X moved out in early September 2009. He would intermittently have the boys over for a night. And that was fine. But, when it went to be every other weekend, it became a problem. And when the whole weekend was spent w/ the boys texting me about how miserable they were, I just couldn't force them anymore. I have tried to "talk up" their dad, and their dad's apt. I know they are 12 and 10. In my defense---I always texted them back that they needed to talk to their dad and let him know why they were unhappy. The final straw was when youngest texted me he was sick, and I texted back that he needed to tell his dad. He couldn't because dad was on the phone and yelled at him when he tried to get his attention (and X admitted to me...) Hell no, I don't want the kids every weekend! God help me, but I would like a little down time, a little time where I could do my own thing. I love my children, but sometimes I want to sit in my PJ all day and eat peanut butter w/ my finger! LOL


As far as the gifts/money---it wasn't so much that I was opposed to it, just the timing and would have liked to be informed of it beforehand.

As for the birthday party---I didn't care so much about the party, as much as X not doing ANYTHING for his oldest child. I would have been overjoyed, ecstatic, giddy even if he had said "hey, I've got to go out of town on your birthday, how about we (x and child) go to dinner this week to celebrate.?"

I really am trying not to be the bitter angry ex-wife. My desire was to try and be friends w/ X. I knew then and know now that I will have to put up w/ him at least another 8 years. If not friends at least cordial and civil adults.

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"