MEET CHRISTOPHER

Chris mixing up a delicious bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough, all made from scratch.

From the wise words of Christina Tosi, "March to the beat of your own drum. Live life on your own terms and don't let anyone tell you who you are and what you can and can't do." Christopher does just that; he is always one to take a challenge head on and accomplish it regardless of what he has been told. One comical example of this happened today during this baking extravaganza. It had come time to crack the eggs, he takes the egg and was planning on hitting it on the table and scooping it up and dumping it in the bowl. His mother says while laughing, "Chris it's not a hardboiled egg! You can't crack it on the table and scoop it up, it's too slippery and won't work." With a determined look in his eye, he smacks the egg on the table, pokes a hole in it with his thumb, pours it out on the table, scoops it up and puts it in the bowl. He mischeviously chuckles and looks up at his mom with the biggest grin on his face; his mother followed his wonderful performance with laughter which then spread to his sister and I soon after.

No task is ever too hard for this young man. In fact, Christopher is enrolled in a local middle school and states that his favorite subject is math. At a young age he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, but that sure hasn't stopped this intelligent individual from doing the things he loves! He plans to go on to college and become a 2nd grade teacher at an elementary school here in town. His favorite singer is Garth Brooks and could tell you every single fun fact about him. Not only does he know all about Garth Brooks, but he knows about every other famous person out there and the history of their lives. If you ever need a Jeopardy player, come find this kid because you are guaranteed a win!

Mazie being guided by her older brother with the mixer, it's almost cookie time!

Not only did I get to witness something magical, but the love and the joy I felt in this household was quite contagious. Chris' mother and father adopted him and his sister when they were first born; they, my friends, are some pretty special people. They have provided nothing but the best for these two children and are constantly working to make Chris and Mazie the happiest and set them up for a successful life. Garth Brooks once said, "you aren't wealthy until you have something money can't buy." Chris and his family are oh so wealthy; they are full of love, happiness, and determination - all of which money can't buy. I'm so thankful to have crossed paths with this wonderful family, and will be forever grateful for the knowledge gained from them.

And with that, I give you pure happiness - chocolate on smiling faces, a whole batch of cookies to eat, and best of all ~Sweet Memories~ to keep forever.