Nananananananananah....MATT MAN!

Happy Birthday, Matthew! Today is the 27th birthday of our precious son, and how we love him! Matt is a pillar of strength and integrity, a man who has blessed our lives and those of his brothers and sisters (and wife and daughters). We are so grateful for our Matthew Aaron Gardner. As I type this, I am listening the the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "Sunrise, Sunset." "...when did she get to be a beauty, when did he grow to be so tall; wasn't it yesterday when they were small?" Tears come to my eyes as I realize how precious life is and what a miracle to be a part of someone's life--and how especially blessed I feel to know Matthew as a part of my life. Maybe Matt never grew to be "so tall," :), but he definitely stands tall in the things that matter!


This is Matthew's precious wife, Brittany, who is a marvelous mother to their little Della (pictured), and tiny newborn Aliya (above with Matthew and Brittany at top of page). The way that Matthew met Brittany and their subsequent courtship and marriage has been an answer to prayer. She is a treasure to us. The story of how they came to know and love each other is a story of divine promises fulfilled and friendships that extend throughout eternity. How we love her!








Matt and Della have a special "Daddy-Daughter" relationship. It's so fun to see them together. I know his three girls have Matt wrapped around their little fingers. Couldn't imagine a better place for him to be!
Last year, I was so proud of Matt, Josh and Nathaniel when they ran a half marathon in Logan, Utah. They were successful because they spent months consistently preparing and working to achieve their goals. I'm proud of the example Matthew sets in working to achieve his goals. I'm grateful that he brings inspiration into his decisions and he has great faith, which strengthens my own. We were also very proud of him when he prepared and studied and practiced and was chosen to join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Now we get to watch Matt and Josh singing on Sundays!




Oh how I hope that someday everyone reading this will have the privilege of knowing Matt. I am greatly blessed to have this wonderful son. We love you Matthew Aaron Gardner! Have a marvelous birthday. And may you be blessed as you have blessed our lives!