Getting down to business! :)

Sea78

thanks hun - I just feel abit like a failure for even thinking bad thingswhen I am so blessed with them.

taxi73

Listen you are not a failure thinking those things!!!
We all have those moments hun..it's just finding an idea to keep them from arguing...that's all.
You've all had a hard time over the last couple of years and it will get easier..just keep strong.
Is ex doing his bit by looking after them?..so that you get space.

EssexHebridean

Not being a Mum myself I can't say for certain, but I suspect the Mum who claims she has never had resentful or negative thoughts towards her kids is the one who is telling porkies. You've been terrifically brave admitting it Sea, but I suspect that you're very far from alone and also that the feelings you're having are more normal than you can begin to imagine. Christmas can be such a stressful time of year - the kids are already building up the excitement and I bet you're feeling worried about making sure they have a wonderful christmas too, aren't you? Remember - kids pretty much ALWAYS have a good christmas - it's the adults who are likely to not for worrying about it!

Re the lamb, if anyone would like the contact details for the lady who supplied ours last spring then please pm me and I'll send you back her email address.

Sea78

He is doing - he has them every other weekend and every wednesday which is great.I need to work on being more grateful for that time and using it to catch up onstuffI need to do so I'm less worried when I do have the kids. They arewonderful most of the time. THanks for the support - helps!!
xxx

Sea78

Thanks EH - you are right of course.

I got the lamb yesterday and oh my goodness!!! There is LOADS of it! I won't need to buy any meat for a good 2 months now and SUCH a bargain for £20!! WIll be searchingfor lotsof lamb recipes Just hope William will actually eat some.

taxi73

It's the tiredness talking hun..everyone knows how much you love your kids.Kids are enough to try the patience of a saint some days but never feel a failure.
You're far from it!!!
You have given up drinking
You are a single parent
You have held down a stressful job..
You are paying debts off

Where in that is failure?....you are far from it.

Seaxwyn

Well said taxi!

macgirl

You are certainly not alone Sea.
I nearly launched DD into oblivion yesterday! She is almost 4 and has just started having tantrums "I don't love you - ANYMORE!" "I hate all my FAMILY!" Then half an hour later sobs "I'm sorry for shouting Mum" :rolleyes:, my other DD is 5.5 and does all the eye rolling, not listening etc. I feel like a cracked record, repeating myself.

You sound like you do a brilliant job :A

Anytime you forget that, just read Taxi's post over and over and pat yourself on the back

hypno06

Taxi hit the nail on the head - you have achieved a huge amount during a very difficult time - you have no need to worry over feeling resentful about bickering children.

In fact, you had better get used to bickering siblings - they don't necessarily grow out of it.....my two are only 15 months apart and are either very close and protective of each other.......or they argue over the pettiest of things "she looked at me"......"he breathed the air in the same room as me" type thing :rolleyes:

And of course my response is grrrrrrrr!!!!!!! as I wonder whether I can get away with banging their heads together Does that make me a bad mother......no, it makes me a mother of teenagers living in the real world!

Don't be so harsh on yourself - let them get on with their bickering or their awkwardness.....it is all part of their development, and all part of "normal" family life!! If necessary, just walk away from the room and get involved in a bit of decluttering with the radio on loud so you can't hear the bickering.......

As for the lamb - that really does sound like a bargain! Morroccan lamb with couscous - lovely and sweet with apricots and raisins in - the kids will love it, and it can be done in the slow cooker too, like a tagine!

vandanfc

Hi Sea

Have a look here for some recipes - looks like it covers all sorts of stuff:

http://www.allbritishfood.com/Lamb/lambhome.php