Isaac's Journal

Very interesting that right after I wrote about what a good boy you had been in my last journal entry, your behavior started going majorly downhill. We were having all-out battles nearly every day and sometimes several times a day. I think I'm learning that I need to avoid the posture of “HOW could you behave that way?” (because sometimes I am truly horrified at what you do/say) and react with the attitude of coming alongside you to help you defeat your sin nature. I have to keep you and me on the same team – because you're wired to fight and I don't want you fighting me, I want you fighting sin! So things have been better but there's always so much for me (and you) to learn.

You thrive on interaction with people; some of your favorite activities recently have been: mini-golfing with Grammie, hiking to the Stratabowl with Mama, and helping Daddy build a raised bed garden for the Fagreys (which actually translates into playing with their uber-cool eleven-year-old son). You've really begun showing gratitude for special things: “Thanks so much for the ice cream, Daddy!” “Mom, you're so nice to take us swimming at the Y!” “Grammie, thank you for taking us to McDonald's and GETTING US A TOY!” You've also been learning the joy of giving: one day you shared a smartie with Matthew and just basked in the glow of his smile.

This spring is your first soccer season. You were so excited before the first game. Picking out shin-guards, trying on hand-me-down-cleats, practicing with Daddy. Daddy is your coach and we waited a year to start you, and I think both things contributed to your feeling pretty comfortable with it all. I busted up laughing a couple of times while watching you: you'd kick then do a somersault, or work in a little head stand or cartwheel action. You played hard, were quite fast and you did score one goal in your first game, so I am very pleased with my little soccer player!

Easter was special this year as I felt you were truly starting to understand the meaning of it. We did little projects every day during Holy Week to help us think about Jesus, and each morning approaching Good Friday we lit fewer candles and Daddy read the appropriate Bible passage for the day. You were so excited on Easter morning when all of the candles were lit! The chocolate bunny at your plate didn't hurt either, but I do hope the truth resonated deeply in your heart.

I'm so glad the weather is turning nice. You are outside A LOT and seem to be more willing to be out there without me. We've been playing a lot of whiffleball. The neighbor boy Everett has come over a couple of times to play too, which you've enjoyed. You've just been full of good ideas: planting seeds with Abby, playing on the fort, coloring with sidewalk chalk. It's all new again every spring!