San Antonio...

B and I decided to drive to North Carolina for Christmas this year... We had quite the adventure during those 2,200 miles from Arizona to NC. Part way there we stopped to see Momma and Poppy in San Antonio, Texas. (They were there for work) The evening we arrived we went to an amazing Mexican restaurant, I can not remember the name, but it was amazing. The place was packed and covered with Christmas lights.  There was even a Mariachi band that walked around and serenaded the restaurant. It was such a neat atmosphere with wonderful food.

After dinner we walked around downtown where a small river runs through central San Antonio, just one story below the street level. They have created a neat little scene called, The Riverwalk. You can walk or ride a tour boat all through it. Little businesses, restaurants, and shops line the walkways... full of people and, good food, and neat treasures. This time of year it was especially neat because everything was decked out for the Holidays. So beautiful and definitely worth the time. Downtown San Antonio was almost magical. The old historic buildings, Christmas lights hanging from every tree, and my love by my side... It was the perfect night.

The next day we visited The Alamo. So much history and so many amazing stories behind this beautiful building. The people of San Antonio hold so much respect for The Alamo and what it stands for. We even have a new found pride for this building as well.  B's bloodline runs within those walls. None other than the historic Davy Crockett.

Over all, San Antonio was an amazing place to visit. Between historic tours, homemade root-beer and the beautiful views, I truly loved every minute of it. Best way to start off the holidays. Thanks Momma and Poppy. 

Daddy Dearest...

Happiest of Birthdays to the best Dad around. 

My dear sweet Poppy turned the big 5-0 yesterday.

Here are a few things about my dear ol' Pops.

1. Fountain Mountain Dew and generic puffy Cheetos. He loves em. Growing up, every time we stopped at a gas station, that was our purchase. (It has to be generic Cheetos though because he swears there is more cheese on them)
2. He is Mr. Fix-It. If he can not repair it, replace it, or re-do it, I am certain no-one can.
3. He is one outstanding chef. Makes amazing food and is my partner in crime when it comes to baking.
4. One of my earliest memories is jumping off practically anything and landing in my fathers arms. The roof, the refrigerator, a brick wall, ect....and that tradition has now been carried on to the grandcuddles.
5.He is an amazing Papa and all those kids LOVE him to death.
6.Music.This man is obsessed with it.He has so much of it, that he can listen nonstop for 4 years, and never repeat a song.
7. Rodeos. Dad used to rodeo back in the day and was amazing. Saddle bronc and bareback were his specialties  That is actually how my parents met, at a rodeo.
8. He is currently in the process of building his own motorcycle.
9. He is one of those super annoying people that is good at everything he tries. You name it, he can do it.
10. He has been the greatest dad to 5 children, a loving husband to a beautiful woman, and an incredible person for the last 50 years.

Dad, you have taught me so much and given me such a wonderful life.

 I am so grateful for your influence and guidance 

Thank you for always being there for me and being the best dad a girl could ask for. 

I love you and I hope the next 50 are just as grand...

Every mile a memory...

Goodbye Beautiful Blue Jetta...

It was a fantastic 3 year run. So many wonderful memories.

You will be missed.

(I may have shed a tear or two.)

Hello Sweet lil' Sonata...

Let's make some new memories.

The Next Chapter...

We're on to the next adventure.
B and I have relocated to Goodyear Arizona... AGAIN. This time I think we're going to hang around for a little while. (good thing winter here is amazing) We have been pretty busy since we arrived. Within the first week we found a new apartment and I got a new job. Our apartment is located pretty close to the Reds facility, which is definitely a plus. While B goes to the field, I get to play teacher aka Mrs. Howell. (makes me feel old)  I am currently employed as a Paraprofessional at Youngker High School, home to the Rough Riders. Maybe I am just a bit nostalgic, but it really makes me miss the good old days of Dixie and Ponderosa. This job has been a great learning experience for me. Not only am I relearning what I have not used in the past 5 years, but I also have the opportunity to help out when needed. I have never been a career oriented person, but right now I feel like I am on the right track to soon figuring out something that I might actually enjoy.

