ok 3 live outside of the home. 6 at home. oldest lives 2 hours away, next son lives 5 hours away and my oldest daughter moved just 8 miles up the road. My Foof just got a great job and loves being with the kids and old mom so I told her stay stay! We are all bonded through our life experiences and being alone with no help from him in a foreign country. We all helped out in order to get by! So huge bond there
Aww, that is wonderful that you all are so close and support each other. That is very sad that ‘he’ doesn’t give you any support. I don’t know how you do it without it.
youngest is 12, if he was older I would just file for divorce. But he had told me when I moved here,he wanted to take my baby , he threatened to take him away!! So still worry and feel I need to wait to make it legal!
haha they do have lots of bling, I hope I can find pictures of the gold souk! Or I could post the gold he gave me after he got married, it is ugly and big and weird! Maybe I will do that hmmm!
hahaha It was really good! I mean my son had not been there since he was maybe 10. He wanted to come back right away, it was a long visit!!! But it helped the younger ones to see what it was like! He was not cooperative and kept pushing his new child on them and insisting they stay at home, not go out etc. So it was a long long visit!! But I think a good one.
over winter break so maybe 2 weeks! But it was very tiring and long!!! It is hard, he never told them he married or had a child. So, it was never spoken of, then he kept saying look there is your sister, oh your sister, should I bring your sister to see you! etc. I had to work with the kids when he married and then had a child, he just ignored it all! So,that was hard!!!
Yes, my kids are wonderful amazing people, caring, loving but they have no interest. How would they?? It was a horrible time for all of us, I was so upset and sad. How would that be a good beginning?? It is a hurt for all the kids but they wont say it. He never once said hey here is what happened they are just supposed to move on and be happy and accept his wife and child!! He also kept me hanging which was awful. he said I am getting married, I stressed for 4 months thinking it could be stopped, then found out, she was there the whole time, and then had to quiz him about a baby and he finally admitted oh she is 4 months pregnant. Anyway it was so stressful!
Recognise the enormous jars of Nutella from France … everytime my youngest visits me there she insists on taking one back which means we have to pay to check a bag just for Nutella … I must love her 😉
It’s nice that they went back. If nothing else, they can have some clarity about what they are missing (or not), and harbor no illusions. Stressful for you. Were you worried that he would not let them leave?
That’s true, but sometimes people are just into control and logic doesn’t matter. It reminds me of the line, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive!” It starts with self-deception and unrealistic expectations. Plus, he strikes me as very charming.
When people are so charming and manipulative, no one realizes what you live with. Frankly, no one can. All you can do is detach with love and live your life. Eventually, the truth will be revealed.
Yes my own sister told me I was not nice enough to him! He offers gifts, support, money etc. One time a couple of years ago he offered to go and pick up 2 female relatives and their kids who were stranded on the border, it was a 12 hour drive!!! This was for a rich friend! He just mentioned to him that his relatives a cousin or something were there and needed a way home- they could take the bus!!! So, he insisted on going there driving and waiting and driving them all back and then to the airport and waiting for them there!!!!!!This was on his day off! Complete strangers. So he looks like a prince!! But he would not raise a finger to help me or the kids!
I think they call that a street angel and a house devil. Everyone thinks they know, and if they really knew, they would probably take their words back.
yes I would not have allowed the little ones to go but with the older ones it was something I decided might help them. My son was there for hmm 10 minutes and wanted to come back! So it was a long long visit! But it did clear things up for him.
Well I told Erika, I had never heard of it! They had it years ago and have many European products that we cannot get here. Products from the US are hard to get and expensive!
Oh..I can understand. Considering the life you and your children had there…Still, I should say, they are brave and considerate enough to go back and visit those places… 🙂
Thank you for sharing. It reminded me of my time in Abu Dhabi. Tomorrow, I am going to share some photos of the housing area and some stores. I meant to ask you Lynz if you had thought about trying to teach English online. I know that you are not a certified teacher, but often opportunities come up to teach online and they pay about $10-$15 an hour. You can find them also on facebook sites. I will keep my eyes open for you! Also, if you speak Arabic, that is a marvelous talent which may come in handy for a job.
I speak French and was able when living in rural areas to get the scoop on others for some interesting jobs…in Alabama….back in my 30s!
Beautiful pictures. I hope you are to rid him from your life. I would pursue the divorce. You have so much to give and he doesn’t deserve one minute of your time.
I guess I am in a mode of limbo. when I first moved he told a mediator he wanted our youngest child, hints he has dropped. He is now 12. He also threatened my life. So, I am kind of waiting for my youngest to get a little older. I am scared to face up to him and divorce, not sure what he will do, fight for the kids etc.!
Wonderful photos! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks PJ and morning!
LikeLike
Good morning! Hope you have a fantastic day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks dear you too!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Lynn! I have been wanting to ask you, if you don’t mind, how many of your children live with you? Or, are they all adults now?
