Photo taken at the beach this winter
Monday, November 24, 2008
People that Mean A Lot
As you get older you learn what is more important and also who is important. Letting people know what they mean may be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be verbal and in person. A personal note or even a card that has the right words works the same. We are not guaranteed a tomorrow nor is anyone else, so why wait to let someone know why you appreciate them or what you love about them. They may cherish these words for years to come and look back at them on a day they may need a smile. New Years could be a starting point to do this annually.
Photo taken at the beach this winter
Photo taken at the beach this winter
Being Content
Learning to be content – boy if we could all do that what a happier place it would be. Growing up we didn’t have much and I appreciated everything. I even remember declining offers of material things from my Poppy because I felt bad having people buy things for us. As I became an adult I have enjoyed making small purchases like a person would buying something big. My kids are growing up differently, not with things handed to them, but it is easier.
When we bought our home that we live in now I was thrilled, it was like a dream house. Once we settled it was easy to see the things wrong with the place and over time get annoyed with the lack of funds to take care of it. I went through times of thinking “will I ever feel the same way about this house?” Looking back at the photos I took of the empty rooms after we signed the paper work I tried to remember how I felt. Now, 7 years later, I have that feeling. Of course things are still waiting to be taken care of but this is my home and I love it. I made a list of things I couldn’t stand about it and then things only this house had. The difference was huge and I realized I have to be content, just as we should be with many things.
I had a friend that moved “up” shall we say. I was thrilled and admired her house but she pointed out the things she didn’t like that I would have never noticed (sounds familiar?). She wanted to change this and that and lost that happiness that she had when they moved in. Her husband was in the area as she spoke hearing all the honeys do’s he that would eventually end up on his list. This conversation continued most of the time I was at her house. Within a few years they ended up losing their home and divorced. Now I’m not saying that her lack on being content resulted in that, but how sad that when she had it all she lacked a smile.
Content doesn’t mean settling but being satisfied and at peace.
When we bought our home that we live in now I was thrilled, it was like a dream house. Once we settled it was easy to see the things wrong with the place and over time get annoyed with the lack of funds to take care of it. I went through times of thinking “will I ever feel the same way about this house?” Looking back at the photos I took of the empty rooms after we signed the paper work I tried to remember how I felt. Now, 7 years later, I have that feeling. Of course things are still waiting to be taken care of but this is my home and I love it. I made a list of things I couldn’t stand about it and then things only this house had. The difference was huge and I realized I have to be content, just as we should be with many things.
I had a friend that moved “up” shall we say. I was thrilled and admired her house but she pointed out the things she didn’t like that I would have never noticed (sounds familiar?). She wanted to change this and that and lost that happiness that she had when they moved in. Her husband was in the area as she spoke hearing all the honeys do’s he that would eventually end up on his list. This conversation continued most of the time I was at her house. Within a few years they ended up losing their home and divorced. Now I’m not saying that her lack on being content resulted in that, but how sad that when she had it all she lacked a smile.
Content doesn’t mean settling but being satisfied and at peace.
Life is a Gift
Life Is a Gift
Today Before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Today Before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about your food -Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband/wife -
Think of someone who's crying to GOD for a companion.
Today Before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before whining about the distance you drive -
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job -
Think of the Unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your Job.
And when Depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.
Anger is a condition where the tongue works faster than the mind
You can’t change the past but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future
God always gives his best to those that leave their choice with him
A hug is a small gift, and one size fits all
If anyone speaks badly of you live so none will believe it
"A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval." Mark Twain
"I can't give you a sure-fire formula for success, but I can give you a formula for failure:
Try to please everybody all the time.”
Herbert Swope
Use what talents you possess:
Herbert Swope
Use what talents you possess:
the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.
