What a weekend...

[AlexEN]

Thanks Gypsy...

Man, are your kids great at expressing themselves.

Yes, the boys are both very good at that, although S9 presents his ideas better than does S14...

D11, who is generally more expressive, is keeping to herself and very moody. She went by an animal shelter yesterday and saw a puppy she had to have. It truly is impractical given the flux we are in, which I think she understood; but, she was crushed and inconsolable. Don't know if you know the Barney the Beagle kids book, but she was sure it was "HER dog".

In the olden days, manic/depressives (as the severe cases were called back then) were sent to farms to work. The physical exertion gave an outlet for the racing brain and brought stability. Your son's hike is probably a very good thing.

Thanks, your words are reassuring (and I did confirm with his doctor that it was okay to send him). He wanted the break and I do remember reading that the physical exertion is good for him. He has VERY sensitive body chemistry. We can tell when he has a strep infection BEFORE he tests positively just by how he behaves. When he was younger, he actually had strep-induced obsessive compulsive behavior (PANDAS) and this would typically be a pre-cursor to a strep infection!

Just because you think you have an agreement with your wife in how to address concerns doesn't mean she'll follow it.

Yes, unfortunately, I keep forgetting that one. For some reason, while that is so obvious intellectually, I'm still somehow always surprised when it happens. I guess that should tell me something.

And her pleas for you to 'fix' the relationship between her and your son puts you squarely in an emotional triangle which will bite you in the ass on all sides.

Be consistent with your boundaries.. you are there for the kids, will not speak poorly of her, let her fight her own battles.

Yes, this is one I need to steer clear of while making sure he realizes it is inappropriate to speak to anyone the way he has been doing. I see your point though, I need to look for opportunities to do that when it isn't directed at W so I'm not pulled into that triangle.

The family meetings are a great idea.. conversation with accountability.

That came from @Puppy... Will be put into practice upon S14's return from his hike.

-AlexEN