LikeLiked by 1 person
ok 3 live outside of the home. 6 at home. oldest lives 2 hours away, next son lives 5 hours away and my oldest daughter moved just 8 miles up the road. My Foof just got a great job and loves being with the kids and old mom so I told her stay stay! We are all bonded through our life experiences and being alone with no help from him in a foreign country. We all helped out in order to get by! So huge bond there
LikeLiked by 6 people
Aww, that is wonderful that you all are so close and support each other. That is very sad that ‘he’ doesn’t give you any support. I don’t know how you do it without it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I am trying. I am thinking of how I can make some money and not be out all day at a job. I am still doing a little part time sub jobs too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope that you will find the perfect jobs that you don’t have to be out all day but can bring in plenty of money!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope so but at least just pay the bills or part of them and then not worry about that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand completely! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Working on a cookbook so we will see just for fun
LikeLike
Oh, that is wonderful! I hope it is very very successful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
your so sweet PJ!!
LikeLike
So are you Lynn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
youngest is 12, if he was older I would just file for divorce. But he had told me when I moved here,he wanted to take my baby , he threatened to take him away!! So still worry and feel I need to wait to make it legal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand. I would probably feel the same way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
so just live and be happy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful photo’s and the last one is some serious bling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
haha they do have lots of bling, I hope I can find pictures of the gold souk! Or I could post the gold he gave me after he got married, it is ugly and big and weird! Maybe I will do that hmmm!
LikeLike
Wonder if the children want a repeat visit???? LOL xoxoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
hahaha It was really good! I mean my son had not been there since he was maybe 10. He wanted to come back right away, it was a long visit!!! But it helped the younger ones to see what it was like! He was not cooperative and kept pushing his new child on them and insisting they stay at home, not go out etc. So it was a long long visit!! But I think a good one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How long were the children there???
LikeLiked by 1 person
over winter break so maybe 2 weeks! But it was very tiring and long!!! It is hard, he never told them he married or had a child. So, it was never spoken of, then he kept saying look there is your sister, oh your sister, should I bring your sister to see you! etc. I had to work with the kids when he married and then had a child, he just ignored it all! So,that was hard!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Typical “I did not do a thing wrong”???!!! Wow, for them to accept this innocent half-sibling! Too much Lynn for anyone to take in xoxoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, my kids are wonderful amazing people, caring, loving but they have no interest. How would they?? It was a horrible time for all of us, I was so upset and sad. How would that be a good beginning?? It is a hurt for all the kids but they wont say it. He never once said hey here is what happened they are just supposed to move on and be happy and accept his wife and child!! He also kept me hanging which was awful. he said I am getting married, I stressed for 4 months thinking it could be stopped, then found out, she was there the whole time, and then had to quiz him about a baby and he finally admitted oh she is 4 months pregnant. Anyway it was so stressful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very, very difficult time for you and then the children finding out as they had-yes it is so hard for all (not him!) oh no never for him.xoxoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
No never for him although he blames me for his marriage! I left him so he had to marry
LikeLiked by 1 person
BAHAHAHAHA! What a whimp! Come play in my yard Buddy Boy! A US divorce would suffice here! xoxoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes for me too!!! xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
They must love Nutella!
LikeLike
Nutella is so big over there, it is every where!
LikeLiked by 2 people
One thing that felt like home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had never seen it before lol this was many years before it was popular here i think
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, really? They were even ahead? Oh those sheikhs!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They get european products and all kinds of stuff I dont see here! Yes
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had never expected that. Learned something new today 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lots of products from india asian countries
LikeLiked by 1 person
After what you told me they have everything from around the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes they do but products from the US are often costly!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Recognise the enormous jars of Nutella from France … everytime my youngest visits me there she insists on taking one back which means we have to pay to check a bag just for Nutella … I must love her 😉
LikeLike
hahaha love it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s nice that they went back. If nothing else, they can have some clarity about what they are missing (or not), and harbor no illusions. Stressful for you. Were you worried that he would not let them leave?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No they were older. Foof was 21, sumaya 18 and mude about 15. Also sadly he does not like responsibility so he probably would not keep anyone!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true, but sometimes people are just into control and logic doesn’t matter. It reminds me of the line, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave. When first we practice to deceive!” It starts with self-deception and unrealistic expectations. Plus, he strikes me as very charming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes he is to others!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course! He knows how to draw people in. Scary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I moved here he came and cut off most of my resources! Charmed them told them how great he was!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When people are so charming and manipulative, no one realizes what you live with. Frankly, no one can. All you can do is detach with love and live your life. Eventually, the truth will be revealed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes my own sister told me I was not nice enough to him! He offers gifts, support, money etc. One time a couple of years ago he offered to go and pick up 2 female relatives and their kids who were stranded on the border, it was a 12 hour drive!!! This was for a rich friend! He just mentioned to him that his relatives a cousin or something were there and needed a way home- they could take the bus!!! So, he insisted on going there driving and waiting and driving them all back and then to the airport and waiting for them there!!!!!!This was on his day off! Complete strangers. So he looks like a prince!! But he would not raise a finger to help me or the kids!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think they call that a street angel and a house devil. Everyone thinks they know, and if they really knew, they would probably take their words back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow interesting words!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I work in mental health!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my I forgot!!!!!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to watch myself because I need to not be too clinical. So, if I was, please forgive me. Occupational hazard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is nice to hear someone who knows! I appreciate it!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank goodness! Blogging is supposed to be fun and supportive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes and for me it has been amazing! I appreciate your kindness and professional opinion!!! It really helps having this support! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so glad! Who would have thought?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never ever would have imagined honestly!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🐣
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a very confusing web!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Web???
