Well, makes sense to buy a house, unless she wants you to come back. You've been doing the married couple thing (practically) for quite a while, not sure what the answer is, but is it time to do a 180? Bigger place (house or apt) that you can take the kids to for the weekend?
I agree with Mandi, why do you need her permission to buy a house? I know the whole controlling bit, but sounds like more of an investment than antyhing else. Why pour your money into an apt when you could invest in a house.
BD
My latest
Me: 36 W: 35 2 D: 9 and 5 T: 16 years M: 12 10/4/06: Bomb 10/5/06: Ended A 4/22/07: ILYBNILWY