Cassie is entering her senior year of high school. She has a heart of gold, using her time and energy to spend time with friends, study for school, help others, and rib her brothers too. Some highlights from this last year include volunteering at Red Rock, driver training, enjoying the flavors of the Orient (especially Bubble Tea), and completing the SAT (maybe not a highlight).
This summer is a special one for our family. We don’t usually come home for the summer after our year of home assignment, but with our kids reaching working age, it felt important to give them a chance to do something they can’t really do overseas: work, earn some money, and start saving for college and beyond.
Finding jobs from overseas isn’t easy. A foreign phone number on a resume doesn’t exactly inspire employers to call back. So we’re incredibly grateful for the people who’ve helped open doors for our kids this summer.
One family from our church has a cabin a couple hours from Winnipeg, near Kenora, and they’re connected to a restaurant there. Last year they offered to have Cassie stay with them for the summer and help her get a serving job, even arranging transportation. It was a big opportunity, since Cassie only had a little café experience and this is a nicer restaurant than she’d normally have a shot at. But because the family vouched for her, and their own sons work there too, the restaurant took a chance on her. After four training shifts, she served her first table yesterday and earned her first tips. She’s loving it, and I think she’s also enjoying the independence of being a bit more on her own since graduating high school this past June.
Jay is working full time for a friend of ours whose husband owns a landscaping company. He’s been hired on for general labor, lawn mowing, laying sod, filling bags with gravel, and hopefully learning to drive a bobcat before the summer’s out. It’s good, hard work, and a great way for him to learn flexibility and pick up new skills. He’s also getting his learner’s permit this summer and practicing his driving in the evenings.
Kai is only fourteen, so his summer looks a little different, just enough work without too much. He’s helping a neighbor two doors down who’s recovering from surgery, mowing her lawn, trimming hedges, and weeding her garden. He could easily work full time at this point, but he’s chosen to keep it to about two hours a day. He’s also walking a friend’s dog once a week and picking up the occasional lawn job. A nice balance of earning and still having time to be fourteen.
All three kids will also get to go to camp this summer. Kai has a volleyball camp and a basketball camp on his calendar. Jay is headed to a basketball camp in Minnesota, a more serious one, since he’s hoping to play in college and wants to sharpen his game this year. And Cassie is off to a camp in Alberta for third-culture kids transitioning from high school into college life. Our church sponsored her for it, which has been such a gift.
And every day, Kai and I have been taking advantage of Planet Fitness’s free membership, getting our workouts in together, which has become a nice little routine of its own this summer.
It’s been a summer so far of hard work, new independence, and a lot of growing up for our kids, and we feel so thankful for the community that’s made it all possible.
Meet Cassie from Canada, who attended ICSB for 4 years in this Senior Spotlight.
What have you been involved in at ICSB?
Yearbook! NHS, musical (cast and crew)
Share about a teacher(s) and how they have impacted you positively.
Mrs. Cooper was the first teacher at ICSB whom I got to know and really love spending time with. When I was a new student, the school was a strange, unfamiliar place where I didn’t know anyone. In the yearbook, Mrs. Cooper welcomed us with open arms and much love, which was exactly what I needed at that time. Ever since then, the yearbook has been my highlight of every day, not just because of the work (though that is fun), but because of the cooperative, friendship-based atmosphere Mrs. Cooper brings to the room.
Mrs. Márton is another teacher who has brought lots of fun into my life. As one of my class sponsors, she has been a familiar face to me since Day One. She is always ready to laugh and ask questions about each student she interacts with. I love spending time in her classroom, drawing on the board, just chatting, or talking over deeper topics. (She also introduced me to Brussels sprouts, which may be the best thing she ever did.)
I’ll always remember my freshman year English class, where Mrs. Culbertson ruled the house. Sadly, that was the only year-long class I’ve had with her, but even so, she has impacted me greatly. Always ready for a discussion or debate, Mrs. Culbertson fosters a place of learning wherever she goes. Every chat in OAF, bible class discussion, or group talk in bible study is filled with a love that she has for each of her students. She makes each student feel special, not only because she treats them that way, but because she truly sees how unique and precious each one of her students is.
What’s your favorite thing or memory about ICSB?
I have many amazing memories at ICSB, some happy, some sad, and some… interesting. But the thing I love most about this school is how the teachers and students interact. Here, students really do want to be friends with their teachers, and both parties actively cultivate friendships in a healthy way.
Share a favorite book you read while you were a student at ICSB? And why did you like it?
One of my favorite books I’ve read at ICSB is “Skyward” (it’s the first in a series of four) by Brandon Sanderson. I don’t often prefer sci-fi media but the way that Skyward talks through friendship, trust, commitment, and trust is a dynamic and engaging reminder about some of the most important values we can have.
What has been the highlight of your senior year?
