13

Matthew is now officially a teenager. He had a very low key birthday since he had school and hockey practice. I did get him cupcakes with a hockey theme. His birthday dinner will be next weekend since this past weekend was filled with hockey. Matthew did well, he had 3 goals and some assists. He had a beautiful goal with his slapshot...so for a defenseman, he is doing well.

Matthew asked if he could play for Nashville or Thunder next year. Our funds, unfortunately, do not stretch that far. After driving home from Nashville, I realized, I am too old to make that drive four times a week, even if we could afford it.

The Thunder program is extremely expensive and I am not sure if it is worth it. It is AAA but I don't see that the kids are better than M, it's a lot of money to pay for a program that doesn't seem to develop the players more than our local travel team.

Matthew does have talent though, so it is a dilemma regarding what to do with him. His coach has suggested sending him up north to play at the Military School he went to in Indiana. It's college prep and is strong on character development. Again, a huge amount of money...This is a huge prayer issue for us. God has obviously given Matthew talent, now how do we develop it without going bankrupt? I am not a parent with NHL dreams but I do see Matthew coaching and mentoring young people so I want to give him the tools to share the gifts God gave him. Please pray for God to give us direction and insight for the next hockey season. In the meantime, here are some pictures from his birthday and last week...he is growing so fast, 13...wow.

Bakersfield Tacos, Nashville, TN

Between Games

After the Patriots won the Super Bowl

Much to Greg's displeasure

(Both H&M were born in years the Patriots won, we were happy)

Roo's Tribute to M

Penalty during White Bantam House League Game