This insanity has GOT to stop!

Most of you are well aware of the natural disaster that is Jake. Well, he's still up to his same ole tricks and it's got to stop. He's making me CRAZY! Jared FINALLY agreed to start handling Jake so I can have a break. I know he's an anxious kid and when he's stressed, or hungry, or tired, or his eyes are blue, he acts ANGRY! Anger is his default emotions. All feelings are worth getting angry over (as far as HE'S concerned) Today, I had enough. This was the last day (for awhile anyways) that I will be driving Jake to school. He's slow in the morning. He's unprepared (all the time) and he's always yelling, hitting, calling names, and just generally nasty. He actually had me in tears this morning. Mostly, I think, because I really wanted to just knock him out but I know that's not allowed. He makes me feel like such a terrible mother. What kind of mom doesn't enjoy her own child? I'm just tired of his brothers living in fear. They're afraid of what Jake's going to do to them, their stuff, me....the list goes on. Tucker acts like an abuse victim, even going so far as to protect Jake....it's just unhealthy. I'm so relieved that Jared agreed to take control over Jake. SO relieved!

Another busy weekend in the house of testosterone.

The weather should be nice and there is plenty of work to be done. Let me tell you, nothing is more thrilling to my boys than knowing that due to their poor behavior, their weekend will include picking up poop (chicken AND dog) and doing other various odd jobs at mom's whim. Jake, Tucker and Tanner just insist on learning all lessons the hard way. I guess that's fine. It means that I don't have to do these gross jobs. I told them that since they choose to act in such a disgusting manner, they can do ALL the disgusting jobs I can come up with. Looks like I no longer have to scrub the urine stains off the tile in the bathroom either! YEAH!

Update

It's been quite some time since I've really posted anything. I thought maybe I should post an update since there is so much going on.

Jon has been really focusing on his grades lately. I have to say that I am VERY proud of him. He brought home a 3.0 for his first high school semester! I know he could've done much better and after seeing the progress he made with just a tiny bit of effort, he's finally decided that it's worth his time to just go ahead and try hard the whole time. This is a huge step for him and I hope it sticks.

Jake has been transitioning to public education. This is his second try at this. It's very difficult for him to go from the sheltered, minimal amounts of work, lots of therapy to just regular school. He's managing to fit in well. His grades leave a lot to be desired but we're finding he has some holes in his skills. Luckily the school he's going in to is VERY willing to work with him. He's now spending half his day at regular school and the second half at his private school. He should be full time in middle school by April! Jake also just landed a Macy's job. The only catch is it may only appear in Hawaii! If not, he'll be in the Macy's one day May Day sale! Look for him!

Tucker has started taking meds for ADHD. He was having some focus problems in school which may be due to his recently diagnosed Sleep Apnea. He's been doing amazingly well with the meds. It's even helped him recognize how it's not always in his best interest to align himself with big bro Jake. Tucker is due to have his surgery on Tuesday the 17th. Tonsils and Adnoids are coming out. He will have to spend one night in the hospital to be monitored but then he'll be home. Pray that all goes well and he makes a speedy recovery. Who knows, he may not even need the meds afterwards!

Tanner has also started meds. Docs think most of his problem is depression. I think it's environmental. Living with Jake is tough. I feel it too.... BUT, I see him struggling with school and if just ONE thing can be made easier for him, I'm all for it. We've been noticing great changes in him an his happiness and focus at school. Not so much at home as with Tucker though, but it's still good.

Brennen is COMPLETELY potty trained! He was SO easy. He hasn't had in accident in the longest time and he rarely wakes up wet in the morning. He's wearing pull ups at night but I think it's just about time to ditch those. I've also discovered that I was making bedtime more difficult than neccessary by rocking him. One night while trying to get him to settle down, I told him that if he didn't stop squirming, I was going to put him in his bed. He said, "Please put me in bed Mom!" I did and he went right to sleep! Man, all those tough nights....when all the poor kid wanted was the peace and quiet of his own bed! I do find though that he's not too happy to go to bed unless I'm in MY bed too. Most nights that works out fine though.

The guys have also just gotten over some nasty virus. It looks just like strep throat. Fevers, RED throat, miserable. Lasted 2-5 days and was gone. Unfortunately it hit our house in two rounds. Tanner and Brennen had it two weeks ago. Jake and Tucker had it last week. Jon seems fine. He's always healthy. Lucky dog!

Well, I think that's about it for here! What's new with you?

Miraculous!

Thank God! My boys have been cohabitating for several days now and they are BOTH still alive! Very much so, as a matter of fact. Why didn't I do this sooner? There has been peace between the two. There have been shared jokes at the dinner table and LAUGHTER! Yes, laughter, at MY table! Between Jake and TUCKER! I'm still waiting for all hell to break loose but they seem to have turned a corner. By they, I mean Jake. He's been so much happier! It's amazing! Tucker's always been a big fan of Jake's so the fact that he's going along with the good vibes is no big surprise. I am just estatic over this change.

Now if I could just get Tanner's ADHD results and some meds for him.....

Well, I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too, huh?

Boy anyone?

FREE! Slightly used, scuffed and dirty....boy. Three to choose from. You may take any or all. Please be forewarned that if you take more than one, you can expect constant bickering, lots of lost and/or stolen items, words that will astound you, oh yeah, can't forget the brawling! Please take one!!!!