"Updated" pictures? I have yet to see ANY pictures! What did I miss?

You are so lucky to have access to the house while it's still in escrow, that must be wonderful to get so much of this stuff done before you move in!!

Congrats and will look forward to the pics as well!

Woohoo!

It sounds like everything is pretty much falling into place. Congratulations and good luck with your new life. Are your kids going to be living with you fulltime or is this a shared thing?

I would love to have them full time, would be happy with 50%, but my soon to be ex is adamant that I only see them every other weekend and a few hours during the week. It's a long story that will have to be decided by a judge at this point. I am walking away from virtually everything but will fight to the end for at least 50% custody of my kids. I am not an every other weekend Dad.

That's terrible. I would think 50% custody would be only fair as long as you don't have to take them any great distance or out of school. She sounds like a real *****. She is not only hurting you but she is hurting the kids.

I am moving 2 miles from our current home, it is in the same school district. My daughter would ride a different bus, but that is the only change.

Then there is no reason not to have joint cutody. How old is your daughter? Is she old enough to be allowed an opinion? Hopefully the judge will see your side of the story.

I am constantly praying that either my wife or the judge will put the best interests of the kids first.

On a brighter note, my parents actually painted the walls in my son's room yesterday! I checked after work and they were done. I stopped and thanked them, I could never thank them enough for all the help they have been. When I stopped by the house this morning (It is kind of my retreat from the nastiness that I am going through) my dad was already there working. I think we are going to have a work party this weekend with some more of my family.

You are so blessed. Keep looking at the good things in your life now and keep fighting for those good things.

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As a parent, I can't imagine not having my kids around. Glad you are taking things in stride and hopefully, the judge will be more than fair with custody.

FYI - my parents divorced when I was younger. My father got full-time custody of us 3 kids. My mom ended up with every other weekend, certain holidays, and a good chunk of summer vacation.

As of 9:30 this morning I am the owner of my new home. I won't be moving in for a couple of weeks, and I have already been working on it for a couple of weeks so it is somewhat anti-climatic, but the next time I open the door it will be MY door. I am scared to death about having a mortgage again - but I could not pass up 5% for 20 years fixed and the price I got on the house was pretty good too.

Wish I were in better spirits, but it has been a down day for me - seems like the weight of the world is on my shoulders this morning. I'm worried about the kids, I'm worried about moving, I'm worried about all the work I have to do at the house, I am worried about my soon to be ex.... It would probably be easier to list the things I am not worried about. I am hoping to have the kids come help me at the house a little this weekend and take them shopping for mattresses and a new computer - that would really lift my spirits if I can pull this off without a confrontation. My family will be working with me tomorrow on the house so that is a good thing.....

Thomas, just remember there is nowhere to go but up and things will hopefully get better. I pray that your ex will come to her senses about the kids and do what is best for them. Hopefully you can get the kids this weekend without a confrontation. Just keep you chin up.

By the way, congrats on the new house.

Congrats on the house, tj! Sounds like you got a great deal.

I hope you will create many happy memories there with your kids.

Thomas,

Congratulations on your new home. I heard a pastor on the radio once say that when things aren't looking so great praise God for 10 things in your life that you are thankful for. Try it, hopefully it will lift your spirits. I'll keep praying for you and your family!

Hooray for your new place!

Congrats on your new home! Keep your head up! Things will fall into place, just keep the faith!

I missed this here - glad I caught it on FB!

Congratulations and may you create wonderful memories in your new home!! So happy for you!

Congrats Thomas! I hope you got those stickers for the bathroom mirror this weekend

Congrats Thomas on the new house. One day at a time my friend, one day at a time. And when you need to One Hour or One Minute at a time.

Congratulations on the new house Thomas! I hope you had a great weekend and got a lot done!

Posting this via laptop from my new home with my new internet connection. I have cable, internet, and phone service and a new washer & dryer today.

WHOOOHOOOO!!!!

Way to go TJ!!!