The End

WOW! Can you believe it? It is just a few hours till 2011 arrives! As we have been getting closer I have been thinking alot about this past year. Although nothing special really happened the last months werethe best ones. Brandi and the boys were home for almost 4 months. And to top it all out Kyle was home for the last couple of weeks. This was the first time that all 9 of us had been together for the holidays. It was such a wonderful thing to see Zach and Wyatt opening presents Christmas morning. It was the best Christmas ever! We were so sad to see them go. We love them so much and hate not getting to see them grow up.

I am not sure rather or not I am looking forward to the new year. It just doesn't seem like it's going to be the best year we have had. After all, I will be gaining a neice (which is soooo exciting) but I won't get to meet her, I won't be seeing my sister and nephews and Travis is leaving before the middle of the year for a deployment. I love my family so much, and I don't want to be with out them. I am trying to stay positive though and remember that starting 2011 means I can zoom through it and look forward to all my favorite things like Thanksgiving and Christmas! I know I know I am rushing just a bit! But come on this years was so great I can't wait to see what happens next year! But even if it isn't I have decided that I am going to do everything that I can to make it great and to keep a positive mind! (I may be calling on some of you all to help with this task)

This year we have become so much stronger in our faith which is something that is so wonderful. I am looking forward to starting another bible in January. And I know that because I have such a stronger faith this time around I am going to be able to make it through this deployment so much better! As I am sure you can tell I am worried about this deployment. After having lost a friend in Afghanistan, it always seems to be on my mind. But I know that God is going to watch over my husband and protect him!

As the 2o11 rings in I sincerely hope that you and your family are very happy and that it becomes the best year yet! We love you all!!!!!

Praising God!!

Just wanted to share a large praise today. Last night the 34 men of Delta Company arrived safely back in America!! They will soon be reunited with their families. I know how exciting this is for all of them, and I said a prayer of thanks to God for watching over them while they were there and bringing them home safely. I do also continue to pray for Stacy and Ethan during this time cause I know how much they miss Daniel. But she is handling it amazingly. I hope that you all will send up a prayer of thanks and also a prayer for their continued travel!!

GOD IS GOOD!!!

I know I know

It has been forever. and I blame it all on Brandi. Yes, that's right my sister. You see she has been in town pretty much since the last time I posted. And her and those cute nephews of mine keep me going doing all sorts of fun things! Blogging has feel to the wayside, after all when some one as cute as those to wants your attention you give it to them!

Since the last time I posted much has changed! Travis has found out that he will be deploying next year. Not till mid year probably, but things have already begun to be discussed. But that is still aways off, so stay tuned for more later. Also, we bought a new car, well new to us anyway. We had it almost a month before some one hit me. Yep, hit me on the back passenger side. So we are now in the process of working with the insurance companies to get it fixed. Which really really stinks. But we are very thankful to God that no one was hurt. It could have been ALOT worse, and he watched over me!

Also, we went to the Marine Corps ball this past Saturday to celebrate their 235th Birthday! Of course it was fun! And this week we will be celebrating Veterans Day, and going on what we are going to call a "mini vacation". Which is really a weekend get away! We are really excited! And then not long is Thanksgiving! And Brandi and the boys are going to be here. This will be the first time in several years that she will get to spend it with us. And that also means.......Black Friday shopping together!!!!!!

As you can imagine things have been crazy, and things are probably going to only get worse. But I am going to try and post more often. So we will see, so till next time..............................

Oops

I forgot to post something in the last few weeks. So let's see

Travis got home last Thursday. Which was several days earlier than we thought, which ROCKED! He actually like Africa, and brought back some awesome stuff! Which I would take pictures of and post them. Except the fact that Travis broke the camera while in Africa! Yes, you read it right, we now have no camera!

On Friday we got up and left the house early and drove to Pegram Tennessee, for Daniel Greer's funeral. It was a rough day to lay a great friend, husband, father, Marine, and Firefighter to rest. And so hard to see his is beautiful wife suffer so much. It was a wonderful tribute to his life. There was almost 1,000 people there. And Billy Ray Cyrus came and sang a song. He apparently lives near there, and saw Daniel's story on the local news and called the family up and asked if he could come and play. But like I said it was a wonderful way to celebrate the life of a true American Hero.

We got home really late, but got to spend the rest of the weekend together running errands, and just hanging out! But of course Monday brought on a new work week, and we have been going at it ever since! But today is Friday, and we are hoping that Travis has part of tomorrow off and all day Sunday so we can have some fun!!!!!

