For the past three years, I've been telling my friends and family about the tattoo I'd get one day. I've spoken to different friends, researched a variety of shops and then sat on the information while my confidence slowly grew. For me, a tattoo had to be of some significance and not some drunken piece of artwork I'd have forever as a memory on a body part.

When I mentioned the idea of a tattoo around my family members, I received nothing but, "you're gonna do what to what?" and "you wanna be the 90 year old woman with ink?" I finally stopped saying anything realizing I'd receive no support. I think it may be a generational thing because it seems like so many more people have tattoos now-a-days and it's really not the abnormal thing to do. I think tattoo artistry is beautiful and when done with symbolism and talent, it can truly be an asset to one's personal well being. With that said, Dad - am I convincing you yet?

Taterbug was one of my biggest opponents, sharing with me a story that came out of a recent Costco shopping trip she and I had shared. She explained to me how she had been watching an elderly couple shopping together. On the old man's arm was a large tattooed heart with the name, "Shirley" inked into it. It had some words that included, "Forever Wife," around the top portion, and a cupid's arrow completing the scene. Taterbug explained how she had heard the man call the woman he was with, "Paula" and how he had made reference to her being his (now) wife.

She explained it to me this way:

Mom, you don't wanna be a Shirley. Tattoos are like, FOREVER.

Much to Taterbug's dismay, I decided last week to suck it up and actually venture into the tattoo studio and speak with the artist. Once I got past the piercing selections (you would not believe where you can be pierced - I was blushing - which takes a lot), skulls, heavy metal and dark lighting, I actually felt pretty comfortable and confident that I was making the right decision. Within the next two hours, my tattoo was complete and I was thrilled:

The significance of the butterflies (to me) is rebirth and the start of a new life which I recently did on several levels. The largest of the butterflies contains both my Hubby's and my birthstone colors. Descending from the top butterfly is a butterfly representing each of my kiddo's birthstone color (from oldest to youngest). I plan on getting a few more, but will wait until I have just the perfect idea and meaning. Plus, I need to decided what other part of the body will be least effected by old age and stretch marks.

As a side note, if you're debating getting a tattoo because of the pain, trust me that it's really not that bad. I'm not gonna lie and tell you that it feels like a walk in the park, but it's not that terrible - irritating but tolerable. It's an extremely personal thing between you and a good artist, and when done with the right reasons in mind, can be a great experience.