There have been many good moments, but I’ll forever be grateful for getting the chance to chat with Cami, Kayleigh, and Lydia in Outdoor Aerobic Fitness. The class might not be as much of a break as I wanted, but it’s worth it to learn about and talk to some of my favorite people at this school.
What are some of the ways you’ve grown since you first came to ICSB?
Since my family fled Ukraine to Hungary due to the second invasion, I have learned a lot by coming here. One of the most impactful things I’ve learned is that no matter the situation, God is in control. He put you here on Earth, right where you are, for a reason, and He will provide for you in every moment. “Good or bad, it’s the Plan of God.”
Will you be attending college next year?
No
What are your future plans?
Discipleship Training School with YWAM in Europe before attending Calvin University in 2027.
We often tell our kids we’re on their team. Every choice we make is considering them. These are the gifts we’re working to give them — not wrapped in paper, but built into their lives.
Gift 01
The ability to create music
Music is a language of its own. We want our kids to know how to make it — not just listen to it.
Gift 02
A strong work ethic and ambition
We want them to show up, to try hard, and to care about doing things well — whatever they put their hands to.
Gift 03
The ability to communicate in more than one language
Language opens doors — to people, cultures, and places. Exposure to more than one is a gift that keeps giving.
Gift 04
Wisdom in using financial resources
Not just how to earn money, but how to steward it well — with generosity, patience, and good judgment.
Gift 05
A sense of adventure and love for beautiful places
We want them to get outside, explore, and develop a real sense of wonder for the world God made.
Gift 06
A desire to love God and love others
Above everything else on this list, this is what we want their lives to be shaped by.
Gift 07
The ability to think well
Discerning truth from deception — especially in news, media, and the arts. We want them to be thoughtful, not just informed.
Gift 08
Self-discipline in screens, food, and sleep
The basics matter more than we often admit. We’re trying to help them build healthy rhythms that will serve them for life.
Gift 09
Strong family roots and ties
We want them to know where they come from and to feel deeply connected — to us, to each other, and to the story they’re part of.
Gift 10
The opportunity to study what they love
We want to provide for them the opportunity to learn something they would love to do for a vocation that has meaning and blesses the world they live in, this often includes college and we want them prepared for that.
Gift 11
A love for God’s Word
Not just knowing it’s important, but actually wanting to read it. We hope it becomes something they reach for daily, on their own.
Gift 12
Independence and basic life skills
Cooking, cleaning, sewing, gardening, building — and more. We want them to be capable, confident people who can take care of themselves and others.
This list isn’t exhaustive — but it reflects what we hope to pass on. We are on our kids’ team, every single day.
Every family has a rhythm — those little rituals and recurring moments that, when you look back, end up defining your life together more than almost anything else. Here’s a peek at ours, season by season.
🌱 Spring
Spring starts indoors for us — we plant seeds inside first and watch them sprout on the windowsill before eventually moving them outside to the garden. It’s a slow, hopeful kind of tradition. Spring is also when most of the kids’ birthdays fall, so it’s a season full of celebrations, birthday parties, and a lot of cake.
☀️ Summer
Summer is full. We do the Rollkuchen, slice into watermelon, and follow the Winnipeg Bombers (even from overseas). And camping at Blue Lake and Five Cabins is one of those anchoring summer traditions we come back to year after year.
🍂 Fall
First day of school photos — every year, no exceptions. Then Thanksgiving, which we love to share with Canadians (or really anyone who needs a table if there are no Canadians nearby). Pumpkin pie is non-negotiable. And when the mood strikes, we’ve been known to make a batch of homemade applesauce.
❄️ Winter
Hockey season means following the Winnipeg Jets. Come Christmas, the house smells like cinnamon buns — we make them every year. And New Year’s Eve? Fondue and a murder mystery envelope. It’s become one of those traditions that everyone looks forward to more than they probably admit.
🔄 All year long
Reading before bed. Reading the Bible at dinner — we did this more faithfully when the kids were younger, but it still shows up. Weekend adventures: hiking, biking, exploring wherever the road takes us. Weekend breakfasts like waffles, and an open-door policy for brunch. We love having people over. And every birthday, we sign each other’s birthday books — a small thing that adds up to something really meaningful over the years.
Cassie, first and foremost, I want you to know how deeply loved and valued you are. Your worth has never been based on what you can do, how much you can carry, or how well you can adapt. You are loved simply because you are you. My prayer is that you would always stay grounded in your identity as a child of God, secure in his love, and adaptable for what comes next, trusting that he will go before you.
Character.
Cassie, during your time at ICSB, I’ve watched you become someone who steps up with quiet strength, steady courage, and a generous heart. You came to this place as a freshman during a very difficult time, and even in a completely new environment, you brought a certain peace — humor, some might call it sarcasm — and openness. I still remember that first year, asking if you could check yearbook spreads for me so we could get the book to the printer. We were in crunch mode, and photos needed to be fixed and replaced. You jumped right in, no questions asked, navigating programs and pictures like you had been doing it for years. That small moment says so much about you. You are capable, dependable, and willing to serve even when everything around you is unfamiliar.
