What the heck?: Chapter 2

Once upon a time...there was a beautiful little girl with big green-brown eyes and thick, curly hair and a big smile that would light up a whole, dark room. This little girl was quiet and very observant. She noticed things about her world that most other children would tend to miss. She noticed when the teacher would seem sad at pre-school and how the crayons were stacked in colored bins and how sometimes Annie wouldn't put the dress up clothes back in their proper place. She also noticed when a little boy at her school picked a flower-as a gift for her. This little girl was loved and adored by her family. From the very beginning she was a nurturer. She spent hours loving and caring for her dolls and so when her little brother, Christian, was born and his colicky nature was about to send her mother over the edge, she stepped in. Her calm, even temper was the perfect anecdote for the high strung younger brother. When Christian became too old to be the 'baby' when she was able to convince him to play HOUSE he was then relegated to being her dog. Led around endlessly, on all fours, with a ribbon tied around his neck, barking on demand. As the little girl grew, her bank account grew with her. The gift of caring for children led to many job opportunities. It also enlarged her heart and her capacity for love.
It soon became apparent that not only did she have a big heart but brain as well. :) Numbers were this girl's friend. She remembered birthdays and phone numbers and dates and appointments and times. Her family would defer to her often for a phone number or appointment time and were rarely late when she was around.
This little girl combined equal parts of heart and mind and learned to play the harp. With her older sister, they filled their home with beautiful music.
As time went on she became less quiet but still very observant. She developed a fun sense of humor and was fiercely loyal to her friends and family.
One day, when her mom wasn't looking, she grew up. On her graduation from High School, her mother looked around for the little girl and found instead a beautiful woman.
She realized though not always a fairy tale, life with the little girl had created the most beautiful story. One that continues to be written. Nervous and excited, she turned the page. Ready for the next chapter.

2010 High School graduate: Hailee Radman

The fan club (apparently in my rush to get everyone else ready and out of the door on time, I completely neglected to get myself ready.)

Hailee's greatest supporter and confidant:
Gabe has had his eyes opened and ears filled as Hailee used him as her sounding board all throughout High School.

Hailee managed to surround herself with a great group of friends. Being close to the school made our house a common lunch stop. I loved having the house filled with their chatter and energy midway through the day. I loved that they would include me in their conversations. I will miss making Hailee and Sara turkey bagel melts for lunch, listening to Sara sing at the top of her lungs, hearing them giggle, seeing the aftermath of discarded clothes after a whirlwind changing session, and the talk of cute BOYS and not so cute BOYS. But lots of talk of BOYS.

I will remember Jessie's string cheese and pear or apple at lunch every day. Her creative outfit combinations that many times she sewed herself her easy going personality and ability to include everybody in the conversation.

Hailee was also surrounded by a group of amazing boys. Amazing in their talents, their goals. their determination, and the way they treated others. Especially the way they treated others. Hailee will die when she reads this (although it will certainly come as no surprise) but these are a few of my very favorites.....(In no specific order)

Judd: