A Year of Firsts

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of our sweet Maddie's arrival into her Heavenly Father's presence. For about the last month I have anticipated this day to come and fervently prayed and have had a prayer in my heart that I would have peace and comfort during this time. I can say that I have been blessed, although the day isn't here yet, I have peace in my heart. This past year has been full of firsts for us without Maddie, some were more easily dealt with and some were alot harder. The ones that stick out in my mind that have been the hardest were Thanksgiving as it landed on the 27th of November marking 4 months, her birthday December 18 as I felt saddened by the fact that all I could do for her (or maybe me) was to give her new fake flowers along with 2 little balloons in her vase on her headstone, Christmas, Drake's birth, Easter as I envisioned her hunting for eggs, the homecoming of Brittney and how she was going to be able to say her name and know her because we would look at her picture everyday, and then now. Deep breath. I have found myself taking a deep breath subconsciously every time I would think about July 27, 2008. My body is telling me to calm itself and to go onto a different subject. Alot of soul searching has taken place of who I really am and who I am supposed to be, what I am supposed to be doing and how. What my goals are and what really is stored for me in this lifetime. And I know I have been able to cope and hold my head up because it all goes back to, and I know I have said this in many many of my posts, the knowledge I have of my testimony of the Plan of Salvation and my grasp on Families are Forever.

The support of so many family members, friends and prayers have helped us immensely as well. Thankyou to all that have expressed your love for us and for Maddie, we will never be able to thankyou all. We have already gotten so many cards of love, thankyou. We miss Madison so much, I'm not going to lie, it makes me sick we have even been able to go on a whole year without her but at the same time I am a believer that time heals. Feelings are still pretty raw maybe even medium rare, which is progress. Well done will be our reuniting with her again, so my goal is medium-well. (Do you like the steak analogy? :) You get the point.

It has been wonderful having my family in town with us during this time. July 27, 2008 is a day I would absolutely like to forget. The trauma haunts me, so the plan... to keep busy. Like I said it has been my medicine for the last month and so far it has worked. So we are going to SeaWorld all day, sounds like a great plan to me. Then on Wednesday I fly out to see Jordan's family and spend sometime with them and the beach with my family. Can't wait.

Madison Marie has a place in my heart that burns with love. I love that little girl so much words cannot describe. I miss her, I love her, I am happy for her, I can't wait to see her again. I can just say I am thankful for video cameras and cameras, I cherish every photo I have of her. I am thankful for Jordan and his support for me, talk about a rock, my rock. I am thankful for Drake, what a huge blessing he has been these last 5 months. I am thankful for family and friends. I am most of all thankful for a God that I can talk to and get answers from, there is absolutely no way I could ever have done this alone. So for now I am going forward, trying to keep my head high, I know that is what Maddie would want. There is no denial about it, just moving forward with optimism.

I love you Madison Marie.

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

That is one word to describe our last week! We have been so busy lately which has been the perfect medicine for this time of year. My family has been able to visit since last Wednesday and we have been having a so much fun everyday. Britt has never seen my house so it was fun showing it to her and having her here to spend time with. We spent a day at Schlitterbahn which is always a blast (except for the very long lines, blah), went to a Round Rock Express game, went kayaking on LBJ lake(awesome by the way! Highly recommend it!), got some shopping in of course, visited Maddie, and are going to Sea World tomorrow! Jordan and I have a great time showing off the little perks of Austin and the things around us when any family come into town. We love having any visitors and appreciate our friends that have been so kind to watch little Drakers for us. It has been a memorable week so far and so fun to share it with my family. Especially Brittney since she has been gone for so long, but I can always expect a great time with all of my family members. Lots of belly laughs, love it.

She's Here!!!

Brittney is home!! Last night was a very exciting day for our family! After waiting an hour for Britt to get her nerves together we finally were reunited as a family after 18 months of serving in Albania! It happened to be her 23rd birthday as well so we had a double celebration. She is stunning and we have had an awesome time talking and being with her. Let's just say we had a late night talking and reminiscing, happy times. 18 months is a long time, a lot has gone on in our family and to be able to finally put my arms around her was a great feeling. She makes me smile. She had an amazing mission and I have loved hearing her stories, her love for the Albanian people, and her testimony. She worked hard, served with her heart, and truly was an example to me. I am excited for her to be home now, for me it was time! I missed her witty personality and am now fully enjoying it. We have waited for this time to come and it's finally here! Britt's finally here!!

Monika and Kyra

Monika and her sweet little girl Kyra came over to visit! We always have so much fun when I come to Vegas. I can't wait for Drake to get a little bigger so he and Kyra can play together!

The Good 'Ol Bundy Reunion

For the 4th of July this year I was able to attend my family reunion with my parents and Drake. I haven't been able to go for 3 years so I excited to attend. This reunion is pretty impressive in the respect that over 1000 people attend up on top of a mountain in the middle of no where(dirt roads the whole way), camping with no plumbing (worst part about it!), and a group of people that have respect of ancestry as I have never seen before. I have grown up going to the Bundy reunion and have such fond memories going each year. I missed Jordan there but to be honest I don't know how sad he was! Dirt isn't his thing. :) Drake did awesome the whole time. Luckily it was beautiful weather so it wasn't to hot, he took naps in the stroller, and we shared a tent together. He was perfect as always!

Look how cute he was in his 4th of July outfit!

My Mom and I convinced my Dad and Uncle to run in the foot races. Every age group races a short distance and yes, I am way to much of a wimp to race. I refuse to be the one that biffs it in the dirt!

After the races

Me and Drako

I got such a crack out of this, you can tell I am smiling way to big. Dad was such a good sport wearing the bjorn!

The whole time at the reunion Dad introduced Drake as his "Blue eyed boy", such a proud grandpa!

Such a happy boy in his festive jammies!

The dance is always a highlight of the reunion. All the cowboys get on their wranglers, boots, belt buckles and hats on for the dance. We weren't quite that dressed up but my Dad is an amazing swing dancer and my Mom and I had a blast being twirled around on the dance floor.

Happy 4th of July!