QueenAngie Central Illinois, USA's comments

More Holiday Gift Ideas For Teachers

17 Dec 2006 06:33 PM

Myra, thank you for sharing about teacher gifts. Teachers jobs can be thankless and they are so important to our children.

Thanks again!

Office Gifts Gone WILD!

17 Dec 2006 06:31 PM

Slowly shaking my head at those office gifts.... there is something wrong when the word snake is involved in any gift giving event.

Michele, thank you for a good giggle today with all those gifts. Just trying to keep your composure as you would open one of them - now that is really acting!

Date with Dad (or Mom)

17 Dec 2006 06:29 PM

Jeff, what a lovely evening with your daughter!

It is fun to have time alone doing special things with just one parent.

When your children become teenagers, it is even more important so they feel comfortable in how to handle themselves on a date or other social situations. Things like how how to properly tie a tie, greeting adults with a firm handshake, how to pay for a meal, how much to tip, how to locate the restroom at a restaurant, manners like using the right silverware, napkins, holding open doors, appropriate table topics are all good points to highlight.

Social skills and education can be boring "How to act like a lady 101," but spending time with her Dad will help her grow in self-esteem, manners, and confidence.

Thank you for sharing.

A Few Good Christmas Books For Kids

17 Dec 2006 06:22 PM

Books are an excellent choice for holiday gifts for children and adults. I always write in the front page the date, the occasion, who is the gift giver and the recipient, and a short note.

Books are also a great gift for schools or your church library.

Making Contact: Finding My Child's Adopted Siblings

17 Dec 2006 06:20 PM

MJ, thank you for sharing about being a PI trying to track down information and your child's birth family members, siblings.

I had not realized the extent and patience it required to locate this information. Those of us with no experience in adoption, niavely would guess that a medical packet of information would be available for each adopted child.

Before the net and puters, I just wonder how the average person would have been able to complete everything you have done.

Not only knowing your son's medical history, and those of his full blooded siblings is important He may be able to meet them in the future too.

Obviously, you and DH, are his parents who love and care for him and will always be there for him.

At some point, perhaps when he is an adult, he may decide to have a relationship with the birth siblings.

MJ, you are a very wonderful and loving mother to those two precious sons!

Christmas and Holiday E-Cards

17 Dec 2006 06:12 PM

Emily, this is another twist to the ever popular Christmas card.

The cost of stamps is rising, as well as printing costs. I do enjoy sending and receiving cards and display them each year in the familyroom.

Certainly, having two lists one that are email cards and the other in hand cards, is an excellent option. There are some fun sites online that have lovely cards that can be personalized and sent free of charge.

"Santa" Gets Booted From Disney World

17 Dec 2006 06:07 PM

WDW and DW have so many fantasy characters in suits running around the parks and in the daily parades, it sparks the imagination.

What a shame that Santa got the boot and had to leave. The man did not put on any character suits, he looks this was 24/365. This is very sad.

Eliminate Odors In Your Home For Less

17 Dec 2006 06:04 PM

Nicole, thank you for sharing those tips.

Another easy idea is to simply light a match and that hides many odors.

I prefer a clean scented candle like Clean Linen to keep the house smelling fresh and clean.

If your home has a bad odor as you walk in the frontdoor, it gives a guest the sense that the house is not clean or tidy. First impressions are lasting impressions.

Gift Ideas For Co-Workers

17 Dec 2006 06:02 PM

Michele, that is a great topic for holiday gift giving these next few weeks.

Things not to give the boss: deodorant, toothpaste & toothbrush, intimate apparel, socks, if they are diabetic - a box of chocolate candy or fudge, if they have high blood pressure - salty huge can of popcorn, and more.

Better be on the safe side and give a gift that is universally enjoyed. Gift certificates to restaurants, plants, charitable gift to the charity of their own choice, or home baked goods are always appropriate & acceptable.

Why Do You Love Your Spouse?

17 Dec 2006 05:58 PM

What a lovely Christmas or Holiday idea - writing your dear husband or wife a love letter!

We saved all those letters from our courtship days in a shoebox in that hallways closet. Now it is time to continue that tradition of love letters.

Great reminder, Heather.