My Forever Child

Update on Christmas Orders- 12/13/09

2009-12-13T18:01:00.011-05:00

All Personalized Jewelry Orders placed through December 8th have been made and shipped out. There is still a little bit of time left to place an order for Christmas Delivery. Please note that each personalized/engraved item is individually worked on by hand and requires approximately 4 days processing time. These are the following shipping options (within the USA only):

~First Class $5- does not include insurance or tracking. Not recommended during this time of year, packages have a higher chance of being delayed or lost by the post office.
~Priority Mail $10- includes insurance and delivery confirmation. This method is NOT guaranteed by the post office, standard delivery is 2-3 days, but could be delayed during this time of year. Christmas delivery is not guaranteed with this method.
~Express $25- includes insurance and tracking. Standard delivery is 2 days.
~Express Processing with Guaranteed Christmas delivery $40- includes insurance and tracking. Orders will be rush processed and shipped within 48 hours of order date. The order cutoff date for this method is December 21st.

All Custom Handprint and Footprint jewelry orders placed through November 30th have been made and shipped out (the guaranteed cutoff date was November 21st). I am working diligently on completing the custom orders placed between December 1-10. If you placed a custom order during this time period and want to upgrade your shipping option to Express to guarantee Christmas delivery, please contact us at 888-325-2828. We can no longer take requests for Christmas delivery of custom orders placed after December 13th. Please note that we are a very small family business and each custom piece requires a longer period of processing and engraving time. We simply can not add any other custom pieces to our work schedule at this time, thank you for your understanding. If you'd still like to place a custom order, the regular turnaround time is 3 weeks, and you can print out a Gift Presentation Card to let the gift recipient know that a special piece is being made for them!

Personalized Memorial Candles can be delivered for Christmas when ordered through December 19th if you select the 2 day UPS upgrade.

Please see our CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS for products with Immediate Shipping. Please note that the only guaranteed shipping method is USPS Express.

Our GIFT CERTIFICATES are perfect for last minute shopping. We can even email them to the Gift Recipient!!

We sincerely thank you for your business and continued support of My Forever Child. We are truly touched and inspired by the stories and feedback that you choose to share with us. We wish you Peace, Comfort, and Love during this Holiday Season. May you have a Blessed and Joyous New Year 2010!

Warm Wishes,
Sue and Rich Mosquera

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New Fertility-TTC-Pregnancy Jewelry

2009-11-13T07:55:00.004-05:00

Here are four new styles for encouraging positive thoughts and support of fertility, TTC, and pregnancy. All are limited edition, with only 1-2 of each style. So hurry and order yours before they're gone!

~Click here to view ALL Fertility and Pregnancy Jewelry

Turtle Pregnancy Charm Necklace

Expect a Miracle Sterling Cuff Bracelet

Bloodstone Flower Bracelet

Expect a Miracle Keychain

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New Inspirational Jewelry

2009-11-13T07:21:00.005-05:00

I am pleased to announce the addition of several new jewelry pieces, just in time for Holiday gift giving! These Inspiriational charm necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are thoughtful and fashionable gifts for those who could use a bit of encouragement and positive affirmations. Great for close friends, sisters, or someone special to show your compassion and support.

All are made of high quality sterling silver. Some have copper and brass charm accents with genuine gemstone dangles. These are limited edition styles, there are only 1-2 of each design. So hurry and order yours before they're gone!

~Click Here to View all NEW Items

~Click Here to View all SALE Items

Click Here to View Pendants

Click Here to View Message Bracelets

Click Here to View Earrings

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Recent Custom Designs

2009-11-01T19:48:00.012-05:00

Here are some recent pieces that I made by working directly with the customer to achieve the look that they specifically wanted. I am always open to creating custom designs if the customer does not find exactly what they want in my online shop. Usually, elements from various pieces can be combined into another look, and does not take extra lead time to create. Other times, custom pieces use specially ordered parts and require extra lead time and numerous email communications to iron out all the details. Please allow 4+ weeks for this process and refer to our Holiday Ordering Dates calendar when planning your custom order.