I do ask that you keep praying for Stacy and Ethan. I have talked to to her a couple of times, and I know things are really rough still. She is a super strong women, but is so sad.

Daniel Greer

Daniel Greer a friend of ours was injured Friday after being in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan. He was a sweet man who loved his wife and son so much. I know that Stacy is terribly sad right now as she goes to accompany his body home from Germany. She needs all our prayers in the next several weeks as she deals with this terrible lost.

This is any military spouses worst nightmare. And I can not imagine what she is going through. It has really close to home for me, since Travis is gone. I am sad so I can only imagine what she is feeling. She is such a sweet and loving wife and mother, and my heart breaks for her. Please continue to pray for them all.

Daniel-you were a great man, and wonderful friend to my husband. You will be greatly missed, but I know that you will never be forgotten.

In need of prayers

I am posting so that you all will be praying. Last night a guy from Travis' unit that is in Afghanistan right now was injured. I do not know details as of right now. But I do know that he is ICU in a hospital in Afghanistan. He has a wife and 1 year old son in Nashville. I know she is upset and they all need lots of prayers as well. His name is Daniel Greer and her name is Stacy. I will keep you all updated, but until then please please keep them in your prayers. They sure do need it.

Oh me....

I just don't have anything to say. But I am just so bored that I don't know what else to do so I thought I would blog about it. Since the week that Travis has been gone. I have painted the living room, and the bedroom. And all that is left is the bathroom. Which I am purposely not doing, because that will mean the end of all the big things that I wanted to do! I have been working all the time, which helps but only so much. Don't get me wrong, things could be alot worse. Being bored is a good things, compared to what could be going on. But still, sometimes I think I am going insane!

I haven't heard from Travis, which isn't unexpected and not necessarily a bad thing. I would absolutely love to hear from him, but since I knew I most likely wouldn't I am going with no news is good news! I am looking forward to this weekend, because it is tax free weekend here in Tennessee! Only on school related things, like cloths (my personal favorite) and school supplies, computers that sort of thing! And there a couple of things that we need here and I am holding off till I can get them tax free. It's not a huge saving, but better than nothing! Any one want to join me, feel free!?

Well, I guess that is it. See, I told you nothing important to say. Thanks for letting entertain myself for a few minutes!

Keeping busy

Hello all! Well, as July comes to an end, it took Travis' with it. Yep he is gone and will be gone for around a month or so. It is the Marine Corps after all and you never really know when they will return. He is so excited about this AT, he is going to Africa! Which, come on, sounds pretty awesome, even if I do say so my self. Please be praying for him and the rest of the guys that are with him, what they are doing is going to require alot of prayers! At least I think it does, but what job in the Marine Corps doesn't!

As for me (and dewy), we are already back in the routine of being by ourselves and keepng busy. I have an entire list of things that I want to get done before he gets home. And I have already started! Let me tell you, I am making myself busy! I miss him like crazy already, but I am so excited about painting! Which is top priority on my list of things to do! Of course I would take pictures and post them, but Travis' took the camera with him! I really think that its time to invest in another one. So that he can take one with him and I can have one here. So there won't be any pictures to be posted until he gets back, but when he does there will probably be a ton! Cause of you know my husband he will take hundreds of pictures!

I think that everyone that knows me, has heard that when the guys leave something is going to break. Well, it has already struck, kind of that is. The night before he left I walked into the kitchen and turned on the light and the bulb is blown! These aren't just ordinary bulbs. They are the really long ones, and of course it is really really high so I can't even begin to fathom changing it. I am still waiting on the apartment guys to come fix it, but they are taking forever! I mean days to change a light bulb! Guess this is sign of things to come.

Like I said I miss my husband like crazy and I hate being by myself. But I am very very at ease with this. And I know that it is because we have both giving our worries to GOD and we are letting him take care of us!

A new month is upon us!

Can you believe it!? July is already here, and what is worse it is almost half over! I know seems crazy to think that we are on the down side if this year. Not to much more to go. Well, this month has proven to be as eventful as last month. Which mean that it isn't eventful at all! Well that will be changing soon. As Travis will be leaving soon, and I will be on my own! He won't be gone long, but still he is leaving! So I am trying to get in to deployment type mode. Were I take care of everything on my own. Which I am good at I think!

