One More Day.....

One more day. Just one more day!! I'm so super excited. I can barely contain myself. :) Tonight the mariachi is playing a HUGE concert. I'm so excited about that. My abuelito can't wait to hear and see the group. For almost 2 weeks, it's all he could talk about. Seeing Ignacio on stage. It just makes my heart smile.

Today is also Miss Mariella's birthday!! Yay!! She's 4 years old. We're all going to a fun breakfast for her. It must be so odd to celebrate your birthday, in the middle of this conference. But she's loving all of it!! And she gets to dance her little heart out tonight.

I don't know what I'm most excited for. The concert tonight. Where we get to see all our friends play and sing. And their little ones dancing. The fact that my abuelito is so happy about this week. The concert. The wedding. This trip. Or our wedding. I'm just overflowing with emotions right now.

That might be, why I cried just minutes ago. I was doing a quick search on Pinterest. While Ignacio is showering. And I came across this picture.....

There is a lot that we're not having at our wedding. But this picture, I want one just like it!! It's so sweet. And perfect. Oh, I just can't wait!! My last 24 hours as a single, are going to be fun. But honestly, I can't wait to be married to my best friend.

Making Our Way.....

We started one our adventures. Headed to Las Vegas. It's supposed to take some 12 hours. We're driving. But we put in a 2 hour cushion. To make any needed stops. We are traveling with my grandparents, and nieces and nephews. And somehow, we're supposed to all meet up at 6pm. For dinner.

Most of Ignacio's family left yesterday. And spent the last night in Las Vegas. But we had a few things left to get done. We decided to drive. For 2 reasons. 1 it's cheaper. Way cheaper. Two, we're traveling with my abuelitos, and nieces and nephews. My very pregnant sister, would also like to say, she prefers driving. :)

We left early. Cars packed. Full!! Of people, and wedding goods. All I can think about, is Ignacio. How he's doing? If he's working too hard. If he's really OK after those floods. You know, it would flood in Las Vegas. Days before our wedding. :)

And I can't help, but think about my abuelito. How is he really doing?? Should we really be making him, travel all this way. With such little time, should we have just waited. I can't help, but to have these things on my mind. No matter how hard, I try not to think about them.

In the last few days, I've tried to remain calm. To remember the reason for all of this. Because I love Ignacio. And I love my abuelito. And I want both of them, to share in this big day. I want to marry my best friend. And I want my abuelito to "give me away."

To keep me a bit more "occupied," I joined Twitter and Pinterest this week. I know!! You would have thought, like a year ago, I would have joined. But it took until this week. I also joined Facebook. But since there is a bit more personal information on there, if you want to "friend" me, leave me a comment. :)

I've also been really thinking about the things, I want from our wedding. The memories I want to make. And keep. Things that not only will be special now. But in the future. Most of these, being pictures. Really, we've given up so much already. Just trying to make this wedding happen. That I knew, I wanted a good photographer.

I just want to have pictures, that I can look back on. And remember this special day. And all of those people, that shared in our special day. It should be no surprise, that I turned to Pinterest. My oldest sister and I, just cried our eyes out. Over this picture.

We were thinking the same thing. At the same moment. My abuelito and me. We HAVE to get one just like this!! HAVE TO!! And I'm not joking about all the crying. It's a good thing, that my mom and abuelitos were napping. And my dad is concentrating on the road.

That's what we're doing today. Making our way. Please say a few extra prayers for us. That we all get there safely. And return safely on Monday. I'm going to go back to "pinning" some ideas. We've still got 5 1/2 hours on the road!!

So Ready!!

In the morning, actually in a few short hours, I leave for Las Vegas. Just days, before Ignacio and I get married. I'm not scared. Or nervous. Or even anxious. I'm ready!!

Since we realized we'd have to move our wedding date up, it's been go, go, go. And I knew, that I'd be in charge of so much. Because Ignacio had to work all this week. I'm sure, we could have asked for the week off. But in all reality, this week is really important. Not just for his career. But for our bank account.

I talked to my professors, Who were all so sweet. And understanding. I went to my classes Monday and Tuesday. Went to 2 classes today. And to take 2 exams today. I will have off, until next Wednesday. It's not all fun and games. I've been studying my brains out! Doing so much homework. All to keep up, with my classes.

Today, I finally got to see my dress. And the bridesmaids' dresses. They are gorgeous!! My sister picked up all the shoes. And I'm pretty positive, that we've got everything! Fingers crossed gente!! Because in a few hours, we are on our way to Las Vegas. You know, to meet up with Ignacio and all our amigos.