Birthday Boy...

Today, October 2nd, is one of my favorite days of the year. Today is the day I get to celebrate the birth of a wonderful person, my best friend, my dear sweet husband.. Mr. Blaine Jordan Howell. He is 24 now, and getting more wonderful everyday. I truly love this amazing man with all my heart. 

Here are a few things you might not know about B: 

1. He has an amazing voice... and refuses to sing when asked. But, if a good song comes on in the car, you better believe he belts out every word.

2. If he doesn't know the answer to something, he will do all kinds of research to know every.single.thing about it till he is blue in the face.

3. He is the cook in our little household. Which I don't mind at all. (I'll stick to baking) The concoctions that he is able to come up with are amazing. 

4. B is absolutely outstanding with kids. They all love him. Seriously... It makes me feel like the Grinch sometimes. Children just seem flock to B no matter where we are.

5. He can-not sit still... EVER he has to be moving, making a noise, tapping, ect. Kinda drives me crazy at times, but he sure does bring life to a room.

6. B loves all good food. He'll try anything at least once. BUT he hates celery. Cant stand it. Refuses to consume it. 

7. He is SUPER ticklish.. and his laugh... Oh, It is the greatest sound it the world. Child-like almost. I love it.

8. He uses two kinds of toothpaste to brush his teeth. Every morning and every night. 

9. He has a huge heart... such a people person. He loves and cares for so many. If you have come into his life, you stay there...  

10. He is the greatest friend, most wonderful husband, and the best guy around. I'm so incredibly lucky to have him to call my own.

Happy Happy Birthday Husband Dear. Love you to the moon and back...

You are my happy...

Blazing Bakersfield...

 We currently reside in Bakersfield California. 

Home to the Bakersfield Blaze

(The Cincinnati Reds High-A affiliate team)

When preparing to move to Bakersfield, we heard two different responses...

 "Where in the heck is that?!?" 

Or, the more popular, "The armpit of California??"

So of course, we were expecting the worst.

As we have spent more time here, we have been pleasantly surprised. 

We have made some wonderful memories and met some truly fantastic people.

 Even though most of our time is spent practicing, playing, or watching baseball, 

we have found time to enjoy what Bakersfield has to offer. 

• Bakersfield Blaze Games (ha)
• Afternoon park dates
• Late night ice cream runs with the Worthens
• Los Angeles Temple and Santa Monica Pier
• Fishing at Lake Isabella and cliff jumping in the Kern river
• Shooting in the middle of no-where

Sunny Arizona...

We made it... Our long cross-country drive was a success. We have left the beautiful mountains of North Carolina for the warm sunny deserts of Arizona. It took us three days and we managed to make it without killing one another.

Our lives in Arizona are pretty simple, but great. Spring Training has officially begun, which means Blaine is off playing ball for most of the day. I try to stay busy by expanding on my baking and organization skills (thank you pinterest), while enjoying the wonderful sunshine outside.

One thing that is truly great about living here in Arizona, is that the temple is so close. This past week we had the opportunity to go to the Mesa Temple with the Layton's. It was so uplifting. The work that we have a chance to help with is fantastic. To be able to return to the temple and learn more about this gospel brings so much joy to my life. I am grateful for the blessings I am given each and every day. Blessings such as a wonderful family, great influences, and most of all...

an amazing husband that cares for me and takes me to the house of the Lord.

For time and all eternity...

IT IS OFFICIAL.

I married my best friend...

I am now Mrs. Blaine Jordan Howell

As of February 4th, 2012 we became one. 
Sealed together for time and all eternity and I couldn't be happier. 
It was the perfect day. Everything I hoped for and more. 
We had so many loved ones who came to support us and share our special day. 
I am so grateful for our families and friends and for all the effort they put into this event. 
It couldn't have happened without them. 
So thank you... 
Thank you to all who had a hand in this wonderful day.