Question:
Ok, so my husband has two children from his previous marriage, a 12yr old daughter and a 10yr old boy. We have a 5yr and a 1yr old. My step-children(though I don't like the word and will only be using it for descriptive purposes) live thirty minutes away in the next town. We spend alot of trying to divide our lives between two towns, four children and an hour drive. We have talked continuously over the last few years about relocating to be closer to our children on a daily basis. However, it seems like nothing ever fits our price range or our demands. Let me also elaborate on my relationship with the mother of my step-children. We are friends, parents, and family. We have never played the part of evil ex-wife hates new wife or vise versa, very well. We spend holidays, birthdays, and even some vacations together. I know this seems odd, but our children adore it. They thrive with a huge family that loves them and wants the best for them. I should also mention that even though my own mother and grandmother live less than two minutes from my house, they haven't seen my children in months. I personally,as well as my husband come from a broken homes, dysfunctional families, and that can be very tiring on it's own. And as weird as it may seem, my husband's ex-inlaws seem to be the family neither of us had. So, where is my dilemma? Well, the house next door to our children has been put up for sale. After receiving a excited phone call from "the ex", we checked into it, and surprisingly it's everything we have wanted including affordable. I think of all four of our children being able to play, go to school, do homework, and eat dinner all on a pretty daily basis. I think about how nice it will be not only for me and our children, but for my husband, to be able to see his children EVERYDAY! So, I thought it was decided, that was until I started talking to my family and friends. All of them seem to think I am making a horrible mistake by making this move. They are telling me that I will never have my own home and my own family, that everything will be an extension of my husband's ex wife. Now I'm so nervous and I'm worried that I am making a mistake and maybe I'm being naive about everything....I just don't know. I guess I'm looking for someone else's opinion on the situation.
Answers:
Look let me make this simple, your family has no right to tell you that you made a mistake or to make you feel guilty for what you have decided was best. That's between you & your husband. Family's & Friends are so bad to make comments just because they dont agree. You thought this was best for your kids & I agree with you. Don't stress about it, just enjoy your life!!
You already said you come from a broken home and since when have your friends been so right about anything. Seriously only you and your husband know the type pf uncommonly wonderful relationship you have with the ex's family and both sets of kids. I think this is a fabulous idea. The kids can grow up together you can see them more. It will be easier to coordinate if either couple wants to go out. What you family will be a extension of his ex wife? No no no you will be a extension and vise versa, it's called "extended family" and that's a great thing. You have nothing to worry about, just look forward to a bright future. Some people think they know everything but they have never walked a mile in your shoes!
ya, sounds like a mistake. but your situation is a TOUGH ONE. dont know what id do. gotta keep distance between your life and the ex wife life. i can see her cooking dinner for everyone at her house andy you come home to everyone over there. you need at least 10-30 minutes distance.