My Bucket List

This weekend I was able to mark something off my bucket list.  In a way it was spur of the moment... but not really.  Three years ago this August we lost our sweet Zion Amie.  I was only a few weeks pregnant, but still it was devastating and heartbreaking and one of the hardest things Steven and I have ever been through.  We have talked over and over again about getting a tattoo to honor our baby in Heaven.  I've pinned idea after idea, but I always came back to birds.  

So Saturday our good friends watched David and Steve and I headed off to a consultation with the tattoo artist.  I had two pictures with me and the idea I wanted in my head.  I was afraid we would have to wait because I expected it to be quite expensive.  The goal was to get a price, have him draw up what I wanted, and make an appointment.  Instead we told him what I wanted, he took the idea and ran with it and then gave us a really good price and so I can now check this one off my list.  

I chose to honor both my children.  The bird on the branch is for David, our little boy with us on Earth.  The flying swallow is for Zion, our baby who flew to Heaven and is waiting for us there.  I chose swallows because when I was researching I found that a swallow tattoo stands for undying love and loyalty and that sailors believed swallows carried their souls to heaven.  Swallows also symbolize hope.  

A Wedding Weekend

We were blessed this weekend to celebrate the wedding of my baby brother - only he's not a baby anymore.  Ryan has always had a special place in my heart even though he's 13 years younger than me.  I have watched him grow into a wonderful Christian man that would make my dad proud.  He and his chosen wife Emily courted before they dated.  They didn't kiss until they officially started dating.  They saved themselves until after marriage and sadly in this day and age that is quite an accomplishment for two twenty somethings. They make a beautiful couple both inside and out.  I couldn't wish for a better partner for Ryan.  They both have a heart for their church and missions.  They both walk into this marriage knowing there are going to be hard times and that during those times only God will see them through.  

I hope that they are as happy as Steve and I.  The only sad moments of this wedding were the empty spot at the table that our dad would have sat in.  I hate that he wasn't physically with Ryan on this day.  Fortunately when my dad passed away Ryan was a senior in college and he developed a strong relationship with his Christian Campus minister.  Travis became a mentor and a sounding board for Ryan and that has lasted even now 5 years later.  Travis was able to perform part of the ceremony and be with Ryan on this special weekend. 

This picture of us is courtesy of our 5 year old blooming photographer.  We really need to get the boy his own camera!

The nieces and nephews all had roles in the wedding.  My little wee man made a handsome ring bearer even if he didn't want to cooperate for pictures.  Of course my sister's little girls were absolutely beautiful flower girls!

David was even more thrilled when he got to bust a move at the reception.  I have  no idea where he gets his dance moves at! This is him trying to look like a cool dude.  I could just eat him up in this picture.