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Holiday Ordering Dates

2009-11-01T19:32:00.006-05:00

November 21st will be the last day to place an order of Custom Engraved Handprint & Footprint Jewelry for guaranteed Christmas delivery (in the USA only).

December 5th is the last day to order for Christmas delivery of personalized, engraved, and hand stamped jewelry (USA only).

Please note that we can only guarantee Christmas delivery within the United States. We can't predict delivery dates on International shipping, and this time of year may take extra shipping time to reach it's destination.

After the dates noted above, you may possibly receive your order before Christmas, but it is not guaranteed. When placing your order, you may want to choose the Express Shiping option to expedite delivery once your order is made and ready to ship.

If you are ordering one of our unique keepsakes after these deadlines, you can print out a Gift Presentation Card to let the gift recipient know that a handcrafted treasure is on it's way.

Thank you for your continued support and patronage of My Forever Child. We are truly appreciative, and we wish you peace, comfort, and strength for the upcoming Holiday season.

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Bracelet Design Update

2009-10-18T23:27:00.011-04:00

I'm in the process of redesigning several of my bracelets. I'm replacing the clear crystal rondelles with sterling silver bali-style beads. Due to manufacturing changes, the crystal rondelles weren't holding up to my standards the way they used to. The bali-style beads are beautiful, durable, elegant and I think you'll like them as much as I do. Here are the bracelets that have been updated already, click on the image to be taken directly to the product description:

Angel Bracelet-Pearl: 1 bead

Angel Bracelet-Pearl: 2 beads

Mom's Bracelet-Pearl: 2 beads

Mom's Bracelet-Pearl: 3 beads

Mommy's Little Girl Crystal Bracelet:
1 bead

Mommy's Little Boy Crystal Bracelet:
3 beads & footprint charm

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness/
SIDS Crystal Bracelet

Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness/
SIDS Pearl Bracelet

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And the Winner is...

2009-10-18T22:39:00.010-04:00

Thank you to everyone who took the time to post their children's names, dates, stories, and even photos on our Blog and Facebook Page for Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I was overwhelmed with emotion and humbled by the amount of people that stopped by to honor their children's memories. My candles burned brightly as I read all the names and stories of each. I wish you all peace and comfort as you continue to grieve and miss your babies. Their light will shine brightly in your heart forever.

As promised, I have two t-shirts to give away from My Very Own Angel
The blog winner is Jessie Lastre
The Facebook winner is Ali Carter
Please email me with your shipping address.

If you'd like to order your own t-shirt from My Very Own Angel, click here to be taken to their Angel Store.

I wish I could give gifts to everyone who came out to post their child's name. Unfortunately I am not able to do that. But please remember that you can take 10% off your online order at My Forever Child by being a fan of our Facebook Page and then entering code FACEBOOK at checkout.

I made a mistake last week. Stephanie of My Very Own Angel is hosting the Thinking of You Customized Footprint Charm giveaway on her Facebook Fan Page right now through Tuesday afternoon. Leave a comment under the giveaway posting to be entered to win. Good Luck!

My friend Holly of Caring for Carleigh is still going to be hosting some giveaways from My Forever Child and other prizes for the rest of October. Hop on over there and subscribe to her blog, plus it's a real pleasure to read.

Raising awareness of miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancies, birth defects, terminal illnesses, SIDS and infant death does not end on October 15th. It's a year round endeavor that takes continual time and effort. The more we speak out to the public that our babies lives mattered, no matter how brief, the more change we can create for the future, and maybe other baby's lives will be saved and their families will be spared from the sorrow we know too well. (((Hugs))) to you all, my friends.

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Five Free Giveaways for October 15th!

2009-10-14T22:48:00.007-04:00

As you know, October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. All across the world, people will be lighting candles at 7pm in their time zone so that a continuous wave of light will circle the globe in memory of our precious babies, gone too soon.

I have donated my personalized jewelry pieces to these special ladies who are hosting their own remembrance services and giveaways on their blogs.

