Archive through May 08, 2003
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TV ClubHouse: Archive: 2003 May: Advice/Suggestions Needed (ARCHIVES): Archive through May 08, 2003

Schoolmarm

Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 03:34 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I agree...NO MUGS, frames, and hey, I even have enough Christmas ornaments for a lifetime. AND you have to move out of town to put the extra items on a garage sale, to avoid hurt feelings.

Best gifts....gifts certificates, food items (I can't even remember the last time I baked Christmas cookies...I just take the ones given to me to the next place that requires cookies) and teacher supplies. I also get a lifetime supply of soap/lotion/bath items.

Funny, I only remember getting a couple of books, and I enjoy them quite a bit. War, you are such an avid reader, maybe you could choose a favorite book...either for the teacher, or a kiddie lit book for the class. Plants are also a good idea..either potted or a rose bush or something for the teacher's garden (if she owns her house).

Gift certificate to a teacher supply store would be most appreciated.

We had to supply our own Kleenex for class, but I've NEVER heard of making your own hand-wipes.

Wargod

Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 01:05 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
LOL, Marm, teachers classroom budgets here stink! The preschool is part of a private school, so they don't have to buy anything unless they want to. Caleb's school on the other hand, LOL, we send something in at least once a month since the teachers have to supply everything! They get 120 copies a month...after that they have to supply their own paper. I know alot of the teachers finally gave up and bought their own copy machines. They have to supply their own paper towels, kleenex, and pretty much anything that they use in class. So far this year, we've sent a case of copy paper, paper towels, kleenex, index cards, glue, and crayons. I just add whatever to my Costco shopping list and pick it up.

I haven't been to worried about what to do for Calebs teacher, because I know she loves to get books and supplies and stuff to decorate the class. For her, and since it'll be summer (remember we're on year-round school) I'll probably do something like pinwheels or small kites so she can hang them up.

One of the things I do have planned is writing a letter to the church that runs the school to let them know how much I appreciate the staff and how wonderful I think they are. I was brought up to send thank you cards, letters to let people know you appreciate what they do. I'm the one who fills out suggestion cards at stores if someone has been helpful or kind, so I can't see not doing that. And speaking of that, teachers or teachers friends/family....if I'm sending a letter praising a public school teacher, who do I send it to? The principal or the school board? LOL, I have a great deal of respect for anyone who can teach children and do a good job of it!

Wcv63

Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 04:13 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Wargods I felt exactly the same way about my children's preschool teachers. I bought one of those lovely hatboxes and went about filling it up with post it notes, stick on stars, stickers that say good job etc, scented candles, postage stamps, a disposable camera, stationary, colorful gel pens that write in pretty ink colors, pencils, and of course....an apple. The topper: A great tote bag I found that said: I will not throw tantrums, I will not cry, I will not stomp my feet, I will not use my outside voice inside because I will remember THAT I AM THE TEACHER!

She was so touched she cried!

Northstar

Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 02:36 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
A new question.

I was diagnosed with Bells Palsey on Friday and am wondering if anyone else has had the pleasure of this experience - j/k. I'm most interested in tips/advice on alleviating the intense pain behind the ear and on the jaw. It would be most appreciated. Also, what method(s) did you use to protect your eye?

Straw for your drink anyone? :)

Lucy

Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 05:12 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Hey Northstar- Sorry to hear about your Bells Palsy diagnosis. A friend's mother got it many years ago, so I have heard about it and I know she had some paralysis in her face. I found a website that has a lot of good info that you might want to check out. It addresses the issue of protecting the eyes. I'm hopeful from what I read that this will be a temporary problem for you. Best of luck to you.
www.bellspalsy.ws/

Jmm

Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 05:19 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Northstar, I did a little research and also found some information for you at mayoclinic.com. They always have great information and I tend to trust it since it is from the Mayo Clinic.

If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Also if you have any questions after reading the info, just post a message to me and I'll try to help explain it a little better.

Mayo Clinic on Bells Palsy

Northstar

Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 05:37 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thank you to you both Lucy and Jmm. I've been to both sites and did find them informative. I spoke with a friend who deals with nerve pain quite often and I guess there isn't much one can do about it. She did say that B-12 helps the healing process so I'm going to boost up on it. My paralysis isn't as extensive as some, so I'm hoping that's a good sign toward a full and rapid recovery.

Once the steroids kick in I think I may host a chin hair tweezing party. Any takers?