Henry Van Dyke
Short Version
Military Lingo –
so you do not get lost in what could be a brief long distance conversation:
AIT — Advanced Infantry Training; Advanced Individual Training
AIT — Advanced Infantry Training; Advanced Individual Training
BCT — Basic Combat Training or Brigage Combat Team
CAV — Cavalry (Armored Cavalry Regiment)
FOB — Forward Operating Base; Forward Operations Base
HE — High-Explosive; Handling Equipment; Housing Expense; Heavy Equipment
IBCT — Infantry Brigade Combat Team
IED— Improvised Explosive Device
LBV — Load-Bearing Vest. Used for carrying ammunition, water, and
FOB — Forward Operating Base; Forward Operations Base
HE — High-Explosive; Handling Equipment; Housing Expense; Heavy Equipment
IBCT — Infantry Brigade Combat Team
IED— Improvised Explosive Device
LBV — Load-Bearing Vest. Used for carrying ammunition, water, and
other tactical loads while in the field, or during an assault.
MEDEVAC— MEDical EVACuation to an aid station or field hospital, usually by air ambulance.
MOS— Military Occupational Specialty
MRE— Meals, Ready to Eat;
MEDEVAC— MEDical EVACuation to an aid station or field hospital, usually by air ambulance.
MOS— Military Occupational Specialty
MRE— Meals, Ready to Eat;
(slang: Meals Rejected/ Meals Refused by Everyone/ Meals Rejected by the Enemy)
PT — Physical Training
PT — Physical Training
RPG — Rocket-Propelled Grenade
What the????
When writing to your solider you will follow their name with lots of numbers and letters. Why? Well I tried to compile a simple explanation and hope it is correct.
If not I’m sure someone will tell me one day.
The Army has many units which a soldier may belong. Say you lived in:
The Army has many units which a soldier may belong. Say you lived in:
North America, USA, Florida,
Brevard County, City of Melbourne,
neighborhood of Windover Farms, on Main Street,
and finally house 1234.
This is all true and in the military the unit is described from the smallest to the largest
(like starting with house #1234, following their name).
I will use these comparisons below so you understand it better.
Your soldiers name (house number #1234)
Next unit up is a Squad (Main Street), which has 2 teams, usually 8-10 soldiers.
Your soldiers name (house number #1234)
Next unit up is a Squad (Main Street), which has 2 teams, usually 8-10 soldiers.
Squads are numbered.
The next larger unit is a Platoon (Windover Farms),
The next larger unit is a Platoon (Windover Farms),
which consists of 3 or 4 squads. They are numbered.
A Company (Melbourne) is 3 or 4 platoons.
Next would be a Battalion (Brevard County) and they have 3 - 5 companies.
The larger unit (Florida) can be called a Regiment and be made up of 2 or more battalions, they have numbered labels like 84th Inf Reg etc. You may have a unit called a Brigade which can have 3 to 6 battalions. They also have numbered labels.
Then the larger unity is a Division (USA) and can have up to 3 brigades.
A Company (Melbourne) is 3 or 4 platoons.
Next would be a Battalion (Brevard County) and they have 3 - 5 companies.
The larger unit (Florida) can be called a Regiment and be made up of 2 or more battalions, they have numbered labels like 84th Inf Reg etc. You may have a unit called a Brigade which can have 3 to 6 battalions. They also have numbered labels.
Then the larger unity is a Division (USA) and can have up to 3 brigades.
Divisions have number labels like 3rd Infantry Division.
Finally the branch of the military (North America).
Finally the branch of the military (North America).
Many times I read something and wonder “is this my brother’s group?” and after learning
this I realized one small piece of information can be about a large group of soldiers.
I’m not sure if I am 100% correct on this but this is pretty much the idea.
Deployment Part One
Deployment Part One – Of course I am writing this as a family member of someone deployed to a War not as a person who has gone through it. Pretty much if our country is at war, even if the President said it’s over, you can count on your loved one going to the hostel area eventually. I wanted to know as much as possible when my youngest brother was preparing to be sent to Kuwait and then Iraq. First I couldn’t even find either on a map if it had glowing arrows pointing it out. Weather, the terrain, and location of bases were next on my list. Terminology is very important to know. When researching I saw right away the abbreviations are used more often than not. For the record; FOB is Forward Operating Base, remember it.