You are indeed a skillfully and finely tuned Swiss army knife — versatile, resourceful, adaptable, and quietly prepared. Able to meet many needs without drawing attention to yourself. Basically, you’re the secret weapon of any space you enter. Need a pair of scissors? I got you. Toothpick? Got it. Team photos? Easy. Faith that moves mountains? Done.
That is one of the beautiful things about you. You’re not adaptable because you are unsure of who you are. You’re adaptable because you are becoming more and more grounded in your identity in Christ. You adjust, learn, and step into new things because there is a steadiness in your character that runs deep. You also have a rare ability to look at any situation with wisdom, assess what is needed, and work hard so that others can thrive, not just you. You notice people. You make space for them. You bring strength without needing attention. You have shown a beautiful blend of steadiness and flexibility that will serve you well as you look to the future.
Challenge.
One of the clearest examples of this kind of purposeful adaptability comes from the Apostle Paul, who willingly shifted his approach depending on who he was with — not to lose himself, but to meet people exactly where they were. He remained rooted in who God called him to be while staying open to what each moment or person required. I see that same kind of strength growing in you. As you take your next steps, my challenge to you is this: hold tightly to who you are in Christ, especially when life feels uncertain, or when you are asked to step into unfamiliar territory. God has already shown you that he can use your calm presence, your thoughtful mind, your willing spirit in meaningful ways. Keep offering those gifts to him.
And, Cassie, please know this: I will always be here for you. I will be here to listen without judgment, to cheer you on, to remind you of who you are, and to encourage you whenever you need it.
God’s Blessing.
My prayer to you comes from 1 Corinthians 9:22-23: “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
Cassie, I pray that God uses the person he uniquely created you to be to open doors for his kingdom. I pray that he keeps reminding you who you are and whose you are. May he give you the grace to stay anchored in him when plans change — not because you have to figure everything out, but because you trust the one who is already leading you. May he give you courage for new beginnings, wisdom for each decision, peace through every transition, and confidence that he is already present in every place he calls you to go.
That is what Kai told us today when he got home from school. 41 more days. I don’t know if that is specific school days left, but it is really hard to imagine that the end of this school year is coming up so fast, because it is the first time we will graduate one of our kids. Cassie’s class will have parties, celebrations, and even a class trip, all the while, her parents will celebrate with her, and mourn a little too!
What a great week teaching with my niece Isabel and it has been so much fun having Cassie here too! Thank you to YWAM King’s Lodge for letting us all come, join your Christmas parties, and teach the amazing Gospel of Matthew. Don’t worry, the boys at home are doing great. Look at that pizza that Jay made from scratch!
We have been praying this blessing over our sweet daughter for years as she left for school, and we will continue to pray this over her during her final year at high school: “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 The best is yet to come!
Titus Project is an international ministry (check out our website http://www.titusproject.com to see all of the locations) and in order to strengthen the different locations and their training, those of us who have been serving in the ministry a long time (including the founder) created a new international team this past year. There are just four of us on the team, and we gathered together in Taiwan last week to film different training video resources. This trip happened to fall right on Cassie’s 16th birthday, and since she was born there and we found cheap tickets, we decided it was a good time for her to see the land of her birth. Cassie and I (Angela) had a crazy experience trying to get there (including getting an emergency passport at the last moment in Vienna) but once we arrived it was a great time of making memories, showing Cassie the hospital where she was born, and of course filming many hours of videos. Amy and Michael (founders of Titus and our hosts) were so wonderful. Sonya Yakovenko and I are the other two members of the team, so we were busy with recording videos. Cassie was our amazing ‘audience.’ Amy and Michael also have 4 adult children and they joined in on the fun of being our live studio audience.
1) Ask for parents’ insight about how to relate with their kids
Parents know their kids best! If you can, talk with the missionary parents before they come to church on Sunday, or before you meet up with them, and ask them how you can best support their kids while you are together.
Some kids genuinely enjoy standing with their parents and listening to the adults talk and have conversations (that was me as a kid!). Other kids love making new friends and want to jump into the Sunday morning programs. They might prefer to blend in and make friends, or simply observe the world around them.
Ask parents about each of their kids specifically, since every kid has different needs. Then, see how you can help!
2) Introduce yourself like it’s the first time you’re meeting
MKs often hear something like, “Hi, I’m Barbara, do you remember me? I used to babysit you!” or “Oh, it’s so good to see you! Wow, you’ve grown so tall!” While these are warm and well intentioned comments, this can put MKs in an awkward position. They may feel guilty for not remembering you, or they may want to act like they do indeed remember you (even if they don’t). If MKs are back in their passport country for the first time in three years, it may be really hard for them to recall a lot of names and faces from previous years. Help them out by introducing yourself!
