17 Already!

I have to say that today I feel older than usual. I am in shock that my oldest child is already 17. Where did the time go?

Happy Birthday Caleb

Here are some memories Dad and I have of you for each year!

Birth: I couldn't wait to hold you. The hospital took you away because you had amniotic fluid in your lungs and were breathing badly.

1st year: We lived in Rexburg, Idaho and you had just learned to talk and walk. Your first word was "No" and your second was "IGHTS" for Lights. You were fascinated by electricity.

2nd year: We lived in Pocatello, Idaho and you shared your room with Daniel since he was just born. You loved seeing the sprinklers come on outside our apartment and would run to the window to watch them pop up.

3rd year: You were a super helpful child and loved to stand on chairs to get what you wanted from the counter. I was finally able to potty train you and we would frequently get written up from management of the apartment for you getting caught peeing outside.

4th year: You started a pre-school and loved it. Still fascinated by sprinklers, we now would get written up all the time for you getting into the Sprinker control box at the apartment complex. You had learned how to turn them off and on and switch their water schedules. I was sure we'd be kicked out of Kirkwood Meadows.

5th year: You started Kindergarten in Pocatello and I cried.

6th year: 1st Grade and a super helpful big brother to your 4 younger siblings, your sister was just born this year and you adored her and took care of her so I could take short naps.

7th year: You loved the piano. We would sit together and you would request songs for me to play for you. This year we moved to Iowa. You started 2nd grade.

8th year: You were baptized by your Father.

9th year: 4th Grade at Lucas Elementary. You were adored by all your teachers.

10th year: You were in 5th grade and very mature for your age. You came with me to many of my Saturday afternoon Pampered Chef parties. Everyone thought you were great. When I would leave the room you would sell products and people were fascinated that you knew so much about Pampered Chef. You started playing percussion this year and seemed to love it.

11th year: 6th grade and last year at Lucas Elementary. You made some great friends this year. You helped Dad rebuild the deck to the house. You were a monkey and broke your arm. You sang your first solo this year.

12th year: First year in Middle school at South East Junior High. You were on the swim team and you also got into your first fight. We caught you holding a girl in your arms at Mercer Park - we were not impressed. You were also ordained a deacon and got braces.

13th year: We moved across town to a new house and a new school. You were not impressed and threatened to wear your Southeast Jr. High shirt to Northwest Jr. High picture days. Busted teeth and a broken arm. If only you had not been watching those stupid spinklers while riding your bike. Girls became even more interesting and you went to your first dance (without my knowledge).

14th year: High School. Early morning seminary. Got a job. Grew about 2 feet. We are not sure what else you did that year.

15th year: You found show choir. You made the prep show choir and realized you had found something for which you had a real talent. You also were able to go to Philmont and payed for it yourself.

16th year: More girls and more singing. All-State Choir for the first year. You made the Good Time Company this year and landed a big solo. One good thing led to another and you tried out for and made Celebration Iowa. One of only 20 students in the entire state to make it. You spent 2 months singing and dancing your way across Iowa. Your parents were very proud. Oh, and by the way, you became the new Drum Major (didn't tell us this one, either).

17th year: I guess we will see.