After learning basic facts I started to scourer the internet for connections to the group my brother was in. I quickly found a mom, who had a blog, and through her found an address for my brother before he even knew where he was. This was a break through because he had been told over and over that he would not be in one place long. We, as a family, decided to start sending letters because the worst that would happened would he him not getting them. He did receive them, and yes mail takes quite awhile. I actually got a Christmas card returned to me 2 months after I sent it. The envelope had 6 post marks from several countries; luckily it was just 1 of many cards for Christmas.
Over a short period of time I found about 12 sites that were very useful and I ended up looking at them at least daily for any kind of update. I don’t know if it’s a good thing to have all this access or if we would be better, as family here in the states, to only have as much information as we did years ago. Every story you think could be your loved one. It becomes too much some days. The main thing is to remember to be patient and plan for things to not occur in the sequence that your solider may think they will happen. This can be frustrating to you but imagine how your loved one feels.
After learning basic facts I started to scourer the internet for connections to the group my brother was in. I quickly found a mom, who had a blog, and through her found an address for my brother before he even knew where he was. This was a break through because he had been told over and over that he would not be in one place long. We, as a family, decided to start sending letters because the worst that would happened would he him not getting them. He did receive them, and yes mail takes quite awhile. I actually got a Christmas card returned to me 2 months after I sent it. The envelope had 6 post marks from several countries; luckily it was just 1 of many cards for Christmas.
Over a short period of time I found about 12 sites that were very useful and I ended up looking at them at least daily for any kind of update. I don’t know if it’s a good thing to have all this access or if we would be better, as family here in the states, to only have as much information as we did years ago. Every story you think could be your loved one. It becomes too much some days. The main thing is to remember to be patient and plan for things to not occur in the sequence that your solider may think they will happen. This can be frustrating to you but imagine how your loved one feels.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Salt dough
1 cup of flour 1 cup of salt ½ cup of water mix, microwave the shaped dough in the microwave 20-30 second intervals until it is fairly firm
No Cost Games
Memory - Shoe box with lots of small objects like a key, coin, pen, cover box and set it in the center, remove the lid and give the kids 1 minute to look and then replace the lid and ask them to write down what they saw. This can be played for a theme party – see showers - not rain. The more items you use the harder it is. Be creative and use things from other games – a timer, cards, dice, and so on.
Balancing Act – index cards, write 10 objects that are small and unbreakable that you have around – ball, book, stuffed animal; 1 per card. Then write 1- body parts that are on the left / middle side do the same for the right / middle side – chin, stomach, knee, and shoulder
Players draw one from each pile. Than challenge to hold them for at least 3 seconds.
1 cup of flour 1 cup of salt ½ cup of water mix, microwave the shaped dough in the microwave 20-30 second intervals until it is fairly firm
No Cost Games
Memory - Shoe box with lots of small objects like a key, coin, pen, cover box and set it in the center, remove the lid and give the kids 1 minute to look and then replace the lid and ask them to write down what they saw. This can be played for a theme party – see showers - not rain. The more items you use the harder it is. Be creative and use things from other games – a timer, cards, dice, and so on.
Balancing Act – index cards, write 10 objects that are small and unbreakable that you have around – ball, book, stuffed animal; 1 per card. Then write 1- body parts that are on the left / middle side do the same for the right / middle side – chin, stomach, knee, and shoulder
Players draw one from each pile. Than challenge to hold them for at least 3 seconds.
Stingrays
There are many kinds of rays along Florida's coasts and most pose no threat. None will actually "attack", however, they do have a very painful barb that will be deployed if stepped on. If stingrays are known to be in the area, or if in doubt, simply shuffle the feet while walking through the water.
I found out how painful a barb can be during the first year I lived in Florida. Since then I have never had a problem and I do the shuffle when needed.
I found out how painful a barb can be during the first year I lived in Florida. Since then I have never had a problem and I do the shuffle when needed.
