One of the hardest things I've ever had to do in my life is live as a soon-to-be step-mom. I say that now not because I have a hard time with the kids, or the kids don't listen, or I find myself unable to love the kids. I say this because it's difficult to live with the ex-wife.
By difficult I mean almost impossible.

I dearly love Christopher and Kayla. I couldn't love them more if they were my own flesh and blood. They are, as far as I'm concerned, my kids.

That being said, those kids will say anything they think will make the person they're with happy.
If they're with Daddy and I, they'll say bad things about their mother. If they're with their mother and their mother's mother (aka Nana) they'll say bad things about Daddy and I. Case in point: after J and I dropped off the kids last time they were with us everything seemed fine. The day after Nana and the ex-wife told us Christopher told them Daddy and I said they didn't have to listen to Momma or Nana.

J and I have never said that. Ever. As a matter of fact, we have stressed to the kids that, even though it's hard, they should always strive to do as they're told by Momma, Nana, Daddy and I.

It's so frustrating to sit idly by and listen to the kids get so confused by this whole situation. No matter how much we stress that the kids should always be honest no matter what, they'll still say things. They're kids. They'll do that. They're confused and are trying so very hard to make everyone happy.

Their mother should know that. So should their Nana. As adults it's our job to know what's going on with our kids. It's our job to make sure we don't speak badly about the other parent around the kids - no matter how tempting it may be. It's our job to make sure the kids are happy, healthy and safe.

Isn't it?!

So why is the ex-wife coming to me and telling me that Christopher is telling her tons of bad things about Daddy (aka J ) and I? Doesn't she know kids will say anything to make us seem happy to them - they'll tell us anything they think will please us?

I need help with this. I need a friend who's gone thru the same thing I'm going thru. I need a friend who can sit there and listen to me cry about this, beat my head against the wall and scream, rant, and rave. I need a friend who's going to understand me when I go crazy and tell me that it's still going to be alright - that things will get better.

Any takers?

*sigh*

In other news, work is doing great. Both the customers and they employers love me there. Truly. I had a customer today give me one of the best compliments. This lady has been coming in for as long as I've been there - probably longer. Her husband is terminally ill and she has 7 kids, one of which is very sick. She pulled me aside today to tell me that no matter what kind of day she's having, I always brighten her day and make her feel valued, special, and pretty. She commented that sometimes when she's having a particularly difficult day she will find me simply for that reason - to help her to feel better.

Do you guys have any idea how wonderful that makes me feel?! I love that I can help someone feel better about life, to make a difference.
Anyway, I have a major migraine that isn't going away and I have to get up early for work tomorrow, so I hope everyone has a wonderful day today....er, night tonight.... or whatever it is for you.