Cardinal Bling

Mike and I have matching rings! Doesn't that sound romantic? Well,  not so much.

Those of you who know Mike may have noticed that he doesn't even wear his wedding ring. He has lots of excuses but the truth is, it just bugs him to wear jewelry. So, you may be surprised that we got these matching rings...rings that fit neither of us.

Funny, huh? These were given out at one of the Cardinals' games we attended. They are replicas of their World Series Rings from 2006. I thought they would be just a plastic, adjustable ring but these are heavy rings! 

Since we will never ever wear these rings (I hope), they have become decorations at our house. Maybe I could make a Christmas ornament out of them or use them as napkin rings. I could wear my with a light scarf pulled through it. Do you have any other ideas of how I can use these pieces of Cardinal Bling?

Starting Traditions

I have become more and more aware of how precious tradition can be to the story of a family.  As such, I've got a few traditions I started when Cordelia was born; things I want to do for my grandchildren.

As I mentioned before, one thing I want to do is give each child some piece of jewelry that is mine but that they will inherit someday.  It doesn't need to be an expensive piece of jewelry.  I just wanted something that they see me wear, see in photos from the day of their birth, and something that represents what is important in my life.  I chose a ring with a cross on it for Cordelia's birth.

I made certain that I was photographed, holding newborn Cordy, with the ring in view.  I wear it frequently so that someday, when it is her's, she will remember it being mine.

This is what I have chosen for this next baby girl:

I've got it on and I am ready to go!  I think it will be soon! 

Celia's Link to My Grandaughters

I am getting excited!  Maria and Eric will be welcoming their new daughter next month!  That little baby is quite definitely HERE now.  Maria is looking "full of life" and she's at the point where we can even see when that new little grandaughter has the hiccups!

When we were waiting for Cordelia's birth I remember feeling like my arms just needed to hold her, just as I felt as I waited for the births of my own babies.  I'm starting to get that feeling again!

One of the things I did before Cordelia was born was that I chose a piece of my jewelry that would someday be her's.  I know that seems rather premature but my plan was to be wearing it in photos taken the day she was born.  I'm particularly proud of that idea.  I chose a cross ring given to me by my friend, Celia.  I wear it often and I hope that for Cordy it is something she will remember having seen on me. For some reason the photo cuts off the bottom but trust me, I was wearing the ring in this photo.

For this new little person I want to do the same thing, only different.  I want both girls to feel special and to know they are individually precious.  I am narrowing it down.  I am thinking about a cross necklace, also from Celia, that I will give to this new baby.  

I didn't know it at the time of Cordelia's birth but there is another link to this tradition.  When Cordy was about a year and a half old, Maria and Eric purchased the house where my friend, Celia, grew up!  So, those girls will always have a link to Celia as well.  Cool, huh?

I am a Princess!

What is it about the British Royalty that captures the attention of so many Americans?  Do we still consider ourselves cousins to the British?  I know there are royal families in many countries but it is the faces of the British Monarchy that we all recognize.

I did not get up early to watch the wedding.  In fact, until I turned on the TV yesterday I was thinking the wedding was to be today.  Deep down I believed myself to be a bit superior to those who were making such a big deal about strangers. However, once I turned on the TV I admit watching long enough to see and admire the dress and to smile when the couple came out riding in the convertible.  I'd been sucked in! 

Our son, Sam, caught me watching.  He went into a rant (this is one of his favorite pastimes so don't take it too seriously) about how William and Kate got to be so famous without having to do anything.  Even Lindsey Lohan was at least in a movie!  I agreed with him.  William became famous for just being born, something we've all done!

At that point, though, I had to admit that I wanted to watch more of the action happening in far-away England.  I like to think I am a logical person and this seemed illogical so I then tried to think up justification for this interest.

This is what I came up with... 

1) Everybody wants to believe in "Happily Ever After". 

2) Every little girl grows up hearing fairy tales of ordinary little girls growing up to become princesses.  Deep down we wonder how we would have handled such a transformation.

3) The World is full of sad/bad news, why not just enjoy this? 

Then, I heard the insinuation that as a Child of God, I am also royalty.  It makes sense, child of the King.... Princess...  Yes!  I knew it!  I AM a Princess!

Last night we went to a small gathering of friends and one of the women brought these rings for each of us princesses! 

I thought it was pretty funny!  But you know what?  I kind of like it.  I think it looks good on me.  I'm wearing it again today!

I AM A PRINCESS!