I didn't want to leave. It was the first time I have visited my Mom and brother since I started Al-anon and it made all the difference. I can't believe how well it went. My Mom and I were able to hang out and take my girls to the aquarium together. I spent a day with my brother, his wife and kids and we even went walking through Christmas alley to see all the nice houses lit up for Christmas and no arguements the whole week. The only change was me attending Al-anon and working the steps with my sponsor. I wasn't trying to fix or change them at all. I accepted that I smelled pot once at my Moms house and was just happy that it was out in the garage where her bf hangs out and not in the house.

It even seems my brother wasn't near as angry with me. We had a BBQ with friends and family and last time 2.5 years ago it turned into a drinking event. This time I told my Mom I just wanted a smaller low key thing and not a single person brought alcohol. I didn't even think about my exAH who wouldn't ever travel back with us any other time to see my family, because he would just lock himself down whereever we stayed and drink due to the stress of it all. This time I was able to take the girls to Disneyland and go on rides and just relax and have fun with them. I am so glad I did this for our Christmas present and I think my 13 year old will remember this year better than any others when we had a bunch of gifts under the tree. I am so appreciative for this recovery program and am feeling more and more solid within myself and handing things to HP like never before. I even found out I didn't lose my job just took on a different client. Everything went so well and I just let it all go to HP and it worked out better than I could have ever made it. Thanks for the support MIP family!