Friday, February 27, 2015

Happy 14th, Coco!

It was almost like old time tonight.  A few of Coco's friends came over.  They ate pizza.  They had cake.  The played XBOX.  They even played a few rounds of Texas Hold 'em.  They laugh a bunch.  It was nice to hear.  It was a great way to finish the week.
     It was a tough week overall.  I think I might be overstating it, if I said we managed a stale mate.  Coco didn't go to school as much as we had been hoping.  He missed a whole day on Tuesday.  He fought us hard today.  Demi and I ganged up on him, two on one.  We wore him down.  He didn't go the full day, but we made all the core classes.  It's almost harder because he is such a great student.  He is not as far behind as most kids would be.  It might be better, if he needed to be in class more.   But next week is another week.  Another start.  If it doesn't snow that is....

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Last day of Feb Break

Back to school tomorrow.  Can't wait.  The kids need to go back.  We all need a break.  We have been couped up too long.  The snow is creating cabin fever.  At least, Caz had Driver's Ed all week.  That is a big milestone.  Our little boy is close to driving.  Well, he thinks he is.  He's doing well.  He needs to mature a bit.  But don't all young drivers?  He is taking it seriously.  He studied.  He did his homework.  He passed his tests.  Next up?  Permit.
     I am worried about Coco for tomorrow.  He needs to go back to school.  I don't want him getting anxious today.  But at the same time, I am not going to let him continue with his attitude.  He can smell like teen spirit all he wants, but he needs to understand the parent/child relationship.  Keep your fingers crossed, OK?

Monday, February 16, 2015

President's Day Blowout

No, not a big sale.  Coco and I had it out.  He put his arse down about helping out, shoveling, cleaning, etc.  All he wanted was his electronics.  I tried the calm approach.  I tried being pleasant.  Everything was eye rolls, sighs, and attitude.  Enough!  Electronics were taken.  Screaming ensued.  Whoever thinks that there will never be any yelling is delusional.  Some of it is healthy.  We probably skirted the line, hopping back and forth.  It never went way over though.  He needs a firmer hand now.  He's too comfortable.  This long break is not good for him.  He needs to get out and be active.  Sometimes, it all needs to come to a head before it gets better.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Valentine's Day 2015

How does your family spend Valentine's Day?  We decided to have family time....up on the roof.  I knew I had to address the 3 plus feet of snow on the roof of the garage/den.  I crawled up with a shovel.  Next thing I know, Demi and the boys are out there with me.  I was bit nervous about having us all up there.  I kept the boys away from the far edge and close to shallow parts.  With all the snow, it was only a 2 foot drop to the ground from the roof, where they were.  As we got enough snow to cover all our combined body weights off the roof and barely made a dent, I became grateful for the help.  I spent close to 4 hours getting all that snow off.  But we managed to have a great time.  Caz slid from the peak, on his butt, all the way to the front yard.  The novelty wore off for Coco quickly, but he chipped in.  They went sledding with their cousin after, increasing the extended family time.
     Later that night, the boys cooked a holiday dinner with mom.  It was great.  Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, and carrots.  Salad too!  We had a nice dinner as a family.  This stuff is important.  It sets the tone.  I recommend making the time.  It is more than worth it.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Setback

Coco bailed on school today.  It wasn't without a struggle.  Demi did a great job managing him.  She did her best to get hi to go.  She exhibited a lot of strength.  She didn't back down. She pushed. She negotiated. She demanded.  She explored all options.
     Coco swears he will go tomorrow.  He reiterated that fact, even after Demi introduced a new dynamic.  No more staying home.  If he is too sick to go to class, he can ride out the day in the nurse's office or guidance.  I think he was a bit shocked.   But it didn't throw him.  He acknowledged the fact.  That's all we can ask.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Pardon the Interruption

The second straight day of school being closed.  This is 6 days in 3 weeks.  I really don't think these short weeks are helping our Get Coco Back to School program.  These extended layoffs are allowing him to be too comfortable at home.  They are allowing too much build up to getting back into a routine.  He is currently experiencing stomach pains.  He is getting stressed.  He is psyching himself out.  Counterproductive.

Friday, February 6, 2015

The Biggest Shortest Week

With the snow days, the kids only had two and a half days of school this week.  There was a scheduled administrative day today.  However, the week was a big step for Coco.  He made it to almost every class this week.
     Of course, there were struggles.  Demi and I had some real tests of patience and wills this week.  The mornings were very stressful.  Coco started with the stomach pains Wednesday and Thursday morning.  The prospects of a full day and dealing with math were weighing on him.  Science seemed to trouble him as well.  Wednesday was my day.  I thought I fared well.  I reassured him that I believed his pains were real.  I supported him by telling him I believed in him.  Then I went 2004 Red Sox on him.  I broke it down into manageable, smaller wins for him.  "One step at a time."

Get Dressed
Brush your teeth
Brush your hair
Shoes on
Coat on
Get in the car

I almost lost him at brush your teeth.  He went into the bathroom and locked the door.  He started to revert back to camping out on the toilet.  I talked to him calmly from the behind the door.  He reacted well.  It was a balancing act between coaxing and supporting.  Demi came along and helped close the deal.  She got him in the car.  He tried to barter his way down from a full day but Demi was having none of it.  Of course, our ace in the hole was his new phone.  He wanted it.  The deal was he goes back to school, full time, and all the time.  Then he gets his phone.  That carrot likely won't last long.  But maybe we don't need it to last too long.  Hopefully.  We will see.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Winter Storm Linus

Well, Linus dropped another foot plus of snow on us.  No school for the kids for the past two days.  They really caught a break with Super Bowl Sunday.  I got up early to check the conditions on Monday AM, but decided against the new NH commute.  It would have been a no brainer normally but I had job interview scheduled.  The hiring manager was all for moving that appointment out luckily.
     The boys have been really pretty helpful with the shoveling.  They have been over next door helping out their Grandfather.  They have shoveled the areas that he can't get with the snow blower.  Coco has been out sledding with his friends for long stretches.  That has been great.  I was worried he would try to bunker down with his electronics and revert to being a shut-in.  He was at his pal's for 4 hours on Monday.  Then he had a buddy over today.  They were all over the yard.  They made tracks, paths, and forts all over the yard.  It is really nice to see him getting back to typical kid stuff.
     Tomorrow it's back to school.  Fingers crossed.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Super Bowl Sunday

I am trying to create a good atmosphere for today.  Even though the forecast looks bad, with another winter storm warning facing us, I need to plan for school tomorrow.  Chances are we get another foot of snow.  School will likely be canceled.  But I still need to plan ahead.  Keep things calm.
     I got the boys a 4 pack of Virgil's Cream Soda for the game.  I have multiple crock pots going with fan favorites.  I have chips, cheese, and salsa.  The new TV is ready to go.  The stage is set.
     My main stress right now is that I have a job interview scheduled for tomorrow.  In NH.  There is no way I can drive 85 miles there tomorrow.  The snow is supposed to be heaviest during my normal commute time.  I am not leaving tonight with the game on.  Yes, that is my choice.  But I don't see leaving after either.  They really should make the Monday after the Super Bowl a national holiday.......