Alabama has over 6,000 foster children.

Many of Alabama’s foster children never celebrate a birthday.

On average, a foster child experiences 2 to 3 birthdays with in foster care.

I was so honored to be a part of the Big Birthday Bash for the Alabama Birthday Wish for foster children. Cory and I photographed the event and I spoke. This charity means so much to me. Not all of us can take a foster child in our home, but all of us can make a foster child feel special on his or her birthday. All children deserve to be honored on the day they are born and with this organization Alabama’s foster children will know that someone cares.  Mrs. Riley share with the group that the foster children of Alabama are our children and I so agree. It is our responsibility to plant seeds in the children’s life that will last forever!

There were so many great sponsors and many, many, incredible volunteers that came together to celebrate at the Birthday party fundraiser and I was honored to capture all the hard work in print!

I mentioned above that I spoke and I will share with you my story on why birthdays are so important. It was the eve of my 13th birthday and it was my first birthday in foster care. I remember crying while laying in bed. It seemed like such a big birthday and would anyone even know it was my birthday. The next morning I woke up and didn’t want to leave the room. I dragged myself out of bed and walked into the common room. I was greeted with loud, happy voices saying “Happy Birthday!” and later there was a cake just for me. They remembered. This organization is remembering for our state’s children and that is what they need.

On a neat side note, my foster sister (who is now an incredible foster mom!), attended the event. I haven’t seen her in years (but we do talk on a regular basis). I didn’t find out she was coming until the morning of the event. I was so excited to see her and catch up! We even snapped our pictures with the Governor.

Ok, I am biased but these are exceptional young men! Of course, they are my nephews and I couldn’t be any more proud. They are not only great kids but they are just fun to be around! Elijah adores everything they do and both boys treat him so special. What more could an aunt want? Cory took both of these snapshots. One is from the oldest nephew’s birthday and the other is from the boys playing on the balcony at the beach. Thanks for letting me brag!

Watching Polar Express…

Waiting on Cake!

Hanging out with buddies!

Looking for friends to arrive…

Isn’t she beautiful? Look at her eyes!

You are singing to me… I know it!

Here is Elijah wishing the train was his toy!

We were a part of a birthday party in late December. The guest of honor was turning two and we were excited to be there. The mom is my best friend from high school. I think we met when I was 12, and I don’t think I have a friend that I have known longer. Our kiddos are less than a year apart! And if you notice from the last picture, they are expecting another girl in the next few months. The party was great and so much fun. Elijah didn’t leave the new train table the birthday girl received except to partake in cake. What kid wouldn’t leave for cake?