This hedgehog shirt is what we need, Tep.

Yeah, I did my taxes at least a week ago.

Looking at taxes is on the list.

I hope the the weekend went well for all. I hope that no unwelcomed hugs were inflicted, and plenty of welcomed ones were enjoyed. I watched the Super Bowl, but didn't really notice much as my focus was non-existent and ended up falling asleep before the controversial finish.

Much family drama on Sunday. My niece and godchild got into a situation with her mother concerning physical custody of her child and I inserted myself into the middle. She is 24 and has a 4 yo daughter and a 2 month old son. The daughter has been living with her grandparents (my brother and his ex-wife) since she was born, although my niece moved out (was thrown out) a couple years ago. She has been a constant presence in her daughter's life, but her mother wouldn't let her have her because she 'wasn't ready'. Mostly this went on for too long because the grandmom is a very powerful personality that everyone is afraid of. The niece was ok with the arrangement because the child was well cared for and she expected to move her into her place when she saved some money/ got married/ got a bigger place/ some time soon.

This arrangement became suddenly unacceptable when the grandmother decided that she was going to move 1500 miles away and take the child with her. My son reached out to his cousin and asked her if she was ok with this, and she responded that this was completely out of the question.

So I asked her 2 questions, 1. Did she sign any custody agreement, 2. Could I help her. She faxed me what she had signed which was a simple Authorization to get medical care, sign her up for day care or school. I wrote a revocation, but it didn't really matter one way or the other because there was no custody issues in the authorization.

So it went horribly. Grandma claims she is the only mother the kid has ever known, mom isn't ready, her place is too small, she has a legal document, etc, etc, not true stuff. Bobby had the child outside playing the whole time to keep her away from the conflict. The kid is tickled pink to be going home with Mommy to live with her little brother, etc. Niece packs up a basket of clothes and we leave.

15 minutes later Grandma calls us and says we better get back she has called the sheriff. Ok, we head back. We wait outside for the police while Bobby goes back to yard with kid to play. We tell our side and politely remain outside for him to get grandma's side. (we hear bits and pieces) Police is calm and professional and explains the facts after looking at the paperwork and talking to all the people. Grandma is advised that if she feels her daughter is an unfit mother she can file in civil court. We leave with the child.

So my poor brother's life is going to be a living hell. He never said a word through the whole thing because he is afraid of the ex-wife and a total wimp. Also very ill with MS. And I understand that grandma loves the kid and thinks she is a better parent. But she isn't. And you can't just take someone's child child out of state without permission. So I know I did the right thing and most of the family agrees, but it is still heartbreaking and a big mess. But the child is happy and with her mother.

This is way long, but I had to emotion dump so I can proceed to solve the rest of the issues on my list that I can solve.

Laura, what a tough situation. I hope things settle down quickly, for the child's sake if nothing else (but also your brother).

ION, I am on the diflucan train. Woo. I actually have 3 days left of antibiotics, but this yeast infection started Saturday, and if I have to wait 3 more days to treat it, I will burst into flames. The doctor's office told me I would probably have to take 1 pill now and another in 3 days, which I am totally okay with.

Laura, you totally did the right thing. But I'm sure the whole thing just feels terrible.

Oh, Laura, how stressful. (and Kudos for Bobby for being such a champ.)

Laura, I'm glad you were able to be there as the voice of calm and wisdom. I hope everything works out for your niece and the kids.

Teppy, feel better. I have to take 4 antibiotics on Thursday morning followed by 4 advil before I test I'm having done. I'm hoping beyond hope my stomach will survive it.

Laura, I'm glad you were able to be there as the voice of calm and wisdom. I hope everything works out for your niece and the kids.

This. So sad, and so stressful. I hope emotions level out, and the grandmother can accept the situation for what it is.

Protip - new iPhones are shipped with the volume down. I checked my alarms to make sure they'd transferred... but I didn't check the volume on the ringer. So now I'm over two hours late, and a panic attack is fomenting. I slept like crap last night, again. This hip pain is really a problem.

{{{smonster}}} Calm~ma and pain~ma to you.

{{smonster}} crap way to start the week. I hope it takes a turn for the better quickly.