A Wedding Story

Today is a very special day for me - It is my 4th wedding anniversary. <3
Not everyone knows our story so I thought I would share it with you...

Erick and I have actually been together 10 years now - that is a long time. We've known each other longer than that but it wasn't until my freshman year at SWT and his senior year of high school that we actually even started talking. Our "dating" began with late night AIM chats and long-distance phone calls from my dorm room. (I remember I would actually go out into the hall way to talk on the phone because my roommate was sleeping.) Then when I would head to Brownsville for the weekends only because my old buddy Louie was driving, I would call Erick up from my mother's house to get together. 

Greenville, SC 2003

Even through separation our relationship took a serious note in August of 2002. I was living in Houston and had just gotten home from an awesome Goo Goo Dolls concert in the Woodlands. I was super pumped with adrenaline from such a great time that I decided to call up my best friend, Daniela. I knew she would love to hear about my night and just to catch up a little. She sounded almost shocked when she answered the phone and after a brief conversation continued by saying, "You'll never believe who is out with Alexis and me?" We only spoke for a minute but we both new then that something amazingly serendipitous had just occurred. :) Once again our relationship continued through long-distance phone calls as he was now living in South Carolina. Three months later, I arrived by Greyhound in Greenville, SC, Thanksgiving Day.

Engagement Photos

Our marriage planning did not begin with a romantic proposal. Erick and I always spoke about getting married and by 2006 we began discussing and planning our wedding for the end of the following year. Our save-the-date calenders were sent out exactly one year before our wedding. They were difficult preparations as we were making plans from South Carolina for a Texas wedding but I think I did a very good job if I do say so myself.

You may now kiss the bride

After six years, our big day had finally arrived. As Murphy's law states, "anything that can go wrong, will," there was drama, and problems, and issues of so many, I lost count. But when that day finally arrived, and I was getting ready to walk down the aisle, nothing and no one else mattered. I was just thrilled and anxious to marry the man I loved. Our wedding took place on December 15, 2007 at 3:30 pm in Brownsville, Texas at Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Our guests consisted of just close family and friends. My little brother walked me down the aisle and all I could do was stare straight ahead at my husband-to-be. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo, all I could do was grin from ear to ear. It was a beautiful ceremony - such a wonderful day! Our reception was simple but elegant. I never stopped smiling or dancing. Even through all the mess, it turned out to be a wonderful celebration. Most definitely moments I will remember forever.

Mr. & Mrs. Mendoza

It is now four years later and I can still get that feeling of "giddiness" every time I see my husband. I married a wonderful man! He has brought me so much joy and love and in this - our son.  It hasn't always been easy getting to where we are, Lord knows our relationship has had its' ups and downs and its stir of emotions, but what counts is that we held on and made it. We continue to work at our relationship every day and it brings us closer and closer together. It's not perfect, it never has been and never will be, but we love each other and our son and are just blessed to have each other and truly be happy.
Happy 4 Year Wedding Anniversary, babe! I love you!

Busy Brownsville Trip



Grandpa & C.J.

C.J. and I traveled to Brownsville for Thanksgiving this past week and stayed a few days longer. :) We had such a wonderful time while we were there. Days flew by with so much to do and so many to see. This was definitely a trip needed for us. Especially for C.J. so he could spend some time with all of his cousins...well most of them anyway. With our family, someone is always missing. But none-the-less, when ever our family can finally come together, we enjoy it and make the best of it.
We flew down early, Thanksgiving day to be in Brownsville by lunch time. Thursday went by fairly fast and by dinner we were seated down at the table to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal. My mother-in-law, did a fabulous job with all of dinner. Her amazing homemade stuffing was my favorite. (She does a mixture of bread crumbs, celery, carrots, ground pork and other ingredients - It is delicious!) It was a beautiful meal. And Thanksgiving leftovers are always the best, aren't they? :)

Kiddos having a slumber party

At BoraBora Ultra Night Lounge

Our next day there was spent with my immediate family at my sister, Leslie's home. We were basically just hanging out but figured we'd take advantage that my Mother was willing to babysit and we were all finally together, (with the exception of my husband, my older brother, and his wife), to have a night out. We all had a great time! It was nice to see the kids together playing and spending time. These are definitely rare occasions. The only one missing from their sleep-over was my niece, Allison. They fell asleep a little late but were all well-behaved and had fun - that is was matters. My brothers and sisters and I had a fabulous night! A lot of dancing, chatting, and just having a great time. I am so thankful and grateful that we got at least one night of bonding.

Close friends of 17 years

Considering that my trips to Brownsville are not as common as we would like them to be, I take it upon myself to let my friends know when I will be in town. I got to see quite a few people this time while visiting. It made my trip that much better! My first day there I ran into my friend Joe, then I was able to meet up with my childhood bestie, Daniela.  This was a long time coming. It had been 5 years since I last saw her. I have missed her immensely. She is doing so well and newly engaged! I am so excited for her and Joel. (Someone I have also known since high school.) It was a short visit at a local taco place but so enjoyed. It was great catching up. I was also able to see my friend Giana, her hubby Beau, and their new little bundle of joy, Jack - who is absolutely adorable! They finally got to meet C.J. as well. We had a good time at Chick-Fil-A. :)

Happy 5th Birthday, Ale!

While in Brownsville, we were also able to celebrate my nephew, Alexander's 5th Birthday! We hadn't attended one since his 1st Birthday. So it was nice to be a part of that day. We had a small get together at Peter Piper Pizza to celebrate the occasion. He wanted a Ben 10 theme this year so I ordered cupcake rings, a candle, an edible cake decoration, and a pinata just for him. (He also requested a Tiramasu cake that I ordered from Olive Garden.) The boys had a lot of fun.

Mendoza Ladies

Holly & Baby Yandel

The one thing that kept me super busy during my entire visit was all the planning for Holly's Baby Shower. There was so much that needed to be done! Between my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, and myself (we hosted) we got the job done. It really turned out to be a wonderful day! We had a great turn-out and they were showered with many wonderful gifts! We are all so excited and anxious to meet the new little prince of the family. We think it is so sweet that we have all had boys first. <3 This child will be such a blessing to my brother & sister-in-law and such a precious addition to the Mendoza Family. Baby Yandel is due February 2 but my husband and I are hoping he will be born on the 4th. (Erick's birthday) ;)

It had its' moments, but those 10 days flew by very quickly. I was so happy to spend the time I did with my entire family and to see everyone. What a great trip! I have so much to look forward to in the next few weeks. I cannot wait for Christmas where we will all be together again but most importantly the return of my husband from Japan on the 23rd. These next 18 days cannot go by quickly enough!