Field Report: I try to hold the old lady accountable for all of her "inconsistencies" with her kids. Kids need structure, and when mom can't get it together enough to get them on a schedule, the kids suffer. I do not want this for the kids. Three nights ago, the kids did not go to bed on time, and so they were told the next night they would have to go to bed early to make up for it. I happened to be out of town for work the next day and I was not there to enforce the law she laid down on early bedtime. I called her and asked if they were put to bed early. She said no and her reason was "because life happened." OK - fine, so I would be home the following night to be sure it happened. She had the kids out with their friends and did not get home until about 45 minutes until bed time. As I saw her and the kids outside when they got home, I stuck my head out the door to have the kids get showers pre-bedtime. No help from her really, as they were playing with and feeding their baby ducks. As all 3 kids got showered, they had about 5 minutes before bed. The neighbor left and she came in as I was directing the children to go brush their teeth and get in bed. She then pipes up - they haven't had dinner yet. I was confused as the kids were at their friends house from after school until now after 8pm - and no one fed them supper. I asked why they were not fed, and she got all defensive and nasty with me. I simply stated to her that feeding and playing with the ducks should not be priority over making the kids their supper and getting them to bed. She went off and got crazy mad at me (deflecting responsibility). As I got up to retreat to my garage (my go to when she gets crazy) I told her she was being irresponsible and the kids should have meals before bedtime. She then turned the blame on me because I never look after them for meals, which is complete BS. After the kids were in bed I returned to the house and she asked me why I was being short with her. I told her because when I pointed out her bad behavior, she justified it by deflecting blame back to me. I told her why I had to retreat - because she was crazy mad at me for pointing out her shortcomings. Again - she points it back on me. At that point I moved on and forgot about it as her hamster is strong. Even after calmly reviewing all that was said and done, she could not accept blame for her shortcomings - even though I was the one trying to get the kids ready for bed. It goes to show that most women, even when facts are placed right in their face from a scenario that happened 30 minutes prior, will not accept responsibility. This morning she was sweet as can be to me like nothing ever happened. Dog gone it I hate the Hamster! I will not bring it up again and will treat it with amused mastery should it be ever brought up again. Struggles are real gentlemen.
RIP - Yamahondaman!! You will never be forgotten!
RIP - Sam Brehm!! Gone but NEVER forgotten!
RIP - Sandpuppi101 - You will live on in my mind - I miss you friend!