It's been go, go, go. But I haven't yet, felt overwhelmed. I owe a lot of that, to my amazing friends. Most of which, I met only after meeting Ignacio. That's one amazing part of him being in the mariachi. We are all like family. Depending on each other. Really, helping everyone out.

Yes, they've been in Las Vegas since Monday. I owe so much to this mujer!! Who not only booked the chapel, and the reception space.....but also made our decorations. And probably called in every favor she could!! Yes, Ignacio and I are so lucky.

Most of all, I have Ignacio to thank. He keeps my head on straight. Reminds me of what is important. That at the end of the day, we're doing this, because we're in love. And we want to share this special time, with our familia. That's the important stuff.

Yes, I'm ready to be married. Ready to start my life with Ignacio. Ready to be his Mrs. Ready to celebrate with our family and friends. Only today, did I realize our actual wedding date. September 16, 2012. To those of you who don't know, that's Mexico's Independence Day. Sorta just works out. :)

It's very different from April 27, 2013. But close to that other big Mexican holiday.....Cinco de Mayo. It all works out well. And like I said, it only matters that Ignacio and I are getting married. And sharing this time with our family and friends. At the end of the day, those are the things that really matter in life. Not the "perfect dress, cake, date, and hair." Yes, we've got our priorities. For us, it's all about the people. And real emotions.

One Last Chance

Today has been a very tough day. We found out that my dear abuelito, doesn't have much longer on this earth. I feel like my entire world has been rocked.

You see, my biological dad, up and left when my sisters and I, were little. Real little. He hasn't been around for over 25 years. Not even his own family hears from him. We're close to his side of the family. But it's just an unfortunate situation.

Since my dad wasn't in the picture, my abuellito (grandpa) has been our rock. He was our "father figure" growing up. My mom worked hard, and long hours. She had to support 4 of us!! On her own. That meant, lots of time with our abuelitos.

Maybe because I'm the youngest. Or the more sentimental and emotional one, I grew really close to my abuelitos. I've stayed really close to them. And although God sent us an amazing dad, years later. In the form of my stepdad. Let's all be real here, he's our dad. And we love him just like he was our biological dad. Because he's ours. And he loves us in the same unconditional way.

But that bond with my abuelitos will never go away. They're my rocks. Where I pull my strength from. Where I learned to love and trust. My abuelitos taught me so much. Just by example. They are the most amazing people, I will ever know.

Last year, my abuelito was diagnosed with cancer. He's fought a tough fight. And was in remission for just over 7 months. I'd hoped that he'd walk me down the aisle. Give me away. Be a big part of our wedding day. Instead, today he was given about 6 weeks to live.

I'm crushed! To say the least, it's been a very emotional day. I went with my mom and abuelitos, to my abuelito's doctor appointment. It was supposed to be a routine checkup for him. To check his status. Instead, we left crushed. Heartbroken. And a tad bit deflated.

I've cried more than I ever have. My heart just plain aches. I'm worried about what tomorrow will bring. How will we get through all of this. How will I ever say goodbye? How will that be possible?

And then, that little detail creeped into my mind. April 27, 2013. Almost 8 months away. I just knew that I couldn't wait that long. And after talking with Ignacio tonight, we've decided to move that date up. Way up! As in September 16, 2012. Because I just couldn't bare, my abuelito not being at my wedding.

I know, it sounds a little crazy. Beyond the budget breakdown, and saving money.....we haven't done much in the terms of wedding planning. I'd been collecting little things, here and there. But we were focusing on planning this Fall. I don't have a dress. I haven't even asked my bridesmaids, to be my bridesmaids.

But I have faith in God. That he will allow our family, this last celebration. Together. It's not going to be huge. Or fancy. I'm 100% certain, that all those little things I wanted to order, customize, or create.....won't get done. But we will be married. With our loved ones there.

So why September 16, 2012? For one, it's close. For two, Ignacio and the mariachi will be in Las Vegas. Teaching forming. From September 10th-17th, they are scheduled to be there. And well three, isn't Las Vegas known for their quick weddings?

It's going to be fast. It's going to be different from what we had envisioned. But we'll be married. With our loved ones surrounding us. The details will somehow work out. I believe that God will give us that much. Being that he's taking my rock from me. I'm so lucky to have Ignacio. How he understands the importance of familia. And I'm lucky and blessed, to still be able to include mi abuelito.

Dress of My Dreams!!

My sisters convinced me, that I needed to search out a wedding dress. Since now. OK, it wasn't that hard to convince me. They told me that there were 2 sales going on. And well, we went. Spent an entire day, playing dress up!! Figuring out what worked, and what didn't.

I knew I wasn't going to buy anything. Not yet. Being that our wedding date, is more than a year away!! But I wanted to start looking at my options. Deciding what I liked. And what I didn't. Because really, I've never thought of a specific wedding dress.

