Hope you passed on the beer! I'm taking my hijack back onto your thread!
I understand what you're saying, but I do think if kids have one good parent (which they do in your case) they will turn out alright. I was raised by my single dad (mom died when I was 4) and my brother and I turned out fine. I had him as a good role model to follow. I think at some point you just have to help your boys realize that their mom has no interest in doing stuff with you and them for whatever reasons, and not bothering to go down the cheeseless tunnel of asking her over and over only to hear no.
I hope you understand I just say b/c I consider you a good friend (even though we've never met!).
