T E N ! ! !

I've always been one of those moms who cries when I sing happy birthday to my kids, but what's up with me today?  Pregnancy hormones?  Maybe.  Or maybe it's because I just got a text from Matt saying, "I love you, Supermom," or another text from a friend saying, "Happy 'birth' day."  Just when I was feeling like my kids are growing up in the blink of an eye!  I just can't help but be thankful for each of these little Houdinis and thank God for giving them to us.  There was a time when I never could have imagined that we'd be a family of 6!  Just a great lesson in how our hopes and dreams are so small compared to what God has in store for us!

Nate left for Webelo camp this morning and it's the first time in history of our 10 years together that we're not spending his birthday taking some special trip or going on the adventure of his choice.  I was a little nostalgic with him this morning and voiced my sadness.  He responded, "We don't have to spend every birthday together for it to be a good one."  UHHHHHHH...YES WE DO!  

What happened to that sweet little peanut that used to suck his thumb while cuddling his patchy?

The kid that used to play Thomas Trains in his 'choo choo' underwear is long gone.  I'll never see Pursy or James on his little hootie again!

 They've since been replaced with boxer briefs and in place of his Scooby Doo bubble bath are hair gel and deodorant.  He's becoming a young man!  Ahhhhh!  He has his lapses and I sometimes have to remind him that he isn't 2.  But when I step back, I appreciate his sensitivity.  You NEVER have to wonder what he's thinking, which is a quality he gets from his mom :)  At least he got something from me...I can't look at that kid without seeing a mini Matt!

My favorite things about his are his love for his friends and family, his eagerness to be an inventor, the sweetness he has for babies, and his politeness.  

Happy 10th Birthday, Nate!  I love watching you grow and change...your kindhearted little soul makes this Mama smile :)  Promise me, you'll never be too old for candlelit pancakes on your special day!

For the first time, he only wanted money as a gift.  Here he is this morning adding it up...the wheels were churning about what he could buy!

Have an awesome time at camp, little Buddy.  I'll miss you like crazy and eagerly wait for our birthday bash next week!  

 

Update:

 

We had a fantastic day of swimming with Cade, Eli, Morgan, Gabe and Adri at the pool!  Thank you Jim and Teri for allowing us to use the Surface Country Club!  The kids had a blast!  After a day of swimming, ice cream and water balloons in the sun, we came back to our house for pizza, cake and presents!  Thanks to all who made this day great for Nate :)