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.