Path.et.ic.

Guys. I just realized that in the last year, I have posted 3 times (Bethany, shh.). I have so much to tell all of you! So many things to document! Stay tuned. For REALS. Mmmmk?

-Kaits

April 28, 2012 - Wedding Day Memories

4/28/12 was officially the best day of my life... well maybe not, because the entire honeymoon was just as fantastic. But the wedding day was especially priceless. I want to remember everything. Every detail. So it is time for me to record.

I remember how late we stayed up setting up for the reception. I was so exhausted when I finally went to bed that I fell right to sleep, and didn't wake until the alarm went off. After that I was VERY awake ;)

I remember how Sam told me on the way to the temple that he had accidentally ran a red light that morning when he was coming to pick me up. His mind was on other things.

I will never forget how I felt sitting in the celestial room with Sam before we went in to be sealed. Everyone else in the room (there for other sessions) randomly left, leaving Sam and I alone for a moment with only the temple worker in the corner. Silence except for the occasional whispers between my sweetheart and I, and basically heaven on earth.

I always remember how I never thought I would cry, and then as the sealer pronounced blessings and promises upon us, tears streamed down my cheeks. I thought my heart would burst with joy and love.

I remember how beautiful my sisters (Audrey included!) and my mother looked, and how handsome my brothers and my father looked.

I remember getting dressed in the bride's room with my mom, and how she cried and told me I looked beautiful.

I remember how sick Ammon was, and that he still came. He will never know how much it meant to me. I love you Ammon.

I remember Bethany and Jessica and Kaylee at the temple, my three dearest friends, who hugged me and celebrated and made the day more beautiful than it already was. 

I remember Sam's family (now part of my family!) and how beautiful all of the girls looked. I love each member of his family even though I have not gotten a chance to spend a lot of time with them. 

I remember how Sam looked. He glowed. He is the most handsome man in the world.

I remember how my bouquet was everything I wanted it to be, and how it smelled so sweet all day long. It is sitting on a shelf in our room right now, drying. It is fragile, but still looks beautiful. I am not ready to throw it away yet.

I remember Audrey snapping a million photos and Ben following us around with the camcorder, documenting the happiest and silliest and weirdest moments of the day.

I remember Tanner, and how he brought laughter and joy to the entire day. I love his humor. He can make me laugh like no one else in this world can. 

I remember riding back to my house with Sam, and how both of us just kept repeating that we were finally married! And that we didn't feel much different, but we were now husband and wife. It was fun and strange.

I will never forget how gorgeous the reception was. It was EVERYTHING I have ever dreamed of and more. Here is a shout of thanks to all of you who helped. You know who you are, and I am so grateful!

I will never forget cutting the cake, and how I had threatened Sam that if he ruined my dress with the cake, I would be very upset. He was kind, and sealed it with a kiss :) But even more than cutting the cake, I remember looking at my parents right after, seeing my father hugging my mother with tears streaming down his cheeks. Later, he came and held me in his arms and whispered "Kaitlyn, I will miss you. I will miss you very much. But I am so happy for you. You look beautiful."

I remember friends coming from far away places to hug me just for a moment in the busy line. I love them dearly, and hope they know how much it meant to me that they came.

I remember how incredibly happy I was, and still am. It is amazing to start your own family. To love, to laugh, to cry, to hurt, to hold hands, to travel, to sing, and to do everything together. Sam reminds me often that we are no longer I's, we are We's. Everything we do now, we do together (for the most part, that is). We are more in love than ever, and so grateful for each other. And I think I am starting to understand how one can truly have a "Happily Ever After." I have found mine. Happily Ever After doesn't happen at the end, it happens all along the way.

Here's to infinity. 

The Proposal

I told myself weeks and weeks ago that I would write this post. But then life got crazy busy all at once, and I haven't slowed down enough to hardly breathe. No excuses... this was possibly the most magical night of my life up until this point, and I need to record it so that I don't forget. Sorry about the nit-picky details that none of you care about. I care about them, so you get to endure them for my sake.

