November 1

I am blessed to have you on this journey of life. Can you believe we are both in our 30s? Who would have ever guessed? lol I love you... I am very proud of you and the man of God you have become. Happy Birthday, Jason.

My Birthday

It happened. My birthday came (much to my dismay) and went. The best part, like always, was all the gifts.


First, one of my adopted mothers, Sis. Ojeda, cooked a homemade Mexican meal for me, David, and Brandon. It was wonderful. She made homemade enchiladas, beans, tortillas, rice, beans, tortillas, pueblo chili, beans, tortillas, and salsa. It was yummy. I ate so much food I felt as if I was border line in committing a sin.

Eloiza, another part of the adopted family, made me her homemade Candy Bar Cake. No one makes Candy Bar Cake like her. It was good- and still just as good the next day! They spoiled me.



Next, my Aunt Ann, who is probably one of the greatest Aunts in the world, bought my cousin and I tickets to see ‘Casting Crowns’ in concert at the Kay Yeager coliseum. It was INCREDIBLE!

We had fantastic seats. My Aunt paid for everything, and because she is a manager at the coliseum, we had all kinds of free drinks and snacks all night long. In truth, in was just as cool being at the concert as it was being brought free snacks and drinks to our seats every 30 minutes or so. We had so much fun. Thank you Aunt Ann- I love you!

The group was incredible. The whole group was here; with all the instruments and singers, I think they sounded better live than on the album. I was able to try out the record feature on my new camera. The place was packed... you really cannot see all of the people until the lights come up.

I missed my seeing my brother and having my parents very much. I can’t stand that my Father and Mother will never be here for another birthday or special occasion. They left me with so much though. They left me with family who loves and cares for me. Who support me and give me a reason to stay strong.

They left me with my church. Something to pour myself into and in return become filled. Of all of the gifts I ever received, it is perhaps those two that will give continually throughout my life. These days I so often think of all the 'things' I used to want. Life certainly has a way of teaching and changing you.

It was a good birthday. Hope you enjoy the pics!

This Day In History

On November 1, 1979 one of the most amazing things happened. My oldest-youngest brother was born! There are no words that can express my love for my brother. I love him with all of my heart and I am so very thankful that God blessed me with the gift of brotherhood.

In celebration of his birthday, I am including a list of interesting facts that you may or may not know about him. (I do this with love, of course!)

1.) Did you know that Jason was supposed to be a girl? Apparently, he was so modest in the womb that he would never allow the doctors to 'see' exactly what he was. His female name would have been Jennifer. (I love you Jason!)

2.) Jason used to be covered in freckles! Still to this day I keep a picture of him, at seven years old, on my desk. He is smiling- like usual- so big that his eyes are almost completely shut and he is completely freckled out. He hates the picture, but it is one of my favorite, and it will probably always be on my desk!

3.) He used to love cheese so much, that he would go to people's refrigerator and say, 'eese, eese'. My mother used to say how embarrassed she would get. He still really likes cheese- the stronger and stinkier the better.

4.) In the very middle of Jason's first grade class picture you will see Jason smiling and holding Scott- his Cabbage Patch doll. My mom told him he would always regret taking Scott to school and having him in the picture- but it sure has been a great laugh seeing it all these years. I am so glad she let him!

5.) After all the years of looking he actually really did marry someone a lot like me! Can you believe it? Is that scary or what? (I love you Julie!)

Just a few little things I thought you all might like to know about my brother on his birthday! I love you Jason. I hope you have had a wonderful day!