my unemployed and non child support paying ex just told me to cross my fingers for him. 

"..." - Seeing my daughter is the absolute most important part of my life. I try to provide her with the stability and activities that she needs from a dedicated father without spoiling her. She knows how to be stubborn but I do employ creative ways for her to breakout of these modes of behavior; and, such as last night, I am rewarded with a look on her face that parallels her words of joy as she expresses that she is having the best day of her life... I smile inside knowing that I have done good for the day and it is worth the effort always.

The Switch - my ex is the one that has determined this course of interaction between us. She flatly stated that we would not be friends in any capacity prior to our divorce. I remain civil and distant throughout all of our interactions; and, in the meantime, she asks me why I do not share any aspects of my personal life... You think???

please don't find that switch...work on seeing your kids.  don't become my ex.

"..." - I feel for the angst that you must endure with your ex.

I personally wish I could have more access to my daughter but it seems to threaten the "control" my ex wishes to exercise on a daily basis. I read in another post about men having a switch to ignore. I must find where my switch is located so that I can use it more often... ;-) Have a good weekend with your children...