Ahhhh, I'm at home again!

That is what I felt like screaming from the roof tops this week. Billy and I decided it was way pass due to car shop. We I wanted/needed to get rid of the Honda I was driving.

Let me rewind…

Before I dated my sweet and amazing husband, I dated a bozo. I’m allowed to be frank on here, right?! Looking back I’m not quite sure where my head was but I was definitely dating a guy that was wrong for me in every way. In that relationship he had convinced me that I should get rid of my beautiful white BMW because he wanted to get married and was thinking ahead about finances. To make a really long and sour story short, I traded in my pretty little BMW for a nice sensible Honda Accord. A week later, that “soon to be proposal” and future with him were gone – he broke up with me. I was stuck driving a Honda. (Insert lesson learned here: Ladies, I don’t care how great that guy is, don’t do anything stupid like I did until after you get married).

I was mad – really mad. Here I was with this “family sedan” and there was no future of a family. However, the Honda was a very good car and gave me four years of safe travels. The best part, I didn’t end up with that guy…just the car. It could’ve been worse! :)

Fast forward to today, four years later (to the week) and I still was a little bitter towards the Honda. It was not the cars fault but the memory every now and then that would remind me of why I was driving that car. I would never have chosen a Honda Accord on my own and that memory taunted me in various moments throughout the past four years. Here I was married to the perfect man God blessed me with and I had this lingering connection to the past I couldn’t seem to cut.

Until…

The day finally came this week and I am back in a BMW. It’s always been my favorite car and anyone who knows me realizes that since I’ve owned 3. I’m journaling my story so I can wipe my hands clean and finally leave that memory in the past. I know this story may sound silly but if you’ve been in a similar situation, you get it. So, here’s to old reminders going away AND to a wonderful husband who gets me…puts up with me…loves me with his whole heart…and takes me to pick out that car I’ve missed. I may love my new BMW but I really love Mr. Bird sooo much more.

 
Disclaimer:
****Please note that I think Honda Accords are wonderful cars and if you drive one this is not to offend you. It just wasn't for me.
Thanks and have a nice day. :) ****

Your Personal Soldier is now available!

Two years of hard work have paid off, my Mom is a published author! Yesterday Your Personal Soldier: Emails from the front was pre-relased, we were so excited!! This is an intriguing diary of a family (my family), community & the soldier affected by war. A raw, emotional and brilliant journal of our journey with Staff Sgt. Kriner during his first tour in Afghanistan. What really happens during a soldier's deployment.

If you are a military family, like to read, know of a soldier or want the inside scoop on what really happens when a soldier leaves for war pick up a copy. A must read! Keep up with our journey here.

Remembering My Grandpa

A loving soul, Christ-follower, hard worker, gentle spirit and wisdom way beyond his 89 years … this was my Grandpa Kriner. A week ago today at this moment I had the sweetest experience in witnessing my Grandpa, surrounded by family, leave us to meet Jesus. The experience was sad, surreal, and happy he was free of pain yet full of tears. What a pleasure and blessing it was to call him my Grandpa. The past week has been hard yet promising because I know I will get to see my Grandpa again in Heaven. Oh, what hope we have in Christ! As he took his last breath with family surrounding him, loving on him, I couldn’t help but think that in that moment God was welcoming him home and Grandpa was hearing, “Well done, my good & faithful servant.” I’m thankful and so blessed to have the memories, pictures and stories to share with my future children of this sweet man. I’m forever grateful and his memory is forever in my heart.

Grandpa & Grandma Kriner

Pop's and Grandpa at G'pa's 86th Birthday

Grandpa & Grandma with Billy & I on our wedding day

What a Gift

I always wanted a sister. I remember growing up playing Micro Machines and building log cabins from Lincoln Logs with my brother. I climbed trees, participated in mud wars, go-cart racing, zip lines and building booby traps to keep away the annoying neighborhood kid from our fort. Looking back, I really have a ton of fond memories, great memories, but none of them were from playing Barbie’s. I didn’t neglect Barbie; I just didn’t get a lot of time with her due to wanting to have a play mate. Jordan was NOT going to play Barbie’s. Fast forward to the teenage years and all the sudden I became thankful I didn’t have a sister. The sharing of clothes and hogging time in the bathroom were battles I never had to endure. Now that Jordan and I are grown adults and I’ve officially hit the 3-0 mark I found it well pass due to finally get that sister I always wanted. Thankfully, Jordan met a beautiful lady and married her last November. Our relationship since has grown and it has been fun getting to know Oana. Last month, Oana finally came HOME. Billy and I met her at the airport when she landed and we all hit it off instantly. I really enjoyed spending time with my sister a week before Jordan came home from Afghanistan. Oana has fit perfectly into our family and I truly believe God gave her to us, not only to Jordan but to the family. Here are just a few pictures from her visit. Oana is back in Italy with my cute nephew Carlo while Jordan flew back to Afghanistan. Billy and I miss them both already!