Life is a many Splendored thing

Oh boy do I have an update.
Life has taken a vicious turn for the surreal, and I'm only now starting to see straight.
Remember my baby blues?
Well, now I've got the kid blues! Wonder of wonders, my son decided to come live with me this year. When I got the news I was elated. I was overjoyed. It's been nearly 5 years since my boy has lived with me.
WHAT A SHOCK!
The habits of little boys astound me. Not flushing the toilet, leaving the seat up, leaving their shoes in the middle of the hall where you can trip on them, the button pushing, the sulking, the "my feet are itchy - can I wash them" an hour after lights out!
Just when I think that I understand my son, and how to conquer a particular bad habit... A new one springs up, just when I get that one licked he ressurects an old one.
I hate it when guys leave the toilet seat up!

The next bain of parenthood as I see it?
Homework.
Didn't I do my time in that miserable institution called school? Oh no! Now, not only do I get to help with Brandon's homework (it's been scientifically proven that children do better with a parent's guidance or at the very least prescence) I get bombarded with daily notes home from the teacher.
We need volunteers for our casino!
Pictures are this Friday!
Please pay $120.00 for your child to eat lunch at school. (that isn't a provided lunch btw, it is a charge for having your child supervised during the lunch hour!)
We require $8.00 for your child's agenda.
Please go through your collections to see if you have the following rocks.
The list never ends, and each day there is another nugget from the school for something new. I never knew how much work went into schooling a child! It's amazing. And my poor son, I make him do homework! He has difficulty spelling and reading, SO logic dictates that instead of watching the boob tube, you practice spelling and reading! You'd think I was putting him through the Spanish Inquisition! Oh the tears, the whining, the exploding of my brain!

On the other hand...

My boy's kindness surpasses my wildest expectations. He is ever thoughtful and considerate of others. He readily accepts responsibilities, and is almost always eager for new ones. I love watching him suceed in all the things he's doing. From making new friends, or excelling on a test, trying so hard despite his rather pathetic self esteem. (I don't blame my ex for this, it is hard to instill something in a child if you lack it yourself)

All in all, I'm still elated and overjoyed... but wow, I'm tired too. There's more to this mommy business than reading bedtime stories, and bandaging scraped knees.