Sia

Sunday, March 23, 2003 - 08:57 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Northstar, I'll pluck your chin-whiskers if you'll pluck mine. Ask me some time about having tweezers in the pocket the night I met my hubby-to-be; that story's a hoot.

I hate to hear that you have this disorder, North. My aunt was just diagnosed with the same thing less than a month ago, but I haven't seen her yet so I don't really know much about it. Her daughter-in-law told me that it can get worse and better by turns. Hang in there, educate yourself on it with the medical info out there, and take care of yourself, dear! Hugs!

Rissa

Monday, April 07, 2003 - 04:38 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Afternoon all. My middle daughter turns 11 in a few weeks. We have bought her a karaoke machine as her main gift and am throwing her a karaoke-themed party. There will be 8 adults and 12 children. I think I have the obvious ideas figured out, but am looking for more imagination. LOL

I sent out the invitations today... went to the Office Depot and bought some thin, multicoloured CD cases. Made an outside 'cover' page that basically said that this was an invitation for... then listed the child's name/address with appropriate musical graphics. Then inside, instead of a CD, i printed out a CD shaped label with the party info. Just taped the CD case shut, stuck the stamp right on the CD case and mailed them.

I also picked up a bunch of poster paper. Going to make huge red lips, musical notes, etc. to tape on wall along with balloons.

My sister is going to make the cake (she does decorating as a hobby), it's going to look like a piano keyboard (ask me sometime what she made for my sister-in-law's bachelorette party, just make sure no minors are around. LOL).

What I am trying to get organized now is: 1)craft ideas - I have a couple but not musical 2) snacks - again, looking for something I can throw on table before dinner that might be related to music somehow (HEY!!!!! do they still sell those candy whistles? LOL)

The karaoke machine hooks up to the TV and scrolls the lyrics, but she is only getting two of those CD's, so I need to print out songbooks for her favorite songs. Figure there will be no more then 3 singing at one time, so will make 3 books and get them spiral bound at the Office Depot (my favorite hangout. LOL)

I am getting really excited about this. LOL The last couple years we have either been moving or renovating so it's been awhile since this daughter has had a proper party. Does anyone have any other ideas for me?

Moondance

Monday, April 07, 2003 - 05:03 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
That's sounds GREAT! How fun!... You could also bring in the hollywood theme too... like the singing leads to stardom... tony awards, camera's... you can also do a make shift spot light.... treats... hmmm I am not too good with that... they do still have those candy whistles.

Rissa

Monday, April 07, 2003 - 05:33 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Moondance, that's a great idea!! She just adores Lizzie McGuire (Hilary Duff), Frankie Munitz (sp.), etc. I could print a bunch of headshots of all the kid actors/singers she likes and make a collage. My other two girls would love to paper mache a big statue for me as a centre-piece and I could make posters of the old style hand-turned camaras for the wall. LOL I bet I could even get a few real little statues from a supplier... have our own little Cdn. Idol competition for the kids. LOL

Moondance

Monday, April 07, 2003 - 05:35 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
You remind me of my Mom and Dad... they were the BEST party givers.... everyone wanted to come to my parties for the party not me LOL

You are good at this!

You can always have a red carpet at the door:)

Reiki

Monday, April 07, 2003 - 05:58 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Hey Rissa, sounds like fun! How about some of those blow up instruments (guitar, saxs, keyboards) or you and your girls can make some out of paper mache or strong cardboard. And some simple costumes (glittery hats, silky scarves).

The only problem with a competition is possible hurt feelings. You'd need to make sure that everyone wins for something! They are all Canadian Idols!

Squaredsc

Monday, April 07, 2003 - 06:17 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
rissa, that sounds sooo kool. i don't have any suggestions, im not crafty or creative, i just wanted to say how kool the party sounds.

Rissa

Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 07:44 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Gee, thanks guys. LOL I was thinking that I am slightly obsessive/compulsive when it comes to entertaining... but I will take the "kool", "fun" and "best party givers" instead. :) Actually we really have neglected this daughter's birthday for 2 year now and this will pretty much be her last one. With our older daughter, once she got to be a teeny-bopper and wanted *friends only* parties, we changed tactics. She is allowed to pick only 3 of her best friends... hubby and I take them out for dinner at a fancy restuarant where they get to get all dressed up and afterwards to a movie. Then they get locked in the basement for a sleepover of videos and nail polish and we do nothing in the way of an actual party.

