Wow. I've been gone a long time!

I just realized that I haven't been blogging. Oops. I do write in my journal as often as I can, so at least I am putting my thoughts down somewhere.

I'd like to say that a lot has happened since I last saw you.. But, in so many ways, things are still the same. Sigh.

My current 'dilemma' happens to be my oldest step-son. He is eleven and in the sixth grade. I thought he was doing pretty well, but it turns out that he isn't, he just wasn't giving me all the information I needed. Until today. I had a little chat with his homeroom teacher and she showed me his grades so far. The first few were encouraging: An A, B- and C+ that was 'almost a B!'. Then we got to the reading and math grades. D- and F. What?!! I was shocked! He has never brought home grades like that! He is, for the most part, an A student. Sure, there are a few Bs thrown in there from time to time, but like I said, mostly As. These two letters threw me for a loop. She showed me the break-down of the last few weeks. Both subjects have two things in common for my son: He doesn't turn the homework in. Yep. That would do it. We had this same problem last year, but I truly thought we were past this. The real bummer, for him anyway, is that we had fun plans for Saturday and now he doesn't get to participate. He will be there, on site, but will not be able to partake in any of the fun. It sure seems like a pattern with my boys. We make plans that gets them really pumped up. Then, like clockwork, they do (or don't do) something that interferes and at least one of us has to rearrange our lives because they get into trouble and can't go. Well, my husband and I both decided that this time, we are not just staying home because he failed to turn in his assignments. He is going with us, but he will be sitting on the sidelines while he watches his brothers have fun. He will be doing math work while they are laughing and playing. Unfortunately, since he obviously didn't learn from last year.



Author's note, 10/25/11: Aaron is doing better in Math.  He shows signs of 'wanting' to succeed in Reading, however, he is so far behind with his logs, I'm not sure what his end grade will be.  I continue to be frustrated with his lack of motivation and organization.  Time will tell if he has learned anything or if he will be grounded for the rest of his life.