Comments on: Our Family: May Update

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:31:34 +0000

Thanks for the tip Tonni! I have been putting a bunch in ice cubes for the little one, but I like the idea of using for smoothies and soups throughout the year. Appreciate the suggestion!

By: Tonni Geezer

Tonni Geezer — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:35:47 +0000

Hello!
I am having the same issue with all the greens my CSA is sending my way! Today I made the extra for this week into ‘green cubes’… I blended it all up with a bit of water and poured into an ice cube tray, so it will be easy to add extra greens to my smoothies and soups all year

By: Kate

Kate — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:39:43 +0000

lol…ya know my first thought was to draw names like people do for Christmas.

Ok…now my mind is back lol. How about a limit? maybe $10?

I know our family has a grab bag for Christmas, and the limit is $10.

$10 gifts could include:
Kitchen towels for the cook in the family
Bath towels
A candle
Dollar tree…need I say more?
Summery gifts, grill tools?
Apron w/the person’s name on it. fabric paint is awesome!
Homemade gifts are free!
Gift cards

And sometimes, you know you have to be truthful, if you don’t have the money to get a gift, then a nice card and a note would suffice. Why spend money if you really don’t have it. Family is family, they will understand.

Free gifts
Poem
song

Little work, but doable possible
a purse that was made by your sewing machine.
an afghan…ok definitely would take some time

The thing to remember is that people won’t necessarily remember what you brought, but that you were there to be their on their special day. (or if you go w/the group thing, that big party).

I remember my aunt making me special cakes. Two I remember off the top of my head were Holly Hobby and an Ernie cake (Burt and Ernie). My aunt can’t cook, but she can bake! The decorating was so special, the detail etc.

By: Marliss Bombardier

Marliss Bombardier — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 05:12:23 +0000

Something we have done is a coupon book. This actually takes quite a bit of thought about what the person would really like: relief from a disliked chore? a special treat like a favorite dessert? taking the children out and letting mommy have time alone at home? detailing the car? a back rub? all the above?

It also takes a humble spirit, willingness to be of service, and gratefulness for the person. One can be given a coupon at any time, so that also prepares one to be ready in season and out of season for service with a joyful attitude.

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:19:40 +0000

Yah, we have talked about doing a monthly gathering to celebrate all the birthdays (and we have done it off and on in the past), as that would be ideal…so we will see what comes of that. I guess my real question is how to afford to get gifts for all of them? Creative, frugal and yet special gift ideas would be appreciated!

By: Michele

Michele — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:34:05 +0000

Here’s a recipe you could use for all those greens: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2008/05/the-bee-and-the.html

We do the “one day a month” birthday celebrations with family, too. When we get together (most family is out of town), we just celebrate all the birthdays in the near future. Most gifts are either homemade (sewn, food gifts, etc.) or plants; inexpensive things. I also love to get books, if I can find a good sale. (Powell’s is great or CBD online!) We keep a “gift” account in our budget, and stick with it.

Blessings,
Michele
http://www.frugalgranola.blogspot.com

By: Mrs. Mordecai

Mrs. Mordecai — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:44:50 +0000

I love the joint party idea. Most of us in our family had birthdays right next to each other, so we had many joint parties. I always felt so special celebrating with my dad.

I think that if you establish simple traditions for birthdays, then celebrating will become second-nature. My mom always let us pick what we wanted for dinner on our birthdays, and when we were young enough to care, she made us special cakes. I knew a family who had a special plate for the birthday child, and they would light candles around it. Just simple things to make people feel special!

By: Alice

Alice — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:40:56 +0000

We had a small family growing up, since the extended families were both out of state. However, I like the idea of combining birthdays to one big potluck a month, with an ‘extra’ at-home dinner and cake on the day of the individual’s actual birthday. Especially for the littlest ones, this gives them a chance to be the center of attention, but also gives everyone a chance to get together and celebrate all of the important birthdays as a group.

By: Kate

Kate — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:02:23 +0000

Well I grew up in a relatively small household compared to yours. There were only 3 of us.

But i do remember having my birthday around my grandfathers. (mine was 2 days after his) Basically we all would get together on my grandfather’s b-day and we would have a cookout (ours was in Aug, he has since passed away, 18 1/2 yrs ago) All our family would be there, plus cousins, if they could make it.

I think if you have more than one birthday in a month, choose one day, and celebrate them on that day. that way there aren’t 10 parties to go to that month. And each on their birthday you can call or something. Or 2 parties if there are lots of birthdays on both sides of the family.

My husband comes from a HUGE family. His mom is one of 15 children. So imagine all the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. My husband doesn’t get to go to all of their birthdays, some live out of state etc. We pick and choose which ones we go to, depending on our schedule etc.