Trying to stop a train....

[Grocerykartman]

kids seem to be able to have more fun now that I am calmed down when we are out of the house.

What I really mean is, "Not one time" thinking is kind of extreme thinking...you MIGHT be setting yourself up for disappointment if you can't follow through forever. Let's face it kids are kids and sometimes it's hard not to lose your cool, particularly if they really do something unsafe or terribly disrespectful. If it should happen, don't be discouraged, you're still doing what you can to improve your demeanor in front of them for them and for YOU. I just don't want you to burn out thinking its never going to happen, and that your 180 will always be exactly 180.

2. Sounds like you're trying to play "beat the clock" with the Retroville weekend. I don't think that's the way to schedule it. You may be feeling like if you don't do it, then you haven't done all you could to save things. I'm thinking you don't want to pressure into doing it if she's not 110% into the idea. Like, she needs to have a releived smile a mile wide on her face when the topic comes up...you need to see the enthusiasm in her eyes, etc. You both have to have the right frame of mind for something like this, neither of you can have any reluctance. Skepticism, yes, but reluctance, no. I'd advise you to make sure that's the case.

Sorry about the split posts here...hit the wrong button last time.

I wish you well.