Matthew Receives the Aaronic Priesthood!

What an exciting year it has been already, and we haven't even made it through January yet!  Matthew turns 12 in March, and was excited to be able to enter the Temple to do baptisms, and also to hold the Aaronic Priesthood...but President Nelson and the First Presidency made yet another monumental change to church procedures.  Starting this year, the youth advance in their classes and Priesthood quorums according to the year, not the month of their birthdays.  So if you turn 12 during the year then in January you are able to advance to the next class or quorum.  So, on the 13th of January, Matthew was ordained a Deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood by his dad, and everyone was there to watch and support, even Taylor made the trip home from BYUI so that he could attend. 

We took Matthew to the Boise Temple on Saturday the 19th to do baptisms.  He was baptized for 5 family names, and Andy did the baptizing.  Rachel and Brooklynn were also there with us.  It was a great morning in the temple.  Matthew is growing up so much.  He's getting so tall, nearly as tall as I am...but its more than that.  He is maturing into such a fine boy.  He's a great friend to others, and he is so smart and loves to learn.  I love how he wants to share with me what he has read about in science or social studies.  Social Studies is his favorite class this year.  He has learned about India, China, Egypt, and absolutely loves his teacher who brings all of it to life.  When they were learning about India and the caste system, poor Matthew was one of the unlucky ones in the classroom to be placed into the lowest caste, and to be an "untouchable" for one week.  I think it really opened up his eyes to how terrible it is to treat others unfairly.  We had some interesting dinner conversations that week. 

Matthew is also in concert band this year!  He plays the French Horn, and has worked really hard and plays 1st chair!  He really likes the French Horn, and he polishes his horn at night and takes really good care of it.  We thoroughly enjoyed his first two concerts this year, so fun to see him learning and engaging.  Another thing he did that took me by surprise was that he joined a book club!  I love that Matthew is not afraid to do his own thing and to explore his interests. 

I feel so blessed to have him in our family.  Something that Matthew has always done is to come up to me and give me hugs.  He also calls when I'm not home just to check in and see where I'm at and when I'll be home.  I love how he makes me feel special just from those little things.  It's going to be a great year!