Tree is up!

Had a great Sunday. Got to go to the Science Center with Tyler and some friends. I really do wish that I was able to get around better, though. It's frustrating to not be able to move freely, or to only be able to move with pain. We got to see a great IMAX movie about the Hubble telescope which was so cool. And since Tyler still says he wants to be an aerospace engineer when he grows up, he was in awe the entire time.

When we got home, we had a late lunch, and then settled into getting the rest of the Christmas decorations up. I love this time of year, it's one of my absolute favorites. But I did notice this year that everything was taking a LOT longer to get done. I'm sure it's because it was just me and Tyler working, and not another adult. Tyler is so helpful, though. He really helps out, and he doesn't ever whine or complain. He never has, though. But he's been a lifesaver for me since day one of my back going out. I try to tell and show him how much I appreciate him, but I wonder sometimes if he really understands.

My back and legs are absolutely killing me tonight, but I think it was totally worth it. The house looks amazing. The tree is so gorgeous. I've always wanted to have a tree with a "theme" to it, I just think it looks so classy. Last year, I finally buckled down and said "I'm doing my theme tree this year" and just did it. My ex hated Christmas, so he really didn't care. I decided to do my favorite color, and I just love it so much! Now that I had more time to fuss with it today, I feel like it looks perfect, so yay! Here's a couple pictures for you:

I know it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's perfect for me. Here is a couple pics of the rest of the living room area:



As you can see on the tv, we got to watch the Rams game while we worked. What a great game! They're doing so well this year! It was only after getting the garland up that I realized there was a blown bulb somewhere. To be honest, I was way too tired and hurt to even try to take it down, or play hunt and seek to find it, so it's going to have to wait for another day. Same with the blinking icicle lights in the window lol. 2/3 of the string work fine. The last 1/3 refuses to light up, and I have no idea why. And of course, the replacement bulbs I have are the wrong size/kind, so they're no help. Frustrating!

Tyler does his own tree in his room. We started that a few years ago. It used to be a smaller tree, but we were at WalMart two years ago and they had a little five foot tree, and he asked if he could have it for his room. I know I always wanted a tree for my own room when I was a kid, so I figured, why not? He decorates it himself every year. He even picked out his own decorations. So here are pics of his tree:

So now that decorating is basically done, I'm just relaxing now, thinking about the week ahead. I think I am getting a tattoo on Wednesday, if I can work out the logistics.

Things are a little off kilter around here right now. Tyler is not supposed to be here with me this weekend, or this coming week. But, things at his dad's have gotten really bad, and have even broken down into physical fights over there, so Tyler doesn't want to go anymore. We have had to talk to the police (of course, his father called them). I'm sure his dad thinks this is me, and I'll be the first to admit I don't think he is safe over there anymore, but as the police officer discovered, it really is Tyler that doesn't want to be there. He's almost 12 now, and he recognizes that they way they behave over there isn't normal, or healthy. And I'm not just talking about the children. It's primarily the adults. The poor kid has had to endure this for years now, and I guess in the back of my mind, I always knew there would come a point where he would finally say "enough!".

Matt used to get really upset with me because he felt like I wasn't telling Tyler the complete truth about his dad. There was a lot of times that I maybe didn't tell him everything, but I try really hard not to come across like I'm bashing his dad. And I knew, all along, that this wasn't going to get better, it was only going to get worse. I know it was frustrating for Matt to see me bite my tongue, but good things come to those who wait, I believe. So now, here we are, and Tyler is old enough to make his own decisions and he has chosen not to go over there anymore.

And his dad is only making things worse. When Tyler told the police officer on Wednesday that he didn't want to go, his dad reacted with anger. He didn't ask if he could talk to Tyler, didn't try to find out what was wrong (mostly, because he knew exactly what the problem was). He just stood in the hall with his arms crossed, scowling at Tyler. Then, he didn't call him on Thanksgiving. And when Tyler was telling me on Friday that he wasn't sure if he wanted to go to his dad's that night or not, Brian talks to him on the phone and, again, instead of talking to him, reassuring him, etc., he screams at him. Demands a response about what Tyler is going to do that night. And when Tyler keeps telling him "I don't know, Dad", his dad then tells him not to "bother", then, and threatens him, saying "I'll see you next week, just wait", before hanging up on him. Nice, huh?

So I'll have to talk to Tyler in the morning and find out what he wants to do. He told me on Friday that he has no intention of going back, especially now. It's obvious, even to him, that his dad has little or no concern about his feelings or what he wants, and that this whole thing isn't about seeing or spending time with him. It's about "winning". Having his way. And now his dad sees that Tyler can't be forced to leave with him, so he's showing his true colors. Which is really sad.

I've told Tyler I will pick him up from school if he wants me to, and I will. I'm sure there will be more police involved, though. And I'm really hoping to not have a knock down, drag out confrontation with his dad in the school's parking lot. But I have to respect Tyler's feelings, and in this instance, I wholeheartedly agree with his decision, so it makes it easier.

IF I can work it out, I plan to get my tattoo on Wednesday. It's my birthday gift :). If I do, I will definitely post pictures for you!

I hope you had a good holiday week/extended weekend. We sure did. Not sure I'm prepared to get back into the routine again, but we don't get a choice, do we? So here's to Monday. Let's hope the week is smooth and uneventful.

YEAH, RIGHT. That's going to happen! lol