In the early 1900 Henry Flagler developed a railroad system which led people to Florida
They enjoyed the weather and tourism boomed
Florida is home to most of the MLB spring training
Everglades National Park is 2,100 sqare miles and has the largest mangrove forest
The panther was voted by students as the state animal
Florida state Marine Mammal is the Manatee. The manatee, also known as the sea cow, is a grey, plant-eating marine animal that can often weigh a ton or more.
The 1975 Florida Legislature designated the
"porpoise, also commonly known as the dolphin," our saltwater mammal
In 1937, Amelia Earhart took off from Miami for an
around-the-world flight and was never seen again
Explorer I, the free world's first earth satellite,
was sent into the air from Cape Canaveral in 1958
Walt Disney World is the largest employer in Central Florida
Coordinating
Music – even if you are not responsible for the DJ, have everything cc to you so you are in the loop. Luckily the bride sent me the same emails that she sent the DJ and I printed each one out and kept them with me. About 3 minutes before he was to introduce them he told me he forgot the list with the names of everyone in the party including parents. I ran and got my copy for him to use, good thing because I didn’t know all but 4 of them. Having an agenda is helpful to the DJ as well; often I referred to it and told him what was coming up. I tried to have him play a song to give me time to let people know what was coming. The groom’s mother was appreciative for the heads up that her dance was 2 songs away. Just before everyone leaves glance around for any left behind items. I saw a suit jacket and shoes, so I had the DJ announce it. The jacket was returned to its owner but the shoes were not, another guest did take them though.
Rentals – the wedding I helped with rented a dance floor, tables and linens. Of course check everything on the list before the rep leaves. They provided 2 linen bags to collect the dirty linens. I personally checked them before putting them in the bags before I left so I had some piece of mind that everything was accounted for. Also find out ahead what the company’s policy is in returning things. Will they pick it up and if so can it be stored at the reception until then?
Rentals – the wedding I helped with rented a dance floor, tables and linens. Of course check everything on the list before the rep leaves. They provided 2 linen bags to collect the dirty linens. I personally checked them before putting them in the bags before I left so I had some piece of mind that everything was accounted for. Also find out ahead what the company’s policy is in returning things. Will they pick it up and if so can it be stored at the reception until then?
Coordinating
Some things I learned, a few too late, but would be helpful:
Well before the big event find out who you should contact should a situation arise. You don’t want to assume you should call the bride. Although I called the bride during the week I managed to call the maid of honor the day of for the circumstances that were not foreseen (thank you Ashley!). The family pitched in where needed and the bride hopefully didn’t know any different. If you have anything technical that is going to be done, such as a video or slide show, I cannot recommend enough that you try this several days ahead of the event. The couple I helped was unable to show their DVD because it didn’t work the way they wanted, this was after 2 family members trying over an 1 hour prior to the ceremony. Also at my brother’s wedding he sweated quite a bit trying to get a slide show he spent countless hours making to work…which it did, and it was so awesome.
Bakery – having a copy of all contracts is a must, this way you know what each vendor is supposed to bring. Also have a time frame of when to expect them. Find out ahead of time if the bakery will supply the bride & groom with a replica of their top for the 1st anniversary. Knowing this ahead of time will save some running around during cake cutting. Most companies now provide this service but you would hate to find out they didn’t and their cake top was already cut & eaten. If the bakery is providing the stand, find out how it will get back. Don’t forget to get the topper to return to the couple and any other ornaments used to decorate, also the cutter.
Florist – if centerpieces are ordered find out who owns the containers. If the bride & groom do they may want to “raffle” them off, perhaps with a dot under the plate or some other cute way. Play a song, pass a cloth napkin around and when the music stops that person gets the centerpiece. If the bride & groom do not own them find out ahead of time what is to be done with them. Check on the special items, such as the throw away bouquet. The wedding I helped with, the flowers were left on the cake table but I had no idea, fortunately the maid of honor realized it in time.
