Trying Tyler

There are days when Tyler can really, really, really try my patience. Sometimes he just wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and stays ornery for the whole day. Other days, it's like someone flips a switch. He can go from happy and mellow to mean and yelling in no time flat. He loves to argue and can't stand to be wrong. (I can already hear my parents telling me this reminds them of someone.) There are very few times when he's asked to do something that he doesn't complain first. He seems to think that he's in charge and can demand and badger me until I give in to him. When he does do something without complaint, it's usually because I've threatened to take something away. Or, I've told him he can't have or do something unless he's nice. There are some days when he can surprise me and be nice for no reason at all. Oh well. I guess it's just one of the joys of having an 8 year old. After having a bad day I can't wait for bedtime. (Tonight will be 8:00. I just need it to be quiet.) Although he can make me crazy, I still love him. All it takes to change my mood is seeing how sweet he is when he's asleep. Or listen to him talk about something he's really excited about. Or, him telling me he loves me and not because he wants something from me. :0)