Stacy of He Will Carry Me is the mother of Isaac, born and passed away after 16 minutes from congenital birth defects. Stacy will pray for whomever shares their angel name or story on her blog post. My Baby Footprints Personalized Necklace will be given away to one lucky winner:

Baby Footprints Personalized Necklace

Holly of Caring for Carleigh is the mother of Carleigh, a precious baby girl stillborn 6 months ago from anencephaly. Holly will be giving away the Personalized Angel Wing Necklace, as well as many other generous gifts to her readers.

Personalized Angel Wing Necklace

Stephanie of I Have My Very Own Angel is the mother of Vayden, her baby boy that lived for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Shortly after Vayden's passing, Stephanie created the 345 Teddy Bear Project which donates teddy bears to hospitals to be given to women who have a pregnancy or infant loss. The Thinking of You Customized Footprints Necklace will be given away.

Thinking of You Footprints Necklace

Make sure to visit three blogs listed above today, the remembrance services and giveaways will be for 1 day only, October 15th.

..^i^..~.. ^i^..~..^i^..~..^i^..~.. ^i^..~..^i^..~..^i^..~.. ^i^..~..^i^..~

Stephanie of My Very Own Angel created her website to offer positive and healthy ideas for dealing with grief of child loss. She sells lovely t-shirts and other items for those wanting to say "I have my very own angel". Stephanie has generously donated TWO ladies XL t-shirts to My Forever Child in honor of October 15th.

Here's how you can enter to win one:
~Leave a comment on this Blog post with the name of who you will be lighting a candle for today. You can share as much or as little info as you like. Click Here to be taken to my blog to comment.

~Leave a comment on my Facebook Fan Page with the name of who you will be lighting a candle for today. You can share as much or as little info as you like. Click Here to be taken to my Facebook Page to comment.

The t-shirt giveaway will only be on October 15th, and the winner announced on October 16th. All participants have an equal chance of winning.

Light your candles tonight at 7pm and remember all the precious babies in our hearts, but not in our arms. (((Hugs))) to you all on this very special day.

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October 15th is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day

2009-10-13T17:27:00.007-04:00

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. My Forever Child has been donating the Always in My Heart lapel pins to numerous organizations that are distributing them to newly bereaved parents. We are also going to be making monetary donations to our favorite pregnancy and infant loss charities.

October 15th is the Worldwide Recognition Day. Please light a candle at 7pm on October 15th. Leave it burning for at least an hour, so that there will be a continuous wave of light around the globe in remembrance of our precious little ones, gone too soon.

To view a downloadable pdf brochure of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Info, please visit http://myforeverchild.com/Oct15.pdf

To view remembrance events taking place in your area, please visit http://www.october15th.com/activities_walks.htm

There are some lovely videos on YouTube regarding Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Here are a couple of recent ones:
~Light a candle on Oct. 15 for babies lost to miscarriage or stillbirth
~October 15th part 1 (there are 5 parts)

Miscarriage.about.com has some great info about how you can spread awareness of pregnancy loss and miscarriage. Be sure to sign up for the email newsletter for all the latest articles.

MiscarriageHelp.com is a wonderful site in which Ellen DuBois answers letters of readers struggling with the grief of miscarriage and child loss.

PregnancyLoss.Info has a lot of great info on frequently asked questions regarding pregnancy loss.

Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss Resources- I have a large number of online resources listed here. I continuously add more as I discover them. Do you know of a website that should be listed here? Please list it in the comments section of this post, or use the Contact Us form Here.

I have a few Free Giveaways going on during the month of October for Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. Check back often for updates, or sign up for our email list, facebook page, or twitter page for all the latest happenings.

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September is Childhood Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

2009-09-28T10:07:00.004-04:00

My Forever Child is making a donation to http://www.curesearch.org and http://www.ovariancancer.org in honor of September being Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Visit one of these great organizations for more information, to spread the word and also make your own donations.

We are also giving away two charms for awareness of these devastating cancers. They feature sterling silver support ribbons and message beads with gold color crystal for children's cancer and teal color crystal for ovarian cancer.

To enter to win one of these charms, visit our Facebook Fan Page and leave a comment or dedication under the September charm giveaway post. Two winners will be chosen at random on September 30th.

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VACATION NOTICE: October 2-October 11

2009-09-28T09:41:00.004-04:00

We will be out of the office from Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 11th. I will be back in the studio and catching up on orders on Monday, October 12th. Any engraved or personalized orders placed after Wednesday, September 30th will not be shipped until we return. I will do my best to ship out all simple orders before we leave.

