What. A. Week.

Since it's been a week since my last post, let me just say...the parenting of a teenager game has NOT gotten any easier.

Since it's been a week since my last post, let me just say...he.broke.a.sink.

Since it's been a week since my last post, let me just say...he's been grounded from EVERYTHING until he received punishment from school for breaking the sink.

Since it's been a week since my last post, let me just say...he's done a ridiculous amount of homework this week.

Since it's been a week since my last post, let me just say...it's all been self-inflicted.  That's what happens when you just stop doing your homework and your mom goes ballistic and says you won't have a life until you're not only passing but also have NO incomplete assignments.

Since it's been a week since my last post, let me just say...he has worked his butt off, and I am insanely proud of him.  He is exhausted.  He is frustrated.  He is irritated.  But he is also proud of himself.

Since it's been a week since my last post, let me just say...he swears it's never going to happen again.

I hope he's right.

It seems that all of the behavioral issues and bad choices come when his normal teachers are out of the classroom.  In one of his classes, they are learning about how things work.  He's been taking old electronics apart to see how they work, then putting them back together.  Apparently, he was having a hard time removing the casing from an old stereo, so he decided to use a hammer as a crowbar.  When that didn't work, he decided the hammer "sucked" and to prove his point that the hammer didn't work, he hit a lab sink with it.  I bet you can't guess what happened!

Since it wasn't malicious, he did not get suspended or detention, but he will be helping out around the school next week as punishment.  I think the most frustrating part about it is that he claimed he didn't know how it happened, even though he clearly did.  His dad and I both explained to him that he needs to be forthcoming.  You make a mistake?  Own it.  "I messed up.  I know I did.  I'm sorry."  Easy peasy...aaaaaand we're done.  When you say you don't know what happened, when it's clear you do, you just make yourself look bad.  Oh, the life lessons learned when you're a teenager.  Such fun.

This weekend, both of the boys have games: the last of the season for B (a play until you lose flag football tournament), and the last tournament of the fall for N (a Grapevine tournament...played in Allen, which is NOT close at all) unless the weather stays pleasant and we pick up another toy drive tournament.  Since two of our last three tournaments have been canceled, it would be nice to have them play at least one more, weather permitting of course.

This afternoon, I subbed for N's Language Arts teacher.  When I told him I was doing this, the look of panic on his face was priceless.  Of course, I didn't mention I was only subbing in the afternoon (he has her class in the morning), so that added to the fun.  When I reassured him I wouldn't be in his class THIS time (but I could be in one of his classes in the future), he visibly relaxed...then asked if I'd bring him lunch.  Since he worked so hard and with minimal complaints, I agreed, even though I'd be there a solid hour before he goes to lunch.  Cold & soggy Chick Fil-A, anyone? 

Aubs