Quick update: things went great for the birthday party, the swing set was up, and the test went well. Now I just need to get through a term paper, a lab practical, and finals. Studying is coming along. Work meetings are done, dog is doing much better, and all the everyday stuff is getting back to normal.
HOWEVER: he has now been released from prison, and it's like kicking a hornet's nest. They released him to my county because of the no contact charge, and he posted bail THE SAME DAY, so that does three things. 1) Lets him know where I live (what town) because of the origin of the charge. 2) Lets him know that I'm actively trying to get him back in jail. 3) Basically delivers him to my doorstep, as angry and violent as can be.
I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. He (hopefully) doesn't know where we live yet, but he does know where several of my family members live. I'm so afraid he's going to go threaten/attempt harm to them. I know I shouldn't let myself think this way, but I'm worried he's going to go do something to my 80 year old grandpa who can barely walk if my grandpa doesn't tell him where I live. It's awful. I actually had a young, childless coworker tell me she wishes she had "a cool story" like mine. In what universe would you want to fear for the safety of your children, husband, self, and extended family on a daily basis? I'm so nervous, I've got hives all over my chest and severe stomach pains (probably an ulcer developing), along with all of the panic attack symptoms that I have to manage with medication--which in turn makes me lethargic and makes it difficult to do homework, be alert, etc. Thoughts and prayers are definitely appreciated at this time. My grandma passed away about 11 months ago, so I know she's our guardian angel, but she could always use some back up ;)

Wanted to add that I talked to the kids' school today, and they are taking everything very seriously and are having a staff meeting about it in the morning. This certainly helps my nerves, at least a little...

re:
 

Good that you contacted the school. That was the first thing that entered my mind.

Do you have a local police department that is/should be made aware of what is going on?

Vex, we let the school know at the beginning of the year that this was coming. It was good to touch base though, it made me feel better that they're being vigilant. The police department is aware, but there's nothing they can do unless he violates the no contact order again. It's a very frustrating situation, but I've been able to be a little more calm this week, thankfully.