7 Years Old!

 7 years old!

 6 years old

5 years old

4 years old

3 years old

2 years old

18 months

One year old

11 months

10 months

9 months

 
8 months

7 months

6 months

5 months old

4 months old

3 months old

2 months old

1 month old

2 weeks old

Dear Victor,

Happy 7 years old! Our special celebration for your birthday this year included a fun family swim with the Katterson cousins and a big spaghetti and meatball dinner. It was a good time!

And now you are 7 years old—a first-grader, which is a staggering thing to realize!

We're continuing with homeschool work, and this year we started attending Beacon Homeschool Co-op, which has given you a chance to take science, physical education, and an etiquette class already. Even though it's a group of new people for you, you have enjoyed being with others and learning pretty cool things about volcanoes, scooter games, and the proper way to eat soup (among many other things)! At home, we're studying the Pilgrims' time in Amsterdam, learning our weekly Fighter Verses, delving into division, reading some adventure books, along with spelling, handwriting, and sundry other activities.

You blessed my heart greatly when you told me you've decided to read out of your Bible to yourself each morning. Right now you're in 1 Samuel, working your way right through. You are also a big help to read a Bible story to your brothers after lunch while I'm putting Calvin down for his snooze. There is no habit I would rather see established in your life than consistent time with God in the Word and prayer. May He flourish that time into a daily joy that shapes your mind and heart as you grow to know, love, and trust Jesus more.

You've received and been spending lots of fun time playing with Lego sets. Sometimes you experiment with your own creations, but more often you will carefully follow the guidebook to make the whimsical little designs laid out there.

I so appreciate your help most every day to put away the silverware. You are growing and picking up additional responsibilities, and I appreciate your faithfulness to finish a job that you start and your willingness to serve our family in many ways.

You have many opportunities to fill your big brother role among the younger three boys, whether it is helping someone pour milk on their cereal, taking off Elliot's boots, reaching something from a high shelf, singing to Calvin to help him feel happy, or giving wise words, reminding brothers about the instructions Mom has given. We have to remind you sometimes that you aren't the parent, but you certainly do have an important role to influence and set a good example for your brothers!

This year you began in the children's choir, practicing Wednesday nights before Connection and singing before the congregation on a Sunday morning near Christmas. How I am praying that you will grow to love singing to God and joining in worship with the other believers! It's definitely fun having your buddy Ezekiel in choir with you as well.

Your afternoon rest time is normally spent listening to some Boxcar Children mysteries, while you work on your workbooks. You love mysteries and got your own detective kit for Christmas, which has offered lots of fun activities!

A highlight of the (every other) week is small group, where we get to enjoy a meal together and have a long, fun evening playing with some of your very best buddies. I'm praying that those friendships might be lifelong pointers to Jesus among you all!

You're getting so tall, you are learning so much, and you readily put together so many ideas. We love having you as a part of our family!

Right now I am studying John 10, including these precious verses:

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one. (John 10:27-30)

How I pray that you will truly hear and know the voice of Jesus. May you follow His leading—even if others choose to go another way. May you believe in Him and know the very greatest joy of eternal life, secure with your Good Shepherd, the very Son of God.

We love you so much, Mr. Victor!

Mom

Interview with Victor at 7 years old (1.7.19)

1.      What is your favorite color? Red

2.      What is your favorite toy? Legos

3.      What is your favorite fruit? Pear

4.      What is your favorite video to watch? Wild Kratts

5.      What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Grilled cheese or cheese and crackers

6.      What is your favorite thing to wear? everything

7.      What is your favorite game? Uno

8.      What is your favorite snack? Pretzels and cheesy fish

9.      What is your favorite animal? Lions and cats

10.   What is your favorite song? My God Is So Big and Jesus Loves Me

11.   What is your favorite verse? Genesis 1:1 and Joshua 1:9

12.   What is your favorite book? Boxcar Children

13.   Who is your best friend? The Lees

14.   What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play

15.   What is your favorite drink? Lemonade and root beer

16.   What do you like to sleep with at night? Duck

17.   What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cinnamon rolls

18.   What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Spaghetti and meatballs

19.   What do you want to be when you grow up? A bush clipper and gardener and teacher

20.   What was one of your favorite things that you did this year? Christmas and my birthday

21.   What is your favorite place to go? Grammy and Grandad’s house

6 Months Old!

6 months old!

