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. 

Journey...

There are so many wonderful events that have taken place in my life recently. I do not even know where to begin. Back in October my Momma and I were able to take a trip to Arizona to visit Blaine for his birthday. It happened to fall on conference weekend, so we ended up spending most of our time in the hotel listening to all of the wonderful talks given. It was such a life changing conference that seemed to impact my family on a huge level. I will be forever grateful for the words spoken that day. Later that month my beautiful cousin Haleigh married her best friend Darryl in the Las Vegas temple. I was so excited that my family was able to attend her perfect reception. She looked gorgeous and so happy! I am excited for the life that she has begun and for all the wonderful blessings she has and will receive! One of the greatest days of my life was in October.. Blaine finished baseball which means.. NO MORE LONG DISTANCE! I got a surprise from Blaine late one evening.. he showed up on my doorstep! It was wonderful! This was the start of our long journey to the east coast. We spent a week in California with Mom and Dad packing and exploring Nor-Cal. After that we drove across Nevada to Provo to spend a few days with family and friends. Dakota soon joined us on our little excursion as well. One could say there is never a dull moment when Blaine and him are together. Our travels then took us to St. George, Cypress Texas, and lastly.. North Carolina. Asheville is now my new home... My new home closer to Blaine. It has been hard and very challenging at times being away from my family and friends, but having Blaine by my side and constantly encouraging me that everything will be okay has made the move much easier. I love being closer to him. He makes my life complete...

I have just come to the conclusion that life is simply an incredible journey. A journey filled with so much joy and excitement. We have new adventures just waiting for us... We just need to have faith in the Lord and trust what our hearts tells us.