If you introduce yourself in the same way you would if you were meeting for the first time, or if you remind them how you’re connected to their family, it will give them more freedom to be themselves. And, who knows, maybe one day they will actually say, “Oh yeah, I remember you!! You’re the one who picked us up from the airport a few years ago and told the story about the alligators!”
3) Ask specific, open-ended, simple questions
“Which country do you like living in better?” or “Do you have any friends there?” can feel like a lot of pressure for MKs. These are specific, yet very closed-ended questions. On the other hand, questions that are open but too broad or abstract can also feel intimidating. “How can we be praying for you?” or “What’s it like living in Hungary?” might be great questions for adults, but MKs are often at a loss for words to answer these questions on the spot.
Here are some other tips on tweaking questions to help MK’s feel more loved…
Instead of, “Do you have friends there?” ask, “Who are some people you enjoy spending time with at home in Budapest?”
Instead of, “Which country do you like living in better Hungary or Ukraine?” ask, “What’s something you think is cool about Hungary?” or “What’s something you miss from Ukraine when you’re home in Budapest (or Canada)?”
Instead of, “How can I be praying for you?” (which can sometimes be a tough question for kids to answer!) you could ask, “What’s something kind of stressful or challenging that you experience here in Canada?” Listen to their answers, and ask follow-up questions if they want to talk about it. After listening to their stories, you can say, “Wow, yeah, that does sound tough! I’d love to be praying for you for ________ .“ Here you could insert that area of their life—e.g. for new friends, for kind teachers, for school in their second language, etc.).
4) Invite them to join you in what you’re doing
If you’re welcoming MK’s into your home, share your hobbies and interests with them. I still remember the time one of our family’s supporters taught me how to knit. Knitting became my new favorite pastime on long car rides during that home assignment. I’m actually not much of a knitter today, but I still feel loved when I remember the woman who once took the time to teach me how to knit while we were in their home!
Think about some of the things you enjoy doing. Ask MKs if they’d like to join you and try something new. Do you make the best homemade kettle corn? Invite the kids to learn how to make it with you! Do you love building birdhouses? Do you play baseball in your free time? Let them paint a birdhouse you made, or coach them in pitching a baseball. You’ll not only teach them valuable skills, but they’ll feel so loved that you’d care enough to spend that time with them.
On Sundays, this may look a little different, but the same idea goes a long way. Are you teaching Sunday School? Ask them if they’d like to come with you and introduce them to other kids their age. Are you setting up chairs for the service? Invite them to join in and have a fun conversation as you go (and ask their parents first, of course!). Are you the same age as the MK? Invite them to play in the church gym with you and your friends after the service. You can even introduce them to other teenagers from the youth group and find out what you all have in common together.
5) Welcome them into the fold, rather than asking them to perform
In general, MKs long to belong wherever they go. They spend much of their lives observing and adapting to the world around them, and they are skilled at figuring out how to fit in. Give them the chance to feel at home in your church or community whenever they visit.
If you’d like for an MK to share something about life as a missionary kid in Sunday school or youth group, ask them beforehand. Then, give them the chance to say “sure!” or “I’d rather not.”
In conversations, ask them about their lives in their countries, and be intentional about getting to know them for who they are. At the same time, give them space to belong and feel like they are welcomed to belong (and not stand out so much!), even if they’re only at church for a day or in town for a week. Treat them “as your own,” and remind them that they matter to you.
Thank you for investing in missionary kids! We are like sponges, constantly observing and taking in the world around us. When you spend time with us and take time to see our needs, it really means a lot. Your words of encouragement, and your actions of love and care, help us feel less alone, and point us to the kindness of God. Sometimes it’s the littlest things that make the biggest difference in our lives.
Every year we begin to prepare for the new season. Not spring, or winter or even summer or fall… but birthday season! From April 15-May 25 we celebrate all of the kid’s birthdays. We sit down with each child and ask, “What do you want for your birthday breakfast and dinner? Is there a special dessert? Do you want a party with lots of people, or just a small one with a few friends?” Each of the kids always choose different things, but we hope that each knows that they are loved and celebrated. Of course, throw into the crazy birthday month an exciting volleyball season, a high school musical ‘The music man’, awards ceremonies, and let’s not forget mothers day…oh and… well let’s just say that it has been a full month!
One of our family values is, “We offer to help.” This is one of the ways that Cassie shines! Yesterday I was not feeling very well, but Cassie made sure to come in after school and see if she could help me with dinner or anything else. She really shows empathy and love so easily.
Another example is this photo taken on New Year’s Eve. We do a chocolate fondue every new years eve, and Cassie always helps to cut everything up, get the chocolate ready, and make it all look beautiful! Our family just wouldn’t have that special touch without her!
So the other day Cassie tells me she has made a fort. It was a little corner in her room where the dresser is pulled out a bit from the wall and a blanket covers the entrance. I thought this would be fun for just one day, but she has been sleeping and reading in this tiny little corner for weeks! What a crazy girl!
