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 

Simple Sunday

Sometimes you have to step out of the typical Sunday routine of church, lunch with friends, errands, laundry, etc. and just do something out of the blue! So, that's just what we did yesterday.

Sunday was a perfect day. It began with some beautiful rain and thunderstorms that lasted until about 10 a.m. By the time the weather had cleared up I was on the road with Andy and Kennedy and we were heading to Bandera, TX. After a quick pitstop at Starbucks we drove to "the yard" and Andy showed me where he works. Kennedy loved seeing where Andy worked more than I did. She enjoyed every minute of it-- she was running and jumping and checking every inch of the yard out. Later we went to a lovely little spot for lunch called the Old Spanish Trail. We finished our afternoon outing by taking Kennedy to the nearest lake/park. It was nice being in Bandera for the afternoon. It made it feel like we were on vacation. 

Kennedy was waving hello to all the drivers behind us ;)

Andy taking a "business call" .... Just kidding he was chatting with his brother. 

So happy together!!

Incapable of just smiling normally!!

Kennedy is wondering how I got up on the ledge. 

Trying to carefully get down from the ledge without falling in!!

Two peas in a pod!

This tree was beautiful!

Yesterday was just one of those days that felt right. As I got in bed last night I couldn't help but smile. The combination of the rain and cooler weather, Kennedy and Andy's company and the simplicity of the afternoon made me remember that it's never about what you do, it is about who you are with. I'm so grateful and feeling extra blessed today!

Fiesta and a church visit

Fiesta has come and gone! I can't say I took part in any of the festivities, but I did manage to get some pretty colorful pictures during my lunch break last week.

And on another completely different note, I want to write about my church experience this past Sunday. I visited Grace Avenue Church for the first time and really enjoyed it. From the moment I walked in I felt welcomed and loved by everyone. I was so impressed with the kindness that not only the church staff showed me, but also the members.

The sermon was on Faith, Hope and Love (1 Corinthians 13). I have read this chapter before, I've heard people preach on it, but for the first time I was taught a new take on this chapter and it's still resonating with me today. My takeaway from the sermon is that love makes a difference in every aspect of my life! Love is fundamentally tied to my attitude, my relationships, my faith and ultimately my love for Jesus.

"Why demand when you can defer? Why insist when you can inquire? Why cut what you can untie?"

I can't say enough how wonderful my experience was at Grace Avenue. They definitely are doing it right! This church treated me the way I believe Christ will treat me when I get to heaven. They showed me abounding love, genuine interest and most importantly my time there brought me closer to the Lord.