Has your attorney responded yet?

The lawyer has filed, awaiting court date.

Her latest email:

"I noticed that you filed me for contempt. You trying to take the kids from me. Abryella said that you told them that being bad for me wasn't working and that you don't like being mean cause it makes you feel bad inside.....yeah. So had me watch the kids so you could go to your lawyer. Id rather have you be a [censored] than to fake being nice."

This is coming from the woman that basically kidnapped the children and wouldn't let you see them for weeks (or was it months)?

It was just over 2 months. And I am not keeping the from her. I could tell her that, but she wouldn't hear me. They need stability - she herself said that. I am going to provide it since she cannot.

Absolutely. Your kids are your priority right now. It doesn't matter how mad she gets or how she takes it. Hopefully someday she'll come to her senses and be a good mother.

The one she used to be, the one I remember.

Hang in there, it's hard.
Last night my step daughter cried in my arms wanting her old mom back. I kept telling that's what daday want to more than anything.
It's hard to watch your kids cry like that and the WW is so complacent that doesn't not recognize what's going on around her.

Indeed RonClark, indeed. 11 months, and so far the grass still gives the green illusion.

good job, a self centered, selfish person is not capable of having the best interests of your children.
Your attorney needs to keep full throttle, not for revenge, but for your kids.
It has the side benefit of slapping your wayward in the face with reality due to her horrible choices. It might just someday shake her out her FOG/addiction.

Good job, billman.

Thank you.

**EDIT** wasn't feeling well this morning, so I let her come over to visit them for a few about 15 minutes. I said nothing other that they are upstairs in thier rooms (playing).

I figured she'd have a moment to visit them @ home for a limited time, memories you know.. She got to see the dogs, clean pool, clean house, kids happy, but nothing else... I don't know if it will matter.

It matters. Even if she doesn't come right out and say something about how good everything looks without her taking a hand in the maintenance, it registers, and she will remember if she comes out of the fog.

Big if. And a big hope.

She was here for about an hour. She was surely looking around. She didn't say anything much - but she took notice. It was nice, but awkward as hell. No tears though, I'll do that later.

You're running a marathon. Doing just fine.

I have drafted this email :
To: ww
CC: lawyer

Re: Children and School

With regard to our separation, and your current living situation (violation of order and distance of 20 miles or greater) I am requesting your willingness to agree to some terms that are in our children's best interests, well-being, and provide the stability they need and deserve during this school year.

1. Our children should remain home for the school week. I am able to satisfactorily get them to and from school, bus or driving, without a concern of work interference. Oldest has 5 text books that are heavy, and could risk loss in a constant transport of back and forth (as well as needed backpacks, supplies, and necessities as they are already).

2. On days you would normally have our children and work, they are up at or before 5:30 am, and usually fall asleep in the car ride to their home. When they arrive, they typically go straight to sleep, this would be inconvenient for them having to catch the bus at 7:00 am, and too early to stay awake from that point. It would not be a stable sleep schedule that they need to ensure a proper amount of rest for a school environment.

3. Due to your current living arrangements, it would be in the best interests of our children to sleep at home on a permanent basis until you are able to establish a residence of your own with furnishings that accommodate the needs they require.

If you agree to these terms, I will in no way prevent you from having time with our children. This is not an intent to take them from you, it is for them. Once their homework is done, you would be able to pick them up for a few hours a couple times per week, and return home for a proper bed time. On the weekends, we can make arrangements, again until you have established residence, they should return home for bed.

Ya, I'm not sending that... ^^^^^

I agree. Make kids the priority

I have to agree, you get one shot with kids and you better be sure you get it right.
I have talked to to many divorce dad's that gave there ex everything and ended up losing there kids. There regret today was not fighting for there kids.

I don't want to make that mistake myself, I want to go down fighting and know I did everything I could. One thing I never want anyone saying of me that I did not try.

Indeed RonClark. That's almost exactly, what my thoughts are.