Still managing to smile

Another Monday. Caleb actually got to Seminary on time today. He is usually a bear to get out of bed in the morning and then drags his feet until about 6:25. Then he is all in a rush to get out the door because he is going to be late. This morning I actually only had to go downstairs once and he made it up to the shower before 6:00. He was in a good mood and didn't complain once. I almost made him give me a DNA sample to prove he was my normally grumpy teenage son. I guess that makes up for Brenden. A couple of days ago, he was late coming home. I couldn't find him and it was dark and very cold outside. Finally Dan said, "Oh, yeah, he went to the mall with Crystal and Alex." I about went ballistic. Crystal is 15 and Alex is 12. Dan further informed me that they had taken the bus (which means no adult supervision). I now flew to the moon. Brenden was lucky that he was not there. I hopped in the van to go find him at the mall when he comes strolling up the sidewalk. I told him to get in. We drove around the block while I yelled at him for doing something so stupid and moronic. His response was that he didn't ask because he knew we would say no. Darn straight I would have said no. An 11 year old boy at the mall without adult supervision? Holy crap! What was he thinking? I was so mad that I could hardly look at him. He wasn't even the least bit sorry. As such, he has been grounded from life for one month - no friends, no computer, no going outside. He has got to learn that there are rules for a reason and that he is not above them. This whole parenting thing would be easier if there was a good owner's manual. I know, I know, these things will be for my good and experience but it doesn't make them any easier.