Grams

For Christmas this year we are making a book of our favorite memories of my Grandma Oka (cousin Harmony's idea). Grams is turning 90 on January 22nd. This is one of my favorite memories of her!

I consider myself the luckiest of all the grandchildren. I get to share the one day a year that is all about me with my grandma. As far as I know I have only spent one birthday away from her in 24 (soon to be 25) years.

My earliest birthday memories are of Grams taking me to McDonalds for dinner. This is something that my grandpa would do and for a short time Grams carried on the tradition.

Grams and I have spent our birthday in a few different places. Once was in Las Vegas at the Hesley's house. Others were had over Sunday dinner and TV at Grams house. Most birthdays were spent with family. And of course all had cake.

The cake is my birthday present to Grams. For years now the tradition has been that I make the cake and Grams makes the dinner (usually my favorite, turkey, scalloped potatoes, and rice). Recently the dinner menu has changed, but nothing will ever compare to sharing my birthday with Grams.

I have been so lucky being able to share this with her and I look forward to each and every year!

Weekly Family Dinner

We have recently started having a weekly family dinner at my sisters house. It's never the same day (usually whatever day works with everyone's schedule). Cousin Hannah (also my roommate) and cousin Hali come also. I have really grown fond of these dinners. It's fun to hang out and reminisce the good old days of Sunday dinners at grandmas.

It's also nice to have real homemade food. The only other time I eat food that is not microwavable, boilable, or fast food is when I eat at Lincoln's house and his grandma cooks. We have become quite the little chefs at these dinners. This week's was chicken manicotti. After Halloween we used the pumpkins to make real pumpkin pie! It was yummy (my mother would be proud)!

Funny story, a few weeks ago we were having dinner (keep in mind that Lincoln comes to these dinners). I said a blessing on the food and mentioned something about family AND friends. After the prayer Hannah said something to the effect of, Was that friend part necessary? We're pretty much all family at this point! YAY! That makes me happy!