What a Lady

Yesterday, my Grandma Gillespie passed away with loved ones around her at my Aunt Nylene's home in Gilbert. What a bitter sweet experience this was to say my final goodbye to her. I got a call on Tuesday that she wasn't doing good and only had a day or so left. Brooklee and I jumped in the car and headed out that afternoon. Nic was able to join us on Thursday. (Boy was i glad to see him) For those of you who know my Grandma can attest to the fistyness and spunk she had. There are so many memories we all have of her and we will have our time to share them in the coming weeks ahead. I know she is having the time of her life with my Grandpa Gillespie, Uncle Mike and Braiden. Guess who the boss is now boys!!! I love you Grandma. Thanks for giving me the mother I have. And for raising nine of the wildest kids ever. What a crazy Gillespie family we have. BUT I wouldn't trade them for the world. For those of you interested in attending, her funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13 at noon Downtown Lakeside Chapel with the viewing starting at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a viewing held at Owens Livingston Mortuary in Show Low from 6:00-8:00 on Friday, December 12th.

First Snowfall

I was sitting in the kitchen one Sunday night working on some christmas presents...when I had the feeling to look out the window to see if it was snowing. And it sure was. I love the snow. I love how peaceful it is outside when the snow is falling. We didn't get much. Just enough to cover the lawn. We shall see what Mr. Winter has in store for us.

We have a DaNCeR in the family

(second from the left)


(middle)

I never thought a child of mine would be a little dancer. Maybe because I have no rhythm and her dad well...we won't say anything about that! Just kidding Nic. You know I love your dancing. Kilie can attest to that!!! Anyways....Brooklee is taking dance classes here in town and ABSOLUTELY loves it. She loves the girls she dances with and she totally loves her teacher Mrs. Tara. Its amazing what Mrs. Tara can do with these girls at such a young age. Brook was able to perform during halftime of a St. Johns football game. G & G Keith, Uncle Danny, Aunt Marleah, Grandma Finch, Uncle Ammon and Holly (Ammon's friend) all came to watch her perform. What a hoot that was. Almost everyone betted against her. We were all thinking she would get scared and not perform. BOY WERE WE WRONG!!! She was waving at the crowd, over exaggerating every little move and smiling as big as she possible could. It was a night I would never forget. I was one proud momma that night. Nic was in the stands taking pictures so I am sorry they are really blurry. I do however have her dance on video for any of you that would like to watch it.

House Divided

This is the game Nic and I look forward to every year. Its the Mighty Yellow Jackets vs. the Round Valley Elks. Poor Brooklee. She hears me say "Shoot an elk." And her daddy say "Squish a little bug." As you can see she is wearing an elk shirt with her name on the back (compliments of Papa Finch) and she has purple and gold ribbon in her hair. The game was a close one!!! But once again, the Blue Ridge Yellow Jackets prevailed and whipped the Round Valley Elks butt. Love it. My father in law told me before the game that if Blue Ridge won, I had to pay $20.00 to stay in their home that night BUT if Round Valley won...we could stay for free. Go figure!!! While we were at the game Nic said we should get a shirt for Brooklee that says, "My mom is from Blue Ridge, my dad is from Round valley, we live in St. Johns and I am CONFUSED." We (me and Brooklee) always cheer for the good ole boys of St. Johns High. Good luck boys at state. You can do it.

Happy Halloween (better late than never right)

What a fun Halloween it was!!! Right....Brooklee hated wearing her witches hat that went along with her costume. (I think she is going to be like her dad and think this holiday is stupid) But when she did put it on I tried to snap a picture of it.

Happy Birthday Nic

Nic turned 27 on October 24th. For his birthday, we got FRONT ROW tickets for the USC vs. U of A football game down in Tucson (We were about 10-15 yds away from the team) Nic got to shake hands with the head coach for the USC Trojans, Pete Carroll. I will never forget the look on his face. This was the best birthday present I think he could ever have. We had a wonderful weekend. The game was a close one. Definetely a nail bitter but the Trojans prevailed and kicked the Wildcats butt. This trip it was just Nic and I. Brooklee stayed at Grandma and Grandpa Finch's. As always had a good time playing with Brodey, Nellie and Jaxers. She couldn't stop talking about all the fun things she did. Thanks Mom, Dad and Ammon for taking such good care of her for us. She ALWAYS has a blast when she is over there. (And she never wants to leave as you saw first hand Sunday night) I would also like to thank Aunt Annie and Uncle Brent. Everytime we go to the valley we stay with them. They go all over the valley with us to shop and we always have so much fun. We love you guys and thanks for the hospitality. Next time we will bring Brooklee. FIGHT ON TROJANS!!!!


(Nice view huh?!!!)

Pete on his phone

These girls seriously rock

Oh how Nic wanted to hop over this rope

David Buehler (THE KICKER)

This picture was taken right before Nic shook Pete's hand


The view from when we walked into the stadium.


Team Huddle

Danny has OFFICIALLY been PROCESSED

My little brother went through the Snowflake Temple this past Thursday to take out his endowments before he leaves to go on his mission. What a sweet experience it was. For the first time ever me, my mom, my dad and Danny were all in the temple TOGETHER. That still gives me the chills just thinking about it. The only sad thing was Nic was not able to be with us. He UNFORTUNATELY had to work. (Stupid power plant) Sorry there aren't any pics of this. It was late and dark when we got out, but maybe before he leaves we can go again and take some. We are thinking his farewell will be the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Then a week later off we go to take him to the MTC. Just a few more weeks of him being home and off he goes. (I am a little worried time will just FLY right on by.)