In my small town I was related to everyone and no one ever moved away. My mom was an import which made her an item of interest forevermore.
I guess where I went wrong with my kids is that we lived in the same house/town, working plumbing and all, I baked cookies nearly every day for them and their friends after school and I done forgot to beat 'em.

Funny thing is that all their friends still come by to see me. Can THEY be my favorites?

The pool table, big screen TV and other items to keep them entertained also diverted them from doing homework or reading. Poverty can be a good thing ya know?

It is pure freedom as you have nothing to take care of, nothing to lose and lots of time to read!
M&N, you do not do any of the nightly feedings? If I were up any old way I would. Heck , my grands still come and stay with me when they are sick so their parents can sleep. You are a 'grammar' so you are excused. We don' need no stinkin' 'rules' round here!
Ants, what mom could resist being their for their child's BD? I thought your mom was coming to live with you? Has she ever been to DW? I was wondering, why do you not just get a job down there and be done with it? Even a job in the area, if you do not want to ruin the magic? Never could understand why neighbors with a bass boat did not move nearer the water. You should live near where your Bliss is.
Ang, my parents never attended any school function, not even Senior Awards night when I won a bunch. We lived across the street from the school. Do I win the really lousy parent award?

I was bound and determined to be a different kind of parent. Did not work well for me although both my kids are self supporting and do not live with me so I guess that is something.

My grandkids and I are close. We have a common enemy, their parents. (just kidding, really!!!)
I am not getting a darned thing useful done today. Not likely to either.
SG