First off, some back story: The Sunday before the proposal, my dad left late to "go to the church." I had suspicions that he was going to his office to wait for Sam to come talk with him, and my suspicions were confirmed when Sam suddenly had to leave just minutes after my father walked out the door. I just knew he was going to ask for my hand. EEEK! However, my suspicions were shot down when my father got home and I jokingly asked "So what did you and Sam talk about?? ;)" He looked me straight in the face and asked me what in the world I was talking about, and that Sam had not even contacted him about setting up a time to talk. Literally, I have never in my life seen my father lie this well to keep a secret. After a few minutes of heavy duty lying on his part, and me trying really hard not to believe it, I fell for it, and tried to put the idea out of my mind.

Now for the actual day.

On February 3, 2012 (Friday) I remember driving to school with my mom. She had to take me because for some reason I had slept in that day, or I didn't have class... I don't exactly remember. But in the car, I remember talking to her and asking her when she thought Sam would propose. She told me that she honestly didn't know. My mother is an expert secret keeper as well (I guess it just runs in the family...?), and she brainstormed and speculated with me. I told her that there was a small chance it could happen that night, because Sam FINALLY had work off on a Friday night! But probably not... because he hadn't talked to my dad yet right?? RIGHT.

After a normal Friday filled with school and work, Sam picked me up and we went over to his house so that he could clean up a bit (he had just gotten his hair cut). He had made reservations at a restaurant called La Jolla Groves, which neither of us had been to. When we got in the car to go, he said "Ok, so I thought of something for us to do tonight. But it is kind of a surprise. I will give you a clue though." He pulled out a lighter from he back of his car. I immediately asked if we were going to make a fire. He said yes! I was happy (and completely clueless) and excited, I love making fires, and I was just happy to be out with the man I love on a Friday night.

Dinner was fantastic. Sam treated me to Italian soda, an appetizer, and salmon which was absolutely divine. We would have gotten dessert, but both of us were stuffed... so we decided not to. (We even ran into Mica and Adam while we were out!) Now, some of you may be wondering why I had not gotten a clue yet. But in all reality, this was not that unusual for Sam. Whenever we have a scheduled date, he ALWAYS likes to go to nicer places and he ALWAYS gets me whatever I want :) So I assumed he was just being his wonderful self (which he was).

After dinner: we climb in the car again. I asked him where we were going to make the fire. He nervously said "Kaitlyn, I don't know if it is going to work anymore... it's kind of windy outside. Let me tell you the surprise part. I saw paper lanterns at the store for today and picked up a few for us to launch, just for fun. But the wind might make them go out." PAPER LANTERNS. I begged and begged him to just try. After all they were paper lanterns! Just like on Tangled (my favorite Disney movie.. for those who didn't know). At this point I was thinking to myself "He is perfect. Seriously the cutest boyfriend in the world!" We drove to rock canyon park, right behind the Provo temple, and pulled the lanterns out of the trunk. We walked down into the bowl shaped park and onto the cement, and began to unwrap the first one. He asked me if I wanted to light it. I said yes, of course. After some technical difficulties, we finally got it lit, and launched the glowing object into the black sky. It was simply beautiful. By the way, I STILL HAD NO IDEA.... Then, as we were watching our first lantern float higher and higher, Sam softly said "Kaitlyn, look!" I looked to where he was pointing, across the park, behind a large grassy hill. From behind the hill, two more lanterns were gliding softly into the sky. The reality of what was happening hit me like a mac truck, as more and more lanterns popped up from behind the hill. All I could think was "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh..." I was laughing and saying these very thoughts out loud over and over again, while holding onto Sam so tightly that he had to pry me off of him so that he could kneel. He knelt down, pulled out my beautiful ring, and said "Kaitlyn Livingston, will you marry me??" I said YES! He took my hand, slipped on the ring, and then scooped me into his arms for a kiss.

