I admire your strength BlueIanna! I know some part of you feels bad and like you are saying NO to him, but in truth, you are just saying YES to yourself. Your kids need you and it is hard to be whole for them if you have someone around who sucks your energy. It is far more difficult to care for yourself and your own boundaries when you are such a kind person. Good for you for not going down the same path you have before... (here is some ice cream for you...it makes everything a little better)