There are a few things that I knew ahead of time. I wanted a somewhat traditional dress. With lace. But not a ballgown. I want to get married outside. So my dress needs to reflect that. Nothing too crazy. But something timeless, and elegant.

We looked around. I found a few things that I liked. But nothing that just screamed "that's my dress." I spent some serious time, going through bridal magazines. Tons of them actually!! But nothing was really standing out. There were things I liked from this dress, and things I liked from that dress. But not a single dress, that had them all.

My sister suggested that I search online. I took to some bridal websites. Saw things that I really enjoyed. I actually printed out a few dresses, and emailed links to a local shop. Then, while searching for outdoor wedding ideas on Pinterest, I found her!!

Isn't she gorgeous?? I like that this dress isn't completely strapless. Being that we're getting married by a priest. I feel strongly, that I need to be covered up, in a religious ceremony. The lace is just amazing!! And the silhouette is just perfect!!

I would like a deep red flower instead. I've searched around, looking for the source. With no luck!! But the lady at our local bridal shop, told me she'd do some searching. And if she couldn't find it, we could actually have it made. And ahead of time. So I can see it, and really fall in love. You know, with plenty of time before our wedding. :)

It's crazy how life works out. But it's nice. I'm also thinking about wearing red shoes. I think that would be nice. I'm so glad that my sisters took me shopping. :) And I've been assured, that this dress, should be in my budget. Who knows, I might even start ordering our wedding favors too!!

Paint My Nails Please :)

Valentine's Day is just 2 weeks away!! I've been trolling the Dollar Spot at Target. Don't you just love that place? I've picked up a few decorations, and some kitchen goodies. I know!! But it's so fun.

My mom always made a big deal, of Valentine's Day. Telling me and my sisters, just how much she loved us. And that this day, was just for us. Can you imagine my surprise, when I went to middle school, and realized this day was for lovers??

Now that I've got this amazing man, that I love with all my heart. Well, I want to sing from the rooftops!! I don't have a good singing voice, so I'll spare everyone. Instead, I'm decorating our home. And looking for special ways, to celebrate this day of love. :)

Let me tell you, there are a ton of ideas out there!! I've been searching them out. Wondering what I can actually tackle. And what might be, well a bit too much. Or too complicated. But as usual, Pinterest has not let me down. Just look at what I found.....

Cute nails!! Right?? Classic Valentine's Day colors.....red and white. Cute with all those polka dots. And I think, simple enough for me to tackle. I say this, only after consulting with a fairly new friend of mine. Mrs. Manders. Who also happens to be a makeup artist, and hair dresser.

She told me to buy a decent nail polish. Something that's not too runny. Paint my nails with 2 coats, letting them dry completely between coats. Then use a ballpoint pen. Shut your mouth!! I know. :) I've got a million dried up pens. I'll use one. Then dot away. Finish off, with a good topcoat.

Heck, this seems so easy, I might just tackle my toesies too! How fun is this going to be?? Just 2 weeks to go. Wow!! I have a million ideas. Just for my man. Do you have any to share??

Starting a New Beginning

Happy New Year!! Welcome to my new blog. :) I'm Anita. And I'm happily in love, with Ignacio. The greatest man, that I will ever know!! In fact, we've got some pretty big news. Today, we got engaged!! That's right. Just after midnight, Ignacio asked me to be his bride. And I said YES!!

I figured a blog would be a nice way to document, this new stage of life for us. A place that hopefully, I can keep track of wedding ideas and such. Hopefully, I will get to meet some new friends along the way. :)

A little bit about me and Ignacio. We've been dating for just over 2 years. The last 2 years, have made me a better person. Our love is deep, and strong. We live in the southwest. Where we don't really have "seasons." But the culture is rich!!

I'm a college student. Studying early childhood and elementary education. I'll be graduating in May 2013. And until a few months ago, I worked at a local boutique. I don't know how to cook. I often wish I was a "Domestic Goddess," like Martha Stewart!! And most Friday nights, you'll find me studying. And probably eating something sweet.

Ignacio is a professional musician. A mariachi violin player. And teacher. He teaches private lessons, when he's not performing. And when Ignacio is not working, he likes to go on road trips. Or hiking in the local mountains.

We have a strong belief in God. Have families that mean the absolute world to us. Friends that are more like family. We enjoy our culture. On special occasions, we indulge in our favorite restaurants. And our favorite past time, is lounging in our pjs.

I hope you stay tuned, to our adventure in life. This is only the beginning of our story. We have an entire lifetime to write. One that I hope, you will be a part of. Pull up a chair. I promise to be back. And soon!!