No, these aren’t the winning lotto numbers.  These numbers represent some big events which will take place for our family in 2013:

16 - Our middle daughter will turn 16 in June.  This now means we will have four drivers in the house (only one more to go) and will need to purchase yet another vehicle.  We are keeping the automobile and auto insurance companies in business. Not to mention all the local gas stations.  I did most of the driving lessons with daughter #1, so I think daughter #2 should be taught by her father.  It is his turn.

17 - This is the magical number.  January 17 is 17 days away.  That means that in 17 days, we will be basking in the sun down in Naples for a short get away.  I can’t fully explain how soothing it is for me to walk along the shore down by the Naples Pier and watch a breathtaking sunset.  Or stop in the Sunburst Cafe for breakfast and amazing Chai Tea Latte.  Or have the best blackened grouper dinner at a place called Steamers.  Or. . .(I could go on forever, but I won’t).

18 - Daughter #1, our firstborn, will turn 18 this year.  When she mentioned this to me the other night, I think I had an out-of-body experience.  I wanted so badly to prove her wrong on that statement, but I couldn’t.  How in the world did I let this happen?  I am in denial.  When she mentioned it again later, I told her I didn’t want to hear that again.  She needs her mouth washed out for such nasty talk.  I seriously don’t want to even think about it.

27 - I am leading a trip to Ireland this year.  March 27 is our departure date.  And I am taking daughter #1 & daughter #2 with me (along with about 40 others).  I am really looking forward to getting to experience another adventure, especially with two of my daughters.  Since 2009, I have been to China twice, Italy, Mexico and Cuba.  Wonder where 2014 will take me?

45 – Yes, this is another big birthday – only this time it is for me.  I turn 45 this year.  Hmmm.  That is all I have to say about that.

119 – We will continue on with our Christmas tradition of praying for everyone we received a Christmas Card from.  We have some major praying to do since we received 119 cards this year.  Wow.  Here’s how it works:  When we sit down for dinner, each one of us (there are 5 of us) close our eyes and draw a card from the basket.  We then have to say a prayer, out loud, for that person, family or organization, even if we don’t know them personally.  We started doing this probably 5 years ago I think.  It is a good tradition.  I do feel a bit guilty though, since I didn’t send out a single Christmas Card.  I may add this goal to my list for 2013.

There you have it, a glimpse into my 2013.  What will 2013 bring for you?