Cassie’s Blog- I just got into school, well maybe three months ago. Me and mom are reading a book called Anne of Green Gables. It’s about an orphan girl that’s adopted into a family that wanted a boy. She’s VERYdramatic she’s a Drama Queen… only much more expressive.
It snowed yesterday the big fluffy kind. I was so happy! Fall break it’s more like winter break is coming. School is the best ever! My teacher is nice but firm. In science were learning about plants and animals were growing them in class. In history were finishing up are unit about The AmericanRevolution. In math were learning about data and probability.
We had a great summer in Ukraine!
Dad was busy with running the SBS, but we decided it didn’t mean that the summer wouldn’t be full of adventure…
and of course he joined us when he could.
Cassie is 9 years old and enjoying the life of a little girl in Grade 4. She has lots of friends, a great teacher, and enjoys reading and art. She is friendly, loves to smile and right now is in to collecting Beanie Boos. She also loves to read the Warriors Series and enjoys listening to the 39 clues series. Into photography and graphic design she takes pictures, turns them into greeting cards and sells them at Cassie’s Creations
One thing that we often think about is how to teach our children about money and work. It isn’t just chores through which we want to teach them. We also want them to see how as we work to benefit mankind and God’s earth with creativity that we can create wealth which can in turn be used to benefit mankind and God’s earth that he made.
So we were really proud of Cassie as she took her creativity in photography and made something that can benefit others. Beautiful greeting cards. Check out her work as an almost-nine-year-old. www.CassiesCreations.ca
Thank you to everyone who prayed! It really meant a lot. Ben arrived today back from India at lunch time safe and sound. The kids were thrilled to get home from school and be welcomed with a big hug from Dad! It is amazing how much we all missed him. We just snuggled on the couch together for awhile… enjoying just being together.
Cassie made this video to tell her Dad all about the three weeks he was gone.
She would love a word of encouragement if you have time to watch it and leave a comment.
It will show you a few glimpses of our family life if you are interested.
Whenever someone asks Ben or I to come and teach, whether it be in a DTS, or on an SBS we always pray and ask God if this is the right decision for our family. Especially because we live on support, so every trip we take is using finances that others have blessed us with.
Well this trip was no different. A past SBS graduate who is now leading a DTS in Wales asked me (Angela) if I could come teach a week on holiness to the students. After praying about it Ben and I both felt that it was to be me and Cassie! Her first trip with one of her parents to teach. We had a great time! I wanted to share what one of the students wrote to me, not because it is about me, but to say thank you to those who send us overseas.
Angela is very passionate in teaching holiness. What she brings in teaching is what she is also pursuing in living out so I was encouraged to listen all the more carefully. She is very creative in making her teaching interactive, and the thought and effort she put in to that made me feel loved and special. We are so grateful that she and Cassie were able to come.
Thank you to the many that pray and send us! We would be unable to do this work without all of you!!!
Below is one of those mass consumed articles about relationships. Of course its oversimplified and ignorant of the realities, the challenges and valleys that normal life experiences. But to celebrate my little girl growing up, I mean, she really isn’t a baby anymore.
Even though it isn’t perfect, some of the great things I want to be for my little (not-so-little) girl are:
Here are the 25 most-mentioned things that a daughter really needs from her dad:
1. Time (“To show interest and involvement in my life,” “To be available”). 2. Affirmation (“Approval,” “Praise,” “Hear him say out loud, ‘I love you'”). 3. Affection (“Hugs,” “Physical touch”). 4. Unconditional love (“For who I am regardless of my failures”). 5. Apologies. 6. Be proud of me (“To know I’m not a disappointment to him,” “No judgment,” “Less criticism,” “Faith in me”). 7. Tell me I’m beautiful (“Compliment me, especially about my looks”). 8. Talk to me and open up about himself, his pain, his faults, his hopes (“Let me see that he is human, that he fails, that he makes mistakes, and then show me how to make it right,” “Time alone where I get to know him and his childhood”). 9. Pursue me (“Desire to get to know me,” “Interactive conversation where he is asking me questions about myself,” “To actively seek me out and find out what I am doing, what I am interested in, WHO I am”). 10. Prayers. 11. To work on his temper so I can feel safe (“Not to crush my spirit”). 12. Not to change me (“To let me be me,” “Be accepted for myself—not for what I did or failed to do”). 13. Honesty (“I need him to be honest with himself. When he’s honest with himself, it frees him to be honest with me”). 14. Just listen. 15. Guidance. 16. Protection. 17. Sense of humor. 18. Teach me about things. 19. Be an adventurer … with me. 20. Instead of not being there, please be there (“Instead of handing me money, ask to come with me and take me shopping or out to lunch”). 21. Tell me you love being my dad. 22. Believe in me. 23. Never give up on our family. 24. Show me how a real man treats a woman. 25. Support my ideas and dreams.
Raw. Vulnerable. Honest. And every single response comes from a daughter’s heart longing for connection and relationship with dad coupled with love and affirmation from dad.