You can still place online orders during this time. They will be completed in the order that they are received in, when we return. Express orders can not be shipped until after October 12th.

Thanks for your patience!

Free Giveaway: Fertility-Pregnancy Charm Necklace

2009-08-29T08:58:00.009-04:00

I was contacted by Jenniffer of Born 2 Impress Children's Apparel and Accessories who was looking for a special gift for friends whose baby girl had passed away recently. She also runs a popular review and giveaway blog. She asked to do a review of my products and I offered to giveaway a handcrafted Fertility-Pregnancy Charm Necklace.

Click on the picture below to be directed to her blog to enter the free giveaway. If you already follow my Blog and Facebook page and Twitter page, you already have 3 entries! Just make sure to list that in the comments section when entering. You have until September 8th to enter to win.

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Back In Stock- Always In My Heart Round Charms

2009-08-21T19:22:00.004-04:00

It took a little while for our popular charms to be manufactured and back in stock, but there's plenty here now!

The exclusive My Forever Child Charms feature our signature baby feet in heart with teardrop design. "Always in my heart" is inscribed at the bottom.
Charm comes with the My Forever Child Keepsake Poem card. This is a heartfelt, yet discreet way to honor a baby lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death.

For each charm purchased at retail price, 1 will be donated to a memory box program for newly bereaved parents. Order 10 or more charms for a price break, please click on the link below. Perfect for giving as tokens of remembrance to family and friends. Large quantity discounts are available for hospitals, bereavement support groups, fundraisers, memorial walks, and remembrance ceremonies.

Charm is 5/8" wide. With jump ring on top.
Pin style also available.Nickel plated, silver tone. Not recommended for people with nickel allergies.

Click Here to Order Charm Style

Click Here to Order Pin Style

Click Here for Large Quantity Discount Pricing

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SALE-Crystal Suncatchers 20% Off

2009-08-14T10:06:00.003-04:00

While admiring the pretty colors reflecting off the crystal suncatcher hanging from the mirror in my car, I thought that this would be a great time to have a summertime sale!

All of our originally designed Swarovski Crystal Suncatchers are now 20% through August 31st. They are already discounted, no need for a special coupon code. But if you sign up for our Facebook or Myspace pages, you can also use the discount coupon provided there.

The Multiple Charm suncatchers do not reflect the discount, but we will refund you the 20% off after you purchase it.

Click here to view all crystal suncatchers on sale

New Personalized Jewelry Designs

2009-08-01T10:04:00.005-04:00

Introducing some of my latest designs.

These two stunning personalized pendants are a stylish way to incorporate the whole family into one piece. They were featured as a private giveaway on this blog. You can also read the giveaway recipient's feedback there as well.

Personalized Tag Necklace
Perfect for including all of your children’s names in one pendant. A rectangular tag is engraved with your desired inscription up to 3 lines, 12 characters each line. You can also have a heart or star shaped design added in.
Tag is 21mm high x 11mm wide x .75mm thick.
This Personalized Tag necklace is available in Sterling Silver or 14K Gold Filled. Comes with a necklace chain.

Personalized Round Family Necklace
Our exclusive Personalized Round Necklace is a gorgeous way to incorporate your whole family into one stylish pendant.
A large 1" round pendant is engraved in a circular design in Roman Font with the names of your children (or other message). The center Script Monogram includes the parent's initials. The date below the monogram is the wedding date.You can also enter an optional message on the back of the pendant.
This pendant is available in Sterling Silver or 14K Gold Filled. Comes with a necklace chain

Remember Love, Forget Me Not Bracelet
This gorgeous bracelet will be a comforting gift to anyone suffering the loss of a loved one. The Forget-Me-Not is a bright blue flower with a yellow center which is traditionally associated with remembrance of lost loved ones.
Comes with our original Forget Me Not poetry card.
A genuine forget-me-not flower is permanently encased in clear resin to bloom for all eternity. Flanked on each side are sterling silver message beads that say "Remember" and "Forever". The beads are accented with light blue and green Swarovski crystals and wrapped in sterling silver wire for extra security. The sterling silver rollo bracelet chain can be made in your size

