Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Happy Birthday Matthew!

 

How is my baby boy ELEVEN?!? While I often am in disbelief at how fast he is growing, I am so thankful for another trip around the sun with such an amazing kid!!

**Matthew still is our early riser.. waking up by 715 most days, no matter what time he goes to bed

**He lives and breathes everything football, and will watch, play, or discuss it with you anytime! While we won't let him play tackle football (that's another story), he has the knowledge and personality to be a an amazing coach or referee. 

**With his family is his favorite place to be; his sister is his best friend

**His heart continues to be tender, and he is one of the kindest and thoughtful kids we know

**He is maturing. Example... he used to ALWAYS have me crawl in bed and snuggle at bedtime. The past couple of months he has asked me to just sit on his bed with him. Bittersweet for my momma heart.. but the way it should be. 

**He is engaged and growing in his faith. 

**He loves to eat cheeseburgers, pizza, Costco muffins and cherry tomatoes... and we still call him "Mr. Snacks" 😂 He is more willing to try new things and enjoys eating healthier foods too!

**He is a good student and we are so proud of how he has thrived during the pandemic and online school. He is excited for middle school next year (yes, middle school! WHAT?!?)

**He thinks he wants to be an engineer

**He is actually is very artistic and draws very well

**He is quite competitive and doesn't like to lose 

**He in finishing his third year of piano lessons and is playing so well. He isn't enjoying it as much as he used to... normal for this age... but he keeps going, and we are proud of him. 

**He is a good friend and a respected leader at school

**He loves squirrels 

**He has lots of energy and will go outside rain or shine to "run it off" 😀💪

**His heart is as big as the ocean... and we love him more than words can say!


Here is a photo diary of his VERY busy day! Despite COVID, we were determined to make it fun for him.. and I think we succeeded!

This was waiting for him when he woke up
Birthday cinnamon roll tradition continues...
"Did you make a wish, Matthew?" 
"No.. I have everything I could wish for right here with me!"
(This is a true reflection of our boy's heart, and we love him so...)

A fun new game from his sister
We got him a KiwiCrate subscription (a monthy science/engineering box). He was so happy!
A socially distant visit from his beloved Jody, who always celebrates the kids well
On his Birthday wishlist was to get Annie's Pretzel Bites...haha. I obliged and we went to the mall and got some, then looked around the lego store. 
Next stop... Target, where he had birthday money from his Uncle Don and Aunt Kristin. He was happy with the nerf gun get got to buy!
Next up.. the "Football Card Store".. a small local shop that has lots of amazing trading cards. He bought three special cards and was thrilled
Speaking of Uncle Don... we got home from our birthday errands to find him AT OUR HOUSE! He was on this side of town and dropped by with a balloon and sparkling cider for his nephew. Super sweet and thoughtful, and Matthew enjoyed the visit

Matthew wanted to go to In & Out for dinner. We haven't been to the new one close to us yet and decided to brave the possible long line and go for it. 

These two cracked us up with their antics on the way down

The sky was beautiful
The line started quite a ways back.. but we were in it for the long haul!

Passing time while taking pics by the cool train near the parking lot. Evelyn was thilled.. obviously. HA!

So happy!

Our total wait time was about an hour.. but it was totally worth it. The birthday boy throroughly enjoyed his burger and "animal style" fries. 

Our friends texted us asking to stop by on our way home. They had a gift for Matthew. We are so thankful for the Stenehjem's! 
We came home and watched one of Matthew's favorite movies, Lemonade Mouth. It was a fun way to end the day.

Happy Birthday Matthew. You are loved more than words can say. It is a joy to be your mom.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, my precious boy
May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you
May the Lord turn His face towards you
And give you peace

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