Happy Birthday Hannah

My daughter Hannah celebrates her Sweet Sixteen this weekend. She's not a party girl so no MTV type of party is happening at my house (thankfully). Hannah is a thinker, more of an 'indie' kind of kid. I've planned a surprise celebration that is very 'chill and 'cool' with a few select friends in a secret location. If I told her about it she probably wouldn't come because she does not desire attention.

I remember when she was born, in fact I remember every single detail. But of course I'll spare you. I think most mothers remember their kids birth like no other event in their life. Hannah was my second daughter and made it very clear early on that she was not going to be anything like my first. I went from a girly girl to a tomboy and couldn't be more thrilled about it.

I've seen other mother's force feed how their kids should be. I found the more we let them be who they are the more comfortable they can get in their own skin. The media tends to paint our kid in a few select ways. My Super Sweet Sixteen might be over the top but there is a labeling of teenagers that considers them partiers. I respectfully request you take a good look at the teens in her life. I find them to be quite innovative and reliable. Mine happens to be a serious bass player with a desire to learn Psychology. During a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge she told me there weren't enough phones for people to call and request help. Hannah heart is to help those who feel desperate and consider suicide. Her heart also belongs to Green Day, My Chemical Romance and Motion City Soundtrack but that's a whole other column.

She Buzz Word

• Candles
• Wish
• Celebrate
• Pin the tail on the donkey
• Right Now She Could Be

She Could be Working at a

• Party City
• Roller Rink
• Paintball Arena
• Art Gallery

She Vent

"Standing in line to mail a package shouldn't take this long"

She Phone Starter

How much holiday stuff does she do on line and off?

She View

Here's a list of the most popular Christmas TV specials. Check your local listings for show times or order through Netflix or your library:

• A Charlie Brown Christmas
• Miracle on 34th Street
• White Christmas
• A Christmas Carol
• Mrs. Santa Clause
• A Christmas Memory
• Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol
• Blackadder's Christmas Carol
• Olive the Other Reindeer
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• The House without a Christmas Tree
• Dr. Suess' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com