 
 5 months old

4 months old

3 months old

 2 months old

1 month old

2 weeks old

Dear Calvin,

Happy half a year, big boy! How the time does fly.

This month has held some big milestones for you:

- First roll (front to back). I mean, you have lots of rolls, but it's the first time you have self-propelled from one side to the other.

- Got your helmet (sporting a cool blue camo look, which is very fetching with your blue eyes). In impressive fashion, we learned that your head grew a half a centimeter in two weeks at your first adjustment! (That's half of the distortion!)

- Trying to cut back on middle of the night feedings, with several weeks of not-so-much-sleeping to inspire us. You've been keeping it lively, with a few hour-plus crying stretches, but the past few nights have brought some marked improvement, and you blessed my socks off last night by sleeping from 7pm to 4am! Perhaps it was because you are coming down with a bit of a cold, but regardless, I will savor that as a bit of hope for the nights to come.

- You ate your first rice cereal yesterday, and I have video footage which is currently stuck on my phone. Good job, big boy!

- You are cheerful, animated, and smiley, as long as it isn't encroaching on naptime or bedtime. You still enjoy your exersaucer, and your brothers keep it stocked with all your favorite toys for grabbing, slobbering, and eating.

- You are not a fan of tummy time. This is pretty much the last part of physical therapy to wrap up, so let's make it a great month of growth and be done by next update, okay?

- What with the helmet and all, you are extra warm all the time now! We have bumped the thermostat down 2 degrees so you don't overheat. Probably helps our gas bill, good buddy.

We are just a few days from Christmas and in the thick of all the preparations. Christmas is a sweet time of year--a first for you--but it didn't have a flashy start. It's good to reflect on that first gift, given in the dark and dirt of a stable. Another baby, not so well sheltered as you, made His entrance. It wasn't a photo op moment; it was bloody and painful. And His life was short, hard, full of conflict, and in some ways, unimpressive.

Why did the life of Christ lack so much of the glamour and glory that we'd expect in the advent of the King of kings?

It's because, little son, He did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. It's because He didn't come as a triumphant warrior to destroy His enemies (that time); He came as a good shepherd to die so that He might make His enemies a part of His flock. The world was lost in heavy darkness when the light of the world was born. We groaned under slavery to sin that we could never escape on our own.

A thrill of hope
The weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks
A new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees,
O hear the angels' voices,
O night divine,
O night when Christ was born.

This is the meaning, not just of Christmas, but the meaning of all hope that there is in the world.

Worship this Savior, my little son. He is our precious Lord.

I love you, Calvin David.
Momma

-

5 Months Old!

 5 months old!

4 months old

3 months old

 2 months old

1 month old

2 weeks old

Dear Calvin,

I am going to exert myself not to begin this letter by expressing surprise that we could possibly be at 5 months old already. (Hmm, that didn't work.)

My big boy! You are delightful, little one. You are getting very social, handing out smiles to all the ladies at Bible study, at the grocery store, the 8th graders at Bible study, and so on.

You are clearly growing and learning, exploring your world in so many ways! And you are *ahem* getting mama up at night on approximately the schedule of a newborn. Let's work on that, k?

We just had an evaluation at the plagiocephaly clinic (kinda rolls off the tongue), and now we are preparing to get your own cute little helmet like big brother Josiah. Can't say that I'm excited about the trip to Minneapolis every couple weeks for evals, but I know you'll be pretty adorable in a blue camo helmet!

You're doing great in physical therapy. Now you have full range of motion and are just working on strengthening your neck more fully.

You're still happy running most errands in the Baby K'Tan, spending Wednesday night Bible study half being held by a friend and half in my arms, and getting a little catnap during the first service of church and hanging out with the sweet ladies in Middle School Sunday school for second service. You get to snooze at home on Friday mornings during homeschool co-op with Daddy (and then he delivers you to me), so all in all, I feel like you have found a good groove in this busy family season.

Your big brothers love you, and you light up for them too!

We had the special joy of dedicating you at church on Sunday. It is the true prayer of our hearts that you will "belong wholly to Jesus forever"!

We are in Iowa now for a few days, to celebrate Thanksgiving with Grammy and Grandad and the family. I've been reflecting about how much God has given us through Jesus. What treasures for this life and hope for life to come! I pray that you will be a joyful boy, whatever circumstances may come, because you have the unshakable love of God!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (1 Chronicles 16:34).


