Almost Summer

I never seem to have time to blog anymore , but this is probably the time I need it the most.
This school year is slowly coming to an end... and I will be the first one to admit I'm happy to see it go.
Pickles has school attendance issues almost this entire school year. Somewhere along the way he's decided that he knows EVERYTHING he needs to know and doesn't see the point in an education. He told me he "has bigger dreams than what a high school diploma can give him" and that he " isn't going to work a 9 to 5 job, because he's going to be famous."

Tomorrow we have to go to Truancy Court, where he'll have to explain why he doesn't seem to be able to make it to school.

I am physically and emotionally drained. I have done everything I could short of quiting my job and walking him to school everyday. He hates school. Period. Always has. Before he became my son (age 8- third grade) He had been in seven different schools. His early life was about survival...not education.
He's blamed everyone and everything for his school issues, but in reality it's all him. The school has offered tutoring, the teachers offer extra help, I've sat down and tried to help him. Family members have tried to help him. People I work with have tried to guide him. He just sees it all as absolutely pointless.

Part of it is his personality. He's so laid-back and easy going, he has no ambition. None. He doesn't want to do ANYTHING he has to work hard for. He's not a bad kid. He's not disrespectful, he doesn't mess with drugs or alcohol. he just wants to do what he wants to do. (Hang out with his friends, shoot hoops, play video games)

Lately it seems like all my time and energy is spent dealing with him. I feel sooo bad for my daughters, they probably feels like they doesn't have a parent. I'm thinking about sending him to summer camp, we ALL just need a break for his drama.

I know I said it once, but I'll say it again....I'm tired.

Those Were The Days

I miss the days of little girl problems. Which doll to play with, which friend can come over, which little boy is teasing. Life seemed so simple back then.

Next year I'll have FOUR teenagers in the house. Just the thought of it makes me want to run away screaming and hide in the garage until they're all eighteen.

'Cole and I have had our moments, but they were few and far between....until she got a boyfriend.
Now every week we have some sort of battle over this boy and my expectations for her behavior.

Every. stinking.week.

I told her today (after a long 2 hour long "discussion") that I was beginning not to like her anymore.

She's sooo unpleasant to be around, I find it really hard to even want to be in the same room as her. The only thing we ever have a disagreement about is this boy. I have got to find this girl a job or something to occupy her time.

I'm tired. tired. tired. tired.

Things That happen When Mommy is not at Honme

How does a puppy get pancake syrup all over his fur ??

That's all I'd like to know.

(I asked the puppy and he looked over at the kids)

Now he smells like old gym shoes, fritos and syrup.
And who would be the lucky person to give him a bath....any volunteers ??
No ?
Then I guess it'll be me.

Darn kids.

Thank Goodness it's Almost Friday

It's been a rough week. I'm tired. I feel beat down.

Everyone is doing ok. I had to read the kids the riot act because of the mess they create everyday while I'm at work.
They're only home alone 1 hour in the morning and an hour and a half after school. Everyday this week I've came home to some sort of crazy mess. Yogurt dribbled down the side of the refrigerator, pancake syrup on the living room carpet, puppy chewed ornaments off the Christmas tree, toys scattered everywhere and other stuff I can't even think of right now.

But... we had a little talk Wednesday night and when I came home Thursday the house was CLEAN !! Dishes done and everyone was sitting watching tv. I was in an INSTANT GOOD MOOD. It was a wonderful thing.

I'm all caught up on the laundry and the housework.
My Christmas shopping is about 70% complete.
Looking forward to a nice peaceful weekend.

Why SOME teens don't need a cellphone

Yes, that is my cell phone bill. Yes, that is Pickles' portion of the bill. For a phone he only had ONE WEEK.

I'm still stunned. (and more than a little bit peeved)

I went over the rules about cellphone ownership with him. He was not to download anything or go online. I did get everyone on the plan unlimited text messaging. His little "girlfriend" was sending him music downloads and ring tones. His excuse was that "he didn't know he was downloading" when he accepted those items.

He is very VERY lucky that I have become a much calmer parent over the years, because seriously.....I wanted to snap his head off.

I only got him the phone because he walks almost two miles to school and for afterschool activities that would cause him to come home late.

The day we brought the phone home Granny warned me and I quote "Don't know why you did that...that boy don't know what to do with a phone."

Turer words have never been spoken.