Friday, October 1, 2010

Welcome to Middle School...

...we are having an adjustment to middle school with Ryan. 

What is great:
He's very good about getting his homework done on a day to day basis.  He comes home from football, takes a shower and is off to do is homework.  No missing homework assignments and no poor grades on homework.

Not so great:
His test grades have been hit or miss in several classes.  We try to help and he is so frustrated with our suggestions...including sending me a text message to express his irritation at how we are trying to help.

How we help:
This week we've really been focusing on teaching him how to study for a test.  We try to give good examples (mostly from Pat) about how you can't expect to show up and get a 100%.  Just like with baseball, you have to practice batting to be a strong batter.  This is sprinkled with arguing in between about how you can't start studying the day before the test.

The result: He's not a happy camper...and we've taken his cell phone away until his grades come up. His grades aren't horrible, but he's not a C student.  He can easily achieve mostly As with some better habits.

He is a wonderful child and we want nothing more than to teach him good life habits...not only to prepare him for middle school but also for real life. 

And now...for those of you who are crafters and here to see a card...Here's my entry for the Play Date Cafe Challenge this week!  The color combo had me stumped for a little bit, but off I went with my yummy Hero Arts stamps. 
Ingredients:  SU Whisper White, Kraft and Chocolate Chip Paper; SU Pumpkin Pie, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive Ink; SU Chocolate Chip Ribbon; Hero Arts Stamps; Ranger Antique Linenen Distress Ink

PS  Thanks to the anonymous commenter on this post.  I understand...and please know I am not sharing this to upset Ryan.  I love him more than you could ever know and will always protect him.  Parenting is not easy and we all learn as we go.

15 comments:

Aimes said...

Oh Lynn it seems harsh to him now, but he'll thank you later :D
Lovin' your take on that colour combo - those flowers look fab!
Hugs,
Aimes
x

Faye said...

Lynn, your card is really gorgeous. I love your interpretation on how to use the odd combination of colors. It really worked great.

donna said...

Beautiful card!

Kathy Martin said...

Love this card Lynn! :)

Lisa Somerville said...

How pretty, the flowers look wonderful with the script. One day your son will thank our for being the parent who cared enough to "bug him 24/7" Thanks for playing at the PDCC.

Suzanne B aka brookfies said...

Your card is beautiful....so calm and serene! Being a mother of three boys (and girls) myself .... think its amazing you turn out such beautiful work.

Suzanne

PS...mine are all grown up/growing up and ITS HARD lol :) 17yr knows everything!

Ruby said...

Being a parent is tought, but he will thank you one day! Your card is lovely, I really like the way you've done the background. Thanks for playing along with us at the PDCC!

Maria said...

Being a parent of a boy who is now 23, yes, it's a struggle at times...still is...hehehe. But, know you are doing what you need to do. Teaching responsibility and consequences are a parent's job. They won't admit it to you, but they do love that you care enough to teach them the right ways. You are doing just fine! Very pretty card! All the colors are gorgeous with lovely ribbon!

Andrea Ewen said...

So pretty, Lynn! I love the softness of the floral images and how they blend so well into the background! Just gorgeous! Glad to have you playing along with us at the Play Date Cafe!

Anonymous said...

I think you are a very talented stamper! I love your blog, your style and your family stories... but this story is different and it will devastate your son if he reads it... whether it is today or 10 years from now.

Julie Ranae said...

My babies are 26 and 22 and between them have 3 babies of their own, so I know where you are because I have been there too!
Really lovely work on this card for The PDCC..you totally made it work!

Sarah Anderson said...

FaBuLouS card, I love the deceptively simple design. Thanks for playing along at the play date cafe :)

Nicole said...

Your card looks great! I love the simple design!

Zue said...

Effective and beautiful. I adore those flowers.
Have a lovely day!
Sue xx

Suzanne C said...

Wonderful design using the colors this week! Lovely card. Glad you joined us again at the PDCC.