Graham Wedding Weekend

We enjoyed a weekend in Kingwood celebrating the wedding of Grant Graham and Britany Eaves. On Friday several of the Onya Sisters headed for Kingwood to prepare the rehearsal dinner venue (husbands joined us for the wedding on Saturday). Teri had put together gorgeous flower arrangements for the tables, so it was just a matter of putting out the arrangement and candles. You would think it was a simple task, but somehow it took us three trips from the hotel to the restaurant. We had a great time of fellowship, food and laughter. The wedding and reception were beautiful and our prayer is for a long and God-honoring marriage for Grant and Britany.

Mmmm Blue Bell

Over spring break Heather and I, (along with Betty Ruth, Tiffany, Noah and Darlene) took the boys to Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham. It was a beautiful day and we were glad we got there early to escape the huge crowd. It seems everyone had the same idea for an outing with their kids. As we were leaving the line awaiting the tour was extremely long.

We enjoyed a brief tour of the creamery and the special treat of a bowl of ice cream of our flavor choice at the end. The kids enjoyed donning their ice cream worker hats, the tour, bouncing in the Blue Bell ice cream carton (see photo), and taking photos on the Blue Bell cow statue and train. The wildflowers on the trip down to Brenham and back were spectacular...I would love to take a trip there again to capture some photos of the flowers.

A Day in the Life of Austin

For about the past 10 months, Austin has been receiving IVIg (intravenous immunoglobulin) infusions once per month at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. These infusions have been very successful in stabilizing his lung infections and he has not been hospitalized since last summer! Steve and I offered to give Heather and Kevin a break (and save sick leave), and we took Austin down to TCH this month. He spent the preceeding night with us and we left about 6:30am. He was also on IV antibiotics so he had those on the trip down to Houston.

We arrive a little past our appointment time because of rush hour TRAFFIC in Houston...traffic in all caps because you have to experience it to know how congested it can get!

Everyone in the Pulmonary area seems to know Austin, I guess since he has been coming there regularly since he was six months old. Austin has the routine down and knows exactly where to go and what to expect next.

At Texas Children's, as you might expect, they know how to keep children distracted and happy so they offer video games and movies during his infusion, which takes roughly three hours to complete. The pulmonologist will be writing the insurance company again soon to request another six months of IVIg therapy. Please pray that the insurance will continue to pay for his treatments....it is no small request....the infusions are $10,000 each, but worth every penny for stable and improved lung function! Just a note, if you think this photo layout looks a bit strange, I used an effect called "gritty" for these photos--it seemed appropriate for Austin.

Happy Birthday Andrew!

We joined the Alexander family and all Andrew's friends for a 5th birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese in Austin last weekend. We had a great time, especially seeing how much Andrew loved his party, friends, cake and gifts. It's all about the cake. Shauna would not admit it, but she is extremely talented at cake decorating. This year Andrew wanted a "Mario" cake and Shauna created this fantastic cake. People were coming over at Chuck E. Cheese ooing and aahing over the cake. The photos do not really do it justice. It was unbelievable and tasted great as well.

Andrew is a sweet, sensitive boy and we have so enjoyed watching him as he grows. He is very imaginative, loves music, video games, and anything in nature and outdoors. Can't believe he will already be going to Kindergarten next year. We love you Andrew and look forward to many more years of celebrating with you.

Prospective Teacher?

Kylie is an 8 year old with extraordinary imagination. She couldn't wait to show us what she had purchased for her room with her saved allowance. Surprise! - it was an overhead projector. She loves preparing her lesson plans, daily calendar and seating charts for the class she pretends to teach. It is great for art projects as well and anywhere her imagination will take her. She informed us that it was portable so she could take it to a friend's home or elsewhere in the house. Papa and Nanie love your imagination and creativity....we look forward to where it takes you in the future.

