Happy 15th Birthday, Christine

Christine, you are a beautiful soul,

who is full of life and energy.

You are the energy that pulsates through our house and lives.

You are talented when it comes to music, especially with dancing,

and playing the piano.

You are so fearless. You create new recipes, take chances, try out for all kinds of things

(sports, school play, class elections), and make new friends easily.

(Notice how I didn't mention anything about Mr. Rogers or gorillas ;)

You are your siblings' best buddy when they need one: giving them gum, curling their hair, letting them snuggle with you, helping them calm down, etc.

You have a great and infectious laugh - especially when you're running through the house.

You are admired by many, and have often impressed the adults in your life (teachers and such) with how responsible you are.

You are a "sassy monkey, hahaha." You've always thought that you knew more than me (even when you were 3), and maybe you do, in some areas. You always wanted to be older than your age. I warned you in kindergarten that someday you would miss those years; I hope you're enjoying your teenage years, and aren't in too big a hurry to become an adult. Rush it too fast, and you'll be old like your Mom, awfully fast :)

You are beautiful! You have great brown skin, and those big, brown eyes, a wonderful smile, and when you straightened your hair, you seemed to mature right before our eyes.

You are a talker. When you were young, I could barely hear myself think because you would be jabbering up a storm. Not much has changed. You still talk fast and furiously, and always seem to have a lot to say. Remember, don't take my silence as an "I'm not listening to you," instead, I'm just trying to keep up with what you're saying.

You are amazing at hula - a natural, and I never tire of watching you dance that way.

Your coordination and grace are breathtaking.

You are so backwards sometimes (and you KNOW what I mean),

and it makes me laugh. I love it when you make me laugh.

You are funny and spontaneous, and

(not quite as backwards as you used to be :)

Keep making us laugh.

You are creative, and your creative juices flow big and free.

You always have some idea brimming,

some question burning,

and some inspiration budding.

You are a wonderful daughter, and I'm so glad that we found each other.

You're a friend, and a helper, and I count myself richly blessed to have you in our family.

You have so many talents, and so many great attributes.

I love you so very much! Happy Birthday!

Oh! And you find joy in weird things. Who asks for pomegranate juice for their birthday?

Evidently . . . You do.

Happy Birthday, sweetie!