A couple of suggestions that I'm going to try once I'm in your place - coming fast:
1. Workout a situation where you can call your kids when they are not with you and vice versa. (My kids call me on my cell now when I travel for work in the morning and I call them at night)
2. Setup IM with your kids (though monitor it carefullly). This does require that your kids are old enough to read / write.
3. Setup a webcam to connect with your kids - again monitor it carefully and ask permission from your ex. I set one up so my kids could easily talk to their cousins and they've loved it.
4. Pictures

It's not just a "Dad" problem, I too had my son for the weekend and he left Sunday and all I did was spin. Your so happy to be with them then sooo sad when their gone. It's like heartbreak over and over again. I've been doing this for over a year and it's not getting any easier, all people tell me is TIME.

I was where you are 10 years ago and now that they are all grown up, well lets just say it's not such a big deal. Its a lot like dealing with your stbx being gone, you have deal with both situations the same way. You have to mourn each loss and then move. Start thinking about different ways you can spend time with your kids that is going to make a lasting impact on them so you can always be thought of as a positive thing in their lives. You have to try and make the best of a very bad situation and make the time you don't have them the you time. Take care of your self, this to shall pass.

My parents were not divorced, but my dad was army so he was gone alot. He used to take us out of school one day a month,and we had a Dad and me day. He let us do things mom would have said not to. I still remember those days even 30 yrs later.

Joe-
it's not just dads that go through what you're going through. My STBX and I share the children but they tend to spend more time with him right now. When they are not with me I am very lonely and depressed. That's when the dishes pile up and the trash doesn't get taken out. I don't feel motivated to do anything. So...you are not alone. There are plenty of "moms" to keep you company too. =(

A big thing for the kids is attending their activities whether they are with you or your ex. My daughter is 18 but she still feels bad if her dad doesn't show up to her dance competitions or school programs. He has about a 50/50 hit rate and I can see the difference in her attitude when he is there and when he is not. Keep track of everything they are involved in and make an effort to be part of the things that are important to them. Even at a young age they will notice and it will mean even more to them if it is not 'dad's weekend' and you still show up.

I will say first that I am very fortunate...my wife is leaving us and I'll have my girls full time.
I don't know what I'd do. I'm dreading the everyother weekend she'll have them.

My stbx is taking our son away for 4 days in June... I'm despredly trying to book as many activities as I can in my days so I won't loose it. I've never been away from him for more that 24 hours. There are lots of bad things about divorce, but sharing the kids is just the pits. Stay strong. Keep bussy.

Keep in mind folks that I was the home maker. I know a rarity for men but none the less that is what I did. One of the reasons I became a teacher was so I would have time with the kids. What a loss

Wow...I have kind of an odd situation I guess, in that I have two of my daughters - my oldest and youngest - and my stbx has the other two. We don't even swap out - I just get the two living with her when ever I want (pretty much every day that I'm not working) but in between, the phone grows out of my ear and they each have MySpace accounts that we all but wear out.
I tried the webcam thing, but mommy was using it for, let's just say, extra activities - so I took it back.

I just wanted to thank northeast and everyone for their suggestions and comments. I read joe's message because as a newly separated dad, this is my very first week without my daughter and I am struggling every minute. It was great to read the replies. Good luck, Joe, I am with ya.

Show her the love when you have her. I do mine!!!

Wishing dad missed the kids... :(

Sorry you dedicated dad's (and moms)without custody are going thru this. My kids are the main thing that keeps me going. Hugs to you all!

Tex, it sounds like you get the kids every other weekend. That's a pretty good setup. You each have your weekend with, and a weekend without the kids. I guess it's not easy for you Mr. Mom, but you'll get used to the arrangement, if it is every other weekend. You'll look forward to seeing them and have so much fun. Some here on DS aren't even seeing their kids because the EX took them and they are fighting this. Good luck!

I think its wonderful that you want to be with your kids. They are very lucky. Hang in there ok.