I don't think that Mom has given the impression to her sons that it's ok to change spouses when you're "bored". Just watch the home video tapes shown on Dr. Phil! Nothing "boring" about those interactions! They are very reflective of the pain, hurt, anger that went on in making the choice to stay together or divorce. The boys were aware of this.

I think it showed the boys that their Mom fought for her marriage and for them to remain a family. That Dad was the one leaving and coming back multiple times.

I agree with Mom that the most important thing right now is to help the boys adjust to all the changes. As much crap as Ed has thrown out, he's still the boys' father. Since they enjoy their new half-sister, how wonderful that they are "allowed" to love her without making someone out to be the "bad guy". I have seen far too many couples that have only continued to make things worse after a divorce by putting their children in the middle...ripping them apart..trying to make the other parent look bad...trying to force the children to side with one parent or the other

Kandi,
I think that you are role-modelling one of the highest forms of love to your sons. You are allowing them to be exactly who they are, to be children, to attach to whomever they feel the desire to do so. This is a "gift" that I have seen few parents able to give under these types of circumstances. Bless you!