I am still very new to meditation as well, been practicing it for eight months. I also had a problem with staying focused, and I have better control over my thoughts now than I used to, which leads me to the point of this reply.. meditation takes practice.
Most days I just pop some meditation music in my ears and focus on my breathing and being in the room, and sometimes I'll listen to a guided meditation and let the instructor guide me through my journey of relaxation.
"Journey of relaxation", how corny.
Anyway, I've learned not to try too hard, not to worry too much about my thoughts creeping in. My body knows what to do.
Oh, and I've learned more by reading the information in this thread than I have by my own research. A LOT of great advice here!