I recently paid a visit to my grandmother. It’s a 10 hour drive to go visit her, so unfortunately, we don’t get to see her very often. Grandma is now 95 years old, and will be 96 this June, but she has the looks and presence of mind of a much younger woman. Because Grandma is wheelchair bound, she lives in a care home. My aunt recently received a questionaire from the care home asking some questions about my grandma’s life. Grandma’s only comment was, “Whatever you do, don’t tell anyone there how old I really am.” We were all so surprised by this comment, as we would be really thrilled to be her age and be in such good health. Her reasoning – “No one believes me, and they can get really nasty about it!” I just hope I have such problems when I am 95!
Archive for March, 2007
My 10 year-old daughter is invited to a housewarming party today. A friend of hers from school has recently moved to a new home, and has been allowed to invite a few friends to celebrate. Well, you can’t show up to a party empty-handed. But what in the world do you give to a 10 year old girl for a housewarming gift? The typical housewarming gifts, a bottle of wine or a nice houseplant, don’t seem appropriate to give to a young girl!
We discussed giving a birdfeeder, but most were more expensive than we wanted to spend. My daughter really wanted to buy a whole bunch of flower seeds, but I wasn’t sure they wanted to tear up their new yard to garden flowers.
In the end, we found a cute wind chime, and included one packet of flower seeds (my daughter just would’t give up on that idea entirely). I’m sure a week from now, the perfect housewarming gift idea for such an occasion will come to me. But for now, this will have to do!
Tags : housewarming gifts, kids party ideas
My husband is in the process of taking two classes to complete his masters degree while working full time – plus. Needless to say, this studying and working cuts into his “family” time. However, last Friday, he decided to take our two daughters out on a “date”. He took them out for breakfast at our favorite local diner, and then dropped them off at school. I have never seen my children get ready for school so fast in my life! The entire “date” took about an hour an a half. But that hour and a half meant more to all three of them than words can describe. Just one more example that gifts don’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. They just need to come from the heart.
Tags : family, gifts, time management
My daughter recently turned ten years old, and we had a small party for her this past weekend. About three months ago, our family moved to a new city, so this was the first time we have spent some extended time with her new friends. Ten years old seems to be a pivotal birthday. Cliques of friends form, and it becomes so very important for the child to “fit in” with a crowd he/she feels comfortable with. I’m pleased to say that I think she has found some very nice young ladies to hang out with.
The party was held at our home and four guests were invited. My daughter planned each minute of the party, including crafts, games, a movie, food, and free play time. (Yes, she is a “Type A” personality!) There were no fights, tears, or hurt feelings for the entire three hours. This is a major accomplishment for 10-year-old girls!
As for gifts, my daughter has obviously let her new friends know what she likes. She received some scrapbooking materials, a bookstore gift card, a purse, and a stuffed animal that you can register on-line and then play games and such on the web-site. All were excellent ideas!
Maybe for her 11th birthday our family will be ready for that all-important Sleep Over Party!
Tags : family, gifts, kids party ideas