On the night we announced the engagements
of our beloved daughters

By Anna Esparza Puig

At double engagement party
Javier and Becky Treviño took a moment to visit with Becky's sisters Sandy Ortiz and Carmen Martinez, and with betrothed couple Valerie Ann Puig and Javier Treviño, Jr. They are pictured at the Muller home in La Bota Ranch.

In our family the evening of Saturday, December 28, 2002 will always be remembered as one of joy and sharing, of music and laughter. It was the night my husband John Valentine and I proudly announced the double engagement of our precious daughters Virgina Raquel and Valerie Ann. At the historic La Bota Ranch home of Albert and Cookie Muller, the Mullers and beloved Puig matriach Mary Virgina "Grannie" Puig welcomed Puigs, Posadas, Treviños, and their extended families to a joining of hearts.
Sentries of glowing amber Tiki torches guided guests through the hills of La Bota Ranch to the ancestral Muller home of cut stone and timbers. Eighty guests found warmth in the exquisite beauty and ambience of this historic home aglitter in Christmas cheer and candlelight.
Hand in hand with her fiancee José "J" Posada, our daughter Virginia Raquel "Jena" introduced his parents, Joe and Roselind Posada of San Antonio, to her aunts and uncles, among them Dr. Felipe and Sandra Esparza and Jimmy and Aida Martinez. The Esparzas were accompanied by their three daughters, Amanda, Audrey, and Alyssa.
Valerie Ann glowed at the side of her fiancee, Javier Treviño, son of Laredoans Javier and Becky Treviño, as they welcomed family members and shared April wedding plans with Val’s aunts and uncles, Betty and Ron Beck of Austin and Mary Ellen and Eugene Rollman of Houston. Val and Javi surprised her aunt Aida and his aunt Sandi with their invitation to be madrinas de lazo for their wedding. What tears of joy were shared.
B. A. and Stella Puig, Jimmy and Anne Puig, Adolfo and Aida Puig, Jacinto and Diana Juarez, Letty Treviño, Carmin Martinez, Blas and Rosina Martinez, David García and his fiancée Hermina Martinez delighted in each others’ company and enjoyed the culinary artistry and impeccable service of the Laredo Executive Club staff. Guests enjoyed provaditas of roast, shrimp, game hen, and venison tamales topped off by Grannie Puig's prized Christmas cookies and champagne punch.
Brothers of the brides-to-be Dr. John V., Jeffrey with his lovely wife Judi and daughter Raquelita, and Jacob traded childhood memories with Javi’s brother Albert and his fiancée Celeste. Laughter across the room meant J’s sisters Laura and Analisa were enjoying the shenanigans of little misses Kaylin, Gabby, and Lynsey and daughters of Val’s bridesmaids, Teresa Casals and Cindy Rodriguez.
The merriment continued through the evening, spilling out to the cool of the evening on the deck overlooking the twinkling lights of Laredo just past the silver ribbon of the Rio Grande. The incredible music of Dr. Soto and his ensemble of classical guitars filled the night. The children, Christian, Matthew, Kayla, and babies Raquelita and Aubra charmed everyone, especially J’s grandmother Carmen, the Uribes’ Joe "Peps," Celso and Lizbeth, and Christi and Fred Flores.
In that merry night of warm exchanges of family stories, we paused in a toast to the honorees. John wished them love and happiness, and place them in God’s care. We welcomed the Posadas and the Treviños, inviting them to share the joy of becoming compadres. Javier Treviño and Joe Posada, fathers of the boys, spoke for their families, expressing their happiness at the forthcoming unions.
All too quickly the evening came to a close, leaving us with the sweetness of friends and family members who that night had shared cherished memories of yesterday, all the while anticipating all the beautiful tomorrows.