By the time he gets back summer will be so close to being over it excites me! Well, the hot weather will be almost over anyway! So the next few weeks are going to be busy with us both working and getting him packed and ready to leave! So keep us in your prayers as we will need patience! Hope you all are doing well!

A couple of changes....

Well in the last couple of days there have been a couple of changes here at our house. The first one should be pretty obvious! The background on the blog has changed! It isn't one of my favorite backgrounds I have ever had, but it will do! I changed it because the 4th of July is coming very soon. I really love the 4th. Saturday is the annual Town of Farragut Independence day parade. I know, I know that is the 3rd not the 4th, but they decided to have it then so that people could still go to church! Which I think is awesome, because we were having trouble trying to decide how we were going to be able to attend both the parade and church, and now we get to do both! Then Sunday of course we are going to my parents house for their annual cook out and fireworks!

Then there is the furniture in our living room. No, we didn't get new stuff. But I (with the help of my brother) moved it all around! Well just 2 pieces. But still it looks different in here. We did it while Travis was at work, and when he came home. He walks down the stairs and stops and says "what happened in here" I give him the obvious answer of "we moved the furniture" he looks at me says "I don't like it"!!!!!!!! Well that's my husband for you, very blunt! But the thing is, it's not that he doesn't like it, he just doesn't like change! And this is change. But he promised to give it a couple of days to grow on him before makes me put it back. And I now that it will grow on him. It already has. So I WIN!!!! I love it like this. I have my own chair that is now useful as reading chair by the window.

Well that's all for now. Don't count on many posts this week as I am working ALOT! But I have found time to go with a couple of friends and Travis to see the newest Twilight movie. I know I am a geek. Truth is I don't love the movies, but I loved the books. And as much as I said that I didn't want to pay to see this one. As soon as I saw the previews I knew I couldn't wait to see it on DVD. So Wednesday night I am going to go see it! I am so excited!!!!

HAPPY MONDAY!

Looking ahead!

Well, you could say that I am already really tired of it being so hot! I mean come on upper 90's in June. What is it going to be like come August!?? Don't get me wrong there are a ton more worse places we could be right now, like Florida with the oil spill. But I just don't handle the heat with any sort of grace! So needless to say I am ready for the fall already.

As I am looking forward to the Fall, I have also started thinking about the awesome things that happen during the fall. So here are the ones that reach my top list

1. Cooler weather! (bet you didn't see that coming) Cause let's face it everything is so much more enjoyable when you are comfortable outside. Walking the dog and picknicking being at the top of the list

2. And then Football season starts! I mean come on who doesn't like watching Tennessee play. It has to be the highlight of all football fans. We are hoping that we might be able to go to another game this year, but we will just have to wait and see how it plays out!

3. A change in wardrobe! I have to admit that this years summer wardrobe has gotten me a little bummed. I am super blessed to have a choice in cloths, I know that! But I think I have decided that I like my jeans, t-shirts (short and long sleeve) and my sweaters much more than I like shorts and tank tops!

4. It means the ball is coming up! I know this is a little far fetched, after all it is still several months from now. But what girl doesn't like to get all dolled up to match her dashingly handsome husband in uniform, and spend a wonderful evening with some of the best men in the World! See, it makes you excited just thinking about it! I already have a dressed picked out. I have had if for many years (between me and Brandi we have tons!) and decided that I just love it this year! Oh, I just can' wait!

5. Our weekend getaway is coming up! Going to the mountains is going to be wonderful in the Fall. Very colorful, and cool.

6. Well, I guess these are "winter" things, but let's face it the Holiday's are just right around the corner! Oh it excites me, I just love the Holidays

See I told you I just can't wait till the Fall!!! I guess until then though I am going to have to suck it up and enjoy the air conditioning! Hope you all stay cool during these hot hot months!

A month ago......

..... was my last post. Actually over a month ago was my last post. And well really nothing much has happened. Except I turned another year older. But not just not any year, the big 2-1! Yep, I am now officially 21 years old. I celebrated with my wonderful family. They are the best people EVER! They made my birthday super wonderful!

See I told you, nothing new to tell you. We have both been working alot. As you all know, that is the life of an un-retired adult. Travis' brother is getting married this weekend. We are really happy for them, we all went to high school together. But we are nervous/anxious about seeing his parents agian. No time for the entire story, most of you already know it. But let's just say it has been a long time since we have seen or talked to them! So it will be interesting.