I love you so,

Momma

Our Story: Drama, Courtship, and Travel

To start at the beginning of the story, see Our Story: Introductions.  Second installment, see Our Story: Rescued.  Third installment, see Our Story: A Long Wait. Fourth installment, see Our Story: First Sight. Fifth installment, see Our Story: Just a Hint. Sixth installment, see Our Story: What Is Going On?. Seventh installment, see Our Story: Meeting and the Long Summer.


Drama, Courtship, and Travel
Getting Acquainted One Church Event at a Time




The summer of "friends getting to know one another" had another component. Ben was a part of the church drama group called the Messengers, led by a very gifted Filipino woman named Lotis. The day after our Dunn Bros conversation, Lotis said to me, "I understand you and Ben are moving forward in your relationship. Would you pray about joining our Messengers trip to the Philippines this fall?"


For a variety of reasons, that felt like a wild and crazy notion. Both of my bosses didn't think it would be a real wise idea, especially since I was already committed to a week of Jr High Camp that summer, but they didn't give a flat-out no. In the end, I joined the group and started preparing for the drama performance overseas.


August came in with a bang. Work-life balance was not a strong suit. Ministry Fair, Small Groups Kick-off, Covenant Affirmation, the start of Sunday school... The pace was pretty hectic, working weekends, and generally stretched a little too thin.

Mid-August I was part of an all-day South staff meeting. One of the agenda items was hiring a new part-time set-up tear-down assistant. The logistics coordinator told our campus pastor that he really didn’t want to consider anyone but Ben (who had been volunteering with the SUTD team since the campus started). He seemed like the right guy for the job.

Sitting there, I felt a sudden affection for this guy—he’d been volunteering continually since the South site opened; he was a hard worker and glad servant; and where I had felt some ambiguity and questions and doubt, I suddenly realized, I really liked him, wanted to be with him. It scared me a little, that the feelings for Ben might leave as quickly as they came. Trust the Lord, I had to preach to myself. He knows the state (and instability) of your heart. Lay it out to Him, and He’ll keep it where it needs to be.

Coincidentally (or not), the next day was August 14, and Ben had asked me out for a conversation. He drove us to Cafe Latte, and over a salad sampler and soup, Ben started in.

He said, "I would have to be a fool not to think about marriage when I thought of you."

He talked about many things, about God being at work in my life, his plans to get his elementary education degree, the possibility of a future in some faraway place sharing the gospel. He leveled with me on his sense of calling: missions and children, in some form or other. Could I do that?



He said, "I'd like you to be by my side for a really, really long time. So, when I call your dad, may I tell him that I have your permission to court you?"

I looked out the window past him. Lord, if this isn’t of You, if this isn’t Your will, please make it clear. I thought of the previous day’s revelation, that I really like Ben and wanted to be with him. I thought of God’s sovereignty, that He holds and unfolds all things according to His perfect will, and He will not let go of me.

I looked back at Ben, feeling half-excited, half-scared, and said, "Yes."

So there we were. Officially courting.

The fall barreled on. Monday nights I led a women's small group, Wednesdays were Wednesday Connection, and we had drama rehearsals every Thursday and Friday evening. Saturday night was church, and most of Sunday was serving at the South Campus. Our quality time together came mostly at church functions.

The trip to the Philippines was an intense experience all around. Two weeks with 20 people in close quarters. It was a wonderful privilege ... and very full. Full of performances, grace, exertion, travel, much spiritual warfare, cultural experiences, delicious food, sickness, emotional wrestling, and fatigue. We arrived home again basically blitzed just before Thanksgiving. 

And for the first time since our "formal relationship" began, there was actually time to consider a regular date night. Little did we know the real roller coaster was about to begin.

Letters to My Big Boys

Dear Victor,

Where do I even start? You are growing up in so many ways. I love the window in your smile (lost tooth #2)! I love seeing that smile!

