First Annual Cousins' Gingerbread House Party (Dec. 12)

Some time after Thanksgiving, I started thinking about Christmas and traditions. We have some, but I wanted to start something new. I thought it would be fun to have all of Jyson's cousins over to make gingerbread houses. I did some research. The best "glue"- royal icing with pasteurized egg whites so the kids could eat it. On one website, I saw the idea to use aluminum tins as the base. That worked well. I called my sisters and John's sister Julie. They thought it would be fun. We decided IF it was successful, we'd do it again.

Sadly, Julie & boys couldn't make it, but my sisters brought a few of their kids. Here was the table before they came:
The process begins...
Jyson, Luke, and Parker
John supervising the work.
First one finished - Madison.Parker's house.
Hunter's house.
Jyson and Luke.
Must have a funny photo.
The sister supervisors.
We decided it was so much fun that it WILL be an annual tradition. We're excited to have a little experience behind us and look forward to more "advanced" houses next year. Bring on December 2010.

Ward Christmas Party (Dec. 5)

We attended our annual Ward Christmas Christmas Brunch. They tried something new this year. While everyone was eating, Santa came around to each table and talked with each child. It worked pretty well - no long line waiting to sit on Santa's lap. Unknowingly, we chose a great table, one of Santa's first stops.
After eating, they had the Primary children sing two songs.
My little shepherd.
It was a fun party and a great way to start the holiday season.

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)...

Yep, I'm back to blogging...

Over a month has passed since I last blogged. How did this happen? This post will fast forward through the past five weeks of our lives.

Several weeks ago, our friends asked us to watch their daughter overnight. Her name is Kennedy and she's 13 months old. We started the evening by attending a carnival at the elementary school where John teaches NOVA (similar to the DARE program). John was assigned to use a radar gun to measure the speed of baseballs that the kids threw. Jyson did it several times.
Jyson also built this rocket and launched it several times. He loved it. Kennedy was very patient in her stroller all night.
After we got home it was time for bed. Jyson loved playing big brother. Kennedy played the 'ol "I drop it, you pick it up" game with game with her toys. Very entertaining.
This was taken the next morning. Doesn't she look comfy and relaxed?
After breakfast, we went to Jyson's cousin's birthday party. Kennedy crawled around. Jyson ran around. By the time we got home, this was the scene in the back seat...

A few days later it was Cub Scout Pack Meeting at the Dastrup ranch. (Dastrups are a family in our ward.) Ride, Jyson, ride...
Fall is especially beautiful in Utah this year! (The little girl is Micahl, a total cutie - I have to hug her every chance I get. The older girl is Haley, one of my Mia Maids - it's her family's ranch.)
Cub Scouts - gotta love 'em!
Jyson earned his Bobcat a few months ago, but we haven't been able to attend Pack Meeting so he finally got it this night.
The Mother's pin - I've been waiting for this moment.
Jyson, the proud new Bobcat. (He had gotten something in his eye earlier and it was a little swollen.)

We spent General Conference weekend in Elko, Nevada. John went a few days earlier than I did to help his brother re-roof his house. Here he is with his nephew Trevor:
Other helpers who came out: Nate (John's youngest brother) & Bob (John's dad).
Sunday was John's 46th b-day. His mom brought a pumpkin pie for him (his favorite). It was a pretty low-key birthday. He was actually sick the entire weekend but worked hard as usual. He rocks - what else can I say?
This is what we saw on the drive home. I was not too happy about it. Luckily it has returned to fall weather.

The next weekend, John & Jyson emptied our hot tub, wiped it down, and refilled it. Aahh, bring on the cold winter nights (but not yet).

This past weekend we went down to St. George - John, Jyson, and I along with our neighbors - Steve, Lynnette, daughter Sara. When we got there Friday afternoon, we went on a mountain bike ride on the Bear Claw Poppy Train.
91 degrees + out of shape = bright red face.
Jyson did so well. I think playing soccer has really increased his strength and focus.
Saturday morning John rode the Zion Century - 100 mile bike ride including a climb through Snow Canyon. Our neighbor Steve rode 60+ miles - it was his first road ride. Jyson and I went shopping with Lynnette and Sara. When we knew John was getting close, we waited for him near the ending point - a street in the middle of St. George. Jyson entertained himself by jumping from these power boxes. I think this is a great photo!
John finished in 5 hours, 50 minutes. Way to go babe! This was his 3rd century ride this year. He is one tough boy!
A century ride is always followed by a steak dinner. Here we are at Outback with our neighbors.
That night we all went to the Tuacahn and saw Aida. I loved it! The Tuacahn is such a gorgeous outdoor theater.
Sunday morning we headed home. We caravanned with our neighbors and took the scenic route home through Zion National Park and Panguitch. This picture was taken outside a boutique in Springdale.While it did take longer, the drive was beautiful. All in all, a great trip!
The end.