Dear Joel,

You're officially into the double digits! It's hard to wrap our minds around the fact that ten years could go by as quickly as it did. So much of the past ten years can often feel like such a blur, but when we think back to all of the memories of life with our Roly Poly Joely, we definitely know that you've lived these first ten years of life to the fullest!

The fullness that you bring to each and every day is what makes our lives so much better with you in it. Sometimes your "all in" personality can be super challenging....which is probably why your toddler/preschool years are such a blur! You gave us a run for our money in those years, but we're incredibly thankful that you've shifted from having way more delightful moments than challenging ones. You still have BIG feelings and a BIG personality, but you also have one the the BIGGEST hearts and we adore that about you. 

You are so kind and so considerate. It is well known that when someone is down, you'll be one of the first ones to try to cheer them up. You rarely grumble when you're given a chore to do and are usually the first one to ask if help is needed. You serve and give with a genuinely cheerful heart. It brings you joy to lighten someone else's load and we hope that you never lose that quality. Your considerate heart is a direct reflection of your sensitive nature. You feel your feelings quite deeply. When you're happy, you're super happy. And with your fresh, new, braces-free smile, you have a smile that can melt the heart of anyone. When you're sad, though, you're super sad. You go from zero to ten in a heartbeat and we have all grown accustomed to the ear-piercing cry that accompanies just about any moment of frustration, disappointment, or sadness that you feel. You're most likely to be brought to tears as the recipient of an unfair game of football or chess with your brother or a pinch or punch by your sister. Sometimes, we definitely feel a bit of empathy for you as the youngest and most picked-on, but make no mistake....sometimes you've got it comin'! Regardless of how much distress your siblings cause, you are still their biggest fans. You love all three of them with all you've got. Nobody gets you better than Nyla. Caleb is the one you look up to more than anyone else in the world. And, every once in awhile, you and Leah rekindle that best friendship that you sustained for years when you were little. 

Though you are most often the most dedicated sibling, you are definitely fond of time by yourself. You have no problem finding things to do when nobody is around to entertain (or antagonize) you! You could spend hours outdoors. You love to fish....LOVE to fish! You've also found a new outdoor passion - running! You are happy to play just about any sport. This year, you tried soccer for the first time and it was a perfect fit for your level of energy! You also think just about any outdoor chore is fun. This past spring and summer, you were always in the garden with Dad. You loved when you got to help cut the grass. You even found it fun to help clean the pool. In the fall, you spent hours raking leaves and were especially thrilled to use the leaf blower. And in the winter, you're the first one outside to help shovel. Nothing makes you happier than a ton of snow to play in or build with and you could spend hours outside if your little hands don't freeze first! When you're not outside, you manage to find plenty of indoor things to do. You love puzzles and games and building and creating. If you're not doing one of those things, you're probably following one of us around like a shadow. If there's a lightbulb that needs changing, you jump at the chance to help and ask a million questions about the process. If there's a toy that needs fixing, you want to see exactly how it's done. If there's a meal that is being made, you want to be the one to prep or measure or mix. You will probably be the Sturm kid that is most prepared for adulthood simply because you watch every single move that we make! We love everything about your curious and inquisitive side. We never get tired of the endless questions you ask about the world around you. And we love the moments when time stands still as you stop and inspect the ins and outs of some of the most random and seemingly insignificant things. 

We hope that your curiosity for all things leads you down a lifelong path of discovery and wonder. This world is an amazing place and God knows we need more humans like you....the kind who appreciate even the simplest things. We hope that you continue to remain humble and in awe of what your Creator has done. We also hope that you continue to spread kindness and love to those along your path. You are such an amazing kid and God knew what he was doing when he added you as the caboose to our family. Sometimes you're like the glue that holds this crazy family together. You often know just what to say when we all need a laugh or you know just what to do when we've reached the end of our rope. Your wonderment and innocence are an inspiration to all of us. Keep being you, Joel. You're one wonderful, remarkable, amazing kid and we are so thankful that you belong to us!

Love,
Dad and Mom