For the original article, visit drmichellewatson.com (“25 Things a Daughter Needs From Her Dad” by MICHELLE WATSON).
April and May become birthday season around here, are three kids celebrating within 35 days. That means cakes and presents and parties, all things we love – and our kids too!
This years birthdays included a day at the park with close friends, a superman party and a day at the zoo, also with friends.
Often this website is a way for us to communicate all of the things that we are doing, to share the excitement with family and friends far away. BUT sometimes it is good to share what is happening with our kids since many of our readers love them too
Jay and Cassie are really growing up, and like most kids, they love to be creative. Lego is one way they express their creativity! Jay loves to invent new vehicles and Cassie likes to build anything, from scenes to animal shows.
Kai’s creativity comes out when he plays pretend by himself with little animals or figurines. He also has a favourite spot next to the bookshelf where he will sit for a whole hour just looking at books.
Cassie is still loving school, she is on Spring break now, and just last weekend had a big sleepover with 6 girls.
Jay’s buddy Egan is back from America and the three boys have all sorts of fun together during the day.
So the kids are growing up healthy and have lots of fun with their friends- but often talk of their family and friends in Canada. Soon we will be printing out pictures to put up in their room so they don’t forget :)
Thanks for all of you who love and pray for our kids!
Last summer we bought a Kobo especially so that we could borrow free books from the Winnipeg Public Library. The process has a few complications but this last week we finally got a system going and Ang downloaded some kids books for Cassie to read!
Grade 1 has been a great experience for Cassie and she is loving chapter books so this is a really cool big step for her! What a blessing to have access to such a large selection of books for our little reader!
She is doing great and loving First Grade. She has Reading, Math, Bible, Computer, Library time, Gym. This weekend she went to a birthday party and has formed a friend group with three other little girls. YAY!
This last weekend friends of ours gave us a swing set for our backyard. This morning I was so blessed listening to our kids laughing and playing together outside. Our time at home in Canada truly has been awesome for our whole family. So here are some quick updates on the kids:
Cassie- lost her two front teeth this weekend, 2 days after she turned 6! She had a party with a bunch of her friends all around the theme ‘Frozen- the movie.’ My two cousins Teresa and Soumela were there and helped me lots, along with my nieces Suzanna and Elly.
Jay- Loves playing soccer on a team here in Winnipeg. He wants to wear his jersey to bed every night and of course leave it on all day! He still loves zooming cars down slides and race tracks. He does great on his reading lessons and remembers sounds really easily!
Kai- His vocabulary has really been expanding since he has turned two. ‘Lello’ is his favorite colour and he has to point out every yellow thing he sees. He sweetly says ‘soyee’ when he does something wrong, and ‘tank-oo’ when someone gives him something or helps him. But one difference with our other two children, he does NOT like bed time.
On our way to our family bowling night Cassie pipes up from the backseat of the car, “Mom, Dad, I am giving up apples for lint, I don’t want my front teeth to fall out.” What?! Okay Cassie, what exactly are you talking about? Turns out that one of her older cousins is giving up chocolate for lent. Also, Cassie has figured out that eating apples will help her front teeth to fall out, which she doesn’t really want, so in a big hodge podge it all got fused together. Got to love kids!
As Cassie learns Russian from her teachers and classmates at preschool, her accent is so strong! Not in a foreigner way, but she sounds like a little Ukrainian girl! It is amazing to listen to her. Oh, how we wish it was as easy for us parents!
Cassie has lost her mind…I mean teeth :) The first one happened at the airport while we waited to leave Dortmund Germany, the second one fell out two days ago in our home in Ukraine. The tooth fairy came and visited both times and left a Canadian Looney! It is amazing how the tooth fairy is flush in all different kinds of currencies!
Cassie is growing up and loves to have a project or a craft to do. With our very limited amount of craft supplies while we have been in Turkey, we have needed to get creative. Thankfully I brought our little travel sewing kit, and with a piece of material we found and some cotton pads, Cassie sewed her very first pillow! She also learned to weave with paper and colour with pastels a bit. We’ve made paper airplanes, paper mache, our own children’s books (see video page), cardboard box trains and many other things. It has been a fun summer in Turkey that is for sure!
It was a shocking realization. This was my first real kid concert. My little girl is growing up. Ahhh!
If you’ve got kids over 5 you’ve probably had this moment a dozen times over in all sorts of ways. I know I have already had a few, but so far they are always just as shocking!
But Cassie’s concert was great! The first class was putting on the show and they rocked it! The girls were dressed in wedding dresses, the boys in tuxes. They sang songs, danced dances and told stories. The evenings performances concluded with the helium balloon release and everybody cheering them on as they raced into the sky!
I’m sure that’s part of the story they were telling (my Russian isn’t good enough yet). And I’ve got a good feeling that Cassie will be doing the same thing – racing ahead into life where only the sky is the limit!
he came down the stairs after a VERY quiet rest time… She had taken the scissors and cut just below her ears most of the way around. I tried hard not to smile because of course every curious kid wants to try cutting their own hair, but I had to be stern so she didn’t do it again. Now she has a cute bob cut that matches her friend Denae’s hair. So cute.
