Present giving happened post archery. The big-ticket item was a brand-new trumpet. He decided he wanted to play trumpet about five years ago and his interest in playing has not waned in that time. Due to his numerous allergies, playing a used instrument is a source of stress for him so for that reason (and a few others), we opted for a new one. We had always planned to get him one in time for seventh grade band but pushed up our timeline a little bit. He was thrilled…and so grateful. That is one of the many wonderful things about Matthew. He is always so thankful for everything that it is easy to do things for him. I think people are more willing to go out of their way for someone who they know will appreciate it and Matthew always does. He never takes those things for granted.
Daniel and Nathan both opted to go with the big gift theme and got him presents to go with his trumpet. Nathan gave him the beginning band book our middle school uses and Daniel asked around and gave him the contact info for a fellow high school student who teaches trumpet lessons. By the end of the day, Matthew had used the fingering chart in the back of the book and could play a scale. Daniel told us that it took some kids all of the first semester of beginning band to get that far. Not bad at all for a beginner! (Malia broke the trend and gave Matthew a wireless mouse to use with the laptop. Matthew hates the track pad.)
Yesterday was Matthew’s birthday celebration at my parents’ house. We sang and ate cake. Nothing too crazy there. It seems the older the kids get, the calmer the birthdays become. Matthew didn’t even have a party with friends this year. All he wants to do is have a big cousins’ day at the temple followed by lunch. Due to all the crazy schedules, we don’t have that on the calendar yet, but we’ll get there. I think it’s amazing that a temple trip is really, honestly what he wants. This kid definitely has his priorities in the right place.
I’m so glad Matthew is in our family. By the time he came along, Kevin and I had gotten very serious. The pressures of life and parenting can do that to you. When Matthew joined our family, he taught us to laugh again. Whenever I need a good chuckle, all I need to do is read the blog book from his toddler days. There were many times when I would play the stern mama, doling out the punishments and life lessons, and then go into another room and laugh. Even now, remembering all his antics can cheer me up like nothing else can. I get a bit nostalgic remembering his Ironman phase, when he wore his costume every day for two years and rode his bike around the neighborhood pretending to be the “man in a can.” Ironman is my favorite Avenger and I’m pretty sure it isn’t just because of his cool suit. The Lightning McQueen phase was fun too. Occasionally I will still find one of the tiny cars hidden somewhere in the house. It’s great having a blue-blooded BYU fan in the house. Kevin loves having someone who will watch football with him. Our home would definitely not be the same without Matthew in it.
