Monday, July 25, 2011

Running

Forrest Gump: That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. So I ran to the end of the road. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd run to the end of town. And when I got there, I thought maybe I'd just run across Greenbow County. And I figured, since I run this far, maybe I'd just run across the great state of Alabama. And that's what I did. I ran clear across Alabama. For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going. When I got to another ocean, I figured, since I'd gone this far, I might as well just turn back, keep right on going.


I used to run.
I used to LOVE to run.
I used to run all the time.

Now, I never run.  I really miss it.  I don't think I've been out running in probably a year.  I used to run in my parent's neighborhood because I didn't have to go anywhere except out my front door.  Where I live now isn't anywhere I want to run.  AT ALL.  It's a dirt road and very very sandy.  Plus, it's not very stroller friendly.  Which brings me to my next point...

I know you don't HAVE to get a jogging stroller, but our stroller isn't one I think I want to run with(however, we absolutely LOVE our stroller so if you're in the market for one, take a look at them!).  So, for you runners out there with jogging strollers or whatever, do you have any suggestions as to what I should be looking for?


Anyone else want to start running?

Friday, July 22, 2011

Bittersweet.

Things are wonderful in Shumpert-land.

Ryan is done moving portables in Charleston so we get to see him more than just on the weekends, vacation is paid for and we leave in a few short weeks, our house is almost fully painted & decorated, our 1 year wedding anniversary is just around the corner, I'm hosting a *girls-only* party very soon and I cannot wait(you are all very much welcome to come, you can message me and I'll get you all the details), Hannah is growing & is starting to babble, and JP is still on The Bachelorette.

I am so thankful for the blessings God has given Ryan and me. Not just lately, but every single one of them ever. And also, not just us, but to our friends and family.

Sadly, everything is not so wonderful in a few friends' lives currently. And for those dear friends & acquaintances, I share this with you:

The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast
-1 Peter5:10


I hope that no matter what is going on in each of your lives right now, good or bad, that you look to see Him in everything that happens.
He truly does have a reason for everything.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Pool Time!

My mom & I took Hannah to the pool yesterday to catch up since we haven't seen or spoken much in the past two weeks since she's been gone!  This went MUCH better than our trip to the lake.

Here are some pictures!




Thank You, Daddy

My dad is retiring at the end of August.  He works for the Army National Guard, doing I'm not quite sure what.  This is the only job I've ever known my dad to have.  When Lindsey and I were little, during the summer we'd go to work with him.  We loved going to the armory every day(but HATED having to get up early!).  We'd play and play all day!  We used to sit on some rollers they'd use to move big heavy things around and use them as "cars".  We'd play in the sound studio and get in trouble for being too loud.  We also learned to love Bernie's & would beg to have it for lunch(which rarely worked). 

An added plus to my dad being in the National Guard is having my dad's unit be like a second family.  They're all very special to my entire family.   We've been babysat by them, we've had all kinds of parties with them, they've celebrated & cried with my family - and us with them. 


With all of this said, my Dad(and 2 other men friends) had their last AT. For those who don't know, AT is the "2 weeks in the summer" that you hear about in the commercials.  It was pretty emotional, much more for the wives than the guys.  My little family went to Charleston & Greenville to see them. 

The last gig they had was in Greenville on July 4th.  It was a pretty special time for our family.  Every year until Lindsey and I were old enough to stay by ourselves, we were sent to spend 2 weeks with my grandma while my parents went and toured the state with my dad's unit.  We all were reunited for the July 4th concert.  This was the last time we'd see my dad play on July 4th in uniform. 

My entire family is so proud of my dad, and his entire unit, and more than thankful for serving our country.  There are no words to describe the sense of pride I get when I see my Dad standing at attention in uniform.  You hear a lot of women say "There's nothing like a man in uniform".  Usually they're talking about how good it makes a man look, but for me, it means something completely different.  It's for that reason, I asked my dad to walk me down the aisle in his dress blues.



Thank you, Daddy for serving for 33 years.  We appreciate it more than you know. 

P.S. Ryan says you're a badass :-)


Charleston - June 26th




Greenville - July 4th
My Dad is the one playing the trumpet

Yes, I made us all match.  Thank you Old Navy...





The retirees & their wives

Please excuse the glare from my glasses and my mom's lack of eyes...