Bridal Shower Numero Uno

I don't want to forget anything so I better hurry and write it all down.....

I had my first bridal shower this past saturday at Allie's house! It was so perfect and so much fun! Allie took care of every single little detail. We arrived and were promptly served a mimosa and then we mingled until everybody showed up. After that Brooxie prayed for the food and for Andy and I's future. Then we ate this amazing egg casserole that Allie had prepared. There was also a huge bowl of fruit salad, little smoked sausages and sock-it-to-me cake. We played two games. A toilet paper dress competition and a clothespin game, where if you say "marry or marriage" you had to give your clothespin away to the person who caught you.

Then to the really fun part when I got to open some gifts. I loved everything my friends bought me. Something about getting gifts makes me feel so loved. It's a wonderful feeling knowing that this person went out of their way to buy me something that they think would look great on me. Ahhh! It was great.


Here are a few photos from the morning.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

This Christmas was unlike any other. For starters it was at my aunt and uncles house who live on the North side of town. Normally we do Christmas eve dinner at my grandma's house who lives in Alamo Heights. This was a much appreciated change because it meant I was able to split my time between my family and the Rafie's much more easily since we were on the same side of town. Another great thing that made this Christmas special was having all 16 cousins together at once. We haven't had that happen in years! Christmas day was exciting because we had two additions, Ercelia and Ashley, to our morning tradition of opening gifts and eating breakfast. It was refreshing to be around a ten-year-old who still believes in Santa. After breakfast with my family Andy picked me up and we went to his family's apartment to open gifts. It was a big change from last year's Christmas morning when we were in a huge home opening gifts. It was amazing to see how unfazed his family was despite the cramped situation. It was a great reminder to be content in all circumstances because we are so blessed and some family have much greater things to worry about.

What a year to be thankful for. So much has happened in this year, and I want to take a minute to sum up the highlights!

I celebrated my one year anniversary at my first official job!

I bought my very own brand new mountain bike!

I fractured my zygoma.... bone in my face.

I got engaged!

I went to the ER for the first time in my life.

I highlighted my hair for the very first time!

Andy and I got our first home!

I road tripped to Colorado with Andy and Kennedy!

Andy and I camped at Enchanted Rock with Kathryn and Phil!

I started a blog and have kept up with it for the most part!

Andy and I were featured on Style Me Pretty!

Andy and I celebrated our three year anniversary!

We loaded two trailers full of furniture and moved out of State!

 My BFF moved back to Texas!

The list of highlights could go on and on... I am grateful for so much. My family and my fiancee. My dog and my new huge backyard that kennedy can play in. My amazing group of old and new friends. I think 2013 was good, but 2014 has so much in store for me. I cannot wait to see what this new year will bring!

XoXo- 

Ilianna