9 years old

 9 years ago, on this day, I was baking in a hot unconditioned house in Arvada, Colorado.   As the air filled with a sweet smell of blueberry muffins, I knew the time had come for me to be a mother. Gabriel, my messenger, was born in the middle of the night and my world changed forever.

Gabe,

You have had an amazing year.  You have grown and changed so much.   I really can't believe how tall you have gotten and how much you can eat!

I have been very proud of you this year.  

You played tackle football this year and loved it.   You loved it even though you were the new kid.  The smallest kid.  The one who didn't know exactly what you were doing.   None of that mattered.   You gave it your whole heart and you played with all the passion that makes you who you are.

You learned to play polo.   Trotting Grace around and hitting the ball.   Getting comfortable in the saddle and riding off on your own.   You quite the little cowboy.

You became a big brother again.  This time to a little sister.   You have embraced her and are so good with her.   Most mornings you go up and get her from her crib.   You lift her high into the air and pretend she is famous.   You make her giggle and laugh.   You help me with little Grace more then you know.   I don't know what I would do without all your help.

You not only just played baseball this year.   You were an exceptional player.   Every time you were up to bat, you smacked the ball.   You played a great short stop and catcher.   It was amazing watching you mature in this game over the past year.

And, you have been so brave the past couple of weeks during our move.  You are ready and willing to start something new, make new friends, and find out where you fit in here in Arizona.

I love you, Gabriel.  Very much and I can't wait to see what year 9 has for you.

For your birthday this year, we worked on a project for you.   A project that will give you and your brothers somewhere to play and hang out.  A place to go and do your homework or sit and read a book.  A special room that was organized and decorated just for you.

 I hope you love it!

This year you had to have a Minecraft cake.  I guess that only makes sense since you have spent many hours building and surviving in your Minecraft world.

You and Grammy worked very hard together to build this special cake.    It turned out so awsome!

Happy Birthday to my big 9 year old.   My messenger who teaches me love, patience, and passion for life everyday.