My Loss

I haven't really felt like blogging since I wrote my last post about G'ma O. Until today. I had another loss this weekend and I've been thinking about it and crying about it for 3 days. This weekend we went up to Idaho with John's family to raft the Snake River. That was the super fun part!

The sad part came Sunday night after we got home. I realized I had lost the ruby necklace John gave me for Christmas. I'm not sure exactly how it happened, but it could have been avoided. If only I hadn't taken it with me. If only I'd put it in a really safe spot once I realized I did have it. If only...
 The necklace was expensive so that part makes me feel really bad, but it's more about the loss of something special. He had it made for me. He totally surprised me with it for Christmas. Buying someone jewelry can be risky but he knew exactly what I liked. The size. The shape. The stone. The chain. Perfection. So thoughtful.

The jeweler has a record so I know I can have it remade someday. But for now, I am mourning the loss of my perfect gem.

The World Lost a Great Lady Last Night

The world lost a GREAT lady last night - my sweet G'ma O.

Josephine Genevive Fogliani Oxborrow

November 27, 1914 to March 10, 2013, 98 years young.

The last time I saw her was three weeks ago today. John & I had gone down over Presidents Day weekend. We sat in the study with her just chatting about random things. I loved just chatting with her. John had to return home on Saturday evening. I stayed until Monday. Sunday night, I went up to her house with Mom to tuck her in and say good-night. When we opened her bedroom door, she was kneeling by her bed saying her nightly prayers. We closed the door. When she finished a minute later, she called for us to come in. I wish I could print on paper that picture in my mind of her on her knees. That was a tender moment for me; one I will always cherish.

This photo was taken August 13 and is the last photo I have with her. We've been down several times since then, but didn't take any more photos. Wish we had.

Here are some of my favorites:

 John snuggled up to G'ma. It was a mutual adoration between those two.

 Memorial Day weekend in Lund. She's stylin' in her pink and white.

 OXFEST 08 in Moab.

We rented an RV in July of 2009 and stopped in Mesquite en route to California. G'ma came out to inspect our rig.

 G'ma and her little dog Shadow.

 G'ma playing harmonica at her 95th birthday party, with all my brothers.

 Happy 95th G'ma.

I'm pretty sure G'ma and John were teasing each other about something right before this picture. He loved to tease her and she always had a quick response.

This picture was taken after an evening of listening to G'ma play the harmonica and her organ. Jake tried the harmonica too, which endeared him to G'ma.

After we rented a travel trailer and explored Utah, we ended our trip in Mesquite. G'ma in her classic pink striped shirt and sunglasses.

Like father, like son. Before he left on his mission, Jake wanted to visit G'ma one last time. I'm glad he'll always have this photo with her.

 Thanksgiving at G'ma O's house.

 My sweet grandmas.

I love this one of John helping G'ma up the stairs. This was one month before she fell and broke her leg and wrist.

 I blogged about spending the week with G'ma after her fall/surgery. I enjoyed every minute with her.

 I love how she's cradling John's face.

G'ma O - my champ and super hero. I love you. You will be missed!!!!!!!!

September 2012

Sept. 3 - Jake emailed Jyson a lesson idea for Family Home Evening. He put 10 quarters on the table between a picture of Christ and his cell phone. First they were pointing to the phone and then you had to move only 3 coins so the pyramid pointed to Christ. Or something like that. It was cute. I'd like to say that we continued to have FHE every week after that, but that just has not been one of our strong points. I guess that's the beauty of the gospel. You just do your best and you can start over everyday.

After the lesson, we played Jyson's all-time favorite FHE game - cut the flour and dive for the nickel. We each took a turn "losing."

Sept. 8 - We took our good friend Teresa to dinner for her birthday. Texas Roadhouse. YUM!

Sept. 16 - Jake sent us a package with a family that lives in Orem and Japan. Check out those great slippers. There were some tasty candies as well.

Sept. 29 - This was a big day for Jyson. He measured just slightly above where Jake was at the same age. I'm pretty sure Jyson's growing streak will end sooner (or shorter) than Jake's, but for today Jyson was feeling good.

August 2012

Aug. 1 - Who wouldn't want this helper in your kitchen? Armed and ready to chop onions.

Aug. 11 - Lindon Days Parade, John in the Honor Guard

Aug. 13 - We went to Mesquite to visit G'ma. She is an amazing lady!

That night we went to see Aladdin at the Tuacahn. It's all about the 3D glasses.

Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 - Labor Day Weekend. I took Jyson up to Idaho to go rafting with the Lloyd family. John wasn't able to come. I love the look on Bob's face. He loved it.

Jyson & Zack getting ready for the water fights that would come...in great quantity.

The Lloyd gang. It was a fun weekend!

End of July events

July 22 - John was called as the 1st counselor in the bishopric in our ward. Here he is in his new suit off to a meeting...

One night I went over to help the bishopric with some technology. John is the youngest member of the bishopric. Our sweet Bishop (in the suit) has had to learn a lot fast. :)

July 24th - Happy Pioneer Day to us!

We hiked to Stewart Falls with John's sister, Julie and her son Zack. It was a perfect day for a hike.

July 26 - John and I went to see Wicked in Salt Lake. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!!

Desperado Dual - July 21

John signed up to ride a century in Panguitch. This is a small town in Utah slightly northwest of Cedar City. It just so happens that my dear friend & college roommate Debbie has family connections in Panguitch - it's where her parents are from and where her grandparents' house is. We all rode down together. It took a couple of minutes for the kids to warm up, but then they didn't want to be apart. 

We stopped at the local joint for dinner.

The house in the background is Debbie's grandparent's house. Right across the street is the high school track, which kept the kids entertained for hours.

Eventually we walked over to the finish line to wait for John. He texted me and said he had a flat tire but was fixing it. Then he texted and said it blew again & he didn't have another spare so he was walking the last 5 miles in with his bike. The kids were anxious to see him, so we started walking in his direction. They walked the last half mile with him.

Poor guy. He had been doing great until the tires, but he still finished.

We went to get something to eat after the race. While we were finishing it started pouring down rain. Of course the kids couldn't resist... Debbie is a meteorologist for Channel 2 news in Salt Lake, so she sent this picture to her fellow meteorologist to show on the air. The kids thought that was cool.

It was a fun trip. We'll definitely repeat that next summer.

July 8 - Birthday Girls

July 8 is my niece Morgan's birthday. This year she turned 21. July 8 is also the birthday of my niece Madison, born on Morgan's 13th birthday, which was 9 days before I married John. Cool huh.

Cute sisters! Madi got baptized on her birthday and then we had a b-day party after.

We got to meet Aaron's girlfriend Nicole. I really like her. Could she be the one???

4 generations. (Madi couldn't wait to get out of her dress & back into her blue shirt/shorts.)

3 generations - I'll take it. Aren't my mom & grandma beautiful?!

I love being an aunt. It's what kept me going during the MANY single years. Still love it!