So that's the story! Isn't it fantastic?? It was magical, perfect, beautiful, and so special. I love him more than I can express, and can't wait to be sealed to him forever. 26 Days my friends!

Once Upon A Time

Once Upon A Time...

There was a girl. She worked at a restaurant as a waitress. One night while waitressing, she was talking to the other waitresses and cooks, as she often did. She was having a bit of a bad day. One of the cooks (whom we will refer to as "the boy"), noticed. He asked her how she was doing. After a bit of chit chat, the boy, unbeknownst to the girl, became happy and sort of excited. You see, the girl had recently become "available" to meet other boys on Friday and Saturday nights. The boy had wanted to ask the girl out on a date for a Friday or Saturday night for a while... but the girl had not been available. And now she was :) So the boy offered to take the girl home. The girl thought this was a very nice gesture, and she happily accepted the offer. Surprisingly, the boy did not ask the girl for her number on the way home. He decided to get it from his sister later that night because he chickened out a little bit. The girl didn't pay much attention to his sudden interest or generosity, and assumed that she and the boy would just stay the same (as cook and waitress friends).

Then on Monday the girl had school. She needed to go to the library to watch a required film for her world religions class. On the way to the film room, she ran into the boy! The girl thought, "What a nice surprise to see my good cook friend in the library!" She smiled and said hi to him, and kept on walking. And yet something in the girl's head, or maybe it wasn't just her head, said that this boy was special, and that maybe she would go have fun with him on a Friday or Saturday night! Again, she kind of ignored the thought, and proceeded to go watch her movie. During the movie she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. Slightly startled, she turned around to look at a pair of very green eyes looking at her. It was the boy (who has very green eyes, and very dark hair... :)
He asked the girl to go on a date. But he asked her for Wednesday night instead of Friday or Saturday. The girl was delighted! A fun date with her nice cook friend! She had always liked talking with him, and she knew it would be fun to get to know him a little better.
Wednesday night came, and they went to The Old Spaghetti Factory together. They had a great time. It was actually more enjoyable than the girl had expected... and when he dropped her off that night, she wondered if he would ask her out again.
Sunday night came, and the girl got a call from the boy. He asked her out for that Friday night. She said yes, of course. This time the date was dinner and ice skating. This made the girl slightly nervous... but the good kind of nervous. Because usually when a boy takes a girl ice skating, it means that he wants to hold her hand. And he did :) The girl kind of made a fool of herself that night... slipping and sliding all over the rink. But thanks to the boy's superior balancing skills, they made it through the night without even falling down once! The night ended with the girl feeling slightly shocked (again) at how much fun they had together, how easily they communicated, and how much she liked holding his hand.
Date #3: The girl hoped that he would call for the next week. She wasn't disappointed :) They went out for the third time. Dinner and a movie at his apartment, and then bowling with another couple. They both had a wonderful time. After a late night talk, the boy and the girl determined that they wanted to turn their I's into we's, and see where this relationship could go. The night ended with their first kiss, and the girl walked into the house with wide eyes and a light head.

The boy in this story is F. Samuel Swain. And the girl is Kaitlyn Livingston. Big surprise, I know.

The rest of the story is history. We have been dating steadily now for 3 months. We spend every spare moment we can together. We talk on the phone and text on a daily basis. He took me to Oregon to meet his family for Christmas. He told me he loved me first. And then I told him that I loved him back 3 days later. I have never experienced bliss quite like this. Is life perfect? No. But pretty darn close. I feel like I am in an alternate reality sometimes, just ask my family. I float everywhere I go, which is sometimes dangerous because I tend to leave some of my brain behind. Sam is incredible. He is one of the friendliest people I have ever met. I absolutely love his outgoing personality. It is what I loved about him first. He is tall and dark and handsome and strong. He is smart. He is determined. He has a wonderful testimony. He served the Lord for two years in Brazil. He is fantastic with languages. He makes me feel safe. He is such a hard worker. He treats me like a Princess. And we are oh, so happy.

I would say the end.... But I have a feeling that this is only the beginning.