Another giveaway is in the works! Stay tuned for information on how you can enter for your chance to win our beautiful newly-redesigned Fertility-Pregnancy Charm Necklace

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Please Help Support the Stillbirth and SUID Prevention, Education and Awareness Act of 2009

2009-07-16T10:39:00.008-04:00

First Candle is pleased to announce that the Stillbirth and SUID Prevention, Education and Awareness Act of 2009 was filed on July 14 by Senator Frank Lautenberg, D-NJ. A companion bill was filed in the House by Frank Pallone, Jr., D-NJ-6. This bill would improve the collection of critical data to determine the causes of stillbirth SIDS and SUID, increase education and awareness about how to prevent these tragedies in the future and expand support services for families who have experienced a stillbirth, SIDS or SUID loss.

Every year there are more than 25,000 stillbirths in the United States. For more than half these deaths there is no known cause, leaving parents with more questions than answers as to why the baby died. The bill would expand activities to identify the causes of stillbirth, identify ways to prevent it in the future and increase education and awareness about the issue among healthcare providers and parents.

In addition, there are more than 4,600 sudden unexpected infant deaths each year (including SIDS) and 200 sudden unexpected deaths of children between the ages of one and four. This bill encourages states to complete scene investigations to better understand why these children died, establishes a national database to track these deaths and identify risk factors to prevent them in the future, supports more comprehensive reviews and creates a national public awareness campaign to educate parents and caregivers.

We hope you will join us in supporting this legislation.
Please help by contacting your representative in the House and two Senators within the next week, urging them to co-sponsor this important bill.

The more co-sponsors the bill gets, the more likely it is to pass quickly through the House and Senate.

Participating in First Candle’s letter-writing campaign is easy!

Visit www.house.gov to get contact information for the Congressman in your District. You will need your 9-digit zip code. If you do not know your 4 digit extension, you can get it at http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp. You will then be able link directly to your Representative’s website.

Visit www.senate.gov to get contact information for your states two Senators. Simply select your state from the drop down menu to connect to your Senators’ websites.

We encourage you to call your representatives directly, or set up an appointment to meet with them face-to-face. Writing a letter or sending an email can be effective as well. Emails can be sent directly through your representatives’ websites.

We have provided a Fact Sheet about the bill, as well as a sample letter to help guide you.

Whether you are writing a letter or speaking with your representatives directly, be sure to include your personal story.

First Candle would love to receive a copy of your letter or an email detailing your conversation with your representatives for our files.

Members of Congress rely on input from their constituents to help them better understand what issues are important to those they serve. Help give our babies a voice!

Please feel free to contact Laura Reno, 800.221.7437 or laura.reno@firstcandle.org with any questions you may have.

July Product Update

2009-07-04T06:47:00.009-04:00

Here are some product updates we thought you'd like to know:

I recently changed the Swarovski Crystal Dangles to Genuine Gemstone Dangles on engraveable charms and pendants to minimize scratching on the pieces. Swarovski crystals are much harder than sterling silver, which is a relatively soft material. In contrast, genuine gemstones are softer materials and won't leave the same scratch marks that the Swarovski crystals do. The gemstones I'm using now are 4mm round and paired with sterling silver or gold filled ball head pins for an elegant look. I chose nice quality gemstones which are similar in color to the Traditional Birthstone Chart, so that it is easy to tell which birth month you are symbolizing on your personalized piece. I hope you like them as much as I do.

Here are some products that I've recently redesigned using new components:

Large Baby Footprints Engraved Pendant
Featuring a new larger style sterling silver heart.
This sample shows our new Aventurine Gemstone Dangle for May

Miscarriage/Pregnancy Loss Charm Necklace
has a new, more stylish butterfly charm.

Healing Heart Charm Necklace

~A "Heal" handstamped charm is a visual reminder to take care of your emotional and physical bell being.
~A genuine rose quartz briolette gemstone is to promote the healing of broken hearts and increase the reception of love.
~A genuine amethyst heart is for remembrance of your loved ones.
~A small heart charm is to symbolize the healing heart.

