August 2008: in which we undoubtedly welcome Miniest Oops!

[CaptainCaveman]

come on in and make yourselves at home....

That's a great idea LG

no1 I second everything that Buckets said. Make sure you keep records of everything, all his threatening and controlling behaviour, things he is obviously saying to your dc What a turd, to involve his children in his own anger issues. Anyway, I strongly suggest going to your solicitor and looking into arrangements for supervised contact - if he won't answer your phone calls, he is putting himself AND your children out of your reach and that's not good for their safety really, let alone your peace of mind.

I think the other important thing is to try and rise above - don't let him drag into his petty ishoos, no matter how provoking he is. Keep it neutral and above board, make sure he knows that it is all about the children and not about point scoring at him (obv we know it's not, but ykwim).

Maybe ask for advice on the Relationships or Lone Parents board, there are loads of women who sadly have dealt with just this situation before and might have more insight/useful stuff for you.

Lots of hugs my dear. You are a fabulous woman and a fabulous mother. Nothing and no one can change that

I would buy a Cake-a-week book and get fat again

No1 so sorry to hear he is being such an idiot . These girls have given some sound advice but just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you Once we have tried out camping tomorrow night we will definitely sort something out. Are you any nearer to getting the cottage with campsite garden?

oops how scary I hope she is fine today.

Started this about an hour ago, prob about 50 x-posts...

None you must all be sitting outside in the sunshine

Wotcha cyteen, is it this weekend you're off on the motorway? You'll be fine! It's exactly six months since I passed my test today, and I noticed as I came on to the M1 this morning & moved out into the middle lane that I wasn't even a bit nervous It's just practice practice practice...

great idea VG, hots - I'd include a skinny cake section

Well said Cyteen - No1 - listen the the great advice from her and Buckets - I could ask DH but remember we're scottish law so might not apply?

no sun here, just busy doing boring things

I feel I should explain why I haven't dumpedonthetable flounced from the committee. It's all rather self serving tbh

I've put in SO much hard work and we're almost there, minus the funding. The tenders for the building work are coming in, on the 14th and it all seems rather real. Regardless of whether I actually get to work there or not I am currently a company director making contacts in the world of cakey bakey/local suppliers and learning about funding which I could possibly tap into. I also have something to show on the ole CV other than working for the Police for 10yrs and whilst I do continuous training there it is all VERY job specific and not much is transferable. I would need something to prove to the banks that I'm worth investing in/have the knowledge & skill etc to go forward so I'll stay put, drop my work load dramatically and let them pick it up - I've got us here and I am not going to let them reap ALL the rewards from it

hope that makes sense without me sounding like a merciless bitch

You don't need to explain anything to us, dizzy Everything you say makes perfect sense.

hotter maybe tackling the M1 this weekend, depends on what the weather is doing...I'll get there

dizzy you're not obliged to take anyone's advice, you do whatever you like.

We are camping too, this weekend, a small festival, looking forward to it. One night only.

No1 just a thought - I am sure you are already bearing this in mind but no harm to be a bit cautious about posting too much that's specific here as though it feels like a chat room for mates it is after all a public forum and technically accessible by all sorts of people. Also to keep the waters clear for any legal work etc. Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying don't post, I am not saying you've posted anything you shouldn't have, I am not saying anything other than for your good & the children's good and everyone's good in the future there may be times for you to be cautious.

Hope you make Derbyshire cyteen!

oh best of luck cyteen - I should have got my arse into gear and sent you muppets racing for the playstation - motorways are a little like that

I have never felt like I have to explain to you lovely ladies, I just didn't want you to think that I didn't WANT to dump on the table, blow a raspberry at them or stab his hand to the table with a blunt pencil

'thinking of you' card arrive from my team at the work this morning if they are hoping it will encourage me to hurry back it is having the opposite effect

VG - camping sounds likemyworstnightmare fun, what is the festival? I think you should ALL come to this for a thread meet up - my house is close enough not to have to camp for me those of us who hate canvas

DD1 has an outer ear infection so pleased i took her to the docs at i really didn't believe there was something wrong with her [bad mummy]..

enjoy camping all.. hope the weather continues to shine..

ah wee pudding, ear infections are so sore well done for taking her though, I've missed those before

This un

oooh looks FAB!