More to come soon ;)

In a Single Word.

Do you know what word I love?

Hope.

I have heard that hope can sometimes be thought of in a negative connotation... "We don't have any hope... I hope not... etc. etc." But to me, the word hope is the opposite. It means the brightness of the sun, the promise of tomorrow, and most importantly the blessing of a Savior. Because of Him, our hope is possible. Hope is intricately intertwined with faith. And these two virtues provide the greatest joy I have ever experienced.

I know that I have put this picture on my blog before, but it is one of my favorites. Because I have truly felt the Atonement of Jesus Christ in my life. He heals broken souls. He forgives our mistakes and our faults. And He is unfailingly compassionate. Just a happy thought for the day :)

Do you want to see another stunning picture?? In today's world, this is how I feel. It is entitled "Modern Day Mother in Zion" by Anita Mae Hart-Carroll:

The first time I saw this painting was 2 or 3 years ago, and it really moved me. I have thought about it often, and I finally found it online! I know so many mothers like this one. Some of them may be reading this post right now. Thank you, my wonderful ladies, for showing me how to be a Guardian. You are truly incredible, and I am working to be more like you every day. I love you all!

Wow, this post is jumping all over the place. But here are some newsy sorts of things :) First. My siblings and I have survived over 24 hours without my parents. Hurray! I hope they are having a wonderful time, and I hope the next few days go as smoothly as the last few have (knock on wood, right?). Second, I really do like this new boy! His name? Sam. :) He leaves for Oregon next week for Thanksgiving to be with his family... which I am sad about. But it's only for five days, so I'm pretty sure I will make it. He is so fun and outgoing, and is the cutest with kids. He is really sweet and smart, and I just enjoy being with him. Life is good!

Have a wonderful day everyone!!

Love,

Kaits

As of 11-14-2011

Just for your information, tomorrow means that November is half way over... say whaaat?? People told me all growing up, "The older you get, the faster time goes!" I never really believed them until I started to grow up... and now I cant understand how I am 19 1/2 years old, and almost half way done with my sophomore year, with the new year of 2012 creeping up. Crazy! But so fun.

Life is wonderful right now. There may be a new boy in my life... :) Nothing real serious yet, but I do like him quite a bit. He is being so patient with me as my heart continues to heal. How sweet is that? I will keep you guys updated.

Also, this Friday my parents are heading out for a much over-due second honeymoon, which means that the kiddies and I will have to manage without them for 6 days. Yikes! Actually, I am excited to be the mommy and to spend time with my siblings whom I love so much. Have fun at Disneyland Mom and Dad! We love you and will miss you. Try not to think about us too much ;)

I also only have a week and a half of school until Thanksgiving Break. And can I just say HALLELUJAH! I haven't had a day off of school since Labor Day back in September (BYU has this funny rule that we can't have fall or spring breaks... :P). So I am definitely ready to relax a little bit, and of course to begin studying for finals which will happen in roughly four weeks from today.

Have a happy Monday! I will be back soon, I promise.

-Kaits

It's funny how life happens

Sometimes things work out, and sometimes they don't... even when you have put your whole heart and soul into them. The Lord has different plans. And its ok! Because He is infinitely smarter than any of us. Just announcing to all of you who haven't already heard that we broke up... and it has been an interesting few weeks. But honestly I am ok.

I have gotten on this blog many a time, trying to say something new, but my previous posts stare me in the face and I can't. It's time to start over, to begin anew. The past is past, and the future is bright. My entire life is ahead of me, and I have excitement and hope for what it will bring. My life has so many things in it that are so good. And although this may seem like it is a downer post, I am truly happy. It doesn't mean that I don't have moments or days that hurt still... I definitely do. But I have decided to make this experience a stepping stone instead of a stumbling block. It is the beginning of a new start for me! School, dating, moving out, living, loving, laughing, and learning. Face the roar. Dare to have courage. Dare to be the person you have dreamed of being.

Love you all!