Fertility-Pregnancy Charm Necklace

~A "Baby" handstamped charm is a visual reminder of your motherhood intentions.
~Our Heart Swirl with Moonstone gemstone charm promotes love, including between quarelling lovers, and has long been used in dedication to the moon goddesses.
~A genuine rose quartz briolette gemstone is to promote the healing of broken hearts and increase the reception of love.
~A genuine blue chalcedony gemstone is to decrease negativity and depression and increase sleep and tranquility.

You may see this cute graphic on some of our products. With the summer in full swing and my four children out of school, I am trying to reschedule my hours working inside the studio. In an attempt to reduce my workload, I've chosen some of the more time consuming products to be "on vacation" until my work schedule resumes back to it's normal hours in September. You are still able to view these products and share the links with your friends, but you will not be able to place orders for them right now. Additionally, I will not be taking on any new custom design projects, aside from what's already listed on the website.

As always, thank you for your continued support of My Forever Child. We wish you a happy and safe summer!

New Cremation Necklaces

2009-06-13T15:48:00.003-04:00

Announcing the addition of five new cremation pendants, made from high quality sterling silver with a tarnish resistant rhodium plated finish. Each pendant comes with a sterling silver necklace chain and a product card which has a scripture passage and poem. The cremation pendants also come with a special funnel to fill the vessel with a precious memento such as ashes-cremains, hair, fabric, dried flowers, or soil.

Click Here to view all Cremation Pendants

Simple Heart Cremains Necklace

Tear of Love Cremains Necklace

Infinite Love Cremains Necklace

Fish Cremains Necklace

Pet Heart Cremains Necklace

Back In Stock!

2009-05-28T17:11:00.010-04:00

Here are several items that have just come back in stock. Some were out for a long time, and I'm happy to have them available for you again. Please click on the picture to take you directly to the product description.

Real Forget-Me-Nots in Heart Charm

Real Flower Single Forget-Me-Not Cross

Real Rosebud Charm

Always In My Heart Prayer Box Necklace

Healing Heart Rose Quartz Pocket Stone

Blue Chalcedony Healing Tears Charm

Moonstone Turtle Fertility Charm

Moonstone Fertility Message Bead Bracelet

Moon Goddess Fertility Pendant

Kokopelli Fertility Charm

Fancy Jasper Pregnancy Bracelet

Have a pleasant and blessed weekend!

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-24T23:39:00.002-04:00

I want to take this opportunity to remember all the men and women that have selflessly served the United States of America both now and in the past. We appreciate your many sacrifices and steadfast dedication. A heartfelt Thank You to all the military families as well. You are the backbone of our service men and women in uniform, and your value is priceless.

Is there someone you'd like to publicly honor this Memorial Day? Please post a comment and tell us about him/her so we can keep them in our thoughts and prayers today. If you are receiving this by email, please Click Here to visit our blog and post the comment.

Father's Day Ordering and Gift Ideas

2009-05-22T08:35:00.012-04:00

Father's Day is June 21st. Dads of Angels are sometimes overlooked, but they need just as much support and compassion as the Moms do. Show your favorite man what a wonderful father you think he is with a personalized gift from My Forever Child.

May 23rd is the last day to order Photo Jewelry and Custom Engraved Handprint and Footprint Jewelry for guaranteed delivery by Father's Day (in the United States only).

June 5th is the last day to order Personalized and Engraved Jewelry to be delivered in time for Father's Day.

If you are ordering one of these unique keepsakes after the deadline, you can print out a Gift Presentation Card to insert in his card to let him know that a handcrafted treasure is on it's way.

Here is a list of popular Gift Ideas to consider for Dad:

Gift Certificates are great when you'd rather have the recipient decide his own style for what suits him best. Gift Certificates are also perfect for the last minute (up to Saturday, June 19th) and can be emailed to you so you can print it out yourself!

Dog Tag Pendant is a beautiful yet simple way for Dad to wear a personalized message.

Click here to view ALL Keychain styles

Dog Tag Keychain is one of our most popular gifts for men. A great customization is "Happy Father's Day 2009" on the front with his children's names on the back or a personalized message from you.

