Increasingly amazing big boy

I can't forget Isaac, especially since this very evening I was telling Gavin what an incredible help he's been with the toddlers. He's like a 3rd parent, and he really steps up when Dad isn't around to help me out. He's so willing and happy to jump in and do what needs to be done, especially if it involves caring for or entertaining the babies. He's super loving (yet firm) and he makes so many things fun for them! Even taking off their clothes so they can get their diaper changed and their jammies on becomes a laughing "battle." No wonder David wouldn't let Isaac leave the church nursery on Sunday, and when we were gone to our Aviation Department Christmas party Will would only stop crying when Isaac was holding him! [The poor babysitters, I feel so sorry for them!]

Besides being Big Brother Extraordinaire, he's also a sweet, thoughtful, bright, creative, imaginative and all-around delightful oldest son. He loves his Savior, Heavenly Father, and is sensitive to the Holy Spirit working in him. I really enjoy reading to him in the evenings before his bedtime and hearing what he's got to say about God's Word, his life, and his day. He is funny and clever, and his insights into God's character and/or Scripture and its application to his life bless me!

He's doing well in school, loves his friends and his teacher, and still misses Peter and Megan. There are lots of blessings about being a missionary kid - for one, his friend group here is huge, with lots of families living right near us - but there are definite sacrifices as well, and Peter and Megan are his two biggest.

Today a very large group of kids met on the playing field outside our house and played a massive version of tag, kind of like sardines and capture-the-flag mixed together. I forget what it's called - "Aunt Nelly" or something. It's the latest thing here and he LOVES it!

Isaac eats voraciously. He keeps reminding me that he's going through a growth spurt, and judging by how small his clothes are getting I'd say he's right! He also reads voraciously, and one of his favorite things is to sit down with a bowl of cereal or cheesy tortilla and read while he chows down. He's also a very gifted and prolific (at least for 4th grade) writer. He writes just for the fun of it, and his loooong stories and essays are great! Some of the words he uses are really surprising for his age, as are some of the phrases and ways of expressing himself. I'll have to see if he'll let me post some of his writing.

Anyway, that's our boy and we're nuts about him! His favorite things, besides food, reading, writing, and playing games with friends, are Nerf guns (still!), Star Wars, Calvin and Hobbes, and Foxtrot comics. (Sorry, Peter; we accidentally packed some of your books!) Of all the candy in the US, he most misses Nerds and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups - but I can make a pretty good knock-off version of chocolate-covered peanut butter balls, thank goodness!

To God be the glory for each of our kids, for all He has done in our lives - stretching into eternity with Him, and most of all for Who He is!

Love,
Carrie

Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

Okay, this is kind of funny. I thought this was a picture of him reading, but no, he's playing on the iPad. Oh well, he's a normal kid! :)