Kaits

Sleepless in American Fork

I didn't think it would happen tonight... tomorrow night for sure. But not tonight.

Of course, I was wrong :)

Sleep is nowhere in sight right now, and it is 11:30.... I really have been trying. But my brain just won't relax!! And it is because.....

This guy gets home on Tuesday. Tuesday. Tuesday!!!! And it is Sunday night! That means 1 day left.

And I am not going to lie ladies and gentleman.... I may have fallen for him over the past 24 months. Ok, I have fallen for him. No maybes :)

Wish me luck!! It is going to be a bit of a roller coaster over the next few days... <3

Summer has just begun...

I know, I know, long time no see, right? I just haven't really been in the blogging mood as of late... I won't try to make up any excuses :)

Want some updates? Well, I am home from college for one.. I have been for a while now. But, as discussed earlier, I haven't blogged since before finals. I love being home. In some ways it is hard because I am not able to associate with people my age nearly as much as while at BYU. But I love love love my house. Especially the people in it. What can I say? I am a home body. Always have been, always will be.

I also got a new job working with Kaylee at Cafe' El Lago. I am currently a host, but I hope to start training as a server real soon. I like working there, I just wish I could get some more hours! Oh the joy of summer jobs... My favorite thing is to work with Kaylee. We have so much fun together. I love that my family members are my best friends, even the extended ones. How did I get so lucky??

I also got the chance to attend one of my room mate's weddings! Her name is Tara Pina now, and I love her a lot. My parents were kind enough to let me take the van to transport four of my other roommates, plus a few stragglers along for the ride. Here are some pictures from the trip:

A few hours into the trip: Amanda, Jess, Bethany, Me, Chelsea

Amanda and her now fiance, James :) :) They got engaged just last week, and I am so happy and excited for them!! Love you guys!

The Happy Couple :)

Isn't she a beautiful bride?

Get this- Tara's vintage wedding dress is from the 60's.. and she got it off of Etsy for 60 dollars. It turned out just perfect.

Roommate shot- I look like a fruit cake and a half... :P

The car :)

Me and Bethany outside of the Monticello, UT Temple. I adore this girl.

Very sick of traveling on the way home... I adore this girl too :)

So that was that! It was a fabulous trip- one that I will never forget. It was so fun to go on a road trip with all of my college girls (and James too).

What else? Missionary update? Ok, ok, I will tell you. Elder Hoyt Freeman arrives in the Salt Lake City, UT airport on August 16th... and I am meeting him there. More on that to come.

Well, it's late, and I still need to read my scriptures and brush my teeth. So I will be back soon, I promise. I have lots going on right now that I need to post about. Love you all! Night!

My Cup Runneth Over

Today I got an email from BYU from the Financial Office. An email that I had been hopefully awaiting, but didn't expect until July....

And I have amazing news...

I got a scholarship. A big one. Full tuition for the entire 2011-2012 school year. I started crying and shaking, and I can't even explain the feeling of joy and gratitude. I am so happy!! Thank you to all of my supportive family and friends. I couldn't have done it without you guys!

But I give thanks mostly to my Lord. For without Him, I am nothing. I have no doubt that He made it possible for me to receive this great blessing. He was with me every single step of the way. Good Day huh?? :)

P.S. I move home in 1.5 days...

Holy Freaking Frijoles

I am done with my Freshman Year of college in 3 days (+ Finals....)

Boo Yah.

:D :D :D :D :D

Letter Day

I had not gotten a letter from him in exactly one month and one day. I was beginning to wonder when it would happen again! Checking the mail is kind of an acquired OCD of mine.... and finally today I was not disappointed :) :) Quite the opposite actually. Not only was it a fabulous letter, but he sent me pictures! And I scanned them. So now I can share them with you! Elder Hoyt Hamlin Freeman:

Isn't he handsome? And he looks so happy, which makes me so happy. He is doing SO good. He is amazing.

I just want to remind you all... 4 months.

In case you forgot!

Night!

