Dear Isaac,
Can it be that you are a big 12-year-old young man today? Wow! It sure seems like just a little while ago that we were rushing to the hospital at 2 o'clock on a Saturday morning with A-Gong. We weren't expecting you to come for another couple of weeks, although we were all packed and ready for you :). Ms. Debbie was your nurse that welcomed you into this world at 3:47am! Grandpa & Grandma, Aunt Bethany, Aunt Rebekah, and Uncle Kevan (not yet uncle at that time!) all came out in the middle of the night to see you! As you've been told by Daddy, you came out looking all around, trying to take in and learn as much about this new world as you can... similar to what you still do today :).
Isaac, Daddy and I are so proud of how God is molding and shaping you. You are an amazing young man and I am grateful that God is teaching to develop a heart to be excellent in all that you do. I love that you have learned to manage your time over the last few years; you are diligent in learning how to see your week as a whole and scheduling out your to not be surprised with any tests or homework that is due. I am thankful for your thoughtfulness in asking to help with groceries and running to get my door when we go places :). I have noticed that you have been very intentional about controlling your attitude and being quick in admitting fault. I am grateful to see challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone to develop your leadership skills in running for class rep the last couple of years. Thank you for trying hard to help your sibling with their homework and be a good example to them... I know that is a hard job! Isaac, I am most impressed and challenged by your desire to know God's Word more. I am convicted by you when I see you curled up on the coach or floor first thing in the morning... pouring over your Bible!
You are precious to me, my smart and handsome first-born! I thank God for letting me borrow you for this appointed time. I love watching you play baseball and football with Daddy and Seth. It's so much fun for me to watch you and Seth and Abby play board games and other made-up games for hours. Even though it is a bit foreign to me, I even love how you boys will discuss all sorts of stats of players and team for hours. I'm glad you and Daddy got to run away for the day yesterday, just Father and Son. I know that Daddy had fun biking, kayaking, and miniature golfing with you. Only Daddy will let you get away with having an Olaf for lunch... although the homemade waffle cup, ice cream, whipped cream, and cherry sounded like an amazing treat!!! It was very cute that Ezekiel was so excited about how you got to see "sea creature" on your kayak :).
Kayaking next to Catalina Island... is this before or after the seal greeted you???
Sitting in the front seat of the helicopter on the flight back to main land :)
Hey, thanks for still liking to do stuff with your dear old mom :). I enjoyed stealing you for a quick lunch date last Friday. Don't forget, pomegranate sorbet is our favorite flavor at Yogurt Town! I like hearing your thoughts about school and what you are learning. Your Bible knowledge and insight is beyond your years. I'm glad that you like your class this year... you certainly have quite a few friends that you've been with since you were in kindergarten. I'm glad Miss Meek allowed your classmate to sing "happy birthday" to you all soft and loud and crazy before you passed out your brownie treat. I think you have a sweet class... even if some of them are a bit chatty :).
This is a big year for you. You will be going to Rawhide Ranch with your school and Hume Lake with church! This is your last elementary year. Yikes! Next year, you will officially be a Jr. Higher... with a locker, electives, sports and running from class to class!!!
Your Klondike Kake :D
Hurry Dad... don't melt the ice cream!!!
Could this be better??? I submit not :)
My heart is glad that you take your responsibility as the oldest child (and cousin). You play that role well. I'm thankful for where the Lord has placed you in our family. You have enriched our lives these last 12 years. We await with great anticipation to see where Jesus will lead you in the future. Son, know that Dad and Mom are praying for you always. We are praying that you will continue to grow in your faith and love for our Lord, Jesus Christ, that you would seek to follow Him with all that you do, and that you would treasure Him as your utmost!
We love you! Happy Birthday, Buddy!!! Be circumspect and make wise choices!!!
Thank you, Grandpa & Grandma, for squeezing in a b-day lunch and for the great new shirts! Congratulations on winning the Best Truck Award at the car show... but we already knew that it was the BEST TRUCK :)
Great job, Grandma! Perfect fit!!!
