Thursday 17 November 2016

Sixteen

Sixteen seems like an important age here in Israel. Now he is sixteen my eldest son can open his first bank account; will receive his Tzav Rishon, or the "First Draft Notice," from the Israeli army which is used to set his physical profile and kaba (a general score which tells the army what you are fit to join, and is made up of the dapar, a score due to your education, and your personal interview). He can also learn to drive.
He'll begin the process by taking a medical and eye exam, followed by a theoretical test. Once those bases have been covered, my son will sign up for 28 driving lessons with an instructor before he can take his Mivchan Shlita, the practical driving test. Fingers crossed that he'll pass because it's an expensive process! 
My son asked for driving lessons for his birthday, so this year's birthday card simply had to reflect that. I have shown him waving from the driver's seat of my new white car (he won't really be learning to drive in it - phew!). I am sitting next to him with my hands covering my eyes! There is an Israeli L-plate on the front of the car. The plate shares the general design of Israeli information signs in its square form and blue background. On the blue background is a white triangle pointing upwards, with the black Hebrew letter "ל" in it, from the Hebrew למידה‎ - "Learning".
It seems that birthday celebrations as the kids get older are not the 'palava' they once were. Once upon a time I would prepare party games and write invitations, assemble party bags and ice cupcakes with their friends names on them. Of course all of that is no longer needed. Mister Handmade in Israel and I did help with the shopping and preparations, and I did cut up a big Israeli salad and a few pitot, but then we went out and left my son happily barbecuing with his friends. And when we came home, they had even tidied up and bagged up all the rubbish!
I did make cake though. Two of them to be exact. One for the barbecue and one for his big day.
You can never have too much cake.

11 comments:

Tamar SB said...

You are so creative!!

TexWisGirl said...

too fun!!! he's a handsome young man. :)

Miss Val's Creations said...

Happy birthday to your young man! The cutout of you with your hands over your eyes cracks me up! LOL 16 is a big deal here too. I think the biggest reason is that one can get their driver's license. Oh to be young again!

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Such beautiful cards! That takes a lot of talent and patience! Happy Birthday to your handsome son. He reminds me of my grandson Noah, who just turned 17. He got his driver's license this past summer. They really grow up fast, don't they?
Thank you for sharing your talents with us today!!!

Mary said...

Wow! 16 IS an important birthday!

riitta k said...

Congratulatons to your handsome son! The card is lovely, I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly. Thanks for linking!

Breathing In Grace said...

You are so creative!!! I think 16 is a milestone age in America, too! Although I can't really remember my 16th birthday, as it was MANY years ago! ;-) Thanks for sharing your talent. And, happy birthday to your precious son!

Aritha V. said...

Handsome boy! The same age of my daughter. Your card is so special and full of details. Very nice. An also the cake! Wow, what a delicious one. And all those little candles on it. Love it. I wish hi and you peace and joy. Yes, learn to drive a car is an very expensive process! And it is scarey for us as mamas.

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! Great "learning" card (yes, you will be doing that sometimes, covering your eyes:):) )
In the USA the theoretical test is done in school, but the practical test seems here not as difficult as in Europe. Hope you son will get his license as soon as possible:) Thanks for sharing this with ALL SEASONS:) Have a lovely week!

Sara - Villa Emilia said...

Belated Happy Birthday wishes to your son!
A lovely card, as always, and a wonderful cake.
We seem to mature more slowly and can have the driving license only at 18 years of age. :) And it's very expensive here as well.
Have a great week!

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Hahaha, you mad a very cute and funny card. Your son must've been tickled pink with joy to receive it. :-)
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