Elizabeth is 16

Elizabeth turned sixteen at the beginning of January. She had a special outing to get a manicure from her sister at the cosmetology school.  Elizabeth got a little pampering and Grace got in another manicure, which is nice because Grace is behind on her manicure and pedicure hours.

Elizabeth is really coming into her own this year. Last year, she tried her hand at pottery and hoped to continue going to the pottery studio this year, but the potter closed up shop.  He was older and he retired.  Bummer.  So, on to plan b.

Liz has spent more time sewing this year.  She and her Grandma Dianne worked together to sew Liz a dress.  It is lovely.

She also sewed a canvas bag from scratch by making a pattern from my canvas Land's End bag.  She has sewn numerous zippered pouches as well.  Elizabeth is currently taking sewing lessons and hopes to become an even better seamstress. She has a real knack for sewing as she can see in her mind's eye what the final product will look like before she even cuts out the fabric.

Horses have always made Elizabeth happy.  She loves working with them.  Our neighbor had a horse that Liz used to help care for, but about six months ago the horse was moved to a horse boarding place in a different town.  A few weekends ago, Shawnee returned, along with a friendly little rescue  colt.  Anyway, Elizabeth is now in charge of feeding the horses every evening.  She is excited to have the opportunity to interact with horses again.

Liz is also becoming quite the competent sous chef.  She and I have dinner prep pretty much under control by the time Grace and Daddy get home each evening,  I'd say we're making some really good progress in the getting food to the masses in a timely manner department.

Elizabeth is incredibly patient with Joseph.  She thinks he's the "cutest baby ever"  and he is.  She's also great with our new puppy, Rachel. Liz seems to know how to calm both animals and small children down and get them redirected, which is a great quality to have.  Daddy and I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for Elizabeth in the years to come.

Lent Begins

Today is Ash Wednesday.  I think I'm looking forward to the season of Lent this year more than I ever have.  With all the chaos that swirls around me, I need time.  Time to walk with Jesus to the cross.  Time to be quiet before my Lord.

I've been following the blog of a Missouri Synod Lutheran woman, Edie Wadsworth.  Her explanations of the church year have touched my heart. Here is a post she wrote about Lent a couple of years ago.

I visited a friend the other day who lost her husband very suddenly less than two weeks ago. She and I were talking through tears about how much we love Jesus, the hope we have in Him and about how we'd literally be lost without Him.  We both agreed that Heaven must be a glorious place this time of year, the time of year when Jesus won His victory over death and rose again.  This world is not my home.

 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Cor. 13:12

A New Addition

Her name is Rachel Raspberry and she's the sweetest little puppy ever.  She is well loved by all of the kids, although Joseph is a tad jealous. We are working on crate training and bell potty training her, both of which we've never tried with a puppy.  To say that our entire family is smitten is an understatement.  There are no lack of puppy holders.  In fact, a friend wondered if the pup would ever learn to walk.

Isaac is 4

Isaac turned four at the end of December.  We spent his birthday in the traditional way.  We celebrated with Isaac's great Uncle Keith whose birthday is the day before Isaac's.  Isaac requested Texas sheet cake for his birthday dessert.  Uncle Keith did not complain and neither did anyone else.

Grace bought a leather-type jacket at a thrift store and added a couple of patches to the sleeves to make a bomber jacket for her little brother.  Isaac loves his new coat.  He also loves the thrifted soldier uniform I got him and the garage sale cowboy hat.  He likes to pretend he's an officer in the cavalry.

 Isaac's Uncle Brian and Aunt Julie got him a folding chair which he adores.  This was him five minutes after receiving it.  I've never seen that kid so excited to eat lunch.