Happy Birthday Steve!

Steve turned 22 on August 1st. This was the first year in a while that his birthday wasn't in the middle of Camp Meeting. We are late in our posting due to being in Santa Maria this past week. We are very proud of Steve or Stevo as we call him. He's a great young man that lives for God, is our drummer in the church, works at Western Credit Union and is going to school at a neighboring college. He is the life of the party....whether it's here at home or at a major conference. Buddy, we love you and pray God best for you! You make us laugh and our hearts warm by the love you show to us. It's hard to believe our little boy is all grown up!

Happy Birthday Mom!

This is a belated post to honor an incredible woman....Mom! She doesn't like her picture taken and much less put on the internet, but she is an amazing woman who we love very much. She is always taking care of her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She gives unselfishly of her time, love, money and ....food! Ha! Her homemade flour tortillas are the best. Not to mention many of her other culinary masterpieces.

Last Monday, the 19th, was her 74th birthday! We took her and Dad to "The Pantry" for breakfast and the went on to the "Garment District" and the "Alley." Later on that day we grilled some salmon with all the trimmings for her bday dinner. Debbie then brought out her favorite yogurt from "Penguin's" with a candle in it as we sang "Happy Birthday."

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy 40th Birthday Melanie!

On Wednesday, April 23 I flew to Las Vegas for a surprise 40th birthday get-to-gether for my dear friend, Melanie Elms. Sunday night, Mel's husband, David and their church, Cathedral of Pentecost in Ft. Lauderdale, FL gave her a big surprise birthday dinner that included her parents and his parents. It was there that David told her that he was taking her on her birthday to Vegas for a few days. What she did not know, was that 6 of her dear friends. . . .Myself, Mel's sister, Lori Hood, Farah, Julie Finical, Tiffany Barnaby, & her sis-n-law, Melodie Eliseo were going to be there when she arrived! Dave had the suite booked, we arrived and got busy decorating. When Dave & Mel arrived that afternoon and the door opened with all of us, what a great surprise!!! There was many surprises for Mel the rest of the week. David was a part of our party that afternoon and went to the 40th Dinner that evening at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. He flew home Thursday morning. Melody missed her plane and surprised Mel around 10:30 that night when she walked in the hotel room! Needless to say there was so much catching up with these friends! Lots of laughs, fun, shopping, eating, and just good old fun of friends getting together to celebrate a friend's 40th birthday!!

Happy Birthday Vanessa!

Happy Birthday to our daughter Vanessa! Her birthday was Saturday, April 26th. This is a belated post due to the fact that we were wanting pictures from our celebration night. We surprised her and took her to see the play "Wicked" that, contrary to the name, was an incredible performance. She didn't know where we were taking her until we pulled into the parking lot. We then went to "The Kettle" in Manhattan Beach for a late dinner. Vanessa, we love you very much!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my Mom's Birthday! Her health is great and we are so blessed. The picture above is of Mom and Dad from their New Year's card with Traveler II, Prince, & Princess. She is celebrating today in West Monroe. My brother Mark and the church are honoring her. I'm so thankful for the Godly legacy that my Mom has given to me. I have never been ashamed of her at any time in my life. I was always proud of her when she was a room Mother at my school or to walk the mall with her. I talk to Mom every day at least once! Thanks Mom for the legacy that you have passed on to me. Below is a picture of 4 generations of Foster women . . . . .Gayla, Mom, Paulla, Jennifer, Debbie, Jesi, & Jayden.

Happy Birthday Mom!! We love you!!!!