You know, it always seemed to me that they've just been terribly inconsistent with Lois's upbringing.

There's also this line from Twas the Night Before Mxymas:

Quote
ELLEN
How's that nog? Good? What do you
suppose the alcohol proof is? I
haven't had a drink in almost
fifteen years. Gave it up after my
husband abandoned me. Left me with
two teenage daughters and a
mortgage... remind me again why I
quit drinking?
This was S4. 15 years would make Lois 15 around the divorce, not 12, which the 17 years and Lois being 29 in S3 meant. Also, two teenage daughters - at 12, Lois is barely a teen, and Lucy would be even younger.

As for Lois living with her father or mother - I'm pretty sure there is more evidence to suggest she lived with her mom. It's possible that Sam was influencing Ellen to inflict his opinions on her, so she had the fight with him and moved out? That's the only explanation I can think of.

So, basically, this is a flexible topic. <g>

Julie smile

Mulder: Imagine if you could come back and take out five people who had caused you to suffer. Who would they be?
Scully: I only get five?
Mulder: I remembered your birthday this year, didn't I, Scully?

(The X-Files)