I'm back....

Hey there everyone…..to answer everyone’s burning question….Yes I am still alive!! I took a leave of absence from blogging…haha…I know I know, I’m a slacker! But I hope you can forgive me after this LOOOONG post, filled with pictures. I am going to start a newsletter called “What I’m up to.” And it will say, well.....what I’m up to. So be looking for that.

So here are some pictures of what these past couple of months have been like in the krazy life of Kaitlin Jo. This first picture is of me in my ugly sweater. Our roommates got into the holiday spirit by all acquiring some ugly sweaters and taking roommate pictures; fully equipped with mugs, presents, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and our awesome sweaters. After spending about an hour of my time in this epic sweater, I began to think it was alright. So I might be adding it to my wardrobe….

The next picture is the craft project of The Livingston/Spaulding families. Nish had the amazing idea to make gifts this year, so I hopped on the band wagon and made a few of my own for the Durfey family and some of my friends. It was so much fun being crafty, as well as spending some quality time with Nish.

This group of pictures sums up a trip to St. George with Kiana, my mom, and my dad. We always have a great time rocking out, especially to Austin, by Blake Shelton. I get goose bumps every time! ;) We got hammered with snow in M-town, and Washington County got hit with rain. This reservoir hasn’t had water in it for so long…so I snapped a picture to show just how much rain accumulated. We had a lunch date with the parental at Olive Garden…it was DELICIOUS as usual.

This group of pictures is a couple snapshots of Christmas with the tribe. To my dismay, we had matching pj’s this year thanks to Kiana. I thought she had had enough of dressing alike when we were little! We also went to The Station for dinner during the break. Nish had a little mishap when the fortune cookies were being passed around… The Chief thoroughly enjoyed the show she put on. Next are pictures of Trexton Adorable Spaulding cuddling with me. He is such a sweetheart!! He fell asleep on me sitting straight up..... on my neck! It was crazy, but I couldn’t stop laughing, which was a hard thing to do, seeing how he was cutting off my airway…but I handled it long enough to have someone take a picture. Christmas was amazing as usual. I love my family so much and loved every minute of the break. I sure missed Grandpa this holiday season though.

The next group…sister pictures!! I love each of my sisters so much. They seriously are my best friends. I don’t know where I would be without them. Don’t ya love how we add a few more with each picture?

I got this great idea from my friend Libby. To start out a new tradition of a very organized Christmas dinner… where each food spelled out CHRISTMAS DINNER. It was a complete success!

Corn, Ham, Rolls, Ice, Stuffing, Turkey , Mashed potatoes, Applesauce, Strawberry salad.

Drinks, Icing, Nuts, Nutmeg, Eggs, Raspberry jam.

The next group shows a wonderful trip to Wayne County. Oh how I love this place! The Durfey family is so good to me! Kiana and I decided to take Akaydeh along for the ride, so she could get some one-on-one time….she had a blast. There was a bit of a flood going on…but don’t you fret, Michael Scott hopped on a tractor and got things under control by building a dam. Also, Maddi loved the hat I crocheted for her.

These two pictures are how I spent most of my Christmas break…..crocheting and puzzling. They both are great stress relievers! I know that they are a bit elderly to be doing for a young 20 year old, but oh well! I love to crochet things, as well as kick back, open a can of Mt. Dew, and do a puzzle. (I figured out where I get my puzzling skills from…The Chief! We had so much fun doing this puzzle!)

The past couple of months have not passed without lots of laughs, tears, great memories, and love. But as I wrap this post up I can only think to myself....Maybe I shouldn’t procrastinate so much….

Yay for sleepovers!

Yesterday Kiana and I were able to have my cute niece, Tayleah Reese Spaulding, spend the night with us. She is such a fluppin cutie! Nish had to come over to run a few errands, and we insisted that she let Tay spend the night with us in good ole C-Town.

We had great fun talking, making jokes, watching movies, getting ice cream, and sleeping. Tay's spunky personality is so contagious! She keeps me on my toes...by reminding me what we can't say....:) i.e. hate, shut up, etc....(shhh! don't tell her I typed them) She also has THE cutest laugh! For as long as I can remember, she would crawl up onto my lap, raise up her arms and say, Kait, tickle me! How adorable is that?? So I would of course tickle her upon her requests :)

My world stopped last year in November when I couldn't tickle my Tayleah, because of the i.v's, stitches, nausea, etc. I would just have to sit and hold her tiny hand while I watched her go day in and day out of being sick. It broke my heart watching her go through the roller coaster of the tumor, cancer, chemo, shots, iv's, etc.

As I laid her down to sleep last night, (she had fallen asleep on me while watching a movie), I wrapped my arms around her small body and hugged her while tears fell from my eyes. I thanked my father in heaven for this moment. I thanked him for letting this cute and spirited angel continue to be in my life. I thanked him for healing her so she can once again climb into my lap and plead, tickle me Kait. I thanked him for Primary Children's Hospital, because without it, neither one of us would have beem lying in my bed that night. I am so grateful for Tayleah Reese.

The First Thanksgiving...well not really, but close!

This past Thanksgiving was one to remember. The tribe had the opportunity to go down to visit our Grandma Livingston in New Mexico. This usually ends up being about eight hours in a jam packed car...but with the weather bein' crazy, this trip took about eleven hours! That is a long time in a car! But there is never a dull moment with our family. We caravan-ed down in the good ole mini van and The Spauldwin's SUV...or whatever it is called.

We finally pulled into Coyote Canyon around 9pm. It was so great seeing Grandma! Every time we take a trip down there, I am humbled. I am truly blessed to live the life I have. (FYI-Grandma just got electricity a couple of years ago...gotta love the rez!) I also am so very grateful for Grandma's cookin'!! She makes the best stew and tortillas!

We woke up bright and early, thanks to the Spauldwin skids. (They have been sick and it makes me so sad :(, but they are champs and I love them so much!) We watched the Macy's Day Parade. My absolute favorite parts were the dancing penguins and the pizza dough flippers! haha!! It was great.

I spent most of my time crocheting....I know that sounds old lady, but oh well! I love to crochet! I finally finished my very first blanket! I started it right after Dallon left....ha...so I've had plenty of time to get it done...oh well...I finished! That is all that matters! I then started to make headbands for everyone. It was great.

Dinner was absolutely delicious! Grandma and Aunt Jalula did a wonderful job. As usual, I ate too much. But that is what Thanksgiving is all about, right? Kiana also made Jeep a pilgrim hat, so it was like the first Thanksgiving!! haha! We made him and my dad pose :)

I am so very grateful for every blessing I have in my life. Throughout the month of November, I put something I was thankful for each day on my facebook status. (Give me a break, I work in a computer lab;) So I won't go into great detail about my specifics of thanksgiving in my life...just read my latest posts, or hit me up on facebook :) I hope your Thanksgiving was a magical as mine was :)