vanderhamm.net

Update time...

Now that I know people are actually going to our site (Thank you Mr. Getsch) I feel that I must write something interesting! OH the pressure.

"All the world's a stage..."
As I write, the family is in a flurry of preparations for tonight's Variety Show. Hair must be done, straight or curly? Pig tails or Mohawk? French braids? Now that would be a faux pas! Clothes are carefully chosen, ironed, and donned. But here I sit, not ready in even the loosest meanings of the word...

Tonight we will gather together to eat, entertain, and welcome the New Year. Tonight we will laugh, and maybe cry. Tonight we will celebrate. Tonight we will pray, thanking God for our blessings of yesterday, and anticipating the joys of tomorrow.

I've got to go get ready. See you next year.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to you all! We send you greetings from the Twin Cities in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You may have wondered if the Vander Hamm’s went into the witness relocation program … no, we haven’t. I (read Scott) have been remiss in my duties to get our annual update completed. While we have enjoyed hearing how God has richly blessed you, after a brief hiatus of newsletters, we will attempt to bring you to the present with how God has shown Himself strong in our marriage, the lives of our children and in protecting us as we serve this great nation.
We completed two years at the Pentagon in the Joint Staff in June, 2002. We moved to Whiteman AFB to serve with the men and women of the 325th Bomb Squadron. After almost two years the Air Force saw fit to move us again … this time as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow with 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. We will soon find out where we will hang our hats next … and as soon as it is officially announced, we will let you know. God’s hand is ever present as He precedes us with every detail, as He moves us from place to place.
Kalaan (21) is currently living, schooling and working in Virginia. He should graduate from Excelsior College in Computer Science soon as he eyes opportunities with General Dynamics, Advanced Information Systems. Our dear family, Bernie and Cindy Gauf were instrumental in helping Kalaan get settled in an internship which he tackled with enthusiasm and vigor. He continues to minister with Family Bible Fellowship; he enjoys playing the guitar, singing and even preaching. He recently completed the Army Ten Miler and is now training for the Marine Corps marathon in hopes to qualify for the Boston marathon. His sense of humor is a constant source of relief from the turmoil that accompanies this phase in life.
Sarah (20) has completed two years of college at Central Missouri State University. She accompanied us to Minnesota and has continued in her music with private instruction from Dr. Meagan Wallace. She is also studying to test out of another semester while we wait to find out where we’ll be next summer. She has been a constant source of help for Joanna as she helps to hold the home together. She drives to lessons, cooks, helps with Charis and is managing the Vander Hamm family singers.
Abigail (17) continues to pursue the Cello with vengeance. Fresh off a challenging junior recital under the tutelage of Dr. Bersin, she is now taking from the accomplished performer, Pitnarry Shin. She has enjoyed using her creativity for teaching piano to Seth. Abigail, as our oldest student now, is her mom’s right hand for school projects. She will graduate this spring and then … who knows what is next for the “party waiting to happen.”
Kara (15) continues her piano and violin studies and has added the flute. She still enjoys soccer, but the timing of our move precluded involvement in the Bloomington leagues. Her involvement with bell choir, singing with family, church activities and school round out a very busy ministry and academic schedule.
Hannah (11) has begun to be quite crafty. A day does not pass that her work is uncovered somewhere in the house. She also enjoys instruments but finds time for sports as well. A petite little thing, her soccer team towered over her in stature, but none could match her indomitable spunk! They took first in the Bloomington Athletic Soccer Tournament. She also has a great imagination and finds plenty of playmates to share her adventures!
Seth (9) is living a dream here being involved in soccer. He also has his instruments and is excelling in both piano and violin. He loves memorizing scripture verses and looks forward to finding a good AWANA program. He has taken to skiing last spring and has already mastered the local ski hills here.
Grace (7) has quite a sparkle to her eyes. Like Abigail, she is a party waiting to happen. She has managed, with help, to focus those energies helping around the house, doing her school-work and playing her instruments.
Scott Jr. (4) is certain he rules the home. He knows his way around the computer a little too well. He commands great respect on the wrestling mat. He has a special “flying” maneuver that none can thwart. He loves and cares about those around him … especially his little sister Charis.
Charis Hope (2) was born at Whiteman. She was one of twenty babies born while we were in the 325th! She is a very busy person and gets just about whatever she wants from her followers. She loves Winnie the Pooh and many friends. She is entropy in motion.
Well, I think you can tell what Joanna is up to by all the information in the preceding paragraphs. She did a wonderful job mentoring the spouses as a commander’s spouse. The wives group was very kind and full of support. She loves this 17th year of homeschooling. God has done things through her that she would never have dreamed of doing on her own. She also gets in some scrapbooking and hopes to close the gap of time between the last completed book and our present assignment.
Thanks for your friendship and support through the years. Keep us in your prayers as we will you also.

God's gifts...

The amaryllis above was a gift from my Grandma, and it's beauty daily reminds us of her love. My LIFE is a gift from God, and I want it's beauty and purity to constantly remind everyone who sees me of God's perfect love. As I strive to follow Jesus, even in hard times, He perfects me, makes my life a masterpiece for His collection. When I make mistakes, He incorporates them into the picture and then moves on. It doesn't help me to dwell in the past. I must look to God, and live victoriously in Him.

The Lord has blessed me greatly this year. This time in Minnesota is so special. Instead of saying 'only six months until we move' I say 'Thank you Lord for this amazing gift!' I've never felt God's presence more than right now. He gives us every good and perfect gift and He LOVES us! Even though we are sinners and continually fall, He picks us up and sets us back on His path. Thank you Lord!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you this coming year as you seek Him with your whole heart.

Happy 2nd Birthday Charis!

Our dear sweetie Charis is two today. She is a continual blessing from God as she grows, plays dollies, makes collosal messes, and smiles. What a special treasure girl!

Grace is SEVEN!!

Happy Birthday Grace Joy! You are SEVEN today, and I know that God will continue blessing your life as you seek Him with your whole heart. I love you!

After the banquet

Last night I attended the VFW VOD awards banquet and found out that I tied for first at my post level, and am now advanced to district! Yipee! This was for the Voice of Democracy essay contest and if I win at district I'll go on to Department (state) and if I win there I'll go on to compete in D.C!

This pic is of Sarah and I after the banquet, it's the best of several because we actually stopped goofing off for a second and posed like ladies. Hehe! The banquet itself was quite, well, I've never been to one quite like it. We didn't know what the dress was going to be, but when we arrived Sarah remarked that 'when you have a styrofoam water cup at your place you know you aren't underdressed.' So true. But it was fun... at least in a smoky kind of way. Cough cough.

It wasn't bad because I got to go with three of my favorite people; Dad, Mom and Sarah. At the end when I got my award I had to give my speech. Now this wouldn't have been a horrifying thing, except for the fact that I didn't know I would have to give it, I've NEVER given a speech before, EVER, and my legs turned to jello! Talk about an adrenaline rush.... but it's over and HOORAY! :)

Twins

Sarah insists that she and Charis are twins, although she can't come up with the proof. Whatever the case may be, they are definitely both cuties.

Today it snowed, but then it melted... boohoo. Oh well, I hear that more will come eventually!