Onya Birthday Celebration

Diane and her Sudoku-mind figured out there is a two week period each year when each of the ladies in our Bible study is a different age. Therefore, the "First Annual All Onya Birthday Celebration" was born. This year is also Teri's 50th birthday and since she is the last in the group to turn a half century old, we decided surprise her at the party. We all met at Pebble Creek early for Sally to put black netting over our faces which added just the right touch to our all-black apparel. The chairs and table were adorned with black and "over the hill" balloons to add to our festive moods. We all enjoyed dinner, group photos, watching Teri open gifts and fellowship together. We then headed out to Barbara's beautiful new home to enjoy cake, housewarming gift for Barbara, sharing hilarious birthday cards and serenading Teri with an Onya rendition of "Teri Lou" (lyrics by our own Salpal). All in all it was a memorable evening and we will look forward to a repeat celebration next year!

Hollon Photos from Italy

David and Melissa in the Coliseum in Rome....can't imagine what it must be like to be standing where Christians were martyred so many centuries ago.

St. Peter's Square and Rome from the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica.

Duomo, Giotto's Tower and the Baptistry in Florence.

David and Melissa in the Tuscan countryside.

What Happens In Vegas....

Actually, not much happened that would have to stay there! Steve was invited to speak to a sales group at the national physical therapy convention regarding research he has done with the Hydroworx underwater treadmill. I decided to tag along. Besides the meetings he attended and his lecture, we enjoyed strolling the Las Vegas strip and exploring the gorgeous hotels and shopping areas. The hotels are really fantastic, each having their own theme. We thoroughly enjoyed our few days of spending time together, relaxing and exploring.

Happy Birthday Melissa!

What a treat to be in Rome for your 25th birthday. This will be one you will never forget. Speaking of never forgetting....we will never forget the night you were born. We were out with friends at a restaurant celebrating Valentine's Day when my contractions were just too strong to ignore anymore. Our friends took care of Heather and Shauna and your Dad and I were settled in at the hospital by about 8:00pm and you were born at 9:20pm. Melissa, you have been a great blessing in our lives. Your sweet nature, innocence, loyalty and faith are so precious to all who know and love you. You are a godly young woman and wife and will be a great mother someday. We love you Melissa.

Hollons from Dubai

Below is skiing facility inside the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai where the Hollons are vacationing.

Here's Melissa, David, Jim, Benjamin and Jonathan Hollon at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai where they skied indoors. They are visiting David's brother, wife and sons who work overseas and they have met along with David's parents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for a few days.
Melissa and David will then go on to Italy for two weeks. Today they will be going on a desert safari (whatever that is?!) and hopefully will be sending photos and keeping us posted along the way. Below is a photo of the world's tallest building in Dubai.

Here is Benjamin Hollon, David and Melissa's sweet nephew. He is so cute!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy 39th Valentine's Day to my one and only. Lots of love to all my friends and family as well. Hope this day finds you praising God for all our blessings and especially for His love for us.

Girls Weekend

Last weekend was fabulous....because I got to spend it with my daughters! We had a girls weekend hosted in Houston by Melissa. Heather and Shauna went to Houston on Friday evening and a little pampering was in order in the form of manicures and pedicures followed by a long wait on dinner at Cyclone Anayas. Steve and I had a Christian Faculty Network banquet Friday evening so I didn't make it down on Friday. On Saturday morning they drove out from Houston to Cypress and I came in from College Station to meet them at the Houston Outlets where we did some very serious bargain shopping. We then headed back to Melissa's followed by a delicious dinner at the Grand Lux topped off by homemade style strawberry shortcake--so yummy! It was getting late so we decided on a 10:25 pm movie and stopped off first at Starbucks for a little "stay awake" coffee (peppermint mocha). The movie "Slumdog Millionaire" was really a good choice. Sunday morning we worshiped together at Melissa's home church, Second Baptist, then enjoyed brunch at Buffalo Grille. We had a great time sharing, laughing, eating and just being girls.

