I have a teenager.

At 12:06 am on August 9, 2000 I became a mom. Brooklyn Eve has always been a lovely little lady. She is an observer, a peacemaker, and a kind soul. She reaches out to people in subtle and genuine ways.

At 13 years old she is now developing into a young woman with talents beyond what we've taught her. There is no teaching the level of order in which she keeps her drawers and bedroom, and she certainly didn't get it from her parents. She has concise skills to organize and I need some of that in my life. Thank you God for sending me this helper. 

She asks for very little. She is selfless. She had nothing on her birthday list, so I suggested that rather than a present we spend some money sending her to a "cake boss class" courtesy of my friend and cake pro Sarah Swenson Gorringe. They spent 6 hours yesterday making these little gems.   

Today's party consisted of a bunch of awesome teenagers floating the Boise river together.

We ended the day at Ann Morrison Park with friends, sun, and excellent cakes.

BIG THANKS to Grandma Susie and Grandpa Stoy for driving all our gear to and fro. We are so lucky to have you to help us!

Brooklyn, I am so happy you are a teenager now. This phase of life will be full of wonderful experiences - spanning every emotion. You are an exceptional person. Your inner strength is admirable and Dad and I want you to keep it strong as your mature into adulthood. It is so easy to be your parent, but when you need us we'll be there. We trust you, love you, and are inspired by you. We are so happy to welcome you into your teen years. Enjoy! 

Ian is 11

This boy joined us 11 years ago. I woke up at around 5 am and knew it was the day. We had been preparing Brooklyn for her little brother and told her he'd come around her birthday. We just didn't expect such perfect timing. He was born 6 hours and 3 minutes before Brooklyn's 12:06 am birthday on August 9. I guess he wanted his own day. He entered the world at 6:03 pm, 8-8-02.

He came quickly and too quietly. He came bruised and unable to breathe. He came burdened with mortality; it hit him the hardest of my three children. He was bald, blue, and so lovable. He remains lovable.

This morning he woke and opened his present. A Perplexis Epic. If you are not familiar with this toy, you do not have a child between the ages of 9-13. It has my full endorsement as it is not digital, nor does it have a screen and kids still like it.

We took the family out to breakfast at Kneaders. Yum. All the breakfast goodness you can imagine and I wasn't hungry for the rest of the day.

The Party!
Ian's buddies met at our house at 1:00 and then we headed to the Columbia Village Pool. August birthdays are perfect. If I had to have two kids in one month, August was the right month to do it.

After swimming we returned to our house for cake and presents. Ian chose a strawberry cake and then I added a layer of lemon for good measure. Three layers of deliciousness.

Quickly devoured.

I guess when it's your birthday you're the one who gets to sit on the table. 

Ian, you are tender. You are intelligent. You are irreplaceable. 

You are loved. 

Happy birthday.