15 and Amazing

Today is Callie's 15th birthday. I'm so proud of that little girl. She's pretty cool. She's taking dual enrollment courses in 9th grade, and wants to be a pilot. She's amazingly responsible, and has never been in trouble. The biggest problem I have with her is getting to keep the cat litter boxes clean. Really, though, the problem is cats, since I'm not a big fan of them. Here's Callie on my bed with Zuri, the tolerable cat.

Callie was a difficulty pregnancy, and a difficult baby. She was very colicky, allergic to all but the most expensive formula milk, and cried a lot. As a toddler, she was a little devil. She tested the limits constantly. She'd stand by the gas fireplace and reach out to touch the key while looking at me to see if I was watching. It was like she craved my "NO!" Here she is during that time with her two favorite things--her sippy cup and her "pacie."

She quickly grew out of that phase, and went through an "I like weird things" stage. Penguins and things like this occupied her time:

Since then, she's the kind of kid that gives her Christmas money to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, wants to adopt every stray animal, and wants to hand out money to every homeless person on the street. She's the kind of kid who is absolutely gorgeous, but doesn't seem to realize it, because she's kind toward everyone.

She's the kind of kid who takes responsibility seriously, and the kind of kid you can reason with. For example, she wanted to get a nose ring for her birthday. We had a talk about the pros and the many cons, and she decided maybe she didn't want one after all. I'm thankful she's open to her mom's advice, when many other teenagers shut their parents out. She talks to me about her life, her friends, and boys. I'm glad she feels like she can come to me when she has a concern or needs advice.

Anyway, I love that little thing, and thankful God granted me such a precious gift. I don't deserve her.

Well, I was going to say a little about current events, but now, after reminiscing, I think I'll keep this post just how it is. Happy Birthday, Callie Wahlie McAllister (I nickname all my kids silly names that change all the time).

May you always stack jelly.

I love you more than life itself and am so hugely proud of you. You make my life shine, and every thought of you brings a smile to my face. You are a joy to everyone, and I hope I will always be the type of mom you deserve.