Dewy of course is doing good. She hates the hot weather. After all she is black and the sun just burns her up. And I have to say that I agree with her! It is way to hot here in Tennessee. I am ready for fall! It can't come soon enough. But I have at least 2 more months of this. So we are going to make the most of it. Swimming ALOT, and what ever fun things we come up with. And then the summer will fly so we can get to our "vacation" ok well it's more like a weekend away, but I will take what I can get!

Well, I guess that fills you in on life. And that's it for now! Hope you all have a wonderful summer, and maybe you will here from me in less then a month!

I got a package!

I got a package all the way from Japan. I have to say not only are they pretty much the only packages I get, but they are defiantly my favorite piece of mail I get! This package had some amazing art work from one of my 2 favorite nephews! They are so pretty and hanging on my refrigerator right now. THANKS ZACHARY!! I also got some real yummy Japanese food! Well snack foods that it is. Thanks Brandi for sending us the goodies, and Travis' pants. We love you all so much.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

I just wanted to post a quick shout out to all the mothers in my life. Mom, Brandi, Grandmother, Granny, and any others that I forgot. You all are so special and amazing women, a true inspiration for me. I can only hope to one day be as great a mom as you all are! I love you all! Hope you have a wonderful day

Last night all of the Bumbalough family went out to eat to celebrate! Celebrate what you ask? Well anniversaries. This year mom and dad and granddad and grandmother are both celebrating big anniversaries this year. Don't get me wrong any anniversary is a big deal, especially this days! But these are especially special! Grandmother and Granddad will have been married for 60 years on May 4, and mom and dad have been married for 25 today! It's so hard to believe that one day me and Travis will one day be celebrating those same milestones. It's such an inspiration to see them all still in love and having fun. God definatly blessed us with great role models in the marriage department!

Congratulations to everyone!

Happy Easter!

I love Easter. It is such a wonderful day. And yesterday was no exception. We started off with a wonderful church service with all of the Bumbalough side of the family, all that is except the Picou's (which we miss terribly). And then went to mom and dads for lunch! And it was YUMMY! But mom always makes good food. Then we sat down with dad and watched The Ten Commandments. If you have never seen this movie you should! It is from 1956 but is really good. It was the perfect movie for Easter. It was so much fun, and to top it all off it was a GORGEOUS day! Nothing but sun and the perfect temperature.

As you can tell I am really excited about how our Easter went. I hope your alls was as great as ours was!

What a beautiful day God has made

I am truly amazed at the beauty that surrounds me. I walked outside and it is just gorgeous. It is a wonderful 70 something outside, and nothing but sunshine! I saw my first butterfly of the season, and the first bumble bee. I was excited about the butterfly, not so much the bee! I have to say I think spring is my favorite season. When all the birds and butterflies come out. And all the flowers and trees begin to bloom. It is just amazing. It reminds me everyday how much God has blessed us. Everyday I remind myself that God has given me all this amazing life, and I try so hard not to take it for granite. And on days like today I am so easily reminded of what my wonderful God and Savior has done for me!

I hope you all have a wonderful spring, and remember to thank God everyday for all the blessings that he has given you!

A look into the past

Recently, Travis and I celebrated 5 years of being together! Crazy how time flies. So I thought it would be fun to look back over the last few years to see if we have changed. These pictures go back only 3 years, it's all I could find! But I don't think we have changed that much! What do you think?

Pictures Galore!

Ok, so I was going through our camera and realized that there are ton of pictures that I hadn't even downloaded on to the computer. So know I am sharing them with you! Hope you enjoy!

The Picou's visit

Travis' Baptism

Dewy Pictures

Christmas Pictures

An attempt at a family pictures

Wow we have the same expression

Happy 2 years!

It is so hard to believe that 2 years ago today I married my best friend. It seems like just yesterday. But then you start thinking about all that we have been through in those 2 years, and then it seems like forever ago. It has not always been the easiest 2 years, and I am sure that the next many years will have rough times to. But I know from deep down that God brought us together so that we could spend the rest of our lives together!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABE! Here is to a lifetime more!

Prayers

Please be praying for Travis and all of the Dickson family. At some point yesterday is Grandmother was admitted to the hospital with Congestive Heart Failure. Because of our lack of conversations with Travis' side of the family we don't know very many details. We just know she is bad shape, and the doctor has told Travis' aunt to inform the kids so that they could say their last goodbyes. Travis has not had a chance to see his grandmother in some time. I will keep you all posted as we hear what is going on. Until then please be praying for them in this hard time.

