Isaac's Journal

Oh, I'm so sad that I have let such a long time elapse since I last wrote. My goal is to write every month, but this fall was so hard because I was sick for several months. It was a good sickness though – we are going to have a new baby in April! All I could do this fall was make sure you had clean clothes. I barely managed to feed you guys and I didn't do much schooling, cleaning or – ahem – journaling at all.

You were such a big help during that time! I felt like you really grew up in some ways. I now feel like I can ask you to do most (small) jobs and get a quick and ready response. (Some of the bigger jobs don't excite you still!) In addition, you volunteered several times to help prepare meals, even making lunch by yourself a couple of times. You adore Matthew and so you were always happy to play with him, even though your play styles don't completely mesh. (You are very physical and he is very focused and particular.)

I am seeing a real change in you, though, from crazy and unfocused ALL. THE. TIME. to really enjoying focused, calm activities. Can I say HALLELUJAH! You have been drawing, writing and coloring almost non stop for several months. You used to have almost no interest. Now you are begging me for “art lessons” so you can learn to draw more things. You also have built some amazing Duplo skyscrapers and a few little Lego creations.

You and Abby were part of a homeschool coop this fall. Each Thursday afternoon, you were in a class with other homeschooled kindergarteners where you did fun music, science and art activities. You loved it!We also go to Bible study each Wednesday morning, where you are learning about Isaiah in your class just like I do in mine. I always get such good reports from your teachers – that you are such a good listener and you always know all the answers! You told me today that you had to answer almost all of the questions at Bible study. I asked you if the other kids wanted to answer. You said they raised their hands but they didn't know what they were talking about so you had to tell the right answers.

In October we went to Denver for a wedding. One of the days I got to take you kids to the children's museum AND the aquarium – two things I've been wanting to do with you for a while. You loved the sharks especially! It was so fun to see your awe of all the sea creatures and your joy at touching a sting ray! Then just a week ago we went to Minnesota for Thanksgiving. You amazed me by playing outside for hours in the snowy, cold, darkness just so you could be with Westley and Hayden.

It has been interesting to see you start to understand more and more of the Bible. You've latched on to the notion of original sin, because whenever I call you out on something you tell me “It's Adam's fault!” But then you've been quicker to repent as well and when we snuggle you often tell me, “I love you the most.” Then I say, “no, I love YOU the most.” and we argue for a while, because that may never change – you really like to argue.