FOCUS. (Get some goals in place for detachment PLEASE)
Make plans for you and your kids and STOP wishing she was there. Why? Because you want your kids to do exactly what they did to you--go on and on about all the fun things you guys did WITHOUT HER. Do NOT be mopey in front of those kids!!
Let HER feel left out--and she will!! OMGoodness--they are at that precious age that they are doing new things every day. And dads bring out a different side of thier kids. SHE KNOWS THIS and it will KILL Her to be away from them. GOOD. SHE DID THIS!!
She is very immature--make her GROW the heck UP!!
Nobody will love her kids like their dad--nobody on the PLANET. It's a very, very strong force you have on your side--you need to understand how IMPORTANT YOU ARE!!! This is a HUGE and WONDERFUL opportunity for you!
Make those plans. You don't have to do anything expensive. You could get cardboard boxes from the grocery store and make a fort--they would be in heaven. (be glad you don't have teenagers yet.lol) Speak to her MINIMALLY. text MINIMALLY. Do not jump when she says--STOP THAT. Let her MISS YOU--make it TOUGH for her. Make her be alone with her THOUGHTS.
Make sure the kids don't speak to her if they are having any sort of meltdown (like at that age they always do). Wait until they are in a GREAT mood and have THEM call. If they say "Mom wants to talk to you." tell her you'll call her back you're busy--and make her WAIT ON YOU.
Gee--have a bit of fun with this will ya! She may be in that cottage alright--in it and MISERABLE if you just stay a few steps ahead of her!
Cottages and houses are THINGS. FAMILY is EVERYTHING!!!!
