Happy Birthday, Matthew!!!

Our sweet Matthew turned 3 today. Because of the 2006 blizzard we thought Steve might have to work Friday and Saturday so we celebrated yesterday (12/21). This dear boy is made of opposites. One minute he is telling me "you're really nice Mommy" while stroking my face and the next he says "I hate you, that is not fair!" trying to hit my back. I try to remember the former and forget the latter. He is growing up so fast and his little mind is working so hard to understand the world around him.

He is CONSTANTLY asking questions - seemingly in staccato succession
what is that mommy?
what is that sound mommy?
what did you say mommy?
are you ok mommy?
what are we doing today mommy?

and if I don't answer right away he keeps asking the question until I respond. Fortunately he is mostly past the "Why?" stage. We had a running joke... when he would ask why over and over I would finally tire of giving a real answer the dialog would go like this:

Matthew: Why?
Mommy: Because elephants are pink.
Matthew: Why?
Mommy: Because clowns are funny.
Matthew: Why?
Mommy: Because horses fly.
Matthew: Horses don't fly Mommy! - giggles and giggles.

Matthew, may you never loose your inquisitive delight in life and learning. Daddy and Mommy love you soooooo much and want to teach you and guide you with humility remembering that ultimately you are God's, lent to us for a few brief years to love and then let go.

BUILD ME A SON, WHOSE HEART WILL BE CLEAR,

WHOSE GOALS WILL BE HIGH, A SON WHO WILL

MASTER HIMSELF BEFORE HE SEEKS TO MASTER

OTHER MEN, ONE WHO WILL LAUGH, YET NEVER

FORGET TO WEEP, ONE WHO WILL REACH INTO

THE FUTURE, YET NEVER FORGET THE PAST.

-AUTHOR UNKNOWN