In the past before we had full custody of SD15 on Saturday mornings DH would drive to pick up SD15 and be at her BM’s house at 9:00am and then on Sunday night BM would pick up SD15 between 8:00-9:00pm. Now DH drives her home on Sat morning and BM drops her off on Sunday. Yesterday, at around 4:00 SD15 walks into the house and I was surprised to see her so early but I didn’t think too much into it and continued my laundry rounds and cleaning the house.

Later on in the night I overheard this conversation between SD15 and DH. (not perfect word for word but pretty close)

DH: Hey, why are you home so early do you have a lot of homework to finish?
SD15: No, I just wanted to come home.
DH: Oh, ok. Good to have you home now we can talk HappyCow into ordering Chinese food for diner.
SD15: Yeah, that is part of the reason I wanted to come home is because I know that I will eat here. Also, I never noticed before how gross BM’s house is. It’s so dirty Dad. It’s nice to come home to a clean house and have food and stuff to eat.
DH: We are crazy like that.
SD15: Dad, when I was at BM’s house I was looking around thinking how did I ever live like this for so long. I also realized that this is the longest I have not had to fight or cry with anyone. BM was upset that I wanted to come home early and gave me a hard time about it.
DH: What did she say?
SD15: Well, that on Dad’s weekends she wouldn’t pick me up until late because she wanted to give me extra time with you and she didn’t understand why I wanted her to drop me off early. I told her that the only reason that she picked me up so late was because she was too lazy to get me earlier.
DH: How did she take that?
SD15: She didn’t say anything she knew it was true.
SD15: I am so happy here Dad.
DH: I am happy you are here also. Now go clean the bathroom before Happy notices you forgot to do it on Friday.

I know that there are going to be hard times coming with SD15 but after overhearing this I am still feeling good about the situation. Here's to easy living lasting.