Posts in Signs
We Love The Fourth Of July!
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The 4th of July has always been a big deal around here.  There are a lot of reasons why - we love a good barbecue, we love having family & friends over, and we love the fireworks. The 4th is always a celebration and a lot of fun, but the biggest reason is that it’s the day we got engaged.  July 4, 2007 was a pretty big deal in our family.  

That day was the day that we became “us.”  

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In fact, that’s the spot. 

It was eleven years ago - and Beth and I had driven down to Monterey, CA to have a picnic and watch the fireworks.  Every few minutes, I'd stick my hand in my pocket and make sure it was still there.

The ring.

I had been carrying it around in my pocket all day, and never before had I been more nervous about losing anything.  After lunch, we went for a walk along the boardwalk, and I was so scared I couldn't even hold her hand.  I needed to be able to continuously check my pocket.  I needed to be sure that it was still there.  Afterall, it had arrived just the day before - a few hours before Beth arrived from Michigan.  It had been flown in just for this occasion, and there was no way I was going to lose it.

I wanted to give it to Beth more than I've wanted anything... ever.  But I needed the perfect setting - the perfect moment.  Of course, the longer I waited for the perfect moment, and the longer I looked for the perfect spot, the more I worried about checking my pocket. 

Then we found this bench.

I probably made up something lame like - let's just sit here for a few minutes.  I had this whole "speech" planned, and as soon as we sat down, I forgot every word.  Instead, I reached in my pocket, and pulled out Beth's ring.  

I don't remember much of what happened next.  I don’t even remember what I said. Something happens to a boy sitting on a bench with a beautiful girl and a ring in his pocket. He loses all sense of composure and the world around begins to spin just a little faster as he realizes his life is about to change - exponentially for the better 

I don’t remember much except I'm pretty sure I asked my best friend to marry me.

"Yes, of course yes, YES!"  Those were her exact words.  Sitting there on that bench, she said yes.  Sitting there on that bench, eleven years ago, I asked my best friend to be my best friend forever, and she said yes.  

Just another reason I love the 4th of July.

- Jason

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In the truest sense,
freedom cannot be bestowed;
it must be achieved.
— President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

 
PERSONALIZED SIGNS MAKE THE PERFECT GIFT

Every family has a story.  Whether you’re writing the first paragraph, or the final chapter, the pages in between are full of the people who make the story worth while. You see, a family is a collection of people bound together by love, and usually a little adventure. We think that’s a pretty good combination, and so we’re pretty excited to introduce what we’re calling “Personalized Signs,” in celebration of family.

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We’re starting with this beautiful “Established” sign, available with, or without a line for first names (since we know some of your stories don’t yet have a full supporting cast of characters)! 

We love how perfect these are as gifts, especially for weddings and anniversaries. There’s nothing more thoughtful than a beautifully handcrafted piece, personalized for a new couple on their wedding day, as they start their family story.  The sign is 12x20” and is perfect on a wall, your mantle, or a bookshelf.  

And the good news is personalized signs ship within our regular production time of 5-7 days.  If you need it faster, just let us know and we’ll see what we can do to get you your perfect handcrafted piece!


You don’t choose your family.
They are God’s gift to you,
as you are to them.
— Desmond Tutu

HELLO SUMMER!

We look forward to summer at our house almost as much as Christmas. I used to think it was because of all the things you don’t have to do in the summer.  You don’t have to get up early, you don’t have to do homework, you don’t have to go to school - which of course, as a parent, means you don’t have to make lunches and rush to get your children out the door and onto the bus in the morning. 

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But the best part about summer is that it’s more than just a list of “things I don’t have to do.”  The best part about summer is the adventure. 

You see, around here, summer means road trips and camping, and swimming pools, and waterparks, and going up north.  (If you’re not from Michigan, you probably have no context for understanding how wonderful “up north” really is, but trust me - it’s the best.)  

Summer also means movie nights, and baseball games, and water fights and sprinklers, and sports camps.  It means staying up late, and sleeping in.  It means reading club at the library, and grilling on the deck, and sleepovers, and outdoor concerts, and fireworks.

Basically, summer is one big adventure around here, and we’re so excited it’s finally here we wanted to share some “summer” love with all of you. What are some of your favorite summer “adventures?"


Summer afternoon, summer afternoon;
to me those have always been the two most
beautiful words in the English language.
— Henry James

INTRODUCING CUSTOM DESIGNED SIGNS

At Aten & Co., we love to create beautiful pieces that hopefully bring a little joy into your hearts. We especially love it when clients like you ask us to create something special just for their home. We call them custom signs, and it’s always exciting to be able to design something based on your vision and ideas.

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Custom signs are perfect for your favorite phrase or Bible verse, or for your special event. They are also a beautiful way to add a personal touch to your wedding, birthday, anniversary or family event.  

Since we get asked all the time to create something special for clients, we thought we’d share a little bit of the love with all of you.   Interested in having us create something custom for your home?  We’d love to!  We’ve tried to make it really easy to order exactly what you want.  

Simply click here, and complete the order form when you check out.  You’ll choose your size, and then you’ll be able to let us know what phrase you want to include, as well as any special instructions (including font choices).  

We’ll create the design and send you a proof, so you can see exactly what you’re getting.  Once you okay the design, we’ll get to work and get your sign shipped out in our standard turnaround time. 

We are so excited to see what you’ve dreamed up for your home, and we can’t wait to make it for you!


But the fruit of the spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
— Galatians 5:22-25