G'ma O turns 95!

John & I went down to Mesquite for Thanksgiving. It was a relatively small and quiet, but ever so tasty meal. The BIG event of the weekend was my grandma's 95th birthday. I've mentioned her in previous posts. The woman is amazing! and I love her immensely.

The party began with a catered dinner. After eating, the program began with my niece Maya singing, "God Bless America," one of grandma's favorite songs. Good job Maya!
The program continued with OxMen4, the band name for my four brothers, jamming to some of Grandma's favorite tunes. Marc is on the bass, Eric & Paul on guitars, and Aaron on the drums. This was total enjoyment for me. I had not heard all four together and I loved it. Their voices blend well and they're just fun to watch. Shortly after they began, they invited up a special guest to jam with them. Yep, it was my grandma on her harmonica. I'm telling you, the woman is incredible. LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!

The first video clip is from their first (and only) practice session before the party began. The next 2 clips are from the program.




Afterward, we enjoyed watching a video of her life, put together by my dad. I hadn't seen many of the older photos of G'ma O and some earlier ones of my dad and aunt. Well done Dad!

That was followed by the obligatory photo session that we Oxborrow siblings love to have. We can't help ourselves. Age order always seems to be the preference.
(Marc, Jill, Me, Eric, Aunt Kathy, G'ma O, Dad, Mom, Alicia, Tanya, Paul, Aaron)
Me, G'ma O, John - Gosh we love this lady. Have I said that already?
John is always so good to clean up after parties, and he's so good with kids. Here he is giving my niece Madison a ride on the vacuum. She loved it!
It was a great party. I so love spending time with my family. Thanks y'all. Love you!

My weekend in Colorado

I'm determined to catch up, so here's the first post:

October 23-26: I spent the weekend in Colorado visiting my sister Alicia. My niece Cora had brain surgery - scary! It went well. 72 stitches and 29 days later, she was ready to go home!
Alicia (and sometimes Chris & kids) stayed in the Ronald McDonald house near the hospital since they live almost an hour away. It was a really nice place - just sad when you think of why all the families have to stay there.
Alicia & Ronald - saying good-bye after she checked out.
Cora & I hanging out in the car while Alicia checked out. She's such a cutie pie!
I'm so glad I was able to go!

Today was monumental

Today was monumental.

During Sacrament Meeting (Fast Sunday), 2 of Jyson's friends went up to bear their testimonies. Suddenly Jyson decided he wanted to bear his. This from the boy who only gets to go to church when he's with us. He started to get up and then sat back down. He said, "I don't know what to say." I whispered a few suggestions in his ear. He got up again and sat back down again. I could see the tug-of-war going on in his head. Finally, he slid past Jake and walked up to the stand. He had to wait while 3 other kids shared their testimonies. Finally, it was his turn. He said, "I'm going to share my testimony. I know that my family loves me. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I was bursting with love and so proud of him. When he sat down his heart was beating like a rabbit's. He told Jake, John, & I to go up. We all sat for a few minutes. Time was ticking.

Suddenly Jake was walking up to the stand. He started by saying, "It's pretty humbling when your little brother is the one setting the example for you." He continued on to share that during the Priesthood lesson the week before, the leader had told the boys that he read his scriptures while he brushed his teeth - twice a day. Jake decided to try it out and said that it was the most scripture reading he's done for awhile. He said he'd really felt blessed but also felt that Satan was really trying to tempt him more. He said he appreciated his family.

By then, time was almost up. John & I promised to both go up the next Fast Sunday when both boys are with us.

What an incredible experience. I'm so grateful for the privilege of being part of their lives. Wow. I love all my boys!

I regret the title of my previous post

Did I say I was back to blogging? Whatever. I didn't post once in November. That's maddening. I even had photos loaded from my trip to visit my sister Alicia, just didn't take the time to write about it. [SIGH.] They'll be forthcoming (and back-dated)...