Tammy's answer notwithstanding, it is true that once you have children, THEY are your primary responsibility and job for the next 18-20 year. Yes, some people do get remarried, and have successful blended families, BUT you've had ample warning that this woman is NOT going to be a good person to have you your son's orbit. As a responsible parent, you have NO busines, NO right exposing your precious child to someone who isn't going to be a positive influence on him. I'm sorry to say, for the next 2 decades, you are going to have to put HIS well-being ahead of your own interests. That's what good parents do--whether they're a solid married couple or single parents. Before you date, or bring someone into your life, you need to think long and hard about how they will impact upon your child. This relationship isn't one that's going to be healthy for your son--you have to end it for that reason. That's the bottom line. Know that's probably not what you wanted to hear, but it's what any truly good parent will tell you.

Hi Everyone! Thanks all for your concern. I'm not sure what to post, except, I'm quite certain it's MUCH better. He hasn't shown any aggression towards my son in several weeks. He didn't show any aggression towards my daughter either for about 3 weeks but then just recently, he snapped at her. We do take him running. He runs several miles a few times a day. We all run at different times during the day, so he goes on 2-3 runs per day. I take him at around 6a.m., at least one of my kids takes him after school and/or plays fetch with him and then my husband takes him in the evening. He gets PLENTY of exercise. I run the least, which is about 3-4 miles in the morning and on occasion 5 or more miles. I also took him to the vet. The vet is concerned, so he has a dog trainer that is planning to come by. I also contacted the local dog training school, who has not yet returned my phone call or email. BUT, my dog is doing better. I just don't have the heart to take him back to the shelter. He came from a shelter near by, which I believe is VERY good and everyone cares about the animals. They told me he won't get along with other dogs but were sure he would get along well with people. And by all accounts, he did until we brought him home. Remember, we visited him a few times at the shelter and he as great. I am sure that if we take him back,he will be euthanized and that idea is just too heartbreaking. My dog has some very loving qualities and such great charm.

Are you completely redoing his room or just updating the bedding and paint? It sounds like the plan would be to not only feature two different color schemes, but both football and baseball. What types of items from the two sports teams would he like to include--posters, equipment, etc? Of the colors you listed, what colors does he actually prefer? Let that be your guide in determining whether to emphasize more the navy, grey or orange. My experience has been it is difficult to maintain a cohesive color scheme for my older two children (13 and 15) as once the walls are painted and the bedding there, they will just pin up whatever they collect that appeals to them. For instance DD went to a pro soccer game recently and was give a free gift of this huge banner (all in black/white/blue). She promptly pinned it over her bed--with the orange walls. Doesn't work for me so I dare not show pics of her room, but it works for her. If you are adding any furniture I'd suggest black-IKEA--as it works well with teens as well so you will not need to totally start over again in 4-5 years.

Not me... but Ive known people who have. Some things you may not know about cats.... some... probably most cats can be happy in a small space.... but will still need to get exercise and attention each day. Just because they're cats and not dogs doesn't mean they don't need to run hard and play or that they can go days without affection or attention. A bored cat is a depressed cat or one that may start knocking things over or overeating. Once they get over 6 or 7 yrs they do start to mellow out a lot, so if you don't have a lot of space or energy for a rambunctious cat you might want to look at older cats. A good shelter can advise re: which of their cats would be a good match for you. Often an older cat is there not because of any behavior issues but because their person died or is not able to care for them. You should also be able to get an idea of personalities - some are downright dog-like, very gregarious and follows you around like a puppy. Others are your more stereotypical cat, seeming aloof or hiding from company but loving you up when theyre in the mood for it. But they are all unique and if you go into it with an open mind and open heart, youll learn their ways (they express love and being happy to see you differently than dogs) and soon have a relationship every bit as rewarding as with a dog. That said - have you ruled out small or smallish-medium dogs? In some ways I would think that would be easier in that a dog can be walked and taken somewhere to run and play and there are those potty pad things you can put on your patio for the times you cant take them outdoors to wherever.