More work for Charity.

[weed]

I thought she was pregnant (as did many other people judging by the comments on youTube during the past few weeks) as she didn't hide it very well. All that talk about how unwell she was made it so obvious. LOL Of course we will be treated to seeing the midwife visits to which all the kids are dragged along to experience. Janelle can't even visit her midwife without making it a full family experience. I wonder what John thinks about having to accompany his mother to the midwife? LOL

I pray that it is a girl so that they are finally FORCED to give Charity her own room. Surely six girls couldn't possible fit into that tiny room?

They are also buying rubbish at thrift stores and yard sales again. They just don't seem to be able to stop, do they?

[gibberish]

I thought she was pregnant (as did many other people judging by the comments on youTube during the past few weeks) as she didn't hide it very well. All that talk about how unwell she was made it so obvious. LOL Of course we will be treated to seeing the midwife visits to which all the kids are dragged along to experience. Janelle can't even visit her midwife without making it a full family experience. I wonder what John thinks about having to accompany his mother to the midwife? LOL

I pray that it is a girl so that they are finally FORCED to give Charity her own room. Surely six girls couldn't possible fit into that tiny room?

They are also buying rubbish at thrift stores and yard sales again. They just don't seem to be able to stop, do they?

The girls room has 2 sets of bunk beds (Charity, Lydia, Mary, and 1 empty), a toddler bed (Grace), and a crib (Lillian). So, Grace moves to a bunk, Lillian moves to the toddler...and tah dah! an empty crib for the new baby - regardless of gender.

[weed]

Well that's a shame. It seems that there is no way out for Charity at all. They are so unfair to that girl!

[DoodleBop2]

I'm starting to believe Charity will be like Jana and not be allowed to marry\leave until her youngest sibling is old enough to take care of herself. Janelle won't be willing to give up her unpaid servant.

[dahell]

I cannot believe these people. Their defense, “it’s no one else’s business,” might hold if they were actually able to adequately support the family they already have, but they can’t. They admit to being on free state health insurance, barely eat (except Janelle,) and ration their damn toilet paper. On the bright side, perhaps this will push them to give Charity her own space on the third floor. Or not, because who will handle nighttime care if not her?

Have they really said they were on the state insurance? I never knew that. Not surprising though. How can they possibly afford anything with Art’s lack of work. I’m, personally, for supporting people in their choice of kids (or no kids) but these people are starting to annoy me now. They have zero schedule/routine, they can’t keep up with their home. Geez.

[Guest]

Janelle mentioned their health care situation in reply to a comment a few months ago. It was around the time Charity got her hair cut. I love big families, and there’s nothing shameful about needing assistance, but their choices don’t lend themselves to admiration.