In the back of my prayer journal is one of my favorite verses that always makes me just stop and praise God-- 3 John 1:4 "No greater joy can I have than this, to hear that my children follow the truth." Spending time with three godly young ladies, who just happen to be my daughters, is cause for great thankfulness.

Happy Birthday Shauna!

Shauna, here's wishing you a very Happy 31st Birthday. I know you are just thankful to be spending the day with your family. It was very snowy and nearly blizzard conditions when we left Granby, Colorado for the hospital in Kremmling which was about a one hour trip. The contractions were getting very strong on the ride through Byers Canyon and I think your dad was getting a little nervous. We arrived at the hospital at about 8am and your were born at 9:19am. Praise God!

You have been a tremendous blessing in our lives from that moment forward. Your calm, sweet spirit has been a real gift. People have always been drawn to your quiet faith and benefited from your God-given wisdom. May the Lord continue to bless your life as we thank Him for the gift of a godly daughter. We love you Shauna.

Houston Marathon

On Sunday, January 18, 2009, David Hollon and his friend, Jonathan Lusk, ran the Houston Marathon (26.2 miles). Steve, Melissa, Jim Hollon and I traveled the route taking the guys sustanance (gatorade, energy goo, salt tablets and other snacks) to help keep them hydrated and energized for the race. We were at mile 7, mile 14, mile 22 and at the finish to cheer them on. David achieved his goal and ran 3 hrs 36 minutes in only his second marathon. Great job! It was a beautiful day and it was inspirational to see some of the 20,000 people who participated in the marathon and half-marathon. Congratulations David on achieving your goal.

Gift Sunday School Party

Yes, I know this is a little late....but our Gift Sunday School class means so much to Steve and I that I wanted to post about our party which was held on December 11, 2008. Steve has taught Sunday school for nearly 24 years and this class for a good portion of that time. We had a Christmas party that Teri Nelson so graciously hosted. We enjoyed delicious food, a white elephant gift exchange and fellowship. We also had a service project associated with the party as we brought diaper and wipes for the Hope Pregnancy Center. We love you Gift Class.

Onya Sisters

Please enjoy the scapblogs above of a JOYful group of friends. (You should be able to click on each one to enlarge) We have enjoyed many good times together and look forward to many more. "If one falls down his friend can help him up" Eccelsiastes 4:10. "A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17. These verses are lived out in my friends. May the Lord truly bless each of you. Onya, Jana

Happy Birthday to Nathan..from Darth Vader

Nathan had a big surprise for his 3rd birthday party..... Darth Vader came to wish him a happy birthday. Family gathered at Grammy's house for Star Wars cake, ice cream, gifts and a special visit from Darth. Nathan was a bit scared at first.....it was so exciting to have Darth Vader at his party. Several of the partygoers took turns dueling Darth with their light sabers and Vader also posed for pictures with everyone. I think Nathan had a third birthday he won't soon forget.

A Night in Bethlehem

I am slow with the holidays in getting pre-Christmas happenings posted.....

Our church, Central Baptist, hosted "A Night in Bethlehem" for the young children. I attended with Heather, Austin, Ty, Nathan and their cousin Noah. Church members were dressed in period clothing and the foyer was turned into a Bethlehem-type scene. The kids were able to make an ornament, work with pottery, knead their own bread and put hay in the manger for baby Jesus. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their "Night in Bethlehem".

President Bush in Aggieland

President George W. Bush chose to make his last commencement address at Texas A&M University on December 12, 2008. The public was allowed to get tickets, so Steve and I attended the the event and we were so glad we did! He was introduced by his father (George H.W. Bush) and mother (Barbara). His speech was both humorous and inspirational as he spoke about heroes, integrity and doing what is right, no matter whether it is popular. We were delayed in the arena after the address and watched from the windows as Marine One along with the other military helicopters left the area. It was a memorable day!