Happy 22nd Birthday, Phoenix!

Today my oldest child, Phoenix, turns 22.

We'll be having dinner with him and girlfriend Olivia tonight. I'm excited! 

          Phoenix & Olivia, last Christmas

It's hard to believe that he's 22. It doesn't seem like all that long ago, when after six hours of labor (four of which I slept through), they placed that sweet little baby in my arms. 

As an added bonus, here's what I saw on Phoenix's Facebook feed this afternoon:

I'm a proud mama, indeed! 

          Phoenix's 21st birthday 

Now lately, there was some question as to whether or not Phoenix is her real name. Rest assured, it is. 

          Jonathan's Phoenix tattoo

He's named after an ancestor of mine, who worked on the Cherokee Phoenix, the first Native American newspaper. And it's a great name, if I do say so myself. 

         Phoenix's 18th birthday tattoo

My birthday wish for Phoenix this year: enjoy your studies, be open to new friends and new experiences, and have dinner with your mother every now and again. ;-)

          Phoenix as Jafar from "Aladdin"!

          HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PHOENIX!!!