2008 Rewind

As I look at the year past and look ahead at what’s to come I realize how blessed I am – we all are. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure this year and stretched me in ways I never thought possible. I’m excited to bring in the New Year with my new husband in a matter of hours! 2009 is going to be an exciting new ride. I wanted to share a few of my favorite highlights from the past year.

A year ago today Pop was teaching me to drive the family boat, so fun! Sad to say, the family boat went to a happier family & that cold cash helped pay for my dream wedding!

March - Jordan came home for his mid-tour from serving in Afghanistan. We were so excited to have him home and be able to hug on him. Mom, Pop & I traveled to NY to pick him up from JFK. We spent about a week in NY with our NY family and had a blast with St. Patty's Day Parades, a Welcome Home Party for Jordan and of course some NY Shopping!

April - My sweet baby girl, Sophie Mae, turned 4!
May - A group of friends went out in style to celebrate Jon's Birthday. It was such a fun night and many memories made by all! Also in May something very special happend, I met my Love!

July - Celebrating the fourth with Family & Friends. Pop and I even met a few pirates! We spent the day on our boat and then fireworks in the evening in Fernandina, it was a fun way to celebrate July 4th!

August - Jordan is FINALLY HOME from a 15 month tour in Afghanistan. Such a sweet time with friends and family, so many showed up at JIA to show Jordan their love & support. Pop got first hug, glad I could capture it. It is one of my favorite treasured pictures. Also in August Jordan bought Pop some water skis and we hit the river - it was so fun to see Pop get up and slalom like he did before us kids!

September - Jon, Gail & I headed on I-95 for a quick weekend road trip. We ended up staying the night at the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine. It was definitely a highlighted weekend because we had so much fun! I adore friends + randomness = perfect weekend.

October - Billy proposed! I've already blogged about this special event so I will spare the mushy details, ha, but October was a very special month for me!

November - Special friends of mine threw my Bachelorette Party and it was so much fun! I enjoyed having a sweet time with all my girls.

December - has been the most wonderful month of all. December 6th I married my love - we had a short engagement because we didn't want to wait, we were so excited. Mom and I planned a gorgeous garden wedding in 8 weeks! I cannot wait to blog about my big day early next year.

Christmas 2008! Billy & I had a fabulous first married Christmas together and are looking forward to the New Year!

Happy New Year to all of you! God Bless!!

Kriner Christmas Tradition

I’m big on traditions – if we did it as kids, we still gotta do it! Even at 28 years old I insist on certain traditions being carried out (I think I can get away with it until I have children of my own). Until then I will insist upon having our fun holiday traditions we had as kids. Mom, since even before I was born, bakes dozens of Christmas shaped sugar cookies and makes colorful icing. Jordan and I use to love this tradition as kids – eat one, decorate one, eat one, decorate one! We probably learned that pattern from Pop. Even though Jordan couldn’t be here with us since he is living in Italy (we miss you terribly kid!) we still had to decorate cookies. This year was no exception; we continued on tradition and decorated our hearts out. Mom is awesome at getting everything ready for us and Pop is good at making it a time to remember. Here are a few pictures from our creative Christmas fun. I hope all of you enjoy your own family Christmas traditions and have a Merry Christmas!

... Decorate One, Eat One...

Billy decorated a blue Christmas tree for me...Ooooo Ahhhh

My "Mr. & Mrs. Snow-Birds"

The "Love-Birds" are back!

What a whirlwind of a month! Billy & I had a fabulous garden wedding and a fun, relaxing honeymoon. Finally, back into the swing of things I want to post some pictures from our honeymoon in Key West, FL and the Bahamas. We took a 6 day cruise and enjoyed every minute. Here's some highlights below.

Key West, FL - enjoying the sunny beach in December!

I adore Pirates...this one had a peg leg!

Billy with the "Naked Ladies" statue in Key West, ha!

Enjoying the cruise deck at night - it was gorgeous weather the entire trip

My HOT Husband, I'm a lucky lady!

We have a preview of the wedding pictures on Lyndsay's blog and I cannot wait to do a blog post of my own once we receive all the photos. Lyndsay and Anderson did a fabulous job bringing the beauty of our wedding day to life! For now, check out her blog for a sneak peak! http://pinkcoffeephoto.blogspot.com/2008/12/brooke-and-billy-wedding.html

4 More Days!

We are on the official count down. Billy and I get married this Saturday and are so excited! Lyndsay from http://pinkcoffeephoto.blogspot.com/ is doing our photography so I know the pictures will be amazing. I can't wait to post some of her work from the wedding in the next couple of weeks.

Life's Unexpected Gifts

I cannot believe how fast this year is moving. January proved to be a rough start for me in 2008. The spring was calm and interesting; the summer was fun and eventful; the fall has been a whirl-wind of pure excitement! I'm 23 days out from being a MRS. The winter will prove to be my season of love and answered prayer. Good things do come to those who wait. I've asked the Lord to bless me in His timing with a man who loves Him more than anything. A man who would love me unconditionally, a man who had a sweet spirit and of course a man who was tall, dark & handsome. That is the exact man the Lord gave me. When Billy proposed on October 7th I felt like the luckiest girl in the world! Only weeks from now, December 6th, I will become Mrs. Billy Bird - how wonderful! I've learned so much this year and I know 2009 will definitley be a year of learning as well being a newlywed. I am so excited to see where the Lord brings us. I also plan to blog more and post wedding pictures after the big day.

My Pink Ink

So last month I decided to do something I've been contemplating for over a year. I finally got my wrist tattoo. It was a "big" decision for me because I'm so indecisive but turns out after a month, I still love it. Last summer I went with my Mom and we got shamrock tats on our right foot. This didn't hurt near as badly as the foot did and I've discovered I can hide it easily with my bracelets when I don't want to show it off...I do work at a conservative Baptist Church. I know, they think I'm a rebel.

Back on U.S. Soil

It was such a good feeling driving to the airport knowing you are going to see your personal solider. My brother just returned home for his mid-tour visit. It's been fun having him home, hearing stories and catching up with family & friends. After spending some time with him it makes me so thankful for our troops and families who sacrafice for our freedom! Thank you, Jordan for serving. We love you!

Happy Closet

Recently, I purchased a few new clothing items for my "work wardrobe." I'm tired of wearing the same old pants with the same random tops. I tried to purchase new basics with a few fun items. I also re-organized my entire closet so this makes the mornings easier and a little brighter! Here's to brighter mornings...

Plum Crazy

Recently during my latest travels I was introduced to a new series of novels that I've found quite entertaining. Stephanie Plum is the main character in the series and is a bounty hunter - there's always adventure and great excitement following this character's storyline. For me, it's been a fabulous pass-time and I'm looking forward to reading more by Jane Evanovich poolside - hurry up summer-time!

Decorating

Decorate \Dec"o*rate\
To deck with that which is becoming, ornamental, or honorary;
to adorn; to beautify; to embellish; [1913 Webster]

Syn: To adorn; embellish; ornament; beautify; grace.

This past weekend I set out to "beautify" my new living room. Decorating I believe is a natural talent. Some people embrace this gift and others do not. I am in the latter category thus I brought my mom along. We found a couple of great buys! Although the living room still needs a bit more work, it really is turning out great and finally feeling like home.


*Home Sweet Home - A work in Progress*