the other side of heaven

I was privileged to hear Brother John H. Groberg's experiences of his mission in Tonga this past Sunday evening. It was fun to hear first hand how he felt, the challenges he faced, and the overall love that grew for the gospel and the people of Tonga through serving his mission.

Ashley's night...

Ashley found her man and we got to celebrate her! It was wonderful spending time with our close friends and her adorable mother, sister, and sisters-in-law. What a great night! I sure do love your face, Ash!

northern NY was oh so cold

photo taken by Mat Levine

photo taken by Mat Levine

photo taken by Amie Levine

Brie enjoying her dad's animal book

Mat & Maddy down yonder

Sister's

Brie's naptime

Amie loving the popsicle stick

I visited the Levine's, my sister and her family, in upstate NY. It was so great to spend some quality time with all of them. It was rather cold for my AZ blood, but survived by wearing multiple layers of Amie's clothing. 

We enjoyed walking in the sleet, driving to Old Forge, exploring Lake Julia, and wandering around Black Pond and Wehle Park. 

House Hunt

I have been filling my days off by contemplating/searching for the perfect starter home. Any of you homeowners have any suggestions or advice that you would like to share with me??

fabric chandelier

I finally started this fabric chandelier that I fell in love with about six months ago on 100 Layers Cake. Granted, it took a lot more time that I had anticipated. 

I still have some tweaking to do with it, but I am pretty happy with the results. I want to find a few other items to accentuate the purple.

date with Bax

Life doesn't get much better than this in Arizona! I spent an afternoon off with Baxter. We stopped for lunch at Cafe Rio and headed to the Stephan's home. We played chase, lounged in the shade, and ran from Abigail and Madilyn. 

...excited...

I finally purchased another Simmons Beautyrest mattress! I am stoked for its arrival sometime next week. My roommate, Amber, has graciously let me sleep one of her spare mattresses for the past two months. However, I am ready for my own super plush mattress. It was a very sad day when I sold my previous Beautyrest this past summer --- I slept so well on it. I have high hopes that this new mattress will be even better. Future results to come.