Yet, he turns 15 today. 
Monday he will be taking the DMV test for his Learners Permit. The time just goes by WAY too quickly.
We love you so much, John James. We wish you only wonderful things in life. Happy Happy Birthday
Have I told you about the time that I almost drowned in my godfather’s pool? The entire family was right there. My mom and dad, my godparents, most of my godfather’s large Italian family, and I was on the bottom of the pool.
Mom and Dad had paid for swimming lessons that summer. I was four. Dad wanted to be sure that I was safe and knew how to swim well enough so that I wouldn’t drown. I had been in the pool with my dad and he said it was time for me to get out. Although I had been taking lessons, he still had me wear “floaties” so that I would be safe. He wanted to get out first so that he could get changed and come back with a towel for me to dry off and one for my long hair too. He took the floaties off of me and told me stay there. He meant the stairs of the pool – I guess I thought he meant “that general area”. So, off the steps I went.
I was bouncing around and I guess I got too deep. I remembered that dad had told me if I ever got too deep to remember to hold my breath. About that time Aunt Catherine must have seen me on the bottom of the pool. She yelled to my Mom and Dad, “Isn’t that Cindy on the bottom of the pool?” My Dad jumped in and pulled me up. He told me that when he got down there with me, my eyes were open and my cheeks were puffed out. I was holding my breath like he told me.
I don’t really have a clear memory of this event; just my recollection of the story that Dad told me many times. I do remember being at the bottom of the pool though, holding my breath. I don’t think I was scared – but I scared the life right out of my dad. I wasn’t allowed to be in the pool – even on the steps – by myself for a long time after that!
My parents, godparents and me. I was 9 in this photo - and had mastered swimming!
I'm not so sure that he looks like Nehemiah. I think I may have accidentally made a Jedi Warrior costume from Star Wars... But, hopefully his Bible teacher won't make that connection!
John's 15th birthday isn't until the end of the month. But, he wanted to have some friends over this weekend to celebrate.
Mason & Justin
Blowing out the candles
It's funny. When they were little they would come with a small bag full of lego's or cars. Their jammies and something to cuddle with. Now, they show up with their computers and monitors and keyboards. Several trips back and forth to the car later - they are settled into one room playing computer games over the internet, while seated next to each other. I joked that it looked like everyone was "moving in" when they arrived. What a difference a few years makes.
It's hard to believe my "little boy" is going to be 15. I don't know where the years have gone. He is studying for his Learner's Permit. He'll take the test in a few weeks. Lord help me.
I hit the road early this morning to travel to Lacey WA to conduct training classes for our employees. I work for a bank and am one of the corporate trainers. I love what I do. It's very rewarding - and I think I'm pretty good at it. I love the little bit of travelling that I get to do, and always enjoy the opportunity to see employees that I don't otherwise get to spend time with.
If you haven't tried Wholly Guacamole - you should. We opened the Spicy Guac and it was fabulous. 
The evening ended with champagne, Dick Clark New Year's Rockin Eve, kisses and hugs all around and few more photos. 
