it's been a while since I've been here... just a note to say that the Philosopher got his drivers license today. Yes, his dad couldn't even do that because his car (which is the same age & nearly identical mileage to mine) is too beat up, stinky, and filthy to take a drivers test in.... but it gave me time to spend with my little dude and to do something special with him.

We celebrated by going to the Melting Pot for dinner. It was very nice. Cheese & chocolate, plus we split an entree & salad. It was just a _little_ too much food. But very nice and a good chance to chat.

When we were almost to his dad's, we were talking about when would be a good time for him to come spend an overnight (if not a weekend), to sleep in and make pancakes, and maybe go to a museum or something. I told him that I miss him and I got much more than his normal noncommittal answer... he gave me a very hearty head nod and told me he misses me too. Once again, I'm seeing how them living with dad is showing them who their dad really is and giving them a chance to see me for who I am too. And to know that as much of a pain in the butt that I can be, at least I care enough to fuss instead of ignoring them like he does.

So, as much as I know that things aren't good in "paradise", at least I feel my relationship with my sons is healing.