Happy Late Valentines Day

Yesterday, was Valentines day. We didn't really do anything grand. We got up and went to church, and then came home and had family over for lunch. My dad, brother, uncle, and cousins are all gone on a goose hunt. So when they left their wives alone for Valentines day I thought I would pick up the slack and make their day! Well Friday night I decided to have mom and Aunt Sandy over for lunch, but that wasn't enough. I just thought it wouldn't be fair if I didn't invite Grandmother and Granddad as well. So they all agreed to join us! We quickly came home from church and started lunch. It was so much fun to have everyone here and talk and share a meal. When we were done, mom, aunt sandy, and myself went to the mall to do some shopping. No it wasn't your typical Valentines day, but it was still fun none the less.

I did realize that as of this Valentines day, me and Travis have officially celebrated every holiday together for the first time! Since he was gone the first year of our marriage, we had to make up for it during the second year. And we finally did it! Every holiday has been celebrated!!! Now we are looking forward to our 2 year anniversary coming up in a couple of weeks!!!!!

Happy Birthday Dewy!

That's right! Dewy turns 2 years old today. I know, most of you don't care. But it is exciting for us. We didn't do much obviously, but she did get a can of wet dog food, and 2 bones which were gone in the time it takes you to read this! And the best part, at least for her was Kyle came and visited her. Actually, he came to play video games with Travis, but she was thrilled to see him none the less. We love her, and are happy we have had her for almost 2 years, (that comes next month!)

We need your votes!

We really do! The lady who did our engagement/wedding photos and our Christmas card photos is running a contest. They picked several of their favorites shoots they nominated them. We were one of the ones that were picked! YIPEE! So we need everyone to vote, you can vote once a day. And it goes till the end of February. All you have to do is go to her blog which is

http://www.stephedwardsphoto.blogspot.com/ and then vote at the end. We appreciate it so much! Thanks, and don't forget to vote everyday!

Can you believe it is February already. Wow, time really does fly! Nothing much has really been going on here at our place.

Travis- well he works and has been working really hard on trying to get all the paperwork finished so that we can go active duty. We had hoped to be moved by now, but it looks like we will be here through the end of the month or even until next month. But we are trying to remind ourselves on a daily bases that this is all in God's hands and we must trust him.

Me- like Travis I am always working! Well, not always, but alot. We both are spending lots of time trying to soak up our nephews, and Brandi! We love spending time with them all. And Zach and Wyatt are just so darn cute. We are going to be sooooo soooo sad to see them go back. It's just way to far.

Dewy is the same as always. Except she seems to be loving on me more than usually. I think we might be hitting a milestone in her life. I honestly think she has hit a new level of calmness. Now if you have ever met her you know she is a energetic dog. But lately she seems to have calmed down a little. Now she still has her moments of fun runs, but has also become so much more snuggly. Which of course is my favorite thing! She will soon be 2 years old. It's hard to believe that we rescued her almost 2 years ago! We love her.

We are just go through life working and chilling with the family. Hopefully I will get back into posting more stuff then I have the last month. Brandi is just so darn distracting! But we love her

WOW!

It has been so long since I have posted anything new. Maybe that is because we have been so busy with Brandi and our awesome nephews here. Or maybe it's because there is just nothing overly exciting going on. Since the last post we have brought in the New Year, gone to the mountains, and spent numerous hours laughing, shopping, and just hanging out with the family!

New Years was a blast. We spent most of the night at mom and dad's house. With the entire Bumbalough side of the family. The little ones went down, and then decided to wake up just in time to join us for the arrival of the new year.

I do have a bunch of pictures from the last few weeks that I will eventually get to post. As soon as I find time! Travis has been working hard to get our active duty paperwork finished. As far as we can tell (what we have been told) this Wednesday will mark the end of our part. It will be finished and then sent up and we will just be waiting on the Marine Corps to send us orders. But I am not sure I have full faith in that. It has taken us so long to get here, that I am sure that some one along the way will find some thing that we didn't do and we will be postponed again! Please, just pray that that is not the case, and that we get our orders soon.

Since the new year began, our friends also had their first baby! A little boy, who is so cute. Anderson Glover was born on Jan. 7. Congratulations Melissa and Brandon!!!

Stay tuned, eventually I will get around to posting some pictures!