I would have given him an earful when he wisecracked at me after being gone for a week. Does he really think all it takes to raise children is an occasional phone call and some sweet talk? Honestly, BBJ, as unhappy as my H and I were when the kids were young, there was nothing that would have let him abandon the family like yours has done. He is not that kind of man. I don't know how your husband faces himself in the mirror.
I'm serious, I would tell him if he can't speak respectfully to me in my home, he is not welcome to walk through the door. And I would tell the children the same thing. They hear him. They know what he says to you. He can't stop criticizing you, so no, he can't come in. And, you don't dignify him with your time. He takes the kids and goes, and he brings them back. They are your kids, BBJ. He is like a visiting uncle. Nothing more until he pulls his weight, which includes 1/2 of the paycheck (which I guess can be offset by the 1/2 of your paycheck that I assume he is not getting.) He ought to be bowing down at your feet and thanking you for the wonderful way you take care of the children without a father around. And instead he hurls abuse on you.
And stop going through that old stuff. It is just tearing at your insides. What you need is a nice man in your life. HE AIN"T IT!!!
