Happy Birthday Michael...

Birthday Boy when he was 5 - he has about 1,000 hot wheels

His favorite thing to do - play at the beach

Big Kindergartner

Sleeping with his two best friends - Briggs his dog and lamb his favorite stuffed animal - The lamb was given to him at the hospital by a dear friends Mother who has since passed away. He still sleeps with lamb this day (don't tell him I told you :)

My 9 year surfer boy - at first I couldn't stand the long hair - but that's growing on me too.

Too cute!

Day two of Soccer camp 08

Off for day two of Soccer Camp 08

I know I know, don't say it. Where does the time go?

My heart was stolen over nine years ago when this little guy was born. It is really hard to believe he is nine and going into the fourth grade.

Today he doesn't think I am such a great Mom. When we signed up for Soccer camp he was excited because he loves the game. However, when we showed up yesterday for the first day he realized it wasn't going to be an easy camp. Several camp instructors are retired professional Soccer players and it is full blown soccer from 9 am - 3pm. In other words, he has to work really hard at something.

When I picked him up yesterday he said it was half okay. I asked what did he mean it was half okay? The story is...they were instructed to bring flip flops (I didn't know what for), so I sent him with his crocks. That didn't go over so good. Apparently they have to use their sandals to walk into the Arena to eat lunch. He was told by an older kid that he looked silly with his crocks on. Yup, his feelings were hurt big time.

So Dad and I gave him the big pick-me-up speech last night. Told him how to deal with controversy and how to stand up and ignore people etc. But he begged me not to go back. He didn't know anybody at the camp etc.

There was no way I couldn't send him. This will be a challenging week for both of us. It breaks my heart to know he feels intimidated, but I wouldn't teach him anything if I let him give up. I know if he faces his fears and is pushed hard to accomplish something, he will come out a huge winner this week in and off the field.

Even though he begged to go only half-day, when we got to camp this morning he ran right out onto the field with no hesitations. I was a happy Mom.

Happy Birthday Michael with lots of love from Mom, Dad and Meagan - You are our Soccer Star!

T