Stefan– my beautiful boy at 24

UPDATE: so many things can change in one week, he’s going to Harvard Law School!

Ah, my darling Stefan. I didn’t neglect to write about his birthday because I’ve been completely consumed with the junior high play (although I have been). I’ve simply been waiting for him to decide where to go to law school so I could talk about it all in one post. And we’re so thrilled he just committed to BYU with the Clark Scholarship. For months, Stefan and Heather debated between the big school/East Coast experience and the convenience and economy of Utah County. Although I would have supported any decision, I’m just so happy we’ll have them close for a few more years.

I never get over just watching my children. When they were toddlers, Erik and I spent our evenings just gazing and marveling and cleaning up after them– no movie or sports game could ever compete with their antics. And now they’re older I revel in their company.

It’s a pleasure watching Stefan and Heather together. Extraordinarily kind people, they both look out for their many siblings and friends. They care about relationships and rush back-and-forth offering love and support to all their siblings. I’m proud of what they do; but I’m more proud of who they are. The other day, I stumbled on this old blog post and marveled how Stefan’s priorities have remained the same (but his hair has improved a ton).

Stefan didn’t want anything for his birthday (except to know where to go to law school) so we bought him some chocolate and a book of lawyer jokes. A favorite:

What’s the definition of a lucky break?

A bus load of lawyers driving off a cliff.

And what’s the definition of a crying shame?

There was an empty seat on the bus.

With two future lawyers in the family, you can be sure we are collecting all the jokes we can find.

Our family dinners seem to get rowdier and funnier each time. Whenever it gets inappropriate or hurtful we have two ways of changing the subject– someone asks “How many reverse gears are in a formula one race car?” or “What kind of M&Ms are best?” You’d be surprised how quickly those questions diffuse the tension (and peanut butter M&Ms are best). Since Hansie and Lizzy are of marriageable age, there’s a lot of talk about dating and romance. Someone mentioned how hard it is to look at someone you really like and on cue the entire group started singing Taylor Swift’s ‘Gorgeous’ complete with the little ‘ting’ sound on water glasses and meowing through the chorus:

You’re so gorgeous
I can’t say anything to your face
‘Cause look at your face
And I’m so furious
At you for making me feel this way
But, what can I say?
You’re gorgeous

I don’t know when I’ve ever been so proud. Both that they knew the lyrics (even Erik) and could sing them at exactly the right moment.

Aren’t they all just gorgeous? I could watch them all day.

Happy Birthday Stefan! Thanks for staying in Utah, Stefan and Heather! We’re not quite ready to let you go.