Elisabeth turned 16! She is a light and a joy in our lives.
They went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant Saturday evening. They talked about dating. He gave her a special necklace with a dainty heart to help her remember that she's our daughter and we love her and that she is also a beloved child of God.
In just a couple of short years she'll be moving onto other things; perhaps college, mission, career, starting a family of her own, who knows. Life is short. This period of time when we actually have them at home is not long. I am so grateful for this phase of life, even though motherhood is demanding and challenging. It has stretched me and changed me in ways I didn't know were possible.
Later that night she celebrated with friends at our city park. She invited about 50 people so we reserved the pavilion (only $35). We had pizzas and all sorts of snacks, plus we brought stuff for volleyball, pickleball, bocce ball, soccer, frisbee and can Jam. They had a fun evening together. I came for the first 2 hours with Penny and the little girls and then we went home once Scott and Charles arrived after his baseball game so I could put them to bed.
The day after her birthday, Elisabeth had her first day at her new job, Subway. She still teaches piano a couple of hours a week, but she has A LOT of free hours during the day and things she needs to pay for. She's on her way to becoming an expert sandwich artist.