The other day Cassie asked me if she wished upon a star would it come true? Well, no I said, there is such a thing as prayer, but just wishing to get something isn’t going to make it happen. After some probing I found out she asked because she wants a bag just like the one we bought for another girl’s birthday. A perfect teaching opportunity. We talked about how in order to buy something we need money, and in order to get money we need to work. So, if she wants that bag, she is going to have to work. We made up a work chart (1 dollar for clearing the table, 3 for dusting and watering the plant etc.) and she’s been saving. Just tonight she counted up her money and realized she has enough! So exciting! Way to go little girl!
Cassie is four now, which means her life is getting filled with all sorts of good things. After a great time in Canada for Christmas, and a wonderful teaching trip in Sweden we come home to Ukraine. We realized that Cassie needed a bit more social interaction and stimulus, and so we began entering into the life of extracurricular activities. Every Monday and Friday at 4:00pm we drive Cassie to dance class. She absolutely LOVES it! Her dance teacher seems to really like her, even doing her hair into extra special braids if we get there a little early. And Cassie dances with all of her heart- chin up, tummy in, toes pointed, you get the picture!
She also really wanted to start school, and so every Monday, Wednesday and Friday we take her to a local preschool (Picture is of her first day). Her Russian skills are getting better and better. Although it is already a bit of a fight to get her to go once she gets there she has a good time and is making more friends each day.
Lastly, Jesus. Well, He shouldn’t be last, but it is the most recent development. Each day Ben or i try to read to the kids a story from their bible. Over the past year I have been explaining to Cassie that Jesus is always with her, even though she can’t see Him. How when she does the wrong thing or makes a bad decision, that Jesus wants to forgive her and take that yucky feeling away from her insides. And how one day when she feels ready she can ask Jesus to really come and be a part of her life. So the other day I am reading to the kids the part in the bible where Jesus is explaining how the bread is like his body etc. and I tell her that one day it will be easier to understand and if she decides she wants to have Jesus as a part of her life. Then she turns to me and says, “Actually Mom, yesterday by myself I asked Jesus to be a part of my life, I invited Him into my heart.” Wow, what a big girl! Of course this decision will grow and have different opportunities to be confirmed throughout her life, but for now we celebrate, we will have a big party! Mark the day – February 27, 2013 Thank you Lord!
The real deal. Not just practicing this time, Cassie has finally stepped over the line. First time ever she washed some dishes without any rewashing. YAY! She was in deep, even scrubbing with the brush but she got those plastic dishes clean as can be! What an wonderful little girl big girl we have!
“I’m sad because I won’t see my friends here for awhile.”
“It’s okay to be sad honey, do you want to cry a little?”
Emotions. They are healthy, good, and help us to really experience life to the full. The challenge with our life, leaving and travelling to so many places, is that our kids naturally have to experience separation a lot more. Our goal is that they truly learn to feel the feelings of sadness, and also the love and joy of new friends, without shutting down their emotions, hardening. Pray for us to have wisdom as parents- and of course to not shut ourselves down as we constantly meet wonderful friends, deepen our own friendships and open ourselves up to more pain when the separation comes.
Cassie has been having a lot of fun colouring in her colouring books but recently she got a few with some special games like color by number, etc. Anyway, she wanted to do one of them and came in and asked if I could read them for her. I asked her if she could read them which led to a little breakdown… :)
After trying Mom too she finally headed outside. A few minutes later I went to check on her and she had done all the colours correctly. I asked her how she knew and she said, I read them. And she had!
After almost 100 lessons in reading, Cassie has finally experienced the incredible freedom and independence that the skill of reading can bring! What a first! She now understands that her reading lessons have a bigger purpose than itself, that learning to read can help her have fun!
About 6 weeks ago we found that Cassie’s afternoon nap was starting to affect her night time sleep, but we decided that afternoons would still consist of a rest time for her.
2:00pm – She begins by lying in her top bunk reading books (well, kind of reading, kind of looking at pictures). After Jay falls asleep below her she is allowed to come down and play quietly. Two hours is a long time for her to play alone (she is a BIG extrovert), but it is so good for her and her imagination. She plays ‘school’ with her dolls, sets up the farm animals, enjoys her play mobile set, does puzzles and colours.
Right now ‘quiet’ play is actually quite loud. She is ‘leading’ the singing at her pretend church. Good thing Jay has already woken up. Now they will play together in their room until rest time is over at 4:00pm. Hopefully without any screaming or fighting. Ah… siblings :)
happy birthday, cassie! you’re 4 now! hope you had a good birthday. i just remembered you already had your birthday because you are sleeping now. did you like your piano book? next time we skype will you play us a song? we miss you lots. this comes w/ love from grandpa & grandma d.