Well before the big event find out who you should contact should a situation arise. You don’t want to assume you should call the bride. Although I called the bride during the week I managed to call the maid of honor the day of for the circumstances that were not foreseen (thank you Ashley!). The family pitched in where needed and the bride hopefully didn’t know any different. If you have anything technical that is going to be done, such as a video or slide show, I cannot recommend enough that you try this several days ahead of the event. The couple I helped was unable to show their DVD because it didn’t work the way they wanted, this was after 2 family members trying over an 1 hour prior to the ceremony. Also at my brother’s wedding he sweated quite a bit trying to get a slide show he spent countless hours making to work…which it did, and it was so awesome.
Bakery – having a copy of all contracts is a must, this way you know what each vendor is supposed to bring. Also have a time frame of when to expect them. Find out ahead of time if the bakery will supply the bride & groom with a replica of their top for the 1st anniversary. Knowing this ahead of time will save some running around during cake cutting. Most companies now provide this service but you would hate to find out they didn’t and their cake top was already cut & eaten. If the bakery is providing the stand, find out how it will get back. Don’t forget to get the topper to return to the couple and any other ornaments used to decorate, also the cutter.
Florist – if centerpieces are ordered find out who owns the containers. If the bride & groom do they may want to “raffle” them off, perhaps with a dot under the plate or some other cute way. Play a song, pass a cloth napkin around and when the music stops that person gets the centerpiece. If the bride & groom do not own them find out ahead of time what is to be done with them. Check on the special items, such as the throw away bouquet. The wedding I helped with, the flowers were left on the cake table but I had no idea, fortunately the maid of honor realized it in time.
Daylight Savings
Why do we turn back the clocks? To increase the hours in daylight, this started in the early 20th century, during WWI more countries adopted DST to save fuel to light homes.
Some Science Stuff
Bubbles – empty 2 liter without cap, glass of water wide at the top, bubble solution – make your own with a few drops of Dawn and 1/4 cup of water. Put the dry bottle in the freezer for 5 minutes then in the glass. Without being squeezed it will blow underwater bubbles. Cold air is dense and you can fit more of it in the bottle but that the air starts to warm and expand creating bubble to let the air escape
Cheap Crystals
You need: black construction paper, pie or cake pan, warm water ,Epsom salt ,scissors
It doesn’t have to be sunny but it is helpful and faster – you can use a sunny window
Cut black paper to fit on the bottom of the pan, put aside
Add a tablespoon of the salt with ¼ warm water and mix until the salt is dissolved
Pour the salt water over the black paper in the pan and place in the sunny spot you found
As the water evaporates crystals will appear, use a magnifying glass to see them closer
It doesn’t have to be sunny but it is helpful and faster – you can use a sunny window
Cut black paper to fit on the bottom of the pan, put aside
Add a tablespoon of the salt with ¼ warm water and mix until the salt is dissolved
Pour the salt water over the black paper in the pan and place in the sunny spot you found
As the water evaporates crystals will appear, use a magnifying glass to see them closer
More Great Sayings
Of all the things I wear, my expression is the most important.
The heaviest thing I can carry is a grudge.
One thing I can give and still keep...is my word.
I lie the loudest when I lie to myself.
The heaviest thing I can carry is a grudge.
One thing I can give and still keep...is my word.
I lie the loudest when I lie to myself.
If I lack the courage to start, I have already finished.
One thing I can't recycle is wasted time.
Ideas won't work unless 'I' do.
My mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.
The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.
Ideas won't work unless 'I' do.
My mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.
The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.
Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the one's who don't.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.
Sometimes we are so caught up in who's right and who's wrong that we
forget what's right and wrong.
"I have an irrepressible desire to live till I can be assured that the world is a
little better for my having lived in it."– Abraham Lincoln
I love this one:
'Never argue with an idiot; they'll drag you down to their level
'Never argue with an idiot; they'll drag you down to their level
and beat you with experience.' ~ anonymous
Everybody wants things to be different but nobody wants things to change.
If I want my dreams to come true, I mustn't oversleep. -Pat Parelli
Sorry
Saying I’m sorry - It’s hard to confront people, especially those close to you. But sometimes it lets them recognize their wrongdoing as well as you identifying your own. You have to choose your words wisely otherwise they will come back to haunt you and say nothing hurtful. Then of course "I’m sorry" is a great way to end it and move forward. I have had to do this many times and always felt better! This works much better if each person can admit their wrongdoing.
