the Dutton family: 2009 Christmas Newsletter

Dear family and friends,

These days everyone seems to be “going green.” Whenever an organization sends us information (a news bulletin, account statement, etc.) electronically instead of on paper, they like to point out that they are “going green” and protecting the environment. With that in mind, we would like to thank you for visiting the 2009 Dutton family highlights in its new “green” (electronic) format. Rest assured, we’re definitely not going electronic in order to save time or money. ;)

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Much of our time and energy this year was consumed with moving to a new home. We moved in order to have a little more space -- an extra bedroom, an office for when I work from home, and some additional storage, and we ended up in Westerville (northeast of Columbus) to be closer to family Katy has in the area. We decided on a new build, so we were able to help design our new home and watch the construction process. When someone asks us how the building process went for us, we often respond with a version of an old German saying: If you like to eat sausages, it is better for you not to see them being made. Regardless of the ups and downs we experienced during the construction, however, we like our new place and thankfully feel very comfortable and at home in Westerville. After prayerfully considering, we have decided to start attending a church (Heritage Christian Church) that is closer to our new home. I’ve referred to the church as “Heritage” a couple times in the paragraphs below.

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Noah turned four in September. He started his second year of preschool this year and adjusted very quickly to his new school and new teacher, Mrs. Jessica. He really likes going to preschool and he gets the opportunity each week to work with a speech therapist and other specialists. We are thankful that he is making good progress with his speech development. He really likes numbers and letters and is beginning to recognize and read some words. He has a very silly sense of humor; he loves making us laugh with silly phrases and antics. Noah also attends Awana club at Heritage every Wednesday night, where he gets the opportunity to memorize some simple Scripture verses.

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Caleb will turn 2 in February. He has a sweet and warm personality; he tells the rest of us “Good job!” when we finish singing songs or when we complete Wii Fit events. Caleb waited a good long time to get up off all fours and walk, but has really taken off in the last month and now struts around the house like he owns the place. We are thankful to see Caleb walking and are reminded once again that the Lord’s provision for our lives is sufficient even (or especially) when things don’t happen like we expect. Caleb really likes playing with Noah; we often find the two laughing and chasing each other around the house (with, of course, occasional spats over sharing toys).

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Katy still invests the majority of her time and energy caring for her “three boys” (two sons and husband). She takes Noah to and from school every day (when the weather is nice, it is close enough to walk, but in the winter it is a quick 5-minute drive). She keeps a busy schedule with appointments and activities for the boys and playdates with other families. Katy enjoys attending the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group at Heritage and has made some new friends there. She also spends several hours each month serving as a volunteer at Pregnancy Decision Health Centers (a local organization that encourages expectant mothers to choose life for their children). Katy had a milestone birthday this year (I don’t think it’s proper for me to say which one, but you can probably figure it out) and in my opinion she is more beautiful than ever.

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One highlight of my year was finishing my first ever half marathon. Although I had never run distances longer than 5 or 6 miles before, Katy’s uncle Eric challenged me to train for and finish the 13.1 mile race in Columbus in October. I’m glad he talked me in to doing this – at first I didn’t think I would be capable of finishing. The training process went well, however, and I’m proud to say I finished the race. Training took a lot of time so I’m grateful to my family for allowing me to do it. I’m also still working as an actuary at Mercer. It has not been an easy year there (I suppose 2009 has not been easy anywhere in the business world), but I am thankful for continued employment in a role that (most of the time) I find interesting and challenging. One more thing – I’m keeping my vocal chords in use this fall by singing with Heritage’s church choir.

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After a time-consuming and emotionally-intensive event like moving, I naturally felt a little bit of letdown, a little feeling of “OK, now what’s next?” I’ve previously experienced this “letdown” feeling following other milestones and major events. At times like these I rest in knowing that our true comfort and peace comes from knowing our Father, his unconditional love for us, and his unshakable provision for our lives. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)