Twenty Fifteen

I am resurrecting this blog.  I used to write about being single, so once I found myself in a committed, serious relationship, I fell silent… Not anymore—I have a lot to say.

When I think back on the past year, I hope I am not cliché when I describe it as nothing short of AMAZING.

Amazing AND overwhelming… I cried so many (mostly happy) tears this year!  In fact, the month of December brought me something to tear up about almost every day, whether it was a holiday commercial or something my kiddos said, and I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older or because I’m getting married or both, but the only thing I can do is embrace it.

There were many unforgettable moments in 2015, but this one is (understandably!) my favorite:

 

One beautiful moment that led to many more...

But let me back up...

JANUARY 2015

We rang in the New Year in pajamas with good friends, many of us with wine in one hand and a baby in the other, and I would not have it any other way.  (I am so sorry if that sounds inappropriate, but it is what I imagine heaven will be like!)

a few of my favorite things

 We welcomed the new year with lots of snow and a job that challenged me, but that ultimately enabled me to find joy.

MARCH 2015

This month brought a new job for Steve, a birthday for Steve, and a life-changing moment for both of us, that our families helped him keep a secret for months.

BEST NIGHT EVER

Steve planned a proposal that was more perfect than I could have imagined.  I was completely surprised, and, as cheesy as it sounds, he took my breath away.  It was perfectly planned and executed… I had no idea our families knew it was happening all along!

 

It’s the moment so many of us girls wait for as little girls, and even so, I remember thinking that I couldn’t really believe it was happening.  It’s the biggest and most important decision I will ever make, and even so, I felt like I was in a dream and it wasn’t real.  Thank goodness we have pictures to prove that it was!  I may or may not have asked him to repeat what he said a few times…

 

So happy I said yes!

 

I can't believe I'm going to be a wife!

APRIL 2015

April brought lots of happy and sad moments.  (Brutiful as my girl Glennon would say.)

On Easter, God took my sweet Gramarama home.  Every Kradjel child and grandchild would agree that having her for a grandmother or mother was one of the greatest joys in life.  We miss her so very much, and this was a hard goodbye.  We know she is adding to the brilliance of heaven and enjoying the sparkle and the singing. (Jesus wants me for a sunbeam :) )

All because two people fell in love

Everything felt a little more real when we found and booked our wedding venue.  It is a beauty and a dream come true!  It will be here before we know it!

MAY 2015

I had a bridesmaid brunch with my five best girls.

 

 

I made little goody bags, a frittata, mimosas, and made them all sweat it out in my tiny apartment with me for a morning.  (This would also be the last event I hosted here before Steve moved in with me!)

  

Thankfully, they all said yes! :)

 

JUNE 2015

I went to Colonial Williamsburg with my family for our last vacation as a family of four.  It was great to get away from the craziness after the school-year ended.  And I couldn’t get over how adorable this place was!  I will be returning with my own family in tow one day!

JULY 2015

Another trip… the annual Ohio visit to see cousins, aunts, uncles, and the Om!

We have been going every year for as long as I can remember and it never gets old EVER.  Except this year we were there for the 4^th of July too, and I may have gotten misty-eyed sitting on a blanket with my cousins and sister watching fireworks.  (Ahem…)

Also in July, I said yes to the dress!!

I had appointments lined up for the day, but I found the one at the first place we looked.  I will never forget how it felt.  I cried, my mother in law (to be!) cried, Jessie cried… and I got to ring a bell and make a wish… perfection!  I am so excited to walk down the aisle on our wedding day, in the dress of my dreams, on my father’s arm, toward the man of my dreams!  (Ah!  Tears again!  It’s non-stop these days!)

SEPTEMBER 2015

September was really exciting for me, because I began my new role as a bilingual/ ESL teacher (same school that I love, new position).  I cannot say much without getting emotional, but it is the best job I have had so far, and being the one who gets to work with some fantastic kids and their families makes me feel like the most blessed girl on the planet.

NOVEMBER 2015

Thanksgiving was nothing short of fabulous.  My (almost!) mother-in-law hosted, so we got to be with Steve’s family, but she also invited my parents and Jessie.  So we all got to be together on this day!  It was really special.

Most handsome turkey carver around!

 

DECEMBER 2015

My (almost!) sister-in-law got engaged to her love!  Exciting times are ahead for the Wood Family :)

How cute are they?!

This was the first Christmas that Steve and I actually shared time with both families.  (Last year we did a little, but this was for real.)  Although it was a little sad to leave the childhood traditions of being with immediate family the whole time behind, it is very exciting to be able to share this season of joy and love with two families now.  When I think of the traditions we will make for our own family and children one day, it makes my heart grow a few sizes.

Christmas Eve

 

Christmas Day

If you stuck with me this whole time, God BLESS you!  It was a long one, but I wanted to make sure I got at least a few moments from this year down because I don’t want to forget them!

We are over-the-moon excited for 2016 because it’s our WEDDING YEAR!  I feel like just yesterday we were telling people our wedding date is in 2016, and now it’s practically here! 

Wishing you fun, adventures, and good health in the new year… May 2016 be your best year yet!

See you next year!