Buzzzy

Do you ever have the feeling that your brain is on fire? Or that it is buzzing warmly? That's how mine is today... it's not a bad feeling, just an exhausting one. It seems that in the last two weeks my classes have all exploded with busy assignments, tests, hard material, etc, etc. Especially my Chemistry 285 class. I have loved this class, I find it really interesting and doable as long as I keep up on it. But this is the latest lovely surprise... ready?

Memorize Metabolism: this includes glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. All molecules, enzymes, reactions, and extra little tid-bits must be included. SURPRISE!! This is what it looks like, for those of you who are interested:

Glycolysis:

Citric Acid Cycle:

Electron Transport Chain:

The good news is: I have glycolysis memorized! The bad news is: I don't have any of the citric acid cycle memorized (gulp)... The goal for tonight is to get at least half of it in my brain... but by this weekend it must be completed. Because next week is the test :D Thank heaven we haven't started the electron transport chain yet.

Sorry for the lame post that none of you even care about. I had to take a break somehow! And blogging clears my mind :)

Happy Studying!

Oh! And Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Papa and Mama

Michael Blaine Livingston

Jennifer Livingston

I apologize for the lack of pictures of my mom and dad.... There is one on facebook that I LOVE of both of them, but it wouldn't let me download it onto my computer :P Time for more pictures of the parents!! I don't have any on my iPhoto... that's embarrassing... Anyway:

I decided to do my parents together because I can't adequately express feelings for one without including the other one... Words can't describe how I feel for my parents. They are my closest friends. My father is handsome and strong, yet so gentle. I love that about him. I love how he calls me "Beautiful" and "Princess." My mother is beautiful and patient. I love that about her. I love how I can tell her all of my secrets, and how she laughs and cries with me over my experiences. They are both true examples of Christlike charity. I can always call on either one of them when I need or want to talk (and I do... frequently... as in daily). No one can dry my tears like they can. And what great teachers they are! They have always taught my siblings and I to make our own decisions, even the hard ones, whenever it is possible. This has been a painful experience at times, for them and for us, as we have made mistakes that hurt. But I am forever grateful, because now I have the tools to make the hard decisions as an adult. I am well practiced. At the same time, they always counsel with us as often as we need. I love how much they love each other. And they show it! They treat each other with love and respect and they put the other one first. Always.

Mom and Dad: I love you forever. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful life. Thank you for teaching me to live the gospel and trust in our Savior. Thank you for your patience. I am the luckiest daughter on earth, and I mean it with my entire heart. I miss you two! And I can't wait to come back home for a while. You two have truly made our home a haven; a haven that can't be replaced to me. See you soon....

Love infinity,

Kaitlyn

Audrey Podrey

Audrey Elizabeth Lewis Livingston

My newest sister!! And I couldn't have a better one. Audrey is so many things. She is gentle and kind and sincere and thoughtful. She is so beautiful too! She is a very hard worker at everything she does! I love Audrey because I feel like I connect with her in many ways. My mom says she and I have similar personalities. I love her because she loves my brother so much, and I know she takes good care of him :) But most of all, I love how happy Audrey is. She is literally like a ray of sunshine. Every time I am with her I feel her glow.

Audrey: I love you! I can't wait to get to know you even better as the years go by. Thank you for your never ending love towards me and my family. You are an incredible woman, wife, and daughter. And someday you are going to be an amazing mother! Never stop smiling, because you honestly don't know how much it lifts others. You have a gift. I miss you, and I will see you soon!!!

Love infinity,

Kaitlyn

P.S. I am so excited to go with you to Disneyland for your first time... well, your first time with us :)

Sam

Ammon Michael Livingston

Ammon was my first best friend. He was always such a kind older brother, something I will always appreciate. I love Ammon's sense of humor. Like I said in Tanner's post, Ammon is the other person who can make me laugh harder than almost anything else on this earth. Ammon is incredibly smart, and I can't wait to see where his schooling takes him. He picked the most lovely lady as his wife, and I can tell that he treats her like the daughter of God she is. He has always been a gentleman. Among other things, he has a great voice (even though he would tell you otherwise), and he is very handsome. One of my favorite things about Ammon is how much he loves children, he has a special spot in him for the little ones.