My mom started this 'tradition' years ago. She takes a plastic laundry hamper and fills it with wrapped little gifts from the dollar store, at least one for every child plus a few adult ones. Every Christmas, Easter, birthday, etc..... we all play at least a couple card games (usually degenerates into my father showing how he can make a card stick to his forehead longer than anyone else. LOL) which rate a prize. Kids putting on a play rates a prize. Kids helping with the meal, backyard races, video games, quietest movie watcher.....pretty much any excuse throughout the day actually. LOLOL It started one year when the party theme itself was games but now it's a standard fixture. Whatever else we do, that laundry tub is omni-present. :) Keep in mind though that anytime JUST my family gets together, it's 20 people {sigh}. That many people, that many times a year and the gifts are actally bribes to keep screaming matches under control. RFLOL

Reiki, I bet that the party-balloon place sells instrument shaped balloons, I know I have seen a piano one. That's a great idea!! Thanks.

Lizadee

Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 08:52 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Rissa did you need my address for that invite ??

Party sound like fun when is it ?
My DD is now 13 and we bought her one of those karoke machines for Xmas 2 yrs ago she still now uses it for parties

I to go all out for parties especially for adults I think the nxt one we will be having is Sat.for the the MN Wild's playoff game

Have fun and let us know how it turns out
Are you going to be singing?

Rissa

Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 09:49 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Will I be singing? RFLOL!!! I grew up with a mother who used to tell total strangers, TOTAL STRANGERS!!! that she would never need an exterminator as long as I lived under her roof, seeing how my singing killed insects and small mammals. :) LOL My 11 year old keeps telling me that I need to try out for Cdn Idol cause I am the best singer she has ever heard (maybe thats the real reason she is getting such a great party. LOL) So, short answer.... nope, I won't be singing... not until everyone has gone home anyway. LOL

Resortgirl

Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 10:50 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Lizadee, is there anyway that you know of to copy cdg"s? The reason I ask is that I have about 600 song titles, and would be happy to make copies for you if there is a way to do that. I've never looked into it. Let me know!

Lizadee

Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 10:57 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Resortgirl,I myself have never checked into this
but if you ever find out how I would love for you to do some for my daughter
She has about 6 Cd's for her keroke machine right now.
And I'm not sure how many are available but she gets them from Best Buy stores

Halfunit

Tuesday, April 08, 2003 - 03:00 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Rissa - here is a place to find lyrics if you decide to make a songbook. You can just copy, paste, and enlarge the font!

A to Z Lyrics

Resortgirl

Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 04:40 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Lizadee, I get alot of my cd's at:
http://www.karaokestar.com/catalog.html
If you watch for sales you can get a nice collection of songs for around $34. I bought a cd of 100 songs for that when I first started.

Lizadee

Wednesday, April 09, 2003 - 08:41 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Wow thanks all thats just great I will have to have my DD look at these links and get some
new cd's for herself

Conejo

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 07:40 am EditMoveDeleteIP
My mother lives out of town and I'm not going to be able to visit her on Mother's Day. I have got a card to send her, but wanted to know if any of you great TVCH members have any suggestions on what else a son might send to his loving mother. I thought about flowers, but that seems so predictable/standard.

Suggestions anyone???

Thanks in advance!

Sia

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 08:07 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Conejo, does she have any hobbies that she would appreciate receiving supplies for? Quilters love various tools and templates, etc. that we can feel guilty buying for ourselves; scrapbooking fans love supplies for their hobby; gardeners love exotic plants or shrubs; amateur photographers love albums, film, etc.

I think the key is to personalize it for your very special Mom and pick something that really suits her interests and is something that she might not buy for herself. Women often feel guilty indulging themselves (spending money on themselves unless it's off the clearance shelf or rack!) when they've had kids to buy for for so many years. She might like a pretty, tasteful nightgown of good quality, something she wouldn't feel justified in spending money on for herself, or a bottle of nice perfume.

No matter what you get, she'll love it because it comes from her boy who really loves her, and she'll love that you picked it out with care.

If you really want to get her something fabulous, call your sibling(s) and ask what Mom really wants that they know about but can't afford to get her. Then you scoop the brother/sister who gave you the great idea by buying it yourself!!!

Marysafan

Thursday, May 08, 2003 - 09:07 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Get her a really nice picture frame...and then have a nice photo taken of you...or you with your siblings. It will be something she will cherish forever.