It ain't easy being a parent...

Rough day. Very rough day. It just seems to easy for kids to say hurtful things. Granted, I think it is just a way of lashing out, without thinking about how it really affects those he's lashing out at. I really feel for Ginger, having to deal with such an insolent and often surly kid, who isn't even hers. He melted down today after being lectured for running into the street (the second time in two days!) and was a complete jerk in Target. To the point that he got spanked by both G and I. He made the mistake of saying that he was stupid, that we were ugly people and that he was gonna tell his mother that we beat him. Which, of course, we are going to tell Jessica about.
Then, after I had walked him to the car, he made the hideous comment that Ginger didn't love him at all. This was right after I told him that no matter how mad I get at him, I don't ever forget how much I love him.
My patience is thin and frail. Micah had to write 35 sentences and clean up the dog poop as punishment. I so just want to crawl into bed and crank up the iPod with the most recent Ungodly Hour on it and shut out the world.
I know G wants kids, and it is obvious what a wonderful mother she is, but I have serious doubts about my parenting skills. I try hard but Micah isn't easy.
Okay. Positive things. We got the dogs washed, I did some yard work and we planted more basil today. G got a massage, although she's earned about twenty...
More later, as I clutch my sanity grimly about me and charge back into the fray. Perhaps we should rename Micah "Cthuhlu" for the effect he has on us. That being said, I do love him and always will.