Can't Find a Better Man

      Today my husband and I celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary.  We have actually been together for 17 years.  Wow, 11 years married and 17 years in love with the same man.  I'm the luckiest girl!  It's not a lie when I say I can't find a better man.  Like any marriage we've had our ups and downs, headaches and heartbreaks but through it all our love for each other prevails.  We're like the dynamic duo, ready to take action and support each other.  Sometimes we're more similar to a dog and a flea, sticking together with one pestering or nagging the other.  At other times we can be described as peanut butter and jelly, sticking together but one a little thicker and not as sweet as the other.  On other days the Tom and Jerry comes out in us and we play a game of cat and mouse, playing tricks and making jokes about one another keeps things lively.  But at the end of the day we're just an ordinary couple with an extraordinary love for each other.

      Happy 11th Anniversary, Dana!  You are still the man of my dreams, my ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, and the one I love at the beginning and end of each and every day.  My high today is celebrating 11 incredible years with you and of course going to dinner at Flemings.  Here is us through the years.  

As you might have noticed my husband can be found wearing a Kings shirt on most days but he does wear other attire on some occasions.

The plain and simple answer behind Chucky and His Bride is that I'm weird, okay.  Chucky is my favorite horror flick character and we didn't want the standard bride and groom on top of the cake.  My sister- in- law thought of the idea and we happily went along with it.  The cake people refused to put the topper/dolls on the cake because they thought it was a mean joke.  My sister-in-law tried to convince them that it wasn't but they didn't want to be responsible.  So she did it.  Don't worry I'm not some crazy serial killer but I'm your friend till the end. Hidey- Ho!  

On This Day...

Three years ago my husband and I had to say goodbye to our sweet baby boy.  The following poem was given to us by Nurse Cathy.   She held our hands and walked us through the absolute worst day of our lives.  Happy Angelversary precious baby boy.  Mommy and Daddy love you and will always keep you in our hearts.

In Loving Memory 

Ryan J. Peterson

"The Lion"

The Cord

We are connected, My child and I, by 

An invisible cord Not seen by the eye.

It's not like the cord That connects us 'til birth

This cord can't be seen By any on Earth.

This cord does it's work Right from the Start,

It binds us together Attached to my heart.

I know that it's there Though no one can see

The invisible cord From my child to me.

The strength of this cord Is hard to describe.

It can't be destroyed, It can't be denied.

It's stronger than any cord Man could create

It withstands the test, Can hold any weight.

And though you are gone, Though you're not here with me,

The cord is still there But no one can see.

It pulls at my heart I am bruised...I am sore,

But this cord is my Lifeline As never before.

I am thankful that God connects us this way

A mother and child Death can't take it away!

Author Unknown

At church, on the first Sunday of the month, we form a friendship circle and often sing a song called "Bind Us Together".  I love singing this song because it always reminds me of that poem and brings a smile to my face knowing that I will always be connected to my baby boy.  

Bind us together, Lord, bind us together

  with cords that cannot be broken.

Bind us together, Lord, bind us together,

  bind us together with love.

There is only one God.

There is only one King.(big smile when I sing this part because Ryan is my little king.)

There is only one body, that is why I sing.

Anniversary Date

Since the L.A. Lakers were playing game 7 of the finals (WooHoo) on our actual anniversary Dana and I waited until the weekend to celebrate. We spent yesterday cruising Hollywood.

First, we watched the movie Cyrus at the beautiful ArcLight theater. We both thought the movie was good but not as great as the reviews.

Next, we headed across the street for some cd shopping at the world famous Amoeba Music. While Dana shops I usually roam around taking in all the interesting people. He usually thinks I'm his roadie and makes me carry his stack of treasures but this time I got smart and handed him a shopping basket. My husband can spend hours upon hours in that store. Thank goodness he was getting hungry.

Back in the car we headed toward Malibu through the heart of Hollywood. I was so excited because we passed by Kat Von D's LA Ink shop. Sorry, we didn't stop for tattoos. I think we might be the last two people on Earth without a tattoo. Then we passed Pink's Hot Dogs. I couldn't believe the line was wrapped around the building for a hot dog??? Crazy! We also drove by the original Winchell's Donut sign.

Our last scenic view before leaving Hollywood was a heavy set man dressed as a woman riding a beach cruiser in black lingerie. He had a full beard and makeup with very hairy underarms. Dana was mad that I didn't get a picture but I was in too much shock to even think about it. You'll have to create your own mental image. All Dana could say was, "Wow, he must really be sticking to that seat!" You gotta love Hollywood!