Dizzy that sounds like a good plan

Cyteen good luck

Our friends have cancelled on us for camping tomorrow DH doesn't really want to go without them but we are making him go anyway. Just waiting for the campsite lady to phone back and let us know if there are any spaces left...

boo, how pants re your friend on that note I'm off to mine with some chocolate cake laters lovelies

Just booked here instead. We're going to the seaside

Enjoy the cake Dizzy

Enjoy the camping VG

Poor DD loti but at least you've taken her to the docs and she will be feeling better very soon

of the festival LG. Really to be too skint for Larmer Tree this year and that has actually put off camping altogether til we can afford it again. That and just knowing that camping will be far more fun next year with a talking/listening Pod and hopefully an absence of pushchairs and nappies.

Another lazy day here, playing at friend's house for lunch, have rebuilt DS1's dojo even better ( to find it has an anchor now so is a floating dojo apparently) but we are all now indoors .

Dizzy SO impressed at your level headedness! You will indeed go far young lady.

The festival was 45 euro per adult and children under 12 go free (ds1 just scrapes in by a month!), I don't know how that compares to UK prices though. Yes, I was thinking this morning of the magic day however many years ago when I just said casually to ds1 "hop in the car" and didn't have to wrestle with car seats and belts and all that. Not that I wish ds2 to grow up fast or anything but the freedom of having older children is fab! I remember as well when ds1 started to do things like make me a cup of coffee, or run down to the shop. They become such nice servants friends.

Potsy your place looks gorge!

thanks Buckets, it wasn't without it's challanges and shaky hands were sat on throughout - have written another email this morning but left it to go back to and re-edit once calmer

hots - am TOTALLY coming there to a cottage or wigwam though - feel free to pitch up outside

would only take 5.5hrs apparently

hotter your campsite looks fab, I'm especially loving the wigwams! Never seen ones as fancy as that before! Hope you have a great weekend.

Hope DD1 is feeling a bit better now loti. Shame things are not any better with DH. I don't know how you cope with him being away at the weekend as often as he has. I'm glad for DH to attempt to take over when it's the weekend!

oops, hope DD2 has behaved today and hasn't given you any more scares.

Not much happened here today, been a lovely day again so went to the park for a while after school. I've got a committee meeting to go to tonight and will be glad to escape for a while! DD has been a pain in the arse little challenging today and my head is splitting! Time for daddy's shift I think!!

Hi. Remember me. Storm zapped my router so MNing is difficult. I have done all the work I can possible think to do to fix it but it's gone/dead/finished! Off to purchase a new router so I can return to normal and reestablish myself with my MN family.

to all!!!

Back from a lovely few days with my parents and DD's very happy to see them. We were going to go straight on camping but some other more organised buggers nicked the final pitches at the site we wanted to go to, so we are home again.

Insurance peeps have just phoned and they will let us know their decision on Monday as top whether they will pay out. I think they have been watching too much x-factor in trying to build up the suspense

Was LOL'ing reading the cheese and wine bait, but obviously you know i would't touch any of that stuff being a Hotmama. Actually if you read Hotmama's you will see me admit to cheese and wine, with a burger and some chips added to it for extra effect

Lady and Hots your camping looks fab - hope the weather holds for you. buckets we were hoping to be near you in Milford on Sea this weekend. I'm sure we will get back there so will let you know for a beach meet

Not sure i can do the London picnic as have a very busy few weeks but will keep you posted

dizz well done on letting the head rule rather than the heart and doing a big flounce. Bide your time and you never know who might appear on your side and help everything to fall into place

pert any offers on your house?

NutTree sorry but i was laughing at your mindee rear ending it into the paddling pool. I would have been and pointing fingers at my poor child for being a numpty whereas my sister would have been . Must be so difficult dealing with all the parents different outlooks on things, you must have the patience of a saint and the hide of an elephant!

welcome home Sazz, you're too late for the cheese & wine, Miamla ate the cheese and I'm scoffing the wine and brie

whats with the busy few weeks, are you heading up here [hopeful]