Precious Images Dog Tag Keychain with 12 different images to choose from, you can pick the style that best suits your story and style.

Thinking of You Prayer Box Keychain is a classic gift for every man. Comes with a "Father" affirmation disk and your choice of with the Cross or Heart Prayer Box charm.

Memorial ID Leather Bracelet is masculine yet stylish. Choose either Block, Script, or Hand Stamped font. Comes in either Black or Dark Brown braided Greek leather.

Personalized Crystal Suncatchers when looped around the rear view mirror of his vehicle is the perfect way for Dad to keep a remembrance of his precious child(ren) with him at all times.

"Hybrid Mom of the Week"

2009-04-28T22:33:00.002-04:00

This online article was featured today at Hybrid Mom Magazine.
Click here to view the original article

Please tell us more about the business and when you started it.

I started making jewelry 10 years ago, and earned a Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. I sold my creations off and on at craft fairs and it was really just a hobby while I worked in the accounting field. When my third child was born stillborn two weeks before his due date, my world shattered and my life was forever changed. It was a long journey of grief, healing, and self discovery that continues today. When my subsequent son was born, I decided that I didn't want to just "forget about" my loss and move on. I felt compelled to make a difference somehow and to turn my loss into triumph. My Forever Child started in 2004 and has grown by leaps and bounds. My handcrafted jewelry is sold across the globe, and is extremely popular in my niche market, bereaved parents. I have designs specifically to bring awareness and healing for miscarriage and infant loss. I specialize in engraving children's actual handprint and footprint images into sterling silver and 14K gold charms, pendants, keychains and cufflinks. I love being able to help put a smile on someone's face and for them to feel closer to their child. I strongly believe in paying it forward. I donate lapel pins to memory box programs given to newly bereaved mothers and fathers. I also regularly donate to child advocacy charities and to research programs to help put an end to the loss of precious lives.

How do you define Hybrid?

Hybrid to me means having the best of both worlds- working at something you love that helps support your family, and being an involved parent.

Tell us how your "What’s Next" moment occurred and what did it mean to you.

After my fourth child was six-months-old, I pressured myself to go back to work part-time. But I took a position that I didn't like and for a company that I wasn't thrilled about. I felt like I was selling my time with my baby son just for money, and this made me very unhappy. It was then that I actively started to develop my business plan. I knew I couldn't be happy working for someone else's vision.

What are your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenges are not having enough time or energy to do everything well. It's a constant juggling act between running the business, making jewelry, creating new designs, photography, website maintenance, etc. Plus the kids, house, pets, laundry, food shopping, cleaning, etc. My older children are very involved in sports and activities. When they come home from school, the day just gets crazier! I know it's not possible to be able to do everything, but I get down on myself if I feel that I'm not living up to my potential.

What are your aspirations?

I aspire to have my business be more widely recognized; to contribute towards helping put an end to child loss; to continue to grow as an artisan while helping my customers through their journeys.

What are your interests?

I enjoy sharing in my children's interests, spending alone time with my husband, connecting with friends, learning new artistic skills (although I can get in over my head by not finishing projects!), reading inspirational, spiritual, and success stories of others, and relaxing amongst nature.

What inspires you?

My customers are my ultimate inspiration. I am continually touched by their stories of love, loss, and hope. It is because of them and the precious children in their hearts that I continue on this path.

Mother's Day Ordering & Gift Ideas

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Mother's Day is quickly approaching! All mothers deserve something pretty on their special day. I'd love to help you put a smile on your favorite lady's face this year.

April 17th is the last day to order Photo Jewelry and Custom Engraved Handprint and Footprint Jewelry for guaranteed delivery by Mother's Day (in the United States only).

April 24th is the last day to order Personalized and Engraved Jewelry to be delivered in time for Mother's Day.

If you are ordering one of these unique keepsakes after the deadline, you can print out a Gift Presentation Card to insert in her card to let her know that a handcrafted treasure is on it's way.

Here is a list of popular Gift Ideas to consider:

Gift Certificates are great when you'd rather have the recipient decide her own style for what suits her best. Gift Certificates are also perfect for the last minute (up to Saturday, May 9th) and can be emailed to you so you can print it out yourself!

