HAPPY "DIRTY 30" TO OUR DEAR DAD

HATS OFF TO OUR DEAR DAD!  We love you, Daddy/Babers/Matthew Michael...more than words can say!  The last few days/weeks/months have been intensely exciting--a wicked, wild, wonderful roller-coaster!  Matt graduated from USU in December.  A few weeks ago, we were invited--out of the blue--to attend the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Annual Awards Ceremony.  Matt was spotlighted & awarded a beautiful plaque.      

Matt's teachers all thought so highly of him.  It was neat to attend the awards ceremony.  Each one of them would approach me, rant and rave and sing Matt's praises and point out how lucky I was to have him.  This University professor, Dr. Wilson, actually attended our temple sealing.  She really loved Matt and nominated him for the Outstanding Graduating Senior award.  

Yes, Matt's cool like that.  Who doesn't love a plaque?  

Isn't it always fun to see your name in print (especially in a prestigious program)?

Just a few weeks ago, Matt received a miraculous job promotion with UPS to be a full-time driver (people have been on the waiting list for over 5 years and Matt only added his name the day before the job officially came available and the offer was made).  Matt turned 30 on Monday, April 29th.  He got his gallbladder removed the next day (more about that in a future post).  The day after surgery, he was offered a full time PE teaching job at Joel P Jensen Middle School in West Jordan (another miracle when there are so many applicants for so few positions).    This Saturday, May 4th, Matt participated in the USU graduation ceremonies.  To say life has been a wonderful, wacky whirlwind would be an understatement. Heavenly Father loves Matt soooooo very much.  It is overwhelming and so very humbling to know how God orchestrates even the tiny details in our lives.  He is so very mindful of our little family and continually showers us with blessings.  We are beyond grateful for our incredible options.  Matt is an amazing husband and father.  He loves his wacky women fiercely and has been blessed with a path (several really...wow, options are wonderful--yet scary and confusing but always exciting) to provide for them.  He would be a phenomenal teacher, and will be many times in his life regardless of if he chooses to do this professionally.  He has an ability to connect to and inspire youth.  He has a passion for teaching.  His students and cooperating teachers at Sky View High LOVED him.  He was a stand-out in his program at Utah State and his college professors all LOVED him, too!  UPS is an incredible, secure, growing, prosperous company that would offer our family the chance to stay in gorgeous Cache Valley (in a HOUSE people...A REAL HOUSE)!!!  We are beyond proud of our Dear Dad, Matthew Michael.  His ambition, hard work and faith have helped open doors, although we are ever more aware of how God is COMPLETELY in control.  My all-time favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

We are so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is most certainly directing our paths.  We hope that we can continually have the faith to trust in Him.  This is such a critical and exciting time in the life of our family.  Thanks, Babers, for all your hard work, love, sacrifice, wisdom, endurance and strength.  We love you more than words can say!