Not every situation is going to go that easily.
I have learned that you do not have to face anyone to say Im sorry, especially if you will no longer have them in your life. I was weighed down with a hurt that resulted from an ongoing family issue. Ultimately the 2 other people involved severed ties with me & my sister, which meant our families as well. Now this happens often with people but this was a parental relationship, so a little more wow factor. After the request to “stay out of our lives” (plus a few choice words) was made 3 separate times in 4 years I finally gave in and did just that. After a few months you finally move along and accept that this is the way it is.
Six months later I attended a Woman’s Retreat sponsored by our church. Many topics were discussed but one struck a cord, it was about fathers & forgiveness. I guess this occurs more often than I thought, but instantly I felt as though the words were for me. Those leading the retreat were looking for anyone who wanted to participate in a forgiveness exercise that involved you the person letting go of any hurt by forgiving the person who caused it. I was reassured that this didn’t mean you had to face them or have them in your life because I wanted neither. It was more for you getting rid of the burden and I did just that. It was much harder than I thought but I was relieved when it was done.
From that day on I no longer had this weight to carry around. I moved ahead with out looking back. Although I continue to not have a relationship with the 2 people I am better for it. As bad as it sounds to some but that only means you are blessed to have a positive bond with all others and you are better for it. I am better for having been through this because you have to learn from everything you go though otherwise you have wasted precious time.
Not every situation is going to go that easily.
I have learned that you do not have to face anyone to say Im sorry, especially if you will no longer have them in your life. I was weighed down with a hurt that resulted from an ongoing family issue. Ultimately the 2 other people involved severed ties with me & my sister, which meant our families as well. Now this happens often with people but this was a parental relationship, so a little more wow factor. After the request to “stay out of our lives” (plus a few choice words) was made 3 separate times in 4 years I finally gave in and did just that. After a few months you finally move along and accept that this is the way it is.
Six months later I attended a Woman’s Retreat sponsored by our church. Many topics were discussed but one struck a cord, it was about fathers & forgiveness. I guess this occurs more often than I thought, but instantly I felt as though the words were for me. Those leading the retreat were looking for anyone who wanted to participate in a forgiveness exercise that involved you the person letting go of any hurt by forgiving the person who caused it. I was reassured that this didn’t mean you had to face them or have them in your life because I wanted neither. It was more for you getting rid of the burden and I did just that. It was much harder than I thought but I was relieved when it was done.
From that day on I no longer had this weight to carry around. I moved ahead with out looking back. Although I continue to not have a relationship with the 2 people I am better for it. As bad as it sounds to some but that only means you are blessed to have a positive bond with all others and you are better for it. I am better for having been through this because you have to learn from everything you go though otherwise you have wasted precious time.
Remember these?
Look up bridal shower Mad Lib’s….you can find many to choose from and they always get a good laugh. I attended a shower where the host (thank you Ashley) pre-made post-it’s with the words needed (noun, name, adverb), she collected them and put them in the story which the bride read later during the shower.
Family Feud for Showers
Look up Bridal or Baby Shower Family Feud or create your own. It’s easy if you are thinking ahead. Send out the survey to all the guests, having them email their answers would be the easiest way. Compile the results and re-ask the questions at the shower. The one who scores the highest wins a prize.
Some Example Questions:
Besides a rose, what is the most popular wedding flower?
What is the most popular theme for a nursery?
What is the most popular color for a bridesmaid dress?
What is the most popular toy purchased for a baby?
How old is the average bride?
How old is the average new mother?
Name a popular wedding song.
Name a popular nursery rhyme.
Besides a church, name a popular location to get married.
What items is always a gift at a baby shower?
Just remember not to ask something that could offend the other guests
Some Example Questions:
Besides a rose, what is the most popular wedding flower?
What is the most popular theme for a nursery?
What is the most popular color for a bridesmaid dress?
What is the most popular toy purchased for a baby?
How old is the average bride?
How old is the average new mother?
Name a popular wedding song.