Well, we’ve had a locked-out experience with Cassie before, when she dropped the keys down the elevator shaft. But we had a locked-in situation this week. It always happens so innocently though. She just wanted to change clothes without having anyone watch her, of course its ok for her to go in the bathroom. I really didn’t know that she knew how to close the little latch. (You know the ones, they are always on bathroom stalls in public washrooms, just a little metal stick that you push into the doorframe.)
So when she tried to open the door and it didn’t budge, I had no idea how it got locked. It didn’t take long for the fear to rise up within her… So after a few failed attempts we told her it would be ok. Of course, we were hoping “ok” didn’t mean breaking down the door. Our little bathroom has no windows, just brick walls, we can’t screw or detach the hinges in any way. So if she can’t open the lock, the door is coming down!
It’s one of those times as a parent, I just don’t know what to do. I know she can unlock it, after all, she did lock it herself. But she is in too much of a mess at the moment. Better yet, I realize there has got to be a learning opportunity for us here, turns out, it was a really good reminder me. After a few minutes, I said, “Cassie, we should pray.” So we prayed to Jesus, asking him for wisdom, strength and confidence and reminding both him and us that we trust him. A moment later, Ang suggests getting the stool by the tub, which gives Cassie the height and leverage needed to open the lock. And you know what, this time we remembered to immediately thank Jesus for answering our prayer.
One of the hardest things as a parent is to see your kids sick. We landed in Ukraine from Sweden on Friday and we left Saturday morning for Germany by car. On day two of the road trip Jay started throwing up. Just when we thought he was over it, Cassie got it. Yuck! Thankfully Cassie is at the age when she can understand what is happening and can understand why she is eating crackers and not sweets- but she sure does like sweets! :)
There is no other word to describe the look in Cassie’s face when she is filled with joy and excitement about something. She shines. Her eyes sparkle, her smile lights up the room. She is a wonderful daughter that we love so much! Thanks Cassie for shining your love and light into our lives!
‘Your turn Daddy!’ Cassie has discovered the fun of games in all their glory! Learning about cleaning up, losing, and taking turns are all important in the realm of game playing! It is a fun stage…but after many games in a row we are getting excited for when Jay grows up and can play with her :)
Of course kids grow up. We know that.
Today Ben wanted to help Cassie do up her snowpants (there isn’t any snow here yet, but she is so excited for it that she wears them around the house), but of course ‘It’s okay Daddy, I can do it.’ Other feats this past month included getting herself up on the toilet (now she doesn’t need us for that at all), climbing UP a slide, jumping off the last few steps (of course with mom’s reminder, ‘careful!’) and getting very far in her reading skills! Pretending to play Doctor and Hide and Seek are her favorite games right now. She is also getting better at colouring and focusing on one game for a longer period of time. What a big girl she is getting to be!
We’ve been working through a textbook – how to read in 100 lessons. Of course, making it through a whole lesson doesn’t always work, and sometimes Cas doesn’t totally ‘get it’, but it’s coming along and she can read some small words like cat, rat, and rug. It will be great when she can read to Jay, and to our new baby that comes along this May!!
The other day Cassie and I were “pretending” in the car. She was the mom with 4 kids. “Okay Cassie, how many are girls?” “Well, 1 is a girl, mom”. “Then how many boys would you have?” “3!” Math already?! She must take after her Daddy.
Speaking of Daddies, last week we travelled to Lviv, Ukraine and we saw at least 10-15 brides taking pictures all over this small picturesque city. Cassie was of course enthralled with them all day! She kept saying that one day she would marry her Daddy. Awww.. It was so cute!
Look at me me me, I’m three three three, I’m as happy as can be be be, Can you tell? Can you see? I’m a very very happy me! I can build my blocks, put on my socks, I can even draw a circle.
We love you little girl – you’re a wonderful treasure in our life!
You have a wonderful attitude, bring such joy to us with your singing and dancing. You blow our socks off with how intelligent you are, you’re always learning new things, drawing new conclusions, using big new words and really surprising us at every turn! You’re the most wonderful gift from God we have ever received! You are finally three three three! :)
PS. You can watch a clip of Cassie performing the above song with her mom here or a different one here.
Cassie sure is growing up really fast! At the park she is no longer satisfied without a challenge. “Let’s do the big slide”, “I want to climb on the rainbow” (monkey bars in a semi-circle shape), “look Mom, I’m pumping” as she swings (although she still needs a lot of pushing). We’re practicing on the tricycle. Inside the house, she is painting pictures and using different colors on different objects, reading books and of course, helping her brother overcome any obstacle he encounters.
Cassie often plays at being ‘mom’. She will help Angela cook, sweep, clean the house, take care of Jay, you name it. So Angela had a great idea yesterday, let’s make her a child-size stove … out of some cardboard boxes we had lying around. Last night she made me some rice with salt, pepper and dill on it and it sure was great!
Teaching Adventures 