Things that make you smile:

• Knock-knock jokes (you are very into jokes these days and checked out 3 joke books from the library to refresh your repertoire).
• Watching Wild Kratts. This is definitely the neb treatment show of choice for you and Josiah right now. What's more, you are excited to go out "creature adventuring" yourself! We had a fun walk in the woods with the whole fam (minus Calvin, snoozing at Grammy's) this morning. You were a little disappointed that we didn't see deer, bears, and other exciting creatures, perhaps due to the rowdiness of your fellow hikers. But we hope to have another outing (quietly) where you and Daddy can look for animals a little more strategically.
• Reading Tintin. Even though you have read them all, you can still pore over the books for seemingly endless hours.
• Listening to the Boxcar Children books on CD. This is your current afternoon pastime after finishing your workbooks, while Momma works a bit. You always prefer having company while you listen, but even when you're on your own, you love the Boxcar Children.
• Seeing your buddies, especially if there is time to play freeze tag with them! You love small group, where lots of your good friends gather. Most anything is more fun with friends, and I think you have inherited some of Daddy's joy in being with others! This fall you got to go to a Twins game with friends, and it was a HUGE thrill, despite lots of rain and a very late night!
• Seeing me in the back of the room at homeschool co-op class. You are doing great at our new co-op (classes: geology, PE, and etiquette). Every now and again I will assist in one of your classes, and when you catch a glimpse of me in the back of the room, you have a terrific grin. I love this!
• Daddy's telling you stories (especially when there is a happy ending). You have a thrill in a satisfying end to an exciting story!

 You are definitely a first-born child, with a deep-seated sense of right and wrong (and the compulsion to see that infractions, in others, are correctly dealt with). You have strong ideas about the way things should go. But you also can demonstrate great gentleness with younger children, and you are working on regularly demonstrating kindness toward others when things don't quite go your way.

A sense of compassion is developing, and sometimes when I am extremely tired or have a headache, you'll tell me, "I'm sorry things are so hard for you, Mom" or "Can I do something to help out?" You have a good work ethic and are faithful to finish tasks that you have been given. You can do a lot of work around our home, and I really appreciate your help!

You are a "touch" guy, and I love it that you still like to sit next to me on the couch, with my arms around your shoulder. How I pray that God will continue to give you strong faith in Jesus and the ability by His Spirit to say no to sin and yes to Jesus moment by moment and day by day!

I love you, Victor!
Momma



Dear Josiah,

My 4-year-old! You have grown so much this year, especially now that you're one of the "big boys." I love your beautiful smile!

You just love Calvin! Several times a day you'll ask to "say hello to that little cutie pie"! You encourage him so much during his tummy time, and you are very patient with him if he is sad. I love to see your big brother heart! You are also gentle and kind to other small children and a good encourager of others, generous with praise of others.


You are a strong runner, coordinated with bats, balls, and bikes, and you love animals. You have a vivid imagination and often "create" animal characters and make up a story about them while you are falling asleep at night, and then you tell me about it in the morning. I love that!

You also love being with our good friends, but I sense more of an introverted spirit in you. Sometimes you are ready for some peaceful time on your own after a busy time with lots of people. You  play easily with others or on your own and usually join in enthusiastically if someone wants to coordinate an adventure.

You are not big on touch (prefer not to have my arm around you), but you will still snuggle in next to me on the couch to read books or chat a little. I love that! You are extremely tender-hearted and sensitive. Quality time and words of encouragement are big for you, I think. You can be a little quieter than your brothers, so I'm so glad when we have a little special time together.

One of those special times is each night at bedtime. You'll come to me (either before or after being tucked in) and ask to pray with me. I love to pray with you! May God deepen that habit into a lifelong communion with Jesus!

You are super way more coordinated that Mom, and you can dance a mean jig. I love that! You also have a big helper heart, and when I ask for your help on some project, you'll often respond with a smile and, "Oh sure!"

We have a little special school time together before afternoon snoozes, and you are learning lots! You are working hard and really putting together the pieces. Last week you started reading and understanding some 3 word stories. I'm very proud of you, and I love to see you exercising that strong mind that God gave you!

You are an amazing gift to our family, and I love you so much!
Momma



Dear Elliot,

Oh. My. Goodness. You are a boatload of personality packed into one little bundle! This year has been so full of growing for you, and it is a delight to see the way you squeeze lots of joy and adventure out of each day!

You are a chatty fellow. And when you speak, you enunciate every little word. So it comes out: There's. That. Park! You definitely want to be heard, understood, and acknowledged, and if I don't understand what you're saying, it is NOT because you don't know what you're talking about!