Name a popular nursery rhyme.
Besides a church, name a popular location to get married.
What items is always a gift at a baby shower?
Just remember not to ask something that could offend the other guests
More Games
Bridal / Baby Shower Taboo – pick 2 words, usually the bride & grooms names, the word bride & groom, the word baby or the unborn baby’s name…something along that line. Each guest is given an item – at the bridal shower we had for my sister in law we gave out hibiscus pins since that went with the theme (nothing expensive) and let the guest know what the taboo words are. When someone is heard saying one of the words they loose their item to the person who heard them. The one with the most at the end wins a prize. You can get creative with this game.
Bridal / Baby Shower Gift Bingo – each guest is given a blank bingo grid. Of course you can make it nicer by putting a word that fits the theme where the letters BINGO would be, even add a cute graphic in the free spot. Prior to opening gifts have the guest fill out what they think the guest of honor will get. As the presents are opened the square gets marked. Make sure you explain ahead (because everyone should know what they brought as a guest unless they hit shower punch to hard) that they cannot count their present until it is opened.
Bridal / Baby Shower Gift Bingo – each guest is given a blank bingo grid. Of course you can make it nicer by putting a word that fits the theme where the letters BINGO would be, even add a cute graphic in the free spot. Prior to opening gifts have the guest fill out what they think the guest of honor will get. As the presents are opened the square gets marked. Make sure you explain ahead (because everyone should know what they brought as a guest unless they hit shower punch to hard) that they cannot count their present until it is opened.
Games Bridal or Baby, hopefully in that order;
When you are engage or expecting everyone wants to give you advice. Why not cut out shapes that fit the theme and have the guests write down their advice which can be turned into a cute art project or put into a scrapbook.
Word scramble – take words that fit the theme, rearrange each word, and make a cute printout for a handout game. Time the game and award a prize…just don’t forget to write down the answers.
Some ideas:
Bridal – ceremony, bouquet, bridal party, wedding, reception, the bride & grooms names, toast, garter, rings, marriage, anniversary
Baby – Lamaze, bassinet, bottle, pacifier, baby bag, diaper, birthday, delivery, stork, car seat, bibs, wipes
Whats in your purse? (Bridal)
We played this at my sister-in-laws shower and I thought it was fun. I had her make a list of 20 items you would typically find in a purse, 1 being the most common, 20 being a little more unique. The #’s become the amount of points. I made a form, 2 to a page, with a spot for their name, and then the #’s 1-20 with a small line next to it so they could mark if they had that item. Everyone got their purses out and showed each item as the bride read from the list.
**You could try this same concept but reverse it for a baby shower. Have guests write what they think would be in a diaper bag, maybe less would be better because how many people have 20 items in a diaper bag? Then the mother to be can say her items, any matches then you get those points.
Matching
Bridal - My sister in law put together a game at a bridal shower that was fun, plus I won so that made it more fun. She cut out movie/TV star brides but removed their heads, taped them on poster board and gave out sheets with the names of those in the pictures plus a few extra to help throw people off. The object was to match the correct name with the correct # dress.
You could also match wives & husbands of famous couples (Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Jada & Will Smith, Madonna & Guy Ritchie (well not anymore), LL Cool J and his wife, wait she’s not famous…just lucky)
Baby - You could do this for a baby shower by matching baby’s of movie/TV star to their mom’s either with pictures or just names. Who’s never heard of Apple, Suri and Coco?
Word scramble – take words that fit the theme, rearrange each word, and make a cute printout for a handout game. Time the game and award a prize…just don’t forget to write down the answers.
Some ideas:
Bridal – ceremony, bouquet, bridal party, wedding, reception, the bride & grooms names, toast, garter, rings, marriage, anniversary
Baby – Lamaze, bassinet, bottle, pacifier, baby bag, diaper, birthday, delivery, stork, car seat, bibs, wipes
Whats in your purse? (Bridal)
We played this at my sister-in-laws shower and I thought it was fun. I had her make a list of 20 items you would typically find in a purse, 1 being the most common, 20 being a little more unique. The #’s become the amount of points. I made a form, 2 to a page, with a spot for their name, and then the #’s 1-20 with a small line next to it so they could mark if they had that item. Everyone got their purses out and showed each item as the bride read from the list.