Finally, we made it to Gladstone's in Malibu for a wonderful dinner and fantastic view of the ocean. Dana ate fish n' chips and I had All in Seafood Risotto (or the bottom of the pier as Dana likes to call it). For desert we ate a brownie sundae that was more like a pan of brownies heaped with ice cream, chocolate chips, hot fudge, and whip cream. It was very delicious.

After that dessert we both agreed that a walk on the beach was in order. As we were eating we spotted a sea lion on the rocks so we went in for a closer look. I got some great pictures of him/her looking at us. Then we strolled down the beach and practically ran back as we both had to go to the bathroom so bad that we could hardly stand it. It was a terrific anniversary date full of great memories.

Happy Anniversary Dana

Today Dana and I celebrate 10 years of marriage and 16 years of a wonderful life together. Yes, it took him six years before he decided to propose but he was well worth the wait.

Dana, I'm so proud to be your wife. You are such a hard worker, always trying to improve on what you do without giving up. I'm so lucky to have a husband that cooks wonderful meals, even if they are out of a box. You are very supportive and loving. I love the way you cheer me up when I'm feeling sad and down. For some reason your hugs and soft spoken words always make me feel better. Did I mention that you're also smart and funny. I'm in awe of your quick wit but sometimes it drives me crazy. We've had our moments of joy and sorrow but we're still going strong. I love you for all that you are. Here's to many more years together.

XOXOXO

Angelversary

Today is Ryan's second angelversary. It is so hard to believe that it has been two years since our baby boy joined the safe and loving arms of God. At 8:02 P.M. Dana and I gave our final hugs and kisses as our baby boy quietly slipped into eternal peace. Forever 8:02 will be etched in my brain. Below is the poem that we printed inside his memorial card. Although it brings tears to my eyes, it is a gentle reminder that he is with me every single day.

Don't Mourn For Me

Please don't mourn for me; I'm still here, though you don't see.

I'm right by your side, each night and day

and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near. I'm everything you

feel, see, or hear.

My spirit is free, but I'll never depart

as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-I'm the brightest star

on a summer night. I'll never be beyond your reach-

I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around,

And the pure white snow that blankets the ground.

I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond-

The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first blossom you'll see in the spring;

the first warm raindrop that April will bring.

I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,

and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,

you can talk to me through the Lord above you.

I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,

and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep

and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.

I'm the smile you see on a baby's face. Just look for me

I'm everyplace!

(Author Unknown)

Anniversary

Our 9th Wedding Anniversary was on June 17.  Dana and I celebrated by going out to dinner with our good friends.  We ate at Woodranch Grill where their oldest daughter was our waitress.  It was a wonderful time and I didn't have to fight back tears once.  We had great conversation, yummy food, and lots of jokes provided by their youngest daughter.   We didn't exchange gifts but the traditional gift for the 9th wedding anniversary is pottery and willow and the modern gift is leather.  I guess we actually did give each other the traditional gift when we planted some flowers in pots:)  Next year, the traditional is tin or aluminum and the modern is diamonds.  I told Dana I was going to give him some cans to recycle and he could give me a diamond.  Maybe he'll surprise me.  

Lisa 

Angelversary

On this day, one year ago, Dana and I held our son for the first and last time.  Ryan is free of pain and suffering.  He has attained eternal glory and is safe in the loving arms of God. The only comfort we can allow, is that our baby boy is with the angels now.  "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me" (v. 23).  Until we meet again precious baby boy.  We love you!!! 

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus instructed his disciples, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; such is the kingdom of God."  Jesus then took the children up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them (Mark 10:16).

"A Pair of Shoes"

author unknown

I am wearing a pair of shoes.

They are ugly shoes.

Uncomfortable shoes.

I hate my shoes.

Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair.

Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step.

Yet, I continue to wear them.

I get funny looks wearing these shoes. They are looks of sympathy.

I can tell in others eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs.

They never talk about my shoes.

To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable.

To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them.

But, once you put them on, you can never take them off.

I now realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes.

There are many pairs in this world.

Some women are like me and ache daily as they try and walk in them.

Some have learned how to walk in them so they don’t hurt quite as much.

Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think

about how much they hurt.

No woman deserves to wear these shoes.

Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger woman.

These shoes have given me the strength to face anything.

They have made me who I am.

I will forever walk in the shoes of a woman who has lost a child.