arm candy.

when I picked up the mail on Monday and saw there was a package from Under Her Charm, the package I had been so impatiently waiting for, I whooped and did a couple quick fist pumps.  woo-hoo!  

realizing how absurd that must've looked, I quickly glanced at the house next door, hoping the neighbor lady hadn't noticed.  if she did, oh well.  she probably already thinks I'm nuts, so this would only serve to confirm her suspicions.  I pictured her with her husband that evening, discussing her day.  "you know the lady next door?  the one with the pile of kids?  yeah, her.  anyway, she was outside hollering like crazy and shaking her fist at the mailbox this afternoon, of all the strange things.  I'm telling you, you can't have all those kids and not go a little, you know, cuckoo upstairs."  and then she would take her index finger, point it at her ear and make circles with it.  probably.

well, let her think what she wants to.  at least I know you guys would all vouch that I'm perfectly normal.  I mean, you would, wouldn't you? ;-)     

I raced inside the house and quickly tore open the package.  and then I gasped and drooled a little.  inside was what I had been dreaming about for so long-- my very own personalized charm bracelet, complete with our kids' names meticulously hand-stamped on beautiful sterling silver discs, the initial 'K' with our anniversary date imprinted on it, along with mine and Gary's birthstone charms, as well.    

in fact, this was the gift I requested for my tenth baby shower, from my sweet sister-in-laws.  (thanks, girls!)  instead of yet another baby contraption (which would most likely be sold, or tossed after a few years), I wanted something more personal, something I could treasure for years to come.  

so now, whenever I hear the charms jingle-jangling on my wrist, I can't help but smile.  for it reminds me of how fortunate I am to be a wife to an amazing husband, and a mother to ten wonderful children.  

-jessica

PS. if you're on the market for customized, hand-stamped jewelry, Lisa from Under Her Charm does an absolute superior job.  I would highly recommend her.