Bloomability: 365 Days... Texas Edition

Well it's been a year since I got to Texas...a year as of today's date and a year as of yesterday Sunday. Crazy. Honestly. I woke up with a heavy heart and I was confused. It came out of no where. I asked the Lord what was going on and he reminded me that we left Maryland a year ago today. It's been a long year, I'm not going to lie. But guess what, friends? I made it. The first year is the hardest year. It was a year of ups and downs, tears and laughter, moments and memories. I wouldn't trade it for the world but man am I glad it's over. I wanted to take you on a journey, through the last 365 days... join me?

July 2014:

Our last picture as a family with the MD house.
Definitely a sentimental moment.
We pulled away on July 27th, a Sunday and began our 1,350 mile journey to the great state of Texas.

My childhood BFF (Hannah Popp) won Friend of the Year award driving halfway across the country with me!
I can't tell you how relieving it was to see the "Welcome to Texas" sign!

Dorm shopping!

3 days after we arrived was my 18th birthday. I am so grateful I had great friends and family to surround me.
(Side note: I ended up in the ER on the night of my 18th birthday for a possible blood clot in the back of my leg from driving and staying in the same position for so long (21 hours to be exact!). Definitely scary and made for an adventurous birthday. I am so grateful that at 3 am on the 31st the doctor told me all was clear.

The beautiful gift my parents gave me! All a girl ever wants is a blue Tiffany box ;)

August 2014:

Exploring my new city!

Off to college with all my STUFF!

Dorm pic--a must!

First day of college...I am a photographers daughter. lol

September 2014:

BB's 7th Birthday...a day at Paint and Pottery.

October 2014:

Zach comes to visit! Such a sweet reuniting after a few months apart!

My sunshine when skies are gray

My BFF (Sarah Winsted) arrives and makes my life in TX so much brighter!

November 2014:

Thanksgiving selfie, of course!

A trip to A & M--my future home!

December 2014 and January 2015:

Emily comes to visit!

What's a girls visit without masks??

My dad's side of the family all together right after Christmas!

Off to Cali to ring in the New Year!

The New Year in San Fransisco--definitely a night with many stories. ;) LOL

Snuck in a quick visit with the Eenigenburgs!
Hadn't seen them since my sweet cousin Josie was born (she's the adorable 3 year old)

Golden Gate Bridge day trip!

February 2015:

I made the craziest decision and decided I was over long hair for awhile.

Valentine's Day with this gem!
We both made our first Kendra Scott purchases.

A Friday night well spent full of laughs and paint brushes.

One last visit to see Zach before he heads off to boot camp!

Santa Cruz was lovely.

March 2015:

Austin trip with Sarah and my sweet mom!

A night exploring Austin!

Off to Atlanta to help Sarah get the rest of her stuff!

Palm Sunday!

April 2015:

Happy Easter from the Albers!

I got my job at Cabi and I can easily say that was one of the best decisions I made all year!
LOVE my job.
For those of you that have never heard of Cabi--check it out here.

After seven and a half long weeks, we are ready to see our Airman!

One of the best hugs I've ever had.

Goodbyes are never easy.

May 2015:

Saying peace out to Commerce Texas...never to return again.
By the grace of God, after a brutally long hard semester I finished with a 4.0.
The greatest thing Commerce did for me was refine my character.
For that, I am forever grateful.