Ammon: Thank you for your example to me through my whole life! I have always looked up to you, and I still do. Also, thank you for always including me in your group of friends, even throughout high school. Keep going in your studies, you are doing so well!! You will go far, I promise. I miss seeing you, and I hope you know that. I love you Sam!! I will see you soon (I hope)...

Love infinity,

Kaitlyn

P.S. Thanks for being best friends with Hoyt. Tee hee. :)

Tan Man

Tanner Campbell Livingston

This is my Tanner. I would have to say that he is, without a doubt, one of the two persons on this earth who can make me laugh like nothing else. (The other is Ammon... more on that later). And it is a dang good thing, because everyone knows that sometimes I take myself waaaayyy too seriously. I love so many things about Tanner. He is incredibly smart. He is so talented at music, especially piano, guitar, and singing. He is very athletic. He is also very handsome! :) But more than any of this is that he is kind, oh so kind. And sweeter than sugar. He is a very special friend to me.

Tanner: You are heading to high school next year! And you get to start dating this fall! EEK! What a fun few years you have ahead of you. You will do amazing things, as you always do. Keep working hard at school and developing your talents. You have so much to give to the world. Thanks for your belief in me and who I am. You have given me confidence and strength more times than you even realize. I love you, Bro. I can't wait for all the laughs this summer :)

Love infinity,

Kaitlyn

Quinci Green Jeans

Quinci Jean Livingston

This is a side of Quinci that many of you may not see very often. She has such a fun, bubbly personality. She also has a more quiet, peaceful side which I love about her. And don't you all agree with me when I say she has such a beautiful name? Quinci Jean... I love it. She is a stellar violin player, and I can't wait to watch her improve even more. I love Quinci's creativity. Give her any kind of art supply, and she will make a masterpiece of it. She is very smart, and always works hard at everything she does! She also has beautiful golden brown hair, and lovely lovely brown skin (some of her many beautiful features).

Quinci: I love you! I remember how excited I was when mom had you, because I finally had a sister. You are growing up to be quite an amazing young woman. Keep going! Soon you will enter the young women's organization as a beehive, and I know that the other girls will look to you as a leader. You are such a good example to me, and I hope you know that. I miss you, and I am so excited to see you soon!

Love infinity,

Kitty

(a nickname given by Quinci)

Britta J.

A brilliant idea came to me last night. Don't you love it when that happens?

For the next 7 days, I am going to do a blog post about each of my seven family members, my favorite people in the world. I don't think they know how much I love them all. I decided to start with the youngest, and I will go up from there. So, here we go!

Britta Jaqueline Livingston.

Britta is such a special girl. She is so much fun to be around, and has always been a wonderful sister to me. I love her blonde hair, which is only one of her many beautiful features. I love her passion for life and learning. I love her determination to succeed at whatever she accomplishes. I love her laugh, which has always been very contagious. The picture above is from a spring day last year when the wind was just perfect. She and I went out and flew her kite. I love that memory with her. Britta also gives very good hugs, and I love it when she hugs me right as I walk in the front door.

Brit: I love you!! I am so glad that you are my sister. You are a great example to me. I am so excited for you to be baptized next year. I can't believe you are growing up so fast! But it is fun to watch you grow and learn and have new experiences. You have such a fun adventure ahead of you, so dream big!! I promise that dreams come true. Remember that I love you, and I am always here for you. I can't wait to see you soon!

Love infinity,

Kaitsy Paitsy

(a nickname from BJ herself)

Fanatic

Fanatic: (noun)

1. a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal

2. a person with an obsessive interest in and enthusiasm for something, esp. an activity

Two months left to wait... aka: 61 Days.

Yep, it's official. I am a Disneyland Fanatic. Oh bother.

Spring, you can't come fast enough.