Today is a special day for my family . . .
Me with my little brothers, circa 1985
28 years ago today, my parents and I (along with our pastor’s family) set out on a road trip to Newark, NJ to pick up 2 little Korean boys at the airport. Needless to say, our family hasn’t been the same since. That one event changed the course of my life forever. Not only did I go from being an only child to a big sister, but . . .
Who knew that 15 years later, after several years of secondary infertility, I’d be heading to Vietnam with my husband to meet and bring home our second daughter?
And, 6 years after that, I made the journey back to Vietnam for child #3! This time, a boy!
The other day Gracie asked me why we still celebrate her uncles’ Airplane Day after all these years. I told her that, had it not been for her uncles, we might not have her! It was the positive adoption experience that I witnessed with my brothers that made me realize that adoption was a possibility for us too!
I used to be an avid scrapbooker. Up in my attic, there are TONS of scrapbooking supplies! But, when Ian came along, it all got packed away. It wasn’t safe to leave it out all the time anymore; and I was suddenly too busy to work on it. Now, 6 years later, there are TONS of pictures not in albums; and heaven knows when or if they will ever get there!
I love documenting special memories in some way. So, I was thrilled when my dear friend Carrie told me about her new business venture with Origami Owl!
I had heard others mentioning Origami Owl in passing, but I wasn’t the least bit familiar with it. But, if Carrie recommended it, I knew it had to be something great!
I saw the company’s tagline and I was intrigued . . .
You tell stories with words . . . we tell stories with jewelry.
Now, I need to confess here that I am not a big lover of jewelry. I’m not a flashy person and I’ve never been a fan of things that “hinder me” in any way (watches are totally out of the question!) But, I do love “special jewelry”. You know the kind I mean – the necklaces with your kids’ birthstones, a personal birthstone ring (think class ring), or any Disney jewelry!
I started looking at the “Living Lockets” and I was so excited! Now, THIS is special jewelry at its finest!
The site walks you through creating your locket – starting with the charms, then moving on to the locket itself, the chain, and the “extras” (background plates and dangles).
I knew from the get-go that I wanted birthstones for my children. Then I saw the “forever family” charm. Right away, I knew that I had to have this charm too. The words “Forever Family” are often used to refer to adoptive families. I come from an adoptive family, I have an adoptive family, and if history is any indication, I’d bet at least one of my children will grow up to have their own adoptive family one day.
In choosing my locket, I decided to go for something traditional and classic. I decided on the large silver locket.
Carrie chose my chain for me – I believe it is the silver ball station chain. I LOVE this chain!
I didn’t select any dangles, but I did decide to get the “blessed” plate in silver.
I was so excited to see the finished product! About a week later, it arrived! It was packaged up just way too cute:
Sorry for the blurry picture. But, I just thought the little “chinese take-out” box was adorable! Inside that was a little linen drawstring back and an adorable little container that you squeeze to open (made of a fabric that reminded me of the Vietnamese ao dais!) I couldn’t get a decent picture of that, but it’s precious! And, inside was this:
Beautiful, isn’t it? I’ve received several compliments on the necklace. My sister-in-laws both commented on it (yes, my brothers are all grown up and married now!) and my mom said that she’d love one for Mother’s Day (a hint?!)
My wheels are turning because I am thinking of more charms that I’d like to add to mine – starting with birthstones for me and Brian. And, I’m thinking of one for my mom, and one for each of my girls. Gracie would need an airplane (to memorialize her own Airplane Day) and a violin for sure! I think Ashley would choose a guitar, and maybe a faith charm of some sort.
I just love that you can add to your locket over the years with things that have great meaning in your life. Honestly, I just can’t say enough about Origami Owl! I’m tickled with my locket and I’m looking forward to memorializing more important life events with it over the years to come!
Are you like me? Are you looking for a way to remember those special moments in your life? Do you have time to scrapbook or are your pictures everywhere (or stuck on your computer)? Or maybe you’re just plain looking for a new way to showcase your special events, talents, or interests. Might I recommend checking out Origami Owl? My friend Carrie will gladly help you!
If you order a locket, I’d love to see it!
FYI: The picture at the tippy top of this post was taken this past Saturday, during our family Airplane Day celebration. I’m actually wearing my Origami Owl locket – you just can’t see it very well. 
