My Nine Year Old!

My little boy turned 9 this week!! It never ceases to amaze me how fast time really does fly. He wanted to know the story of when he was born, again, this is an annual story telling with all of my kids when their birthdays come around and I have to say I really enjoy telling them their story!! It makes me think back to that day I finally got to hold those precious babies in my arms for the first time and what a wonderful time to remember! Matthew is such a fun kid and he had a total blast on his birthday! I am thankful for him in so many ways.
Here are nine things I love and am grateful for about this precious little boy:
1. Matt is HILARIOUS!!! He can make us laugh without trying! I can't believe the sense of humor on that kid.
2. Matthew works hard! It doesn't matter what a project is for, he will work his buns off until it is complete...not a usual thing for most kids as well as many adults!
3. Matthew has an imagination! He can design something in his head and he will build it, draw it, or whatever it takes to get what is inside his noggin out for him to play with or see. It is incredible.
4. Matt is clean! As a mom who has to make cleaning a part of her everyday life, it gets really hard when I have to beg the kids to tidy up and I do not have to do that with Matt, he loves things in order and cleaned up and I appreciate that more than he will ever know!
5. Matt is such a guys guy! He loves all things that have to do with large machines, farm equipment, motorcycles, etc. The funny thing is, that is usually what he is constantly designing in his head and it is so fun to watch his eyes light up when he sees something big that makes some serious noise!
6. Matthew makes no excuses when it comes to doing what he thinks is right. He isn't perfect and will let a whine or excuse slip when he knows he isn't being the nicest brother but when it comes to the gospel and what he knows is right, he doesn't let things get confused or try to justify behaviors. I admire that because it is hard for me not to justify my behaviors sometimes.
7. Matt loves his family! He gets so excited when Friday nights roll around and it is family movie night followed by the kids' sleepover. I know this might change as he gets older but I love the excitement in his eyes as he helps to get it all planned out for us!
8. Matt has a soft heart! It doesn't always show, he can really put up a hard little shell if he doesn't want you to know he is feeling something but when he lets his guard down he sure is a big softy, it just melts my heart!
9. Matthew still doesn't mind that I love to be with him as much as I can! I am so grateful that he lets me be a mommy and hang out with him. I know he will probably grow out of that too a little bit but I hope he never minds having friends come over to our house so I can be a part of their lives and know the people he is with and the young man he is becoming!