Out of hiding

I just realized that it's been almost 2 months since I've posted. Yes, I guess I've been hiding out.

No, really, I've just been soooo busy. It takes a lot of time to play those pesky facebook games. Know what I mean?

So much has happened and I've turned to the tough love philosophy in parenting and I'm having a hard time with it.

First, Cam is doing fairly well at school. He does get up and get to school on time. Sits through 4 tediously long hours of class then bolts from the classroom like it's on fire. He's pretty good at getting homework in within a week AFTER the due date, but in class assignments are just too much for him. He ended up with 2 B's and 2 D's last quarter. Who woulda thunk that one of the B's was in Math? And the other English? His two least favorite subjects.

Tomorrow is no school but he has to write a short story before Monday. I anticipate a lot crying and whining. Then there's Cameron's reaction. He has a very creative mind but just can't seem to get it down on paper. This year, I've taken to the "your homework, you do it" mantra. That along with "I've already passed 6th grade." He is so used to me typing for him and in the process adding a bit of help that this year is harder for him. I know that my "help" was a detriment so I made sure the teachers knew my old ways and my new ways so they could be prepared.

Kelly was still living with us until last week when I just couldn't take her disrespect any more and had to kick her out. On the first glance it seems like a stupid reason to toss her (wouldn't do the dishes) but when you combine it with treating us with disdain, constantly yelling at her brother, refusal to speak in a nice tone unless it was about her precious Jake, then you kind of get my point. The dishes were her "rent." I did not want to ask her for money, except her car insurance payment, because I wanted her to save money for her own apartment. 2 months later, she still had no money saved. Her recent text to me was how she couldn't help it if she was exhausted from working 2 jobs to save money. Umm, that flies if you actually save money. She also felt that since she worked, she should not have to cook, clean or anything but sit around and control our living room. She actually didn't have to cook, clean or even do laundry. It was pick up after yourself and do dishes. We'd give her 2 days and when she still didn't do them, Glenn would before work. After serious thought, I concluded that it was best to do it now and give her 3 months to get it together before the baby came. I know that once the baby comes I won't be able to do it, despite the fact that we have no room in our house for her. We had a 3 bedroom house and she swore she'd never move home. The same week we moved to a 2 bedroom, she came back. WTH?! I really hope she does get it together. I know she'll be a great, nurturing and attentive mother. It's the ability to support herself that scares me. I gave her the number of a pregnancy house that will help her find resources but I don't think she's using it. You can lead a horse to water....

Glenn has been enjoying the motorcycle riding this summer. Since Jim and Glenn have traded bikes, I am able to ride with him and finally took my first ride in over 30 years last month. I LOVE IT!!!! I can't wait for the spring so I can go again. I stupidly went on a 50 degree day and well, yea, never again!!!

My little sister came to visit last month and for about a day and half it was great. I did love spending time with my nephew, Tylar.

Last week I reconnected with a cousin I had not seen in about 25 years and discovered that one of her sisters (I guess that would be another cousin) lives about 3 1/2 hours away. I can't wait to drive out and spend some time with her.

Also, Glenn met his Hazlett aunts last month. We have found them to be fun and a pleasure to be around. In the next week or two I'll be having a ladies lunch (no kids) with one of his aunts. She's Glenn's age and we have a lot in common. Now, if you can just keep us out of Target there might be a fighting chance for the rest of you.

I close with a promise to post Cameron's short story when it gets done. His story will be about a boy, who is a hunter and goes off to hunt a wolf in the Alaskan wilderness. The wolf has been stealing and eating the fish that the fishermen bring in. He has a great ending and I'll let you ponder what that is. Suffice to say, you will enjoy it.