**You could try this same concept but reverse it for a baby shower. Have guests write what they think would be in a diaper bag, maybe less would be better because how many people have 20 items in a diaper bag? Then the mother to be can say her items, any matches then you get those points.
Matching
Bridal - My sister in law put together a game at a bridal shower that was fun, plus I won so that made it more fun. She cut out movie/TV star brides but removed their heads, taped them on poster board and gave out sheets with the names of those in the pictures plus a few extra to help throw people off. The object was to match the correct name with the correct # dress.
You could also match wives & husbands of famous couples (Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, Jada & Will Smith, Madonna & Guy Ritchie (well not anymore), LL Cool J and his wife, wait she’s not famous…just lucky)
Baby - You could do this for a baby shower by matching baby’s of movie/TV star to their mom’s either with pictures or just names. Who’s never heard of Apple, Suri and Coco?
Good Cheap Stuff
Something to do:
Thick balloons, pinch and snip little spots in several areas, over a bowl fill a balloon of another color with birdseed, fold over the neck to trap the seed, then pull the 1st balloon over it to hold the flap down. You can play hacky sac, juggle or toss
Foam Paint
1 cup of Shaving cream, 1 cup of school glue
mix, let set for 2 min. – you can add food coloring (FC)
This if fun for smaller kids. We painted foam hands that we cut out, it is great for a winter scene
Spray Glue
¾ c. water, ¼ white glue, spray bottle
mix all together in bowl until blended, pour into spray bottle, shake before using
Fruit Tie Dye shirts
Unsweetened drink mix – 2 Tbs., ¼ white vinegar, 2c cold H2O, rubber bands, t-shirt, rubber gloves
Mix drink, vinegar, water in pot – boil over med heat – then remove and cool, scrunch shirt in ball and wrap with RB, put on gloves and dip, shirt sit over night until dry then remove RB, you can use different colors
Thick balloons, pinch and snip little spots in several areas, over a bowl fill a balloon of another color with birdseed, fold over the neck to trap the seed, then pull the 1st balloon over it to hold the flap down. You can play hacky sac, juggle or toss
Foam Paint
1 cup of Shaving cream, 1 cup of school glue
mix, let set for 2 min. – you can add food coloring (FC)
This if fun for smaller kids. We painted foam hands that we cut out, it is great for a winter scene
Spray Glue
¾ c. water, ¼ white glue, spray bottle
mix all together in bowl until blended, pour into spray bottle, shake before using
Fruit Tie Dye shirts
Unsweetened drink mix – 2 Tbs., ¼ white vinegar, 2c cold H2O, rubber bands, t-shirt, rubber gloves
Mix drink, vinegar, water in pot – boil over med heat – then remove and cool, scrunch shirt in ball and wrap with RB, put on gloves and dip, shirt sit over night until dry then remove RB, you can use different colors
KSC - Basic
How can I blog and not mention the place my husband works…Kennedy Space Center. Well he doesn’t work in the tourist fun spot but his area (Solid Rocket Boosters) is very interesting. We were lucky enough to attend several open houses for the family of KSC employees to see things others are not allowed to. After 9/11 they stopped most of those types of days, but we were able to attend 2 years ago, which was great for the kids.
Did you know that the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) is the largest by volume in the world? From a distance (that’s a song isn’t it?) the building doesn’t loot that big. Take the flag, for example, each strip is wide enough for a bus to drive on it. The ceiling is so high rain clouds can form inside, how crazy is that?
That is why we are known as the Space Coast, also where we get the 321 area code.
Did you know that the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) is the largest by volume in the world? From a distance (that’s a song isn’t it?) the building doesn’t loot that big. Take the flag, for example, each strip is wide enough for a bus to drive on it. The ceiling is so high rain clouds can form inside, how crazy is that?
That is why we are known as the Space Coast, also where we get the 321 area code.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)