Sister's Weekend and HALLOWEEN

Kiana, Kaitlin, and I love to go to State Volleyball. (We love it more when my team is playing there, but they helped to cheer me up since we lost our play-in game to Monument Valley; it was sad). This year we took Tay and Kam, and we got to stay at Charis's new house. Tay even got her ears pierced. We had fun and got to see some great volleyball!

************************************************************
Halloween is always fun. My oldest three kids all wanted to be Disney characters - so Kam got to be Simba to go along with them. They were so cute. Plus, Jeep was a blind ref - hilarious. Also, my sisters and I dressed up as Harry, Ron, and Hermione. :)

Pre-school Party

Jasmine; Ariel

Mickey Mouse; Simba

Group Shot

Blind ref & me; Gryffindors

My Next 30 Years...

It's been quite an emotional roller-coaster for this girl. A couple of Saturdays ago, I turned thirty. I was not one bit excited for this one! However, I was reminded by my good friend, Charis, that my 29th year was probably the worst of my life. Don't get me wrong - I learned A LOT. And I have so many wonderful blessings, which I hope to never take for granted. With that being said, I had to welcome 30 with open arms. I don't feel old enough to be thirty, but that's ok. My life is good, and I'm so very blessed!

Jeep took me to a movie, Easy A (so funny!!!). Kiana, Kaitlin, and Dalaki went with us.
Also, Jessica and Ryan joined us for dinner at Applebee's. I LOVE blondies :)




Then, the next day I was pleased by a surprise party at my own house. THANKS TO THE PPC aka Kiana and Kaitlin. It was great to celebrate with friends and family. **Sorry - no pics; I was THAT surprised :)

Also, Charis came to surprise me, and I got a fun game from my mom - Just Dance.

So far, 30 is not so bad...

"Where's Grandpa-Great?"

Today two-year-old Trex ran into my grandpa's room looking for some Tootsie Rolls. He ran out in a panic asking, "Where's Grandpa-Great?"

I answer, "Sweetie, remember? Grandpa-Great went to live in heaven with Grandma Beth."

Trex says, "But I want to see him."

I say, "I know, Trex, me too. We just have to look at pictures and remember him. He was a good guy."

Trex agrees, "Yeah, him a good guy."



It was a bittersweet weekend for sure. I turned 30 on Saturday, which I can talk about later (I had one GREAT birthday this year and am very blessed). Then, the next day my hero died.

He'd been suffering for a long time, and I'd been missing the real Grandpa for a while now. It's just hard - the finality of it all. After this conversation with Trex, I came to truly realize how important The Plan of Salvation is. I have taught my kids that this life isn't the end. I had an answer for my son when he asked, "Where's Grandpa-Great?"

This incident led me to one of my most vivid memories of my grandpa. About 15 years ago, I sat with my grandpa in the front row of my grandma's funeral. I was 14 years old and very sad to lose such a special lady in my life. I sat there holding my grandpa's hand, listening to the songs and talks about her life. The strength and knowledge I saw in Grandpa's eyes were something I will never forget in my whole life. I could tell he missed his sweetheart, but I could also tell that he KNEW, without a doubt, that he would see her again. I wanted to know with a surety like he did. So I prayed. I prayed, and prayed, and prayed. My Father in Heaven spoke to my soul. The Gospel is true. The Plan of Salvation is real. I have a Heavenly Father and Savior who love me. And families are forever. Especially at this time, I am thankful for this knowledge. I miss you grandpa, but I know I will see you again. Thank you for everything you've done for me!

Grandpa holding Trex and Tay


I have so many memories of my grandpa - I couldn't possibly attempt to write them all. My sisters and cousins have echoed many of these. I want to thank them for that and refer you to their blogs if you need to know more about this incredible man.

Lots of Livingstons (& Spauldings)

Last month my whole family actually got together. Our good friend Amy got some pictures. I sure love these people and would not have survived this last year without them.

The whole Tribe (l to r)
Daezia-14, Kamdon-7 months, Kinley-7, Nisha-29, Tayleah-4, Jeep-30, Trexton-2, Dad-50, MahLee-11, Mom-50, Akaydeh-8, Kiana-21, Dalaki-18, Kaitlin-20, Koda-26

The two who started it all - I love my parents and am so thankful for all they do!

All the siblings

The brothers - love these guys!

The sisters; they are so beautiful- inside and out!

My cute Spaulding kids - They are such blessings in my life!