Well Christmas went better than expected. The teenage SDs didn't hang all over my H like they usually do. And I didn't feel like they were watching my every move. I think they actually had a little fun. My SS11 actually spoke to me! He lives with us but had been staying with his mom for a few days. He normally acts like I'm the devil. It didn't start off to good as far as H and I are concerned. We had Christmas at my parent's house. The skids got there about 1:00. H was sitting on the couch and I was laying on the couch with my head on his lap. Well we were all debating football vs. hockey. My H got really wound up and ended up smacking me in the eye. It was an accident but it still upset me because my ex used to hit me. Then the skids get there and he says "Get up my kids are here and they are gonna want to sit here." Ok what the hell?! It's not like there weren't other places to sit. My parents have a big living room. There are two full sized couches in it and two chairs and a nice big place to sit on the floor. I mean I could see if he got up to greet them that I would too but he didn't even bother to get up after he told me to. grrrrrr So I asked him about it later that evening when we were alone. He just brushed it off like it was no big deal. So I've been thinking....Maybe I should stop blaming the skids for all the crap that happens. I'm thinking alot of it is his fault because he lets it happen. I started thinking that way after he told be to get up because the skids might want to sit by him. After I started thinking that way the time we spent with them went much better. Now all my anger and resentment is directed more toward my H and eventually he will have to deal with it or loose me.