Life Lessons and a Squirrel Feeder Project

 Matthew joined a Science Club at school this fall.. all done virtually via zoom of course. It was led by high school science kids and they did a great job! He really enjoyed it! Part of the class requirement was to build something using science and engineering. Matthew, our squirrel lover, decided to build a squirrel feeder. He and Doug talked about design and process, probaby more than Matthew wanted...haha.. but together they came up with ideas and a plan. They had to test and tweak and adjust as they built it, but in the end it turned out fabulous!

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The final product. 

Matthew pulling out the valve to release the nuts onto the platform.

The squirrels LOVED it.. and are in the backyard EVERY morning waiting for Matthew to release more nuts!

Besides coming up with a project, the kids in the club also had to present their project to the entire club AND to Mrs Miles, the principal AND a bunch of high school science teachers who were invited to the presentation. 

Matthew had kind of brushed off the presentation like it was no big deal, but we could tell he was nervous about it. The day of the presentation Doug asked him if he wanted to go over his presentation, which led to a complete melt down. He was so nervous.. and didn't know what to do. Poor kid. 

BUT.. my sweet and amazingly patient husband spent time and basically forced Matthew to practice his presentation, over and over again. And as he did that, Matthew's confidence grew and his anxiety faded. It was such a great thing to watch.. and a great life lesson for our boy. 

He went outside to do his presentation and I watched from the kitchen window as he CRUSHED it!! 

He was calm, cool and collected.. and presented to well, answering questions and showing off his project with confidence and ease. I was so proud of him. 

He introduced everyone on the zoom call to Bodie as well...haha!

I received an email from Mrs. Miles, our principal, the next day saying how impressed she was with Matthew and his presentation. She even asked if he would share to the entire school during an online assembly. I think that was a bit too much for our boy, and he kindly declined. 😂 He did present to his class, tho, and thoroughly enjoyed that. 

I am glad Matthew got to be in this club and learn so much.. about science AND life!!

Things Pondered, Part 14 (!)

 Dear Evelyn Joy, 

How is it possible that you are FOURTEEN!! My goodness.. that happened fast! 

So many have prepared me for these years. 

The "terrible teens"... and all that it entails.

But I can truly say that so far,  "I beg to differ!"

Oh my sweet girl, you are growing into the most lovely young lady. 

Full of beauty, full of life, full of joy. 

And we love you so much!!

Here's a snapshot of your special day!

You are SO special!

"What in the world?"

"Haha... I LOVE it!"

Your brother is your biggest cheerleader, and he knew exactly what to get you! I am glad you liked it!

Welcome to the world of social media! You were so suprised..and so excited! 😀

I am glad Ellie got to spend the day/night with us. It was perfect!

Dutch Bros. run before school for your free drink!

Opening the cards from all the Stenehjem kids. They love you!

A socially distant visit from Jody. She loves you too. And she got you a Comfy... and you are over the moon excited about that!

For your birthday you wanted to go to IKEA and pick out something for your room. So you and Ellie skipped PE and we headed across town, singing Sophia the First songs the entire way. 😂

Our "loot" 😂 I love the macrame plant holder and fake plants you picked out for your room. They are perfect! Mom got a few things too.. thanks to both of you for schlepping them to the car..haha!

We picked up Chipoltle for dinner per your request

And had milkshakes instead of birthday cake. You two are so silly!!

Ready to watch a movie.. in your new Comfy!

I hope you enjoyed YOUR day as much as I enjoyed celebrating YOU!

Despite all of the crap you have been handed the past year, you have strugged and persevered and overcame and  maintained relationships, amazing grades, your faith and your amazing sense of humor.

 It has been hard, no doubt, but the Lord has been good and has also brought light in the midst of the darkness. I hope and pray you remember that light, those times where we laughted until we cried (or just cried, because COVID sucks), fun family time, times with Ellie and Juliet that filled you up, times being creative and using the gifts God has given you. I pray that you can draw on the Lord's faithfulness as challenges arise in the future.. which they will. 

Dad and I are so very proud of you. 

You certainly are not perfect. 

You have your moments for sure. 

But don't we all. 

You are an amazing daughter, sister, and friend. 

But most of all you are the precious daughter of Jesus, whose love for you is unending.

Never forget that. 

I hope I can be the mom you need in the coming years, as you prepare to go into world and change it for the better. 

It is an honor and a priviledge to be your mom. 

I love you so much, baby girl!

Happy Happy Birthday!

"...and Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" ~ Luke 2:19

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