sixteen

It says a lot about Stefan that all his younger siblings wanted to be part of his birthday photos.

The little ones worship him. As we watched the Olympics, they would dismiss the athletes with, “Oh, Stefan could do that. Stefan’s stronger than that guy.”

I’m stumbling over my words today but Hans assures me, “Don’t worry about bragging, mom. It’s OK to brag about Stefan.”

And so I sit here, typing, deleting and asking Ben, “How do I write about Stefan without sounding obnoxious?”

“Tell me about about it.” Ben replied, “Try having him for a younger brother. He’s good at everything and he’s so nice that you can’t hate him.”

Ben threw up his hands, “He’s just not NORMAL.”

And perhaps that’s the best description of all; he’s not normal.

I had a dozen baby photos ready to scan in for today (I’ll save those for another time) but as adorable as Stef was as an infant, he didn’t just come this way. With determination surpassing most mortals, he works tirelessly at school, music, athletics, scripture reading and, far beyond any other goal– kindness.

Quietly, he leads us all.

Happy Birthday dear boy.

March 11, 2010
March 15, 2010

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12 Comments

  1. Mathmom and family

    March 13, 2010

    Sweet Sixteen, indeed!

  2. Claudia

    March 13, 2010

    How can you not brag about Stefan? I’ve never met a kinder brother.

    Love the pictures! Especially the dancing pose and the James Dean looking one. What a stud!

  3. Sue

    March 13, 2010

    How fortunate you all are to have him. You can see on his siblings’ faces that they adore their brother.

    =)

    PS. Happy birthday, Stefan!

  4. jennie w.

    March 13, 2010

    You and your great kids! Don’t you have any mean/selfish/lazy/dumb ones?

  5. GeorgiaBecksteads

    March 14, 2010

    I love you guys. Your whole family is amazing. Each post I miss you and wish we were back in UT so I spend the time I didn’t when I was there.
    Happy Birthday, Stefan.

  6. Tracy

    March 14, 2010

    Happy Birthday. I love his sweet smile. I know this is about Stefan, but my word isn’t Miss Mary the cutest in her MJ? You are a genius putting the simple tee under the silly tank! Genius.
    xoxo,t

  7. Rachelle

    March 14, 2010

    You have done well raising your children and you should feel a sense of contentment in that. Your posts remain inspiring to me…

  8. Malisa

    March 14, 2010

    Inspiring!

  9. ashli

    March 14, 2010

    good to the core!

  10. Lizzy

    March 16, 2010

    My mom wonders why I still believe perfection must be possible.;) Happy Birthday Stefan!

  11. Linn

    March 16, 2010

    Happy Birthday Stefan! What a boy for sure.

  12. Kim

    March 16, 2010

    Stefan has a glint in his eye that I just love. You can see how kind he is. Happy Birthday Stefan!

Comments are closed.