Brooklyn is 15

My blond bomber turns 15 today.  She is the child that is least like me, and I LOVE to be around her.  She is witty, quiet, sensitive, fast, leisurely and bright.  She loves food, running, hanging out with her friends, drawing, and tormenting her siblings.

When she was little, people thought she was shy.  She was quiet unless she was around Madie and I.  When we were at home, she was a giggly spaz.  I thought people were crazy, but then I realized that she doesn't become her charming self until she knows you pretty well.  God blessed her with amazing, blond, curly, hair.  It has been a blessing and a curse.  She would prefer to blend in, but that doesn't happen with hair like hers.  She has had women she has never met, sink their fingers into her hair and stroke it while we were out shopping.  She likes her private space so this phenomenon is very unsettling to her.  She has also realized that being fairly fast in a small town, with the added bonus of being pretty easy to spot even at longer distances, many people around town recognize her.  She really doesn't like the attention, but what can she do?  She just blushes and quietly says "thanks."

Over the years I have had many future plans for Brooke.  I originally thought she would be a great roller derby queen.  Really, you don't want to mess with her.  She has mellowed on that front a bit.  For a while she would loiter downtown in front of the French restaurant drooling.  I thought maybe culinary arts were in her future.  She is very helpful in the kitchen, so that is not ruled out.  She asked me about design recently.  She is quite artistic, and she loves being outside.  We had encouraged her to look into Botany.  She is a well rounded lady, and I am sure that whatever she chooses to pursue will be wonderful.  I have a feeling it will change from time to time, and she will have  a good reason for the change.

I love you Brokus, you are a sweet girl.  I'm glad that God put you right behind Madie to keep her humble.  You have been a blessing to Martha, and I love how you have embraced her.  Keep running hard because it is fun.  May God continue to pour out his blessing, and give you a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in His sight.

#1006-1018

Listening to the neighbors laughing and chatting in their back yards every evening.

Ice cream cakes from Baskin Robbins, easy!

Fresh produce straight out of the dirt.

Sweaty socks all over my house, they come with the pitter patter of little, and not so little feet.

Recess duty

Helping dear friends to transition to new places.

Young ladies wanting to help children learn.

Older ladies wanting to help children learn.

Fun school lunch ideas.

High fives from little ones.

Bike rides with Helen before school.

Grocery shopping with older folks, making me miss my parents.

New house plants.