Happy 10th Birthday Isaak!

Dear Isaak,

Happy Birthday! You're a decade old! How can that possibly be?

Things You Like:

You still love to create things. Paper and colored pencils are usually all over the living room floor. I say messes are ok as long as you are in fact creating.

You're into The Dangerous Book for Boys - Both the show and the book. There are things inside the book that boys like to do. I came home, and there were paper airplanes all over the house. The next day you found some rope on the street, and were trying out how to make different kinds of knots.

Source

You want what's right for the world. If that means standing up for your yourself, your friends, or even your teacher you'll do that.

You like being a book buddy. Mentoring the young kiddo at your school is a highlight to the week.

You enjoy being outside climbing trees...

and hugging trees too!

You want a Husky when you get older. You say they look the most like a wolf.

Your Newest Accomplishment:

A new title for Isaak Jaxon Apel exists. Meet Mr. Safety Patrol Man. As long as you take this role seriously, you'll do great. You can be like me at times - silly.

You also started playing the violin this year.

Your Best Friend:

Daniel! You say he stands with you no matter what.

Your Favorite Sport:

You say you like basketball and soccer, but you've played basketball more. It's fun to watch you grow with playing!

What You Want to Be:

No longer a hair dresser. You want to be a Movie Director and an Artist.

You want to change your name to I's. I still call you Zeek, Zeeky, and Zeeker.

One thing is true: If everyone were like you we'd have a better world. You stand up for people, when no one else does. 

 Dream Big! Accomplish Those Dreams! 

Love,

Mom

Happy Birthday Isaak!

Isaak you turn 9 today! Next year you'll be double digits!

It's so stressful that I had you almost on the last day class (it is the last day this year), and Mica on practically the first day of class August 10! What was I thinking?

You love basketball and soccer. You jumped in to help Mica's soccer team when they were way low in players.

If given the choice you pick basketball to play!

You started to do something new this month. That is reading on your own accord. I was reading Wonder and Auggie and Me with you. The book that got you hooked is, The Million Dollar Shot. You also love, Captain Underpants and Dog Man.

You really dislike two things this year: Kisses and getting your photo taken - without me asking first.

Your best friends are: Jacob, Daniel and a new kid from Argentina named Benjamin. If people are nice to you, you have their back for sure. If they cross you, or your friends you let them know that, that isn't ok! 

You've figured out ways to communicate with Benjamin, since he primarily speaks Spanish. You draw, and have actions to communicate with him. You picked out a movie that is in English, but has Spanish subtitles for Ben to watch on your birthday. Mr. Peabody and Sherman was the winner for that. *Let's hope Ben comes! This is about the 3rd time we've asked him over. He's a maybe for the birthday RSVP.  

You still gets into crafts. Mostly paper. You were super excited that you got to make a pop-up book in school. I got a kick out of this mask and paper dolls that I find in funny spots around the house. 

Your favorite food must be donuts! You got all excited that I picked a donut shop for Mother's Day breakfast. You made a Donut card for Dunkin Donut workers. I sure hope they send you something special for the card! ;)

You love the outdoors, are willing to get your hands dirty, and tear holes in knee area of every pant leg.

You still love sparkly shimmery shiny gold. 

I hope you have a golden birthday! 

Love,

Mom

Dear Isaak,

You turn 8 years old today. 

For your birthday you didn't really know what you wanted. I got you a scooter, a few building toys and we picked out flowers at Trader Joes.

Roses are something you wrote on a list for me. I wanted to get you a Lego rose, but found out it's not something that you put together. It's already assembled, and glued.

You are the type of kid that would box up all your toys just to give them to someone else.

It's great except that you expect everyone else to be just like you.

You are a very giving child. You gave me a flower for my hair on Mother's Day, along with a card, and coupons that you made sure I used.

Things you enjoy:

• listening to Mica's stories
• Telling jokes
• Playing basketball
• Playing outdoors
• Cutting paper up
• Eating: Mac and Cheese and Chocolate are your favorite foods. I'm making Mac and Cheese for dinner, since I hardly make it.
• Board games
• Playing games on your Kindle
• Pokemon: I know nothing about it. It became popular after I grew up. If anyone understands how to play Pokemon I'm all ears. He's into it, I've watched videos on how to play it, and I don't get it.

You keep growing up and up. You're just now 8, but wear size 10 pants. Your features are still small, and you have a young sounding voice. You are just really TALL.

Things you dislike:

• Having your picture taken - You were only good with these photos because you knew I was making a book for you.
• When Mica doesn't want to play with you - You enjoy people.
• Smoothies - You complain about my smoothies when I make them different every time. 
• Kids that are rude at school - You have actually gotten in trouble because you try to correct other kids. 

Things you're better at this year:

• Reading - You have to read a book every day at school. You may not love reading, but you're good at it now.
• Writing stories
• Riding your bike
• Hanging up your clothes
• Trimming your own nails

Right now you're in a really honest phase. You tell people exactly what you are thinking. I've talked to you about thinking positive in a given situation, and watch what you say to not hurt people's feelings. I thought you were getting it, but then you said at the end of our conversation, "Mom can we stop talking about this now. I don't get it."

Things you could improve on:

• Wanting to read
• Washing your hands - On your own accord.
• Eating with your silverware - You can. You just choose not to. 

Mica both annoys you, and you look up to him. You both fight, and you're the best of friends. You'd say that Jacob is your best friend though.

I love you Zeek! Happy 8th Birthday!

Mom