Happy Birthday Gabby!

Today is my hunny's 23rd birthday!

I'm so very blessed to have him in my life. He's so generous and kind, but most of all, he puts up with me on a daily basis (I think he deserves an award for that alone!). He's my #1 supporter and encourager, and has this innate ability to be positive when I'm down or negative. I don't know how he does it, but he does! 

He's also so intelligent. I mean, seriously. He knows all the U.S. Presidents and basically everything about American Colonial History. The man is a walking encyclopedia. Nuff said. 

More than anything, Gabby is my best friend. Over the past six years, he has been my rock in some of the most difficult times of my life. He has hugged me, laughed with me, cried with me, and most importantly, prayed with me. God has done such an extraordinary work in his life, and I am so proud of the Godly man he has become. 

After six years of hopes and dreams, our prayers are finally being answered one by one, and we're starting to grow up little by little. It's so exciting to see your dreams become a reality right before your eyes, and it's so much better to have someone to experience them all with. I can't imagine a better partner to spend my life with. And I can't wait to see what God has in store for us! 

Happy Birthday baby! I love you!

Great News!

I want to thank everyone for all of your prayers!

Gabby got the job! :D

I'm so excited/proud/happy for him to start not just a new job, but a career that he is passionate about. God has been so good to us, and we have been patient in waiting on His will.

In our small group we've been studying the book of Genesis, and something we discussed (a few weeks ago in fact) was praying specifically for things. I argued that I wouldn't be able to tell God specifically what I wanted, just because I'd feel like I'm telling Him what to do for me, when He's the one who knows the plans He has for me. But some of my friends mentioned that they had prayed specifically for certain things, and in doing so were able to more clearly see God's answer to those prayers. That is definitely true in this situation. Gabby wants to teach at the university level one day, and I mentioned to him that teaching an AP course would probably be something he would enjoy.

Well, the position he is being considered for is to teach AP American History for 11th and 12th graders.

Seriously. How perfect is that?

Only God can make things work out so beautifully. Thanks again to everyone for all your prayers! :)

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope your holiday was full of fun, food and family! We really had a great time today (and yesterday as well). Yesterday was, of course, Noche Buena, which is really a Hispanic's pre-Christmas celebration spectacular. We had the family over for dinner and I was in charge of decorating the table! I totally ran with it, and I just love how everything turned out. I had to give myself a pat on the back. ;)

It was great to have all of my mom's side of the family together for Noche Buena. Gabby's family stopped by as well for some yummy dessert! After dinner, I went with my love to his church's Midnight Mass. Beautiful service, and most importantly, a beautiful message of Love! Overall- great night. Noche Buena indeed.

After an extra long night(by the time mass finished and I got home and finished cleaning up, it was 3 a.m!), I woke up bright and early at 8 a.m. to head on over to Gabby's for the opening of the presents. His sister wakes up at 6 a.m. every Christmas morning (mind you, she's 20) and I usually go over and bring gifts and open their gifts with them there.  I was pleasantly surprised! Gabby bought me a beautiful Coach wallet that I'd been eyeing for some time! I totally wasn't expecting it, but then again,  he wasn't expecting getting an awesome GPS system, yet he did! Santa was kind this year. ;)

After opening presents at the Medinas', I headed on home to wake up my mom and brother for our own Christmas morning! I was, again, pleasantly surprised! Mom got me an awesome camera, which I was in dire need of. I will definitely be wearing it down! ;) Also, my brother got me seasons 1 and 2 of the greatest show ever, which totally made my morning.

After gift time, we went to my cousin's house in Pinecrest for our traditional family brunch. Each year we have Pan con Lechon, yummy cinnamon rolls from Knaus Berry Farm, and my grandmother's traditional manzanitas. All that food, plus a huge family and a ton of kids, makes for a great day!

I was reminded today just how blessed I am. I can truly say that, even if I didn't recieve one thing that I wanted, I would still be so grateful for just having everything that I already own. I have a great family, a wonderful boyfriend, health, food, shelter, and a means of transportation! Seriously, what more can someone ask for this Christmas?