Our Story

Ever look at a couple and wonder just how them met?  Here is our story:
update on 2/01/03 at bottom

Ok, a little bit just about JDPho as a family. Viet and Debra met in April of 1999 on a message board called "Good Guys Finish Last." After only a couple of days seeing each other there, Debra took a look at Viet's profile. He listed that he lived in L.A. and had a passion for art, among other things. Debra had just gone to see Van Gogh in L.A. and had enjoyed it so much, she emailed Viet to tell him about it. Ok ok so she emailed him with that to get the ball rolling so to speak. He seemed to be one of those "Good Guys" and if anything, he could be a good friend. Just what every Good Guy has too many of! Viet was surprised about getting an email from her, and replied right away. Thus started an email relationship that would last...two weeks. 

Two weeks? Are they nuts you ask?? Yes! They are! Nuts about each other. It was a fast courtship, and already they talked about what they wanted for the future! Home, kids, family, *ahem* money. The things they desired where so close, it had to be fate! Yes the hand of God had pushed these two lonely souls together over, of all things, an artist with no ear! Viet drove out on a Friday afternoon. The first thing Debra saw was...well...was Viet bent over his car writing something down while on his cell phone. She liked what she saw! I mean, when he stood up! Her heart did that flip inside her chest that she still feels today. Since he was still on the phone, she waited...and waited...*sigh*...and waited. Finally, she escaped into her house and waited for him in the kitchen where she stood drinking a glass of water, trying to calm her nerves.  It seemed like forever until he hung up. (She would find out later he was looking for work and that was what he was doing on the phone)  He knocked on the open door and with her permission came into the kitchen.  The moment of truth! Would we sink or swim? Kiss or throw up? Make it or...or...ok enough of that. It was magic! We won't make this any more mushy than it already is. Should we? Yes?! Ok!! You asked for it! Here we go...turn away now if you have a weak stomach!

It was magic! (wait...we said that...where were we?...oh yeah!) It was like two lovers meeting for the first time.  Ok it was two lovers meeting for the first time! A kiss to end all kisses, and an embrace that could send shivers right to your soul. At that moment they each knew they had met their soul mate. Their best friend, lover, companion...and so much more. (Hey, I told ya it was mushy) What they didn't know was what would happen in the next year. 

Boy, talk about a roller-caster of a ride! Viet stayed the weekend. He went back to L.A., which was two hours away from Debra, and ended up coming back only two nights later! He stayed forever after. He moved from L.A. and they were married two short months after they had met. In June, Debra found out she was expecting their first child! While, it was sooner than she ever dreamed it would happen, it was a welcomed child. In December of 1999 they found a house that they knew had the potential to be their home forever. On January 19th, 2000, their son, Colin James, was born. The 8lb 8oz baby boy was all they had hoped for and more! One week after his c-section birth, Viet and Debra moved him into their own home. A home that has since held their family. 

During the year 2000, Viet found a job that let him work from home. Though he has to travel almost 50% of the time, he has found the blessing of being able to stay at home to work. He has an incredible bond with his son, and is a great help to his wife. Debra, our published author, has spent time raising her son, working on her poetry and children's books, and these web~pages. Her goal is to someday open a web design company. Who knows, it could happen! Now little CJ has done the most! He has learned to roll over, sit up, crawl, say some 20 words, eat some food, make a mess on Mom and Dad in 2 seconds flat, stand up, fall down, walk, run (ack!),hold his own bottle, feed himself, throw food at great distances and more! Wow!! I got tired just writing that! If only we could bottle up his energy!

So, what will the new year bring? This is written as we enter the year 2001. It will be updated next year, or as something really important happens...yanno, like another addition...who knows!! Now, go ahead! Visit each of our web~pages! They are full of wonderful information about us and the things we do! You can also see us!  Oh no don't run away! Enjoy our photo album! 

One more little itsy bitsy update.  We are expecting our 2nd child this summer!  Estimated Due Date is 9/13/01, but who knows if that is the day or not.   We will keep ya updated by updating this section this summer.  What fun!

Updated!!! Feb 25, 2002

Well alot more has happened already!  Can you believe it?  Viet is now working for a company called Primerica.  The company also allows him to work from home and it has been a huge blessing to Debra and the kids.  Did we say KidS?  Why by golly you smart people, we surely did!  On September 4th, 2001, Debra and Viet welcomed a brand new baby girl into their home.  Ahhh a girl.  Debra was so relieved, two boys would have sent her over the edge right?  Ok so, Missy (Mackenzie) is a little hard to deal with too!  She had colic, would not go to sleep until 2 am, and an all around fussiness to her for the first couple months of her life, but right now is adjusting fine to the family.  CJ loves his sister and he is doing so much more as well!  He can say his ABC's, count 1-10, and a lot more.  Who knew?!  So...when will the next Pho baby be?  Heaven help us, give Debra a break!!  Let's get these two out of diapers first ok?  Sheesh people!  Do not forget to check in again for another update!  Thanks for stopping in!!

Updated Feb 1, 2003

Well that lil break for Debra didn't last long!! Debra and Viet are currently expecting baby #3 on May 15th 2003.  They are planning a home birth and skipping the entire c-section issue!! Their midwife is a wonderful lady who is happily working with them to get ready for the birth of this 3rd baby. Viet is currently working hard on a chip processor which should become a great success soon.  Debra is working on starting her own Non profit organization called The Parenting Village, doors to be open soon as well.  More updates to follow!

Go here to visit www.jdpho.com