LikeLiked by 1 person
The complicated web that is weaved!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I always say there are 3 sides to a story: my side, your side and the truth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes that is very true!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right about clarity x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Otherwise, sometimes the mind plays tricks, and you forget how awful it was.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes it was really a good thing although I wasn’t happy about them going it worked out well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very scary, especially since he is so unpredictable and unreasonable. I have to believe in karma.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes I would not have allowed the little ones to go but with the older ones it was something I decided might help them. My son was there for hmm 10 minutes and wanted to come back! So it was a long long visit! But it did clear things up for him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For your children, it’s so scary, on so many levels. They are lucky to have a loving mother!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I try my best but it is not easy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
All you can do is your best, and pray.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes so try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice photos in the life of Saudi Arabian culture
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A slice of another life! Very interesting to see, thank you Lynn! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
you are most welcome KR xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos Lynn, thank you for sharing. I hope your day is going well for you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Spear, 3 kids to the dentist so a quick break before the last visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like a very busy day! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really have just gone to the dentist, to school etc. so it has been a break haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great series of images. That ring is huge.Definitely a statement piece. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking us to a country I haven’t visited yet. Have a wonderful day my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too dear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
my pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a HUGE jar of Nutella!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only the Arabs…!
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure, i also have a picture of an tiny jar
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always extremes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cool photographs, Lynn. Your last one made my eyes fall out of my head. Whoa!!!! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pictures! The food looks delicious! Your kids are cute! And nice to know you could get Nutella! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well I told Erika, I had never heard of it! They had it years ago and have many European products that we cannot get here. Products from the US are hard to get and expensive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice pictures, Lynn…your kids had a great time there… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not really haha but they wanted to go back and see where they were born and had grown up! So it was a good visit!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh..I can understand. Considering the life you and your children had there…Still, I should say, they are brave and considerate enough to go back and visit those places… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I am glad they did, it helped them
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 ….
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynz,
Thank you for sharing. It reminded me of my time in Abu Dhabi. Tomorrow, I am going to share some photos of the housing area and some stores. I meant to ask you Lynz if you had thought about trying to teach English online. I know that you are not a certified teacher, but often opportunities come up to teach online and they pay about $10-$15 an hour. You can find them also on facebook sites. I will keep my eyes open for you! Also, if you speak Arabic, that is a marvelous talent which may come in handy for a job.
I speak French and was able when living in rural areas to get the scoop on others for some interesting jobs…in Alabama….back in my 30s!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
That jar of nutella!! Wow! I don’t think I have seen a nutella jar that big! Another fancy ring:) Wonderful photos Lynn 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Freda!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos Lynn! That ring is HUGE!! I can’t imagine wearing it! LOL 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol I know
LikeLiked by 1 person
That Nutella is crazy! (But even still I bet my son could eat it in a day or two lol) jk, ok maybe a week
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes mine too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very good photos Lynn 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice glimpse of Saudi and how your life was 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful pictures. I hope you are to rid him from your life. I would pursue the divorce. You have so much to give and he doesn’t deserve one minute of your time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess I am in a mode of limbo. when I first moved he told a mediator he wanted our youngest child, hints he has dropped. He is now 12. He also threatened my life. So, I am kind of waiting for my youngest to get a little older. I am scared to face up to him and divorce, not sure what he will do, fight for the kids etc.!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see your point. What a cruel person he is! I always believe what goes around comes around and vice versa. His day will come.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe you are correct. He already lost another wife and kid who left!
LikeLiked by 1 person
lovely pics….the nutella makes my mouth water!
LikeLiked by 1 person
there is a tiny jar as well I will post!
LikeLike
Good pictures. It is interesting to have an informal look at a country I know little about. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you like it! Thanks!
LikeLike
Great pic’s 🙂 Haha Good ol’ Nutella 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know I had never heard of it but it is very popular in Saudi, then we started seeing it here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delicious…and so popular here. Some people literally spoon it out the jar and eat it !!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes!!! It is so full of fat so I do not touch it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me neither !!! That is like a heart attack waiting to happen ! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes! I have high cholesterol so when I read the fat content I was like no way!
LikeLiked by 1 person