Dear Caleb,

NINE. How? Why? When? Is it really possible that you're already nine? Nine is a year away from double-digits. Nine is halfway to 18! Besides all of that, we're certain we just brought you home from the hospital last week, so please tell us how you are already nine?!?

It goes without saying that you are the kid that really made us parents. Not only did you come into this family first, but everything you do, everything you experience, every phase you go through is (usually) a first for us. The phase you're in now is really a unique one. Just like every phase you enter and leave, we question ourselves a million times over about whether we're doing it right. Yet, as you leave one phase and blossom into another, we see evidence that something good is happening. 

This phase is one that includes a desperate need for independence, coupled with the maturity to handle of lot of that independence you crave. However, it is still so hard to completely let go of all of our fears, worries, anxieties, and uncertainties. We know that you're a smart kid. We know that you can be trusted. We know that you know right from wrong. Yet, it's just so hard. But you push, and you push, and you push. And we're learning to let go more and more and more. It sounds like a battle, but it's not. Well, some days it's a battle. But most days it's not. It's more like a test. It feels like a test in that we study everything about you, analyze all that we know about this world, and then just hope and pray that we do our best.

We know something good is happening, though, because as you grow, you become more wonderful with each passing year. And that's hard to do, because you were a pretty amazing baby, not nearly as tough of a preschooler as we thought you were (have you met your brother?!?), and sailed into the school aged years like a boss. You've given us a run for our money at times, but that's mostly because it's been so hard to figure out what makes you, you. What we're learning, is that you are very black and white. There's no gray in your world. You take things in a very literal sense and when you draw a box, there's not much to consider beyond the four edges of that box. It can be a challenge at times, but it's truly a great quality. It makes you a rule follower. You clearly know right from wrong, and are not easily tempted to make the wrong choice. It gives us the ability to trust you and gives you the freedom you need to test your limits and convictions. You also have a very, very strong will. It was a challenge in the earlier years, but as you mature, you are learning how to communicate those strong desires you have in a more respectful way. When you set your mind to something, there isn't much that will stop you from getting it...or at least getting part of what you set out to attain. Thankfully, that strong will couples with your black-and-white nature to create a child who sticks to his guns. When you know something is wrong, you typically won't give into it....like kids being left out on the playground, or people trying to convince you of something other than what you know to be true. Keep that up, because it's one of the best things about you. We also know that you have a quiet confidence in yourself. You aren't overly confident, and sometimes have doubts, but you are confident in the sense that you are pretty content with who you are. That's a good thing, because God made a great kid when he made you! Hopefully, you'll continue to be confident as the years of peer pressure, bullying, and just plain meanness start to come full force your way. Another trait we've learned to really appreciate is your sensitivity. You have big feelings...big, big feelings. As you've grown, you've learned how to better manage those big feelings, but they're still there. Now, instead of those feelings always being related to something self-focused, you're starting to feel empathy towards others. As you're becoming more aware of the world around you, your need for justice and mercy are spreading outward and not just inward. It's a beautiful thing to see and we hope it's a foreshadowing of how God will use you to make big changes in this world. You're already starting to see how you can make a difference. This year, you were nominated to be a student ambassador at your school, and this role couldn't suit you any better. On the days that you have meetings, you come home with such excitement about the ideas you've been a part of creating. These ideas range from helping within your own school to helping throughout the community. All of which seem to further emphasize your desire to shape the world around you.

We could go on and on about all the ways that you are growing and changing and maturing, but there will be many more years to document what God is doing in that department. For now, we're going to celebrate you. There's much to celebrate about our sweet, smart, silly Caleb. You make us laugh. You make us proud. You make us better people. It is a joy to be your parents and a privilege to be part of the story of your life. We can't imagine anything besides greatness in your future and are eager to see how God uses you to make a difference in this world. As eager as we are to see the future, we are going to try to hold onto the moments of the present. As we're learning all too often, time keeps going faster and faster. What was once a chubby, smiley, awesome baby is now a handsome, genuine, wonderful boy and we love getting to call you our boy. Happy 9th birthday, Caleb. May God continue to guide you and bless you as you grow into the man He created you to be.

Love,
Dad and Mom

Awana Grand Prix

After Leah's victorious win at the Girl Scout Pinewood Derby last year, Tyler promised the boys that they could enter the Awana race the following year. Well, that year flew by, and the Grand Prix was this past weekend. Tyler and Caleb worked on his car for quite a few weeks and got it all ready to race. Joel, being in the Cubby division, didn't have to build a car. His age group just uses Matchbox cars that they pick from home.

It turns out the Sturm family has a knack for winning Pinewood Derby/Grand Prix races, because we now have three gold medals in our home. Joel's races went first and, by some miracle, he picked a pretty lucky car, because it won every round of the race. We were quite worried, then, that Caleb's car might not live up to the success of his siblings' cars...which would've been a disaster for our overly competitive (and sensitive) child! Thankfully, Tyler knew what he was doing when he built this car, because it won without question. Leah was a great cheerleader this year and hopefully next year will take the trophy home again at her Pinewood Derby (it's an every-other-year event...thank GOODNESS, because I can't imagine how little I'd see of my husband if he had TWO cars to build instead of just one)!

Beating the Winter Blues

 Here in Chicago, we've had one of those winters that makes it really un-fun to live here! The weather has been cold, gray, and yuck. In my opinion, it's totally fine to have cold and gray if there's a decent amount of snow mixed in. The poor kids have hardly used their sleds at all and they have definitely had some stir crazy moments. We've attempted to keep pretty busy and have surprisingly felt like winter went by pretty quickly as a result.

When you live near Chicago, you take advantage of all there is to do...especially on FREE museum days!

Playtime with good friends also helps the days go fast.

A little fun at school works too (this was at Joel's Valentine's Day party).

And, celebrating their favorite 38-year-old put a smile on their faces!

Joel has been loving his weekly bowling class.

Caleb's school hosted a wheelchair basketball night. The boys all went while Leah had Daisies. It was a lot of fun!