Having an adolescent is keeping me so hip! Rachel convinced me to try black nail polish the other day. It lasted about 24 hours.

Rachel is pretty fixated on appearance. I have been talking with her about the importance of who we are, not just what we look like, but she is a cute girl and that has been something she has been able to depend on, so it's going to be a struggle for her.

Some days Rachel becomes controlling about my appearance. She wants to do my make-up, pick out my outfit, comment on every clogged pour and stray hair. The other day I said "I am so sick of talking about physical appearance. I don't want you to talk about anything having to do with my looks." She said "ok" and went about her business. A little while later she came over and sat in my lap, looked into my eyes, and said "Brooke, I think I'm falling in love with you," I said, "AWWW thanks Rachel I am falling in love with you to," and then she added "and it's all because of your physical appearance." What a stinker! I am glad she has a sense of humor. Laughter gets us along ways!