~~~~~~

I know I've said it a million times before and I'll probably continue saying this........ I enjoy reading the opinions in my comment section.

I read around the rudeness, stupidity, rigidness and pick out what actually makes sense and matters. I realize that all that glitters isn't necessarily gold.....and have oftentimes thought very carefully about some of the hardest, harshest comments.

If I was writing a blog because I wanted everyone to say....Good Job, Safa....or Yes you are right, Safa......then I suppose I'd keep it private and have perhaps one or two readers that could scratch my back occasionally and applaud each and every post. Sort of like patting my own shoulder, don't you think?

But that was never the reason for writing.......I've always wanted to hear OTHER opinions. I wanted to borrow wisdom, so to speak. So that I could slowly start thinking outside the box.

So I read all your comments with a grain of salt, and throw out all the fluff and thrills and concentrate on the raw useful bits that are pertinent. I've long since realized that the blog world is an amazing place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So the ex is coming. No new info since that one text message. I spoke to the police and they said to me, that as long as the ex gives reasonable notice "to me"....that he should be allowed to see the kids. I don't include the text message to my daughter as notice to me. He is going to have to talk to me. (and I'm ready for it)

It's my fault that there is no support outlined at the moment, so that mistake is my own. (even if he promised) But it doesn't mean that the ex shouldn't at least be doing something.

*he doesnt give any money
*he doesn't call the kids (an occasional text to the oldest now that she got a cell phone....oh did I tell you about his text message on Eid? "I'm in Morocco for Eid honey...are you having a good Eid?" Grrrrrr....)

The two older kids talked to him about learning to get online on MSN or Yahoo.....telling him that he could talk to them daily, even see them on webcam. Now we all know that if he'd do that, he could still be a part of the children's lives, even from Egypt.

I'm remembering Muhammad when he was in Bahrain, sending the CD"s of him reading bedtime stories to his children......I even think those videos are on youtube. I'm remembering Sjon, helping Nemo with counting and math on webcam, as well as playing with Abdu...... Have any of you seen the oreo cookie commercial where the father is at work somewhere overseas and his son is getting ready for bed and they are eating oreos together? (brings tears to my eyes when I see it)




So my point is, that if the ex wanted to have a relationship with the kids, all he'd have to do is a little thing called "effort". It's not a biggy.

~~~~~

What I'm thinking about the possible March Break visit, is that if the three older want to go, they can. But the two younger can't stay the entire time. It's too hard on them cold turkey. So perhaps he visits with them, and then takes them out.....and at the end, maybe a 1 night sleepover. But not before he provides me with a phone number and address of where the kids will be....(last time he refused the address) He's also going to have to talk to me, I don't want him going thru the kids.

I will be spending these days before he comes finding out what I can do legally and what my rights are....(and his). I will not deny him reasonable access to his children....I just want to do things properly.