Where we are in the world; it is just about time for the annual skids holiday... and once again I am faced with the usual thoughts regarding upheaval in my usually peaceful home...

And when I say upheaval folks I don't mean my step children... I mean the accompanying crazy that come from, yep you guessed it the children's mother...

I don't understand how it is perfectly acceptable for 50 weeks of the year her to decide when and if the children contact there father by telephone when it fits into her daily schedule and routine; but for two yes you got it a mere two weeks of the year she cannot afford the exact same courtesy to my STBDH...

Yep we will get the everyday phone call trying to guilt the children into "i miss you mommy" statements; when the entire day the word mommy hasn't passed over the lips; unless its a slip when requesting my attention.

I once again await the awful clothing that will be delivered; 3 sizes to large for both kids and a total complete wreck.. awful flipflops for my SD and no other shoes, no trainers etc... And trust me folks these kids have plenty of suitable fitting and appropriate clothing. This is just "mother's" way to send them to dad looking like unwanted orphans.

I know this will ellicit the usual; "buy your own" responses from people..

BUT I refuse to spend more money on enough clothing for 16 days once a year that will end up being worn once or twice before it is too small. I have sufficient clothing for the usual EOWE but certainly not enough for 16 days; and I'm not about to go out and spend a small fortune in clothing once again (been there; done that even sent the clothing back with them after the holiday never ever to see it again). Not going to fall for that again.

So here I sit contemplating the upcoming vacation and the usual fallout and feeling tired before it starts, tired that a grown woman continues to put her pettiness above her children. Tired that we actually have to raise these points with her and that she can't or more to the point won't see the validity of these requests.

I would have been ashamed to ever send my children out into public looking like something the cat dragged through a bush backwards, I would have been mortified if anyone in my town saw my children in that state whilst with anyone including my abusive pig of an ex-husband.

I know that the children's mother knows that I would never allow my stepkids to be seen in public this way; but this year I intend to take a stand. Money is tight for everyone and I'm saving for a wedding; and supporting my own children as well as DH; yep the usual situation for most of us SMs where a huge chunk of DH's salary goes to support the exes lifestyle; leaving SM with the lion's share of the bills etc; so nope not going to be the dupe once again this year; our weekend clothes will be held in reserve for any activities outside of the home.