Happy Birthday Elisha

Oh, our sweet Elisha is 12 - unbelievable. There are so many things that I love about Elisha. She is just a gem of a person. People have always loved Elisha - for as long as I can remember, they have lined up to be buddies with her. I have had more requests for "play dates" with her than all of my other kids combined - times 20. Not that the others aren't loved, but there has always been something about her that draws people in mass numbers. Even adults love to be around Elisha. She is such fun; she is witty and oh-so-creative. Elisha is a great mix of tom-boy and femininity....I love that. She loves skirts and dress-ups (still), and tea parties, but one of her favorite places to be is up in a tree. And she wields a sword with the best of them. One of the sweetest things about Elisha, and one that blesses me as a parent, is her tender conscience. When she lies, loses her temper, or does something that she knows she shouldn't, she can't live with herself until she comes to tell me or apologizes. I am so thankful for her in my life. I love seeing God work in her life and I look forward to what He has in store for her. Dear Elisha, I love you - you are one of my favorite people - I want to be just like you one day.

Redwall Scmedwall

I am so thankful that my kids L-O-V-E to read, but I am ready for them to read and discuss something else. Elisha and Isaiah were introduced to Brian Jacques' Redwall series (21 big, fat books long) by Jeffrey Miller in the fall. They have both, since then, read all 21 books (at least once, some more than that). Isaiah is now listening to them on tape and CD as well. They are dramatized readings and so he now has voices to add to his own line recitals (oh boy!). Unrestrained (by me) breakfast discussion is no longer about anything other than Dibbins and Moles. They have gone over the deep end. This happened last year with the Lord of the Rings books until we made them give it a rest, so I know that this shall pass. I am sure that we all will be able to look back on it with fond memories...........someday.

A Writer in the House!

Last night when we got home, Elisha had some official mail. She recently sent in a poem and piece of artwork to Rural Montana Magazine (Mag. of the Flathead Electrical Co-op) for consideration. They accept drawings, photos and poetry from kids in the Flathead Valley. In the envelope last night were two copies of this month's issue containing BOTH her poem and drawing and a note saying "Elisha, Usually I pay for either the art or the poem, but yours were so terrific, I had to use both". It also contained a check for $20!! Wow. Since you won't be able to read it from the photo, I am including it here. She did it completely on her own. When she brought it to me to send, I offered a couple of suggestions but she told me that she wanted to send it just like it was. We are so proud of our little author/illustrator!!

The Barn

I like to play out in the barn,

Up in the fragrant hay.

I like to call it my special place,

And play there every day.

I like to hear the horse,

Below me in the stall.

And see the leather harnesses,

Hanging on the wall.

I like to hear the crunch,

Of the oats in the horse's mouth.

And look out my little window,

That faces to the south.

And when the day is over,

And the time to play is gone,

I look forward to tomorrow,

When I can play out in the barn.

Elisha turns 11

How can it be that this girl is eleven? She has gotten so tall lately and she is such a lovely young lady. Elisha is sweet and fun and creative. It is a joy to be her parent. Everyone loves being around Elisha. She is a good friend and a beloved sister. Elisha loves to read (LOVES it!), write poetry, daydream, and draw and she has an imagination that never stops. She is a little Mommy to Micah - that little sister adores her. I don't know what I would do without her.

On her actual birthday, the Westlake family was in town from Bozeman for the Babe Ruth State Championship. They were with us for dinner and cake. Then on Sunday, we went with the Miller family to Lake McDonald in Glacier to swim and picnic for her celebration. It was a perfect day. We love our sweet girl and are thankful that the Lord has entrusted her to us. May we celebrate many more years of birthdays.