Throughout ages, etchings in stone and rock have been used as long lasting symbols for meaningful communication and decoration. This continues today. Personalized engraved stones and rocks can be carved to include individual names, family names, dates, corporate logos, memorial or commemorative words and sentiments, designs, single words or even your favorite saying.

Ideas for personalization and for uses are only limited by a person’s imagination. Custom engraved stones are often used as home and garden décor accents and unique personalized gifts. However, many individuals continue to use engraved stones for special and meaningful communication. A recent stone engraving project we completed illustrates how this particular person used stone for a very important message and also as a symbol of strength and longevity, one that will stand test of time. The engraved stone simply asked question: “Will You Marry Me?” Romantic proposal, wasn’t it?

Liz Hekimian-Williams is owner of Giftsprings.com, an online gift shop featuring gifts, home décor and personalized gifts including custom engraved stones and rocks. http://www.giftsprings.com/category/estones

Copyright 2004 Liz Hekimian-Williams

Eventually you are going to have to tell some people. You don't have to tell everyone and you can tell people about this in your own time. Your partner may not be first person you want to tell and that's okay. When you are ready find a time to sit down and talk to him. The longer you go without telling him harder it will be. Sometimes it is easier to tell him earlier and let him adjust to situation than it is to wait and have him angry for not telling him sooner. Either way if you think that he will be unhappy it is going to be hard to tell him news. Prepare yourself for reactions and when you are ready just tell him. There are no right words to say. Try to avoid blaming or taking blame. This situation doesn't happen with only one person involved. It is not all your fault or all his fault. It is a shared responsibility that two of you will have to deal with.

If your partner, friends and family are not initially supportive that's okay. It is not their life or their pregnancy. They are not ones who have to live with your decision. You are. Try not to let unwanted comments get to you. You can use humor to lighten mood. If you are excited about this and they are not, then share your excitement. You can use I statements to let them know how you feel. If others fail to respect your decision and do not have anything positive to offer, you might want to simply explain that discussion is off limits and refuse to talk about it with them. Whatever your choice may be, in end it is your decision.

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Patty Hone is a wife and mommy to three kids. She is also the owner of Justmommies.com. Justmommies is an online community for mommies to make friends and find support. Please visit Justmommies at http://www.justmommies.com