No Reward for Bad Behavior

It was Christmas 08' and I had purchased all the gifts for my kids and also bought a Xbox 360 for my son but because of his behavior, disrespect and his lack of desire to go to school I returned it to the store. The Xbox was to be an incentive for him to get his life on track in regards to school and how he treats his mom but it didn't seem to work so I returned the Xbox. I had previously told him if he doesn't change his behavior I will return the Xbox and when I did he got very upset with me. I said What are you getting upset with me, I gave you an opportunity to learn from you mistakes and be a better person and get a reward for doing so. You knew the consequences of your actions if you didn't change the way you were behaving. What I thought was funny is my Ex-wife called to complain about me returning the Xbox and I said Are you kidding me?. You want me to reward him for calling all kinds a vile names to get what he wants out of you. She said now she has to deal with his yelling and cursing . I said you caused this problem by not dealing with him in the beginning and let him gain control of the house. You gave up your authority by not dealing with the issue and now you want to blame me, No I'm sorry your not going to place blame here. It seems I am the only one standing against his behavior towards you. I said your acting like a battered woman and maybe you are but I've done everything in my power to help but if your just going to condone the abuse by not dealing with it I can't help you. I told her If you would have been tougher and made my son go to school he wouldn't be failing. He has been out of school for more than 70 days I told her and she replied that his problem. I said it will be your if the school gets off it's lazy ass and decides to come after you for his truancy. You are the custodial parent and you are responsible for him going to school.

Well it's Christmas Day and the kids are coming over for our traditional Christmas Lasagna, garlic bread and dessert. I cleaned up the apartment and rearranged the living room to fit everyone for dinner. As I was getting things ready for dinner my daughter mentioned than Angela is home alone today. I thought about it and told my daughter to call her mom to see if she would like to come over for dinner and she accepted. Awkward but I did it for the kids not her. Angela was home alone because her girlfriend had taken her son to see his grandparents. We ate dinner and had dessert and after we exchanged gifts. Angela left shortly thereafter so I can have my time with the kids. We had a fun time talking and joking around with each other and then I dropped them off at home around 9pm. It was a good day for me. I'm thankful for the chance to spend time with my kids, I don't get many chances with all 3 at the same time very often.