Personalized Round Charm Necklace is a beautiful and updated mother's necklace with a charm for each child. First name is on the front and date of birth is on the back. Availiable in all 5 fonts and with birthstone crystals for each child.

In Mom & Grandma's Heart has a Swarovski heart shaped crystal surrounded by birthstone crystals for each child.

Mother of Angels Pearl Bracelet is simple, classy and very affordable.

Grandma of Angels Pearl Bracelet is a pretty way to show Grandma that you appreciate her.

Personalized Mother's Bracelets in several styles including Pearl, Swarovski Crystal, and Wire Wrapped.

Here is a special poem for all the Mothers of Angels:

A Mother's Day Ode

I am your mother, but you, my child, I cannot hold.
It'll get easier with time, or so I'm told.
People may forget that I am your mother.
I'm part of a secret club we only share with one another.
But that doesn't diminsh my love for you.
I think of you the whole day through.
I wonder what you're doing, my Precious Little One.
We are connected by an Infinite bond which cannot come undone.
I will not let Death tear us apart.
I promise to always keep you alive in my heart.
©Susan Mosquera, all rights reserved

Our Social Media Links

2009-04-03T21:01:00.008-04:00

Here is a list of how you can keep up with My Forever Child on your favorite social media sites:

Facebook
MySpace
Twitter

You can receive emails of our blog postings by visiting this page.
OR you can subscribe via your favorite blog reader. Some mobile devices can download blog readers so you can read while you're on the go.

If you have a blog of your own, you can FOLLOW this one by clicking on this link.

I appreciate reading about other's journeys. If you'd like to share and have me follow your blog, please use the Contact Us Form. See you there!

As always, thank you for your continued support and patronage of My Forever Child. You all help me to continue on with what I love to do!

Upcoming Events

2009-04-03T19:41:00.020-04:00

Missing Grace Foundation- "GRACE Conference: Light on the Horizon"
April 25- Minneapolis, MN
For both Health Care Professionals and Bereaved Families to find support, encouragement, and resources to help on the journey through grieving, infertility, adoption, family planning, prenatal care.

North Shore University Hospital- "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Spring Program"
April 26- Manhasset, NY
Six Workshops and Baby Memorial Garden Dedication. For more information, contact Nancy Berlow (516)562-8422

A Small Victory -“Seeds of Hope” Benefit Dinner and Auction
May 2- Renton, WA
This western Washington area Charity Auction will be the third benefit dinner and will be celebrating A Small Victory's third anniversary. Please join the party!
The event will begin at 5PM with a silent auction, wine and hors d’oeuvres; followed by dinner and a special video presentation by the talented John Reidt. As the evening continues, auctioneer Brad Goode will conduct an exciting live auction. The night will conclude with a dessert auction with cakes donated from some of the best bakeries in western Washington.
My Forever Child has donated a basket for the auction!

March of Dimes -"March for Babies"
Mid April - Mid May, walks being held all over the country
It's America's favorite walking event! When you walk, you give hope to the families of babies born too soon or sick. The money you raise supports programs in your community that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. And it funds research to find answers to the serious problems that threaten our babies. We've been walking since 1970 and have raised an incredible $1.8 billion to benefit all babies.

Bereaved Parents of the USA "Light My Way" National Gathering
July 10-12 New York, NY
Bereaved Parents of the USA (BP/USA) is a national non-profit self-help group that offers support, understanding, compassion and hope especially to the newly bereaved be they bereaved parents grandparents or siblings struggling to rebuild their lives after the death of their children, grandchildren or siblings.

The Compassionate Friends- "2009 National Conference"
August 7-9 Portland, OR
Online registration is now open for the 32nd National Conference with the theme Mountains of Compassion–Roses of Love. As with past national conferences the upcoming event promises a good dose of caring, sharing, and healing with well over eleven hundred people who understand much of what all those attending the conference have gone through. There will be plenty to do, or you can simply relax with friends, old and new, during the conference, which features four outstanding keynote speakers.

If you have additional events that you'd like published here, please put them in the comments section of this post, or use the Contact Us Form to send an email.