Saturday, February 4, 2012

Happy 14th birthday!

Oh my! Look at the height of this young man! May he continue to grow in wisdom and stature.
We woke up on his birthday (January 27th) to a requested breakfast of cinnamon rolls and homemade eggnog!
We traveled south that day about 3 1/2 hours to stay with friends for the night and celebrate his birthday with his friend whose family is moving back to America. We were thankful that Elijah could have this time together with him and say goodbye. We enjoyed chocolate (of course!) cake and ice cream.
Ready to rock our house down! He can play acoustic guitar pretty well so when the family that moved was selling this, we thought he would enjoy it.

Elijah adds so much to our lives through his wit, his thoroughness, his adventure, his discipline, and his thoughtfulness. May the Lord use this next year to mature him and make him more like Christ. Love you buddy!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

His kind provision--Carrot cookies

When Elizabeth was diagnosed with Celiac Disease a few years ago, I knew that finding treats for her to eat in this wheat-filled society could be tricky. With time and recipes from friends we were able to put together a repertoire of yummys. However, when visiting friends houses it is nearly impossible to find something gluten free on the tea table, save a stray olive or date. Elizabeth is a trooper though, doesn't complain and sips her mint tea (which equals about 5 cookies in sugar content anyway!).

My friend "Minnie," an intuitive studier of our family, always tries to look out for Elizabeth. One time she made her a coconut creation (which I ate in abundance) that she claimed had no wheat. Elizabeth was a little skeptical (was she SURE that there was absolutely no flour?) and not as adventureous with food options, but always smiles and gives Minnie satisfaction. This last visit she came bearing this treat (pictured above). She called it a "carrot cookie." Hmm...and what is a "carrot cookie?" She replied that it was cooked carrots and honey, rolled in sesame seeds. My heart was so warmed that she went to all of this trouble that I grabbed one off of her tray and popped it into my mouth. My heart continued to be warmed though I did begin to plead with God to spare me from eating another. :)

It is a thoughtful friend to go the extra mile for our family. I am so thankful for Minnie and her kindness.