Kathy,

He is finding out his actions and decisions might be taken in stride by 
himself, but very serious by others around him. Personally? And this is my 
own view, before I'd take Chris back, I'd not even consider it until he has 
decided  he just can't stand it there no more, not one more day, let him 
really feel why that is, the lifestyle, the value system, everything, and 
then when he  has really had it, fed up to the gills? Then I'd  suggest him 
looking at his budget and how he can fund an apartment of his own or go in 
with some buddies on one, either that or learn to get along with Nikki and 
family.  From all I've been exposed to in the saga of Chris' ventures, 
which no doubt there are tons I don't know, I really can't see how Chris 
could possibly learn responsibility of independence and etc and to respect 
his family and provision, without having to have learned that for himself. 
This would be a great tool in getting him to the plate with  the bat ready 
to hit the pitches life has given him and the  game he chose to enter. He's 
got what four months until he is out of high  school? Provided he 
graduates... I'm not certain of your confidence in that based off your 
report of school. The long and short of my point is, take him back now or 
even if he looks like he has made some changes, and based off your passed 
recounts of his behavior, he'll be 25 years old and still living at home 
hanging with the guys. Desperation creates innovation. How many times in 
life have we been faced with very tough situations and decisions, many of 
which had nothing to do with our own choosing, and it was working through 
that situation which made us stronger and confident in life? Oh Lord, 
*looking upwards* don't take that as a plea for hard times for any of us 
hahahaah. But it is true nonetheless. I am in the midst of such a lesson 
with my son, but he is learning and showing signs of responsibility. I 
bailed him out once financially but not this time and he is forced to deal 
with those he  deals with, the bank, credit card, etc. How can they learn 
to appreciate the help they've been given if not had to fend for themselves 
first hand. That is my 1and a half cents worth.

Brad