You sometimes call me from your bed, ready to get up... "Moommy-a!" like an Italian. :)

When I put you to bed for the night, we will sing the blessing song together,
"May the Lord bless you and keep you,
may the Lord make His to face shine on you and be gracious to you,
may the Lord lift His countenance on you and give you peace."
I love how you join in with me, and insert a "me" every now and then instead of "you"! (...and be gracious to me...)

You have the cutest affirmation of things we point out.
Me: Hey, there's an excavator!
You: Oh yeah!

You are very curious about anything you see that doesn't make sense to you.
You: Wha's that is?

You have gained an early awareness of the game Rock-Paper-Scissors, which your brothers call Rock-Paper-Scissors-Shoe (i.e. Shoot). You'll go around happily chanting to yourself, "Scissors ... rocket ... shoes!"



I love to give you a huge hug and tell you I'm going to "squeeze the jelly out of you!" You give great hugs.

You are so big! Pretty much leading the growth curve of the family, you're in 3T clothes (just one size behind Mr. Joe)! We try to rehearse that we are gentle and kind with little Mr. Calvin, but sometimes you do have a vigorous way of loving him. Regardless, you have taken up the mantle of big brother very well and will come tell me if Calvin is crying. You, too, often ask to "Say hi that little guy."

You have some pretty groovy dance moves, love balls, have super nice follow-through on a basketball shot, and can play happily on your own or with your big brothers. Lately we've had a hard time going to our nursery class, but you're always super happy by the time I come pick you up!

You are a big bundle of joy, and I love you so much!
Momma

Recalling Anniversary Celebrations

1st Anniversary (2009)- returned to our honeymoon cabin in Spooner, WI; drove down to Iowa to meet newly born and adopted niece Janessa
2nd Anniversary (2010)- Lausanne Conference, Cape Town, South Africa
3rd Anniversary (2011)-  Linders' cabin in Baxter, MN, dinner at Grizzly's and walk around the golf course, pregnant with Victor
4th Anniversary (2012)- cancelled plans for an overnight at a bed and breakfast because Victor was sick
5th Anniversary (2013)- Lothlaurion, early snow, saw deer, pregnant with Josiah
6th Anniversary (2014)- Weekend "away at home," long walk in Hudson, WI; Delks' anniversary celebration
7th Anniversary (2015)- BCS seminary cohort retreat, pregnant with Elliot
8th Anniversary (2016)- weekend trip to Iowa
9th Anniversary (2017)- weekend at Pine Forest Retreat Center, apple orchard with Big Ben apples, pregnant with Calvin but didn't know it yet
10th Anniversary (2018)- mid-week trip to Iowa, beautiful walks, Kava Cafe, visit with Grandma Vaupel

The Other Addition This Summer

Calvin, of course, was the most exciting addition to our family this summer. But there was another big project that kept us busy in anticipation of his arrival: turning our attached garage into a family room.

Although I didn't do a great job chronicling the progress of the house project, here are a few mid-way photos. I have never been a part of any major house remodeling project, so this was an educational process to say the least. Nor did I realize at the start that this would be a "family participation" sport. Nor had I any previous experience mudding, taping, or sanding drywall (not to speak of the floor installation and trimwork that Ben learned/did along the way).

In the end, the extra space has been such a gift from God! And I have nearly recovered from the nervous twitch associated with the term "house project." The Lord is kind.

 The new exterior wall, which used to be a garage door

Not only did I have no previous experience with mudding and taping (what's that, anyway?), 

I also had no idea that this priceless experience required multiple coats. 

At every joint. And every screw hole.

Yes, perhaps there were some tears. #36weekspregnant

Ben, mudding and taping. Me, in the supervisory position. 

(Also shown, Calvin) #firstsummerbaby

I did get a decent dose of mudding, taping, and sanding in as well.

#withmaskandgoggles #supercute #contractions

When the mudding, taping, and sanding was done, we had a painting-blitz. The whole family room and half-bath got double coats of paint (including the ceiling) over a weekend, mostly knocked out by the superhero-like efforts of Grandad, Mr. Steve and Miss Lulu, and Ben. It made me so happy to look at those beautiful painted walls...

Next up was floor installation. We got some luxury vinyl plank flooring off craigslist, and Ben gained a new skill set in installing it. It was a bit of a mathematical puzzle, but the quantity turned out perfect, and it is so pretty!

Ben and Mr. Steve also installed window and door trim and baseboard trim. It really is a bright, comfortable, usable space, and I'm so thankful for it!