A year to remember...

2012 was a wonderful year for B and I.
So many amazing adventures and life changing moments...

January: Celebrated the New Year in North Carolina, got my wisdom teeth removed, had my Bachelorette moment (dont you worry, that is sparkling cider), and went to the Temple.

February: Sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple, Honeymooned in South Carolina, and moved to Arizona.

March: B started Spring Training, traded in the Trailblazer for a truck, and ate a lot of cupcakes.

April: Found Cafe Rio in Arizona, worked at Native New Yorker, B left for Bakersfield, and we went apartment hunting in Cali.

May: Moved into our first apartment in Bakersfield, got a job at a gym, met the Worthens, and went fishing at Lake Isabella.

June: Learned new tricks, went to North Carolina, hiked Mnt. Mitchell, and ate purple potatoes. 

July: Had Dewars ice cream, went to the Los Angeles Temple and Santa Monica Pier, went to the Kern River, went shooting in the middle of nowhere, and watched lots of baseball.

August: Rode quads at Pismo Beach, watched my mom kill it in a fitness competition, saw my sister get married in Lake Tahoe, said goodbye to our house in El Dorado Hills, and celebrated my 23rd birthday.

September: B got a bow, he skinned a couple rattlesnakes, and we said goodbye to another baseball season.

October: Blaine turned 24, we went to the batting cages, my sister had her wedding reception, had family pictures taken, we moved back to Arizona, and I started working at Youngker High School. 

November: Went shooting, saw Eric Church in concert, went to a lot of pawn shops, traded in the Jetta for a Sonata, had Thanksgiving in Vegas with my family, and traveled to St. George for Holdens endowment.

December: Got our calling as Sunbeam teachers, my dad turned 50, went to Glendale glitters, had our first Christmas Tree, traveled cross-country, Christmas with the Howells, welcomed in the New year with friends and family.. the same way we started it... in North Carolina.

Here's to the next chapter... 2013

A Southern Christmas...

Christmas in the South was wonderful. 

We spent our days surrounded by a ton of family and friends... 

This year was my first Christmas away from my family which was a little hard
 but I did my best to make the most of it.
The whole Howell side came to Asheville and it was an absolute treat. 

2 Grandparents, 10 Aunts and Uncles, and 16 Grandchildren all in one house.

 (Madness) (Not everyone is pictured!) 

It was a season full of excitement...
We... opened presents (I got a new camera)

- Ate tons of good food -

- Went to the Columbia, SC Temple for Savannah (She leaves for Brasil in May)-

 - Shot guns basically every day - 

- Visited District 12 -

- Had a huge bonfire with some good friends for New Years -

- And finished off our trip at Lake Travis in Texas -

I think it is safe to say that our Holiday Season was a great success

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. 

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.

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.