5/26/11

My Oldest



Isaac is 17 today.  I won't start with all the boo-hooing because I know you've heard from me before (like a gazillion times), how fast time flies.

Things I love about my oldest:
1. He has never been one to test limits, to talk back, to push.  He goes with the flow, and treats us kindly, and is always helpful.

2. He was born with a sweet, happy, smiley, personality.  I couldn't go any place when he was a baby without hearing, "He's so happy! Look at that smile! Look at those bright eyes!"  He just attracted attention with his cute chubby face.

3. He has always made friends easily and is a good judge of character.  I love the kids he brings home.  He has this inner sensible barometer of character judgment, and that is a GOOD thing to have for the rest of life.

4. He eats everything I make and always likes it.  Alleluia!

5. He is always appreciative,  quick to say thank you, and a good sport.  He shares his room with a 3 year old for goodness sakes alive!  He also plays with that 3 year old...basketball, soccer, anything.  Patrick asks every day, "Where's Isaac?"  He is going to be darn excited when it's summer vacation, I'll tell you that much.

This year is a big year for Isaac.  Lots of big decisions, lots of school work, lots of planning for the future.  I am so excited for him, and he has taught me that I can trust that he knows what is best for himself.  I have it good, that's for sure.  As the oldest, he has set an incredible example for his younger siblings and I couldn't be more grateful every day that I get to be his mother.

Happy 17th Birthday Isaac!

25 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday Isaac.

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  2. Wow! He sounds like a great kid!

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  3. What a tender and happy confidence you express in Isaac. No doubt he is a good kid. Look who he's had as his mentor! Best wishes Isaac with all your choices this coming year. And happy birthday!

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  4. My daughter turned17 2 weeks ago, and although I couldn't believe that she was that old (boo hoo:)) I wascalso very excited for all the things that she might do as she gets older. She is ambitious and knows what she wants and that makes me so happy and I am sure that she will be 'alright'. Happy birthday to your son and good for you for doing such a good job and bringing him up!

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  5. He sounds wonderful. He reminds me of my oldest son, especially how he interacts with his littlest brother.
    I hope Isaac has a very happy birthday today.

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  6. Happy Day Isaac! You have a good name, for that is what I named my middle son. :-)

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  7. Wow he sounds like a great kid! It must be the name, our son Isaac is 16 and displays many of the qualities you mentioned.

    Just to be curious does he constantly have his name mis-spelled? Every form our Isaac brings home has his name spelled Issac, it was so bad when he was in elementary and he had to give his name to someone he would always say "Isaac, I-S-A-A-C" which always made me laugh.

    Good luck with his final year of high school next year. It is a bittersweet year for sure.

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  8. That baby picture is too much- so cute! And what a wonderful young man he has grown up to be. Best wishes as you help him navigate the big decisions ahead. Happy Birthday Isaac!

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  9. Happy Birthday! His personality comes through in your photographs of him. I love that he shares a bedroom with Patrick and that he's such a good big brother.

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  10. Happy birthday! Isn't that a lovely feeling to watch them and see that you must have done something right because of the wonderful young men they have become! I have two myself and we adopted two baby's from South Africa when they were in high school. It is amazing to see how they "adopted" their siblings. I am very proud of them.

    Natacha (from Luxembourg)

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  11. What a keeper! And that's why God gave him to you first - to set the good example for the others. And to trick you into having lots of kids ;)

    Happy Birthday Isaac - I love knowing that there are such a wonderful young men like you in the world!

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  12. Happy Birthday to your sweet Isaac :) I know you must be so very proud ;)

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  13. That baby picture is enough to make you cry...you just want to squeeze him. So cute! Happy Birthday!

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  14. Happy Birthday Isaac!

    I love reading about your family Sarah, and it's so nice to hear such great things about a teenager in days like these.

    Before I had kids, I never realized how much somebody else's birthday would one day mean to me.

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  15. What a blessing to have great teenagers huh? Pat yourself on the back for at least some of that greatness, Mom. It's not all genetic. :) Obviously there has been some pretty amazing parenting throughout his life as well.

    Congrats to him and I wish you the best working through this transition time in your life. I know exactly how you're feeling. My oldest is just finishing her first year of college. I'll never forget all those feelings when we dropped her off. Bittersweet.

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  16. What a cute baby. Your description of him is so sweet. Hope his birthday is just wonderful!

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  17. What an awesome kid! Very sweet tribute.

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  18. Isaac is a very handsome young man and he sounds likea mom's dream. Happy Birthday to him.

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  19. Happy Birthday to Isaac! He sounds like a wonderful young man. And I also think he, and all of your children, are blessed to have such a wonderful mom. You have your priorities in order, Sarah! With two boys, ages 11 and 9, I pray that our sons will have integrity and strength of character like your Isaac!

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  20. What an adorable baby he was and such handsome son he is! Good job, Mom! What an act to follow for the rest of your littles! Enjoy the celebrating!
    xoxo
    Joni

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  21. OK, so how you do it I will never know... I cry at every stinkin' one of your kids' birthday posts!!! Maybe it was comparing those two photos, I don't know. Anyway, happy birthday Issac. Sarah, you deserve so much credit, he is a wonderful boy because of his wonderful mother!

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  22. What a great kid! (Must have a good mom . . .)

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  23. What a blessing to have a son like Isaac. He'll be the one taking care of you when you get old!!:)
    (Be kind to him so he'll push you in your wheelchair some day!) Seriously, what a blessing!!

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