Happy Birthday Caitlin
We all went to Kid Concepts tonight to celebrate Caitlin's 6th birthday. I'd never been to a party on a week night. It was pretty mellow. The party host was a crack-up. I think the kids had a nice time, and they were exhausted when we got home at 8:30.

We heard from both kids' soccer coaches. Looks like each of them will have two practices a week. On top of that, Fluffy will have weekly basketball practice. And Scooter wants to start taking Japanese classes. Yikes! How are we going to swing all that?

Scooter has another swim meet this Saturday. Once again, I have to get up early on a weekend morning to get us to the pool by 7:15 a.m. *Yawn* I guess that'll be good practice, since starting next week I need to leave the house extra early in order to get Scooter to Science Camp in El Segundo, Fluffy to regular camp in Torrance, and me to work by 8:30. *Yawn*Yawn*

Now don't think I'm complaining. I am enjoying every bit of my children's childhood. When I signed on as a parent, I pretty much gave up all my personal time, which I don't regret one bit. I am already dreading the day when they go off on their own and don't need/want me as much anymore. My biggest complaint right now is this catch-22: in order to give them the experiences and opportunities I want them to have, I have to work; but because I work, I don't have the time to enjoy all those activities with them. Everything I do in my life has something to do with my children. I am going to be so lonely when they leave me!

BTW, Scooter no longer wants to be a scientist when he grows up. Now he wants to be a professional soccer player. I'm actually a bit relieved (although I really did like the idea of him being a scientist). He never wanted to be the typical fireman or cowboy. No, he wanted to be an engineer, then a scientist. A professional soccer player, now that seems a little more normal for a boy, know what I mean? So I told him he has to get me tickets to all his games!