It's funny you mention giving your XW a framed picture of your children as a gift. We recently had photos made of our S's (at W's request/insistence) and I kept a nice 10 x 13 for scanning into the computer (so we can print copies and email the image files to family and friends). I was just thinking of framing it and making that part of the gift to W as well -- thanks for confirming the idea.
And yes, I need to stop the "snooping". I can get way too much information from the "niece-to-niece" network/grapevine. My brother's W has filled me in on a lot of the words my W and her mother are saying to that side of the family.
My W had the nerve to chastise me for talking with my side of the family early on, after the bomb, and thus, as she put it, "poisoning the well" for her with them. I have been fairly discreet since then, but I continue to hear how my MIL is continually running her mouth to any and all on that side.
But I know there is nothing I can really do to stop it, so having the knowledge of it only makes me feel bad. I know enough already, what I am up against. Thus, it is best not to know any more.
