Happy 13th Birthday Sam!

Wow Sam, you're a teenager! I cannot believe that we are here. It feels like time creeps by until you look around and see that one of your kids is already 13! Ugh!!! This past year you began 6th grade, middle school. Of course that was a bit of a stressful adjustment for you. It is for most kids but you especially. You had a locker to be able to work, eight classes to find and keep organized with, and then the whole puberty thing. It was alot for a year:). The first couple of weeks were rough but you got to know the school counselor and realized that God put special people in every place to see you through this new journey. Your teachers weren't all favorites but you loved Coach Swanson for ILA. You were not a fan of your gym teacher. Your dad started calling him Coach Up-downs because you were stuck doing Up-downs on a regular basis in class. Apparently your friend Jason was a bit of a rebel rouser in class which got the whole class in trouble. He was not your friend for long.:( Karl is still your best friend. You played soccer with him on The Fighting Irish and had a few classes together at school this year. Although you didn't get to see him as much as you did when you were in elementary together, you still made lots of memories. You have lots of close friends so your social circle is wide. Tyler, Baby Tiger, moved away this summer so you miss him and the fun he brought to our house. We miss him too! You played your last season of soccer in the Spring. You were fast and furious. I am not sure you were a lover of the game but you gave it your heart and were ready to move on. This year you plan to use your fast beetles to run track in 7th grade. Thankfully, Coach Up-downs moved to another school and so did Jason so hopefully PE and track will both be pleasant experiences. You are a pleaser and rule follower. You don't like getting reprimanded. You work hard to do as your told and hate getting in trouble. The idea of it gives you anxiety. Anxiety is something you struggle with from time to time. It doesn't hold you back but causes you some discomfort now and again. Dad and I are working hard to help walk you through it but you are managing it pretty well on your own. Sam, you are a homebody. You would generally rather stay home than go out. You love playing with your brothers so you are content to just hang here. At times you squabble with Isaac and sometimes Mac. Lately I've noticed that you are a wonderful sounding board for Will. You allow him to vent and take his side as a great brother should. I love your heart and your fight. You want fairness and a black and white world. I do too buddy which is why I appreciate those qualities in you;0 You're finding that this isn't always the case, bummer, but you're growing up and adjusting. You're a kind, thoughtful friend. You can still cry big crocodile tears that break my heart but you also have an amazing laugh that fills me up. I love you Sam. Happy Birthday!